Natasha's Hope

by Heather Greenis

  “Keegh,” Will moaned. “It’s possible you’re talking about the man’s wife.”

  “O-o-oh,” Keeghan groaned. “Please don’t let that be true.”

  Alexander didn’t answer but kept his focus on the screen.

  * * *

  Hope and Rose were outside, chatting as they pushed some children on the swings. Seeing Isaac arrive on his bicycle, Rose lifted the skirt of her yellow dress and ran to greet him. The young couple settled in the shade under a large tree. Hope saw her daughter wiping her eyes.

  Isaac walked back to his bicycle and rode off. A devastated Rose ran back to her side.

  “Momma, it’s awful. Isaac’s poppa has received a promotion. They’re moving from the area.”

  “Oh Rose.”

  Isaac plans to speak with the dean to have his file transferred to another university. He promises we’ll keep in touch, to write regularly, but it won’t be the same.”

  “Oh, sweetheart,” she soothed and embraced her daughter. “He will be missed. I’ve always enjoyed Isaac’s company.”

  The new school year began. Tom rushed into the study room.

  “Adam, your momma is on the telephone. She sounds upset.”

  Adam rushed into the office with Hope behind him. He stood with the earpiece to his head, listening intently.

  “Poppa is ill. Momma needs us. She asking for all of us.”

  “I will send Poppa to the school to retrieve Alex and Rose.”

  Hope rushed out of the room in search of her father. Within ten minutes, Hope and Adam left for his parents’ home.

  Her father-in-law was lying in bed when she and Adam arrived.

  “Adam. Come closer, son.”

  Adam knelt by the bed.

  “I’m proud of you, son. You’ve made me proud since you were a young lad. We’ve watched you grow and raise a family of your own. I couldn’t be more proud to have Hope as my daughter and to be blessed to witness you raise your own children. Now, you have a beautiful bride and have given us two wonderful grandchildren.”

  “You taught me values, Poppa.”

  Two days later, Alexander Venderkemp senior passed away with his family by his side. Hope had grown accustomed to death. Babes died, women passed giving birth, but seeing a family member pass cut into her soul. This man made Adam the kind, compassionate man she loved. Hope placed her hand on Adam’s shoulder, but he withdrew, unable to respond to her efforts to console him. His momma held Adam’s hands and spoke words of comfort. The emotional sight brought a flood of tears. Stewart embraced her.

  “Mr. Venderkemp was a remarkable man, Hope. I admired him.”

  Hope just nodded as she sobbed. Glancing to her side, Alex and Rose embraced.

  “Poppa Venderkemp will be missed,” Hope whimpered. “Missed dearly. He’s such a big part of our lives.”

  That night, the family sat for dinner.

  “Elaine plans to attend Papa’s funeral,” Alex informed them. “I want her by my side.

  “Yes, I’m sure you do,” Adam remarked.

  “I plan to contact Isaac. I need my beau here with me,” Rose informed them.

  Hope just smiled.

  A telegram arrived the next day for Rose. Isaac sent his condolences, but informed her he would not be joining them. Rose ripped the telegram in half and threw it into the corner of her room.

  “How dare he decline coming now that I need him. He could have given a reason.”

  Hope embraced her daughter.

  It was a difficult day for the family, but especially for Rose. She mourned her papa and for the sake of the family, attempted to be civil to Elaine. Hope couldn’t have been more proud of her.

  * * *

  Two days after the burial, Rose sat at her desk and wrote a telegram to Isaac.

  I believed we parted friends, but I was mistaken. You were treated as family within our home, but apparently that meant nothing to you. I needed your support as I mourned the loss of my papa, a gentleman you knew. I never want to see or hear from you again.

  Rose

  Hope sat on her daughter’s bed and read the note. “Are you certain you want to send this?”

  “Yes.” Rose crossed her arms in front of her chest. “I will never forgive him.”

  “That is your decision. We will be dining with Uncle Marcus and Joshua and their families on Saturday.”

