To Honor and Trust

by Tracie Peterson

  Callie opened her mouth to answer, but Wesley gently touched her hand. “Callie hasn’t convinced me to go, Mother. Rather, we both believe God is leading us to the mission field, where we can best use our talents.”

  “Forevermore, Wesley. I don’t know what has come over you.” Helena directed another stern look at Callie. “When we arrived on Bridal Veil, you told us you didn’t ever want to practice medicine again. Now you tell us God has directed you to put your medical education to use in Africa? Excuse me if I say that it sounds as though Miss Deboyer is the one doing the leading—not God.”

  Callie winced at the remark. “I’m sorry you feel that way, but I have not attempted to influence Wesley in any of his decisions.”

  “Don’t pay Helena any mind. She just doesn’t want to lose her brother.” Richard winked at his wife. “She got used to having him nearby when he returned from Texas, and now she has to give him up again.” He nudged his wife’s arm. “Isn’t that right, Helena?”

  “You must admit that going to Africa isn’t the same as telling us you’re going to live in another state.” Helena dabbed her eyes. “We’ll probably never see you again.”

  “Oh, that isn’t true at all. My parents come home on furlough every five years.”

  “Five years!”

  Helena’s shriek was loud enough to bring the waiter scurrying into the room, but Richard shooed him away after assuring him everything was fine.

  Wesley’s mother still hadn’t regained her full color, but she waved her fan at Helena. “Please restrain yourself, Helena. If your father and I can accept Wesley’s decision, then I believe you should be able to do the same.”

  Helena turned a wide-eyed stare at her parents. “You’re going to agree to this?”

  Mr. Townsend traced his index finger beneath his starched white collar. “It wouldn’t be my first choice for any of my children to go off to some foreign land, but Wesley is an adult and is capable of making his own decisions. Besides, who are any of us to argue with God? If Wesley believes this is what he’s to do, then I won’t stand in his way.” Wesley’s father pointed a thick finger at his daughter. “And your childish behavior will only cause ill feelings between you and your brother, Helena. I don’t think that’s what you want to happen when he’s going to be gone for a number of years, is it?”

  “No, but I . . .”

  Mr. Townsend shook his head. “There is nothing else to be added, Helena. You will miss your brother and so will the rest of us, but when the time arrives for him to depart, we will wish him Godspeed and best wishes with his new life.”

  “Yes, Father.” She turned toward Callie and Wesley. “I’m sorry for my unkind words and rude behavior, but you both must realize what a shock this is for all of us. I hope we will at least have an opportunity to get to know you, Callie, a little better before you leave the country.”

  Callie smiled. “I hope so, as well, Helena.”

  Mrs. Townsend straightened her shoulders. “Tomorrow I’ll meet with Eunice, and we’ll set things in motion for the wedding, but first we must plan an engagement party. I’m certain Mr. Crocker will be happy to assist us in arranging everything. If not, we can have the party at the lovely hotel in Biscayne. Of course, if the weather is nice, we could have the party outdoors.”

  “But you can’t depend upon the weather, Mother.” Helena glanced at Callie. “What about the Bridgeports’ cottage? Do you think it’s large enough to host an engagement party? Would Mrs. Bridgeport prefer the event be at their cottage rather than the clubhouse?”

  Suddenly Helena had set aside her concerns about Wesley leaving for Africa and had become swept up in her mother’s excitement of planning an engagement party. Callie didn’t know what to think of the sudden change, nor did she have any idea what Mrs. Bridgeport might desire. In fact, she didn’t know if Mrs. Bridgeport wanted to be included in any of the wedding preparations. They’d not had a chance to discuss the matter.

  “I can’t speak for Mrs. Bridgeport.” She glanced at Wesley. “I don’t believe either of us is desirous of elaborate parties or a large wedding. We’ll be pleased—”

  Mrs. Townsend waved her fan—this time in Callie’s direction. “Tut, tut. No Townsend is married without a proper wedding.”

