Hope sat at the large oak desk and pondered her father’s motive.
* * *
That night, Hope waited in her room until her aunt and uncle left to take the dog out before she went down the stairs. She found her father and Izabella sitting on the sofa in the parlour.
“Izabella, I require a moment to speak with my father in private.”
“Of course.”
Izabella stood and left the room.
“The orphanage received a substantial donation today,” she stated bluntly, but keeping her voice lowered.
“I’m certain that was pleasing for Adam and his family. I know they depend on donations, but why the secrecy about speaking with me about it?”
“I believe you arranged the donation,” she continued.
“What would possess you to have such a thought?”
“Poppa,” she groaned in frustration.
“Must I remind you I gave a substantial donation months ago?”
“I recognized your handwriting on the envelope,” she informed him.
Chapter Forty-Four
When Hope appeared and asked to speak in private, Stewart suspected the reason. Determined to remain calm, he had no intention of divulging the truth. There was no need. He could afford to assist the orphanage, and it would be appreciated. Now, with her confronting him, he couldn’t lie. Hope was far too intelligent, and he was far too careless. He closed his eyes, ashamed of his stupidity. He’d expected Adam’s parents to retrieve the money and simply inform Adam of the donation, allowing it to remain anonymous. Foolish, foolish assumption. Why didn’t it occur to me to disguise my penmanship?
“Please tell me you didn’t speak of your suspicions to Adam or his parents,” he begged.
“I did not, but I don’t understand your desire for secrecy.”
Stewart tapped the sofa inviting his daughter to join him. Once seated, he reached for her hands. “Adam is as proud and honourable as his parents. They wouldn’t accept a second donation now that we have become acquainted. Once you wed, you will require room to breathe as you build a life with your husband. I have provided adequate funds for his parents to purchase a modest home and live comfortably outside the orphanage. You must promise me you will not speak of this matter again. The Venderkemps are wonderful, admirable people. My purpose was not to insult them, or brag about my wealth. I did this with your happiness in mind, sweetheart.”
Hope wiped her watering eyes. “I promise I won’t speak of this. Is Izabella aware?”
“Nay. This shall remain between you and me.”
“My lips are forever sealed.”
Stewart leaned over, embraced Hope, and kissed her forehead.
“Adam shall be arriving shortly. Will you be joining us in the pond?”
“We shall give you a half hour together and then join you.”
Chapter Forty-Five
Adam had arranged an evening out and told Hope to dress in formal attire. Giddy with excitement, Hope had difficulty falling asleep. The morning passed slowly. Two hours before he was due to arrive Hope wandered into her room to begin preparing. A blue gown hung on her dressing screen. She opened her jewellery case and took out a strand of pearls and matching earrings.
“I have come to assist with your hair.” Aunt Vicki announced, then entered the room. She placed some beads on the bed.
These will look hideous with my dress. Normally her aunt had such impeccable taste in fashion.
“They’re dark,” Hope reminded her, raising an eyebrow in question of her choice.
“If you’re not happy with the result, I’ll change them, but I am certain you’ll be pleased once I’ve finished.”
Aunt Vicki took her place behind her and began pulling Hope’s hair back from her face, attaching the looping stand of beads into the bun. Soft fringes dangled around her face. Aunt Vicki left her to dress. Within seconds, there was a tap on the door.
“Come in.”
Izabella entered carrying a large box with the Valentines logo stamped in the corner.
“A special evening deserves a special gown.”
Izabella placed the box on the bed. Hope removed the lid and pushed the tissue aside. She stared in surprise at the delicate yellow silk cloth. Izabella held the bodice of the sleeveless gown and allowed the material to flow. Hope had never seen anything as beautiful.
“I saw this gown in a magazine and thought it would look lovely on you. In my opinion, this gown was designed with you and this evening in mind. I ordered it and hoped it would come in time. It was delivered to the boutique yesterday.”
Hope fought back her tears. “Don’t leave. I require assistance.”
