Unexpected Love

by Andrea Boeshaar

  “They’d beat kids?”

  “Well, Michael, it depends on who ‘they’ are. But, yes, I’ve heard of it happening, so I don’t want to hear another word about stowing away. Is that clear?”

  “Yessir.” Michael muttered the reply.

  Gabe said nothing.

  “Now get your bags from the carriage, go upstairs to your rooms, and unpack.”

  Michael turned and ran up the stairs, but Gabriel paused in front of his father.

  “Are you really blind?” A challenge loomed.

  Brian hesitated. “Yes.” He’d softened his tone.

  Then Gabriel stuck out his tongue.

  Renna brought her hand to her lips in shock. Such a bold display of rebellion! Sarah gasped, and Richard narrowed his gaze.

  Gabe grinned and followed his brother upstairs.

  “Daddy!” Libby walked over and tugged on his hand. “Gabe did a bad thing. The worst thing I ever saw him do. He sticked his tongue out at you.”

  Rachel copied her sister. “He sticked it right out.”

  “Are you going to whip him now?” Libby asked. “He should get a belt-whipping, don’t you think so, Daddy?”

  Renna bit the side of her cheek in an effort not to smile. She couldn’t help it. She recalled numerous times in her childhood that she’d wished her brother would get a whipping.

  Saying nothing of the sort, however, she glanced at Sarah, who peered at her husband. But no help there. Richard stood staring up at the ceiling.

  “Libby, darling, I appreciate your concern. It was good of you to tell me. Gabriel probably deserves a whipping, but I think I’ll settle for a good talking-to.”

  “All right.” Libby’s slender shoulders sagged with disappointment.

  Just then the housekeeper reappeared, and both little girls ran to hug her. “Granny Hester! Granny Hester!”

  “Well, now, look who’s here.” The older woman embraced the girls with a quick hug. “My two little chickens!” She placed kisses on the tops of their heads. “Isabelle’s making cake in the kitchen, and if you hurry, she’ll let you lick the spoon. Mrs. Fields is in there too. That’s Miss Fields’s mother, you know,” Hester explained to the girls before setting them in the right direction. “Go see what’s happening in the kitchen.”

  Libby turned to Richard. “Can we, Mr. Navis?”

  “Best to ask your father.”

  Two small heads turned his way. “Can we?”

  Brian smiled. “Yes, you may.”

  The girls skipped off down the hallway.

  “Isn’t the kitchen that way?” Renna said, pointing down the other hallway.

  Sarah nodded. “You can go that way too.”

  Renna blew out a breath. “Oh, dear.” She looked at Brian. “I think I need a map.”

  Brian chuckled. “Renna, in a few days you’ll know this place like the back of your hand. I promise. Now then, turn me toward the front staircase. I need to deal with my eldest.”

  “Shall I guide you up the stairs?”

  Brian shook his head. “I know my way very well.”

  “All right, then.” Renna took his hand and walked him to the first step.

  “Thirty-six steps in a curving staircase.” Brian smiled. “Don’t be surprised, Renna, if you see a couple of boys sliding down this banister from time to time.” He paused. “And maybe a governess too.”

  “Captain Sinclair!” Sarah marched forward. “I never did such an undignified thing.”

  Richard cleared his throat. “That would have been the governess before Sarah, sir.”

  “Ah, yes . . . ”

  Confusion engulfed Renna. “How many governesses were there?”

  “Too many to count, I’m afraid,” Richard replied.

  The children must have felt a measure of confusion over so many people walking in and out of their lives. Did Brian understand what he had put them through?

  His next words allayed her fears

  “Pray for me, Renna,” he said softly. “My relationship with my son is already strained. I can’t imagine what I might say to change his mind about me.”

  “I will.” She watched him ascend the staircase. “I’ll pray.”

  •••

  Brian made his way to Gabriel’s bedroom. He knocked once and then, without waiting for a reply, walked in. A large satchel sat in the middle of the room, still unpacked, while Gabe lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, his jaw clenched.

  “Gabriel, we need to talk.”

  No reply.