  Callie frowned. “But you said you and Mr. Townsend had a small ceremony and—”

  Once again the older woman brandished her fan. She waved it overhead like a flag flying in the breeze. “That’s true, and since we’re here at Bridal Veil, I’m afraid anything we plan will be attended by fewer guests than if we were hosting the events in Massachusetts. But that doesn’t mean we can’t manage something every bit as grand.” She graced Callie with a bright smile. “I will admit that later in life I had a few regrets that I didn’t have a magnificent wedding—not because I would be any more married, but because of the memories and the joy it brings to other people when they are able to plan and attend beautiful weddings.”

  Mrs. Townsend snapped her fan together and used it as a pointer. “And I know neither of you wants to rob us of our joy.”

  Callie pressed her lips together and swallowed her rebuttal. She didn’t desire an elaborate wedding. But after Helena’s fainting spell, Callie didn’t think this would be a good time to argue about wedding plans. Instead, she would discuss the matter with Mrs. Bridgeport first thing tomorrow. With her experience handling difficult social situations, perhaps Mrs. Bridgeport could provide an idea or two of how to best handle Mrs. Townsend and Helena before the wedding turned into an extravaganza of sorts.

  Mr. Townsend signaled for the waiter to begin serving their meal. It wasn’t long after they’d completed their soup course that Richard leaned Callie’s way. “I understand the nanny who was working for the Bridgeports was involved in the thefts taking place on the island, and the detectives investigating the case even attempted to implicate you.”

  Wesley frowned at his brother-in-law. “And how did you happen to learn that piece of information? To my knowledge, there were few people who knew anything about those details.”

  “Your father pays me to keep abreast of news in the textile industry and of possible investors. You’d be amazed how much other information is gathered during the course of doing business.”

  When Wesley bristled at the remark, Callie reached for his hand while directing a sweet smile at Richard. “I am certain the detectives spoke to many people during the course of their investigation, but your informants were correct in what they told you. However, since I’m not in jail with Mrs. Murphy and her son, it is obvious they were incorrect in their assumptions.”

  Callie took heart when Richard’s shoulder drooped. She’d obviously deflected his accusations. Wesley was correct about his brother-in-law: The man did enjoy stirring things at every opportunity. Once the discussion about the wedding had settled, he appeared intent upon finding another subject that would create tension and disharmony.

  Richard sniggered. “You should have stopped by the jail while you were over in Biscayne. I’ll bet Mrs. Murphy would have been more than a little surprised to see you.”

  Callie folded her hands in her lap and stared at Richard. “If I thought it would have given Mrs. Murphy comfort, I would have gone to see her. To be frank, I feel a great deal of sadness regarding Mrs. Murphy. She was a strange woman at times, but she could be quite kind and caring, as well. I don’t know what possessed her to aid her son in such horrendous criminal activity, but it doesn’t change the fact that she was good to the children and generally kind to me.”

  Richard pointed his bread knife at Callie. “Well, I’m not so sure the people she stole from believe she’s such a saint. And if she’d stolen your expensive jewels, I doubt you’d be so forgiving.” He placed the knife on the bread plate. “Then again, you didn’t need to worry since you don’t own any expensive jewels. Isn’t that correct?”

  Wesley pushed away from the table. “I’ve had enough of your tasteless behavior, Richard.”

  “No
, Wesley. It’s quite all right. I’m pleased to answer his question. The fact is that I’m not wealthy, Mr. Kennebec, so I don’t need to worry about jewels being stolen. I was, however, sympathetic to the guests and the distress they suffered because of Mrs. Murphy’s actions. But it is my understanding that all of the jewelry was recovered and has been returned to the proper owners. And while I don’t consider Mrs. Murphy a saint, I do believe she is a child of God who deserves forgiveness. All of us sin, and all of us need forgiveness.” Callie shifted in her chair and met Richard’s stare. “Don’t you agree?”

  Mrs. Townsend tapped her fan on the white tablecloth. “I know I agree—and I know that’s enough talk about robberies and other unsavory topics. I doubt I’ll be able to digest my dinner if this discussion continues.”

