He shrugged. “Let us just say she comes by it honestly.”
Charlotte took a deep breath then opened her mouth to say something, but Grace spoke first.
“Miss Pringle, what is on the other side of the creek?”
Yet another missed opportunity. Richard sighed. How long would they have to wait? At least Charlotte’s eyes hadn’t lost their excitement. But now he was getting anxious.
Charlotte turned her head in the direction Grace pointed. Several identical barns sat side by side not too far from the main house. “Oh, that’s a dairy farm owned by the du Pont family. They only recently built these stone walls you see wending their way across the rolling hills.”
“There are more cows than I can count. I guess that means they get a lot of milk every day.”
Now it was Richard’s turn to laugh, and Charlotte looked over at him with an amused expression. “She is quite astute, as you pointed out a few moments ago.”
“Yes,” Richard replied. “She is that. I am not certain how I will ever keep up with her if she continues to excel at this rate.”
“Well, keeping up with her might be more of a challenge than you imagine.”
“Pardon me?”
Charlotte looked out across the creek, silent for several moments. When would she share her news with them? A few more moments passed, but she didn’t say anything.
“Charlotte?”
She shook her head as if to clear it. “Why don’t we rest for a bit and sit on the bench over there?”
“That sounds like an excellent idea.” Richard tried not to sound too enthusiastic, but it seemed whatever Charlotte was about to tell them was quite important. And he wanted to know right now.
Once seated, she turned to face him and Grace, who sat between them in front of the bench. His niece’s face also showed a keen interest in the conversation.
“I wanted to tell you both as soon as you arrived at the shop. But it didn’t seem like the right time. I’ve been plagued by your predicament for quite some time.”
Charlotte fidgeted with her hands, her eyes going from Richard to Grace to her lap and back again. Her eyes lacked the light they’d had for most of their walk. Instead, he saw only uncertainty and hesitation in them.
“I suppose there is only way to tell you, and that’s straight out.”
She reached into a hidden pocket of her skirts and withdrew a long envelope. Richard glanced down to see his name and Grace’s on the front. He looked up at Charlotte and knit his brows. Predicament? Did she mean Grace’s operation? Surely this wasn’t a loan. If it was, he would refuse.
She held up the envelope, just out of his reach. “Now before you say anything, this isn’t a loan. It is a collection of sorts.”
“A collection?”
Once again, her face brightened, and the spark of excitement returned. “Yes. After Grace’s birthday party, an idea came to me on the carriage ride home. I set to work right away, and before I knew it, I had managed to coordinate one of the largest bazaar’s this area of town has ever seen.”
“What’s a bazaar?” Grace asked.
Charlotte smiled. “It is a gathering of local merchants, tradesmen, and other professionals who set up booths and sell or showcase something related to their line of work.”
Richard pointed at the envelope. “And this bazaar is how you managed to take up the collection?”
“Well, partially.” She covered the envelope with her other hand. “Only half the proceeds from the vendors is in this envelope. The rest they retained for their time and their trade.” A substantial look of satisfaction reflected in her eyes as she handed the envelope to Richard. “And I want you and Grace to have it. There is more than enough money inside to cover the surgery and any additional expenses incurred as a result.”
Grace watched the exchange and looked back and forth between her uncle and Charlotte. “Miss Pringle, why are you giving us money?”
Richard remained silent, overwhelmed. He could only stare at the envelope. Tucked inside was the answer to weeks and months of prayer. How in the world could he ever thank her?
Charlotte leaned forward and took Grace’s hands in hers. “Because, sweetheart, I want you to be able to have that operation.”
“Really? Do you truly mean it? The money is for me?”
Charlotte laughed. “Yes, dear one. Now nothing stands in your way.”
Richard looked at his niece. Tears of joy pooled in her eyes and fell to her cheeks. She leaned forward and pulled Charlotte into an emotional embrace.
“Thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you. This is the best surprise you could ever give us.”
“Yes,” Richard croaked. Just great. Where had his voice gone? Emotion tightened the muscles in his neck. He coughed and cleared his throat several times before continuing. “Grace is correct. This gift is quite amazing.”
Charlotte leaned back from Grace and met his gaze. As he stared at her, he couldn’t think of anything else to say. Words hardly seemed enough in a situation like this. What he wanted to do, he couldn’t. Not only was Grace present, but he hadn’t made his intentions known to Charlotte, and he wasn’t about to overstep the bounds of propriety. Waiting until after something was official would be too late. He had to do something now.
Throwing caution to the wind, he reached for Charlotte’s hands and placed a single kiss on the knuckles of each. Then, with a slight tug, he pulled her toward him and kissed her smooth cheek. When he leaned back and gauged her reaction, all he wanted to do was draw her into his arms. From the look in her eyes, her thoughts were close to his. But they had a rather impressionable audience. Grace was already too keen for her own good, and who knew what she’d make of this little exchange? At his first opportunity, he was going to arrange to speak to Charlotte’s father.
Charlotte reached up and touched her cheek where he’d kissed it. She smiled at him.
