Da gave her a gracious bow.
“However”—she chuckled merrily—“Brian, things do seem topsy-turvy here, if you don’t mind my saying so. I hardly expected your latest romantic interest to be of such . . . average stock. From what I gather, there aren’t any fortunes to be won here.”
Embarrassment and humiliation coursed through Renna’s veins. Her cheeks flamed. She wondered how much longer she could abide this party.
Beside her, she felt the muscles in Brian’s arm tense. “You’re wrong, Lillian. I’ve acquired something more precious than gold or silver or banknotes. I have been what the Holy Bible calls ‘saved by grace through faith.’ Along with salvation came friendship and love. I truly am a rich man.”
At another time, Renna’s heart would have been stirred. However, at present, her feelings were all jumbled into one great knot of confusion.
However, Mrs. LaMonde didn’t seem impressed. “You lost your sight. I should think you’d feel cursed—and many at this reception would agree that you deserved it.”
Renna thought she could actually see Brian wrestling with his own emotions.
“That will be another story for another time, Lillian.”
“Very well.” The woman arched a well-sculpted brow. “I must be off. I have a column to write and a deadline to meet.”
Brian dipped his head politely. “Thank you for coming.”
Once she’d gone, Da chuckled. “I can’t wait to read tomorrow’s newspaper.”
“Hmm . . . ” Brian clasped his hands behind his back. “Nor can I, Wendell.” He inhaled audibly. “Now to find my sons and have a bit of a talk with them.” He turned to Renna and offered his arm. “If you’ll escort me?”
She hesitated, knowing he didn’t need a guide. He could see his way through the house.
“Renna, please?”
Da nodded.
“Oh, all right.” She slipped her hand around his elbow. But this was the last time she’d partake in such pretense. After tonight Brian could face his deception all by himself!
•••
The rest of the evening passed without incident, and by ten o’clock all the guests save for Richard and Sarah had departed. The Navises would stay overnight, and Renna hoped for another chance to get to know Sarah better. As for the other company here tonight, Renna was more than glad to see them go. This evening proved the longest, most disheartening four hours of her life!
After helping Hester, Isabelle, and Mum with the cleanup, Renna said her good nights and made her way toward the stairwell. The boys were already upstairs, and Sarah offered to help the girls. But as she reached the first step, Brian stretched his arm out in front of her.
She paused and regarded him askance.
“I’d like a word with you, please.”
“I don’t feel like talking, Brian.”
“Then just listen. I have a lot to explain.”
She wished his charm didn’t have any effect on her, but it did. She relented.
Taking her hand, Brian led her into his study. “Your father gave me permission to speak with you privately,” he said, closing the oak-paneled double doors.
She folded her arms and watched as Brian pulled off his dark spectacles. Hurt and anger enveloped her all over again.
“Now, Renna, don’t be upset.”
“Upset? Oh, I’m not upset. I’m incensed.” She inhaled. “How could you, Brian? How could you lie to me all these weeks?” Uncrossing her arms, she moved toward him. “Me? I was your confidant. I prayed for you.”
“But you purposely distanced yourself when you learned I’d regained my sight.”
She frowned, confused.
“Yes, Renna, your insecurity prompted me to fake a relapse.”
“Don’t you dare blame me for your bad behavior. You chose to lie.”
Brian looked down momentarily. “You’re right. But your friendship and devotion were my lifeline. Once I began the deception, there seemed no way out. It rippled. Then this whole thing involving my boating accident and Benchley’s determination to own Great Lakes Shipping developed. Authorities here in Milwaukee felt I should continue the charade. So I did.”
He sat down on the corner of his wide desk, dangling one leg. They were eye to eye, and Renna felt captivated by his dark scrutiny. Mr. Blackeyes . . .
“I read a passage in the Bible recently that love covers a multitude of sins.”
