by Lori Wick
He made a few notes and then stood, leaving the office that sat off of the spacious drawing room. From there he walked toward and through the front foyer, down a short hallway, and finally into the breakfast room. It was empty. He had hoped to find his son, Quintin, and Quintin’s nanny, Mrs. Harding. Chase had more work to do, so rather than run about looking for them, he returned to his office, not even noticing the beautiful surroundings.
The mansion he lived in, known around town as Briarly, was huge. If Chase McCandles had had anything to do with it, it would have been functional and no more, but because it had belonged to his parents and had also been the delight of his mother’s heart, the layout and lovely furnishings made the home a place of warmth and comfort. Chase didn’t see it that way, however. He’d been living in it so long that he was often guilty of taking it for granted.
On the way back to his office, he spotted a maid polishing the shelves in the library that sat across the drawing room, exactly opposite the office. He stepped to the double French doors and stopped.
“Kimberly?” he called to her in his quiet way.
“Yes, sir?”
“When you see Mrs. Harding, will you tell her I wish to see my son?”
“Of course, sir. You’ll be in your office?”
“All morning.”
Kimberly nodded in obedience, but Chase had turned away, his mind already back to the business of the day.
“Are your hands clean?” Mrs. Harding looked down at her small charge, who, upon hearing her question, held his hands up for inspection.
“Are we eating now?” he asked. Mrs. Harding liked clean hands all of the time, but she didn’t usually check them unless it was time for Quintin to eat or see his father; he hoped it was the first.
“No, your father wants to see you.”
This news was not greeted with a smile of anticipation; indeed, Quintin felt little. Each day he was summoned to the office and given a short rundown of his father’s schedule, most of which he didn’t understand. Often his father told him that he was going on a trip. Out of respect, Quintin never asked where he was going or when he would return, but sometimes his father would volunteer the information.
“Come along,” Mrs. Harding said in her brisk way. Quintin followed, his little face composed. The double doors to the office were open, and Quintin knew the routine. Sensing that Mrs. Harding was backing away, he stopped on the threshold and waited for his father to notice. The older of the two McCandles had his head bent over some papers in front of him, and there was a stack of files at his elbow. Nearly 60 seconds passed before he looked up and noticed his son.
“Come in, Quintin,” he said immediately, his voice pleasant but businesslike. The brown-eyed, brown-haired child came forward and would have stopped at the front of the large wooden desk, but his father turned his chair to the side, and Quintin knew that he was to go and stand before his father’s knees.
“I have to go on a trip. I leave Thursday,” Chase wasted no time in saying.
Quintin stared at him in silence.
“I’ll be gone for a few days, maybe a week. You’ll be a good boy for Mrs. Harding?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good job,” Chase said as he laid a brief hand on Quintin’s shoulder. It was their only physical contact. “You can run and play now.”
“Yes, sir,” Quintin answered respectfully and turned away, but he certainly did not run; it wasn’t allowed in the house. As for playing, he’d already had the playtime Mrs. Harding allotted for the morning.
Manitou
“Are you all set for the morning?” Paddy asked Rusty, an arm around her shoulders.
“I think so. How long do you want me to stay?”
Paddy thought a moment, his face intent, and then with an arm still around her, turned her about and took her into his office.
“I think I should read something to you.” Paddy had gone around the desk and taken a seat. Rusty seated herself in front of the desk.
“This is the last letter I received from Mr. Davidson,” he began. “He writes, ‘Is it foolishness to want something so much? We have said goodbye to so many babies but never really known any of them. If Lizzy and Thomas come and don’t want to stay, it will be the most painful thing of all. I will have been forced to watch my wife with them. I will see their faces and smell their skin but then have to watch them walk away. There are times when I ask myself how I can do it, but I must have hope and I must trust in God. We love those children as if we’d had them from birth. I pray only that they’ll give us a chance.’”
Paddy raised his head. Rusty’s hands had come to her mouth, and her eyes were closed. She kept them closed, and a moment later her uncle began to pray.
“Father in heaven, we thank You for the gift You have given to Rusty, this gift with children. They love her and are loved in return. Please bless the Davidsons. We thank You for bringing them to us. We wish we had a hundred more couples just like them. I know they will love Lizzy and Thomas, if only Lizzy will let herself be loved. Give Rusty great wisdom, Lord, help her to know how long to stay. I know the Davidsons would keep her a month, but that is not prudent. I know she will be wise, Lord. Help her to turn to Chase if she needs advice, and give him wisdom as well. We thank You for all You have planned, Lord Jesus. Bless us all this day and in the days to come. Amen.”
“Amen,” Rusty echoed. She looked up at her uncle and was quiet for a few moments. When she spoke again, she said, “I dreamed about Mr. McCandles last night. Why do you suppose I did that?”
“Because you haven’t met him, and that’s always a little uncomfortable.”
“Is there anything I should know?”
“There’s nothing you should be worrying about, if that’s what you mean. He’s not the effervescent type, but he’s kind, and I know that no harm will come to you in his care. You might not find him overly talkative at first, but if you need help, you need only ask.”