He grinned. “I suppose saying thank you now is a rather moot point.”
“Yes, but this other method is equally effective.” Her sense of humor had returned.
“It appears Grace and I have some plans to make.” He stood and pivoted Grace in her chair. Charlotte stood beside them. They started off in silence and walked several hundred feet. It was all so overwhelming. What could he say or do to get the conversation going again? Ah yes. Richard thought of something.
“All right, Grace. What do you remember so far from what you saw along the path and even in or near the creek?”
“Hmm. I remember the crane and the white-tailed deer.” She tilted her head and looked up to the right. “Oh, and then there was the snapping turtle, the dragonflies, and the beautiful red-tailed hawk. I look forward to drawing him.”
“Excellent.” Richard squeezed both of her shoulders. “You should be aptly prepared to impress your tutor in grand fashion.”
Grace chattered on about the wildlife as Richard pushed her chair along. Charlotte remained silent. He wished he could reach out and take her hand, but he needed both of his to steer and push Grace. So, he did the next best thing. . .put her hand on one of the handles and placed his hand on top.
She startled and looked up at him, but she didn’t resist. Instead, she smiled, never breaking her stride. As they reached the cobblestone street in front of the bookshop, Grace stopped the wheels and brought the three of them to a halt.
“Miss Pringle, you will be there, won’t you? At the hospital when I have my operation?”
“Of course I will. I would not want to miss that day for anything in the world.”
Grace gave a succinct nod. “Good.”
Richard continued to lead them to the bookshop. This day had turned out far better than he ever could have imagined. Charlotte hadn’t backed away from his affectionate overtures. He and Grace had immediate access to the funds they needed for her operation. Grace just might walk again. And he would be speaking with Charlotte’s father within the fortnight. How could things be any better?
Eleve
n
Charlotte sat on the same bench in the park where she had sat with Richard not so long ago. A colorful array of wildflowers grew all around, providing a rainbow’s splash to the otherwise green landscape. She glanced down at the letter in her hand for at least the tenth or eleventh time. Life for Richard and Grace had been extremely hectic since their walk by the creek.
Three weeks had passed, and she had three letters from them updating her on the countdown to the day of the operation. This latest one, though, was her favorite.
It began in the obvious hand of Richard, although she could see Grace’s influence as well:
Dearest Charlotte,
We are only one week away from the scheduled surgery. And we would not have been able to get this far were it not for you. I realize we have expressed our gratitude many times over, but our hearts remain forever thankful for the time and effort you invested in order for us to receive the bountiful blessing God provided through your service.
Your treasured gift was a distinct answer to prayer, and it helped us remember that God has not forgotten about us. I confess our faith had wavered several times following the accident. Now, however, we are relying on our Lord’s strength, and with dear friends such as yourself, we have everything we need.
Then the writing changed to Grace’s:
I am a little frightened about the operation, but Uncle Richard has said he will be there the entire time. You will too, I hope. It will help if I can hold your hand and see your face, even though you cannot be in the room with me until the doctor is all done. This is going to be one of the best days of my life, and I want to share it with both you and Uncle Richard. Only one week until I see you again. I hope the days pass quickly.
The letter concluded with Richard’s parting words.
This week may very well be difficult, but thinking of you will aid in its quick passing. Before we know it, we shall be awaiting the outcome from the doctor, and I am confident we shall rejoice with a successful operation. Please continue your prayers for us and for the doctor, as well as the attending nurses. Come Thursday, my carriage will be waiting to bring you to us. Until then, we remain your friends.
Sincerely,
Richard & Grace
Only one more week. As promised, she would continue to pray for all involved. Beyond that, however, Charlotte prayed she could be what they both needed on what was sure to be a difficult day. For Grace to want her by her side meant more than words could say.
A warm breeze rustled through the tulip poplars towering above the path. It whispered through the waist-high rushes along the creek banks. Charlotte closed her eyes and soaked in the sounds of nature. From the trills of the various songbirds to the splash of the trout and bluegill, to the crickets hiding in the grass and the occasional high-pitched cry of the red-tailed hawk, the musical symphony bore clear evidence of God’s handiwork. It again reminded Charlotte the Lord was with her, and He’d be with Grace throughout her procedure.
❧
The soft murmur of voices traveled into the front hallway as Charlotte made her way toward the sitting room. Father had left word with their butler, asking to speak with her. From the sounds coming out of the room, Mother was present as well. It must be something significant for her to be summoned immediately upon arriving home. Whatever they had to say, she prayed it wouldn’t be something she didn’t want to hear. Before she stepped into view, she took a deep breath and willed her heart to settle down to a more even pace.
“Ah good,” Mother announced as soon as Charlotte walked into the room. “Please, dear, come take a seat and join us.”
Charlotte’s feet sank into the woven carpet as she headed straight for her favorite settee. Her parents waited in the wingback chairs opposite her and presented the image of relaxation. Father leaned back in his chair and rested his hands on the arms. Mother tucked her legs underneath her, with her hands folded in her lap. When neither of them said anything, Charlotte swallowed and wet her lips.
