To Honor and Trust (10 page)

He turned toward a woman partially hidden by the draperies near the doorway. She wasn't elderly, but time wasn't on his side. Taking long strides, he extended his hand as he neared her side. “May I have the honor of this dance?” Behind the mask, her eyes darted from side to side. She looked as if she'd like to turn and run. If so, he could understand, for he felt the same way.

“I-I suppose so, though I don't know that we've met.”

Wesley clasped her hand before she had an opportunity to run away and leave him stranded with the woman his father had chosen. Wesley escorted her to the edge of the dance floor and pointed to his mask. “That's the idea of the mask, isn't it? We don't know each other. I believe it's supposed to be rather mysterious and intriguing.”

She rested her hand on his shoulder as he grasped her right hand in his left. “I suppose you're correct. I find all of these formal parties rather boring. I was just looking to make an escape when you asked me to dance.”

“I thought as much when I saw you hiding behind the draperies.” Wesley twirled her away from the edge of the floor, where his father had now positioned himself. The young lady and older man were no longer at his side.

She giggled. “I didn't realize I was so obvious. If I could avoid every one of these parties, I would do so. Unfortunately, that doesn't often occur.” She followed his lead with perfection. “As far as I'm concerned, these gatherings are no more than a way for the women to show off their jewels and fashions and for the men to brag about their latest business success.” She pulled her lower lip between her teeth for a moment. “I apologize. I shouldn't have said such a thing.”

“I don't know why not. I couldn't agree more.” There was something familiar about her, yet he hadn't met any of the young socialites since his arrival.

Tipping her head to one side, she looked up at him. “So you're not one of those businessmen hoping to meet just the right investor?”

Wes looked into her eyes and wished he could remove the mask and see her face. “No, I'm not, but it sounds as though you're either the wife or daughter of such a man.”

She chuckled. “I am neither. I'm just a woman who enjoys getting to know people without the pretense. To tell you the truth, I generally prefer the company of servants to that of their mistresses. Though I may not always agree with them, I find them more forthright.”

“That's because servants don't attempt to impress one another. On the other hand, most of the people in this room wish to be the most important person on this island.” He smiled down at her, surprised by how much they had in common. “Do you find many opportunities to visit with the servants and staff here at the clubhouse?”

“Sometimes. In the past, I've enjoyed the company of several of the maids, and several days ago I met a very nice man who works here as a gardener. No, that's not correct. He's the golf pro and a levelheaded sort of fellow.”

His stomach lurched. This had to be Callie, the young woman who had nearly knocked him over with her bicycle. He stared deep into her eyes. Yes, he was sure of it. No wonder she had seemed familiar. “So first he's a gardener and then he's the golf pro? Which is it?”

She quickly explained how she had met the gardener and how he'd become the island golf pro. There was no doubt: He was dancing with the Bridgeports' tutor—and he was enjoying every minute. When the dance ended, he cajoled her into remaining for one more dance. When she agreed, he was filled with an inexplicable sense of pleasure. As they continued to dance, he questioned her a bit. She told him what he already knew: She was a tutor and also accompanied Mrs. Bridgeport to some of her society functions.

“And what of your future plans? Do you intend to remain a tutor?”

Her smile faded. “I am giving great thought and prayer to my future, but I haven't made a decision yet.” She went on to explain that her parents were working as missionaries in Africa. “I'm considering the possibility of joining them. The people there are in great need of teachers, doctors, and above all, God. But I've recently been offered another teaching position in Chicago at the school where I previously taught. Of course, I am very fond of the Bridgeport children and am not eager to leave them, so I'm carefully weighing my decision.”

This truly was a woman of much deeper substance than he'd imagined. When she refused another dance, he didn't attempt to dissuade her. If she remained with him any longer, he might say too much and reveal his identity. For now, he liked the idea of her thinking of him as no more than one of the help.

Although no written rule existed on Bridal Veil, it had become customary for guests with children to attend ten o'clock worship services on Sunday mornings. Guests who preferred to worship without the possibility of a crying infant or fussy toddler arrived at eleven o'clock. Callie thought the practice of separate worship a disservice to the youngsters. She believed children needed the opportunity to learn proper behavior in all circumstances. And she also believed those without children needed to exhibit greater tolerance for the little ones. However, what she believed didn't change the rules on Bridal Veil, and the separate worship services continued.

Callie descended the front stairs and smiled at the three children who stood in a row near the front door. Maude remained a few inches away, facing them. They looked like little soldiers awaiting orders from their commanding officer.

“Good morning, children. You all look lovely today.” Callie came alongside Daisy and traced her fingers through the little girl's hair.

Thomas wrinkled his nose. “I might look handsome, but please don't say I look lovely, Miss Callie.”

“You're right, Thomas. You look very
handsome
.” Callie turned and gave Maude a nod of approval. “And you are looking very nice in your new skirt and waist, Maude. It appears your shopping with Mrs. Bridgeport was successful.”