  “Ugh, Momma. I cannot tolerate another day with Elaine. My head will surely explode if I’m forced to listen to her ramble.”

  Feeling the same contempt, Hope fought the desire to roll her eyes. “Elaine will not be invited. Your poppa and I will ensure Alex is aware of that.”

  * * *

  The Christmas holiday season came and went. It was different without her father-in-law. Hope sat at her desk, balancing the orphanage bank statement. Hearing a tap on the door, she looked up.

  “Come in.”

  The door opened and Rose stepped inside.

  “Momma. We must have Nana Venderkemp here for diner on Saturday evening. I wish to introduce the entire family to a new acquaintance.

  Hope placed her pen on the desk. “Rose, you mustn’t keep me in suspense. Is this new acquaintance a young man? Has he touched your heart?”

  “He has, Momma. I met with Richard at the New Year’s party I attended. He is studying business at Picton and comes from a well-respected family. His father manages the bank in the city. Richard is an intelligent, compassionate….” Her eyes sparkled even more. “And he’s so very handsome, Momma. Both you and Poppa will be pleased once you meet him, I think.”

  Hope rose from her desk and embraced her daughter. “It’s pleasing to see you’ve over the heartbreak from Isaac.”

  “I want Richard to meet Alex, Momma.”

  “I will speak with Alex.”

  * * *

  Hearing a knock on the door Saturday afternoon Stewart left Adam in the office and walked into the lobby. Opening the door, an unfamiliar face greeted him. Stewart smiled in welcome.

  “Richard, my apologies.” Rose’s voice floated down the stairs before her. “I meant to be at the front steps to greet you when you arrived.” Stewart turned to see Rose racing down the staircase, holding the skirt of her floor-length dark dress. “Allow me to introduce Papa Stewart.”

  Adam stepped out of the office.

  “And Poppa,” she added.

  “Mr. Venderkemp,” Richard responded politely.

  “Adam,” he corrected. The young man held out his hand. “In this building we’re not formal,” he continued. “The orphanage children call us by our given names.”

  “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Adam.” Richard shook hands with Adam and then Stewart.

  Richard handed Rose a red rose and glanced around. “This is for your momma,” he informed her as he handed her a yellow rose.

  “Momma, Izabella and Nana Venderkemp are in the parlour. My brother Alex will join us momentarily. Come with me.” Rose led Richard outside.

  * * *

  The meal and conversation lasted over three hours before Stewart, Izabella, and Adam’s momma retreated to the parlour. Rose, Richard, and Alex followed them. Adam stayed with Hope to help tidy up.

  “Rose is falling in love with that young man,” Hope informed her husband.

  “Rose is too young.”

  “Nay. I was the same age when we became acquainted,” she reminded him.

  Adam raised his eyebrows. “That’s not what I want to hear. Our baby girl has grown up before my very eyes.”

  “I’m pleased for our daughter. He appears to be a fine young man. Rose adores him.”

  Adam and Hope rejoined their family in the parlour. It was late when Richard departed for the evening.

  * * *

  During the summer holiday, Richard arrived early every morning to assist with serving breakfast. He spent the entire day with Rose and the family. Richard seemed to enjoy assisting the volunteers and the children. Elaine also arrived daily, shortly af
ter the children had their mid-day meal, but departed long before the children were fed their evening meal. Elaine lacked the patience for the daily routine and showed no inclination to assist in any way. Both Tom and Adam spoke of a decrease in the number of young volunteer applicants.

  Adam walked into their bedroom and closed the door.

  “I completed today’s paperwork a short time ago. I’ve been dealing with adopted children files, storing them away.”

  “You’ve been procrastinating on that job.”

  “Yes. It isn’t priority. While working on them I found myself wishing for an influx of attractive females to distract our son’s attention from Miss McClaire,” Adam informed Hope. He reached for his bed attire.

  “That is a wish I share with you, love.” Hope placed her novel on the night stand.

  * * *

  Hope entered the room carrying a tray with two cups of tea. Izabella looked over her shoulder, smiled, and then turned her attention back out the window.

