A Surrendered Heart (13 page)

“Does this have something to do with Sophie, Amanda, and Fanny returning to Rochester today?”

“What? I didn’t know any of them had returned home. For what purpose?” A burning sensation crept from the pit of his stomach and deposited hot bile in the back of his throat. He swallowed hard. Why had Fanny returned to Rochester? Had she discovered something and come to talk to Quincy? Worse yet, had Mr. Rosenblume summoned her back to Rochester?

“Fanny received a letter from Michael. He is returning to Broadmoor Island and has told her to make plans for a summer wedding. The girls are in Rochester to help her choose a wedding gown.” Quincy scratched his head. “At least that’s what Sophie told me. I saw the three of them only briefly. Amanda stopped by the Home to speak with Blake. I assumed Amanda and Fanny would be staying here overnight.”

“I know nothing of their plans.” Jonas could barely gather his thoughts. He needed to convey his concerns to Quincy before the girls walked in on them. But before he could regain his momentum, Quincy interrupted.

“I was surprised Victoria wasn’t with the girls. Amanda said you’d written Victoria that you planned to come for a visit next week. Your wife decided to remain at the island to ensure you kept your word.” Quincy appeared somewhat bemused. “I didn’t know you’d made arrangements for a trip to the island.”

Jonas sighed. “You don’t know my plans because we seldom see each other. If we could get back to the matter at hand, I have an issue of greater concern than a visit to Broadmoor Island or the purchase of a wedding gown.” He leaned across the desk. “I’ve been in meetings with Judge Webster regarding the estate, and we have combed through all of Mortimer’s records.”

“I’m sure that proved to be terribly boring.”

“Quite the contrary. We discovered that Mortimer had deceived me and falsified the records he presented to the court as true and factual documents.” Jonas didn’t need to force himself to appear distressed. He worried that the girls would walk in the house at any minute, and he wasn’t prepared to include Fanny in their discussion just yet.

Quincy frowned and shook his head. “How is that possible? Did you give Mortimer free rein? You’re the man who prides himself upon keeping abreast of details. How did this slip by you?”

The questions and comments were not what Jonas had expected. He’d thought Quincy would simply acknowledge the oversight and ask for financial details. Instead, his brother appeared unconvinced that Mortimer could have accomplished such a feat without his knowledge.

“You may recall that I have had my own business matters to handle. I didn’t have time to oversee all of the issues surrounding the estate. That’s what a lawyer is hired to do. Rest assured that if I’d been checking on Mortimer, I wouldn’t have suffered such huge losses myself. His actions have created problems for all of us.”

With the revelation that Jonas had been financially affected, his brother appeared at least partially convinced. “Exactly how did Mortimer commit these transgressions?”

“From what the judge and I have unraveled thus far, it appears Mortimer commingled the money and skimmed a healthy portion off the top for himself.”

“Why would he commingle the funds?”

“To make his crime more difficult to discover. It appears he’d been converting assets for his personal use for some time. Now that he’s dead, we’re unable to locate any of those funds. This is a financial disaster. And to think that I trusted Mortimer!”

Quincy visibly paled as he digested the unwelcome news. “This affects all of Father’s estate?
All
of the Broadmoor holdings?”

“I won’t be able to say with absolute certainty until we’ve completed our audit of all the records, but I assure you that Judge Webster has been assisting me with a plan to secure the estate from further losses.”

“This is tragic news.” Quincy massaged his forehead. “We ought not to tell Fanny just yet. There’s no need to upset the girl with this news when she’s in the midst of making plans for her wedding. However, I do hope that you’ve retained a reputable lawyer to help you work through this muddle.”

“I haven’t had sufficient time to decide upon a lawyer. I thought my first obligation was to talk to you.”

“I appreciate that, Jonas. But now that we’ve talked, I think you must make your priority hiring a lawyer who will protect all of our interests. If you’d like me to assist you in finding someone, I’d be happy to request references from several of my acquaintances.”

“No, no—that’s not necessary. You’re busy enough with your duties at the Home. I can make inquiries at the men’s club. I’m sure one of the businessmen there can offer an excellent recommendation.”

Quincy appeared shaken by the revelation, but at least he’d accepted Jonas’s explanation that it was Mortimer who was at fault.

