To Honor and Trust (16 page)

Mrs. Brown waved her fan in Mrs. Osbourne's direction. “We're going to be leaving the island early this year, Jeanette. We've been invited to attend the president's inaugural in March.”

Every woman in the room swiveled in Vanetta's direction. She beamed at the reaction.

“Truly? You're going to the inaugural ball?” Jeanette's eyes were as large as two saucers.

“No. Mr. Wilson has elected to do away with the ball. He thinks it too frivolous for such a solemn occasion.” She lowered
her voice. “However, we've been invited to a dinner party the following evening. I must say I'm somewhat disappointed he's canceled the ball, but my dear husband says we must take heart that we've finally elected a good man to take the helm and lead this country.”

“We're thrilled for you, Vanetta, but do remember that we don't discuss politics at our gatherings,” Mrs. Albright said.

Vanetta looked as though she'd had the wind knocked from her sails, but she soon regained a smile when Mrs. Willoughby leaned close and congratulated her on the inaugural invitation.

When they were completing their final game of bridge, Mrs. Daly inquired about plans for the Valentine's ball. “Who is on the committee this year? Last year's ball was splendid, and I, for one, am hoping for a repeat.”

“The social director is taking care of all the arrangements. No need for concern. I believe it will be a lovely affair, Frances.” Mrs. Bridgeport briefly looked at Callie before turning back to Frances. “Is your son arriving in time to attend?”

Callie knew that look: Mrs. Bridgeport considered Aaron Daly a suitable catch. She didn't wait to hear Mrs. Daly's reply. Instead, she excused herself from the table then strode through the kitchen and out the back door. She didn't want to be offered up as a sacrificial date for Aaron Daly. Mrs. Bridgeport might find him suitable, but Callie wasn't interested in a date for the Valentine's ball or a “suitable” husband.

Keeping a steady pace, she walked toward the beach. Maude and the children should still be there. Callie would much rather spend the next hour with them than listen to the women continue their discussion of the Valentine's ball and other upcoming social events—especially since Mrs. Bridgeport typically used these gatherings to seek out possible prospects for Callie.
Much as she loved the woman, she disliked her employer's never-ending attempts at matchmaking.

When she neared the beach, she glimpsed the two girls building some sort of structure in the sand while Thomas appeared to be scouring the sand closer to the water's edge, likely seeking some special shell for his collection. Maude sat hunched over on a piece of driftwood.

Maude waved and jumped to her feet as Callie drew near. “Land alive, but it's good to see you.” She rubbed her hand down her back. “I'm tired of sitting on this uncomfortable piece of wood. Can we go home now?”

“The ladies will probably be there for a while longer, but they've finished playing cards. You can go back to the house if you'd like. I'll wait a while longer and bring the children home with me.”

Maude brightened at the offer. “If you're sure you don't mind, I'd be grateful to get out of this sunshine. I'd rather be helping Lula and Jane than sitting out here.”

Callie laughed. “Then it works well for both of us. I'd rather be out here on the beach than back at the house.”

After Maude departed, Callie examined the sand castle the girls were building. Then she joined Thomas to see what special shells he'd collected. She was examining one of the shells when she heard Lottie call to her. She turned to see Wesley strolling toward her.

He waved and smiled. “Find anything unique?”

Thomas reached into his pocket. “This is my favorite, but it's not a shell.” He held out his hand.

“Looks like you found a shark's tooth. I'd say that's a keeper, for sure.” Wes looked at Callie. “And what have you found, Callie?”

“I arrived only a short time ago, so I haven't found anything. I thought maybe Thomas could direct me to the turtle nests, so I could show them to the girls.”

Wes frowned. “The sea turtles nest during the summer months, usually from June to August, so I doubt you'll see much of anything at this time of year.” He tousled Thomas's hair. “But if you want to go and see where they usually come in, I can show you.”

Callie tried to recall what Archie had told them about the sea turtles. Thomas had asked a number of questions on their way to the beach that day. Perhaps Archie hadn't actually said they came ashore at this time of year, but he'd led her to believe they did—and he did tell her that he had left Thomas on the beach examining turtle nests. But she and Thomas had never discussed whether he'd seen anything. He'd been too ill at the time, and later she'd simply forgotten to ask.

“Is that why I never found anything when Mr. Archie brought me to look for them? But he said—”

Wes nodded. “Sorry, Thomas, but you won't see much of anything unless it's summer.”

Thomas tipped his head back and looked up at Wes. “But Mr. Archie has been working here for a few years. He should know when the turtles lay their eggs, shouldn't he?”

Wes smiled at the boy. “He should, but maybe he was just confused.”

Callie knew better. Archie Penniman hadn't been confused—not in the least.

While her ankle healed, Callie had attended and watched both tennis and golf lessons with Thomas, but she'd been unable to participate. During the first week she'd been able to avoid Archie, and during the lessons that followed, he had accepted her requests to maintain his distance. For that, she'd been very grateful. And now that the time had arrived for her to resume her own lessons, she felt a bit more at ease.

