To Honor and Trust

by Tracie Peterson

  The Bridgeports descended the stairs together. Mrs. Bridgeport grasped Daisy’s hand, and Mr. Bridgeport gestured toward the front door. “Come along or we’ll be late.” Lottie rushed forward and took her father’s hand while Thomas and Callie followed behind.

  During her first season on the island, Callie had boldly inquired about the practice of having a separate place of worship for the servants. Mr. Bridgeport had hemmed and hawed for a few moments before he told her the edifice wasn’t large enough to accommodate both guests and servants. But Callie knew his explanation didn’t hold water. She’d seen plenty of open pews in the sanctuary. On her second Sunday at Bridal Veil, she announced she would attend worship services with the servants.

  That decision had brought an immediate and resounding no from Mrs. Bridgeport. “You’re needed to help with the children. Besides, you’re not truly a servant. We consider you part of our extended family. I’ll hear nothing more about this subject.” And that had put an end to Callie’s effort to show her solidarity and gain equality for the servants.

  She thought herself a failure and a coward. If she’d been more like her mother and father, she would have argued her cause—or at least made a stand for what she believed to be right. But she hadn’t. Since then, she’d dutifully marched off to the separate church services where the guests and investors sang hymns accompanied by their expensive organ. And each Sunday, the manifest hypocrisy greeted her at the front doors.

  The six of them took their seats in one of the pews close to the rear of the church—Mr. Bridgeport’s choice. He preferred to have a vantage point that afforded him a good view of the congregation. Callie thought he used the time during the sermon to choose whom he would invite to join them for brunch. Instead of enjoying his family during the Sunday morning meal, Mr. Bridgeport discussed business. And though Callie cared deeply for both Mr. and Mrs. Bridgeport, she sometimes thought they placed too much importance on wealth and status. She did, however, remind herself that if it weren’t for their wealth and status, she wouldn’t have a job with them. And they treated her like family—something she’d not have with any other employer.

  After the final hymn had been sung, Mr. Bridgeport gestured to a young couple with two daughters. When they drew near, he greeted them. “Mr. and Mrs. Kennebec, isn’t it? We met after dinner a few evenings ago. I had hoped to invite your parents to brunch this morning.”

  The young woman was holding hands with each of her daughters. “The rest of the family will be attending the late service.”

  Mrs. Bridgeport stepped to her husband’s side and introduced herself. “Your girls appear to be about the same age as our daughters.” She patted Lottie’s shoulder. “This is Lottie, she’s seven, and this is Daisy, five.” She nodded toward Thomas. “And our son Thomas, who will soon be thirteen.”

  “How nice to meet all of you. Our girls are exactly the same age as yours. We have an infant son, but he’s with his nanny. I do wish we could join you for brunch, but we had an early breakfast and will be joining the rest of the family when they return.” She smiled at Mrs. Bridgeport. “Please call me Helena. I always look for Richard’s mother when someone addresses me as Mrs. Kennebec.”

  Mr. Bridgeport and Mr. Kennebec led the way toward the clubhouse, no doubt talking business. Callie and Thomas followed closely behind Mrs. Bridgeport and Mrs. Kennebec. The four girls skipped ahead of the group, their childish laughter a soft echo on the warm morning breeze.

  “I would find it much more to my liking if we had a cottage rather than rooms in the clubhouse,” Helena said. “We’re accustomed to wintering at White Sulfur Springs, where we had a great deal more space. I find the rooms in the clubhouse difficult with the children. All the stairs and such.”

  “Yes, I’m sure that does pose a problem. You’ll need to bring the girls over to play some afternoon.” She glanced over her shoulder at Callie. “Callie conducts lessons for the children during the morning, but we can arrange a time for an afternoon visit. Do you have a tutor with you?”

  “No. They’re attending the school here on the island. We had been told that the school was quite good. Should I have brought along a tutor for them?”