“I suppose you’re correct. The men at the club could furnish an excellent recommendation.”

“You do understand none of this is my fault, don’t you? I hope I can count on your support.”

Quincy nodded. “I know you would never intentionally do anything that would cause the family to lose any of our assets. We’ll get this all worked out. Who knows, perhaps something good will come from all of this.”

Jonas arched his brows. How like his brother to think something good could come from having his inheritance stolen from beneath his nose. He wanted to tell his brother he was a fool. But he remained silent. For now, Jonas needed Quincy as his ally.

“I know you’ll manage to find the proper attorney to help us through this maze. You have my every confidence,” Quincy continued as the men walked toward the front door.

“And we’re agreed that we’ll say nothing of this to anyone else,” Jonas said.

“Yes. I would especially urge you to remain silent where Fanny is concerned. We don’t want her unduly upset.”

“You need not worry yourself in that regard. I’ll not say a word.”

12

While still in the arms of the carriage driver, Amanda glanced over her shoulder to make certain no one had observed her. She’d let out a high-pitched yelp that should have wakened the dead. But from all appearances, no one had noticed. Or if they had, they obviously weren’t concerned over her distress. In her haste to escape Blake and his beautiful visitor, she’d forgotten to lift her skirts and had snagged her hem on the toe of her shoe. Had the carriage driver not been standing nearby, she would have been thrown headlong into the front wheel of his cab.

After righting herself, she showered the driver with profuse thanks. Unfortunately she’d likely overdone it, for the poor man’s face had turned the shade of a ripe tomato by the time he closed the carriage door. Once they were on their way, Amanda leaned forward and lifted the edge of her skirt to examine the stitching. She hadn’t torn the fabric, but the hem would require repair before she went shopping with her cousins. Otherwise she would likely once again become tangled in the hem and end up flat on the sidewalk before day’s end. A disgusted sigh escaped her lips as she dropped her skirt back into place. What had begun as an enjoyable few minutes of banter with Blake had ended in disaster.

She stared out the window and tried to convince herself she’d gone to the Home to check on the progress of ailing patients. In truth, she’d wanted to know how Blake was faring without her. She had hoped Blake would tell her he’d been rendered useless without her and beg her to remain at his side. Before going to bed last night, she’d played the scene over and over in her mind. But instead of being implored to stay, Amanda had been forced to witness a strange woman rushing into Blake’s arms and accepting his marriage proposal. Tears pooled in the corners of her eyes. She batted her lashes, but to no avail. The tears trickled down her cheeks. No wonder Blake had disavowed he’d ever proclaimed his love for her. He was engaged to marry. What a fool she’d made of herself!

When they arrived at the small house belonging to Paul and Sophie, the driver jumped down and opened the door. Amanda withdrew a coin from her reticule. “For your excellent service,” she said, placing the coin in his hand.

He tipped his hat. “Thank you and a good day to you, ma’am.”

“I don’t think it can get any worse,” Amanda muttered, holding her skirts high. She climbed the front steps to Sophie’s house and tapped on the door.

Within moments Sophie opened the front door. “What has happened? You look like a thundercloud about to burst.”

“
I’m
not the thundercloud, but you’re right about one thing. A dark cloud arrived in Rochester, and it has dumped a bucketful of cold water on my entire future.” Amanda brushed past Sophie and strode into the parlor while still holding her skirt above her ankles.

“Was that Amanda I heard?” Fanny brightened when she entered the room. “I’m so pleased you’ve returned. We do need to be on our way.”

“We can’t go anywhere until I st-stitch my . . .” She waved the hem of her skirt in the air and broke into heaving sobs.

Amanda sat down and both Fanny and Sophie rushed forward. The two of them surrounded Amanda, and Fanny gathered her into a warm embrace. “Do tell us what has happened. Did you fall and injure yourself?”

“N-n-no,” she sniffled. “It’s B-b-blake.” She accepted the handkerchief Sophie offered and wiped her eyes.

“Take a deep breath and then tell us,” Fanny instructed.

After several restorative breaths, Amanda gave an affirming nod. “I think I’m better now.” In between occasional sniffles, she related the unexpected and harrowing events. “Then, as I rushed down the path and through the gate, I caught my hem on the toe of my shoe and lost my balance.”

