“Why was it folly? If that’s what you wanted to do with your life, you shouldn’t have given in to what Father wanted.”
Daniel shook his head. “Going off to sea was no more than a young man’s dream. I soon realized Father was right. And you’ll do the same if you don’t want to ruin your standing within the family. There’s a real need for you to help with the business. You’re a grown man, and it’s time to put aside your selfish desires and focus on what’s good for the entire family.”
A surge of anger swelled within Wesley’s chest. He stood and turned away from his brother before he said something he might regret. Why did all of them think they knew what he should do with his life? And why was he considered selfish if he didn’t join the family business?
“Personally, I think you should have at least tried going to sea. If you’re completely honest, I’m sure you still wonder what you might have encountered if you’d followed your instincts.”
Once again Daniel eyed him with disdain. “Taking my position with the mills was expected of me—just as it was expected of Charles and is now expected of you. The time has come to settle down, take a wife, and assume your position with the company.”
“I’ve heard that tale enough times, Daniel. You can stop repeating it.” He buttoned his white waistcoat and straightened the lapels of his black swallow-tail coat. “Let’s go downstairs and join the family.”
“You might consider the fact that Father would like to look toward retiring from the business and enjoying the fruits of his labor. You know, traveling and such. If you’d step up, he and Mother could relax a bit.”
Wes didn’t rise to the bait Daniel tossed at him, though he hadn’t before heard this argument about his father wishing to retire. If it was true, why expand? Still, the thought that his unwillingness to join his brothers in the family business might hamper his father’s retirement pricked his conscience.
Although he wasn’t looking forward to the ball, Wes headed to the door. Anything would be more pleasant than arguing with his brother. They stepped outside the room as his parents were departing their suite. His mother wore a peach gown and matching mask. Tiny feathers were attached to the mask and appeared to wave at him as she approached.
“I have a mask for you, too, Wesley.” She smiled and handed him a black mask embellished with several rows of black and gold cording. “This one is quite nice, isn’t it? I had my milliner create masks for the entire family before we left home. She’s such a talented woman.”
His father nodded toward the stairs. “Daniel and I will meet you downstairs.”
“Oh yes. It’s better we don’t all appear together. Someone will immediately guess who we are. Wesley and I will follow in a few minutes.” His mother gestured for him to put on the mask. “Let’s see if it needs any adjustment.”
He placed the mask over his head and pulled it down until he could see through the eyeholes. It covered more of his face than he’d anticipated. “It’s rather large, don’t you think?”
“The idea of a masked ball is to hide your identity, Wesley.” His mother patted his arm and spoke in the placating tone she’d used when he’d been a young boy unwilling to follow instruction.
“Since I know very few people, I think I could go without a mask and not be recognized.”
Though he thought the idea of a masked ball a bit of silliness, he knew he wouldn’t win an argument with his mother. In her estimation, a masked ball could only be outdone by a full costume ball. And she’d already lamented the fact that they wouldn’t be wearing costumes for the first formal gathering of the season.
She tapped her fan against the front of his stiff white shirt. “If you would spend more time with us, you’d become acquainted. The rest of us have already met many of the regular guests staying here at the clubhouse as well as some of those who have cottages on the island.” She gave the fan an extra tap against his shirt. “I might add that I’ve discovered there are a number of lovely, eligible young ladies who would be pleased to make your acquaintance.”
Wesley’s shoulders stiffened at her final remark. “I have no more interest in striking up an acquaintance with one of these socialites than I do in taking a position in father’s business.” When her lips trembled, he leaned forward and brushed a kiss on her cheek. “No need for tears, Mother. You have three children who have married and two of them have given you grandchildren.”
“And I want to see you just as happy as my other children.”
Wes cleared his throat and pointed toward the stairs. He didn’t think his brothers and sister were particularly happy with their lives. If so, they hadn’t revealed it to him. In fact, they appeared fairly miserable, but he couldn’t say such a thing to his mother.
