by Lori Wick
Knowing Sunny was already missing Brandon, Dexter did not try to engage her in conversation as they returned to the house. Thankful for his consideration, Sunny stared out the carriage window. She sought the shelter of her room as soon as she could. When the door was shut she lay on the bed and stared at the gold box on her bedside table. She had yet to open it.
The box was such an odd link to the past as well as to the present. Until now Brandon had kept the box, so in some ways it was a link to him. On the other hand, it was from the emir, delivered by Ali, and that made it a definite link to Darhabar.
Sunny sat up slowly on her bed and reached for the box. She moved the catch that served as a lock and raised” the lid. Her eyes were round with wonder as she emptied the contents on her bed. There appeared to be three completely different sets of jewelry.
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The first set was a necklace, ring, and bracelet in silver, all smooth as glass, with no design whatever. They were so polished that Sunny could see her face in the silver of the ring. The second set was gold, etched and ornate, and included two bracelets, a necklace with three strands of chain, and another ring. The last set held some of the most beautiful pieces Sunny had ever seen. A broach, bracelet, and ring, all set with perfect sapphires and diamonds.
Sunny fingered each piece in turn before reaching for her grandmother’s ring at her throat. As beautiful as it was, none of the jewelry from the box had given her as much pleasure as her grandmother’s ring and Brandon’s chain.
“I can’t think why he would give them to me,” Sunny spoke aloud to the empty room as she began to speculate on why the emir had given her these jewels. “He never tried to buy me before.”
“Why?” Sunny whispered now. “Why must I have been sent away in order to know my family? I was happy. I knew who I was. Did he not think my heart was big enough to hold everyone?** Suddenly she was angry all over again. “He had no right to choose for me.”
With an angry sweep of her arm, Sunny sent the jewelry flying across the bed. She cried then, and cried hard, anger continuing to boil within her. Anger toward the emir, anger toward Brandon for leaving, and anger toward herself for giving in to her tears. She cried for several minutes and was just gaining control when the door opened. Sunny turned with surprise; there had been no knock.
“I’m sorry, my lady,” said Tina, a new chambermaid, softly. She had a load of linens in her arms. “I didn’t realize you were in here.”
“It’s all right,” Sunny told her, and wondered not for the first time about Tina’s oddly accented English. Sunny turned back to the jewels on her bed and slowly gathered each article into the box. In her preoccupation with the jewels, she failed to notice how slowly Tina closed the door, or how intently she studied Sunny and the strewn contents on the bed.
G/u^~ /$
heather studied sunny’s pale features across the breakfast table and wonderedifshe should call a doctor. It was quite typical to experience a midwinter slump, but Sunny’s ailment, if it could be called that, ran much deeper. It was nearly March, and in the weeks following Brandon’s departure Sunny had run from one activity to the next.
When she couldn’t seem to master the stitching project she had started, she took up reading. Not just reading for pleasure butinsatiablereading. Never without a book, Sunny even came to meals with her nose in a book and only laid it aside when she was asked.
The passion for reading lasted only two weeks. After that came the horseback riding. No less than twice, and sometimes as many as five times a day, Sunny went for a ride in the park. A groom always accompanied her, and rain or shine, she went off riding most of the day.
All of this had come to a halt ten days earlier when she had come down with a cold and Heather insisted that she stay indoors. In just a matter of days she was herself again, but now she was no longer interested hi riding. She sat around the house looking bored or playing with the girls when they were not having lessons.
She was so despondent that she did not even seem to notice the changes that were happening in her body. Foster and Heather both noticed that Sunny seemed to fill out a little more with each passing week, but Sunny paid no attention. Heather knew it was only a matter of time before she began her monthly cycles. Sunny had understood
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every aspect of the life cyde when Heather talked with her, but even after they had discussed it, Sunny seemed as uninterested in that as she was with everything else.
