To Honor and Trust

by Tracie Peterson

  He forced a halfhearted smile. “Because I’ve been thinking about what will happen when she’s released.”

  Her countenance turned somber, and Wesley knew that the realization of what it would mean to them had taken hold. She glanced toward the bedside. “What will we do? I can’t leave them just yet. I love you, Wesley, but—”

  “I know. Let’s wait and see what the doctor says before we try to make any decisions.”

  He didn’t tell her he’d been up most of the night attempting to come to some solution. His worry was enough for both of them. And his own feelings aside, he knew Daisy’s return to health was a miracle. The child should not be alive, yet she was now sitting up in her bed, coloring a picture and talking to her parents. God’s hand had been at work in the child’s recovery, and Wes prayed God’s hand would smooth the details of their future, as well. Wes didn’t have the answers, but with God’s help, the two of them would overcome the mounting obstacles that remained in their path.

  They all turned toward the door when they heard the doctor arrive. A nurse accompanied him into the room, carrying papers in one hand. The doctor smiled and greeted them.

  He drew near the bed, his eyes fastening on Daisy’s leg. “And how is my favorite little girl?”

  Daisy smiled up at him. “Good.” She picked up her drawing and held it out to him. “I made you a picture.”

  The doctor took a moment to examine the child’s gift. “And it is a lovely picture. I’ll put it in my office. Is that all right with you?”

  Daisy giggled and bobbed her head. “Can I go home today?”

  “I’m going to look at your leg, and then I’ll tell you.” He unwrapped the bandage and, after checking the wound, gave the nurse instructions. The doctor brushed a curl from Daisy’s forehead. “You may go home today, Daisy.” The child squealed with delight, and the doctor smiled before turning to Mr. and Mrs. Bridgeport. “I don’t think it would be wise for you to leave for Indianapolis yet. Daisy is much better, but a long train trip and the flooded conditions in the city could complicate matters should she need additional medical attention. I would guess the doctors and hospitals in the city have their hands full right now.”

  Mr. Bridgeport frowned and nodded his head. “I see. You’re probably right. You think we should remain in Biscayne?”

  “You need not stay in Biscayne. You can return to Bridal Veil Island. If there should be any change in Daisy’s condition, you can bring her back here. I don’t anticipate a problem, but I would feel better knowing she’s fully recovered before you return home.”

  Mr. Bridgeport looked at his wife. “I’ll get a wire sent home telling Mrs. Hanson of our change in plans, and we’ll follow up with a letter of instructions. It’s the best we can do under the circumstances.” His frown deepened. “Of course, you could remain here with the children, and I could return home and see to things.”

  Mrs. Bridgeport shook her head. “I’d rather you didn’t do that right now, Luther. If Daisy continues to make progress and we hear there’s a need for you to go home ahead of us, then we can decide. I don’t like the idea of the family being separated, especially when we don’t know what conditions we’ll find in Indianapolis.”

  Callie squeezed Wesley’s hand. “So we’ll all remain at Bridal Veil?”

  “Yes. I think that would be best.” Mrs. Bridgeport smiled at Wesley. “I’m certain that decision will please you, as well. Won’t it, Wes?”

  “I know you have concerns about your home, but I wouldn’t be telling the truth if I said I wasn’t pleased with your decision to remain at Bridal Veil. And I’m sure my parents will be pleased to have an opportunity to get to know Callie.”

  Callie hadn’t yet had a chance to speak to the Bridgeports about the future, but from the look on Mrs. Bridgeport’s face, she’d already deduced what lay in store. “I hope the two of you aren’t making any impetuous plans.”

  Wes met Mrs. Bridgeport’s inquiring stare. “Not impetuous, but we have made a few decisions. Right now, I think you have more important matters that require your attention. Is there anything I can do to help you either at the hotel here in Biscayne or at Fair Haven?”

  The older woman sparked to attention. “Since Fair Haven has already been closed for the season, it would be helpful if it could be reopened. Dear me, it is such a shame. The cottage was closed less than a week ago and now we’ll be reopening it. Yet, I suppose that’s the way of things.” She leaned forward and kissed Daisy’s cheek. “I’m so thankful to have Daisy well that I shouldn’t even mention anything so trivial.” Mrs. Bridgeport turned her attention to Callie. “Shall we see if Lula and Jane can return for the remainder of the season? I don’t see how we can get by without their help.”