She grasped his arm. “Let’s go downstairs. I’m sure you’re going to discover some beautiful young lady who will be thrilled to dance with you.”
Wes touched his index finger to his mask. “I won’t be able to distinguish who is beautiful and who isn’t.”
“You may not be able to see their faces, but it won’t be difficult to discover which ones have excellent manners and the ability to converse. Outward beauty is a benefit, but inward beauty is of greater importance.”
They descended the final steps, and Wesley escorted his mother to the doorway of the ballroom. “You are right, Mother. If you will excuse me, I shall see if I can strike out and find a woman of inward beauty.”
Before his mother could protest, Wesley made his way toward the edge of the dance floor, carefully weaving around small groups of visiting men and women. After locating a quiet spot beside the doors leading to the outdoor gardens, he surveyed the room. If he remained along the fringes of the dance floor, perhaps after an hour or so he could sneak up the back stairs without being missed. If good fortune was with him, his family members would remain at a distance.
He’d been standing near the doorway for only a short time when a lady drew near. Her sagging jowls, crooked fingers, and thin, wrinkled skin were sure signs she was old enough to be his grandmother.
She smiled and nodded toward the dance floor. “You should be out on the dance floor creating fond memories with a young woman.”
His mother caught his eye as he glanced across the room. His stomach clenched when she gestured toward a group of young girls at the end of the room. If he didn’t do something, she’d likely march across the room and give him explicit instructions.
Wesley extended his hand to the elderly woman beside him. “Why don’t you and I go out on the dance floor? I don’t know if we’ll create any memories, but I’ll do my best to stay off of your toes.”
She clasped a veined hand to her bosom. “You want to dance with me? I’m an old woman.”
Wesley laughed and took her hand. “It would be my honor to dance with you.”
They’d made only one turn on the dance floor when his partner said, “We’re not supposed to give away our identity, but I think wearing these masks is pure silliness. It’s a wonder someone hasn’t fallen down and broken a bone or two. By the way, I’m Margaret Willoughby.”
“I thought our identity was supposed to be a secret.”
“Oh, stuff and nonsense. If I want to introduce myself to my dance partner, I’ll do so. Besides, my late husband invested enough money in this island that they don’t dare say a word to me.” She tipped her head back and laughed like a young debutante enjoying her first ball. “But you need not worry. I won’t insist upon knowing your name because I’d likely forget by morning.”
She continued to laugh at her own humor, and Wes couldn’t resist joining her. He thought her delightful as she regaled him with stories about the early days on the island. “Nowadays I’m pleased to pay a young fellow to pedal me around the island in my chaise roulante.”
Wes raised his eyebrows. “Truly?”
She chuckled. “There are several in use on the island—the club even rents out a few—but mine is special. My husband had it specially made for me. You�
�ll have to come see it someday. Have you ever seen one?”
“I don’t believe I have,” Wes said.
“It’s a huge wicker chair with wheels on each side and a small wheel at the front end. The rear portion of a bicycle had been attached behind the wicker chair. That’s where the young man sits and pedals. It’s quite comfortable for me, because I don’t have to pedal.” She leaned close as he circled near the musicians. “I’m not so sure the young man enjoys it near as much as I do. I’m certain he’s exhausted by the time we return to the clubhouse.”
“I doubt he is tired at all. You are as light as a feather, Mrs. Willoughby.”
“And you, young man, know how to flatter a woman.” She sighed as the music came to an end. “I do believe I need to sit down for a bit.”
Wesley escorted her back to a chair near the doors. “May I get you something to drink?”
“I don’t want to take advantage of your time, but I would be grateful for a cup of that terrible punch they’re serving.” She shook her head. “You would think with the amount of money they pay the chef, he’d learn to prepare a proper punch, wouldn’t you?”
Wes chuckled. “Indeed I would. I’ll see if I can locate something that might be more to your liking.”