Hope disappeared behind the screen, praying it would fit properly. Reappearing a few minutes later, she felt like a fairy princess bursting with happiness. The embroidered lace circled the bodice and draped just below the shoulder. A thin, delicate strap kept the lace in place. The satin bodice fit snug to the waist, while more lace circled her small waistline. The material flowed to the ground with a small train, and the embroidered lace covered the entire skirt of the dress. Hope twirled in the gown. It was a perfect fit.
“You are truly stunning, Hope.”
She embraced Izabella.
“Sweetheart.”
Turning, her father stood at her door.
“You may enter. Is it not the most beautiful gown you have ever seen?” she raved, twirling around. “I’m without the proper words of gratitude. I’m unable to imagine the cost of anything as exquisite. How can I ever thank you, Izabella?”
Poppa reached for Izabella’s hand, nodding. “It’s beautiful. Goodness, you have grown before my eyes, Hope. Your wedding day will arrive and you will marry a man that adores you. I’m happy for you, but I am losing my little girl.”
“You are not losing me, Poppa,” she assured him, looking into the mirror at his reflection. She turned around and faced him. “Adam knows how close we are. I love him with all my heart, but I also love you. You will always be an important part of my life.”
“Her necklace,” Izabella whispered.
“Allow me the honour.” Poppa reached for the pearls on her dresser.
After fastening the necklace, Poppa and Izabella left the room.
Chapter Forty-Six
Woof.
Stewart barely heard the knock. Brodie leaped down the steps, brushing past Izabella and Stewart as they descended the stairs.
Stewart reached for Izabella’s shoulders, holding her to ensure she remained upright. “Brodie,” Stewart scolded.
The dog continued to bound toward the foyer. Once at the entrance, Stewart grabbed the dog’s collar and held her back as he opened the door. Adam was waiting, nervously smoothing the jacket of his three-piece black suit. His green eyes seemed to sparkle in anticipation of the night.
“Good evening, Adam. Hope shall be down in a moment,” Stewart assured him.
The dog turned at the sound of footsteps in the upstairs hall.
“Sit,” Stewart commanded, giving her collar a gentle tug. “I fear Hope will not be as fortunate as Izabella if you trip her.”
“An angel is standing before me,” Adam muttered, his rapt attention on Hope.
When she reached the main level, he stepped toward her and handed his fiancée a red rose, and then kissed her cheek.
With Hope and Adam gone, Stewart suggested dining out with Vicki and Greg. Agreeing on a casual evening, they were in the buggy within the half hour. The two couples laughed while eating and admiring the moonlight on the small lake by the restaurant. It promised to be a beautiful, clear evening. Taking advantage of Mother Nature’s divine spectacle, Izabella and Vicki walked out of the restaurant, stood behind the buggy, and removed their shoes and stockings as the men paid the bill. With Greg and Vicki a short distance ahead, Stewart entered the warm water, shuffling his bare feet in the wet sand as Izabella remained close to his side.
When they returned home, Stewart put the horses in the bar
n before joining Izabella indoors.
“Goodnight,” Vicki and Greg chorused as they retired.
Stewart led Izabella into the parlour. They sat on the sofa and talked, waiting for Hope to return home.
Woof.
Stewart went to the window. Adam’s horse and buggy drew up to the door.
“They are home,” he announced. Stewart met Hope at the door. “By the glow on your face, I assume your evening was pleasurable.”
“Indeed it was. The meal at the Wedgwood was delicious, and then we danced.”
“A popular restaurant for this household,” Izabella responded, stepping into the foyer.
“You’ve been?”
Stewart glanced toward Izabella with a smile on his face.
“Your Uncle Greg proposed at that location,” Izabella informed her friend. “Your poppa and I dined at the Wedgwood our first evening together.”
“The first evening?” she questioned.
Stewart shrugged his shoulders and he smiled. “My plan was to impress this beautiful woman. I believe it worked. She’s still agreeable to being courted. I was hoping to speak with Adam. Did he return home?”
