To Honor and Trust

by Tracie Peterson

Unfortunately, Callie didn’t feel any more comfortable in the company of the servants. Some of them disliked the idea that she received what they called “special privileges.” And though she considered mingling with the guests a chore, there were some on the staff who envied her.

  Perhaps by the end of winter, God would show her where she belonged. With each passing day and each uncomfortable social function, she wondered if God was calling her to leave this materially comfortable life and join her parents in Africa.

  Lydia Albright grasped Callie’s hand as she took her seat not far from the puppet stage. “Whatever is that thing sitting in the corner?”

  “It is a stage, Mrs. Albright. We have some special entertainment for you ladies this afternoon.” Callie smiled at the woman.

  “But I thought we were going to play cards. Didn’t our invitation state this would be an afternoon of cards and tea?”

  Callie sighed. She hoped she wouldn’t have to go through this with every one of the guests. “There will be tea, and there will be cards, as well, but Mrs. Bridgeport thought you ladies might enjoy some additional entertainment while you enjoy your tea.” The woman appeared totally flummoxed by the possibility of any additional entertainment, but Callie patted her arm and smiled. “I’m sure I can depend upon you to spread the word that you ladies will enjoy an exciting treat this afternoon.”

  “Well, of course. You can depend upon me.” Armed with the idea that she would be the bearer of special news, Mrs. Albright’s disposition immediately improved, and Callie hurried off to seat the other guests.

  There was only a smattering of applause when Mrs. Bridgeport announced the children would be entertaining the ladies with a puppet show. After the less than enthusiastic response, Callie began to worry she’d made a mistake. After all, several of the women had been present at the professional show, including Mrs. Albright. She could only pray the women would be kind and encouraging. Once she had the children arranged behind the stage, Callie greeted the ladies.

  She forced a generous smile. “The children have worked very hard on their presentation. They created the stage and the puppets, and they even wrote the play. I hope as you watch their show, you will be reminded of your childhood days and the delightful world of make-believe.”

  She stepped to the side of the stage and leaned down to make sure the children were ready before opening the small cloth curtains. While the children commenced with the puppet show, the women drank their tea and ate their sandwiches and cookies. Callie surreptitiously watched the women’s reactions. At first they appeared more interested in their tea, but soon their attention was drawn to the stage. By the time the children completed their show, the women were standing and applauding.

  “Absolutely delightful,” Mrs. Albright called to the children.

  “Indeed. You children did a wonderful job.” Vanetta Brown glanced about the room and led the ladies in a second round of applause while Callie signaled for the children to take another bow.

  Callie had never been so proud of them. “You were wonderful,” she whispered as Maude entered to take them for their outing to the beach. “Did you hear the ladies saying how much they liked the show? They were very impressed with your production.”

  Daisy and Lottie bobbed their heads and smiled. Callie waved to them as they departed out the back door. The children had worked diligently, and she was pleased to see their hard work rewarded with praise from the ladies.

  Soon the usual chatter commenced. Though the women were there to play cards, they were also interested in any tidbits of gossip that might be passed from table to table.

  The ladies had exchanged a few comments, mostly about the women who weren’t present, when Margaret Willoughby tapped her fan on the table. “Ladies, I’m not one to stir things up, but I think you all know that we have a thief running amok on this island.”

  There were muffled gasps along with numerous murmurs of agreement.

  Blanche Townsend glanced about the room. “Has anything like this happened before? I assumed there was adequate security to prevent criminal activity.”

  “We’re told there’s security, but one wouldn’t know it exists if such happenings can occur,” Margaret replied.

  “Must we discuss such an unpleasant topic when we’re supposed to be having an enjoyable afternoon, Margaret?” Vanetta Brown wrinkled her nose and curled her lips as if she’d smelled something quite foul.

  “Of course we must. Something needs to be done about this thievery. If something is stolen from your home, I’m sure you’ll adopt a different attitude, Vanetta.” Margaret slapped her fan on the table.