The only person who was able to sparkanyemotions in her was Cecil, only it wasn’t a pleasant emotion. Heather debated for only a minute and knew she must give Sunny the bad news.
“Cecil and his friend Smitty are coming this afternoon and staying for dinner,”
Sunny pulled a face. “Must I come down to dinner, Heather?**
“Yes, I think you should.”
Sunny let out a long-suffering sigh, and Heather smiled to herself. She and Foster had discussed the problem, and seeing that Cecil had been very proper in his infatuation, they had decided Sunny was not going to hide in her room whenever she didn’t like someone.
“He writes me poems,” Sunny said with obvious disgust.
Heather hid another smile. “He likes you.”
“He called my eyes ‘purple coronets.’ Now isn’t that the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever heard?” Sunny rolled her eyes in frustration and Heather could not hold her smile; in fact, she let out a small laugh.
“It’s not fimny, Heather. He stares at me all the time, and I can’t think why.”
Heather grew very serious. “He likes you.**
“So you said.**
“No, Sunny, I mean he really cares for you. I think he hopes that someday you’ll care for him. After all, he is only five years older than you are.**
“You mean,** Sunny spoke as light dawned, “that he’s thinking of marriage?”
“I believe so.”
Sunny looked thunderstruck. “But Heather, I’m not going to marry, notever”
“I know how you feel, but I’m sure Cecil hopes to change your mind.”
Sunny let out another gusty sigh. She played with the handle of her fork for a moment and then continued softly, still staring at the utensil in her hand.
“I would never marry a man like Cecil, even if I did change my mind. He’s nice enough, but he’s not like Foster or Brandon, Cecil
told me that the bank gave him too much money the last time he was in. He was thrilled because it was at the bank’s expense.”
Sunny looked her sister in the eye. “You or Foster or Brandon would never do that, because it would be stealing, I think it has something to do with the way you feel about the Bible. I don’t agree with the Bible, but I like your honesty.”
Heather’s heart thundered within her. For weeks now she had hoped that Sunny would see a difference in her life and feel free to question her. She’d prayed much over it, and had to admit that she had begun to despair of its ever happening. Now she confessed her lack of faith, thanked God for this opportunity, and smiled gently at her sister.
“We do take honesty very seriously, and it is because of the Bible, but not just the Bible, Sunny. Jesus Christ of the Bible-Hehas made us the people that we are.”
“You think He is God, don’t you?”
“Yes, I do. The Bible says He is, and I believe the Bible to be God’s true Word.”
“I don’t think He was God,” Sunny admitted without heat or argument. “I think He was a great teacher and a good man, but not God.”
Heather shook her head slowly. “If He isn’t God, Sunny, then there is nothing good about Him.”
Sunny looked stunned, but Heather went on.
“If Jesus Christ isn’t God, Sunny, than He was the biggest liar that ever existed. Think about His life and the way He proclaimed to be God, right up to the point of death on a cross. Think of all of the people who fell for His lies and followed Hun-and not just followed Him but fashioned their very lives to emula
te His own.
“Like I said, Sunny, if Jesus Christ is not God, then there is nothing good about Him. Foster, Brandon, and I all believe with our whole hearts that He is God’s Son, and the Savior of the world.”
Sunny had no reply to this, but Heather could sec that she was thinking. Heather was struck anew over how faithless she’d been. She asked God to help her believe that He loved Sunny enough to tenderly bring down the wall she had built around her heart. For the first time she prayed, believing that her beloved baby sister would someday know God in a truly personal way.
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Cecil Jamieson watched Sunny across the table and tried to think of something clever to say. He glanced at his partner to see his response to Sunny’s beauty, and just as he had hoped, Smitty was as taken with her looks as he was.
It had been most disappointing that Sunny had not made an appearance downstairs until dinner was ready, but Cecil knew they had the rest of the evening to see her. He also knew that most of his friends would have laughed over his love of a 14-year-old girl, but they had never seen Sunny.
