Renna fumed as the carriage lurched to a halt. Moments later the driver swung open the carriage door, and Brian climbed out.
“Thank you, Wallace. I’ll send word when we’re ready to leave.”
“Yes, Captain.” The man bowed respectfully as Brian helped Renna alight from the carriage.
Then he grasped her elbow to keep up the pretense of his blindness. Together they walked to the house, which was lit up brightly. Candles flickered in each of the eight front windows, signaling a welcome.
At the front door, the lanky butler welcomed them with a stiff bow. He took Renna’s woolen cape and then ushered them into a large hall. A small quartet played an upbeat tune, and couples waltzed to the music.
They were immediately offered a glass of punch. Renna accepted one and put it into Brian’s hand. Then she took another for herself. Taking a sip, she allowed her gaze to roam. The room was nearly filled to capacity, but the object of Renna’s attention was, oddly enough, the chandelier.
“It’s the most hideous thing I’ve ever laid eyes on,” she whispered. “Why, it looks to be made of wrought iron and . . . antlers! Have you ever seen anything like it?”
“No, but I imagine it’s an original TC.” Brian laughed. “Ted Carpenter, whose home we’re visiting, is a much sought-after artist. He first made a name for himself in the theater, but lately his forte is unusual artwork. My guess is that before this evening is over, someone will offer him millions for that piece.”
“The chandelier? A piece of art?” Renna shook her head in disbelief. “Why, Gabriel’s drawings are finer than that horned thing.”
“Are you telling me that I had better not purchase it?” Brian asked with a darkly handsome grin.
Renna knew he teased her. “Unlike yourself, I would never tell you what to do. I’m merely voicing my opinion—whether you wanted to hear it this time or not.”
He chuckled. “And I suppose I had better get used to it.”
“Adjust if you will. But there’s no need.”
“What are you saying, Renna? That you’d allow your stubbornness to stand in the way of love?”
“Love?” She stood close to him so she wouldn’t be overheard. “How dare you speak to me of love! Charm and persuasion are hardly its equal.”
Before Brian could counter the remark, a short, slim man appeared and extended his hand.
“Captain, nice to see you here. As I said last night, I’m very glad you’re alive.” The man chuckled, his gray eyes dancing with amusement. “You’re one of my best customers.”
“Ted.” Brian smiled and blindly reached for his hand, and the other man made the connection. “Good to see you again.”
“Likewise, Captain.” The man’s gaze settled on Renna. He reached for her gloved hand and brought it to his lips. “Miss Fields, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
“We met last night, and I never forget a name. Thank you so much for coming tonight.”
“My pleasure, sir.” Renna vaguely recalled the meeting but smiled all the same.
“Sir?” With a frown, Mr. Carpenter looked at Brian then back at Renna. “I’m not a ‘sir.’ I’m a ‘Ted.’ Please call me by my given name. All my friends do.”
“Thank you. Then you must call me Renna.”
Ted turned to Brian. “The authorities were here this afternoon,” he said, seriously now. “They asked about Benchley, and he is invited tonight. However, I told them, as I’ll tell you, we’re not likely to see him. He owes me money for a sculpture I sold him. I made it from a ship’s propeller.” Ted beamed. “It was a magnificent thing, Brian. You would have appreciated it.”
“I believe I found a piece of it,” he replied tersely.
Renna gasped, catching the implication. “Last night, Brian? The solarium?”
He glanced at her. “Yes.”
“Ghastly.” Ted shook his head. “I heard about the damage to your home. But as for Benchley—”
Brian interrupted and turned to Renna. “My dear, don’t concern yourself with this.” He faced his friend again. “Ted, let’s talk about this in private.” Brian disengaged Renna’s arm. “I won’t leave you for long,” he promised.
She bristled. Couldn’t he see that she wasn’t a child?
He glanced in her direction. Renna looked away.
As her gaze fell on the guests, she noted the ladies’ expensive gowns and sparkling jewels around their necks. The men were dressed in handsome, well-tailored suits. Renna felt detached and conspicuous—
Until the Navises appeared.
