Love on Assignment

by Cara Lynn James

  He dropped into the rocker on the back veranda and let his nerves unwind, thinking about his years at Summerhill. He’d summered here since he was six, and most of his happy childhood memories revolved around this old, rambling cottage.

  “Professor Wilmont, you’re home early,” Charlotte said. She wore the split skirt she donned for bicycle rides with Ruthie and Tim.

  “Would you ask my mother and the children to meet me in the library? I have some news I need to share.” He drew out a long sigh. “With you, as well, Charlotte.”

  “Of course.” She lightly touched his arm, then quickly dropped it to her side. “You spoke to President Ralston, didn’t you?” Her voice seemed to choke as she looked at him with eyes filled with apprehension.

  “I did.”

  “I’ll find your mother and bring the children to you immediately.”

  As soon as they gathered in the library, Daniel took a fortifying breath, removed his spectacles, and rubbed his tired eyes. “President Ralston recently gave me an ultimatum. I chose to consider my options carefully before I made a decision or burdened any of you. He demanded I give up my newspaper column or my teaching job.”

  Seated on a wing chair before the fireplace, his mother gasped. “I don’t understand. You’re a popular professor. Why would he say such a ridiculous thing?”

  “My writings upset some of the board of trustees.”

  “I told you writing that column was a mistake. You can’t criticize the industrialists and expect they’ll ignore it.” Her eyes narrowed to slits. “Did you tell the Newport Gazette you won’t write for them anymore?”

  “No. I resigned my teaching position instead.”

  His mother gaped at him. “Daniel, whatever led you to such an unwise decision?”

  “Mother, I followed the Holy Ghost’s guidance.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Your idealism is sophomoric. Your duty is to support your children.”

  “And I shall. There’s a high probability that I must sell Summerhill, because without a job, the cottage is too expensive to maintain. I know we’ll all miss the place, but we don’t need such luxury for a good life.”

  With a flick of her wrist his mother opened her fan and cooled herself off. “Where do you get such odd ideas? Certainly not from me.”

  Daniel stifled a laugh as he arose. “I shall search for a job at one the local schools and inquire at colleges as well. I trust the Lord will find me a new position.”

  His mother thrust her hand over her heart. “My dear son, please don’t do this; it’s not worth all the bother. You can’t expect us to leave our home. We’ve lived here for too many years to pack up now and begin again.”

  She refused to consider his rationale, but that didn’t surprise him. Her mouth twitched. “Think of my health. I can’t absorb such a shock. And what about the children? You’ll tear them from the home they love and break their little hearts.”

  “I’m truly sorry to disrupt your lives. Please forgive me.” He looked at Tim and Ruthie, who seemed more bewildered than upset. His gaze travelled to Charlotte, standing by a glass bookcase, hands clasped at her waist, a frown cutting into her brow. What did she think about his decision?

  “And Miss Hale—”

  “Don’t fret about her,” his mother said. “She’s a young woman perfectly capable of finding another job, though I can’t provide a helpful recommendation.” Her hostile gaze scraped Charlotte with disdain.

  Charlotte flushed deep crimson. “That’s exactly what I’d have expected,” she muttered, then looked down, apparently shocked she’d spoken out loud.

  “Please, Mother, don’t say things you’ll later regret.”

  Vivian shook her fan at Charlotte and stared at him. “Don’t lecture me, Daniel. Reprimand Charlotte for her unforgivable rudeness.”

  “Perhaps we all need to calm down.” Daniel sighed.

  “Pardon me for my impertinence, Mrs. Wilmont.” Charlotte stiffened her back, but her voice sounded neutral.

  “Miss Hale, I’d like you to stay with us,” Daniel said. He couldn’t quite read her expression. Bewilderment mixed with surprise spread across her face. “The children will still need a governess.”

  “You can’t mean that, Daniel.” His mother’s eyebrows shot upward.

  “I most certainly do.”

  Charlotte’s gaze shifted from him to the children. “Thank you, sir, but I’ll have to give it some thought.”

  “Please stay, Miss Hale.” Tim grabbed Goldie, the cat, before she shimmied up the heavy gold curtains and clawed the tassels.