“Maybe not as fancy as I would have liked, but I'm satisfied with the new clothes the missus purchased for me.” The nanny touched a hand to her hair and smiled. “And after your lessons, I think I've finally mastered my hair a bit. It's not looking as unruly, do you think?”

“You've done a good job with it. I know it takes a few extra minutes, but it is quite attractive.”

Maude stared at herself in the hallway mirror. “You're right—it is becoming. And the missus said she thought I looked like a new woman.” She squeezed Callie's arm. “I have you to thank for helping me. All these years I've never been able to manage this hair, but it didn't take you long to figure out how to comb and pin it into place. You've lots more talent than most.”

“Thank you, Maude.” At the sound of footsteps overhead, Callie glanced toward the stairway. “We should be home by noon. We'll go for brunch at the clubhouse after church, so you have plenty of time to attend church and eat at the dining hall if you'd like. Jane attends regularly, and I'm sure she'd be glad to have you go along with her.”

“She's already offered,” Maude said.

Maude didn't say if she planned to attend, and Callie didn't ask. The hired help were required to attend a separate church service in one of the large dining halls where most of the servants were served their meals. That the servants weren't welcome at the church where the guests and investors worshiped disturbed Callie and went against her personal beliefs and the Bible training she'd received from her parents. Additionally,
only privately employed servants, like Maude, Jane, and Lula, had the privilege of choosing to eat at the family cottage or take an occasional meal at the dining hall.

The Bridgeports descended the stairs together. Mrs. Bridgeport grasped Daisy's hand, and Mr. Bridgeport gestured toward the front door. “Come along or we'll be late.” Lottie rushed forward and took her father's hand while Thomas and Callie followed behind.

During her first season on the island, Callie had boldly inquired about the practice of having a separate place of worship for the servants. Mr. Bridgeport had hemmed and hawed for a few moments before he told her the edifice wasn't large enough to accommodate both guests and servants. But Callie knew his explanation didn't hold water. She'd seen plenty of open pews in the sanctuary. On her second Sunday at Bridal Veil, she announced she would attend worship services with the servants.

That decision had brought an immediate and resounding no from Mrs. Bridgeport. “You're needed to help with the children. Besides, you're not truly a servant. We consider you part of our extended family. I'll hear nothing more about this subject.” And that had put an end to Callie's effort to show her solidarity and gain equality for the servants.

She thought herself a failure and a coward. If she'd been more like her mother and father, she would have argued her cause—or at least made a stand for what she believed to be right. But she hadn't. Since then, she'd dutifully marched off to the separate church services where the guests and investors sang hymns accompanied by their expensive organ. And each Sunday, the manifest hypocrisy greeted her at the front doors.

The six of them took their seats in one of the pews close to
the rear of the church—Mr. Bridgeport's choice. He preferred to have a vantage point that afforded him a good view of the congregation. Callie thought he used the time during the sermon to choose whom he would invite to join them for brunch. Instead of enjoying his family during the Sunday morning meal, Mr. Bridgeport discussed business. And though Callie cared deeply for both Mr. and Mrs. Bridgeport, she sometimes thought they placed too much importance on wealth and status. She did, however, remind herself that if it weren't for their wealth and status, she wouldn't have a job with them. And they treated her like family—something she'd not have with any other employer.

After the final hymn had been sung, Mr. Bridgeport gestured to a young couple with two daughters. When they drew near, he greeted them. “Mr. and Mrs. Kennebec, isn't it? We met after dinner a few evenings ago. I had hoped to invite your parents to brunch this morning.”

The young woman was holding hands with each of her daughters. “The rest of the family will be attending the late service.”

Mrs. Bridgeport stepped to her husband's side and introduced herself. “Your girls appear to be about the same age as our daughters.” She patted Lottie's shoulder. “This is Lottie, she's seven, and this is Daisy, five.” She nodded toward Thomas. “And our son Thomas, who will soon be thirteen.”

“How nice to meet all of you. Our girls are exactly the same age as yours. We have an infant son, but he's with his nanny. I do wish we could join you for brunch, but we had an early breakfast and will be joining the rest of the family when they return.” She smiled at Mrs. Bridgeport. “Please call me Helena. I always look for Richard's mother when someone addresses me as Mrs. Kennebec.”

Mr. Bridgeport and Mr. Kennebec led the way toward the clubhouse, no doubt talking business. Callie and Thomas followed closely behind Mrs. Bridgeport and Mrs. Kennebec. The four girls skipped ahead of the group, their childish laughter a soft echo on the warm morning breeze.

“I would find it much more to my liking if we had a cottage rather than rooms in the clubhouse,” Helena said. “We're accustomed to wintering at White Sulfur Springs, where we had a great deal more space. I find the rooms in the clubhouse difficult with the children. All the stairs and such.”

“Yes, I'm sure that does pose a problem. You'll need to bring the girls over to play some afternoon.” She glanced over her shoulder at Callie. “Callie conducts lessons for the children during the morning, but we can arrange a time for an afternoon visit. Do you have a tutor with you?”

“No. They're attending the school here on the island. We had been told that the school was quite good. Should I have brought along a tutor for them?”