  Callie nodded. “Wesley and I can go speak to Jane, if you’d like. And I’m sure Lula will be pleased to return. Only this morning she mentioned that she didn’t know what to do with herself and she hadn’t been able to find any work.”

  Both Mr. and Mrs. Bridgeport agreed they would stay at the hospital and see to Daisy’s discharge while Wes and Callie located Jane and saw to matters at the Biscayne hotel. Callie grasped his arm as they descended the hospital stairs. “Perhaps I should go to the hotel and begin packing. Lula can help me. If you locate Jane, we can return to the island by late this afternoon and open the cottage. Mr. and Mrs. Bridgeport could remain in Biscayne and return on the launch later this evening. I’m sure Captain Fleming would agree to come over before sunset, don’t you think?”

  Wes nodded. “I don’t know why he wouldn’t. The Bridgeports own a cottage on the island, and it’s his job to see to their transportation needs. I think you’ve come up with an excellent plan. I’ll stop at the hotel and see if Lula knows Jane’s address. I’m sure the children will be delighted to learn Daisy will be discharged.”

  “Indeed. And I’m sure they’ll be delighted when they hear we’re going to return to Bridal Veil. Thomas wasn’t happy about forgoing the remainder of his golf lessons.”

  As they arrived at the bottom of the stairwell, Wes pulled her close. “And what about you, Miss Deboyer? Were you unhappy that your lessons had come to an end?” He dipped his head low and stared into her eyes.

  Her lips curved in a delicious smile. “Not unhappy the lessons had ended, but unhappy I’d no longer be spending time with the instructor.”

  His heart soared at her words. Lowering his head, his lips grazed the tender spot along the side of her neck. “I don’t think you’ll need to worry about being separated from me again.” He wrapped her in a warm embrace and captured her lips in a slow, passionate kiss, thanking God for providing a way for them to remain together. He could never have let her go to Indianapolis without him. Not in a million years.

  Wesley’s hands turned damp as he approached the front door of Fair Haven. He had hoped to wait a bit longer before asking Callie to meet his family—an experience he feared might send her running away from him rather than into his arms. But his mother had been insistent. She’d waited long enough and wanted Callie to join them for dinner this evening. He hadn’t revealed his plans to marry Callie and join her on the mission field, and he doubted the family would agree with their decisions.

  At least Callie wouldn’t have to deal with Charles or Daniel. They were both in Massachusetts, but Richard might prove difficult, and who could say how Helena would react? In the past, she’d proclaimed that he should be looking for a wife, so she should be happy. Then again, his sister could be as changeable as the weather.

  He strode up the steps to Fair Haven and knocked, surprised when Thomas greeted him. The boy stepped aside and invited Wes inside. “Jane and Lula were busy, so I told them I’d answer the door.” He glanced toward the stairs. “Are you here to see Miss Callie?”

  Wes nodded. “I need to speak to her for a few minutes, but I promise I won’t keep her for long.”

  While the boy raced up the stairs, Wes waited below, trying to think how he should word the dinner invitati
on. He wanted to warn Callie that his family could be difficult, yet he didn’t want to frighten her so much that she’d refuse to come. It would likely be best simply to be forthright. After all, they needed to have this meeting sometime, so he’d try to convince her it was best to get it over with as soon as possible. But that sounded rather ominous. He’d need to place the invitation in a more positive light, or she’d never agree to accompany him. He startled when Callie greeted him from the upper hallway.

  She giggled as she descended the stairs. “I didn’t mean to frighten you. Were you so lost in your thoughts you didn’t hear me?”

  “That’s exactly right.” He gestured toward the front porch. “Could we go outside and talk for a few minutes?”

  “Of course, but I’ll need to return upstairs shortly or Lottie won’t finish her math.” She led the way out the door and sat down on one of the wicker chairs. “What’s wrong? Has something happened?”