  “We need you.” Ruthie touched her arm. “Don’t leave us.”

  Daniel said, “Of course, you need time, Miss Hale. We understand. I shall begin my job search immediately. I’ll inquire at all the preparatory schools in New England, though I fear all the positions will be filled for the fall semester.”

  His mother brightened. “Telephone your brother. Edgar will have a place for you at one of the factories.”

  Daniel shook his head. “I turned from that road long ago. I’m a teacher and a writer.”

  His mother’s long hand gracefully waved away his objections. “Pshaw. This is the perfect opportunity to take your proper place at Wilmont Enterprises.”

  “No, Mother. I’m leaving this situation in the Lord’s hands. He won’t let us down.”

  SIXTEEN

  At Daniel’s request the staff came together in the servants’ hall. Pacing back and forth, he quickly conveyed the bad news and watched their faces droop with dismay. “Right now I don’t know if I’ll be forced to sell Summerhill and move away or if I’ll find a position locally. As soon as I have more information, I shall tell you at once. I apologize for this terrible inconvenience.”

  If necessary they’d all find jobs at other cottages, for good employees were highly prized and hard to come by, he’d heard. Oftentimes, new owners of cottages chose to employ the staff that was already familiar with a home. Daniel answered their questions as best he could and then departed on a search for Charlotte. According to his mother, she’d taken the children to a birthday party at Ocean Vista, one of the Bellevue Avenue cottages. Could he convince her to stay on after he’d so spontaneously declared his fondness for her, or would that very admission send her back home? Not knowing set his nerves on edge.

  For the remainder of the afternoon Daniel travelled from one local school to another inquiring about teaching positions. Each one had been filled weeks before, and though the school officials seemed anxious to hire him, none could offer a job. Discouraged by his fruitless search, he returned home and wrote inquiries to several institutions in the northeast and as far west as the Mississippi River.

  Moving his family, especially his mother, would cause a terrible upheaval, but, like it or not, they had to go wherever he secured a job. She might prefer to live with Edgar in Massachusetts since he owned a mansion and led the social life she enjoyed. Daniel put down his pen and let out a soft groan. His brother found their mother’s temperament so difficult he wouldn’t want her to live in his home. And she wouldn’t be satisfied playing second fiddle to Edgar’s wife.

  A jolt of fear rammed his confidence.

  Heavenly Father, please help me secure a job that will suit all of us.

  He did trust God, but it wasn’t often he needed to rely upon Him so completely. The Lord answered prayers, but not always in the manner one expected. God’s solution might be painful. Well, he’d ask for grace to accept whatever came his way and hope the Lord would give him the strength to overcome the trials that lay ahead. It seemed easy in theory, but in practice—well, the nausea in his stomach demonstrated the difficulty of trust in the harsh face of adversity.

  After eating a light supper at his desk, he continued writing until nearly eight thirty. Tired, he shoved his fountain pen and stationery into the crowded desk drawer, turned off the gaslight, and made his way to the playroom. He found Charlotte tidying up. She met his gaze with a sad smile.


  He’d proceed slowly—not that he had much time to convince her. The realization that he cared deeply for her flooded him with joy and hope and despair, all at the same time. He couldn’t envision his life without her bright smile and upbeat chatter. He loved that she was so herself, speaking her mind, how she made him laugh.

  But now the uncertainty about his future career added to the problem of their relationship.

  Turning to face him, her gaze held steady. “Professor, I’m so sorry about your job. I know how much you enjoy teaching and—” She blinked back tears and didn’t speak for several seconds. “Perhaps if you confronted the people pressuring President Ralston, you could convince them to keep you on.”

  Daniel shook his head. “If it were that easy, I’d try immediately. But I believe Arnie Phifer, the editor of Rhode Island Reporter, is the primary instigator. He and his friends contribute a great deal of money to the college and wield a lot of influence. They want me out of journalism and gone from Newport. I guess they don’t care what the Bible teaches about caring for others.”

  A frown hardened Charlotte’s eyes. “Do you really believe Mr. Phifer is behind President Ralston’s ultimatum?”