  Later, while they were finishing their after-dinner coffee, Mrs. Townsend excused herself from the table. She returned a short time later, walked to the head of the table, and placed one hand on her husband’s shoulder. “I have spoken to Mr. Crocker, and we will host the engagement party here at the island. With my direction and assistance, he assures me that all can be in readiness whenever we decide to have the party.”

  “But I—” Callie stopped short when Mrs. Townsend snapped open her fan.

  In no time at all, Callie had lost control of her wedding plans.

  Throughout the days that followed, Mrs. Townsend and Mrs. Bridgeport became as alike as two peas in a pod. What one said, the other agreed to and vice versa. Callie had done her best to try to dissuade Mrs. Bridgeport, but to no avail. The older woman was certain Callie’s objections were due to the cost involved with the engagement party and a sumptuous wedding. Wes and Callie acquiesced and decided to wed on the third day of May.

  Once the young couple set the date, Mrs. Townsend and Mrs. Bridgeport wasted no time scheduling the engagement party for one week prior to the wedding. They had hoped to host it two weeks prior, but when they discovered the clubhouse had already been scheduled for another event that could not be changed, they conceded.

  When the dates for the party and wedding had been set, it became abundantly clear there would be no peace, since Callie had permitted the women full rein. When Mrs. Townsend insisted upon taking her to Biscayne to be fitted for a wedding gown, she didn’t object. When Mrs. Bridgeport insisted upon purchasing items for her trousseau, Callie didn’t object. When the two older women decided upon the decorations, flowers, and food for the engagement party, she didn’t object. Each skirmish turned into a losing battle.

  Mrs. Bridgeport had quieted Callie’s objections by insisting that Mr. Bridgeport would have it no other way. He could think of nothing upon which he’d rather spend his money—a statement Callie found difficult to believe. When she raised her objections to Mrs. Townsend, the older woman immediately pointed out that she and Wesley would be leaving the country and the couple should indulge the family by permitting all of them this time of special celebration.

  There seemed nothing Callie could do but give in. Still, this wasn’t going to be the type of wedding she desired. Had her own mother remained a member of society and been living in the country, what would she have wanted for Callie’s wedding? Callie couldn’t even imagine what her own mother might suggest. They’d been apart for too long, and they’d never spoken of weddings. Although the letters from her mother helped a bit, they didn’t create the closeness that Callie had developed with Mrs. Bridgeport over the past years. If her grandmother were still alive, there was little doubt what would have happened with the wedding plans. Grandmother would have sat her down and asked what Callie wanted—and then she would have set about making certain her granddaughter’s wishes were fulfilled.

  “And that’s what I should do, as well.” Callie whispered the words into the quiet of her bedroom, where no one else could hear. She would need to gather her courage if she was to have the wedding ceremony she desired. Most of all, she would need an ally, and there was only one choice: Wesley. He could help her explain to his family, while she hoped she could handle any objections from the Bridgeports.

  With her thoughts settled on the possibility of taking control of the ceremony, Callie sat down at her desk and penned a letter to her parents. She doubted they would receive the letter before her wedding, but she wanted to tell them of her engagement and approaching marriage. Her excitement mounted as she told them about the wedding. She waited until the very end of the letter to tell them that God was directing both her and Wesley to join them in Africa.

  I hope you will consider all of this joyous news. I know it was your earnest desire that I join you, and I hope you will feel the same about Wesley. He is a wonderful man, and although he has experienced great difficulty since beginning his medical career, he now believes God plans to use his talents and abilities in Africa. We are excited at the prospect of joining you and lending our assistance and skills to the Lord’s work.

  I only wish you could be here for our wedding, but if this letter should reach you prior to our marriage, I know you will be with us in thought and spirit.

  Your loving daughter

  and soon to be son-in-law,

  Callie and Wesley

  She hadn’t gone into the details of Wesley’s problems in Texas. There would be time enough for that once they arrived in Africa. For now, she simply wanted her parents to know of her impending marriage and their plans to go to Africa. She reread the pages she’d written on both the front and back of each sheet. There had been so much to tell them. A flutter of excitement filled her as she sealed the envelope. Callie tried to imagine what her parents would think and feel as they read her letter. She hoped they would feel the same excitement and joy that she’d experienced while writing her letter to them.

