Natasha's Dream

by Heather Greenis

  “I’ve done a great deal of thinking,” she said. “I would be proud to name our daughter after the women in your family, but it would grieve me to disappoint either your momma or Vicki. I would like to name her Hope.”

  With both he and Natasha praying her parents would accept their marriage, Stewart appreciated the significance of the name.

  “Hope … I’m not aware of your middle name,” he admitted, embarrassed by the fact. “It would please me if our daughter shared a piece of your name.”

  Natasha glanced toward Nanny as she stood by the door.

  “I was not given a middle name,” she replied. “It would please me if you would consider having our daughter baptised Hope Elizabeth Victoria Donovan.”

  Stewart beamed. “Momma and Vicki shall be very pleased. Vicki and Poppa would like to meet our daughter.”

  “Yes, please. Invite them in.”

  His family entered.

  “Allow me to introduce you to Hope Elizabeth Victoria Donovan,” he announced.

  A tear ran down his momma’s cheek.

  “Would you care to hold Hope?” Stewart asked his poppa.

  “Nay. I shall be a loving Papa, but must regain my confidence before holding a baby with these working hands.”

  With his momma’s assistance, Hope was placed in Vicki’s arms.

  Dear Diary,

  Our beautiful, healthy child was born. I pray I am able to be a good, loving momma. From this day forward my life shall be dedicated to Stewart and Hope’s happiness….

  * * *

  Eliza arrived daily to assist with Hope’s care.

  “Hope is a true Donovan,” Natasha boasted when the Donovans arrived for a visit. “She possesses the Donovan blue eyes.”

  “Most babies have blue eyes, my dear,” Eliza informed her. “We will have to wait and see if Hope’s remain that way.”

  Eliza guided Natasha as she fed, changed, bathed, and dressed the baby. Soon, Natasha became more confident with Hope as she bonded with her daughter. Nanny and the twins visited a few times a month. The bond between the men strengthened.

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Months later, walking out of the apartment Marcus, Joshua, and Nanny noticed a woman who frequented the castle.

  Marcus instructed Nanny and Joshua to keep their heads lowered and enter the carriage in haste. With a tap on the side of the carriage, they were in motion. Nanny looked out the window and informed them the woman had stepped into her carriage.

  * * *

  Within two hours, guards arrived at Stewart and Natasha’s apartment block. Four men charged the establishment while two remained outside. They pounded on each individual door, demanding entry. Eliza was sitting on the couch when loud voices and pounding feet echoed in the hall, vibrating on the floors. Hammering on the door shook the walls. Her heart raced. She opened the door, taking in their stern expressions and official uniforms. Dressed for battle, bearing heavy armour, they shoved past her before she was able to speak. One guard charged into the kitchen. The other entered Stewart and Natasha’s bedroom.

  “Do you reside in this home?” the first asked from the kitchen.

  “Nay,” she replied, wringing her hands. “It is the home of my daughter, her husband, and their child.”

  “A child? Was there mention of a child?” the guard asked his peer.

  “Nay. It would be impossible to conceal a person in this apartment,” the other responded. “The princess would never tolerate such cramped conditions.”

  Willard arrived at the door. “Love, you’re trembling.” Willard placed his arm protectively around her shoulder. “May I inquire as to the purpose of this intrusion?” he asked.

  “They have not stated a reason,” she replied, her voice quivering. “I was terrified when they barged in and found myself speechless.”

  He glared at the guard. “Are you in the habit of barging into homes for no apparent reason?” he growled angrily. “I do not appreciate my wife being startled, terrified. I assure you, my daughter and her husband are law-abiding citizens. We pay our taxes.”

  The guard walked toward them and extended a picture of Natasha.

  “We are seeking the whereabouts of this woman,” the guard said pompously. “We were informed she may be residing in this building.”

  They both looked at the picture of their daughter-in-law.