She smiled, somewhat heartened. “Brian, it’s not uncommon for men to fall in love with their nurses. Perhaps you have—”
“Blast it all, Renna!” Brian shot to his feet. “Why are you so insistent upon pushing me away?” He opened his arms wide. “Look at all I have to offer. What’s more, I see that special adoration in your eyes when you look at me, and the longing on your face. And, yes, you have a beautiful face. I’ve seen your birthmark nearly every day for the last month, and it has no bearing on my feelings for you.”
Her fingertips flew to her cheek while her gaze fell to the imported carpet.
“I sensed it when I kissed you, Renna. You’re in love with me. Why don’t you allow me to reciprocate?”
She looked at him hard. “And why didn’t you feel I was worthy of your trust?”
He pointed at her. “That’s not fair, Renna, and you know it.”
She pivoted and stood with her back to him now.
Brian exhaled. “Yes, I lied. It’s regrettable, and I’m sorry. I wanted to tell you the truth, but the timing never seemed right. Then I thought it could endanger your life—and the lives of my children. I had to keep silent, Renna. Don’t you see?”
Renna felt herself melting like butter. His explanation aligned with her reasoning. How many times had she whispered comforting words to a patient, knowing full well his prognosis was grim?
More times than she could count.
Slowly Renna turned to face him.
“You have a marvelous rapport with my children.”
At least they had accepted her as she was.
“Imagine my sons wanting to protect you from a character like Benchley.” Brian chuckled. “Heroes, the both of them.”
“You have fine children, Brian.” Renna’s crinoline rustled as she moved toward the windows, which overlooked the front of the manse. Darkness stretched out as far as she could see except for the sharp stars overhead.
“They adore you, Renna. Even Gabe is fond of you, and he rarely takes to anyone.”
A smile tickled her mouth. That boy certainly had a vivid imagination. First came his talk about stowing away, and then tonight he rescued a damsel in distress. Michael went right along with him. Those two needed both nurturing and a firm hand—with the accent on the latter.
Brian came up behind her and placed his hands on her bare shoulders. The warmth of his palms spread down to her toes. “Do you think you could ever love my children, Renna?”
“The way Sarah does?” Renna had heard. Sarah had been the beloved governess.
He paused. “The way only a mother could?”
She whirled around, realizing only too late her mistake. How could she be angry, let alone think coherently, with his close proximity? “I’m a nurse . . . ”
“And a good one.” Amusement skipped across his swarthy features.
Renna leaned back.
Brian leaned forward.
“I have as much experience as an ornamental showpiece as Hester does being a housekeeper.”
“Showpiece?” He brought his chin back sharply. His gaze narrowed. “Is that what you think—that I merely want you as some kind of trinket?”
Renna swallowed hard. Could she speak her fears? “Brian, your determination to change your life is highly commendable. But in the long run, you’d never be happy with a woman like me. Lillian LaMonde was right when she said I come from ‘average stock.’”
A muscle worked in his jaw. “Renna Fields, you are the most exasperating woman I have ever encountered.”
“Oh, Brian, think about it, will
you?”
“As if you’re not all I think about?”
His flattery nearly made her head spin. Still, she found the strength to sidestep him. “All right, I’ll admit it. I’m the one who’d never be happy, not in this house, not with your lifestyle . . . ”
Faces of the beautiful women she’d seen tonight flitted across her mind.
“You wouldn’t be happy with me and my children? Is that what you’re really saying?”
It wasn’t. Not at all!
But Renna purposely didn’t correct him. Her silence would save them both heartache later.
“I told Mum that I’d like leave on the first train Monday morning. I think it’s for the best.”
“Leave?” Brian quickly reached for her. “You can’t leave.”
Sadness filled her.
“I won’t allow it!”
“What?”
“You made me a promise the other night, Renna. You promised to be patient with me.”
“But you deceived me. I thought you were blind, for heaven’s sake!”
“Nonetheless, a promise is a promise.” His tone mocked her. “Are you or are you not a woman of your word?”
“How dare you threaten me!”
“Hmm . . . ” He stroked his shadowed jaw. “I wonder who your parents will side with, you . . . or me?”