  He dropped to the chair beside her, the sweet scent of jasmine drifting on the breeze. “My parents would like you to join us for dinner tonight. They’ve arranged for a small private room—so everyone can get to know you. I know it’s very short notice, but they are eager to meet you.”

  “It is short notice. Without Maude, we’ll need to make other arrangements for the care of the children. Mrs. Bridgeport is upstairs. I’ll ask her if it would be possible.”

  Wes scooted forward on the chair. “I would pay Jane or Lula extra wages if one of them would be willing to stay.” He rubbed his jaw. “Or if you know of someone else who might be willing to help.”

  She traced her finger along the ridges in his forehead. “Don’t worry so. We’ll get something arranged. Let me speak to Mrs. Bridgeport.”

  Wes leaned back in the chair, and though Callie wasn’t gone long, it seemed an eternity. He wished his mother hadn’t made the arrangements before speaking to him. The family wouldn’t understand that Callie couldn’t be available at their beck and call.

  Callie reappeared with a bright smile curving her lips. “All is arranged. Lula said she’d be happy to stay overnight, and there’s no need for any extra pay.”

  “That’s kind of her. I’ll properly thank her when I come to pick you up this evening. Seven o’clock?”

  “I’ll be ready. I look forward to meeting your family, Wes. If they are as kind and loving as you, it shall be a wonderful event.”

  “You may find a few of them a bit difficult, but I’ll be there to protect you.” He laughed, hoping to take the edge off his words.

  Callie giggled. “I can’t imagine they will be anything but kind.”

  Wes inwardly groaned. “You may find them somewhat overbearing, but together we’ll manage the evening.” He grinned. “I won’t let them eat you alive.”

  Callie donned an informal dinner gown of pale blue silk with a dropped waistline, white ruching along the neckline, and bejeweled capped sleeves. She would have preferred something a bit less fancy, but Mrs. Bridgeport had insisted. In fact, Mrs. Bridgeport would have preferred Callie wear a formal brown and white chiffon gown, but she had refused to relent.

  When Callie appeared downstairs, Mrs. Bridgeport shook her head. “I still think the chiffon was the better choice. You know Mrs. Townsend will be wearing a formal gown, and I’m certain her daughter will follow suit.”

  “I truly don’t care what they wear. I’m more comfortable in this dress, and I know Wesley will think it is perfect.”

  “Yes, but he is a man in love. He thinks anything you say or do is perfect.” Mrs. Bridgeport rearranged the ruffles atop one of the dress sleeves. “If they don’t treat you well, you tell them they’ll have to answer to Luther.”

  Callie chuckled. “I think they might fear you more than Mr. Bridgeport.”

  “Perhaps they should. They’d best be kind.” She glanced toward the front of the house. “There’s Wesley. Do have a nice time and remember—you’re from a fine family. Don’t let them intimidate you.”

  Both Mrs. Bridgeport and Wesley seemed to think she had something to fear at this dinner meeting, yet Callie remained calm as she walked into the private dining room holding tight to Wesley’s arm. A silence fell as they entered, and she squeezed his arm.

  “Callie, I’d like to introduce you to my family.” One by one, he went around the room and made the proper introductions; then he inhaled a deep breath. “Callie and I are engaged to be married.”

  A cacophony of gasps filled the room. Helena frowned at her parents. “Did you know, Mother?”

  “No, I didn’t.” Mrs. Townsend dropped to one of the chairs and snapped open her fan. “You should have told us, Wesley. I knew you cared for Callie, and I encouraged you to court her, but I didn’t know you had already asked her to marry you. Why didn’t you tell us?”

  “I thought it best to tell everyone while we’re together. We can answer all of your questions, and there won’t be any misunderstandings. This way no one feels left out.” He glanced around the room. “Am I right?”

  “Well, I imagine Charles and Daniel will feel left out,” Helena said. “I truly can’t believe you are engaged to marry, and this is the first time we’ve set eyes on your fiancée.”

  Callie smiled. “I believe I met you at one of the tea parties. I was with Mrs. Bridgeport.”