“Isn’t this a marvelous party?” Sarah had a happy smile on her face, and the gray silk dress she wore enhanced the blue of her eyes.
Richard chuckled. “My Sarah enjoys hobnobbing.”
Renna grinned at the remark.
“Oh, I can’t help it, Richard. Back in Jericho Junction, we never had parties of this magnitude.”
“So you’ve told me.” He teasingly rolled his eyes.
Sarah ignored him. “You look beautiful tonight, Miss Fields.”
“Please, call me Renna. Your gown is lovely, Sarah.”
“Thank you. I purchased it with my first paycheck.”
“And your second and third,” Richard added.
Sarah gave him a warning jab with her elbow.
Renna laughed. The two were quite a pair. Made for each other.
Looking in Brian’s direction, Renna saw him motioning. Then she caught Richard’s reply with an incline of his head.
“Please excuse me for a moment, ladies.” Richard left their side.
Sarah took her arm. “Come with me. I’ll show you the most delicious spread of food.”
Together she and Sarah made their way to the other end of the room where a long, white-linen covered table stood cluttered with delectables. Tiny meatballs smothered in gravy, liver pâté, a variety of cheeses, and salmon. Renna shamefully wanted to taste it all.
When her plate was filled, Renna looked up and saw Sarah at the opposite end of the table. They’d gotten separated somehow. As Renna took a step in that direction, she felt a tap on her shoulder.
“Well, well, we meet again.”
Renna whirled around, coming face-to-smirking-face with Lillian LaMonde. She felt undignified holding a plate nearly filled to capacity, but held herself in check. “Good evening, Mrs. LaMonde.”
An inquiring frown caused her left eyebrow to dip slightly. “What on earth are you doing with a man like Brian Sinclair?”
“I beg your pardon?” Renna had thought the woman might question her large appetite.
“He’s a rogue and a rake, and this entire town knows it. Didn’t your parents do any kind of a background check?”
“My parents and I are well aware of Brian’s background. But, you see—”
“Then there must be something else, another reason you’re associating with him. Have you agreed to a marriage of convenience, perhaps—because of the children? Maybe Brian is too frugal to hire another governess. They never stayed long anyway—and you’d make a fine example for his brood.” She tipped her coiffured head. “Did I guess correctly?”
“Not even close.” Renna squared her shoulders.
“Well, that’s what everyone’s saying.”
Renna refused to be intimidated. The realization hit her then—if Brian had to duel his past, she had to battle her insecurities. Perhaps she and her pirate made a good match after all.
“Mrs. LaMonde, you and everyone else are free to think what you like.”
“So it’s true?”
“No, but are you really concerned with the truth?” Renna gave her a patient smile. “It probably won’t make as good a story as all the gossip.”
Lillian LaMonde’s countenance cracked into a genuine grin. “You know, I think I like you. Plucky, that’s what you are.” She paused, narrowing her gaze and scrutinizing Renna. “So, you think you can tame a man like Captain Brian Sinclair, do you?”
“Tame him?” Renna chuckled lightly. �
�Hardly, Mrs. LaMonde. I don’t have that kind of power and influence. Only God can change a man’s heart, and that’s exactly what He did too. God changed Brian.”
“God?” The probing journalist seemed positively stunned. “You’re telling me that Brian has found God?”
“Brian will have to tell you about it. It wouldn’t be right for me to share.”
“Oh, this is delicious.” Lillian held her hand in the air, as if penning a headline. “Brian Sinclair Turns From Scoundrel to Saint.”
“It does have a nice ring to it.” Renna giggled softly behind her gloved hand.
Surprise wafted across the older woman’s powdered face. “Tell me more.”
“Mrs. LaMonde, as I said, Brian will have to tell you—”
“I’d like to tell Lillian many things.”
Renna felt someone take hold of her arm. Brian was at her side.
“But how specifically can I be of service to you this time?” His voice dripped with annoyance.
At the retort, Lillian lifted her chin. “You are so droll, Brian.”
Glancing up at him, Renna thought nothing about his expression said he was amused.
“I mentioned that you’re a believer now,” Renna explained. “But I didn’t think it would be right if I said any more. I told Mrs. LaMonde that your testimony would have to come from you.”