Renna’s jaw slacked. She shook off his hold on her arm. Her gaze never wavered from his. The word despicable longed to spring off the tip her tongue, but she saw something other than malice in his eyes. “You’re teasing me.”
“Press the matter and see.”
She weighed her options. Mum and Da were a pair of bleeding hearts. Renna had no doubt that Brian could persuade her father to take his side. And Mum entertained thoughts of her spinster daughter marrying a wealthy man. Of course she’d concede to Brian’s wishes to stay on.
Her blood began to boil. “So”—she walked slowly toward the windows—“you’re manipulating me just like you manipulated Sarah and Richard.”
“I don’t see this as manipulation. I call it acting on the truth so you’ll come to your senses.”
“Oh, I’ve come to my senses, all right.” She whirled around, facing him, her hands clenched at her side. “And you can talk to my parents. Go on and do it. They may well take your side. They may even try to persuade me to stay.” She raised her chin in confidence. “But they won’t force me to do anything against my will. They never have.”
Brian’s smug expression vanished, and Renna thought his dark gaze rounded with something that appeared to be hurt. His black eyes bore into her as if he tried to read her thoughts.
Renna stared right back.
“Renna, I love you. Can you blame me for trying to make you stay?”
His words almost touched her heart. Almost. But before she could reply, a large crash rocked the house. Muted sounds of breaking glass reached Renna’s ears.
“What in the world?” Brian ran to the door and swung it open. Renna was right behind him, and they met Hester, Isabelle, and Mum in the foyer.
“Must have been a tree that fell on the house, Captain!” Hester exclaimed.
Da and Mr. Navis came running from the men’s parlor, wearing worried expressions.
“I think it came from the solarium, Captain.”
“I thought so too, Richard. Let’s investigate.” He turned to Renna. “Take all the ladies upstairs and see that the children are safe.”
“All right.”
“I’ll come for you when I’m sure it’s safe.”
Renna nodded, and he held her gaze for a long moment before hurrying after the men.
Renna and the three ladies took the wide front staircase. Reaching the top, they found Sarah ready to descend. Her fair features were taut with confusion and concern.
“Something’s hit the house,” Renna said. “A tree, perhaps.”
“Oh, my!” Her hand flew to her throat.
“Where are the girls?” Renna moved to the middle of the upper hallway where there was room to converse.
“They’re sleeping.”
“Good. What about the boys?”
“Let’s find out.”
Mum showed Isabelle and Hester into the sitting room adjoined with the bedroom she shared with Da. There they’d wait comfortably. In the meantime, Renna and Sarah proceeded to look in on the boys.
Knocking lightly, they entered when Michael bid them entrance.
“What was that crash?” He frowned then a grin crept over his face. “Was it Granny Hester trying to cook in the kitchen again?” Michael chuckled.
“Your father and others are investigating.” Renna tried not to smile. “However, we’re certain Granny Hester had nothing to do with it. Good night.”
“Good night.”
Closing the door, she and Sarah shared a laugh out in the hallway. On to Gabriel’s room. They knocked once. No answer. Another knock, this time harder.
“Gabe?” Sarah called to him through. Then she gazed at Renna. “Maybe he’s asleep.”
Renna turned the knob. A lamp was lit and sat on the bedside table, but Gabriel was nowhere to be found.
“I’ll look for him down the hallway near Brian’s quarters if you’ll look upstairs in the ballroom and Hester’s suite.”
“Sounds like a good plan to me.”
They each collected a lighted lamp and parted.
Renna searched Brian’s room, noting its tidiness. Large walnut furniture had been neatly arranged. Burgundy-colored velvet drapes covered the wide windows. The décor was decidedly masculine.
No Gabriel anywhere.
Finally Da came up with the news. “We found Gabriel. Apparently, he crept down for more food and was eating in the hallway between the solarium and the parlor when the crash occurred.”
“Praise God!” Relief filled Renna. “When we couldn’t find him, I imagined the worst.” With a hand on her heart, she expelled another sigh of easement. “What was the source of the crash?”
“An odd-looking metal object, weighing nearly four pounds.”