  “I don’t recognize that woman, but admit, I have not made an acquaintance with all the neighbours,” he responded “I would appreciate if you would leave, now.”

  “We’re finished here.” The second guard ordered the troupe out.

  The guards vacated the premises. Eliza shut the door and leaned against if for a moment before throwing herself into her husband’s arms.

  “The children are safe,” he assured her in a barely audible voice. “The buggy you use was out of view when the guards arrived. They shall arrive at the cottage momentarily.” He pulled back from the embrace. “I’m proud of you. You appeared suitably terrified when the men entered. They were not aware you were expecting them.”

  “I was terrified. We owe a debt of gratitude to Marcus for riding so swiftly to notify us. I wanted the men to leave before they suspected something was not quite right about the situation. If only they would just leave our family alone, allow them happiness. Stewart could not bear to lose Natasha or Hope. We must return home in haste. Vicki will be home from school and questioning my whereabouts.”

  * * *

  Later that night, Marcus and Joshua grinned when the guards returned empty-handed. Summoned into their outraged father’s presence, they denied all accusations of being in that section of the city. They convinced their father his source was mistaken and left the room.

  “She is safe for now,” Marcus gloated, landing a playful punch on his brother’s shoulder. Joshua grinned in agreement. “The younger generation will persevere and be victorious.”

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  Terrified, Natasha’s heart pounded in her ears. Don’t faint. She stepped onto the Donovan’s buggy, pulled the large rimmed bonnet lower, and took the baby from Stewart. Tilting her head down, she couldn’t see anything but her sleeping child. Please, keep us safe. Stewart took his seat and motioned the horse forward. Travelling to the cottage by a circuitous route, no words were spoken. It made for a long, quiet journey. In her mind, it seemed to take forever, twice as long as the usual time.

  Natasha settled their daughter in the spare room and stood in the dark, listening to the sound of Hope breathing.

  “Horses and a buggy,” Stewart informed her, tersely.

  Her heart pounded into her throat. She moved toward her daughter, prepared to run into the dark night.

  “Three silhouettes. Poppa, Momma, and Vicki have arrived,” he whispered. She heard the relief in his tone.

  “Are you certain it’s your family?”

  “Indeed, yes.”

  He raced to the door, and ran out to greet them. Natasha stood at the door, watching Stewart embrace his parents. They entered the cottage and hugged her. Losing the battle with her emotions, a tear escaped from her eye.

  “I fear I’m putting you in danger, staying here,” Natasha informed them. She rubbed her bloodshot eyes. “This family will be severely punished for assisting me.”

  “Do not fret, Natasha.” Willard embraced her, and then guided her to the sofa. “If necessary, you, Stewart, and Hope will be able to escape into the woods.” He sat on the chair nearby, allowing her to settle on the sofa beside Stewart. “This will become your home for the foreseeable future. Since your marriage, I’ve done moderate renovations to this building for year-round comfort. Once you relax you will find enjoyment here. Eliza will shop for food and necessities and deliver them.”

  “We will have lists prepared. I will ensure Momma is reimbursed for the expenses,” Stewart replied.

  * * *

  Natasha handed Eliza payment while Stewart carried boxes of groceries and supplies from the wagon. Stewa
rt joined Natasha and his momma to put the goods away.

  “I miss Sunday evenings when your family joined us for dinner,” Natasha admitted to her mother-in-law. “I wish for Hope to become better acquainted with her family. Please join us for dinner. And bring Goldie.”

  “Goldie may be too rough for the baby.”

  “Nonsense,” she chuckled, not the least bit concerned. “With five sets of eyes upon her, Hope shall be fine. The invitation was meant for the entire family. I beg of you. Please bring the dog along. I miss her.”

  “I will discuss it with Willard.”

  * * *

  On Sunday afternoon, Natasha set Hope on the area rug with a stuffed creature Nana Donovan had made. Stewart and Natasha were watching her when a dog barked outside. Stewart shifted around and looked out the window.

