Who Brings Forth the Wind

by Lori Wick

  Drew began to cry from inside the room. It was the best

  thing Stacy could have heard. As she moved to see to the

  trouble, she realized she was not more restful over the situation,

  but Drew needed his mother and that was all that

  mattered at the moment. She felt that she'd utterly failed him

  "You're moving us?" Stacy questioned Price just 30 minutes

  after she'd made her resolution.

  "Yes, my lady. Lord Tanner has selected rooms for you in

  the other wing. If you'll come with me--"

  Price cut off when Drew came from behind his mother to

  see whom she was talking with. He had been behind her

  skins, thinking this all a game, when he popped his little face

  out and then moved his whole person to stare up at the

  unfamiliar servant in their room.

  Price cleared his throat and opened his mouth to speak,

  but nothing came. He couldn't seem to take his eyes from the

  child When he finally looked up, it was to find Stacy smiling at

  him, her heart in her eyes.

  "Thank you, Price."

  "For what, my lady?" The man's voice was hoarse.

  "For reacting as you did."

  Price's expression told her he understood, but he still

  looked as if he couldn't believe his eyes. He had never doubted

  Lady Richardson's faithfulness to her husband, but the face of

  this child was enough to stop him in his tracks.

  Price had been employed by Tanner's father to serve as

  Tanner's valet; he had been 12 years old at the time. Tanner

  236

  had been four and a mirror image of the child before ni

  Price found himself wanting to let out an emotional shout i

  the first time in years. His lord had an heir, a beautiful m;

  heir.

  Price cleared his throat and slowly said, "If you'll coii

  with me, Lady Richardson, I will see that you, young Loi

  Richardson, and Hettie are settled comfortably."

  "Maybe I should have Hettie pack our things."

  "Lord Richardson's orders were clear--a maid will take

  care of that. He also wanted me to tell you that he'd like you to

  join him for dinner this evening at 7:00."

  "Thank you, Price."

  And so it was that the small band of neglected visitors

  followed Price out of the north wing to their new rooms. Stacy

  ignored Hettie's comment about it being long overdue; she

  was just glad that Tanner had not been as indifferent as he'd

  acted.

  Drew skipped along, holding Hettie's hand and trying to

  take in parts of Winslow he'd never seen. Hettie kept him

  moving fairly fast, but Price noticed the child's interest and

  asked Stacy to contact him if she wanted young Lord Richardson

  to have a tour.

  "I appreciate the offer, Price, but since Tanner hasn't met

  Drew, I think we should wait."

  "As you wish, my lady. This will be your room."

  Price opened a door, and Stacy entered with relief. They

  had been heading in the direction of the master bedroom, and

  her mind was put to rest to be given another just now.

  It was a bedroom she remembered, and in fact was one of

  her favorites. Done completely in navy and a deep shade of

  rust, it was one of the warmest bedrooms in all of Winslow.

  There was a sitting room off the bedroom and a huge dressing

  room. Everything was spotless, and a maid stood in attendance,

  preparing to pour tea.

  "Please wait for Lady Richardson's return," Price told the

  maid before leading them across the way to Hettie and Drew's

  rooms. They were as marvelous as her own, but other than

  237

  ig Drew wash his hands in the basin they did not linger.

  ' quickly moved back across the hall to enjoy tea in Stacy's

  _ig room.

  An hour later, Tanner, on the way to his own room, was

  Bopped in the hall when he heard a child laugh. For long

  oments he stood. Another giggle sounded, and with it all

  ubts about moving them closer evaporated He knew he

  ,as going to have to meet the child eventually, but not just yet,

  fearing that laugh and knowing he'd done right by Stacy and

  ic boy was enough for now.

  239

  for the second time in just weeks, Stacy found herself

  rushing down the stairs to see Sunny Hawkesbury. Jeffrey had

  put her guest in the main salon. Stacy would have chosen a

  smaller, cozier room for their meeting, but she was glad to see

  her anywhere. The friends embraced warmly and then sat

  close together on the settee to talk in quiet tones.

  Sunny wasted no time in asking questions, telling Stacy to

  tell her if she was out of line.

  "First of all, are you all right?"

  "I think so. The events of the past week have been rather

  hard, but I think things might be turning."

  "Can you tell me about them?"

  "When we arrived Tanner wasn't here. I wasn't prepared

  for that, but the worst thing that happened was that we were

  given rooms in the north wing."

  "What were the problems?"

  "It's oppressive, cold, and dreadfully dreary. I thought

  Drew might be catching something so I went to Tanner about

  moving, but he said no. However, he must have had second

  thoughts because he did move us. We're in lovely rooms just

  down the hall from the master bedroom."

  "What did he say about Drew?"

  "He hasn't seen him yet."

  239

  Sunny glanced around the cavernous room. "That's not

  fhard to believe. Winslow is larger than Bracken. I take it

  Rmner doesn't see much of you, either."

  "No, but he has asked me to join him for dinner tonight."

