The Proposal

by Lori Wick

  “You could have told the children,” he said.

  “I didn’t wish to disappoint them.”

  “Just as you didn’t wish to disappoint them by declining the trip.”

  Marianne looked at him gratefully, glad he understood. “I’m so sorry it’s worked out this way,” she said, her voice telling of her regret. “I know it’s not your choice to have me along. I just didn’t know how to say no, especially to Penny.”

  Jennings was opening his mouth to tell her she was under a wrong impression when the children ran to join them. He regretted the interruption deeply but saw no help for it.

  “Cook says she’ll have it ready before we can sit down.”

  “Well, lead on,” Jennings directed as they continued toward the house, but Penny didn’t leave them, so he wasn’t able to clear the matter with Marianne.

  The activities continued on the veranda with cool fruit drinks and cakes, and the children shared more about their home and past times at the sea.

  It occurred to Jennings that the children, although growing more comfortable with him, were already very at ease with Miss Walker. He’d known this all along, but it was most interesting to observe firsthand. Watching them, he realized that at least part of it was her ability to ask good questions. Jennings could have listened to her all day.

  “If you were looking for a spot at Morehouse in which to curl up and read a book, where would that be?” was Marianne’s next question.

  “There was a good chair in the small parlor. Do you remember that one, James?”

  “Yes, we used to race for it.”

  “And what about here, James? Where would you read at Thornton Hall?”

  “I have a grand chair in my room. I think I could sit in it all day.”

  “And you, Penny? Where do you like to look at books?”

  “Here or at home?” she asked, and mentally Marianne flinched. How many months would it take for this little girl to see this as home? And how did her words make Mr Jennings feel? Marianne glanced at him, but his expression gave nothing away.

  “Both places,” Marianne encouraged her.

  “At Morehouse I like to be by the fire. Here I like to be...” her voice trailed off as she thought. “I don’t know.”

  “Well, you’ll have to find a special place to call your own.”

  “Will you help me?”

  “Certainly. We’ll look around your room and see if you have just the spot.”

  “And what about you, Miss Walker?” Jennings put in, surprising her. “Where would you go for a good read?”

  “Oh, well, I think if the day were fine, I would venture outdoors, but I also like the window seat in my room.”

  It was a simple question, but the nod Jennings gave and the way his eyes watched her caused Marianne to blush. She could have pinched herself. She was doing it again: behaving like a school girl.

  “Is anyone ready for a walk?” Marianne asked in an effort to get her mind off her red face.

  “You look a little warm, Marianne,” James said innocently. “Are you sure you wish to?”

  “I’m fine, James. It’s sweet of you to ask.”

  “Well, then,” Thomas inserted, “shall we be off?”

  Marianne thought she stood with the children and was right with them but suddenly found herself alone with Mr Jennings. She glanced up to find his eyes still on her.

  “I’m not sorry you are accompanying us on our trip, Miss Walker,” he began without preamble. “I only hope you can enjoy yourself.”

  Marianne could only stare at him for a moment. She had expected nothing like this and knew not what to think.

  “Thank you,” she barely managed as she heard the children call for her.

  “We had best join the children.”

  “Yes,” Marianne agreed but still hesitated. “Mr Jennings?”

  “Yes, Miss Walker.”

  “It’s only just occurred to me that you might have had plans today. Should I tell the children we’ll walk at another time?”

  “Not at all. I’ll just come along and learn.”

  Marianne started off the veranda but stopped.

  “Learn?”

  “Your technique. Why the children like and respond to you.”

  To this Marianne was utterly speechless. She finally left the veranda, glad that Lydia had told her of her brother’s decision. Had she not known of it, she wouldn’t have understood the complete change in the man.

  As it was, it was so astounding that her heart and mind could hardly reckon with it.

  “That was hard!” Frank said when he met Thomas outside the maze at Thornton Hall the very next day.