  Mrs. Brown narrowed her eyes and looked directly at Mrs. Willoughby. “This isn’t something a group of guests can resolve. Any criminal activity requires the attention of Mr. Crocker. As superintendent, it’s his responsibility to unravel this issue. In my opinion, that’s what he is paid to do.”

  Lydia Albright waved her fan in the air. “I was told that most of the thefts seem to happen when families are busy at the lodge or are gone from their homes to attend special events.”

  “I think that’s true. Our cottage was robbed while we were at the horse races yesterday.” Frances Daly touched a lace-edged handkerchief to her eye. “My favorite brooch, a ring, and two necklaces were taken.” A collective gasp filled the room. “When we built our cottage, I told my husband he should have a safe installed like the one at our home in Pennsylvania, but he said there was no danger of theft on Bridal Veil.” Mrs. Daly daubed her other eye. “Now he knows I was correct, and he’s going to take my advice.”

  Vanetta Brown tsked. “As I said, this isn’t something we can solve, but it seems your husband has decided to lock the barn door after the horse has already been stolen, Frances.”

  Mrs. Daly’s lips drooped into a downward position that formed deep creases along the sides of her mouth. “Well, at least he’s doing something, which is more than I can say for Mr. Crocker or any of the other staff.”

  “No need to take umbrage. I’m merely speaking the truth, Frances.” Mrs. Brown straightened her shoulders and directed a haughty look across the room.

  “I understand Mr. Crocker and the board of directors met, and there is a general consensus that a team of law enforcement officers will be hired.” Jeanette Osbourne looked around the room as she made the statement.

  “Well, you should know, Jeanette. Your husband is on the board, isn’t he?” Mrs. Willoughby arched her brows.

  “Yes, but don’t mention I’ve told you. I’m sure a formal announcement of some sort will be made.” Mrs. Osbourne’s eyes clouded. “My husband wouldn’t be pleased to know I’ve divulged what happened at the board meeting, but I wanted to set your minds at ease.”

  “Quite right. We shouldn’t breathe a word, ladies. Jeanette has been kind enough to take us into her confidence, and we need to show our appreciation by keeping our lips sealed.” Mrs. Willoughby gazed about the room, a defiant look in her eyes.

  In spite of Mrs. Willoughby’s warning, Callie knew that the minute they departed, each one would be looking for someone to tell. These women delighted in being the first to pass along a tidbit of gossip. Callie was certain Mrs. Osbourne’s news wouldn’t remain a secret for long. And Mr. Osbourne would likely discontinue his practice of sharing any board meeting information with his wife in the future.

  Mrs. Brown waved her fan in Mrs. Osbourne’s direction. “We’re going to be leaving the island early this year, Jeanette. We’ve been invited to attend the president’s inaugural in March.”

  Every woman in the room swiveled in Vanetta’s direction. She beamed at the reaction.

  “Truly? You’re going to the inaugural ball?” Jeanette’s eyes were as large as two saucers.

  “No. Mr. Wilson has elected to do away with the ball. He thinks it too frivolous for such a solemn occasion.” She lowered her voice. “However, we’ve been invited to a dinner party the following evening. I must say I’m somewhat disappointed he’s cancele
d the ball, but my dear husband says we must take heart that we’ve finally elected a good man to take the helm and lead this country.”

  “We’re thrilled for you, Vanetta, but do remember that we don’t discuss politics at our gatherings,” Mrs. Albright said.

  Vanetta looked as though she’d had the wind knocked from her sails, but she soon regained a smile when Mrs. Willoughby leaned close and congratulated her on the inaugural invitation.

  When they were completing their final game of bridge, Mrs. Daly inquired about plans for the Valentine’s ball. “Who is on the committee this year? Last year’s ball was splendid, and I, for one, am hoping for a repeat.”

  “The social director is taking care of all the arrangements. No need for concern. I believe it will be a lovely affair, Frances.” Mrs. Bridgeport briefly looked at Callie before turning back to Frances. “Is your son arriving in time to attend?”