  Brian walked farther into the bedroom. He glanced around at all the unframed artwork tacked to the walls. Why hadn’t he seen it before? The watercolors, ink sketches, and chalk drawings were all very well done.

  “What?” He blinked as he stepped closer to examine one of the pictures. “Are you the artist of all these pictures, Gabe?” Immediately he realized his blunder. He was supposed to be blind.

  Turning slowly toward his son, Brian saw that Gabriel scrutinized him with a puzzled frown.

  Brian removed his dark glasses. “I’d best be honest with you, son, although I pray I’m not endangering your life by doing so.” He took in a deep breath. “I’m not blind, Gabe, although I was for a long time after the boating accident. But I’ve agreed to pretend that I’m still blind so the authorities can discover if someone tampered with my schooner the day of the killer storm on the lake. That same person—or persons—may still be trying to kill me.”

  Gabriel sat up and swung his legs off the bed. “You mean you can see?”

  Brian nodded and watched the color drain slowly from his son’s face. “And, yes, I saw you stick out your tongue at me minutes ago.”

  Gabriel swallowed hard, obviously expecting impending doom.

  “You deserve a good thrashing for that one, but I think you’re old enough now that we can . . . discuss the matter. Will you agree to that? A discussion?”

  “I suppose so.”

  Brian moved to the round table at the far side of the room. Four chairs surrounded it, and pens, ink, paints, and brushes covered the top. Brian sat down and gently moved the art supplies toward the middle of the table. Gabe took a chair across from him.

  “You’re a very talented young man.”

  Gabe shrugged in reply, and Brian noted the wary look in his eyes. No doubt his son feared that after their discussion he might still get his thrashing.

  Brian tried in vain to stifle a grin. “You know, I remember when I was your age. Aurora didn’t know what to do with me, so she did nothing. I was very bored one summer and spent my free time down at the docks. I met a man down there whom everyone referred to as Corky. Captain Corky.” Brian chuckled at the remembrance. “Corky was an old man with a sharp tongue, but he took pity on me that summer and taught me many things about ships. Once he even took me on a two-day journey across Lake Michigan. Aurora never even knew I was gone. But then the fall came, and I was talking of seafaring men and using bad language. Aurora was so aghast, she packed me off to boarding school. I never got to say good-bye to Corky and his crew. I hated my mother for that.”

  “Aurora never liked kids much.” Again, Gabe rolled his shoulders. His hazel-eyed gaze was fastened to the tabletop. “Maybe she liked the girls more cuz they could shop for dresses and hair ribbons.”

  “Hmm . . . well, I must agree with you there.” Brian sat back. “I resented my mother for a long time. Then, after a couple of years at boarding school, I realized that, even though Aurora had no mothering skills to speak of, she wanted the best for me, and soon I wanted the best for me too. I married your mother, and we had four beautiful children, but I didn’t know how to be a father because—well, except for Corky that summer, I had no father figure in my life. Even so, I wanted the best for my children . . . just like Aurora had wanted the best for me. Do you understand what I’m trying to say, Gabriel?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Well, what I mean to say is I know I haven’t been a good father, but I want to be
. And now I have faith in God, and He will help me. But you’re going to have to be patient, son.”

  Gabriel looked him squarely in the eyes. “Are you going to marry that lady and then send me off to boarding school like Aurora did to you—and like Mrs. Kingsley wanted to do to Mike and me?”

  “No, not if you don’t want to go.”

  “I don’t.”

  “Then you won’t go to boarding school.”

  Gabriel narrowed his gaze suspiciously. “How do I know that you’ll keep your promise? You never did before. Or maybe you’ll just forget.”

  Brian dipped his head. He hated the fact his son spoke the truth. “Before my accident, Gabriel, I had no use for God. But lately I’ve been studying His Word. I’m learning. I’m different. Everything is new now. I’m a changed man. Give me a chance to prove it.”

  “I guess I can do that. I’ll give you one more chance.”

  “Only one more?” Brian sent the boy a patient smile. “What if I need fifty more chances? If I remember correctly, Jesus said we’re to forgive ‘seventy times seven.’ That’s four hundred and ninety chances, Gabe—for the same transgression.” Brian leaned toward his son. “What about you? Do you have faith in God?”