  Mrs. Bridgeport shook her head. “No, of course not. Callie tutors our children year-round, so she accompanies us when we come to Bridal Veil. Now, tell me a little about yourself, Helena. My husband mentioned your family is in woolens or textiles of some sort. Is that right?”

  “Yes. My father owns two woolen mills in Lowell. My husband has joined the family company. Personally, I do my best to avoid their business discussions. I find it all a bit boring.”

  “I will be certain to extend an invitation to you and your mother when I entertain some of the ladies for an afternoon of cards.” Mrs. Bridgeport glanced over her shoulder. “Callie, please add Helena and her mother to my guest list.”

  “Thank you. Oh, and if you wouldn’t think me too forward, you might consider adding my sister-in-law, Melody. She recently married my brother Daniel. She won’t be here for the entire season, but if you’ll be entertaining within the next couple of weeks, I’m sure she’d appreciate being included.”

  As the group climbed the steps to the wide veranda surrounding the clubhouse, Mrs. Bridgeport once again signaled to Callie. “Do add Melody Townsend to the list, as well, Callie.”

  Callie nodded and remained at a distance while the group bid their farewells. The Kennebecs strode toward the stairway that would take them to their upstairs rooms while Callie and the Bridgeports waited to be seated in the dining room.

  “The Kennebecs seem a nice young family, don’t you think, Luther?” Mrs. Bridgeport grasped her husband’s arm as the waiter led them to their table.

  “Nice enough, I suppose, but it was Kennebec’s father-in-law that I had hoped to visit with this morning.” He brushed the waiter aside and held the chair for his wife. “The Kennebec fellow has no power to make business decisions for the family.”

  Callie settled the children and sat down between the two girls. For the remainder of the meal, she visited with Thomas and the girls while Mr. Bridgeport went on and on about his business ventures. Callie stole several looks at Mrs. Bridgeport during the meal. Poor woman. It appeared she was as bored with her husband’s talk as the rest of them.

  The girls waved to Maude, who was waiting on the front porch when they returned to Fair Haven. Callie followed as Maude shepherded the children inside. “Let’s get your clothes changed so you don’t ruin your Sunday best.” Maude glanced over her shoulder at Callie. “I don’t know if you’ve made plans for this afternoon, but it’s a lovely day to spend some time on the beach. I do enjoy the ocean.”

  “Can we go, too? Please?” Lottie and Daisy stopped at the top of the stairs and continued to plead with Maude and Callie.

  “Sunday afternoons are free time for the staff,” Mrs. Bridgeport told them, patting Daisy’s shoulder. “You girls know that. This is when Callie and Maude can spend several hours enjoying themselves.”

  Daisy’s lower lip quivered. “But I want to go to the beach. Will you take us, Mama?”

  Mrs. Bridgeport shook her head. “I would love to, but I can’t today. I told your father I would plan a dinner party for next week, and I’ve not yet taken care of the details.” She smiled at Callie. “Of course, I won’t object if you want to take the girls along with you.”

  Both girls jumped up and down and squealed. “Oh, please, Miss Callie, say we can go with you.”

  Callie wasn’t certain what to do. Maude had extended the invitation, and she didn’t want to ruin her plans. She looked at Maude and arched her brows.

  Maude leaned down and wagged her finger. “You can come along, but no more of this pouting. And the first time you do not listen, we’ll march you right back home. Am I understood?”

  “Yes, Miss Maude,” the two of them chanted in unison.

  The girls were quick to change their clothes and follow every order Maude issued on the way to the beach
. Callie spread a blanket a short distance from the water, and while the girls searched for shells, she and Maude sat down on the blanket and watched the breaking waves roll to the shore.

  “A lovely day for relaxing. I’ve had hardly a minute to visit with you over the last couple of days what with your taking Thomas for all of his lessons, the big doings at the clubhouse last night, and church this morning. I’m thinking you must be exhausted from trying to meet the needs of both parents and children in the Bridgeport household.”

  Callie chuckled. “It’s not so difficult. I’ve been with them long enough that I’ve become accustomed to their expectations.”

