* * *
Later that day, Hope was in the office when her father arrived home. She met him in the lobby. His eyes were sparkling.
“You enjoyed your day?”
“Indeed I did. I enjoyed my visit with Vicki. It was refreshing to have a visit that did not include discussing children or business. After I left Vicki, I went to the site to see Greg. The building looks wonderful. Have you seen Izabella?” he asked, looking around. “She normally appears when I get home.”
“Patrick and Lucy were with her when she came home. I enjoyed a lovely visit with her brother and sister-in-law. Lucy had me giggling.”
“I always enjoy my visits with them. Lucy and Izabella spur each other on with their combined wit.”
Hope nodded in agreement. “I’m so happy we have a warm relationship with Izabella’s family. They are in your quarters. You must invite them to dine. I will set two additional plates at the table.”
“I will.” He walked up the main staircase.
A half hour later, her father returned to the lobby and joined her for the walk to the school. Rose bounced around, speaking non-stop about her day. Alex held his grandfather’s hand and shared a private conversation.
Chapter Fifteen
The playroom door swung open and a couple walked in with Adam behind. Hope recognized their faces. A returning couple generally meant a potential adoption. Adam discreetly pointed out their own daughter and son, reminding the couple. The woman sat on the sofa in the corner and her husband joined her. They spent some time observing the children interact.
That evening, Adam sauntered into the bedroom and looked at Hope.
“It was a busy day. We didn’t have the opportunity to talk in private.” He quickly changed into his sleeping attire and crawled into the bed beside her. “The couple you saw today are interested in adopting a young boy. They spent some time observing Johnny.”
“Johnny?” she questioned. “We must speak with the boys. Alex will be heartbroken.”
“Hope, that isn’t a good idea,” he reminded her. “There’s no guarantee the couple will come back. Johnny would be devastated if he thought he was going to get a family and then didn’t. I’ll inform Tom to find me if they decide to take Johnny. I’ll speak to Alex as my poppa spoke to me.”
The couple returned the following day and Johnny went outside to visit with them. His face brightened with his smile when informed they wished to adopt him. That is, until he learned Alex would not be going to his new home. The tears raced down his cheeks and dripped onto his shirt. Hope’s hand went onto her chest as she fought her own tears.
Adam extended his hand to the young boy. “Johnny, come with me.” They went into the office. A few minutes later, the new parents joined them in the room.
It warmed Hope’s heart to see the bright smile on Johnny’s face when he came out of the office. Then she noticed Alex appear from the playroom. Adam shook the new father’s hand. Hiding her own tears, Hope embraced Johnny and kissed his cheek. “You are a fortunate boy. I will miss seeing you, but I’m so happy for you.”
Johnny rushed over to Alex, gave his friend a hug and returned to his new parents. Adam gave the young boy one last hug and escorted the new family outside. When the door closed, Alex ran up the stairs. Adam re-entered in time to hear the sobbing and the stomping of his feet on the staircase.
“I’ll go after him, Hope.”
Adam rushed after their son, taking the stairs two at a time. She didn’t see much of Alex for the remainder of the day. He was quiet during their evening meal, but that was normal. Rose dominated the dinner conversation.
That evening, Hope looked up from her book when Adam walked into their room.
“Alex is sleeping,” Adam informed her.
“Yes,” she agreed. “I spoke with him before tucking him in.”
“I remember the day my first orphanage chum was adopted,” Adam admitted, sitting on the bed beside her. “I’ll never forget it. I stood in the doorway to the play room and watched as he walked out of my life. I was devastated but got over it quickly and was soon associating with other children. I took Alex for a long walk and assured him I would never allow Johnny, or any child under our care, to leave with a family that could not provide a loving home. In his heart, he heard the truth in my words. Alex trusts us.”
“Rose and I discussed Johnny’s adoption. She will miss him, but not in the same fashion. Our children are so different. Rose has a good heart, but lacks the depth of Alex’s compassion, his tender heart.”
“Alex is truly a Venderkemp. Momma often spoke of it. Stewart’s appearance, but my shyness.”
“He also inherited your smile and compassion.”
Adam grinned. “I expect Alex to manage the orphanage once he finishes his education, although I will never make that suggestion to him. I believe we have brought the fifth generation owner into the world. Then we have our daughter. If I didn’t know better, I’d question whether Rose possesses an ounce of Venderkemp blood in her veins. The image of you and your momma, she has the Donovan eyes and her personality is a combination of you and Stewart, and heaven help us, a touch of Izabella. Did you find a way to conceive a child on your own?” he teased. “The only trait that she didn’t inherit is that reserved quality you possess. Rose does not embarrass easily. I expect to have our hands full once she comes of age. Heaven help the boys.”
Hope took a deep breath, considering his words. Their daughter was indeed growing up to be as outgoing, blunt, and forward as the Donovan men.
“She has inherited the strong characteristics of both Momma and Poppa. It would be nice if Alex wasn’t so shy in public. I sympathize with him.”
“Pray tell me, you do not wish for two children as outgoing as Rose. That child is only quiet when she’s sleeping.” Adam retrieved his sleeping attire. “I love you, Hope Venderkemp, but I’m kept on my toes with both you and Rose.”