Mrs. Bridgeport shook her head. “No, of course not. Callie tutors our children year-round, so she accompanies us when we come to Bridal Veil. Now, tell me a little about yourself, Helena. My husband mentioned your family is in woolens or textiles of some sort. Is that right?”

“Yes. My father owns two woolen mills in Lowell. My husband has joined the family company. Personally, I do my best to avoid their business discussions. I find it all a bit boring.”

“I will be certain to extend an invitation to you and your mother when I entertain some of the ladies for an afternoon of cards.” Mrs. Bridgeport glanced over her shoulder. “Callie, please add Helena and her mother to my guest list.”

“Thank you. Oh, and if you wouldn't think me too forward,
you might consider adding my sister-in-law, Melody. She recently married my brother Daniel. She won't be here for the entire season, but if you'll be entertaining within the next couple of weeks, I'm sure she'd appreciate being included.”

As the group climbed the steps to the wide veranda surrounding the clubhouse, Mrs. Bridgeport once again signaled to Callie. “Do add Melody Townsend to the list, as well, Callie.”

Callie nodded and remained at a distance while the group bid their farewells. The Kennebecs strode toward the stairway that would take them to their upstairs rooms while Callie and the Bridgeports waited to be seated in the dining room.

“The Kennebecs seem a nice young family, don't you think, Luther?” Mrs. Bridgeport grasped her husband's arm as the waiter led them to their table.

“Nice enough, I suppose, but it was Kennebec's father-in-law that I had hoped to visit with this morning.” He brushed the waiter aside and held the chair for his wife. “The Kennebec fellow has no power to make business decisions for the family.”

Callie settled the children and sat down between the two girls. For the remainder of the meal, she visited with Thomas and the girls while Mr. Bridgeport went on and on about his business ventures. Callie stole several looks at Mrs. Bridgeport during the meal. Poor woman. It appeared she was as bored with her husband's talk as the rest of them.

The girls waved to Maude, who was waiting on the front porch when they returned to Fair Haven. Callie followed as Maude shepherded the children inside. “Let's get your clothes changed so you don't ruin your Sunday best.” Maude glanced over her shoulder at Callie. “I don't know if you've made plans
for this afternoon, but it's a lovely day to spend some time on the beach. I do enjoy the ocean.”

“Can we go, too? Please?” Lottie and Daisy stopped at the top of the stairs and continued to plead with Maude and Callie.

“Sunday afternoons are free time for the staff,” Mrs. Bridgeport told them, patting Daisy's shoulder. “You girls know that. This is when Callie and Maude can spend several hours enjoying themselves.”

Daisy's lower lip quivered. “But I want to go to the beach. Will you take us, Mama?”

Mrs. Bridgeport shook her head. “I would love to, but I can't today. I told your father I would plan a dinner party for next week, and I've not yet taken care of the details.” She smiled at Callie. “Of course, I won't object if you want to take the girls along with you.”

Both girls jumped up and down and squealed. “Oh, please, Miss Callie, say we can go with you.”

Callie wasn't certain what to do. Maude had extended the invitation, and she didn't want to ruin her plans. She looked at Maude and arched her brows.

Maude leaned down and wagged her finger. “You can come along, but no more of this pouting. And the first time you do not listen, we'll march you right back home. Am I understood?”

“Yes, Miss Maude,” the two of them chanted in unison.

The girls were quick to change their clothes and follow every order Maude issued on the way to the beach. Callie spread a blanket a short distance from the water, and while the girls searched for shells, she and Maude sat down on the blanket and watched the breaking waves roll to the shore.

“A lovely day for relaxing. I've had hardly a minute to visit with you over the last couple of days what with your taking
Thomas for all of his lessons, the big doings at the clubhouse last night, and church this morning. I'm thinking you must be exhausted from trying to meet the needs of both parents and children in the Bridgeport household.”

Callie chuckled. “It's not so difficult. I've been with them long enough that I've become accustomed to their expectations.”

“Does that include giving up your days off whenever it's convenient for the missus?”

“She doesn't ask often. It takes a couple of weeks after we first arrive on the island for everyone to become acclimated to the different surroundings, schedules, and people. Mrs. Bridgeport doesn't usually entertain so soon after our arrival, and I think that's why she wanted time alone this afternoon.”

A gust of wind ruffled the blanket, and Maude grabbed the corner and stretched it back into place. “That's good to know. I don't mind this once, but I like having a bit of time to do as I please without the children.” She leaned back and stared at the blue sky. “Did young Thomas enjoy his golf and tennis lessons?”

“Yes. I think he preferred the golf instruction over the tennis lessons, and I completely concur with his choice.”

Maude frowned. “Why is that? Was the tennis instructor not capable?”

Callie leaned closer. “I believe he's a capable teacher, but he's much too brash a man for me. I didn't like the way he conducted himself when I first spoke to him about the lessons. And I told him so in no uncertain terms.” She shivered as she recalled how Archie had behaved. “On the other hand, the golf lessons were much more enjoyable. Thomas liked the instructor.”