Rusty nodded. It was enough. In truth, it didn’t matter to her whom they sent to escort her, just as long as she was able to do the job expected. Lizzy and Thomas were both so sweet, but they couldn’t help but be nervous and excited. She was a little excited herself. Kurth was farther than she’d ever been assigned to go. Children who were placed that far from Manitou were harder to check on, and Rusty didn’t want anything to go wrong.
After making certain that her uncle was finished with her, Rusty made her way from the office. She didn’t have night duty, and she knew all the children would be asleep, but she still climbed the stairs. She went first to the girls’ room and made her way to Lizzy’s bed. The little girl’s hair was dark against the white pillow slip. Without disturbing her, Rusty knelt by the bed and prayed silently.
Father in heaven, what a wonderful little girl You created in Lizzy Parks. She is so special. I love her smile, and I love the shy way she looks at me. Help the Davidsons know how to make her feel loved. Help them to move slowly so that she will not be alarmed. She has looked nervous since she was given the news last week, and I know she’s very frightened, but the time has come. As You well know, we head out in the morning. Everything Lizzy has known will change. She won’t have me, and she won’t have Miss Linley, but she’ll have You, Lord. Please remind her of this every mile of the way.
Thank you for Uncle Paddy, Father. Thank You that he knew enough to ask for wisdom on my behalf. I need this so badly. I can’t handle this with my heart. Help me to know what to do and be brave enough to carry it out.
Rusty rose to her feet then and bent to smooth Lizzy’s hair. The little girl stirred but did not waken. Rusty made her way to the door and down to the boys’ room. Someone on the night staff was taking one of the boys to relieve himself, but Rusty slipped quietly by to where she knew Thomas was located. Again she knelt and prayed.
Thomas makes my heart glad, Lord. He is so full of life and joy. Thank You that he is too young to remember everything Lizzy still knows. Thank You that he loves his sister and
that Lizzy feels comforted when he’s near. It’s not hard to understand why the Davidsons fell in love with these children, or why they are anxious, but please help them to go slowly. Help Thomas not to …
Rusty stopped. She had almost asked God not to let Thomas adjust too swiftly, but was that really fair?
I’m trying to tell You what to do, Lord, and I’m out of line. I’m afraid that Thomas will love the Davidsons and Lizzy will want to come back here, and we’ll all be miserable. Help me to leave this with You.
Rusty once again came to her feet. She touched the dark hair on Thomas’ head just as she had Lizzy’s and slipped quietly out the door, her heart still giving the situation to God and asking for Him to work a wondrous act on behalf of the children. She was so intent on her prayer that she almost walked past her cousin.
“Rusty,” Renny whispered when she didn’t see him.
“Oh, Renny, I’m sorry. I didn’t expect to see you up here.”
“Mother wants to see you.”
“All right.”
Rusty accompanied him downstairs and found Sammy in the kitchen.
“Renny said you wanted to see me.”
“Yes. Before you go I need those reports you filled out.”
“I gave them to Paddy.”
“Good. I also want to see how you’re doing. Are you excited, nervous, or both?”
“I think both. I was just praying for the kids and for myself as well. It’s so easy to become anxious about this.”
Sammy nodded. “I well remember some of my early placements. The hardest ones are when you arrive at the home and all is not what you thought it was going to be.”
“I’ve thought of that,” Rusty admitted, “but I don’t have that impression from the Davidsons.”
“No, I don’t either. If Lizzy will stay, I think this will be what we prayed for and more.”
“I think you’re right.”
Rusty gave Sammy a hand with the finishing touches on the kitchen and then moved to the small sitting room. Sammy began to put the children to bed. Rusty made herself comfortable in one of the stuffed chairs, but her body moved much more slowly than her mind. She wondered what the next few days would bring. She also wondered once again what Chase McCandles was like and then reminded herself that she didn’t have long to wait. The train pulled out for Colorado Springs at 9:10 the next morning.
3
Colorado Springs
His bag in one hand, Chase moved around the large depot, his eyes scanning the crowd for a redhead. He didn’t think he could have missed Miss Taggart and the children, but they were a little late. He circled the station again, his bag in one hand, his eyes searching. It was then that he spotted her, or at least the woman he thought might be her. But why did it appear as though she was coming from town?
Chase didn’t think they had planned to come in the night before, but the woman and children he was watching definitely came from the direction of town. Indeed, the children had small sticks of candy in their hands.
Chase watched a few minutes longer and then decided it must be them. Paddy had described the woman as a petite redhead, and there was no missing that hair and diminutive size. They came directly onto the platform, and as Chase watched, Rusty read the train schedule and then began to search the crowd herself. He approached immediately.
“Miss Taggart?”
“Yes,” Rusty craned her head upward and smiled, her voice as bubbly as ever. “I’m Katherine Taggart. People call me Rusty. You must be Mr. McCandles. I hope we didn’t keep you. The train was early, and we decided to walk into town. The children have never been here in Colorado Springs, and it was such a fun adventure.”
Chase didn’t say another word. At the moment he felt incapable of speech. He had been warned in Paddy’s letter about her size and the color of her hair, but her uncle had said nothing about her eyes. He had never met anyone whose eyes were the color of the violets that grew each summer in his yard. No, that wasn’t it; they were darker than violet. Purple—she had purple-colored eyes that sparkled when she talked. Chase, who usually took little notice of people’s appearance, thought they were beautiful.