  Chapter 30

  Callie, Mrs. Bridgeport, Thomas, and Lottie were on the front porch the following day when Mr. Bridgeport returned to Fair Haven. He waved a letter overhead as he approached and spoke to them. “I picked up the mail at the clubhouse on my way.” A slight frown creased his forehead. “Where is Daisy?”

  Mrs. Bridgeport gestured to the chair beside her. “No need for concern. She’s taking a nap. Wesley said he’d stop by to remove the bandage and look at her leg. She still tires easily, and the doctor in Biscayne said rest was the best cure at this time.”

  “I recall what the doctor said, Eunice.” He grinned at his wife. “After all, I was there at the hospital with you.”

  Ignoring his comment, Mrs. Bridgeport pointed to his hand. “I see we’ve received mail.”

  “A full report on the damage from Samuel. I asked him to go to our house, and even though we had an earlier report, I asked him to check on your grandmother’s house, too, Callie.” He leaned forward and looked at Callie. “Samuel Broderick is one of my business partners. I think you’ve met him at the house, haven’t you?”

  “Yes, I remember him quite well. Tall with a long nose and dark mustache?”

  Mrs. Bridgeport chuckled. “That’s a very good description, Callie.”

  “I don’t think Samuel’s nose is particularly long. Do I have a long nose?”

  “Goodness, Luther. Let’s not spend our time talking about your physical attributes. What does Samuel’s letter have to say?”

  Callie folded her hands in her lap. The servants had already sent word that her grandmother’s home had been destroyed, and Callie had accepted the loss. There was no reason to send someone to survey the area once again and tell her what she already knew.

  “He says there is water damage in the basement, but it didn’t reach the upper floors of the house. Our losses won’t be as substantial as many have suffered.” He glanced at Callie. “The news regarding your grandmother’s home remains the same. It’s a total loss, but Samuel says in his letter that the folks who were renting the house managed to save some of your grandmother’s personal belongings that were stored in the attic.”

  “That was most kind of them. I know there were several trunks that contained some of her c
hina and silver service, but I don’t think I’ll have need of those items in Africa. Perhaps I should consider selling them. I’m sure the money could be put to good use by Mother and Father.”

  Mrs. Bridgeport gasped. “You don’t want to do that, my dear. You don’t know—one day you and Wesley may return to live in this country, and you’ll be glad to have a few of your grandmother’s belongings.” Mrs. Bridgeport tapped her husband’s arm. “When you write to Samuel, tell him to have the trunks taken to our house. We can store them for you, Callie. There’s no telling what may be in those trunks.”

  Callie conceded. Perhaps Mrs. Bridgeport was right. One day she and Wesley might have children of their own, and it would give her great pleasure to share those items with her children and tell them stories about her grandmother. Callie’s thoughts returned to the special teas her grandmother would prepare for the two of them, using her silver tea service and one of her many lace tablecloths. Callie smiled. One day she might do the same with a daughter of her own.

  Mr. Bridgeport nodded his agreement. “No need to worry yourself over the trunks, Callie.” He handed the letter to his wife. “Samuel says it’s good we didn’t attempt to come home. Train service is at a standstill in and out of the city, and many of the roads remain closed.” He leaned back in the chair. “I intensely dislike the circumstances that have kept us here, but it would seem this is exactly where we should be right now.”

  The older woman agreed and patted Callie’s hand. “And it has proven best for Callie, as well. We’re having great fun planning the engagement party and wedding, aren’t we?”

  Callie forced a smile. “I’m not sure I would call it fun, but—”

  “Oh look! Wesley’s coming.” Mrs. Bridgeport pointed toward the road. “I’ll go tell Jane to make some lemonade. Once Wesley has seen to Daisy, I’m sure he’ll want to remain and visit a while.”

  Callie hoped so. If not, she’d accompany him to the golf course. They needed to talk. If she was going to have the kind of wedding she preferred, they needed to assert themselves to both Wesley’s mother and to Mrs. Bridgeport as soon as possible.