  “I would tell you that Marianne made it with ease, but we found out later that Jennings was in Penny’s window directing her.”

  Frank’s head went back as he studied the rear windows of the house.

  “That’s Penny’s room that looks right down?”

  “Yes. We never even saw your uncle, and the next thing we knew, Marianne was coming out. James and I thought her most clever. We went for a walk in the park, and she confessed.”

  “Do you think they planned it?”

  “I don’t know.” Thomas’ voice was thoughtful. It did seem to him that Jennings and Marianne were rather aware of each other lately, but he wasn’t sure if that was what he was seeing or not.

  “Let’s go riding,” Frank suggested.

  “All right. I think Jennings is in his study with your father.”

  The boys went that way, unaware of the discussion going on inside.

  “Life just goes on, Palmer, but I’m not the same.”

  “That’s an excellent explanation, Jennings. Most days are lived in a regular way, but what makes it different for us is the big God that lives inside of us.”

  “I’ve been reading the Bible.”

  “Good. You’ll probably need to do that every day.”

  “What do you think of my starting in Genesis?”

  “I think it’s perfect,” Palmer told the new believer. “It’s the beginning. I can’t think of a more logical way to read a book.”

  “You know, that’s been part of my problem. I haven’t seen God for the logical being that He is.”

  “He is logical. At times it’s beyond our human comprehension, but God doesn’t act without reason.”

  “I’m looking forward to seeing Pastor Hurst tomorrow,” Jennings said, his face showing excitement. “I want to tell him what a help he’s been.”

  “He’ll enjoy that.”

  “Come in,” Jennings called to whoever had knocked on the door. “Hello, gentlemen!” he said on seeing the boys.

  “What can we do for you?”

  “We’d like to go riding. Will that work out?”

  Jennings looked to Palmer.

  “I think so,” Palmer gave permission. “Keep it to about an hour.”

  “All right. Thank you.”

  The young men left in a hurry, excitement filling their eyes.

  “What did the children think of your news?” Palmer asked next.

  “Thomas and I spoke first, and we talked for quite some time. I know he was pleased. James and Penny only smiled at me. Penny also told me she had Jesus in her heart.”

  Palmer smiled.

  “That was sometime after she asked me if I would marry Marianne.”

  Palmer’s mouth opened.

  “She said that to you?”

  “Yes. Her brothers were very upset with her, but she wants Marianne for a mother, and I told her she could always tell me how she feels.”

  Palmer said nothing. Questions came to mind, but Jennings’ face was so thoughtful and serious that he felt as though he’d be intruding to voice them.

  Heavenly Father, he prayed instead. Help Jennings and Marianne. If Your plan puts them together, make it so clear to them. Help the rest of us to stay out of the way and let You work. And thank You, Father. Thank You for saving Jennings.

  Palmer thought h
e could weep at the goodness of God, but he didn’t want to do that right now. Instead he suggested they check on the boys. Jennings stood up swiftly enough that he knew he’d made the right choice.

  “What did you get them?” Walker asked of his wife and daughter after the three of them had loaded into the carriage for the ride to Tipton. On this day the Jennings children had become thirteen, eleven, and seven respectively.

  “A book of maps for Thomas, a compass for James, and a small tea set for Penny’s doll,” Marianne answered.

  “The boys are interested in maps, are they?”

  “Yes. It seems to be a Jennings-Palmer passion. I guess Godwin Jennings also loved maps. I can always find young Frank and Thomas bent over one when I stop at the house.”

  “Palmer has liked them since he was a lad himself,” Walker put in. “I remember how well he liked that large one my father gave me.”

  “The one with the black background?”

  “That’s it. He could study it for hours.”

  The remainder of the ride was uneventful, and when they arrived, two other carriages could be seen.

  “Looks like quite a party,” Mrs Walker commented.

  “I think only the Hursts.” Walker studied the other conveyances. “The other carriage is Jennings’.”

