To Honor and Trust (20 page)

Wes placed the basket on the ground and both of them rushed toward the children. Wes arrived a few paces before Callie and stooped down in front of Daisy. She was holding her hand on her leg and crying.

“What's wrong, Daisy?” Using the pad of his thumb, Wes wiped a tear from her cheek. “Did you scratch your leg?”

“No.” She shook her head. “I know I wasn't supposed to take off my stockings, but I was hot.” She looked up at Callie. “I sat down on the branch, and while I was rolling them up, a spider bit me.”

“Would you let me see?” Wes gently lifted her hand from her leg. The area had turned red and begun to swell. “Did you see the spider?”

Her lip quivered. “I tried to smack it, but it bit me before I could kill it.”

Callie stooped down alongside Wes and Daisy. “Can you tell me what color it was?”

“Dark brown or black.” Daisy's lips curled into a pout. “I don't like spiders.”

Wes smiled. “I'm not very fond of them myself. And since this spider decided to nibble on your leg, I think we should take you to the infirmary and have the doctor look at the bite and see what he thinks.”

Callie motioned Wes away from the children. “Do you think this could be dangerous?”

“I'm not familiar with all the spiders that might be on this island, but I know there may be a few that are poisonous. I think the doctor will be better able to look at the bite and treat her.”

Fear scaled Wes's spine as he watched the rapid swelling of the bitten area. Had he been able to look at the bite and offer a genuine medical opinion, Wes would have told Callie. But even with his knowledge of botany and a medical degree, he couldn't be certain about this spider bite or the best way to treat Daisy. He had no instruments or medicine, so a local doctor, familiar with common insects in the area, would be Daisy's best chance. And if his instincts were correct, she'd need all the help she could get.

Wes lifted the child into his arms and hurried down the path toward the infirmary. Callie sent Thomas home to tell his parents what had happened.

“What about our picnic?” Daisy's voice was no more than a whimper.

“We'll have our picnic another day. Right now, it's more important we see to your leg.” He didn't like her pallor or the sheen of perspiration that had spread across her face. “Daisy?”

“Huh?”

“Just keep talking to me, honey. Just keep talking.”

They hadn't been at the infirmary for long when Mr. and Mrs. Bridgeport rushed inside, their features pinched with fear.

Mrs. Bridgeport clasped Callie's arm. “Where is she?”

“In the other room with the doctor.” Callie glanced toward the doorway. “He asked us to wait here.”

Mr. Bridgeport motioned to his wife. “You go on in, Eunice.” He turned his attention back to Callie. “Exactly what happened, Callie? We have always trusted you with the children, but when Thomas came to fetch us, he said they were playing in the woods and that she was bit by some animal.” He shifted his gaze toward Wesley and frowned.

Thomas shook his head. “That's not what I said, Dad. I told you—”

Mr. Bridgeport waved the boy to silence. “I want to know what happened to Daisy.”

“We took the children to the woods, where Wes has been teaching them about the different plants and trees. He knows a great deal about—”

“I don't care what he knows about plants and trees, Callie. Tell me about Daisy.”

A tear rolled down Callie's cheek, and Wes touched her arm. “If you don't mind, Mr. Bridgeport, I'll explain. Callie is very concerned about Daisy—as am I, but it may be easier . . .”

Mr. Bridgeport waved his hand in a circular motion. “Go on, go on.”

With as much speed and clarity as he could muster, Wes told Mr. Bridgeport what had occurred, Daisy's description of the spider, and his decision to bring her to the infirmary.

“Thank you for the explanation. I'm sorry to be so abrupt. But . . .” The older man peered toward the other room.

“I understand you're worried about your child. No apology is needed, sir.” Wesley remained beside Callie. “I'm sure the doctor wouldn't mind if you went in. He'll understand your concern.”

While Mr. Bridgeport strode into the treatment room, Callie, Wes, Lottie, and Thomas sat down in the waiting area. Thomas leaned forward on his chair. “I told my dad that it was a spider bite, Miss Callie, but he was so busy shouting at my mother to hurry that he didn't listen.”

“It's fine, Thomas. Don't worry. I know everyone is worried and upset. You did exactly what I told you. Your parents are here to make any necessary decisions about Daisy's care, and that's what's most important.”