“You are Mr. McCandles, are you not?” Her now uncertain voice broke through the riot of his thoughts. “Mr. Chase McCandles?”
“Yes,” Chase recovered himself and put out his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Taggart.”
She beamed at him and shook his hand.
“Children.” She spoke formally to gain their attention. “Lizzy and Thomas Parks, please meet Mr. McCandles. He’ll be escorting us to Kurth.”
Chase looked at the children, realizing he had forgotten their presence. He watched now as Thomas’ little hand came out, but Lizzy kept her head down.
“It’s good to meet you, Thomas.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“And this is Lizzy?”
Thomas nodded, but Lizzy still didn’t look up. Chase opened his mouth to say something more, but their train was called.
“Fountain, Makepeace, Kurth, and Pueblo—now leaving on Track 14.”
“Oh, that’s us!” Rusty said to the children. “Hand me your bag now; there you go. Come this way.”
She directed them proficiently, and Chase was reminded of what the letter said about her not having traveled far. Something wasn’t right. She simply didn’t seem to be in need of an escort. For an instant he thought his presence might be unnecessary. After all, she seemed capable and very comfortable on her own, but then he noticed something else. Although he was not given to watching people, he couldn’t help but see that she was attracting attention. She wasn’t doing anything to accomplish this; she was just walking gracefully with the children on either side of her, but male heads were turning from every direction.
Knowing you’re with her puts our hearts at rest. Just one line from Paddy O’Brien’s letter came leaping back to Chase’s mind. This was what his friend was talking about.
“Was there a particular place you wanted to sit, Mr. McCandles?” Rusty had stopped outside the train and turned to her escort. She was used to taking care of things on her own. If she wasn’t careful, she would forget he was there to help.
Hearing her voice, Chase forced his mind back to the task of the moment.
“Anywhere you and the children will be comfortable,” he told her honestly, and then realized she was carrying two bags.
“Here, let me have those.” Chase took them from her hand, holding all three handles, his own and both of hers, in one large hand.
“Thank you,” she said simply and led the way on board. She walked down the aisle, the children just behind her, and chose two seats that faced each other.
“I think this will do,” she said with that huge smile back in place. “You sit here, Thomas,” she motioned, directing him to the window seat, “and Lizzy, you take this seat with me. Would you like the window?”
She nodded shyly, and Rusty stroked her hair when she passed in front of her to sit down.
Chase suddenly found Rusty’s eyes centered on him. “I’m sorry, Mr. McCandles. I didn’t check whether or not you wanted the window seat.”
“The aisle is fine,” he assured her and raised the bags to store overhead.
Rusty slipped into the seat next to Lizzy and leaned to look out the window with the children.
“What is that man doing?” Thomas wanted to know.
“Please don’t point, Thomas. He’s carrying trunks to go on the train.”
“We don’t have that much,” Lizzy said worriedly as she watched the wheeled cart filled with steamer trunks.
“No, we travel light.” Rusty kept her voice light as well. It was a bit alarming how few possessions the children had. Well, if the Davidsons’ presentation to Paddy could be trusted, the children would never go without. Mr. Davidson was a successful rancher and well-respected in the town of Kurth.
From her periphery Rusty caught Chase’s movements as he sat down, and she turned to speak to
him. However, her eyes drifted past him, and she started when she noticed several men turned in their seats, staring at her. Sitting together in three seats, they were all young, well-dressed and groomed, but they were staring as if they’d just come from the hills. Rusty was tempted to look behind her, but their seat was the last in the car.
Chase, who had been watching Rusty himself, knew in a moment that something had startled her. He watched as she turned her head to the window, but her eyes moved over the children with alarm. Chase turned slowly. He was larger and older than the young men looking their direction, and when they saw him turn, they shifted in their seats to face forward. One took another chance peek, but Chase was still looking at him and he turned back swiftly. When Chase looked back to Rusty, he could see that she’d witnessed the whole scene.
“Thank you for escorting us, Mr. McCandles,” she said softly, her eyes on his for just a moment. “I wouldn’t want anything to happen to the children.”
Chase nodded, but his mind drifted back to the letter once again. Knowing you’re with her puts our hearts at rest. She had thought the men might harm the children; her fear had been for them. Chase’s heart sighed. This one was definitely in need of protection.
“Are we nearly there?” Thomas asked excitedly, his eyes rarely leaving the train window.
Rusty nodded her head and smiled at his delight, but as she did so, Lizzy’s hand went to her stomach. The little girl had grown more fearful with every mile.
“I think we need the slate,” Rusty announced.
“Where is it?” Lizzy asked, having just remembered it and hoping that they hadn’t left it in Manitou.
“I think it’s in my bag.”
“I’ll get it for you,” Chase offered in the deep, quiet voice to which she was becoming accustomed. Rusty watched him. His care of and kindness for them could not be faulted, but it was as Paddy had said, he was not talkative.
“This bag?” Chase held a satchel out for Rusty’s inspection.