  “Imagine,” Mrs Walker continued, still amazed. “All three of them born on the same day.”

  The Walkers joined the party that was just getting underway. Penny was delighted to see Marianne and hugged her as soon as she entered the large salon. Happy chaos was in high order for the next few hours. The children, Palmers, Hursts, and Jenningses alike, along with the adults in the group, played games on the lawn and enjoyed two different cakes.

  When it was time for the gift opening, the children received a variety of gifts and were pleased with each one. Jennings ended up next to Marianne’s chair and bent close to speak to her.

  “Where did you find that small tea set?”

  “I ordered it in Collingbourne, but I’m sure Benwick got it from London. Had you looked for one for her?”

  Jennings smiled. “No, you’ll have to come over after the party and see what I plan to give them.”

  “They don’t have your gifts yet?”

  Jennings shook his head no, showing his pleasure without the obvious smile. Marianne was dying to ask him what he’d bought but didn’t feel free to do so. She thought she might take him up on his offer, however, and go see for herself.

  The gift opening over, Marianne happened to look up and gain a good glimpse of Lydia’s face. She looked pale and weary.

  “How are you holding up?” Marianne asked when everyone had begun to move and she could get to her without overdue notice.

  “I’m tired.”

  “I think this should have been scheduled at Thornton Hall.”

  “Now that I’m weary I would agree with you, but at the time it sounded like such a good idea.”

  Thankfully the party did not last overlong. Pastor Hurst, Mrs Hurst, and their four children were the first to leave, and not long after them, Marianne’s parents went on their way. Palmer assured Marianne he would see that she got home when she told him she wanted to stay on a bit.

  “Here, Liddy, sit down,” Marianne ordered when the salon was quiet. The children had run off in various pursuits. Only the two women remained until Jennings returned. From just a few steps inside the door, he watched Marianne fuss over his sister. Something was wrong—he was sure of it—and he intended to find out what it was. He walked to the settee where Lydia was now comfortable and looked down at her.

  “Lydia?”

  “It was a nice party, wasn’t it, Jennings?”

  Jennings’ look was telling. He sternly held his sister’s eyes before turning to Marianne.

  “Since my sister isn’t going to tell me why she looks exhausted, Miss Walker, I hope you will do me the favor.”

  Marianne had all she could do not to tell him. William Jennings could be practicing law! She opened her mouth but looked to Lydia in time. That woman was laughing.

  “He can be frightening, can’t he, Mari?”

  Marianne dropped into a chair, her face a bit pink. She still hadn’t said a word.

  Palmer entered the room, Judith behind him with glasses and a pitcher of cool water. Jennings held his tongue until the servant left, but only until the door was closed behind her.

  “Palmer, I want to know what Lydia’s hiding from me. Now be a good man and tell me.”

  Palmer didn’t even hesitate. It was a delicate subject for mixed company, but these were the dearest people in the world to him.

  “Lydia was expecting a year ago and lost the baby in a rather difficult way. She’s now expecting again, and though she feels better this time, she’s going to be taking it easy.”

  Jennings speared Lydia with his eyes. “So that’s why you just had a birthday party for three children? That’s your idea of taking it easy?”

  “I didn’t do that much, Jennings,” she began.

  “You led the games, Lydia, and played the hostess. Had I realized—”

  “I wanted to,” she cut him off. “It was my way of showing the children, and you, how much I care.”

  Jennings could say nothing to that. He realized he was much too upset, took a seat, and willed himself to calm down.

  “It was the first birthday without their father,” Lydia went on. “I wanted it to be special. Who knows how he would have handled it. Maybe they never had parties, but I wanted them to enjoy the day.”

  “Thank you, Liddy,” Jennings said sincerely. “I know the day was special for them, but neither the children nor I would want you ill, not for any reason.”

  “I do feel better this time, Jennings; honestly I do. Things seemed to be askew from the very start last year, but I shall be taking it very slowly.”

