Amelia's Journey (18 page)

Ben gazed at his grandfather seated in the wingback chair by the fireplace. Although pale and somewhat thinner, he looked much better than he had before Ben had left a few weeks ago. Still, one could tell by the man's eyes and shaky hands that he was not well. Thankful that Grandpapa could enjoy Christmas with them, Ben bent on one knee to give the man a hug.

“I'm so glad you feel well enough to be downstairs to enjoy Christmas Eve with us. We've all been so worried about you.”

A wrinkled, blue-veined hand grasped Ben's. “I wouldn't think of missing Christmas with my youngest son and his family here. It's so rare that you're home for the holiday, so this is a treat.”

His voice, though low, still had a strong resonance to it that reminded Ben of his younger days when Grandpapa laughed and played with Ben and his cousins. He'd showed them how to whistle through their fingers, much to the chagrin of their mothers, and he'd taught them all to play chess.

Ben stood when his father and Andrew entered the room. They'd been in Grandpapa's study, and from the smile of joy on Andrew's face, the meeting had been successful. Pa clapped his hands for attention.

“Everyone, Mary Beth and Andrew have an announcement to make.” He grinned broadly and nodded for Mary Beth to join Andrew.

Andrew grasped her hand in his and swallowed. “I would like to announce that Mary Beth and I plan to marry. Mr. Haynes has given us his blessings, and we pray the rest of you will also.”

Aunt Clara squealed, and Grandmama muttered something about it being time he declared himself. Ben chuckled. Nothing escaped Grandmama's attention. As busy as she'd been taking care of Grandpapa, she'd still been aware of what was going on in her family. She'd already told him what a wonderful girl she thought Amelia was and wished him success in winning her father's approval. With Ma, Clara, and Grandmama all praying for him and Amelia, God had to hear and answer with a positive response.

Ma gathered everyone except Grandpapa around the piano. He had a place of honor in a chair nearby. She began playing Christmas songs, and they all joined in the singing. Twice Ben had to retrieve Billy from beneath the tree. The eight-year-old's enthusiasm for Christmas was difficult to curb, but he'd have to wait like everyone else.

Ben noticed Mary Beth and Andrew slip away. A few minutes later they returned, and his sister wore the happiest expression on her face he'd ever seen on her. When the carol ended, she leaned over and whispered to Ma.

Ma's eyes lit up bright as the Christmas tree, and her hands flew to her mouth. Mary Beth turned around and held out her hand. “Andrew has given me his grandmother's ring for Christmas to make our betrothal official.”

Grandmama, Clara, and Grace Ann all gathered around to admire the ring. Ben leaned over his youngest sister and gulped when he saw the dark blue star sapphire. He'd never be able to afford anything like that for Amelia. Grandpapa may be wealthy, but Ben was not, and he wouldn't dare ask for money to buy jewelry, even for Amelia. Whatever he gave her would be with his own money.

A few minutes later Mary Beth beckoned to him to join her and Andrew in the foyer. Andrew said his good-byes to the rest of the family and thanked them for their hospitality. Whatever his sister had to say, he hoped it would involve Amelia somehow.

Andrew and Mary Beth stood hand in hand, and Mary Beth's smile looked like a kitten lapping up cream. “Andrew and I are taking a carriage ride the day after Christmas. We want you and Amelia to go with us. Andrew will ask Mr. Carlyle's permission for her to go. We believe he'll say yes because of his respect for Andrew and Andrew's father. Ma and Aunt Clara know what we're doing, but we haven't said anything to Pa. We don't think he'd object, but he might not be highly supportive. So what do you think?”

What did he think? Anything to be with Amelia would be fine with him, especially if her father knew and consented. “It's fine…no, more than fine. It's wonderful, and I can't thank you enough for both of you being so willing to give up time together to help Amelia and me.”

Mary Beth beamed up at Andrew. “We have the rest of our lives together, and anything we can do to help you and Amelia be as happy as we are is a blessing for us.”

Andrew extended his hand toward Ben and grinned. “Besides, since we're going to be brothers, I thought it prudent to be on your good side.”

Ben laughed and shook the offered hand. “Fine with me, and I look forward to having you as a member of our family.”

He then left them to say their good-byes and returned to the parlor where Ma continued singing carols, her clear alto voice filling the room with words telling of the Savior's birth. Ben glanced around the room. With his family gathered together and a roaring fire to keep them warm, Ben experienced a peace and contentment he hadn't felt since Grandpapa's illness. No one could know what tomorrow might bring, so this night he savored the moments in this room with loved ones. God had blessed him in wonderful ways this past year, and if all went as planned, more blessings would come in the year ahead.

Chapter 17

A
melia waited for Ben to come with Mary Beth and Andrew, her fingers tapping lightly on the lamp table. The fire on the hearth danced and swirled, its red, yellow, and gold flames matching the leaping and twirling of her heart.

Father had consented to her going out with Ben this afternoon, but the stern lines of his face told of his reluctance to grant the request. He had hesitated then nodded and gave his approval.

With Grandma and Grandpa present as well as Amanda and Charles, Papa had no choice but to say yes. Amanda had grinned and nodded her approval behind Papa. She and Charles had returned to their own home last night, and now Amelia missed her.

Grandma came into the parlor with her knitting basket. They were staying another night, and Amelia welcomed her company.

“I understand from Amanda that you care deeply for Benjamin Haynes.” Grandma sat on the burgundy brocaded sofa and pulled out her knitting needles. Her glasses sat on the tip of her nose, and she peered over them at Amelia.

“Oh, I do, I do, but Papa is very much against it.” She moved closer to her grandmother. As a child she had loved snuggling in Grandma's lap and listening to her stories.

“Yes, and I can understand why. Kansas is a long way from Boston, and he fears the distance will be too hard for your mother to accept.” Grandma twisted yarn around the needles to make the first stitch then began forming the first row.