As she and Thomas pedaled toward the tennis courts, her thoughts drifted to the two instructors. Not that one should compare, but it had been impossible for her to refrain from doing so over these past weeks. While Archie's behavior toward her had improved, he maintained a certain edge that bothered her. Perhaps because he was accustomed to having girls flock to him, her refusal of his advances had increased his determination. Maybe he was a man who enjoyed the challenge of pursuit, and once a girl accepted his advances, he lost interest. She thought the idea held some merit, but she would never test her theory. Such an experiment could lead to disaster. She shivered at the thought.

Meanwhile, she'd found Wesley the exact opposite of Archie.
His comments were kind, yet unassuming. Even when alone with him, she never feared he might attempt to take advantage. His laughter filled her thoughts as she rode.

“What are you smiling about?” Thomas glanced around as though he expected to see something on the road or in the brush that might have created her good humor.

Callie inhaled a deep breath, enjoying the ocean scent carried on the breeze. “Just a few private thoughts. I'm happy to have regained the ability to pedal my bike and join you in your lessons.”

She wanted to say “golf lessons,” but Thomas might question her if she omitted the tennis lessons. And she didn't want to do or say anything to convey her dislike of Mr. Penniman. Her attitudes were often adopted by the children. She didn't want that to occur in this instance, for she'd seen far too many children fail in their studies and activities due to misunderstanding or conflict with an instructor. Thomas enjoyed tennis, and she'd seen great improvement in his game, so she didn't want to undermine his progress in any way.

The boy lifted one hand from the bicycle handlebars and pushed his flat woolen cap back on his head. “Mr. Wesley likes you.”

“Really? You think Mr. Wesley likes me?”

“Yep. I sure do.” Thomas continued to steer his bike with only one hand.

Callie tried to hide her smile, but she couldn't deny the surge of pleasure that pulsed deep within. If the boy had said he thought Mr. Archie liked her, she wouldn't have been surprised. But Wes had never done anything to indicate he wanted more than her friendship. Why had the simple remark caused her heart to pound a new beat? She had promised herself she
would never again become captivated by the charms of any man. Thomas was probably mistaken. He knew nothing of attraction between a man and woman.

“What makes you think so, Thomas?”

“He said so.”

Callie tried to suppress the excitement bubbling in her chest. “Exactly what did he say?”

Confusion clouded the boy's eyes as he glanced at her. “He said he liked you.”

“Oh.” One word was all she could manage. While at least ten questions rested on the tip of her tongue, she knew better than to ask. Thomas already appeared perplexed by her question. If she inquired further, he might say something to Wesley—something that could prove embarrassing to both of them.

Besides, Wesley's remark had likely been no more than a simple comment. She pictured the golf instructor asking Thomas if he liked his tutor. Thomas would have replied that he liked her very much. In all probability, Wesley would have then said that he liked Callie, too. The remark had nothing to do with Wesley caring for her beyond a casual friendship. That's what she told herself. And the thought should have pleased her. She was, after all, a woman who didn't want a beau. How strange that disappointment should assail her rather than relief.

She pushed aside the thought as they wheeled to the small building near the tennis courts.

Archie stepped outside as they arrived and glanced at her bicycle. “So, the ankle has healed. I'm glad to see you'll be able to continue your tennis lessons today. I heard you went golfing last week.” He grinned. “Of course, golf doesn't take much strength.”

She wanted to argue the point, but such a discussion would waste valuable time when Thomas should be playing tennis. Once Thomas took off toward the courts, Archie stepped closer. “I think if you'd let go of the past, you'd discover I'm worthy of your affections.”

Startled by his remark, she frowned. “What do you know about my past, Mr. Penniman?” Had Archie been inquiring about her past? She tightened her hold on the tennis racket. Just when she thought the man might have changed, he did something else to create mistrust.

“I don't know anything specific, Callie, but I do know women.”

She arched her brows. “Do you? And what does your vast knowledge tell you about me?”

He leaned against the doorframe and assumed a casual air. “You're a beautiful woman, so I believe you've had your share of suitors. Either one of those gentlemen broke your heart, or you're waiting for someone of a higher social class to take notice so that you can enjoy a privileged life. Personally, I believe some cad broke your heart and now you're afraid of men.”

The truth of his bold statement annoyed her. “My reason for remaining single is none of your concern, Mr. Penniman.”

“As I said before, if you'd let go of the past and trust your heart, you'd find me worthy of your affections.”

When he took a step toward her, she lifted the tennis racket. “We've had this discussion one too many times, Mr. Penniman. I told you I would tolerate no further advances from you.” She motioned toward the tennis court. “You have a student waiting.”

Mrs. Bridgeport had insisted upon buying several new gowns for Callie before they'd departed Indianapolis. Callie had protested the purchases, but Mrs. Bridgeport had prevailed. Callie disliked the fancy parties and balls, but Mrs. Bridgeport counted it her moral obligation and duty to find a suitable man for Callie—whether she wanted a suitable man or not. For the Valentine's ball, Mrs. Bridgeport had selected a fabric the seamstress referred to as peony red. Mrs. Bridgeport declared the color pure perfection. Callie thought quite the opposite. It would be impossible to hide in the bright red confection. At least the older woman's attempts to arrange an escort had proved unsuccessful. For that, Callie was thankful.