  "Will you go?"

  Stacy's smile was self-mocking. "You don't tell Tanner

  no--at least I don't."

  "Stacy," Sunny's voice turned urgent. "Is he hurting you?"

  "No, not the way you're thinking. My heart feels rather

  battered, but he doesn't touch me."

  "Should you be staying here?"

  "I believe so, yes. I was ready to leave, although I don't

  know how I would, when he moved us to more comfortable

  rooms. I rather took that as an indication that I should keep on

  here."

  "Stacy, what did you mean, you don't know howyou would

  leave? Surely you can order a carriage for yourself."

  "I'm not sure. You see, the servants don't really care for

  me. Some of it's my fault because I'm not very assertive, but I

  feel as if--"

  Jeffrey chose that moment to enter with the tea tray. He

  had not knocked but simply entered of his own accord.

  "I assumed my lady and her guest would care for tea?"

  Jeffrey's voice told them how much he knew he was appreciated.

  Stacy glanced at Sunny, who indicated no with a slight

  shake of her head.

  "No, thank you, Jeffrey, not just now." This came from

  Stacy.

  Jeffrey's face and body movements communicated his

  deep affront, and Sunny could only stare at him. Stacy, being

  used to such things, did nothing. Collecting the service, Jeffrey

  caught the shocked look in the Duchess of Briscoe's eyes.

  He swiftly schoole
d his features into humble servitude before

  leaving the women alone.

  "Is that normal?"

  "I'm afraid so."

  240

  "I can't believe Tanner puts up with it."

  "They don't do it to Tanner."3

  Sunny stared at her friend and thought furiously how sbe could help her. This was awful, but what should she say? She

  was still thinking when Stacy asked, "Should I stay here,

  Sunny?"

  "Are you afraid to stay?"

  "I am afraid, but not for the reasons you might think. I'm

  afraid of being swallowed up by Tanner because I won't stand

  up to him. I'm afraid he'll take Drew from me. Oh, not actually

  remove him from Winslow, but take his affections until he

  won't remember that he has a mother. I think I can stand many

  things, Sunny, but not that."

  Sunny was about to reply, but the door opened again.

  Sunny was ready herself to tell the servants to leave them

  alone, but it was Tanner. He crossed the room in long-legged

  strides so like Brandon's that she smiled to herself.

  "I'm sorry to bother you, ladies, but Price told me Sunny

  was here. Would you mind giving these to Hawk? Tell him I'll

  be over in the next few days to discuss them."

  "I'll make sure he receives them."

  "Thank you, Sunny." Tanner's tone was congenial, his eyes

  kind, but as he transferred this gaze to his wife, his look

  became intense.

  "Did you need something, Stacy? Shall I send Jeffrey in?"

  "No, thank you, Tanner. We're fine."

  "All right." The words sounded like he was through, but he

  continued to stand and study his wife's face.

  "Did you get my message from Price?" Tanner's voice had

  changed and become intimate and low.

  "Yes, thank you. This evening, seven o'clock."

  "Good." Tanner spent another few seconds studying her

  as though to memorize her features, then bowed to both

  ladies and went on his way. It had appeared as though he was

  searching for something in her expression. Both women

  wondered if he found what he'd been looking for.

  241

  "I didn't know what to tell you before he came in here,

  ;y, but right now I think you should try to stay."

  Stacy was beginning to agree, but she still asked, "What

  fxfaanged your mind?"

  "His face, more specifically, his eyes. He still believes

  you've duped him in some way, but he's so drawn to you he

  can't stand it. I believe he would have joined you on this settee

  had I not been here."

  They continued to talk for another 20 minutes and then

  Sunny said she had to be leaving. Stacy hated to see her go, but

  she praised God for the visit. Sunny left her with some words

  of encouragement.

  "Read the third chapter of First Peter, Stacy. Please don't

  mistake it for saying that you should stay here no matter what

  happens to you or Drew, but it might help you to know how to

  pray.

  "If you need to talk and you can't come to me, send word

  with a servant. I'll come to you. Outside of that, pray, and I

  hope God will lay it on my heart to come to you."

  "Thanks, Sunny. I hope I can come to Bracken soon. Drew

  would love to play with your boys."

  "Oh, Stacy," Sunny sparked. "I didn't even think of it!

  Please come sometime soon. I know my boys will love Drew."

  The women hugged, and Stacy stood in the front yard even

  after the Hawkesbury carriage was out of sight. Wishing she

  could go for a walk, she gazed out over the landscape and then

  realized there was no reason she couldn't. Drew was somewhere

  with Hettie, and a stroll, even a short one, in the

  springtime sun would do her good

  Watching her from the study window, Tanner wondered at

  her thoughts as she walked slowly toward the garden. He was

  still studying her when a small boy darted out from the side of

  the mansion. That Stacy was surprised and thrilled to see him

  was obvious with the way she scooped him into her arms and

  began to swing around. Another woman, presumably Hettie,

  had come behind the boy, and Tanner saw the three of them

  heading off into the gardens and out of sight.