“Yes, do tell, Brian.” A mischievous gleam entered Lillian’s blue eyes. “In fact, why don’t you tell everyone here what happened to you?” She turned around. “Everyone, listen here!” She clapped her hands, getting all the guests’ attention. The musicians stopped playing.
The din in the ballroom slowly ceased while Renna’s heart plummeted. How embarrassing! And it was all her fault. “Brian, make her stop,” she whispered. “I had no idea she’d go this far so as to humiliate you.”
“Renna, I am not humiliated. If these guests want to hear about my conversion, let them hear. I’ll gladly tell them.”
Every eye was fixed upon Brian now. Renna set down her plate of food and stepped back to allow him room to speak.
“The captain has had some sort of religious experience,” Lillian announced. “Can you imagine?” She laughed, as did several others. She turned toward him. “We must hear the story, Brian. Please, tell us.”
“My pleasure.” He bowed graciously, and Renna thought Brian looked as confident as ever.
As her gaze surveyed the guests, Renna realized affluence packed the room, from politicians to businessmen. Didn’t he understand that publicly professing Christ could endanger his reputation with this crowd? She glanced at Brian again. Obviously, he didn’t care, and suddenly her heart swelled with admiration. If ever she thought she loved Brian Sinclair before, she was certain of it now.
“As you all know, I was in a boating accident this past summer. I helplessly watched my mother, her escort, and Elise Kingsley fight for their lives in the rain and driving wind, then tragically succumb to the lake. It was a heart-wrenching scene, even for me, a man who has lived something like a . . . ” He cleared his throat. “A pirate.”
Renna lowered her head and hid her grin.
“I’m not a stranger to death,” Brian continued. “During the war I saw men die bravely and honorably. On the gunner, my crew and I viewed death as a tragedy, of course, but we determined our cause was worth dying for. However, last summer, death was not brave, nor was it honorable. It was swift and mighty. I could do nothing to save anyone, nor could I save myself. I nearly perished too. Worse, I’d been struck in the head by debris from my schooner. It knocked me unconscious.”
Sympathetic gasps emanated from many of the women. Some touched gloved fingertips to their lips.
“I would have drowned like the others, except a ship in passing saw me, and its crew pulled me aboard. But I don’t remember anything except the dark stormy waters and then waking up in a Chicago hospital. There I was under the care of Miss Lorenna Fields. As some of you know, Renna is a nurse.”
As the guests’ attention descended on her, Renna resisted the urge to conceal her birthmark.
“While I was in the hospital,” Brian continued, “I was saved once more. Just like the crew of that passing ship pulled me from the dark waters of Lake Michigan, Jesus Christ pulled me from the darkness of my transgressions. No one had to point out the fact that I was a sinner. Even suffering from amnesia I remembered pieces of my shameful past. But upon my belief in Christ, who willingly shed His blood for a sinner like me, I was promised eternal life in heaven, where I will be made perfect in the likeness of Him.”
Standing beside Renna, Lillian LaMonde laughed cynically. “Brian, if God will let you into heaven, He’ll let anyone in.”
“You’re right . . . well, almost.” Brian stepped over to Renna. “Help me out. I can’t recall. That verse . . . how anyone can be saved. What it is?”
Renna smiled. “‘Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ Is that the one you mean?”
“Yes. Whosoever . . . that includes anyone here in this room. But you have to want it and believe in it, just as it’s laid out in the Bible. Then God will give His salvation to whosoever shall ask. It’s a gift, you see. God’s given it, and whosoever shall take it will be saved.”
The room grew so still that Renna could hear Lillian LaMonde breathing. She glanced over at the woman, who seemed dazed by what she’d just heard.
“I am not saying I am now perfect. In fact, I am far from it.” His gaze sought Renna’s, and in it she saw every ounce of his remorse. “I’ve been manipulative, and I’ve hurt the people I love the most. But with the help of God, I do intend to change my ways.”
Renna believed it. She believed him!