  “Don’t forget, Jennings,” Palmer added, “school starts again soon. Lydia will have even more time to rest then.”

  Jennings nodded. He realized his reaction stemmed from a certain amount of fear. He had been absent from his sister’s world for many years—his own choice, certainly—but the thought of not having her when he was only just seeing how precious she was had frightened him very much.

  Amid this turmoil of thoughts, he realized Marianne hadn’t said a word. Actively listening, she was sitting among them looking from one to the other. Jennings began to watch her and found he couldn’t take his eyes away. There was something altogether soothing about this woman. She was lovely to look at, but more than that, she didn’t demand attention from anyone.

  “I think a cup of tea sounds good, don’t you, Lydia?” Marianne suddenly asked her friend.

  “Oh, yes, Mari. Ask Judith, would you?”

  “Certainly.”

  “I think maybe some small sandwiches too, Mari. I don’t believe Liddy ate much during the party.”

  “And what are the children doing?” Lydia asked a few moments later.

  “I’ll check,” Jennings volunteered, not wanting her to move.

  And there it was happening again, Jennings realized as he strode from the room. All of them were carrying on in a normal way, but with God living in their hearts. It was such a phenomenal truth to Jennings that he pondered it often.

  Jennings’ mind was on his new discoveries and not on where he was going when he left the salon. Thinking he’d left Palmer, Lydia, and Marianne behind, he was especially surprised when he walked along the hall and ran directly into Marianne.

  “Are you all right?” he asked after nearly plowing her over.

  “Yes, thank you. I’m sorry, I was not attending.”

  “Neither was I.”

  For a moment they stood in awkward silence.

  “Are you leaving?” Marianne asked at last.

  “No, I was going to check on the children, but I’ve just remembered that I mentioned the children’s gifts to you. I’m going to have them brought here so my nieces and nephews can enjoy th
em also. If you stay you’ll see them.”

  “Oh, thank you. I’ll plan on that.”

  For a moment silence reigned again. Jennings’ eyes were intent on Marianne’s face, and Marianne was looking up at him from time to time, her eyes uncertain.

  “I’d best get back to the salon,” Marianne said.

  “And I to the children.”

  Jennings stepped to one side so Marianne could pass, but he didn’t move on his way. He stood watching until she was out of sight.

  “You have birthday gifts for us here?” Thomas questioned Jennings an hour later, following him down the hall, the other six children in his wake.

  “Yes. Come along to the parlor and sit a moment. I’ll come for you soon.”

  Frank, Walt, Emma, and Lizzy all trailed after the Jennings children, not wishing to miss a thing. As soon as they were in the room, Jennings went to his sister.

  “Are you sure you’re up to this?” he asked softly. “It’s not too late to send everything back to Thornton Hall. The children will understand.”

  “I’ve been sitting here for more than an hour, Jennings. I wouldn’t miss it if you begged me.”

  Jennings nodded and turned to the children.

  “Walt, do you have your pocket watch?”

  “Right here,” the little boy answered as he pulled it from his small vest pocket.

  “Very good. The seven of you sit tight. We’re headed out of doors. You follow us in three minutes. Can you do that?”

  The children squirmed with excitement as they agreed to this, and questions followed the adults as they exited, questions that were not answered.

  “I’m excited, and it’s not even my gift,” Marianne commented as they neared the front door.

  “We’ll want to position ourselves so we can see their faces,” Jennings said as he brought up the rear. What he didn’t realize is that he missed his sister’s and Marianne’s faces. When they stepped out and saw the two horses, pony cart, and pony, their mouths dropped wide open.

  “Oh, my,” was all the ladies could say. Palmer had been in on the surprise for some weeks.

  “Do you think they’ll be pleased?” Jennings asked, his face showing how much he was.

  “I think they’ll be ecstatic,” his sister proclaimed. “There’s just one problem.”