  Gabriel nodded. “Mr. Navis talked to me about Jesus. Miss Sarah did too.”

  The admission caused Brian to smile. “I’m glad. Richard and Sarah have been good to step in and take care of you while I’ve been gone. But now that I’m back and—well, a changed man for the experience—I’d like us all to be a family. A real family.”

  Gabriel studied him earnestly now. “You seem different.”

  “I really am, but I’m still learning. As I said before, I’m going to need your patience.” He chuckled. “Miss Fields even said that I’m not half the pirate I used to be.”

  “Pirate?” Gabriel’s young face split into a grin. “I remember all those pirate stories you used to tell Mike and me.”

  “I remember them too.” How could he have neglected his son so long? Gabe was a fine boy.

  He leaned his elbows on the table, looking more at ease now. “How long do you have to pretend that you’re blind?”

  Brian sobered. “I hope it’s not much longer. But, please, Gabriel, keep this a secret from Miss Fields. She still thinks I’m blind, and I have to be the one to tell her the truth. I hate deceiving her this way.” Brian chose not to disclose the entirety of the situation. “However, I don’t want to put her life in danger too.”

  “So are you going to marry her now that Mrs. Kingsley is dead?”

  Remorse filled Brian. He’d used Elise like a bar of soap. “Gabe, the next time I get married, it will be because the woman blends into our family and loves you and your brother and sisters.”

  “Like Miss Sarah?”

  “Well—”

  “She’s married to Mr. Navis now.”

  “I know that.” Brian also knew he needed to apologize to Sarah for his despicable ways.

  “Maybe Miss Fields will be nice enough for you to marry.”

  “Time will tell. At least Renna is aware that my first priority is my children. I have a lot of years to make up for.”

  “You never cared about us before.”

  “It may not have seemed like it, but I did—and do.” He gave his son a heartfelt glance. “I just hope I haven’t endangered your life by telling you the truth about my eyesight. Oh, God, may it not be so!”

  “Don’t worry.” Gabriel squared his shoulders. “I’m brave and strong. Old Mr. Navis even said so. Besides, people don’t pay much attention to children, but we listen a lot.” A gleam entered his eyes. “I’ll bet I can find out a whole ton of stuff.”

  “Now, Gabriel, I don’t want you to involve yourself. Leave this to the authorities. They know what they’re doing. Another man has already lost his life because he knew too much.”

  “Really? Who?”

  More regret assailed him. “Someone I had dealings with down at the docks. He repaired ships and had worked on my schooner just days before the accident.” Brian paused and gave his son an earnest look. “Gabe, you mustn’t repeat any of what I’ve told you to anyone. Understood?”

  “Don’t you trust me?” Gabe lifted his chin in silent challenge. “You never did before. Maybe you don’t trust me now.”

  Brian lifted a brow. “Are you a trustworthy man?”

  “Yessir, I am.” The boy squared his shoulders.

  “Well, then, I trust you, Gabriel.” Brian got to his feet. “I trust you with my life!”

  TWENTY

  After a tasty fare of roasted pheasant, rice, and Isabelle’s famous canned green beans, followed by frosted carrot cake for dessert, the children were dismissed from the dinner table. Renna smiled as the boys bolted from their places like wild ponies. They raced each other and thundered up the staircase. The girls, on the other hand, walked sleepily away. Little Rachel yawned as she left the room.

  “The children are used to eating earlier, I’m afraid.” Sarah added a smile to her apologetic tone. “And the girls are usually in bed by now.”

  Renna brought the goblet to her lips and took a sip of water. Across the table, Sarah Navis toyed with the last bite of her cake. Clearly she was troubled. Renna guessed she wanted to follow the girls and prepare them for bed, but her governess and mother roles had been removed.

  So who would care for Libby and Rachel tonight?

  Renna eyed Brian. He seemed pensive. He’d indulged in a glass of white wine with his dinner, as did Da, and now twirled the stemmed glass between his fingers.