After requesting a glass of lemonade for Mrs. Willoughby, Wes surveyed the room. He narrowed his eyes and watched his father, who appeared to be in deep conversation with another gentleman. A young woman, likely the man’s daughter, stood nearby. Without warning, the three of them turned to look at him. For the first time that evening, he was thankful to be wearing a mask. Perhaps they hadn’t seen him staring in return. Once the waiter returned with his order, Wes breathed a sigh of relief and zigzagged through the crowd, carefully balancing Mrs. Willoughby’s drink.
“Thank you, dear boy. Lemonade is my favorite—how did you know?”
“Just a guess. I wanted to avoid bringing you a cup of that horrid punch.”
He glanced over his shoulder and inhaled a deep breath. The musicians were preparing to play their next selection, and his father, along with the gentleman and young woman, was heading toward him. Without a doubt, his father was bringing the young woman to meet Wesley with the hope that he would consider her a suitable candidate for marriage. And with her lemonade in hand, he couldn’t very well sweep Mrs. Willoughby back onto the dance floor.
There was little time to waste if he was going to avoid being drawn into his father’s plot—and that’s exactly how he’d come to think of his family’s resolve to find him a wife—a calculated plot to control his life. He scanned the surrounding area for another elderly woman, but the only one he could locate was using a cane. He doubted she’d agree to take to the dance floor. With his entourage in tow, Wesley’s father was steadily advancing toward him.
He turned toward a woman partially hidden by the draperies near the doorway. She wasn’t elderly, but time wasn’t on his side. Taking long strides, he extended his hand as he neared her side. “May I have the honor of this dance?” Behind the mask, her eyes darted from side to side. She looked as if she’d like to turn and run. If so, he could understand, for he felt the same way.
“I-I suppose so, though I don’t know that we’ve met.”
Wesley clasped her hand before she had an opportunity to run away and leave him stranded with the woman his father had chosen. Wesley escorted her to the edge of the dance floor and pointed to his mask. “That’s the idea of the mask, isn’t it? We don’t know each other. I believe it’s supposed to be rather mysterious and intriguing.”
She rested her hand on his shoulder as he grasped her right hand in his left. “I suppose you’re correct. I find all of these formal parties rather boring. I was just looking to make an escape when you asked me to dance.”
“I thought as much when I saw you hiding behind the draperies.” Wesley twirled her away from the edge of the floor, where his father had now positioned himself. The young lady and older man were no longer at his side.
She giggled. “I didn’t realize I was so obvious. If I could avoid every one of these parties, I would do so. Unfortunately, that doesn’t often occur.” She followed his lead with perfection. “As far as I’m concerned, these gatherings are no more than a way for the women to show off their jewels and fashions and for the men to brag about their latest business success.” She pulled her lower lip between her teeth for a moment. “I apologize. I shouldn’t have said such a thing.”
“I don’t know why not. I couldn’t agree more.” There was something familiar about her, yet he hadn’t met any of the young socialites since his arrival.
Tipping her head to one side, she looked up at him. “So you’re not one of those businessmen hoping to meet just the right investor?”
Wes looked into her eyes and wished he could remove the mask and see her face. “No, I’m not, but it sounds as though you’re either the wife or daughter of such a man.”
She chuckled. “I am neither. I’m just a woman who enjoys getting to know people without the pretense. To tell you the truth, I generally prefer the company of servants to that of their mistresses. Though I may not always agree with them, I find them more forthright.”
“That’s because servants don’t attempt to impress one another. On the other hand, most of the people in this room wish to be the most important person on this island.” He smiled down at her, surprised by how much they had in common. “Do you find many opportunities to visit with the servants and staff here at the clubhouse?”
“Sometimes. In the past, I’ve enjoyed the company of several of the maids, and several days ago I met a very nice man who works here as a gardener. No, that’s not correct. He’s the golf pro and a levelheaded sort of fellow.”