She was a jewel among women. He knew she was young, but he could wait. In fact, Cecil tried not to think how beautiful she would be in a few years* time, knowing how long he would have to wait to declare himself. He recognized that she was only now on the threshold of womanhood, but with her flawless skin, marvelous eyes, and breathtaking profile, it was all too easy to see that she was going to grow to be the most beautiful creature in all of London.
Cecil noticed that she looked a bit unhappy tonight, and that concerned him. He hoped it had nothing to do with Smitty’s coming to dinner, and dismissed that idea as foolish. Cecil knew he could cheer her, if only he could talk to her privately and read her his latest sonnet.It’s all about her hair,Cecil thought to himself.Her glorious chestnut hair, that falls in shining waves about her shoulders slim.
**
“As if it wasn’t enough to have Cecil staring at me, now he’s brought his friend along and they stare together!”
Sunny and Heather had not yet joined the men in the parlor, and Sunny was speaking in a furious whisper so as not to be overheard.
“It’s because I’m getting breasts, isn’t it, Heather? I’ve always wanted breasts, but if this is the way it’s going to be, I’m going to hide in my room!”
Sunny had turned away to stomp around the empty dining room, and Heather turned away also, her shoulders shaking with silent laughter. She was sorry that Sunny was so uncomfortable and that Cecil had to make such a fool of himself, but it was so good to see some color in Sunny’s face.
Heather turned back to find Sunny watching her suspiciously.
“Yes, I was laughing,” she admitted, “because you’re such fun, even when you’re mad.”
Sunny looked crestfallen, and Heather, seeing just how miserable her sister was, knew she needed to be taking this seriously.
“I’m sorry, Sunny,” she spoke earnestly. “I’ll have a word with Foster, and he can talk with Cecil. For tonight, I’ll help out as best I can, and you do your best to be kind.”
“All right,” Sunny agreed, and the women went in to join the men.
In the following two hours Sunny did her best to be kind to Cecil, but she didnotlike the ingratiating Smitty, and made no secret of it. Heather watched with fascination on two occasions when Sunny put Smitty in his place with just one chilling glance. Heather knew that Sally secretly called her the Princess, but tonight Heather wondered if maybe she shouldn’t be called the Queen.
“It’s almost as if Rand knew this would happen,” Heather said to Foster four days later as they climbed into their bed for the night, “She’s so despondent and quiet, and I think she might be losing weight.”
“I don’t think he knew this would happen, but he does have a teenage girl of his own who has already passed through some of the changes Sunny is going through. Maybe he suspected that she would grow restless-not that Holly is anything like Sunny,” Foster added dryly.
“I’m glad she’s not!” Heather defended her sister. “I love Holly, but Sunny is special, and I wouldn’t want her to be like anyone else!”
“Heather, Heather,” her husband crooned softly when he saw how worked up she was becoming. “I love Sunny too, and you’re right, she is wonderful. I was just commenting on Rand’s perception.”
“I’m sorry,” whispered Heather, who now cried on her husband’s chest. “I just want her to be happy. I really believe she needs to go to Willows’ End, but I already miss her and she’s not even gone.”
“I know how you feel,” Foster told her tenderly. “But it’s not as hard for you to get away as it is for Rand. You and the girls can go and see Sunny whenever you like.”
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Foster smoothed his wife’s hair away from her face and held her until she slept. He was not looking forward to Sunny’s departure any more than his wife was, but what he really dreaded was telling CecU that she would be leaving London and that he wasnotto visit her at Willows’ End.
“Come to Willows’ End? You mean for a visit?”
“A long visit,” Rand told his youngest sister. “For the spring and through the summer and longer if you like.”
Sunny looked to Foster, who smiled at her, and then to Heather, who was sitting next to her on the davenport.
“You’re sending me away?”