  Hester strode into the room. “May I take your plate, Captain?”

  Brian sat back with a quick glance at her. The woman wore a black dress with a white apron tired around her waist. “Yes, please.”

  Hester snatched the porcelain plate out from in front of him then proceeded to collect the rest with fast efficiency.

  Renna looked at Sarah, who caught her eye. “How about you and I help the girls get ready for bed?” She turned her gaze on Brian. “With your consent, of course.” She stopped before adding, Captain Pirate Blackeyes.

  “I normally don’t allow my guests to put my children to bed.”

  “We’re more than guests, Captain,” Richard said. He sat at the other end of the table. “We’re like family now. All of us.”

  “Thank you, and, in that case”—his eyes met Renna’s, and she saw gratitude shining in their depths—“I’d appreciate your help with my children.”

  Sarah wore a similar expression of gratefulness as Richard helped her stand from the table. Brian did the same for Renna, and she followed the younger woman upstairs.

  “The girls have a hard time undoing the buttons on the backs of their dresses,” Sarah commented.

  “I imagine so. Grown women even have trouble removing their own gowns,” Renna agreed.

  They strode to the girls’ room, and inside they found Libby struggling to unlace Rachel’s leather ankle boots. When she saw Renna and Sarah, relief spread across her features.

  “I tried and tried . . . ”

  “It’s all right, Libby.” Sarah set to task and quickly removed the younger girl’s shoes.

  “Can I help you undress, Libby?” Renna asked.

  Libby considered Renna for several seconds before nodding her dark head.

  Renna removed the dark blue printed dress with its floppy white collar then helped Libby off with her petticoat. Libby knew how to do the rest. Renna collected the garments to be hung in the wardrobe.

  “I think your dress is pretty, Miss Fields.”

  “Thank you, Libby.”

  “Maybe Miss Fields will read to you tonight,” Sarah suggested.

  Renna thought she detected a note of wistfulness. “I’m happy to read, but you may do the honors tonight, Sarah.”

  “Will you, Miss Sarah?” Hopefulness shone from Rachel’s hazel eyes.

  “Well, all right.” A smile played across Sarah’s mouth. “This will probably be the la
st time, though.”

  “Oh, hardly.” Renna wouldn’t allow this woman to feel sorry for herself, and yet she could imagine the sense of loss Sarah felt. “You heard your husband. We’re all like family. The boating accident has somehow bound us together because of your love for the children and my lo—”

  Renna felt hot crimson spread across her face. What had she been about to admit?

  “Your love for the captain?” Sarah tipped her head and grinned.

  “Do you love my daddy?” Libby smiled.

  “Well, of course I care for the captain very much. I took care of him in the hospital and prayed for his salvation. My parents did too, and then he stayed with us until his memory returned.”

  “I think the captain could use the love of a good woman.” Sarah slipped Rachel’s plain white cotton nightgown over the girl’s head.

  “Our mom died last year.” Libby’s tone was informative more than sad.

  Nonetheless Renna’s heart melted. “I’m so sorry to hear that, dear heart.” The little girls were so young to lose their mother. The idea caused Renna to appreciate her demure, caring mother all the more.

  Libby gave a few shakes of her head. “Except we didn’t like Mrs. Kingsley, and we’re glad she’s not going to be our mom. But it’s sad that she died too.”

  “Yes, quite regrettable,” Renna agreed.

  “Let’s get to our story time.” Sarah reached for a book on the table between the girls’ two beds.

  Renna tucked Libby and Rachel into bed, placing a kiss on the tops of their heads.

  Sarah read the book despite the interruption of an occasional yawn from the girls. Afterward she kissed each one and followed Renna out of the room.

  “Now, to see what those boys are up to . . . ” Sarah checked on Michael. “He’s quite the bookworm,” she told Renna. “He’s reading.” Next she poked her head into Gabe’s room. “Gabe?” She opened the door wider. “Gabe, where are you?”

  Renna detected the note of panic and strode into the bedroom after Sarah. They checked under bedcovers and the bed itself. Sarah even checked the wardrobe to see if he was hiding. No sign of him.