Momma and Poppa were concerned when her grades slipped, but Rose assured them her professors were pleased with her efforts.
* * *
Shortly before mid-term exams, Rose noticed Elaine walking out of a classroom. Determined to cause pain to the woman who hurt her brother, she devised a plan to show Elaine’s true character. Enlisting Richard’s assistance, she spoke of her plan while they walked home from school.
The following day, Rose waited with Richard outside a classroom. When Elaine walked out, Richard smiled. This was Rose’s indication to begin.
“Papa Stewart’s company has been awarded another large contract. Once again, Stewart Donovan Engineering will be the talk of the town.”
“Your papa is a talented man, Rose. My poppa says the businessmen in the city rave about his company. To this day they speak of the hotel he constructed.”
Alex was working in the office when Rose returned home after school and bounced into the office. Far too giddy, he had no opportunity to greet her before she began describing the conversation she and Richard staged. The fact Rose came up with the elaborate scheme didn’t surprise Alex, but Richard’s involvement did. Alex listened only half paying attention, sceptical.
“You’ve both wasted your time and energy. It has been over six months since our breakup. Elaine has too much pride to contact me.”
“We’ll see,” Rose responded. “I’d wager money I’m right and you’re wrong.”
Rose, Richard and Alex were placing the last of the dinner plates in the cupboard when the ring of the telephone reached them.
“I believe that’s a personal telephone call for you, Alex,” Rose announced.
“Nay. There has been an accident. A child will be arriving momentarily.”
Rose dashed out of the room toward the office with Richard a few paces behind. Alex placed the last pile of plates in the cupboard and walked out of the kitchen and into the lobby. Richard was standing outside the office, waiting for Rose. Looking into the room, Rose placed the telephone receiver on the desk. She skipped out of the room with a smug smile on her face.
“It’s Elaine. She’s asking to speak to you, my dearest brother.”
Alex glared at her, fury building inside him. The only reason Elaine had for contacting him after all this time would be to reconcile. A great deal of pain remained in his empty heart, but he would never let Elaine know. Without an option, thanks to his sister’s meddling, Alex took a deep breath and entered the office, closing the door.
* * *
“I can hear him.”
Coming down the main staircase with Adam, Rose's voice reached Hope’s ears. Taking two more steps, she noticed Rose with her ear to the office door.
“She’s eavesdropping on a conversation in the office,” Hope whispered to Adam. Step away, Rose. Take Richard to another room.
“I’m not accustomed to hearing Alex use that tone,” Rose told Richard. “He’s confirming the Donovan name.”
“Rose Alisha Venderkemp,” Richard scolded. “Your brother deserves privacy.”
Rose put her finger to her lips. “Now he’s saying neither of us achieved grades to warrant a scholarship.”
“Rose?” Hope questioned.
“Shh,” she responded, a scowl creasing her forehead.
Richard turned and looked toward Hope and Adam. “Alex’s speaking with Elaine on the telephone,” Richard informed them.
“Shh,” Rose grumbled.
“I disagree.” Alex’s voice was loud. “Our relationship lacked communication. You spoke—”
Hope turned her attention to Adam. “Oh my,” she whispered, then placed her hands over her mouth.
“There were many assumptions.” Alex’s voice rose angrily. “I don’t recall buying a ring, proposing, or discussing a living arrangement.”
“I’m a proud sister.” Rose gave a gloating smile.
“Agh,” Adam groaned, putting his hands on his hips.
Hope stepped toward her daughter, reached for her arm, and pulled her away from the doorway. “Rose Alisha, we’re eavesdropping on a private conversation. Your poppa and I will speak with you in private about this.”
* * *
Alex opened the door to see his parents standing with Rose and Richard. My voice got loud. Too loud. He closed his eyes for a moment. This is silly. What’s done is done. He opened his eyes and looked at his sister.
“Rose, your instincts were correct. Elaine was seeking confirmation of our heritage. I found myself thankful she was not aware of Momma’s…,” Alex stopped himself and looked toward Richard. My sister’s beau is aware of Papa Stewart’s business, but is he aware of their connection to the Strathroys? Who our nana was?
Rose shrugged her shoulders when Richard glanced her way, but not a word was spoken. Not wishing to discuss it any further, Alex walked into the playroom, avoiding his family. The second the door closed, a light went off in his head. “What in heaven’s name was I thinking,” he grumbled quietly. Alex stared at the ceiling. “I discussed and confirm Papa Stewart’s business?” He turned around and walked into the lobby.
Quiet, he heard the hum of voices in the office. Tapping lightly on the door, he opened it and went in. His grandfather and Izabella were sitting on the chairs with his father and mother leaning against the wall, talking.
“I have made a grave error.” He closed the door. “I spoke of Papa’s business to Elaine.”
The room went dead silent, magnifying his guilty conscience. His stomach did somersaults. The connection between the orphanage, Papa Stewart’s business, and his nana’s heritage had been discussed many times over the years, but never publicly. Alex and Rose had been warned the knowledge of their heritage would be detrimental to the funding of the orphanage from public donations.