“I know, but she should want me to be happy with the man I love. She loves Papa like I love Ben, but I don't think either one of them is concerned with that. They only want to see me marry one of the young men here, preferably Philip Barlow, and settle down like Amanda and Charles.” Only part of that rang true. Mama and Papa did want her to be happy, but they just believed that happiness could be found right here at home.

“Yes, your parents love each other and have from the beginning, as have Charles and Amanda, but often love can come later when the couple is evenly matched.” She stopped the clicking needles and once again peered over her glasses at Amelia.

“My dear, if you have prayed about this, and you still feel Ben is God's plan for you, nothing will stand in the way of your happiness.” Then she frowned and shook her head. “Unless that son of mine is too stubborn to see what is before his very eyes and insists on having his way.”

Such an ultimatum from Papa cast a shadow over every meeting she had with Ben. It always lurked in the background and jumped to the forefront when they talked about the future. With so many people understanding her love for Ben, Papa had to come around to seeing it himself.
God, please open Papa's eyes to the love I have for Ben.

“My dear, I believe I'll have a little talk with your mother. If she can be persuaded to see how much you care about each other, perhaps she will be able to show your father that your moving away will not be that difficult for her. Of course, I don't have much time, but I'll do what I can.”

Amelia reached over and wrapped her arms around her grandmother's shoulders. “I'm so glad you're my grandma. I love you and knew you'd do something to help me.”

Grandma laughed and picked up her needles. “Between you and Amanda, I don't have a chance. You girls are so dear to me. Your uncles have given me only grandsons, so you two girls have a special place in my heart.”

All but the two youngest cousins had married, and one would soon add a great-grandchild to the mix. The boys had been the bane of her existence growing up, and she had longed for just one girl cousin, but now she relished the idea of being one of two girls. With Mama being an only child, the boys were the only cousins she had.

If she married Ben, she'd be in a larger family with two new sisters and two brothers, as well as all of Ben's cousins and aunts and uncles. What fun it would to be part of such a family. Then she jumped to the future and the children she and Ben would have. She loved children and wanted at least four or five of her own. The boys would all look like Ben, and the girls would look like her or Mama. The perfect family.

The butler's voice broke her daydreaming. “Miss Amelia, Mr. Haynes is here.” He stepped back, and Ben stood in the doorway holding his hat in his hands.

Amelia jumped up and hurried to him. “I'm so glad you came.” Grandma cleared her throat, and Amelia pulled Ben into the parlor. “Ben, you remember my grandma, Mrs. Carlyle.”

“It's been awhile, but yes, I do remember meeting you.” He extended his hand in greeting.

Grandma grasped his hand in hers. “Yes, it was awhile ago. I'm so sorry that you are here because your grandfather is ill. How is he this day?”

A grin spread across Ben's face. “He was with us around the tree yesterday to exchange gifts and is feeling better.”

“That's good to hear. Please give my regards to your mother and father and especially to your grandmother. We haven't had time to visit like we once did.” She gathered up her knitting and stood. “I know you two must be getting along. I'm going upstairs for a bit of a nap before supper.” She kissed Amelia's cheek. “Have a wonderful afternoon, my dear.”

When she was gone, Ben offered his arm to Amelia. “Are you ready? Andrew and Mary Beth are already in the carriage.”

“Oh, my, they must be getting cold. Let me get my coat.” She stepped into the hallway where Murphy held her coat ready. She glanced back to the study and then toward the library, but she found no sign of her parents. That was strange, but perhaps they didn't know Ben had arrived and that she was leaving with him. Best not to call them in.

She pushed her arms into the sleeves of the coat Ben now held. “Murphy, will you tell Mama and Papa that I'll be home before evening?”

He nodded and handed Amelia her scarf and glove. “I will see that they know, Miss Amelia.”

“Thank you.” She reached for the hat she'd brought downstairs earlier and set it atop her upswept hair. After securing it with pins, she grinned up at Ben. “I'm all set now.” What a glorious afternoon this would be. Joy overflowed in her heart and down to her feet, and she longed to hop and skip out to the carriage.

Ben liked seeing Amelia happy, and he wished to see her in the same spirits more often. He helped her into the carriage where she settled into the seat opposite his sister and Andrew.

Mary Beth leaned forward. “I'm so glad your father allowed you to come with us. We're going to Andrew's home for a while, but you and Ben can use the carriage for a ride. The driver knows when to be back for us.”

Amelia's mouth dropped open at the revelation, and she turned to face Ben. “Did you know about this?”

“Not until we were on the way to pick you up. My sister and Andrew wish everyone to be happy like they are.” He'd scolded Mary Beth because of what Mr. Carlyle might say if he learned Amelia had been alone with Ben for the afternoon.

“We explained to my mother, and she's such a romantic that she suggested the carriage ride for the two of you, and if your father objects, she's ready to tell him it was her fault.” Andrew held Mary Beth's hand tight in his, and his eyes held hers with a gaze that spoke of their love.

Amelia relaxed against the back of the seat. “That's amazing. I can't believe so many people know about Ben and me.”

Mary Beth grinned and held out her hand. “Well, they do, and someday you'll have a ring like this to declare that love.”

Amelia squealed, grasped Mary Beth's hand, and admired the deep blue sapphire. “It's gorgeous.”

Ben sucked in his breath. If Amelia expected something like that from him, he'd have to disappoint her, and that he didn't want to do. Somehow he'd have to raise the money to buy her something when they could share their love openly without any secrets.

The carriage stopped, and Andrew stepped down to assist Mary Beth. “Have fun, you two, and we'll see you back here when it's time.” He closed the carriage door and tipped his hat to the driver. A few seconds later the carriage once again moved down the road.