  Callie knew that look: Mrs. Bridgeport considered Aaron Daly a suitable catch. She didn’t wait to hear Mrs. Daly’s reply. Instead, she excused herself from the table then strode through the kitchen and out the back door. She didn’t want to be offered up as a sacrificial date for Aaron Daly. Mrs. Bridgeport might find him suitable, but Callie wasn’t interested in a date for the Valentine’s ball or a “suitable” husband.

  Keeping a steady pace, she walked toward the beach. Maude and the children should still be there. Callie would much rather spend the next hour with them than listen to the women continue their discussion of the Valentine’s ball and other upcoming social events—especially since Mrs. Bridgeport typically used these gatherings to seek out possible prospects for Callie. Much as she loved the woman, she disliked her employer’s never-ending attempts at matchmaking.

  When she neared the beach, she glimpsed the two girls building some sort of structure in the sand while Thomas appeared to be scouring the sand closer to the water’s edge, likely seeking some special shell for his collection. Maude sat hunched over on a piece of driftwood.

  Maude waved and jumped to her feet as Callie drew near. “Land alive, but it’s good to see you.” She rubbed her hand down her back. “I’m tired of sitting on this uncomfortable piece of wood. Can we go home now?”

  “The ladies will probably be there for a while longer, but they’ve finished playing cards. You can go back to the house if you’d like. I’ll wait a while longer and bring the children home with me.”

  Maude brightened at the offer. “If you’re sure you don’t mind, I’d be grateful to get out of this sunshine. I’d rather be helping Lula and Jane than sitting out here.”

  Callie laughed. “Then it works well for both of us. I’d rather be out here on the beach than back at the house.”

  After Maude departed, Callie examined the sand castle the girls were building. Then she joined Thomas to see what special shells he’d collected. She was examining one of the shells when she heard Lottie call to her. She turned to see Wesley strolling toward her.

  He waved and smiled. “Find anything unique?”

  Thomas reached into his pocket. “This is my favorite, but it’s not a shell.” He held out his hand.

  “Looks like you found a shark’s tooth. I’d say that’s a keeper, for sure.” Wes looked at Callie. “And what have you found, Callie?”

  “I arrived only a short time ago, so I haven’t found anything. I thought maybe Thomas could direct me to the turtle nests, so I could show them to the girls.”

  Wes frowned. “The sea turtles nest during the summer months, usually from June to August, so I doubt you’ll see much of anything at this time of year.” He tousled Thomas’s hair. “But if you want to go and see where they usually come in, I can show you.”

  Callie tried to recall what Archie had told them about the sea turtles. Thomas had asked a number of questions on their way to the beach that day. Perhaps Archie hadn’t actually said they came ashore at this time of year, but he’d led her to believe they did—and he did tell her that he had left Thomas on the beach examining turtle nests. But she and Thomas had never discussed whether he’d seen anything. He’d been too ill at the time, and later she’d simply forgotten to ask.

  “Is that why I never found anything when Mr. Archie brought me to look for them? But he said—”

  Wes nodded. “Sorry, Thomas, but you won’t see much of anything unless it’s summer.”

  Thomas tipped his head back and looked up at Wes. “But Mr. Archie has been working here for a few years. He should know when the turtles lay their eggs, shouldn’t he?”

  Wes smiled at the boy. “He should, but maybe he was just confused.”

  Callie knew better. Archie Penniman hadn’t been confused—not in the least.

  Chapter 16

  While her ankle healed, Callie had attended and watched both tennis and golf lessons with Thomas, but she’d been unable to participate. During the first week she’d been able to avoid Archie, and during the lessons that followed, he had accepted her requests to maintain his distance. For that, she’d been very grateful. And now that the time had arrived for her to resume her own lessons, she felt a bit more at ease.

  As she and Thomas pedaled toward the tennis courts, her thoughts drifted to the two instructors. Not that one should compare, but it had been impossible for her to refrain from doing so over these past weeks. While Archie’s behavior toward her had improved, he maintained a certain edge that bothered her. Perhaps because he was accustomed to having girls flock to him, her refusal of his advances had increased his determination. Maybe he was a man who enjoyed the challenge of pursuit, and once a girl accepted his advances, he lost interest. She thought the idea held some merit, but she would never test her theory. Such an experiment could lead to disaster. She shivered at the thought.