  “Does that include giving up your days off whenever it’s convenient for the missus?”

  “She doesn’t ask often. It takes a couple of weeks after we first arrive on the island for everyone to become acclimated to the different surroundings, schedules, and people. Mrs. Bridgeport doesn’t usually entertain so soon after our arrival, and I think that’s why she wanted time alone this afternoon.”

  A gust of wind ruffled the blanket, and Maude grabbed the corner and stretched it back into place. “That’s good to know. I don’t mind this once, but I like having a bit of time to do as I please without the children.” She leaned back and stared at the blue sky. “Did young Thomas enjoy his golf and tennis lessons?”

  “Yes. I think he preferred the golf instruction over the tennis lessons, and I completely concur with his choice.”

  Maude frowned. “Why is that? Was the tennis instructor not capable?”

  Callie leaned closer. “I believe he’s a capable teacher, but he’s much too brash a man for me. I didn’t like the way he conducted himself when I first spoke to him about the lessons. And I told him so in no uncertain terms.” She shivered as she recalled how Archie had behaved. “On the other hand, the golf lessons were much more enjoyable. Thomas liked the instructor.”

  “And you?” Maude arched a brow.

  “Yes. He was kind and well-mannered. I liked him very much. After a few attempts with the club, I finally managed to hit the ball a short distance.” Callie laughed as she recalled how Wes had praised her feeble attempts.

  “I’m sorry to hear about the tennis instructor. Now that he knows how you feel, perhaps you’ll find him more acceptable next time.”

  “I do hope so.” Callie brushed a stray curl off her forehead. “I met a very nice gentleman at the dance last night. He was most refreshing. Unlike most of the men who attend the formal affairs, he wasn’t intent upon discussing business or money.” She inhaled a deep breath of the sea air. “I become so weary of the never-ending conversations about money, fashions, and industry, but generally that’s all these people want to talk about.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with money—without it everything ceases to function. It’s a necessity in this world we live in. If I was you, I’d be learning everything I could from those rich folks.”

  Callie shook her head. “For many years, I lived a somewhat opulent lifestyle. Until my parents went to the mission field, they weren’t much different from Mr. and Mrs. Bridgeport. We didn’t want for anything. But once they prepared their hearts and minds to preach God’s Word, they sold most all of their belongings to help begin their work in Africa.”

  Maude lurched forward. “You must be joking with me. What kind of parent does such a thing?”

  “Parents who love God and want to serve Him. I was moved by their willingness to make such a sacrifice. Giving up worldly possessions creates a sense of freedom, and if I decide to join my parents in Africa, I intend to sell the house and few possessions my grandmother left me.”

  Though she’d always admired her parents’ decision and spoke highly of the sacrifice they’d made, Callie had paid a price she didn’t mention to others. While her friends in boarding school went home to parents and siblings during holidays and summer vacations, Callie returned to the quiet home of her grandmother. Not that Granny hadn’t been wonderful, but it wasn’t the same as having her parents. For Callie, everything had changed when her parents departed—like a ship without mooring, she’d been set adrift in uncharted seas.

  It wasn’t until Matthew stepped into her life that she turned loose of the fear and loneliness. Slowly he’d stripped away her doubts and said he’d love her forever, but apparently she hadn’t been enough for him. Late at night when sleep escaped her, she wondered if she would ever be enough for anyone.

  Maude reached forward and patted Callie’s arm. “No disrespect, Miss Callie, but that’s a bit of craziness you’re planning. You need to reconsider what you’ll be giving up. Think about the fine dresses and lovely parties, the comforts you enjoy every day.”

  Lottie hurried toward them and deposited a handful of shells on the blanket before scurrying back to look for more. Callie stared after the child. “I would miss some of the people I’d leave behind, but not the possessions.” She smiled at the older woman. “I would miss you, Maude.”

  Maude cackled. “Go on with ya. You don’t know nothing about me except that I’ve been married a couple of times.”