His thatch of brown hair fell across his forehead. “Yeah, but Dad sounded like he was mad at you.”

Callie reached across Lottie and patted his arm. “Instead of worrying about your father being angry, I think we should all pray for Daisy.”

“You think Jesus will make her better, Miss Callie?” Lottie pinned her with a blue-eyed stare that demanded an answer.

“I don't know for certain. I only know that the Bible tells us that we should cast our cares upon Him because He cares for
us.” She enveloped Lottie's hand in her own. “When someone cares about us, they want the very best for us. But sometimes, because we're human, we don't know what's best. Only God knows for sure, and that's when it becomes very important to trust Him, no matter how our prayer is answered.”

Lottie wrinkled her forehead. “Daniel trusted God in the lion's den.”

Callie smiled as she ran her fingers through Lottie's hair. “Daniel was very brave, wasn't he?”

Lottie bobbed her head. “And God didn't let him die. So if I pray and ask God to make Daisy better, then He won't let Daisy die, either. Right?” Her eyes glistened with anticipation.

Callie sighed. “Not exactly. Our prayers aren't always answered the way we want.”

The anticipation in Lottie's eyes was replaced with a cloud of confusion. “Why?”

“Because God knows it isn't the right answer.” Callie squeezed Lottie's hand. “Sometimes it's very hard to continue to trust when we don't get what we want, but we must always remember that God knows much more than we do.”

Lottie's lower lip quivered. “But Daisy's my sister. I don't want her to die.”

“Come here, Lottie.” Wes motioned for the girl to come sit on his lap. Once she was settled, he glanced at Callie. “Let's not talk about dying. I'm sure the doctor will be able to help her. Why don't we pray that Daisy will feel better and the doctor will know exactly how to help her?”

The four of them had completed their prayers when Mrs. Bridgeport stepped into the waiting room. “The doctor thinks we should take Daisy to the hospital in Biscayne. She's having acute pain in the area of the bite along with abdominal pain
and muscle cramps. He can't be certain, of course, but he thinks the spider may have been a black widow. He says the bites cause more severe medical problems for the elderly and for children.” Tears rimmed her eyes, and she looked away as she lifted a handkerchief to her cheeks.

“I feel terrible, Mrs. Bridgeport.” Callie hastened to the older woman's side. “The children were in my care and now—”

“It's not your fault, my dear. Accidents occur all the time. She could have been bitten by a spider just as easily while sitting on the front porch. These things happen.” Her lips quivered. “The doctor is hopeful and thinks she'll recover quickly. He simply wants to have another opinion. When Luther told him we were planning to leave for Indiana, he thought it best if we made certain all was well before we departed for home.”

“Leaving? I don't understand.”

Before she and the children left Fair Haven to go to the woods, nothing had been said about leaving. News of the flooding had been frightening, but Callie hadn't imagined the Bridgeports would decide to leave Bridal Veil on such short notice.

Before his wife could answer, Mr. Bridgeport joined them. “Eunice and I will take the children and Maude to Biscayne. Callie, I'd like you to remain and, with the help of the other servants, close up the cottage and then join us in Biscayne. Providing all is well with Daisy, we'll leave as soon as possible.”

She nodded her agreement but couldn't seem to move. It was all happening so fast that she felt like a child attempting to jump from a merry-go-round that hadn't yet stopped.

Mrs. Bridgeport reached for Callie's hand. “I'm going to stay here at the infirmary with Daisy. You and Maude pack enough of our belongings for a few nights, and Luther will bring them when he returns for Daisy and me. He'll need to
make arrangements for Captain Fleming to take us to Biscayne. You can pack the rest of the personal belongings and have them delivered to Biscayne when you join us. Lula and Jane can help you close the house. I know it will be more rushed than usual, but at least you've helped before.”

Callie forced a smile that she hoped would assure Mrs. Bridgeport. But truth be told, Callie wasn't at all certain she remembered everything that needed to be done in order to close the house. She could only hope Lula or Jane could provide her with a list of instructions.

While Mr. and Mrs. Bridgeport were speaking with Thomas and Lottie, Callie turned to Wes. “You should probably go back to the golf course. We'll be so busy that there won't be time to do anything but pack.”