  “I most certainly do, though I can’t confirm it. Not that they’d be hard to convince. Most undoubtedly feel the heat of my words, given their own enterprises.”

  He tried to smile but feared he’d grimaced instead. “I’m feeling sorry for myself when I should count my blessings. Please excuse my sour mood.” He tried to wipe the woebegone look from his face. “I promised you would have eight weeks here while my mother recuperates, but I’m afraid we’ll probably be gone as soon as the semester ends. I’m sorry, Charlotte. I’ll find you another position before I leave—if you decide not to stay with us.”

  He paused, wondering if he dared say what was ringing through his mind. “Would you . . . might you consider coming with us?”

  “If you leave Newport, I definitely can’t go with you. I have my sister and my aunt to watch out for. They need me here.”

  “Couldn’t you send them money?” he asked.

  Charlotte shook her head as she shelved the remaining books. “Perhaps, but I won’t. Aunt Amelia is getting older and more feeble. It will become more and more difficult for her to see to Becky’s needs. It’s one thing to leave them and yet still be nearby. Another to move away entirely.”

  “I understand. I won’t badger you.” But he needed her as well. He rose, wanting to stay. “Please excuse me.” He headed for Ruthie’s bedroom.

  “Sir, it’ll all work out. I know the good Lord will watch over you and your family.”

  “You’re right, of course.” He’d doubted the strength of her faith, but it seemed her trust in God was deeper than his own. That came as a surprise—and a challenge.

  “He won’t forsake you when you need Him the most. I do believe He’s helped me all along, even when I didn’t recognize Him.”

  Daniel smiled. “Thank you for reminding me.”

  He wanted to lean over and gently kiss her, but with her arms wrapped around her chest, she looked pensive and guarded, hardly disposed to his affection. Abruptly, Daniel turned around. “Good night, Charlotte.”

  He headed for Tim’s bedroom. His little boy was sound asleep and snoring lightly. Checking on Ruthie, he found her sitting up in bed with several feather pillows stuffed behind her head. She looked up from her book and grinned sheepishly.

  “You snuck up on me, Papa!” She giggled. “I suppose it’s past my bedtime, but I have to finish this chapter of An Old Fashioned Girl.”

  “It’s time for sleep. The March sisters can wait until tomorrow.”

  She giggled. “You’ve got the wrong book. That’s Little Women.”

  “No matter.”

  “But I’m not tired.” She hugged her knees to her chest, letting the ruffled hem of her pale pink nightgown fall to her feet. Cocking her head, Ruthie’s forehead puckered with a frown far too serious for a young girl. “Can we talk awhile?”

  Daniel braced himself as he dropped onto the end of the single bed. “Of course. Are you upset about moving, pumpkin?”

  “Yes, but not quite as upset as Grandmother. I’ll—” she began, her voice breaking, “I’ll get used to the idea.” But her lower lip quivered. “It’s something else.”

  If this was about girlish things, he’d hush her up and send her to his mother or Charlotte.

  “Papa, I don’t want Miss Hale to leave. Please, would you ask her to stay even after Grandmother gets better—and we move?”

  His muscles tightened. This would not be easy to discuss either. “I did. I’d like her to remain with us, too, but she won’t leave her family alone in Newport. Besides, this is only a temporary job.”

  Ruthie pouted. “I think she’d stay if you asked her to marry you.”

  Daniel forced a hearty laugh and patted Ruthie on the head. “Oh, I doubt that.” Marriage. He felt heat rising to his neck and up into his ears. In a moment steam might lift from his head, giving him away. “She’s a beautiful young woman who’d never settle for a widower.” An unemployed widower with children.

  “I can tell you like her, Papa.”

  He chuckled. “I like most everyone.”

  “You watch everything she does even when she’s working or playing with Tim and me.”

  Daniel grunted. “You’re too observant.” He raised his hands in mock surrender. “I confess—she’s a joy to be around.”

  “Then ask her to marry you.”

  His eyes widened and his breath hitched in his lungs. “Whoa, young lady.”

  Ruthie giggled again.

  “You’re putting the cart before the horse. Miss Hale and I are newly acquainted. You can’t rush these things.”