  “Momma and Poppa have arrived,” he announced. “Poppa will be concerned about Goldie’s reaction to Hope. The dog has never been exposed to a young child.”

  Natasha took Hope up on her knee. Stewart ran out to greet his family. Willard entered with a firm grip of the dog’s collar and approached them.

  “Hello, Goldie,” Natasha greeted the squirming dog.

  Stewart went to her side and knelt beside her. His attention was focused on the dog. The animal crept toward the newest member of the family and began to sniff. Prepared for the slightest indication of aggression, his poppa was ready to yank the dog back. As Natasha had expected, Goldie was incredibly gentle.

  “I’m pleased,” Willard admitted, “but Vicki and Eliza aren’t in the room.”

  He called for his daughter and wife. Goldie settled by Natasha’s feet and rested her chin on her paws, keeping a watchful eye on the baby. The dog’s eyes shifted to her masters, but returned to the baby.

  “I believe you have lost your shadow,” Stewart informed his wife and sister. “Goldie has a new friend.”

  “This is pleasing indeed,” Natasha admitted. “I expect to see Goldie when a family member visits.”

  * * *

  It took more than two weeks, but Natasha settled into their life in their new home. Vicki was dropped off every Friday afternoon once her school day was completed to spend the weekend. Her friendship with Natasha deepened, and her bond with Hope grew. Eliza and Willard arrived each Sunday afternoon for dinner, and Vicki returned home for another week of school.

  Nanny and the twins visited the cottage. Natasha enjoyed seeing Nanny and her brothers. Stewart was concerned they could be followed, putting Natasha at risk. He pulled Joshua aside to speak with him.

  “I assure you, Stewart, we take precautions. We will travel different non-conventional routes. Mother has been warned that we will retaliate and forgo our duties if she speaks with Father and has us followed. As for Father, I can only pray someday he will stop the search, but at this moment he is not aware we are in touch with Natasha. Knowing we bonded with Nanny in our youth, he is only aware we visit with her regularly.”

  Stewart exhaled, having no choice but to be content with the response. It was important Natasha remain close to her brothers and Nanny.

  * * *

  Natasha left Vicki sitting on the floral patterned area rug playing with her niece. Natasha went into the bedroom and retrieved a load of laundry.

  “You are becoming the image of your momma but with the Donovan eyes,” Natasha heard Vicki tell the child. “That is, of course, assuming your momma’s family does not possess blue eyes as well.”

  Natasha turned, placed the dirty clothes on the bed, and retrieved the portrait from the bottom of the wardrobe. Natasha knelt beside her sister-in-law.

  “This is my family. Allow me to assure you, Hope bears a strong resemblance to the Donovans. The blue eyes and blonde hair are Donovan traits.”

  “Your poppa has very dark eyes,” Vicki remarked.

  “Father has cold eyes to match his personality,” Natasha replied, steely.

  She regretted the comment. Raised by a warm, loving family, it would be impossible for Vicki to comprehend her feelings for her father.

  “I feel blessed knowing Hope resembles your family. It is my hope all our children are born with the Donovan eyes.”

  “You plan more children?”

  “Indeed we do. Seeing your brother as a poppa, it would please me to give him a large family. I’m hopeful for sons that are as handsome he is.”

  “Momma believes Stewart has grown to be as handsome as my poppa.”

  “And you are maturing to be as beautiful as your momma,” Natasha responded.

  Vicki blushed. “You are too kind. Your brothers are very handsome.”

  Natasha regarded Vicki. The young girl was developing into a lovely young woman. “I adore my brothers, and am thankful for their love and support, but eventually, one shall become king. Both Marcus and Joshua will struggle with tradition as they rule the nation. It’s not a life I would wish on an enemy.”

  Chapter Forty

  Natasha spent many happy hours with Hope reading stories and playing games. The days passed quickly. On warm days, Stewart placed blankets under a tree and joined his wife and child. Hope settled between them as they enjoyed the tranquillity, read novels, and played with her.