  “I much prefer talking to you than listening to which investor wants to merge his company with another. Why don’t you tell me more about yourself? I’d very much enjoy learning about your past.”

  Maude dipped her hand into the sand and watched as it sifted between her fingers. “That’s what my life’s been like. A handful of sand that slipped through my fingers and left me with nothing. I had two husbands; neither was worth his salt. I know I shouldn’t speak ill of the dead, but I’m better off with them out of my bed and in the ground.”

  Callie sputtered. She didn’t know how to reply to such a comment. “I see. Well, do go on with your story.”

  “My family came from Ireland two generations back. I worked hard to rid myself of my Irish accent, though I can’t say I’ve been completely successful. My mother encouraged us to try to speak better English. She said we’d get a lot further if folks didn’t know we was Irish. I didn’t understand back then, but I learned she was right. Back when my mother was young, there were lots of people who disliked the Irish and wouldn’t give them work. Truth is, there’s still lots of folks that don’t like us.” She straightened her shoulders and shook her head as if to rid herself of a bad memory.

  “But you’ve overcome all of that and secured excellent employment, Maude.”

  “I s’pose you’re right, but one position with the Bridgeports doesn’t make up for a lifetime of being treated with disrespect.”

  Callie frowned. “But you worked for the Winslow family for a number of years.”

  “What? Oh yes, the Winslows.” She bobbed her head and stood up. “I think I’ll go and see how the girls are doing with the shell collecting.”

  Callie watched Maude amble across the hard-packed sand. The woman appeared to be a walking contradiction. On some days her recollections were clear as a bell while at other times, her remembrances seemed quite blurred. How could Maude forget her years of employment with the Winslows? Surely she didn’t believe such a fine family had treated her in a disrespectful manner. Then again, Callie recalled that Mrs. Winslow could be both arrogant and abrupt at times. But for Maude to say such a thing when she knew the Winslow and Bridgeport families were well acquainted was odd. Callie shook her head. One thing was true—Maude Murphy was a strange woman.

  Chapter 11

  “Come along, Thomas, or you’ll be late for your tennis lesson.” Callie waited near the front door and smiled when the boy appeared from around the corner with a sandwich in one hand and his tennis racket in the other. “You’re hungry already? It hasn’t been that long since you ate your lunch.”

  “Maude says it’s because I’m a growing boy. She says young fellows my age need lots more food than girls.” He chomped another bite from the sandwich and chewed with enthusiasm.

  Callie grimaced as he smacked his lips together. “And boys need to chew with their mouths closed, as well.”

 
; Thomas chuckled. “Sorry.” He waved the remainder of the sandwich toward the bicycles sitting alongside the porch. “Ready?”

  Though she would have preferred to walk on such a beautiful afternoon, Callie didn’t object. If they didn’t ride bicycles, they would definitely be late. Truth be told, she longed to send Thomas to the tennis courts by himself. After last week’s encounter, she worried she might be required to fend off further advances from Mr. Penniman.

  Never before had she encountered such forward behavior from a man. She wanted to believe she’d misjudged him and all would go well today. If not, she might speak to Mrs. Bridgeport and ask to be excluded from her lessons. Surely there was some other youngster who would be willing to take her place and practice with Thomas so that she could avoid Mr. Penniman. Of course, once they returned to Indianapolis, she doubted there would be anyone willing to accommodate the boy’s busy schedule. If Lottie was older, she could take lessons and act as her brother’s opponent. What was it her grandmother used to repeat when Callie would wish for things to be different? “If wishes were horses, beggars would ride, and if turnips were watches, I’d wear one at my side.” Yes, that was it. She smiled at the remembrance—and the truth of the old rhyme.

  She had been employed to teach Thomas and help make his wishes come true. If that included learning to play tennis, she would do so. The boy had pulled several bike lengths ahead of her and was standing waiting beside his bicycle when she arrived. Archie Penniman stood by his side, smiling at her as she applied the brakes and came to a halt.