  “Then there’s a chance! She likes you too. She asks me questions about you all the time.”

  “What sort of questions?”

  “Every kind. She’s terribly nosy, but that’s all right because she’s in love.” A mischievous smile tilted Ruthie’s lips. “And you love her, too, don’t you?”

  Daniel rose and strolled toward the door, anxious to escape. “This is a completely inappropriate conversation, but let’s pray about it and see what the Lord says.”

  He said a stilted prayer asking for guidance and then opened his eyes.

  Ruthie cocked her head. “Papa, praying is important, but sometimes the Lord is slow in answering.”

  “Then we’ll just have to wait for His perfect timing.”

  “But Miss Hale won’t be here very long. God needs to hurry up.”

  Daniel smiled as he stood in the doorway, silently agreeing with his daughter. “We’ve talked about this before. Obviously complaining about God’s timing doesn’t make Him act any quicker if He doesn’t want to. So, with that, good night.”

  “Good night, Papa. I know it will all work out, somehow. I’ll pray for both you and Miss Hale.”

  Daniel pulled the door shut, glad to escape Ruthie’s scrutiny. He passed through the playroom into the hall, lost in thought. His daughter was right.

  He was falling in love with Charlotte Hale.

  THE NEXT MORNING, Charlotte entered the drawing room. “Ruthie, your voice teacher is here for your lesson.”

  “Thank you. Please excuse me, Grandmother.” Ruthie rushed off. Unlike her brother, she enjoyed music and practiced her singing and piano without prompting.

  Charlotte watched Mrs. Wilmont’s lightning-fast fingers quilt a square pulled taut in a small hoop. Charlotte peered over the woman’s thin shoulder at the basket of appliquéd flowers pieced in bright calicos and sewn onto muslin. Charlotte admired the tiny, neat stitches she could never manage to make. “It’s beautiful.”

  Vivian gave a curt nod. “All my life I’ve quilted, but it’s harder now that I’m afflicted with a touch of rheumatism.” She glared at her fingers and slowly flexed them. An emerald ring surrounded by diamonds flashed in the sunlight filtering through the window. “I see
you also admire my ring.”

  Charlotte blushed. “Yes. It’s exquisite.” She waited for a reprimand. A servant shouldn’t comment upon anything so personal.

  But Mrs. Wilmont smiled sadly and laid the hoop on her lap. “It was my mother’s ring. My father gave it to her for their twentieth wedding anniversary. I was her only daughter, so Mama left me all of her fine jewelry.” She looked out the window, as if remembering. “I’m grateful because my husband never gave me anything better than a cheap wedding band—not even a measly diamond chip for our engagement.” She scowled as she stared at her hands. “Of course, we had very little then, but later when his business prospered, he still didn’t buy me anything of value. And he knew how much I appreciated jewelry.”

  Charlotte nodded. How could she respond to that unexpected revelation?

  “While my husband was expanding Wilmont Enterprises,” she went on, “I brought up my sons by myself. Edgar, my oldest, runs the business now. But when he and Daniel were young, their father wasn’t interested in them or in me. I took care of all their needs.” She spoke with pride mixed with bitterness so deep, it sent chills down Charlotte’s spine.

  Why was Mrs. Wilmont spilling her life’s pitiful story?

  Her fingers flew. “But my husband is dead now, so I’ve put the past behind me.”

  From the set of Vivian Wilmont’s jaw and the press of her mouth, Charlotte suspected she hadn’t even tried to forgive the man. Weren’t Christians supposed to absolve those who harmed them? Of course, forgiveness never came easily, especially under such hurtful circumstances. She was shocked at the twinge of empathy she felt for the woman who treated her so shabbily.

  “I wanted the best for my children, even though their father was tight with money. I wanted them to have the best educations, the best marriages. Daniel picked a splendid girl to wed. Bless her heart.” Vivian drew out a long, mournful sigh. “Sarah and I were as close as mother and daughter. We were all devastated when she passed. So tragic for us all.”

  Charlotte shifted from one foot to the other. Why was Mrs. Wilmont telling her this? And for all of Sarah’s journal entries, she had scarcely mentioned her mother-in-law.