  “You must watch this,” Izabella informed her. “Rose and Richard are being silly.”

  Hope set the tray on the table, handed a cup to Izabella, and took a sip from her own. She looked out the window. Rose and Richard were racing each other while giving a child a piggy back ride. Rose grabbed onto the ends of Richard’s shirt. He looked at her and she burst into laughter. Hope giggled at her daughter’s expression.

  “I enjoy watching Rose and Richard together,” Izabella commented. “Her face brightens the moment he glances her way, as yours did with Adam.”

  “Richard has the confidence to speak with her, to laugh with her, yet he will also question her reasoning. She respects him for it. I adored Isaac, but Richard suits her better, I think.”

  “I agree,” Izabella responded with a smile.

  Hope turned her attention to her son. The smile vanished from her lips. Elaine stood back and watched Alex push a few children on the swings.

  “I used to believe Alex possessed the best characteristics of Adam and Stewart,” Izabella admitted, “but I no longer believe that to be the case. Although Adam was painfully shy when he first met the family, he still voiced his opinion when it was necessary. We listened with respect. We still do.”

  “I recall only a short time ago Alex playing alongside Christine, Rose, and Isaac. He laughed and found enjoyment with the simple pleasures of life. I no longer recognize my son, and I don’t know how to help him. He is so besotted with Elaine he can’t see she will make him miserable in the end. I want him to find happiness, but Adam is adamant when insisting we cannot interfere. I admit, I agree with Adam’s logic, but it’s painful.”

  “I refuse to allow myself to be drawn in by Elaine’s attempts to be social. Her constant, inappropriate chatter drives me mad.” Izabella placed her hands on her head as if it gave her a headache. “She will never wriggle her way into my good graces. That woman is a fraud and is only interested in her personal gratification.”

  “What possessed Alex to end his relationship with Christine? I thought she was a perfect complement to my son.”

  “His eyes. It cannot be argued, Elaine is a beautiful woman, but Alex has forgotten that inner beauty is more important than outward appearances. Your poppa spoke of those attributes many years ago when we began courting. Alex is blinded by her physical appearance and unable to see beyond the surface.”

  “Elaine’s other attributes must exist behind closed doors,” Hope grumbled quietly. “I will kill him with my bare hands if she becomes with child. I did not risk my life having him to welcome Elaine McClaire into my heart,” she added, defending her remark.

  “We must remain patient, Hope. Stewart was not pleased with all the young men that arrived at the door to court you, but he never spoke of his disapproval.”

  “Poppa was … is an intelligent man,” Hope responded. Her lips curled into a slight smile. “I was not pleased with all the boys who requested my companionship either.”

  Izabella chuckled. “Hope.” Her tone turned serious. “You would have been devastated if your poppa did not approve of Adam.”

  Hope’s mind drifted back. Anna hadn’t been pleased, but that didn’t concern her. Her father’s approval was vital.

  “My heart would remain broken today if Poppa and Adam were not on good terms.”

  Izabella raised her eyebrows. Hope’s eyes shifted to the ceiling. “You have made your point.” Hope turned her attention back to Elaine and took a deep breath.

  “I must remain silent and pray God intervenes.”

  “I’m being tested,” Izabella admitted. “Patience is not a virtue I possess. I cannot tolerate the thought of spending the remainder of my life smiling in her company during our Sunday evening meals.” Izabella covered her mouth, obviously regretting the comment. “My apologies. To this day I am far too outspoken and opinionated in matters that do not concern me.”

  Hope grinned. “I appreciate your honesty. I am certain that attribute attracted Poppa.”

  Izabella giggled. “I pray there are others. That is not something I’m proud of.”

  Hope turned her attention back to Alex and Rose. Their relationship remained strained. Hope didn’t see it improving as long as Elaine remained in his life.

  “It is my sole wish that Alex will close his eyes and open his ears and heart. He is stubborn and behaves quite foolishly in Elaine’s company. Adam and I expected Rose to be the source of frustration, not our shy, quiet one. What has Elaine done to my son?”

