Natasha's Hope

by Heather Greenis

  He turned and looked at her. Why do I feel the need to lie to her? If I love her and trust her, I should ask Papa to let her read the diary and journal. A voice deep within his soul told him that was a bad idea. “A silly fable we read as children. Rose is attempting, without success, to be comical.”

  With the mood lost, he stood up and assisted Elaine to her feet. As they walked back to the orphanage, he noticed Rose and Richard embracing under a tree. He didn’t stop, but continued walking.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Alex ended a telephone conversation with Elaine, stepped into the lobby and noticed Papa Stewart walking down the steps.

  “Elaine and her family have invited me to dine in celebration of graduation. They have made reservations.”

  “Reservations. You need to change.”

  “Yes. If I don’t see Momma or Poppa please inform them of my plans.”

  Attired in his dark suit, he made his way toward the estate home. Elaine greeted him at the door in a beautiful navy gown. Her hair was pulled up and tied with a diamond barrette.

  “You’re stunning,” he informed her.

  “You must join me in the parlour,” she whispered, bubbling with enthusiasm. “Momma and Poppa will not be down for a moment. There is something I want to show you.”

  In the parlour, the glow from the fireplace produced a romantic reflection on the piano. Once they settled on the sofa, Elaine turned her body toward Alex and took his hand in hers.

  “I’ve done a great deal of thinking,” she informed him. The smile on her face grew. “I wish to be married once you graduate.”

  Alex heard the words, knew it was Elaine’s voice, but found himself frozen and unable to speak. He planned to marry Elaine, to spend the remainder of his life with her, but this was premature. His plan was to relieve his parents of their responsibilities and settle into his new role first. He had intended to wait a year or two before proposing marriage.

  Still attempting to grasp the ramifications of her words, Elaine grabbed a small box from the table and turned to face him. To his horror, she lifted the lid and revealed a ring with sparkling diamonds.

  “This will make it official,” she declared, vibrating with excitement. “We will celebrate our engagement tonight. I fell in love with this ring. I know it’s outrageously expensive, but I just must have it, so I asked Poppa to buy it for me. The matching wedding bands are in my room. You’ll be pleased, I just know it.”

  Unable to speak, Alex looked on numbly as she removed the gold band with seven diamonds from the box and slid it onto her hand. Evidently, Elaine failed to notice his lack of enthusiasm.

  “We are engaged,” Elaine announced proudly. “We shall be married. I shall become Mrs. Alexander Venderkemp.”

  Alex’s mind raced, his thoughts tumbling over each other and making no sense whatsoever. Distraught, they had never discussed marriage or mentioned a ring or their future. He loved her, but now, suddenly, they were engaged and she was wearing a ring on her finger. Not even his ring, but one her father had bought and paid for. One she had chosen herself without any input whatsoever from him. Somehow he felt like a lamb going to slaughter and unable to do anything about it. They were about to dine with her family and celebrate what should be a joyous occasion. He needed to talk with her and make her understand his position. They would be married eventually, after a long engagement. Taking a deep breath, he girded his loins for the discussion he knew would not go well.

  “Elaine—” he whispered.

  “Congratulations!”

  Alex closed his mouth with a snap. This was not a discussion to have in the presence of her parents. Alex stood and attempted to smile. He shook hands with his future father-in-law. Within minutes, he was stepping into the carriage and travelling to their celebration dinner.

  Unable to enjoy his meal, they rode home, listening as Elaine described her dream wedding. A big wedding. The buggy stopped at their door and they stepped down.

  “We are retiring for the evening,” her father informed them. “Goodnight, Elaine, Alexander.”

  “Goodnight, Poppa.”

  Alex reached for Elaine’s hand and led her to the rose garden in the back yard. She rattled on about the wedding, but Alex remained focused on the conversation he had to initiate. He stopped by a wrought iron bench and let her sit before taking the seat beside her.

  “Elaine, it is imperative we talk,” Alex stated, interrupting the incessant flow of words.

  “I agree,” she responded, bubbling with excitement. “We must begin planning the wedding. It will be lavish. The event of the year and something that will be spoken of for years—”

  “Elaine, I do not wish to discuss the wedding,” he interrupted again, attempting to keep his voice steady. “I wish to discuss this evening and the assumption you have made.”

  She stuck her lip out in a pout and frowned prettily.

  “Do you not intend to marry me?” she questioned.

  “Of course I do,” he responded, hoping to choose his words carefully. “But I expected to get down on one knee and propose to you, not the other way around. I planned to ask for your father’s blessing.”

  “There is no need to ask for Poppa’s blessing. He loves you as he would his own son.”

  “Our engagement was an assumption on your part.”

  “You agreed to share my bed.” The tone of her voice was defensive. “Was I wrong to assume you would marry me?”

  “It wasn’t wrong—”

  “I saw the ring and fell in love with it,” she blurted. “Poppa was happy to buy it for me.”

  “It is a beautiful ring,” he admitted.

  “You must wait until I’m with you to speak with your family,” Elaine commanded. Her beautiful face took on a radiant glow. “They will be so excited at the news.”