Tom was the only person outside the family who knew Papa Stewart owned a successful business. People would cease donating and stop adopting children from their business if the truth was revealed. It would break Alex’s heart if the orphanage were forced to shut its doors to needy children. It would break his father’s heart.
“I don’t believe Elaine will speak of this,” Izabella responded, breaking the silence. “In the mind of her family, she wasn’t marrying a man able to support her financially. Revealing the truth exposes the lack of communication and her lack of judgment. It would be plain to everyone, Elaine didn’t know the man she was planning to marry. That would be embarrassing and beneath her.”
“That assumes she uses common sense,” his papa reminded her.
“With this evening to think and sleep,” Izabella continued, “I’m confident she will remain silent on the topic. If Alex and Elaine were to reconcile—”
“Reconcile?” he questioned, finding the notion preposterous. “I would be a fool. Elaine isn’t capable of change. As long as I’m shy, Elaine will attempt to dictate my life. That will never happen,” Alex assured them, looking at each member of his family.
* * *
Two days later, Alex was sitting in the office at his mother’s desk. Hearing commotion from outside, he looked up as Tom looked out the window.
“You have company.”
By the expression on Tom’s face, he knew it was Elaine. The pounding in his heart almost choked him. Placing his hand on his chest, he couldn’t face her.
“I hate asking you to lie, but would you tell her I’m …
“In the city completing errands? Indeed, I will.”
Alex left the office and went up the steps and into the nursery. Holding a baby in his arms, he wandered toward the window and looked out.
* * *
With free time on his hands, Stewart went to the medical area. He spoke to a young child in a hospital bed and walked down the staircase, planning to sit outside and wait for Izabella to return from the boutique. Reaching the main level, the door swung open. Elaine burst into the building with a smile on her face.
Agh. You are the last person I want to see. The last person I want Alex s
pending time with.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Donovan.” Elaine turned to close the door.
Comical, you were never so formal while being courted by my grandson. Never once did you call me anything but Papa. If asked, I would have preferred you calling me Stewart. Not impressed by her presence, he looked at the floor. He heard his momma's voice in his head. ‘Stewart, you are being rude. You were raised to be a gentleman.’ To this day, Momma would chastise me if she were alive and able. He looked up at their guest.
“Miss McClaire,” he responded, mimicking her sudden formality.
“Would you be so kind as to find Alex? I would like to speak to him.”
Stewart was about to respond ‘No, I will not,’ when Tom stepped out of the office.
“Alex is completing errands. I’m not expecting him to return until I’m preparing to depart for the day.”
Speechless, Stewart suppressed a frown. Alex hadn’t run errands in some time. With few exceptions, Tom went to the city when it was required, giving him a break from his regular duties. Stewart remained silent, admiring the assurance Tom’s voice conveyed. The main door opened again. Izabella stopped abruptly at the sight of the young woman in the lobby.
“Mrs. Donovan,” Elaine said.
Stewart stepped toward the threshold, extended his hand, and kissed Izabella's cheek. She whispered to him and then turned to their manager.
“Good afternoon, Tom. A volunteer is requesting your assistance with the children.” She waited for Tom to leave and closed the door. “It’s such a beautiful day, I plan to take a short walk around the property once I change. Would you care to join me?”
“Indeed. That sounds delightful. This young woman is capable of finding her way to the door.”
They turned their backs on Elaine and headed for the stairs, encouraging the uninvited guest to leave. He hesitated with a smile. Surrendering to his dislike for Elaine, and the opportunity to rub salt in her proverbial raw wound, Stewart stole a quick glance ensuring there weren’t any volunteer ears listening. Stewart raised his voice enough for Elaine to overhear. “Well, love, are you pleased with the month’s profits at Valentine’s?” His mother would have boxed his ears for sure had she been there.
“Very pleased. It’s my opinion Valentine’s profits exceeded those of Stewart Donovan Engineering.” Would Izabella’s mother have boxed hers? He’d have to ask her later.
The door closed. Stewart turned and walked back to the entrance. Glancing out the window, he spied Elaine wiping a tear from her eye.
“I believe we accomplished my mission.”
“I spoke the truth,” Izabella admitted, placing a hand on his shoulder. “The store had an exceptional month.”
Extending his hand to her, they walked up the steps to change.
* * *
Standing at a window holding a baby to his chest, Alex watched Izabella arrive and then Elaine rode off. The tightness in his chest eased. “When will the pain in my heart cease? Will it ever subside?”
He swallowed the lump in his throat.
* * *
Thankful he could hide within the confines of the orphanage, Alex continued dedicating all his time and energy into the business, assisting the medical staff, Tom, and the volunteers. His parents often commented they were impressed by his dedication, but disappointed he wasn’t spending time with young ladies. Alex took note of the steady stream of female volunteers of an appropriate age, but he wasn’t interested in becoming better acquainted. He remained polite, courteous, and professional, but ignored their advances. Alone in his room reach night, he had too much time to think. Laying on his bed, he stared at the ceiling.