Sophie straightened her shoulders. “Exactly who is this Julia woman?”

“I’ve told you everything I know. Blake has never mentioned her to me, but from all appearances they are very well acquainted.”

Sophie’s eyebrows pinched together in a frown. “Who does this Julia think she is, coming to Rochester and interfering with the man you want to marry? I’ve half a mind to go over there and have a long talk with her. I could set matters aright in no time.”

“Sophie Medford, you’ll do no such thing! Remember, you’re a lady.” Fanny tapped Amanda on the arm. “When did you decide you wanted to marry Dr. Carstead? The last I recall hearing, you said you wanted only to become a doctor and that he was too old for you.”

“I never said he was too old.” How could Fanny say such a thing? Amanda had always considered Blake quite perfect—his age, at least—if not his actions. “He is less than ten years my senior.”

“If he’s not ten years older, then he’s nine and three-quarters,” Fanny replied. “I care little about his age. It is you who took issue with his age when he first arrived.”

“I don’t recall any such thing. Sophie, do you remember me ever saying Dr. Carstead was too old for me to consider a suitor?”

Sophie shrugged. “As I recall, you’ve never wanted a suitor, no matter his age.”

Amanda sighed. Their conversation was hardly relevant. It seemed Blake Carstead was a fraud. He’d never so much as hinted that he already had plans to marry. She sniffled and wiped her eyes.

“I’m sorry, Amanda. Instead of showing you proper sympathy, I’ve been busy asking questions.” Fanny grasped Amanda’s hand. “Please forgive me for my insensitivity. I think we should put aside today’s shopping expedition and wait until tomorrow. The two of us should take our bags and get settled at your house, Amanda.”

“I want to come along, too,” Sophie put in.

Amanda blinked away her tears and glanced toward the kitchen. “What about Paul? Don’t you want to remain here with him?”

“He’s not very happy with me,” Sophie whispered.

“All the more reason you should stay,” Amanda replied. “If Paul must return to work later, you can come and join us at the house. We promise that we’ll not do anything fun without you.”

“I doubt the two of you would ever do anything fun or exciting if you didn’t have me to urge you along.” Sophie grinned. “I suppose you’re correct. I’d best stay here for a while.”

Fanny leaned close to Sophie’s ear. “See what you can do to resolve your difficulties with Paul.”

Sophie turned her gaze toward the staircase. “I will.”

A sense of relief washed over Fanny once they arrived at Broadmoor Mansion and the butler informed them the master of the house had departed only a few minutes earlier. “A shame that you missed him, for he’ll likely be out the remainder of the afternoon.”

Fanny hoped that would be the case. The one thing she’d dreaded about this trip back to Rochester was seeing her uncle and living under his roof. If she had her way, she’d spend the majority of her time at Broadmoor Island until Michael returned. Of course, legal matters with Mr. Rosenblume might require a return to Rochester, but she hoped any such legal proceedings could be conducted without her.

“Shall we have tea prepared?” Amanda inquired.

The question pulled Fanny from her thoughts. “Yes, of course. Tea would be lovely. After today’s events, we would both benefit from refreshments. I’ll go to the kitchen and ask to have tea served in half an hour. That way we can go upstairs and freshen up beforehand.”

“An excellent idea,” Amanda said as she peered into the mirror above the mantel. “My hair is a fright and my eyes are puffy.”

Fanny chuckled. “Your eyes are not puffy. You didn’t cry enough to cause puffy eyes. Go on—I’ll join you upstairs shortly.”

The two of them parted in the foyer, Amanda turning toward the front staircase and Fanny toward the kitchen. Once Fanny had greeted the cook, she requested tea and hurried up the back staircase to her bedroom. The maid had already unpacked the few belongings she’d brought along. She had hoped they would need to stay under Uncle Jonas’s roof only one night, but with Amanda’s tears and the angry exchange between Paul and Sophie, they would likely be here longer than expected. She removed a dark brown gored skirt and fawn silk blouse from the wardrobe. These would do nicely for a quiet afternoon.

She was adjusting the last pin in her hair when Amanda tapped on the bedroom door and called, “Are you ready for tea?”

With a determined push, she stuck the pin into her hair, took one final look in the mirror, and hurried to the door. “I am refreshed and eager to have a cup of tea.” She looped arms with her cousin. “I do hope the cook put a few of her wonderful lemon cookies on the tray. I saw she’d been baking earlier in the day.”