  He had no regrets about bedding her, but they had not had a serious discussion since they began courting. Now, Alex felt confident that events or major issues would be discussed in the future before Elaine acted on any plans. A fortunate man, Elaine would be his wife, and they would spend the remainder of their lives together, managing the orphanage. He kissed her and returned home.

  The following day, Elaine called to say she was on the way. Alex stood at the main entrance of the orphanage, greeted her and escorted his fiancée into the parlour before he went in search of his family. Rose arrived soon after, having been outside with Richard. The entire family was in the room.

  “Rose. I am so pleased to see both you and Richard. Do sit down,” Elaine commanded.

  * * *

  Hope watched Rose shift her eyes and take a seat on the chair closest to the door. Richard stood behind her, resting his hands on her shoulders. Hope smothered a grin.

  “Alex and I are engaged to be married.”

  Hope’s eyes almost popped out of her head. Elaine extended her left hand, proudly displaying the diamond on her finger. The bottom dropped out of Hope’s stomach. Her hand instinctively went to her belly. The silence rang in Hope’s ears, deafening her. She caught Izabella’s eye across the room and saw her own horror mirrored on Izabella’s face.

  “Congratulations,” Hope finally managed to say. “Alex, we are shocked. You did not speak of your intent.”

  “I suggested Alex keep his lips sealed until I was present. I wished to see the excitement on your faces. Momma and Poppa are thrilled.”

  “I’m certain they are,” her father admitted in a barely audible tone. Hope noticed Izabella give his thigh a swat. Did Alex or Elaine hear or see that?

  Strained conversation followed for a few moments.

  “Adam, Poppa, would you join me in the kitchen, please.” They walked out of the room leaving Izabella, Rose, and Richard to sit with Alex and Elaine.

  * * *

  His family’s reaction didn’t surprise Alex. They were shocked. Of course they were shocked. He had been shocked.

  “Congratulations.” Richard shook his hand and the two men engaged in casua
l conversation. From the corner of his eye, he saw Rose turn to Izabella.

  “Rose, you will be my maid-of-honour, so together, we must begin looking at wedding gowns,” Elaine blurted, interrupting all their conversation. “As the maid-of-honour, it is your duty to assist the bride. Elaine turned her attention to Izabella. “Momma and I have seen you at Valentines. I will coordinate a date and ensure you are working. That way, I will insist you assist us and earn commission of the sale.”

  If Alex could have died on the spot, faded into oblivion, he would have. Tongue tied, he stared at the carpet. He looked toward his sister. The comment had Rose speechless with her jaw hanging.

  “I believe your chums would be insulted if you did not ask one of them,” Rose informed her.

  “Rose is simply overwhelmed by the honour. You must speak with her in private,” Elaine ordered Alex. “You must also speak with Richard and ask him to be your best man.”

  Alex dropped his gaze. Izabella might refrain from commenting, but he wasn’t confident his sister would do the same. If Elaine had mentioned her intentions earlier, he would have suggested she ask a chum. Rose would never be persuaded to be an attendant. It would take persuasion and perhaps an order from his parents to get Rose to attend his marriage. Alex’s mind lit up. Elaine has not introduced me to a single chum. I’ve introduced her to all my mates. He focused on the words Elaine had just spoken.

  His fiancée had chosen their attendants without speaking to him or asking for his opinion. Elaine had presumptuously asked Richard to be his best man without even consulting him. Given a choice, he would have Matthew as his best man. Now, he was compelled to have Richard, a man he barely knew. He’d speak with Matthew in private and apologize. It would be an embarrassing conversation with Matthew, one he was not looking forward to. But as long as Elaine was happy, that was all that mattered. After all, weddings were more a woman’s affair anyway. He smiled.

  “Tom has asked Rose and me to run an errand,” Richard informed the group, breaking the silence. “He’s waiting for us.”

  Alex studied Richard’s face. Tom would never request assistance from Rose and her beau, regardless how trivial the errand. He would speak with a volunteer or wait for him or his father. It was an excuse to leave. Thankful, it would save an altercation. Richard extended his hand and led Rose out of the room.

  * * *

  Hope had a vision of the ring on her mind when they reached the kitchen. The diamonds were exquisite and quite large. Alex did not have access to any finances without asking a member of the family. Even with the pocket change Alex had been given while attending Picton, he could not have afforded the extravagant piece of jewelry. Adam had access to her trust fund, but never touched it and never so much as suggested a use for any of the funds. Hope paid all expenses associated with the family and the business and Adam carried enough money in his wallet for emergencies. Adam would not give Alex money without discussing it with her. She closed the door and glared at her father.

  “Poppa! Did Alex approach you? Are you responsible for that ring?”

  “I am not,” he responded in a defensive whisper. “I would have spoken to you if he had mentioned this. Neither Izabella nor I would have encouraged this fiasco.”

  Hope looked at Adam with one eyebrow raised. He never opened his mouth, but simply glared at her for considering the foolish thought.

  “Is it possible Alex approached Elaine’s father?” Hope questioned. She opened the pantry door and removed the container with treats.

  Adam shook his head in disbelief. “He would not.”

  Hope set the container on the counter and covered her eyes.