Hope chuckled.
“I’m thankful you married me. Our household needs the balance.”
* * *
Both Alex and Rose became active at school, as were their cousins. Alex enjoyed playing sports while Matt focused on his academics. Both Rose and Tessa enjoyed the school plays. Tessa preferred minor roles whereas Rose cherished any time she could be the centre of attention. Their seven-year-old made her displeasure known when she was not given the lead in the school’s latest production. With a flair for the dramatic, she was quite flamboyant.
On rainy days, when the children were not able to play outdoors, Alex would stay at school, sit at the back of the class, and watch Rose, Tessa, and their classmates practice. His teacher offered him a small role on a number of occasions, but Alex always declined.
* * *
Adam and Hope walked the children to school and waited as Alex and Rose ran into the building.
“Mr. and Mrs. Venderkemp. If I could have a minute of your time?”
Hearing the teachers’s voice, Hope glanced at Adam, a question in her eyes. “What has Rose done?” she whispered.
“I’ve noticed Alex tapping his foot to the rhythm of the musical score while the children are practicing their lines. It pleases me to see his enjoyment of music. I felt I should inform you of this.”
“Yes,” Adam acknowledged, “thank you.”
Thrilled, Hope bubbled with enthusiasm. They turned and left the school property.
“I will take monies from the trust fund and pay for his lessons. We will do some research. There must be an academy of sorts in the city.”
“We will look into it,” Adam agreed.
“I’m too excited to wait. Alex will love this.”
Returning to the orphanage, Hope went in search of Tom to inform him they were going out. Adam prepared the horse and buggy.
The horses were stopped at an off-white stone building in the nearby town, and Adam and Hope entered the conservatory.
They met with the instructor and explained they were interested in lessons for their
son. After they toured the building and looked at the curriculum, they journeyed home with the intention of speaking with Alex.
Adam and Hope walked to the school that afternoon.
“Alex. Your poppa and I located a place that offers music lessons,” she informed him as they walked home. “If you’re interested—”
His eyes sparkled and his smile lit his face. “Yes. Yes. I will sound like the people at the symphonies.”
“In time.” Adam responded. “We will arrange for you to start as soon as possible.”
Once the children were in bed for the evening, Stewart tapped on the open office door, entered and sat down. “I’d like your permission to get a piano for Alex.”
“Poppa, that is a wonderful idea—”
“Hope, I think it would be wise to wait until Alex takes some lessons,” Adam cautioned. “Let’s wait and see if he shows real interest in music and a willingness to practice.”
“Once you give me the go ahead, I will arrange for an instrument.”
Adam returned to the academy the next morning and enrolled the boy. Lessons would begin the following week.
Stewart prepared the team, assisted Hope, and watched as Alex jumped up eager to begin his lessons. Entering the building, the sound of music echoed in the hall. Giddy with excitement, Alex could barely contain himself. The instructor arrived, introduced herself, and led Alex into a lesson room. Left to sit in the lobby, Stewart and Hope continued to listen as the beautiful melody echoed throughout the building. A short time later, Alex appeared.
Stewart and Hope stood and walked out the door. “Did you enjoy your first lesson,” Stewart asked.
“I was only shown three notes,” Alex complained, disappointment in his tone.
“You would become overwhelmed if you tried to learn everything in one day. You need to learn the theory to understand how the notes work together.”
“I was horrible! It didn’t sound like music at all when I played,” he wailed in despair.
“I did not design buildings after my first lesson, Alex. It took a long time to learn the intricacies. It is the same with music. Both architecture and music are based on mathematics.”
Alex didn’t respond, but climbed onto the buggy beside Hope.
* * *
On the day of his second lesson, Stewart left Hope to wait at the conservatory with a novel to read and went to the job site. When he arrived, he noticed Matthew standing off to the side, watching the men work.
“If I didn’t know better, I would assume you have replaced your poppa as the foreman,” Stewart joked.
“I wish I was involved. Poppa is busy. I would be chastised if I disturbed the men.”
Greg was very professional. He could never be accused of giving preferential treatment, not even to his own son. The business relationship worked with Vicki only because they worked different areas of the business. Once he had a signed contract, it was her responsibility to ensure payment was made. If payment was late, Vicki telephoned the contact. His company did not have a history of problems collecting from projects completed. Stewart was informed of clients slow with payment. If Matt took an interest in Donovan Engineering and Contracting, Uncle Stewart would ensure Matt received appropriate attention.
“Hopefully, your poppa won’t lecture me for being in the way.”
“Uncle Stewart.” Matt giggled.
“Allow me to be your personal guide,” Stewart gloated. “I seem to recall designing this structure.”
Matthew was full of questions as Stewart led him around the exterior of the building. Finishing the short tour, Stewart removed his pocket watch. Alex’s lesson would be finishing soon. He had to return to take them home.
“If you wish, I shall return tomorrow. We’ll go inside. I think you’ll be pleased by the interior.”
Matthew’s green eyes sparkled with anticipation.