Renna and Sarah both inhaled sharply at the news.
“I’m going to find Richard.” Sarah hurried downstairs.
“I’ll get back to cleaning up,” Hester said. “Are you coming, ladies?” She glanced at Isabelle and Mum.
“Right behind you, Hester.” Mum gave Da a quick hug as she passed by.
“I’m still filled with questions.” Renna watched the other ladies depart then turned to Da. “What was the object, and why did it come through one of the sunroom’s windows?”
His brows knitted together in a deep frown. “Upon closer inspection, Brian identified it as a piece of propeller from a ship. Someone heaved it through one of the glass panes of the solarium.” He shook his head sadly. “Such damage. Brian has summoned the police. Meanwhile, Gabriel claims to have seen a man running from the scene.” Da paused. “Gabe’s sketching the culprit’s likeness for the authorities.”
Renna swallowed hard. “Brian’s suspicions were right, then.”
“Yes. There was a note tied around the piece of metal too. A threat.”
Fear prickled inside Renna’s limbs. “What sort of a threat, Da? Who is the culprit? Benchley?”
“Brian doesn’t want you to know the details. He doesn’t want you worried.”
Renna threw her hands up in exasperation. “Oh, that man! Doesn’t he know by know that I’m a very capable woman? I served as a nurse on several battlefields and in an army hospital. A threat won’t make me worry. If anything, it’ll have me on my knees more often!”
“Oh, don’t be too hard on the captain, Renna. He’s trying to protect you. The less you know, the better—that’s what Brian told me.”
“Da, I’m not some swooning little morsel of a woman. During the war there were times I even had to handle a gun. I don’t need protecting.”
“Maybe not in that sense, Renna. But a man needs to feel that he can protect the woman he loves. So let him
. Let Brian protect you.”
The woman he loves?
Tears sprang to Renna’s eyes. “Da, what if Brian only thinks he loves me because I’m the first woman who’s really cared about him? Didn’t you see all the beauties here tonight? I can’t compare. Not with this ugly birthmark on my cheek. And Brian hasn’t had the chance to meet other Christians who are serious about their faith.” She paused, regarding her father as an errant tear trickled down her marred cheek. “Somewhere in the world there might be a gorgeous woman of faith who’d make Brian the perfect wife. But she’s not me.”
Da shook his head, looking sorrowful. “Renna, you accept everyone else for who they are and love them. But you don’t afford yourself the same courtesy. If we’re to love our neighbors as ourselves, then wouldn’t you say God expects you to respect yourself?”
“Don’t lecture me, Da.” She folded her arms.
“God created you with your birthmark, Renna. It’s where the angels kissed your cheek.”
Renna shook her head. “Not really.”
“Brian sees your beauty—even blind he saw it. Why can’t you?”
Renna couldn’t stand to hear anymore. “I told Brian that we’re leaving on Monday morning.”
“What?”
“You heard me, Da. I–It’s for the b–best.” She pushed past him and hurried across the hallway to her bedroom.
“Good night, my little wren,” Da called after her.
Renna’s sob drowned out his words.
TWENTY-FIVE
The following day the sun shone brightly through the bare tree branches. A brisk wind whipped off of Lake Michigan as Renna and her parents traveled with Brian to his mother’s home. He still had the matter of her estate to settle, and Brian had asked them along for moral support, while Richard and Sarah were kind enough to stay behind with the children. Everyone sensed a difficult task lay ahead of Brian. But the Navises and Mum and Da were much more eager to help him than Renna. She still felt betrayed and manipulated—by the man she loved and by her own parents as well. What’s more, her own heart had betrayed her. Now she regretted her angry declaration that she would be leaving on Monday. Overnight the reality of Brian’s situation had sunk in, and she feared for his life.
“Are you sure it’s safe for us to inspect your mother’s estate?” She sat beside him inside the carriage, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery. They passed small cottages with yards covered by fallen leaves, and now and again she caught glimpses of Lake Michigan. Her parents sat across from them.
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