Heather’s heart broke, and her resolve not to cry nearly crumbled. “No, love,” she spoke as she stroked Sunny’s hair with a tender hand. “We would never send you away, but you’re not happy here in London. We all think some time at Willows’ End would do you a world of good. The countryside will be dotted with lambs by now, and the terrain is perfect for riding; not to mention Holly’s being there. She’s so much closer to your age.**
“You can return here anytime you want or stay on as long as you like,” Foster interjected.
Sunny looked thoughtful and then spoke softly, “Does Chelsea want me to come?**
Rand smiled. “Chelsea and Holly can’t wait to see you, and I’m sure to have tearful women on my hands if I return without you.”
Sunny nodded. “What about the twins?**
“They’ll miss you,” Heather told her. “But they’ll love an excuse to go to Willows’ End for a visit.”
“You’ll come and see me?” Sunny seemed surprised.
“Of course,” Heather laughed. “And like Foster said, if you want to come back, you need only ask.”
Sunny looked uncertain for only a moment longer before she smiled and agreed. Everyone hugged her, and five minutes later she ran upstairs to tell Sally she needed to pack her things. Her heart nearly sang with joy as she reached her room. She was going to Willows’ End.
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“Sunny is coming for an indefinite stay at Willows* End.”
“What was that?”
Miles turned to his roommate, unaware that he had spoken out
loud..
“Nothing,” Miles said. “I was just reading a letter from my
mother.”
“When do you go home?”
“The first of June.”
“Oh. That’s only a month away.”
“Right” was all Miles said, but his thoughts were quite different.Tou have one month to settle your emotions-and not make fool of yourself this time.
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*eim
^7” ^Q/mm
T? !WAY’HOLLY?“Sunny “toher”to as she eagerly climbed to the very top steps.y
“Yes, this is the place,-Holly answered reluctantly, brushing webs from her face. The door to the attic creaked, and Holly saw dust fly as Sunny plunged her way into the room.
u hirerHOUy‘“SUmiyexdaimed-“Jcan>tWfc* you nev come
Holly stood brushing her hands together as she watched Sunny rush to the window she had spotted from the ground
the scabies **ViCW‘“SUimybrCathCdMIUX**milesb^ondUnwillingly Holly joined her, stepping over aging artifacts fo>
m generations of Gallaghers. They were standing by the one dusty winow in the topmost room in the south tower, a tower that was more ornate than useful.
“And what do you two think you’re up to?**
The stern voice of Mrs. Boots sounded in the doorway, and Holly jumped as though she’d been caught stealing something. In a faltering voice she began to explain, but Sunny cut her off.
Rloriom,BOOISdear’Cme” * “^fromtto window. It’s simply
Mrs. Boots gave a good-natured shake of her head, and HoUy stared at her in wonder. The only person to ever get away with calling Mrs. Boots “Boots dear” was her father, at leaft until Sunny had
rived. Mrs. Boots had been with the Gallagher family since before leather was born, and her word among the servants was law.
Both Miles and Holly adored her, and were adored in return, rfcut they toed the line when it came to matters of the household. Chelsea was forever telling Mrs. Boots that she was indispensable, and Rand, even though he thought the world of her, had her neatly wrapped around his little finger.
Sunny had only been at Willows’ End for a week before she had emulated Band’s way with her. Mrs. Boots, remembering the day Sunny was born and then the day her father returned from his voyage without her, could not find the heart to deny her a thing.
“What made you come up here, love?” Mrs. Boots asked as she I joined the gjrls by the window.
“I saw this window from the stables and wondered about this part of the house,” Sunny answered, but she was preoccupied, already spotting something else that caught her interest.
“All right,” Mrs. Boots caught Holly’s distressed look over being in the attic. “Out with both of you. You’re already dusty, and I don’t want a bit of this dirty stuff dragged through the house.**
Holly gladly exited the room, but Sunny followed more slowly, taking a last look around as she went. The view from the window had been so captivating that she realized how she missed the chance to do some great exploring. As she moved down the dark staircase, she promised herself that she would get back up to look in those trunks before the month was out.