Finally, Father spoke. “Before we get to the priLaura reason for asking to speak with you, your mother and I want to say how proud we are of the success you’ve had with your bookshop.”
“Yes,” Mother added, though Charlotte could tell her agreement came with resignation. “We have heard glowing reports from many of our friends, saying how much they love to visit your shop.”
Charlotte didn’t know how to respond. Complimenting her obviously wasn’t the purpose of this conversation. She appreciated them making a point to begin with that though. Still, anticipating what might come next made her heart race.
Father again resumed control. “Now, for the matter at hand.”
There was a matter? Charlotte crossed her right ankle over her left. She slowly smoothed her hands on the folds of her skirt. It helped absorb the dampness of her palms as she awaited Father’s next words.
“Charlotte, you know your mother and I only want the best for you. But before we present a possible opportunity to you, there is something we must know.”
Father leaned forward and clasped his hands together, resting his forearms on his knees. “We know you have been spending additional leisure time with a certain gentleman who has been frequenting your bookshop. And you have already told us of the forthcoming operation for the gentleman’s niece.” He met her gaze, but she couldn’t read his expression. “Mr. Baxton has paid me a visit recently, and we had an enlightening chat.”
Richard had been here? And he hadn’t told her? This must have happened last week when she was attending the Ridenour Cotillion. Charlotte was surprised he’d accepted her mother’s invitation to dinner without her knowing. She wished her parents had said something earlier.
“With that in mind,” Father continued, “we’d appreciate your honest answer to the following question.”
She knew what was coming. Even so, she didn’t think she could provide an answer that would satisfy her parents. At least not with certainty.
Her father pinned her with an unwavering stare. “What are your feelings regarding Mr. Baxton?”
There it was. The question she knew they would ask. Charlotte opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. She swallowed twice and tried to gather her thoughts. Considering Richard more than a friend had only recently occupied her thoughts. Now her parents expected her to make sense of her feelings and put them into words?
“Charlotte, dear,” Mother interjected, breaking the silence. She peered into her daughter’s face. “Do you simply not know how you feel?”
Clearing her throat, Charlotte tried again. “Father, Mother, I must confess. Up until a couple of weeks ago, Mr. Baxton and I were nothing more than friends. Other than attending the birthday party for his niece and our recent walk by the creek, nearly every one of our conversations has centered on Grace, his niece.”
“And now?” Father pressed.
“Now?” She wet her lips again. “Now I don’t know. I admit he has several appealing qualities about him, and I am attracted. Any more than that, I don’t believe I can say for certain.”
There. She might not have given them the response they sought, but she had been honest.
Father angled his body toward Mother and raised his eyebrows. Mother nodded in response. Charlotte sat in silence, awaiting what felt like a sentencing, even if that was a rather substantial exaggeration.
Finally, Father returned to his original position. “We appreciate your honesty, especially when you could have misled us or given us an answer merely to pacify us.” His expression brightened, and he again sat back in his seat. “With that matter settled, we’re faced with the issue of the time you spend with eligible men.”
Did that mean they didn’t consider Richard eligible because of his current state of affairs? Her heart fell, and her shoulders dropped. Were the social engagements not enough? She couldn’t be faulted for the men not taking an interest in her. On the heels of asking her about Richard, though, it was clear where her parents stood.
Mother sat
up straighter, eagerness replacing the previous concern. “We have been speaking with several of our friends and believe we’ve found one gentleman we’d like you to meet. He is poised to assume solid positions both in his father’s footsteps and in a venture he’s begun on his own.”
So they did consider this gentleman more eligible than Richard. She wished she could muster up a bit more excitement in response to this announcement. Although she couldn’t say for certain where she and Richard stood, she wasn’t eager to pursue a possible romantic entanglement with someone else. Nevertheless, her parents had gone to some trouble on her behalf, and as their daughter, she owed them her respect and cooperation.
Father tilted his head in her direction. “Is there anything you’d like to say?”
Charlotte took a deep breath. “I must confess this comes as a surprise. I am sure you have my best interests at heart,” she added with a soft smile. Best to do what she could to set them at ease. “I’m well aware my friends are all married or engaged. And I’m grateful you have been more patient regarding my arrangements.”
“We’re well aware of what can come of wanting to force certain outcomes,” Mother replied. “Our family has a history of somewhat meddlesome parents. Even though the pairings worked out for the best, we agreed we didn’t want to do the same to you.”
“I appreciate that, Mother. But I suppose it is time for me to take the matter of my future more seriously.” She looked at them before continuing. “You’ve both given me so much. How could I not honor your wishes?” Maybe with this shift in her priorities, she could continue to explore the possibilities with Richard, as well.
“Where Mr. Baxton is concerned,” Father said, “we must caution you. He comes from a well-established family with a solid and successful business. But at present, there is no guarantee his situation will work out to his benefit. And we do not wish to see you hurt.”
What? Just when she thought her parents were providing the perfect opportunity for her to discover the answers to all her questions about Richard, Father warned her against him?
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