“No. He is giving his mare a drink and food. It is such a beautiful night we thought we would like to swim. Will you be joining us?”
Stewart felt Izabella’s hand touch his, and then give a slight squeeze. If she wished to join them, she would have spoken.
“Nay. But you must watch the hour. Although you are able to remain in bed to rest, Adam is expected to assist with the early morning duties.”
The door opened to admit Adam. After a brief conversation, Adam followed his fiancée up to the second floor where his swimsuit awaited in the spare room. Stewart and Izabella returned to the parlour. There was movement on the steps, and then the young couple headed toward the kitchen. The door closed with a soft thump. Izabella shifted her body closer to Stewart and kissed him.
“I have done a great deal of thinking,” she informed him, keeping her voice lowered. “You informed me some time ago of your desire to lie with me on the eve of our wedding.”
His heart leaped with anticipation. She wanted to discuss marriage. He was ready now, ready in every way to make Izabella his bride.
“We’ve progressed slowly,” she continued, “and although I appreciate your patience and your honourable intentions, this evening has been so romantic. Greg and Vicki retired to their room over an hour ago. They will assume I’ve returned home. I’m in love with you, Stewart. I want more than a kiss this evening.”
A flashback entered his mind. His first evening with Natasha. He’d attempted to persuade her to wait, but in hindsight he was grateful they had not. Hope was conceived that night. Natasha had agreed to become his wife. He was no longer a teenaged boy but a grown man. He hadn’t spoken of his feelings, but he was in love with her. He wanted to be with her.
“And I’m in love with you,” he admitted.
Stewart stood, reached for her hand, and led Izabella up the steps to his room with Brodie at their heels. Stopping at his door, Stewart looked down at the dog. “I should have sent you out with Hope and Adam. Stay,” he told her. “You’re a good girl. Go to sleep.”
Stewart shut his door and turned to see Izabella pulling down the sheets on his bed. He walked toward her, placed his hands on her cheeks, and kissed her, almost oblivious to the fact she was undoing his shirt. Her fingers grazed his bare chest. He gasped. Struggling to breathe, he pulled his shirt off. Lips touched his chest. Consumed with ecstasy, he shuddered. It has been so long I almost forgot these sensations exist. There was a brief tug at his waist. His pants fell past his thighs and down to his ankles. Izabella was still fully clothed.
“I’m ashamed to admit,” he groaned. “I got lost in the foreplay.”
“That is a good thing.” She smiled that beautiful, full dimple smile.
Stewart placed his forefinger under her chin, tilted her head, and gently kissed her lips. His free hand slid slowly up and down her back, attempting to unfasten her dress. Unable to feel anything familiar, he scowled and he pulled away to look over her shoulder. Damn, this should not occur during seduction.
“For the life of me I don’t understand why women’s clothing must be so damn complicated. I fear I’ll rip it.”
“Don’t do that.”
No. I’ve ruined the mood. Opportunities do not present themselves throughout the week with my work and Izabella’s dedication to the boutique. Will I be forced to wait another week now that my body is craving her touch? Seven days is equivalent to a lifetime now. “A week to study foreplay and women’s fashions,” he groaned. It wasn’t necessary to admit he hadn’t been intimate with a woman since Natasha, but the idea of waiting another week dismayed him. “I can only pray I’m still an adequate student.”
She stretched up, gave him a gentle kiss, reached behind, and loosened her dress. The light green material slowly moved past her shoulders and down her forearms before falling to the ground. “Lessons shall begin tomorrow.”
He felt like a green young man again. Although his exact emotions were hard to recall, he remembered seeing Natasha’s body for the first time. His reserved future wife had been nervous. Izabella was not. She was calm and confident. Her undergarments fell to the floor. His heart pounded as his gaze travelled down her body. With one step forward, he lifted Izabella into his arms. Setting her head on his pillow, he crawled on the bed beside her as Izabella pulled the covers over them. Rolling onto her side, she pushed Stewart onto his back and straddled him. His hands were clammy with nervous sweat.
“I apologize. I cannot avoid my sweaty hands touching your skin.”