  “Alex is engaged to Elaine McClaire. What has she done to our son? My worst nightmare is becoming reality. She will become a part of this family.”

  “We must pray for a long engagement,” Adam responded, “and hope he uses the brain the good Lord gave him.”

  They opened the door to the dining room just as the door from the private entrance slammed shut. Adam looked at the ceiling. “Ugh, I will have words with Tom and the volunteers. That is not acceptable from the volunteers or the children.”

  They continued toward the parlour. The room was quiet, too quiet. The tension could be cut with a knife. Glancing around the room, Rose and Richard were gone. There wasn’t a doubt in Hope’s mind, Rose had slammed the door when she left the building. She looked toward Adam. Her husband chewed at his lower lip.

  Hope,” Elaine said. “I require a list of the guests you wish to invite at your earliest convenience. We are planning to be wed within weeks of Alex’s graduation.”

  Can this day get any worse?

  Adam set the tray on the table and took his seat beside his wife. Elaine babbled on about the impending nuptials. Tempted, Hope resisted the urge to stick her fingers in her ears to block the non-stop nattering. Thankfully, after eating a few goodies, Alex took Elaine out of the room.

  “Who is responsible for giving Alex money for that ring?” Izabella demanded angrily. She glared at everyone in the room.

  “And face the wrath of my daughter and Izabella? It would take a fool,” Stewart responded. There was no wit to his tone. His facial expression was serious.

  “The money did not come from this family,” Hope informed her. She shifted in her chair and looked at her husband as he sat beside her. “I fear it may have come through her family.”

  “Un-be-lievable,” Izabella muttered, dragging out the word. She scowled and shook her head in disgust. “I am losing respect for that young man. Whatever is he thinking?”

  “I’m attempting to put myself in my son’s shoes,” Adam said thoughtfully. “He is in love with a woman that doesn’t meet his family’s approval. It must be devastating for him. He is far too reserved to ever request money from anyone in the family.” Adam ran his fingers through his hair. “My word, I do feel for him. Where would he turn? The orphanage has developed a solid reputation over the years. Perhaps Alex went to the bank for a loan. Would they lend to him based on his name?”

  “Oh my word.” Hope cringed at the suggestion. She buried her face in her hands.

  The men discussed the possibility. Izabella informed Hope in detail of the discussion between Elaine and Rose. Exasperated, Hope turned her attention to Adam.

  “They were barely speaking before this occurred,” she reminded him. “It is time we speak with Rose. Her brother has made a decision which this family must accept.”

  Adam nodded and reached for a sweet.

  Hope summoned Rose to the master bedroom when Richard departed for the evening. Adam closed the door and sat in the chair beside Hope. Rose took her place at the edge of the bed.

  “Izabella informed us of the conversation in the parlour,” Hope began.

  “She expects me to be her attendant. That is simply ludicrous. I will not even be attending the wedding.”

  If it were possible, Hope could see and feel Adam’s blood pressure rise.

  “Although it is not a pleasing development, we must accept Alex’s decision,” Adam informed her. “This feud with your brother will end, immediately. I expect you to mend fences with him.”

  “I will not,” she barked in a stubborn, rebellious tone.

  “Rose Alisha Venderkemp,” Adam lectured, raising his own voice. “Do not argue with me or raise your voice in anger to anyone in this family. Your attitude will not be tolerated another moment. Is that understood?”

  “Poppa, please,” Rose begged softly. “Don’t force me to assist Elaine with this wedding. I would prefer spending the remainder of my life locked in my room to spending time in her company.”

  “We’re not expecting you to stand by their side as they exchange vows, or to assist with the wedding plans,” Hope responded in a calm voice, “but you are expected to be in attendance.”

  Rose turned and glared at her with venom in her eyes. “I expected your support. I do not wish to be in the same room as that woman. I detest her and will not support t
heir marriage.”

  “Rose,” Adam growled. “You will dress appropriately and attend their marriage. It is your decision whether you decide to invite an escort.”

  “I will not offer her any assistance although I am certain it will be requested and expected.”

  “We understand your feelings, Rose. Given your past history and the confrontation with Isaac, it is warranted. However, your father and I expect you to mind your manners and keep your opinions to yourself,” Hope informed her, keeping her voice calm. “Nothing further.”

  “I expect you to end this feud with your brother,” Adam added. “You are to apologize.”

  “Poppa,” she protested.

  “Rose. The conversation is closed.”

  Rose walked out of the room, slamming the door behind her. The pounding of her own heart rang in Hope’s ears. Hope buried her face in her hands.

  “I never thought raising a family could be as difficult. I was a fool when wishing for a large family. This building is not large enough to accommodate just two grown children.”

  Adam stared at the ceiling and then looked at her. “Being an only child, I never had to deal with this kind of thing. I cannot imagine dealing with a whole house full of quarrelling children. I am going downstairs. I plan to speak with Alex when he arrives home.”

  “Bring him up here.”

  * * *

  Returning home, Alex saw Poppa sitting on the chair on the porch.

  “Your momma and I wish to have a word with you.”

  Alex followed Poppa upstairs and into the master bedroom. Alex took a seat on the edge of the bed while his father took the seat beside his mother.