  Helena ignored Callie’s reply. “You two barely know each other, and you’ve already decided to marry. It seems preposterous.” She shook her finger at Wesley. “I hope you’re planning a very long engagement. Most couples know each other at least five or six years before they decide to marry. Richard and I knew each other for five years before he proposed, and then we were engaged for another two years.”

  Wesley narrowed his eyes. “And all that waiting provided you with what, Helena? A perfect marriage?”

  “What does that mean? Richard and I are quite happy. Aren’t we, Richard?” She didn’t give her husband an opportunity to respond. “It is a well-known fact that if you want a marriage that lasts, you should know your partner well.”

  “I disagree, Helena.” Mrs. Townsend slapped her fan on the table. “You are talking utter nonsense. Charles and Anna didn’t have a long engagement. Your father and I knew each other only two months before we knew we were perfect for each other, and we married less than a month later.”

  “Mother!” Helena paled and sat down. “I cannot believe you would reveal such family scandal in public.”

  “Oh, do get over yourself, Helena. What is scandalous about two people running off to get married when they’re in love?”

  Helena frowned. “I don’t recall you adopting that attitude when you found out about Charles and Anna.”

  Mrs. Townsend waved the comment aside. “That was years ago. Charles and Anna are now quite happy in their marriage.” Mrs. Townsend looked at her husband. “And we’re quite happy, as well. Aren’t we, Howard?”

  “Yes, Blanche, that’s right.” Mr. Townsend smiled at his wife and then turned to the others. “Blanche didn’t want a big wedding.”

  Mrs. Townsend bobbed her head. “It’s true. I didn’t. However, I now believe one should create wonderful memories when possible. I’m going to speak to Eunice, and we’re going to make certain you and Wesley have a gorgeous affair. I know there’s been flooding in Indianapolis, so perhaps we should plan on having the wedding in Massachusetts. Don’t you think that’s best?”

  “I don’t know, but I think I should speak to Mrs. Bridgeport. Wesley and I haven’t—”

  “We don’t plan to wait, Mother. Callie and I would prefer to be married here at Bridal Veil. If all goes according to plan, we won’t be going to Massachusetts.”

  Helena picked up her mother’s fan and waved it back and forth with increasing vigor. “This is becoming more and more scandalous. You barely know each other, yet you’ve become engaged and now you’re planning an immediate wedding. You do realize people will talk. Oh my. What next?”

  Wesley smiled at his sister. “Since you’ve asked—we’ll
be going to Africa.”

  There was a loud gasp before Helena slipped from her chair in a faint.

  Chapter 29

  After a brief interlude that required the use of smelling salts and damp cloths, Helena roused. She’d been back in her chair for only a moment when she glared at Wesley. “This is your fault. You know I am prone to fainting when I receive bad news.”

  “I wasn’t aware you would consider my marriage plans bad news, Helena, but you’re typically the first one to complain when you haven’t been included in family happenings. I was doing my best to keep from hurting anyone’s feelings.” He shot her an ornery grin. “At least we were in a private room when you took your tumble.”

  Callie lightly nudged his arm. Rather than a celebration, this dinner was turning into a debacle. While Callie had anticipated there might be some rancor from Wesley’s parents, she was surprised at Helena’s attitude. Wesley had indicated he and Helena had been quite close until her marriage to Richard Kennebec, a man for whom Wes held little respect. After her marriage to Richard, the bond between brother and sister had weakened. Even though Helena had attempted to force a friendship between the two men, neither was interested. Was Helena now going to heap disapproval upon Callie to get back at her brother? Callie shivered at the thought.

  They wouldn’t be remaining in the country for long, but Callie didn’t want to begin her marriage on a sour note with any member of Wesley’s family. Yet from the look in Helena’s eyes, she might not have a choice. And now Mrs. Townsend’s complexion had taken on a pasty color, as well.

  Callie tugged on Wesley’s sleeve. “I think your mother may not be feeling well. She’s quite pale.”

  “Mother? Are you feeling ill?” Wesley pointed to her glass. “Perhaps a drink of water?”

  She gave a slight shake of her head. “I recall a conversation with you regarding Africa, Wesley. I believe you said Callie wasn’t trying to convince you to go there.”