  242

  How did a man tell his wife that he was willing to forgh

  her past indiscretion, but that he wanted nothing to do wit her illegitimate child? He wanted her back in his life, but nt,

  the boy. He would have to tread carefully for a time. Tonight

  probably would be too soon, but in time he would find a way to

  have Stacy again and on his own terms.

  Stacy's dinner with Tanner was on her mind as she put her

  son to bed, and even though she read him a story, she was

  terribly preoccupied; preoccupied until Drew decided to pull

  one of his question-and-answer sessions.

  "How tali will I be?"

  "I'm not sure."

  "Taller than Hettie?"

  "Probably."

  "As tall as you?"

  "You might be."

  "Will my hair get long?"

  "Well, we'll have to keep it cut. Do you want it to get long?"

  "No, I don't like it on my neck. Do you like it on your neck?"

  "I don't mind too much, unless it gets very hot. You need to

  go to sleep now."

  "Where is Grandpapa?"

  "In heaven. Remember we talked about that just yesterday.

  When we believe in Jesus Christ, we die and go to heaven and

  live with God"

  "Tell me about heaven, Mumma."

  "You are stalling, Andrew. Now go to sleep."

  "What's stalling?"

  Stacy shook her head. "Sleep." She couldn't stop the smile

  that threatened, however, and Drew grinned back at her when

  it burst into full bloom on her mouth. She cuddled him close

  for a time, kissing his soft, warm cheek and telling him he was

  her little love. He was nearly asleep when she rose.

  243

  I' Hettie went to the door with her, and Stacy paused, know-j

  ing that something was on the woman's mind.

  "Drew asked me about dying just the other day. Do you

  want me to tell him what you just said?"

  I "I tell Drew that, Hettie, because it's what God's Word

  | says, so he can believe it's true. So to answer your question,

  yes, I would. Would you like me to show you the verses in the

  Bible that tell us that?"

  Hettie nodded. "Sometime, yes, but I'm tired tonight."

  "All right. Goodnight, Hettie."

  "Will you be in your room in the morning?"

  "What do you mean?"

  "I mean, should Drew come and find you if you're not in

  your own room tomorrow morning?"

  Stacy didn't know how to answer her. Suddenly the way

  Tanner looked at her earlier that day gave her pause. Why

  hadn't it occurred to her before? Not until Stacy had gained her

  room did she remember she hadn't answered Hettie's question.

  "If you're not in your own room."

  The words kept sounding in Stacy's head as her hands

  fluttered nervously over her hair. She checked her dress, a

  peach silk creation covered in thin black stripes that she had

  saved for special occasions, repeatedly before go
ing down

  the stairs. Even though she looked wonderful, her stomach

  was in knots. She adjusted the lace at her wrist and neckline at

  least six times, acting as if this was her coming out and not

  merely dinner with her spouse.

  Stacy had almost convinced herself to calm down when

  she spotted Tanner waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs.

  He looked gorgeous and larger than life in black evening

  dress. Stacy was so busy gawking at him that she missed the

  last step.

  244

  Her eyes were the size of saucers when she found hei

  falling and then caught up tight against Tanner's chest. St

  looked up into his passion-filled eyes and couldn't speak. She^

  felt panic coming on. She was not ready for this.

  "I'm hungry," she suddenly blurted, her eyes still huge in

  her face.

  Stacy's vulnerability touched that spot in Tanner's heart

  that was so often affected when Stacy was near.

  "Shall we go into dinner?" Tanner asked softly as he set

  her gently away from him.

  "Yes, please." Stacy's voice was quiet with gratitude, and

  Tanner offered her his arm and led her to the dining room.

  Stacy had no idea what the evening would bring.

  (jJJA-o/w

  hours later stacy lay alone in her bed and recounted her

  dinner conversation with Tanner. It had been a disaster.

  "I saw you walking toward the garden today."

  "I couldn't resist. After Sunny left I was drawn almost

  against my will." Tanner was being his most charming, and

  Stacy was fairly relaxed. "Your gardeners do a wonderful job."

  "They would probably appreciate your praise."

  Stacy was thinking that they wouldn't want her anywhere

  near them when Tanner asked, "How is your meal?'1

  "Everything is delicious, thank you."

  "Are you settled in your room?"

  "Yes. It's a beautiful room."

  "Well, I hope you don't get too comfortable."

  Stacy's eyes flew to her husband at the other end of the

  table, but he was bent over his plate and didn't notice. Stacy

  took a deep breath and forced herself to speak.

  "If you don't plan on my staying at Winslow very long,

  maybe it would be best if I left right away."

  Tanner frowned at her for just an instant. When his face

  cleared, he explained.

  "I wasn't referring to your moving from Winslow, only

  from your bedroom."

  245

  Suddenly Stacy wasn't hungry anymore. It didn't matter

  that half of her meal was still on the plate, she knew she was