His stomach lurched. This had to be Callie, the young woman who had nearly knocked him over with her bicycle. He stared deep into her eyes. Yes, he was sure of it. No wonder she had seemed familiar. “So first he’s a gardener and then he’s the golf pro? Which is it?”
She quickly explained how she had met the gardener and how he’d become the island golf pro. There was no doubt: He was dancing with the Bridgeports’ tutor—and he was enjoying every minute. When the dance ended, he cajoled her into remaining for one more dance. When she agreed, he was filled with an inexplicable sense of pleasure. As they continued to dance, he questioned her a bit. She told him what he already knew: She was a tutor and also accompanied Mrs. Bridgeport to some of her society functions.
“And what of your future plans? Do you intend to remain a tutor?”
Her smile faded. “I am giving great thought and prayer to my future, but I haven’t made a decision yet.” She went on to explain that her parents were working as missionaries in Africa. “I’m considering the possibility of joining them. The people there are in great need of teachers, doctors, and above all, God. But I’ve recently been offered another teaching position in Chicago at the school where I previously taught. Of course, I am very fond of the Bridgeport children and am not eager to leave them, so I’m carefully weighing my decision.”
This truly was a woman of much deeper substance than he’d imagined. When she refused another dance, he didn’t attempt to dissuade her. If she remained with him any longer, he might say too much and reveal his identity. For now, he liked the idea of her thinking of him as no more than one of the help.
Chapter 10
Although no written rule existed on Bridal Veil, it had become customary for guests with children to attend ten o’clock worship services on Sunday mornings. Guests who preferred to worship without the possibility of a crying infant or fussy toddler arrived at eleven o’clock. Callie thought the practice of separate worship a disservice to the youngsters. She believed children needed the opportunity to learn proper behavior in all circumstances. And she also believed those without children needed to exhibit greater tolerance for the little ones. However, what she believed didn’t change the rules on Bridal Veil, and the separate worship services continued.
C
allie descended the front stairs and smiled at the three children who stood in a row near the front door. Maude remained a few inches away, facing them. They looked like little soldiers awaiting orders from their commanding officer.
“Good morning, children. You all look lovely today.” Callie came alongside Daisy and traced her fingers through the little girl’s hair.
Thomas wrinkled his nose. “I might look handsome, but please don’t say I look lovely, Miss Callie.”
“You’re right, Thomas. You look very handsome.” Callie turned and gave Maude a nod of approval. “And you are looking very nice in your new skirt and waist, Maude. It appears your shopping with Mrs. Bridgeport was successful.”
“Maybe not as fancy as I would have liked, but I’m satisfied with the new clothes the missus purchased for me.” The nanny touched a hand to her hair and smiled. “And after your lessons, I think I’ve finally mastered my hair a bit. It’s not looking as unruly, do you think?”
“You’ve done a good job with it. I know it takes a few extra minutes, but it is quite attractive.”
Maude stared at herself in the hallway mirror. “You’re right—it is becoming. And the missus said she thought I looked like a new woman.” She squeezed Callie’s arm. “I have you to thank for helping me. All these years I’ve never been able to manage this hair, but it didn’t take you long to figure out how to comb and pin it into place. You’ve lots more talent than most.”
“Thank you, Maude.” At the sound of footsteps overhead, Callie glanced toward the stairway. “We should be home by noon. We’ll go for brunch at the clubhouse after church, so you have plenty of time to attend church and eat at the dining hall if you’d like. Jane attends regularly, and I’m sure she’d be glad to have you go along with her.”
“She’s already offered,” Maude said.
Maude didn’t say if she planned to attend, and Callie didn’t ask. The hired help were required to attend a separate church service in one of the large dining halls where most of the servants were served their meals. That the servants weren’t welcome at the church where the guests and investors worshiped disturbed Callie and went against her personal beliefs and the Bible training she’d received from her parents. Additionally, only privately employed servants, like Maude, Jane, and Lula, had the privilege of choosing to eat at the family cottage or take an occasional meal at the dining hall.
To Honor and Trust Page 9