  “She has managed to entwine Alex into her web, and he is unable and unwilling to see it.”

  * * *

  “Alexander!”

  Interrupted by Rose’s growling tone of disgust, Alex pulled back from his embrace with Elaine and rested on the grass. Not the least bit concerned, Alex looked up. Richard stood by his sister’s side. Alex rolled onto his back. Elaine sat upright, prim and proper. Focusing his attention on his sister, Alex missed the close bond they once shared. He sat upright and smiled.

  “Rose Alisha Venderkemp. I do not appreciate your timing.”

  “Timing?” she queried. “I do not appreciate your choice of location. I would expect you, of all people, to appreciate privacy.”

  “This is private,” he reminded her, keeping his voice mild. “Private property.”

  “You’re in the open field where the children or volunteers could see you.”

  “You and I are both aware this is beyond the limits for the children and volunteers. Tom doesn’t even have the need to venture this far.”

  He looked at his sister’s beau, desperately hoping, pleading for the opportunity to become well-acquainted with her friend.

  “You were so shy and quiet when we were young and I believed you were one hundred percent Venderkemp. Truly Poppa’s son, but now, I believe you possess a small amount of Momma’s blood in your veins. You have a rebellious streak.”

  A complement. Alex smiled. “It does not require rebellion to kiss someone I care about, but I am thankful you have not witnessed more,” he replied with a wink.

  “Alexander,” Elaine remarked remonstrating.

  She actually blushed. In all their time together, Alex had never seen her blush. He didn’t think it was possible to embarrass Elaine, but he had. He would have thought that would bother him, but it didn’t. Being honest with himself, he was rather proud, but he kept that fact to himself.

  Richard laughed. “I shall enjoy becoming better acquainted with your brother.”

  Rose, please. Give Elaine a chance so I can become better acquainted with your beau.

  “I recall reading the diary, something about a kiss,” Rose remarked.

  Alex’s eyes widened. He glared at Rose, silently pleading to her to be quiet. He hadn’t mentioned the diary or journal to Elaine. He wasn’t certain his papa would allow Elaine to read it. Being honest with himself, he wasn’t certain he wanted Elaine to read it. She had never enquired about Papa Stewart’s surname. Her family was so self-absorbed in their
own lives and social position, he never mentioned the Donovan name. He spoke very little of his family in their presence, but Alex knew everything about the McClaires. Most questions put to Alex concerned his business classes and academic standing. His grandfather and Izabella had maintained private personal lives and Alex would never betray their trust.

  “The story took place in the pond,” Rose continued. “There were two teams, a ball and baskets used for scoring. I believe I feel as a young girl did in the story as she watched her poppa.”

  Insulted, Alex glared at his sister. She was comparing the kiss he was sharing with Elaine to the kiss between their papa and Izabella. The kiss their momma witnessed many years ago.

  “What diary? What is she referring to? You must tell me this instant, Alexander,” Elaine demanded far louder than necessary. “I’m not pleased you’re keeping secrets from me.”

  Ignoring Elaine, Rose turned to Richard and placed her arms around his neck.

  “Kiss me,” Rose pleaded. “Take me into your arms and embrace me as you have done on many occasions. Take my breath away.”

  Richard gazed into Rose’s eyes but his hands remained by his side. He shook his head at her and smiled affectionately.

  “Do not request the impossible, Rose Alisha Venderkemp. That type of kiss requires privacy,” he whispered.

  “Alex, you must tell me,” Elaine insisted, her tone impatient. “I will not tolerate this. I do not appreciate being ignored.”

  Having no intention of explaining the story to Elaine, he turned his attention back to his sister.

  “Your company is no longer appreciated or welcomed.”

  Richard gripped her hand. Rose was laughing as Alex watched them walk off. Overall, he considered the exchange positive. They hadn’t argued. Please allow that to be the beginning of a strengthened bond between us. “I did not understand the conversation,” Elaine exclaimed bluntly. “What were you reading?”