  Natasha was reading a book of poetry when she noticed Stewart watching Hope. She put her book down and turned her attention to their daughter. In a pink play dress, Hope was on her belly, attempting to push her upper body up, reaching for her poppa’s book.

  “It would please me if Hope were to enjoy reading as much as we do,” Natasha admitted.

  “My thought was on her movement. We encourage her to crawl, but we shall soon be wishing she were still stationary,” Stewart responded. “I find it astonishing it has been only nine months since you gave birth. Hope has brought such joy to our lives.”

  * * *

  Stewart never discussed Natasha’s father with his wife, but the king remained on his mind. The king’s guards were searching the kingdom in vain for the vanished princess. Stewart was thankful for his private discussions with Joshua and Marcus. He was informed of the current location of the search, and when it was suspended. Bad news for the country meant advisors requested men for other tasks. The search party would be sent elsewhere on other assignments for months at a time. Stewart would breathe a sigh of relief while hoping for the best for his country. He prayed the king would tire of the search and accept him as his daughter’s husband. There was nothing he wanted more than a normal life for him and Natasha before Hope got older. He and Natasha wished for freedom before welcoming another child into their family.

  * * *

  One evening, Stewart and his poppa sat on the sofa and reminisced as the women settled Hope for the night. Hearing them, Natasha remembered the enjoyment of dancing in her in-laws’ parlour while Willard sang.

  Stewart closed the door after waving goodbye to his family. Natasha guided him toward the middle of the room.

  “Sing to me,” she begged.

  “My voice is not as pleasing to the ears as Poppa’s,” he warned.

  “That does not concern me. I wish to dance. You may hum if you wish.”

  They danced for over an hour before he carried her into their bedroom.

  Dear Diary,

  I believe I am among angels when his family is present….

  * * *

  The following week, the Donovans arrived at the cottage with some strange looking items: long sticks and short sticks with apparatuses at the end. Then she noticed pots with flowers.

  “Tools and equipment to plant the garden,” Stewart explained.

  “Tools?”

  “Momma and I will assist with the garden,” Stewart assured her.

  “Assist?” she questioned with raised eyebrows. “Promise you’ll do more than assist,” she begged. “In my youth, flowers appeared in the garden and in vases. Vegetables were in bowls at the table. I wouldn’t know where to begin.”

  “When closing my eyes, I’m able to smell the flowers, and tast
e the fresh vegetables and herbs,” Eliza said. “I could spend an entire day puttering in the garden.”

  “Eliza. It’s Sunday. A day of rest,” her husband vocalized, reprimanding her. “Once she begins, Eliza could remain in the garden until the sky is so dark, she’s unable to see.”

  “If you wish, I shall return tomorrow.”

  “I beg of you, please. I’m ashamed to admit it, but you will not be pleased by my efforts. I fear you may recall my first attempt in the kitchen.”

  “You must be thankful I didn’t fall in love with that particular attribute,” Stewart teased.

  * * *

  The horse and wagon arrived on Monday morning. Goldie jumped off the wagon. Stewart assisted Eliza down. They waved at his poppa as the horses were turned about and left the property. After enjoying their morning coffee, Stewart began digging holes for the flowers. Eliza followed behind with plants. Natasha stood back and observed the procedure.

  Confident she understood how it was done, she pushed the spade into the dirt. Instead of pulling earth out of the ground, the soil flew into the air. Goldie barked while Hope giggled and clapped. Hope seemed delighted by the foolish error. Horrified, Natasha covered her face with her hands. Feeling Stewart’s arm around her shoulders, she dropped her hands and looked into his smiling face.

  When Willard arrived later in the afternoon with Vicki, Hope was covered from head to toe in dirt. She crawled toward her papa. He picked her up and extended his arms, examining her filthy little body. He looked into her sparkling blue eyes.