“I refuse to allow my heart to be hurt again. I refuse to hurt anyone else.”
He rolled onto his side and attempted to sleep.
* * *
Hope’s mind was a million miles away when Adam entered the room. Placing her novel on her lap, she adjusted the her pillow behind her back and head. “Alex isn’t courting, nor does he appear interested in the—”
“We must remain patient, Hope. It would be unwise to push Alex before his heart is ready. We must pray he will meet a special young woman.”
She slumped farther into the mattress. “The perfect woman will stand in front of Alex and he will ignore her.”
Adam sat on the edge of their bed and embraced her. “Let’s hope that is not the case.”
Richard graduated with a degree in business and was offered a position at the bank. With responsibilities that were both challenging and rewarding, he was unable to see Rose during the week. Their daughter dedicated more time to the orphanage.
“I find myself looking forward to the weekends,” Hope admitted to Adam. “Alex enjoys being with Rose and Richard. I’m so grateful the bond between our son and daughter is strong once again.”
“Indeed. It is pleasing.”
Rose, Matthew and Tessa, attempted to persuade Alex to attend an occasional social event. Dreading the thought of seeing Elaine, Alex always declined, stating he had no interest in keeping company with the females in attendance. Thankfully, Stewart was able to persuade Alex to join him at the site one day a month.
“I’m grateful Alex agrees to go with his papa,” Hope admitted to Adam as they pulled the sheets down on their bed. “Our son deserves a day away from the orphanage. His eyes were sparkling when he returned today.”
Adam smiled, nodding.
* * *
The summer ended and Rose returned to university. Lacking distractions, she achieved the grades that pleased both her professors and her parents. With her second year of schooling over, Richard arrived at the orphanage and knocked on the office door. After a lengthy conversation, Adam returned to the office.
“What did Richard…” Hope began.
“Momma, Poppa, Alex, Papa, Izabella.” Rose’s overjoyed voice could be heard throughout the building.
Rushing into the parlour, Hope saw Rose’s hand extended, showing a beautiful diamond engagement ring. She embraced Rose and then Richard, welcoming him into their family. The wine was poured and toasts made to celebrate their engagement.
* * *
Hearing the clicking of hooves, Alex turned from his seat at the desk and looked out the window. “Richard.” Taking the excuse for a much needed break, he stood and went to meet his future brother-in-law at the door. Still in his business suit, his normally happy friend had a somber expression on his face.
“I need to see Rose.”
Fearing the worst, a lump formed in his throat. Alex's hand went over his chest. Richard and Rose were engaged and happy. Was there a possibility Richard could be transferred to another city and forced to move? If that were the case, the couple wouldn’t see each other until the wedding. He wouldn’t see his baby sister or brother-in-law much after their marriage if they moved away. No-o-o. Don’t allow that to happen. The very idea broke his heart.
Richard followed Alex into the kitchen where Rose was removing cutlery from the drawer. She took off her apron, smoothed her pink dress, and followed them out of the room.
“Alex, please join us,” Richard requested.
Alex raised his eyebrows, walked into the office and closed the door.
“I have not arrived simply to visit,” Richard stated. He handed the newspaper he carried to his fiancée. Within seconds, Rose slammed the newspaper onto the desk. The force swept the orphanage documents into the air. Pieces of paper scattered all over the room. Alex turned his attention to the newspaper. The headline was bold:
‘Local orphanage daughter secures financial future with engagement to son of prominent banker.’
Alex tilted his head toward the floor as he pursed his lips tightly together. Throughout their entire lives, Rose had cherished being the centre of attention, but the headline was cruel and unjust.
“I refuse to read this.” Rose scowled, staring at the paper. “Who initiated this? I did not agree to marry you for your money. I love you and you love me. I will
remove this ring from my finger; cancel the engagement, and—”
“You will do no such thing. We will be married.”
“I take pride in knowing what my family has done and continues to do for the children in this area. They have worked hard to ensure the children in our care have full stomachs, clothes on their backs, and a roof over their head. This headline—”
“Lower your voice,” Hope ordered, rushing into the room.
Alex pointed at the headline, allowing their momma to see the cause of Rose’s anger.
“Your distress is understandable, but it is not the business of the volunteers or children. Alex, summon your poppa to the parlour for a family meeting.”
“I will join you in a moment,” Rose said. “I need to speak with Papa Stewart.”
* * *
Stewart and Izabella were relaxing in their sitting room, playing cards.
“Papa.”
He looked to see his granddaughter standing at the opened door.
“Yes, Rose.”
“There is a dreadful headline in the newspaper. Momma suggested a family meeting. We need to discuss Momma’s heritage with Richard. He deserves to know the truth, Papa.”
“I agree.”
She walked into the room and removed two pictures from the wall. Rose rushed down the private steps ahead of them. Richard was sitting on the chair beside Hope, talking when they entered the room.
“Momma and Poppa announced my engagement, but the newspaper has taken the information out of context,” Richard admitted.
Natasha's Legacy Page 2