Callie looked over her shoulder when Mrs. Bridgeport tapped on the door and entered. “Your dress looks lovely, dear.” The older woman rubbed her forehead. “Of all days for sickness to overtake the household. I cannot believe both Lottie and Maude are ill.” Mrs. Bridgeport rubbed her forehead. “Next it will be Daisy and Thomas.”

Callie smiled at the woman's exaggeration.

Mrs. Bridgeport sighed. “I wonder if I could convince Lula or Jane to stay until we return from the ball.”

“There's no need for either of them to remain. I'm more than happy to stay here and take care of Maude and Lottie as well as Thomas and Daisy. Lula and Jane aren't accustomed to caring for the children. It will be much easier for me to stay at home.” Callie didn't add that it would also be much more to her liking. She would have been willing to care for an entire household of sick family members if it meant she didn't have to attend the Valentine's ball.

Mrs. Bridgeport clasped her hands together. “I am so disappointed. If only I could think of some other solution.”

Callie shook her head with such zeal a hairpin dropped to the floor. “This is where I am needed. Please don't worry yourself any further.”

“Much as I dislike the idea of having you miss the ball, I suppose you're right. I must get dressed and there's not time to make any other arrangements.” The older woman's shoulders drooped in defeat as she departed the room, but Callie sighed with relief. In no time, she'd changed out of the dress and hurried down the hallway to check on Lottie.

Once Mr. and Mrs. Bridgeport said their good-byes, Callie returned upstairs. By bedtime, Lottie was feeling much better, and after preparing the children for bed and listening to their prayers, Callie went to check on Maude.

She tapped lightly on the door and waited. “Maude, are you awake?”

“That you, Callie? Come on in.”

Maude's voice sounded weak. Callie opened the door and stepped inside. Maude was lying down, her complexion as white as the bedsheet.

Callie studied the woman. “Lottie's feeling much better, so I was hoping you'd regained some strength, too.” Callie saw a tray sitting atop the chest of drawers and went over to examine it. “You haven't touched your food. You'll not regain your strength if you don't eat.”

Maude placed her palm across her stomach. “I don't think my stomach is ready for food just yet. Maybe tomorrow.” She forced a smile. “I'm glad to know Lottie is feeling better. It gives me hope that I'm going to recover. For a while, I wasn't too sure. My insides hurt so bad I thought it would be easier to just go on and die.”

Callie returned to Maude's beside. “I'm truly sorry you're
so ill. I wonder if you and Lottie ate something that made you sick.”

“Don't know what it would be. We didn't have anything other than what the rest of you had for lunch and supper yesterday.” She hesitated a moment. “Aren't you supposed to be at the Valentine's ball tonight?”

Callie nodded. “Yes, and I have you and Lottie to thank for saving me another boring evening.”

Maude shook her finger. “You need to quit talking like that, Callie. I know you don't like the parties and such, but Mrs. Bridgeport is trying to give you an opportunity to meet someone so that you'll have a good life. I don't want to insult you, but many young ladies your age have already married. The older you get, the fewer chances you'll have.”

Callie knew Maude's comments weren't intended to hurt her—and they didn't. She simply wished she could make others understand that she didn't believe marriage was her only option. Why did a woman need a husband in order to be accepted in society? None of this had seemed important when she'd been engaged to Matthew. But nowadays everyone appeared determined to save her from the possibility of spinsterhood—whether she wanted to be saved or not.

Maude grasped Callie's hand. “Surely you meet some nice fellows when you're out with Thomas and the girls.”

Callie shuddered. “The one I was around today wouldn't be considered nice. I think I mentioned Mr. Penniman, the tennis instructor, to you before.” She frowned and met Maude's gaze. “I believe he's the most disagreeable man I've ever encountered. He will not take no for an answer. I plan to speak with Mrs. Bridgeport tomorrow. If she can't find someone else to take Thomas to his lessons, I hope she will consider
withdrawing him from future classes. I don't want to be around Mr. Penniman again.”

Maude appeared lost in thought for a moment but then inhaled a deep breath. “You can't let a few bad apples spoil the barrel. There are lots of good men out there. You just need to find the right one. I think if you'd look around a little and open your heart, there would be many opportunities for someone with your beauty and intelligence.”

“Thank you, Maude. That's very kind.” For a moment, she considered telling the older woman about Wesley but changed her mind. She knew what would happen. If she dared to mention Wesley's attributes, Maude would assume far too much. Better to keep thoughts of the handsome golf instructor tucked in the back of her mind.

Mrs. Bridgeport had been sympathetic to her complaints regarding Mr. Penniman. She wanted to speak with Mr. Bridgeport and have the matter brought to the attention of Mr. Nusbaum or Mr. Crocker, but Callie had objected. She didn't want the man terminated, but she did want to avoid further contact with him. Because she feared Archie's behavior could prove to be a poor influence upon Thomas, his mother decided to offer him additional golf lessons.