“I haven’t attempted to seduce a man in a number of years. I pray my,” she paused, “intuition is working and I’m able to respond appropriately.”
“You pray? I fear I’m more than a little rusty.”
Izabella lowered her body onto his and kissed him gently before moving her attention to his neck and down his chest. As her fingers caressed his bare skin, she moved her kisses down his stomach. Stewart moaned. Within minutes, he gasped, the sensations were more than he could bear. Grabbing his pillow, he clenched it with his hands.
“Izabella,” he groaned.
“Patience. It is my hope to make you fall passionately in love with me.”
Stewart was about to comment when sensations he had forgotten existed threatened to overcome him. Clenching the pillow tighter, he fought to force air into his lungs. What if I lack the stamina of my youth? Izabella will be left disappointed. Not tonight. I cannot risk it. He lifted the sheets and looked down at her. “If you wish to experience any—”
Izabella stopped. “You are questioning your ability?”
“I make no promises. It’s been, my word, so many years.”
“Humm.” Izabella didn’t ponder long before she crawled toward him and slowly lowered her body onto his.
Chapter Forty-Seven
Hope and Adam’s evening began with a candlelit dinner at the Wedgwood Restaurant. With a gentleman playing the violin in the corner of the room, they toasted their engagement with a glass of wine. Once their plates were cleared, Adam led Hope to the dance floor. It was the most romantic night of her life. He assured her it was the same for him.
Hope sat by Adam’s side and he led the horse and buggy to her home. Staring into the heavens, the stars twinkled in the ebony sky. She didn’t want Adam to leave when they reached their destination. It was too beautiful a night to end so soon.
“Join me in the pond,” she pleaded. “With the moon and stars so bright, it’s a perfect evening for swimming.”
“I assumed you would be tired.”
“Nay, I won’t be able to sleep. Unhitch the buggy and take it to the far side of the barn. The mare can go into the empty stall for food and water. I’ll meet you in the house.”
Hope went inside. Once Adam joined her, they spoke with Poppa and Izabella, changed, and then went to the pond. Adam droppe
d his towel by the edge of the water and dove in. Hope’s body tingled. She placed her towel on the grass bank and sat down. Unsettled by the unfamiliar mood, she lacked a desire to join Adam in the water. She dropped her feet over the edge, allowing her legs to sink into the water up to her lower calves. Adam’s body appeared silvery, a distorted figure as he swam under the shimmering surface. He emerged at the opposite side of the pond.
“I thought you wished to swim,” he called.
“Later.”
He swam toward her. Heat penetrated her torso and neck. What’s wrong with me? I’ve invited Adam to swim but have lost the desire to dive in. She splashed water on her neck and chest, attempting unsuccessfully to cool herself. In a daze, she barely noticed Adam rest his hands on either side of her thighs.
“You’re tired. We’re not accustomed to dancing. I shall change and return home.”
She loved that he was so concerned for her, but she didn’t want him to go. “Nay. I’m not tired. Don’t leave me.”
Adam pushed himself out of the water, settling his wet body beside her. She turned, allowing her fingertips to touch his. A slight chill rippled over her skin.
“I need to feel your arms around me,” she whispered.
He manoeuvred his body, allowing Hope to rest her back against his chest. With his arms around her, they gazed into the pond. The night sky reflected into the sparkling water. Unable to stay still, Hope swivelled around and looked at Adam.
“Kiss me.”
His lips touched hers. Wanting more, she pressed herself passionately against him. She revelled in the sensual feelings that rushed through her. Craving more than a mere kiss, she pulled away from the contact.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, his eyes full of compassion.
Hope got her knees under her without responding. As her gaze meshed with Adam’s, she placed her hands on his bathing top and began pulling it over his head, Able to feel his heart thumping under her hands, she contemplated her next move. Her heart raced with excitement. She touched her own swimwear and unfastened the first button, and then the second and third. Adam watched in disbelief without uttering a sound. She pulled her top down just past her shoulders.
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