  Meanwhile, she’d found Wesley the exact opposite of Archie. His comments were kind, yet unassuming. Even when alone with him, she never feared he might attempt to take advantage. His laughter filled her thoughts as she rode.

  “What are you smiling about?” Thomas glanced around as though he expected to see something on the road or in the brush that might have created her good humor.

  Callie inhaled a deep breath, enjoying the ocean scent carried on the breeze. “Just a few private thoughts. I’m happy to have regained the ability to pedal my bike and join you in your lessons.”

  She wanted to say “golf lessons,” but Thomas might question her if she omitted the tennis lessons. And she didn’t want to do or say anything to convey her dislike of Mr. Penniman. Her attitudes were often adopted by the children. She didn’t want that to occur in this instance, for she’d seen far too many children fail in their studies and activities due to misunderstanding or conflict with an instructor. Thomas enjoyed tennis, and she’d seen great improvement in his game, so she didn’t want to undermine his progress in any way.

  The boy lifted one hand from the bicycle handlebars and pushed his flat woolen cap back on his head. “Mr. Wesley likes you.”

  “Really? You think Mr. Wesley likes me?”

  “Yep. I sure do.” Thomas continued to steer his bike with only one hand.

  Callie tried to hide her smile, but she couldn’t deny the surge of pleasure that pulsed deep within. If the boy had said he thought Mr. Archie liked her, she wouldn’t have been surprised. But Wes had never done anything to indicate he wanted more than her friendship. Why had the simple remark caused her heart to pound a new beat? She had promised herself she would never again become captivated by the charms of any man. Thomas was probably mistaken. He knew nothing of attraction between a man and woman.

  “What makes you think so, Thomas?”

  “He said so.”

  Callie tried to suppress the excitement bubbling in her chest. “Exactly what did he say?”

  Confusion clouded the boy’s eyes as he glanced at her. “He said he liked you.”

  “Oh.” One word was all she could manage. While at least ten questions rested on the tip of her tongue, she knew better than to ask. Thomas
already appeared perplexed by her question. If she inquired further, he might say something to Wesley—something that could prove embarrassing to both of them.

  Besides, Wesley’s remark had likely been no more than a simple comment. She pictured the golf instructor asking Thomas if he liked his tutor. Thomas would have replied that he liked her very much. In all probability, Wesley would have then said that he liked Callie, too. The remark had nothing to do with Wesley caring for her beyond a casual friendship. That’s what she told herself. And the thought should have pleased her. She was, after all, a woman who didn’t want a beau. How strange that disappointment should assail her rather than relief.

  She pushed aside the thought as they wheeled to the small building near the tennis courts.

  Archie stepped outside as they arrived and glanced at her bicycle. “So, the ankle has healed. I’m glad to see you’ll be able to continue your tennis lessons today. I heard you went golfing last week.” He grinned. “Of course, golf doesn’t take much strength.”

  She wanted to argue the point, but such a discussion would waste valuable time when Thomas should be playing tennis. Once Thomas took off toward the courts, Archie stepped closer. “I think if you’d let go of the past, you’d discover I’m worthy of your affections.”

  Startled by his remark, she frowned. “What do you know about my past, Mr. Penniman?” Had Archie been inquiring about her past? She tightened her hold on the tennis racket. Just when she thought the man might have changed, he did something else to create mistrust.

  “I don’t know anything specific, Callie, but I do know women.”

  She arched her brows. “Do you? And what does your vast knowledge tell you about me?”

  He leaned against the doorframe and assumed a casual air. “You’re a beautiful woman, so I believe you’ve had your share of suitors. Either one of those gentlemen broke your heart, or you’re waiting for someone of a higher social class to take notice so that you can enjoy a privileged life. Personally, I believe some cad broke your heart and now you’re afraid of men.”