Suddenly a shot exploded in the room and hit just above the ugly, horned chandelier, sending it crashing onto the guests. Instantly Brian pushed her and Lillian to the floor. Through the screams, she heard Brian telling them to stay down. Smoke and the acrid smell of gunpowder filled the air. Women screamed, men yelled, the injured moaned.
“Brian?” Renna raised her head, reaching for him. But he wasn’t there. “Brian?” He’d been kneeling beside her . . . but now he was nowhere to be found.
TWENTY-SEVEN
Agonizing groans captured Renna’s attention. The wounded needed immediate medical attention. Someone announced that a doctor had been summoned, but in the meantime, Renna was on her own. Several small fires had started as a result of the fallen chandelier, but they were quickly extinguished. Unfortunately, an older gentleman incurred an awful burn to his left hand.
“What can we do to help?
Renna looked over her shoulder and saw Sarah standing above her. Richard was at her side. Both appeared unharmed.
“Fetch a bowl of ice water for this man’s hand.”
On to the next victim. “Miss Waterford.”
She moaned. Upon inspection, Renna saw a nasty gash on the other woman’s shoulder. Her expensive gown had been torn irreparably. Taking a strip of it, Renna instructed Lillian LaMonde to hold it firmly to Miss Waterford’s wound.
“Pressure will stop the bleeding.”
Lillian nodded that she understood what had to be done, so Renna moved on to help a man with a large lump on his forehead. But he was conscious and seemed alert. Grabbing a chunk of ice out of the punch bowl, Renna instructed the man’s wife to hold it on his head.
The guests became her patients, and suddenly Renna was in her element. She went from one to the next, triaging in the same manner as when she treated wounded soldiers. But unlike the enlisted men, most of the Carpenters’ guests had minor cuts and contusions.
The doctor finally arrived, and Renna helped him stitch Fayre’s shoulder. The blonde beauty wailed and cried and begged Dr. Welch not to leave a scar.
Sometime later, after everyone in need had been helped, Renna glanced around the ballroom. What a shambles! Gathering the skirt of her ruined gown, she strode from the room in search of Brian. Where had he disappeared to?<
br />
Relief made her knees weak when she spotted him. He stood near the front door with Lillian LaMonde, Ted Carpenter, and a policeman.
“He got away.” His mouth formed a grim line.
“He still had his gun,” Ted insisted. “I had to let him go.”
“You did your best, Ted.” Brian clapped the man on his shoulder.
“Do you know who the gunman was?” Renna asked. “A guest?” She swallowed before saying, “Benchley?”
“He wore a mask, so I can’t be sure, but I believe so,” Ted said.
Someone’s really out to kill Brian. For the first time the horror of the reality struck Renna. She shuddered.
Brian’s arm encircled her waist. “Well, it’s late, and you’ve worked hard tonight. I’m very proud of you. But it’s time I brought you home.”
She almost chided him right then and there. She wasn’t a child like Libby or Rachel. Would he ever learn? What’s more, would she come to understand his determination and desire to protect her?
After tonight, Renna thought she’d at least like to try.
The butler brought Renna’s cape and Brian’s overcoat. The police had no more questions, so they walked out to the awaiting carriage. Brian helped Renna inside then climbed in after her. Wallace, their hired driver, closed the door.
Exhausted from the ordeal, Renna sagged against him. The carriage jerked forward.
Brian’s arm tightened around her. “Are you all right, Renna?”
“Yes.”
“Good. I thank God Ted spotted the devil and managed to knock into him just as the gun fired. If only we could have caught him at the scene . . . ”
Renna slid a bit closer to him. She hated to admit it. “I’m frightened, Brian.”
“Don’t be.” His voice lost its frustrated edge. “As your father has said, God will protect us. I trust He will—He did tonight.”
Renna nodded a reply and then rested her head against his shoulder once more. She sensed there would be no words of love between them until this madman, Benchley, was apprehended.
Until then Renna had no choice but to watch and pray.
•••
The next morning church bells rang throughout the city. Renna and her folks accompanied Brian and the children to church. The largest carriage Brian owned carried six comfortably, and the girls sat on Renna’s and Mum’s laps.
Unexpected Love Page 24