Amanda chuckled. “If she didn’t, we’ll have to go in and demand our fair share.”

Fanny had poured tea in both of their cups when the front doorbell rang. Marvin hastened through the hallway, and moments later Sophie appeared in the parlor doorway. “I see my timing is impeccable. I’m just in time for tea.”

“Sophie! I thought you were going to spend the afternoon with Paul.” Amanda set her cup and saucer on the marble-topped table and leaned forward to peek around Fanny.

“That was my intention, but soon after you departed, he told me he had an appointment at one of the local churches and then was needed at the Home for the Friendless.” She took a seat across from her two cousins. “Once he left, I decided to join you two.”

Paul couldn’t have been at home for long, as Sophie had refashioned her hair and changed into a different dress, one that appeared brand-new. “Was Paul in good humor when you two parted?” Fanny asked.

“I believe he was rather preoccupied. He said he would call for me when he had completed his duties.” Sophie helped herself to one of the lemon cookies. “If he forgets, then I may spend the night here. Are you feeling better, Amanda?”

“I suppose, but I am shocked by this secret life Blake has been leading.”

“I wouldn’t make any hasty judgments,” Fanny cautioned. “There may be an explanation.”

Sophie chortled. “An explanation? How does a man explain a woman rushing into his arms and accepting his marriage proposal? Amanda’s already told us that Blake knew her. After all, he said her name, did he not?”

“I suppose there’s some merit to what you’re saying, but—”

“Then you do think he’s an ill-bred cad,” Amanda cried as she removed a handkerchief from her skirt pocket and dabbed her eyes.

“I don’t think I would consider him ill bred, but perhaps a cad,” Fanny said. “Of course, I knew nothing of this romance you indicate existed between the two of you, so I find it difficult to judge the man or his actions.”

“Indicate? He said he loved me. I heard him when I was lying on my sickbed near death. He was praying. I know what I heard.”

“This discussion is doing nothing but causing distress. I suggest we formulate our plans for tomorrow’s shopping,” Fanny said. “I think if we begin—”

“Good afternoon, Mr. Broadmoor.” At the sound of the butler’s greeting, the three cousins turned toward the foyer. “Your daughter and two of your nieces are taking tea in the front parlor.”

When Jonas appeared in the doorway, Fanny met her uncle’s intense stare with what she hoped was a hard look. She was determined that he would be the one to turn away first. Silly, perhaps, but she didn’t want her uncle to think he frightened her. Let him worry that his disloyal behavior would cause him no end of difficulty.

“I had heard the three of you were in Rochester. I do hope you don’t plan to remain here for any length of time.” He set his gaze on Amanda. “I have much I need to accomplish before going to the island to visit your mother and don’t need any added inconvenience.”

He turned and walked off before any of them could respond to his curt announcement.

“That was certainly a fine welcome for his daughter and nieces,” Fanny said. “Your father appears to have set aside all civility and love of family since your mother has departed.” She glared after her uncle. “In fact, long before Aunt Victoria departed.”

“There’s no need for harsh words, Fanny. Father is preoccupied with his business. From what Mother tells me, he worries overmuch since the financial downturn. He doesn’t want the family to suffer any losses.”

Fanny attempted to shake off her feelings of disgust. The only person her uncle worried about was himself. Yet she couldn’t say that to his daughter. What would Amanda think if she knew her father had thwarted her plans to attend medical school? Fanny doubted Amanda would think him such a fine patriarch if she knew he had no more character than a rotted turnip.

Jonas closed the door to his library and removed a bottle of scotch from the bottom drawer of his desk. Of late he’d taken to drinking during the afternoon, especially when he couldn’t control the circumstances of his life. And that lack of control seemed to occur more and more frequently. Of all days, why had his nieces and daughter appeared in Rochester today?

He glanced at the clock. Ellert Jackson would be arriving for dinner, and he didn’t want anything to go amiss. Just as the return of his daughter and nieces had come as an unwelcome surprise, Ellert’s arrival in town had managed to catch him off guard. Though there should be no cause for worry, the very fact that Ellert wanted to see him caused a sense of apprehension. The liquor would quiet the demons that danced in his mind nowadays.