Stewart returned to the conservatory moments before Alex appeared in the doorway. Two girls approached the entrance accompanied by a woman. A boy, a few years younger than Alex waited impatiently on the seat of a buggy and called for his mother to hurry.
“Momma,” the boy yelled a second time.
“Andrew,” the woman responded. “You must wait patiently, or come inside. I shall return to join you in a moment.”
Alex held the door for Stewart and Hope and then released it. The spring on the door forced it to close.
“Alexander! Your manners,” Hope scolded softly.
Alex glanced at his mother, reached for the door, and pulled it open again. A girl with long, light brown hair and green eyes entered, followed by her chum. Their chatter was continuous.
“Sarah,” the woman admonished. “The young man is being a gentleman. It is only polite for you to acknowledge that.”
The brunette girl stopped, turned around, and glanced toward Alex. “Thank you,” she murmured. Then she turned to her chum. “Did you hear? His name is Alexander.”
Giggles drifted back as the girls continued into the building. Alex’s face turned beet red.
“My apologies,” the woman whispered to Hope. “Sarah has embarrassed your son. I’ll call her back to apologize.”
“That’s not necessary,” Hope assured her. “I believe it would embarrass him even further.”
After introducing themselves, Mrs. Tymlins thanked Alex for holding the door, before turning her attention to her charges.
“Sarah, your giggling has embarrassed the young man.”
“Did you see his eyes, Momma? They are a handsome shade of blue.”
“Indeed.” She chuckled before turning serious. “Mind your manners and be more considerate of the feelings of others.”
“I believe they were paying you a compliment,” Stewart stated, placing his arm around his grandson’s shoulders.
Alex turned his nose up. Girls held no interest for him.
“I would rather they keep their opinions to themselves,” he declared and bolted to the buggy.
“In another year or two, you may feel differently,” Stewart responded. He boarded the buggy.
* * *
The following day, Stewart went to the site and spent two hours with Matthew, showing his nephew the original sketches and explaining the structure. They both enjoyed their time. Twice a week, Stewart led the horses to the one-room schoolhouse, left Alex and Rose at the orphanage, took Tessa home, and continued to the site with his nephew. Standing at the site, Matt looked at his uncle.
“Did Momma and Poppa tell you? I plan to study both architecture and engineering. When I’m ready, I will be applying to Picton University.”
“They did not tell me that. I’m so proud of you, Matt.”
Six weeks into his lessons, Hope sat in Alex’s room and tucked him into bed.
“I’m not meant to be a musician, Momma. I sound awful.”
“Alex, you cannot compare yourself to the performers at the concerts after just a few short lessons. They’ve been practicing for years. They began with the same lessons. You’ll improve with time.”
The following morning Alex entered the dining area to join his family for breakfast. Taking his seat between Izabella and Adam, he looked across the table at her.
“I do not wish to continue the piano lessons,” he stated boldly.
Hope looked to Adam for support. He simply shrugged his shoulders.
“Alex, you must give it more time,” she encouraged.
“I enjoy listening to others, but I cannot tolerate the terrible sounds I create,” he grumbled. “I’m certain the instructors and students plug their ears when my fingers touch the keys.”
“That is not true,” she scolded. “The instructor is quite pleased. We’ll invest in a piano and you’ll have the opportunity to practice at home.”
“No-o-o,” he squealed in a panic. “Tom and the volunteers and … and everyone in this building will discover how terrible I sound.”
Hope glanced around the table, pleading for support. No one spoke. Tur
ning her attention to Adam, she glared at her husband.
“I will not force Alex to continue something he is not comfortable with,” Adam responded, defending the boy. “He is shy and feels others are watching, listening, and laughing. To force him to continue would be a punishment. I sympathize with his dilemma and support his decision.”
Alex looked at Adam with a ‘thank you for your support’ smile.
How can I continue this discussion? “I will not force you to continue your lessons,” Hope conceded in defeat. “I believe you are making a grave mistake. You love music, and I’m certain you would enjoy playing.”
Alex finished his breakfast and returned to his room to prepare for school.
Hope finished her meal and went upstairs. Alex grabbed his books when he noticed her at his door.
“I miss Johnny, Momma.”
“As do I. I miss most of the children when they leave, but my heart is warm knowing they are loved. Johnny is receiving an education and has a big brother to play with. He went to a wonderful home.”
“And George. What of him?”
Memories of that terrible storm came to her mind. George’s death, the scar that still existed by Alex’s eye. Those awful nights when Adam jumped from their bed and ran to comfort him. This was not a detailed discussion she wished to have before sending her children to school.
“You remember George? You were very young.”
“He was funny.”
“Indeed, he was. A remarkable young man. George went to a family that loves him. We must find your sister and leave for school.”
Chapter Sixteen
Matt began his studies at Picton in September. After finishing his last class of the day, he rode the train to the orphanage. Stewart guided Matthew as he worked on his class projects. Stewart enjoyed the companionship, finding the assignments both challenging and rewarding. After completing the homework, Matt would go to Alex’s room and remain with his cousin until his father arrived to pick him up. The boys’ laughter could be heard from the hallway.
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