“I don't want you to leave until we have an opportunity to talk. I'll come by the house later.”

Callie glanced at the Bridgeports and then turned back to face Wes. “Wait by the live oak behind the house. We can meet there.”

Once they returned to Fair Haven, Mr. Bridgeport accompanied Callie into the parlor. “After you left with the children, we received another telegram from home.” He cleared his throat and hesitated. “I hate to be the one to give you bad news, but your grandmother's house was destroyed in the flood. It's completely under water.” He patted her shoulder. “I'm so sorry, Callie. I know the house was important to you.”

“What's most important is Daisy and her recovery. Losing grandmother's home doesn't worry me as much as Daisy's health.”

Had loss of the house meant God was removing all other choices so that she would go to Africa or move to Chicago? Loss of the house could certainly mean she should leave, but where was she supposed to go?

“You are a brave young lady, Callie.” Mr. Bridgeport squeezed her shoulder. “I can always count on you to remain steadfast in times of crisis. I don't know what we would do without you.”

Tears stung her eyes and she looked away. Mr. Bridgeport's kind words created greater emotion than the news regarding her grandmother's house. And now, thoughts of leaving the children tugged at her heart. How could she go anywhere with this family dependent upon her? Callie pushed the questions from her mind as Maude scurried into the room.

“What's happened? Thomas told me something about leaving for Biscayne within the hour?”

Mr. Bridgeport nodded his agreement and began to explain, but the more he talked, the more unconvinced Maude appeared. By the time he'd completed the explanation, she was shaking her head back and forth like a petulant child.

“No.”

Mr. Bridgeport's mouth dropped open, and he stared as though stunned by the woman's objection. After a moment he regained his composure, straightened his shoulders, and glared at her. “No, what?”

Maude didn't flinch. “I don't think what you're suggesting is the best idea. Things would go a lot faster if I stayed here with Callie and helped. We can bring the two children with us when we join you tomorrow. Thomas and Lottie won't have anything to do, and I won't be any help sitting at a hospital in Biscayne. At least here, I can be useful.”

Mr. Bridgeport studied her for a moment. “I suppose that does make more sense. What do you think, Callie?”

“I agree. Mrs. Murphy would be good help, and the children will be more content.”

“Then it's settled. I'll go and speak to Captain Fleming and return for our small trunks.”

Callie nodded. “I'll see to packing them right now.”

The remainder of the afternoon continued in a flurry of activity. Maude sat on her heels awaiting another gown to pack. Once Callie had carefully folded each item, Maude placed it in the proper trunk.

Callie handed one of Lottie's dresses to her. “I am so thankful you suggested staying here. You've been such a big help. I doubt I could have managed without your assistance.” She smiled at Maude. “It would have taken me at least another day or so to finish what we've completed this afternoon.”

“I'm happy to help. That's what friends are for—to be there when we need them. Isn't that right?”

“Yes. And I'm glad you consider me a friend. Once we return to Indiana, I know it will be difficult for you, and I want to help you adjust to your new life. With the flooding, it's going to be hard on all of us, but once life returns to normal, I think you'll very much enjoy life with the Bridgeports.”

Using the trunk to balance herself, Maude pushed to her feet. “I'm sure I will. I've never been to Indiana, so you'll have to show me about.”

Callie stopped folding and stared at the woman. “But the Winslow family lived in Indiana years ago.”

Maude cackled. “Right you are, but I was living in Pittsburgh
for so long that I completely forgot. And I'm sure things have changed a lot after this many years.” She gestured toward the hallway. “I think I heard someone knocking downstairs. I better see who it is.”

Callie hadn't heard anyone knock, but she didn't argue. If they were going to be prepared to leave tomorrow, she needed to keep working.

Maude tucked a stray hair behind her ear as she returned to the upstairs a short time later. “Sorry I was gone so long. Guess I was hearing things. There was no one at the door, but Jane needed a bit of help. Are you coming along, or should I go downstairs and help? Jane said she needed to stop cleaning and prepare a bit of supper for all of us. She didn't think you'd be going to dine at the clubhouse.”

“Eating here would be best. I don't want to use valuable time dressing for dinner. Besides, the children would much rather eat here.” Callie glanced about the room. “You go ahead. I'm about done packing the children's belongings.”