Bound By Grace

by Amber Stockton

  Mrs. Fillmore nodded. “We shall look for it on our next shopping trip.”

  “And before long, even those trips will be more fun to make,” Mr. Fillmore said.

  “What do you mean?” Grace asked.

  “Some of my colleagues serving on the state legislature have discussed bringing electric streetcars to Wilmington.” He looked at his son. “With the city only two miles to the south, we should be able to ride in on them.”

  Grace straightened in her chair and grinned. “They sound like a lot of fun. Maybe even less bumpy than riding in a carriage.”

  “Just imagine,” Anastasia added. “A carriage without horses. No more messy streets. And cars run by electricity. It’s exciting!”

  The girls’ fascination with the modernized method of transportation was infectious. Charlotte had read stories and heard of reports from those who had ridden on the conveyances, but she had yet to experience it herself. Since the electric cars were rumored to replace the current horse-drawn ones, Charlotte had to admit a greater level of anticipation for what was to come.

  The next part of their dinner was a refreshing serving of lime sorbet to cleanse their palates in preparation for the main course. Conversation stalled for just a moment as each of them took a small spoonful of the sweet treat.

  From that point forward, talk continued to focus on the improvements being made in Wilmington and surrounding areas. Grace, Anastasia, and Clarence continued to focus on the streetcars, but the adults discussed efforts to become more like Philadelphia and everything that city had to offer. Conversation moved from the dinner table to the drawing room, where a substantial collection of wrapped gifts awaited Grace.

  Charlotte was amazed at the warmth, love, and obvious support everyone showed toward Grace. It reminded her of her own family when her mother wasn’t pushing her to fulfill social duties. And Grace’s love of books was clearly not a secret. Nearly every gift she opened contained a book. What would that mean for visits by Richard to her shop? Would she see him less? Grace had enough books to keep her reading all summer and beyond.

  “Don’t worry, dear,” Flo said from just behind Charlotte’s shoulder. “Richard will find another excuse to travel to Brandywine.”

  How had Flo known the trail of her thoughts? Was Charlotte that transparent? As if he heard Flo’s low-spoken words, Richard glanced up from his place next to Grace and looked directly at Charlotte. His eyes seemed to echo what Flo had just said, and again Charlotte questioned her own ability to keep her thoughts reined in.

  Before she knew it, the evening had come to a close. Guests filtered out, each one extending their well wishes and congratulations to Grace on reaching the age of twelve. Charlotte could hardly believe Grace was only two years younger than Anastasia. Before long, the young girl would be looking to the social seasons and seeking a beau.

  At that realization, Charlotte remembered Grace’s circumstances and the chair where she sat. She had to do something to help. Perhaps an idea would come to her on the ride home. That thought made her realize it was time to depart. She and Anastasia had lingered long enough.

  “Charlotte,” Richard said just before she’d left the drawing room. He covered her right hand with both of his. “Thank you for coming tonight. You too, Anastasia. It meant the world to Grace.”

  Charlotte turned and looked up into eyes that showed his appreciation far more than his words. “It was our pleasure, Richard. We truly had a wonderful time. And I had the added bonus of meeting Flo.” Charlotte grinned. “I’m happy we could be here for Grace.”

  “I’m happy you came as well.” Sincerity and earnestness reflected in his gaze. “I look forward to seeing you again soon. And do not worry about the books Grace received tonight. I am certain she will take any opportunity to escape the confines of this house and go for a carriage ride. Perhaps next time we can take a walk by the creek.”

  “That sounds nice.”

  He raised her hand to his lips and placed a kiss on her knuckles. “Until next time.” With a signal to the butler, he bowed and released her hand, never breaking his intent gaze. “I’ll have my driver return you two safely home.”

  Charlotte could hardly breathe. Her hand tingled, and she longed for the warmth of his touch again. But that desire paled in comparison to the carefully controlled emotion she caught in his expression. A part of her wanted to remain and explore it further, but the wiser side recognized the prudence in leaving. She and her sister turned, only to almost stumble over Grace in her chair.

  The girl watched Charlotte closely, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “Miss Pringle, thank you again. You and Anastasia made tonight extra special.” She extended her arms upward. “May I give you a hug?”

  Oh, the preciousness of such a darling young lady. “Of course you may.” Charlotte kneeled and embraced Grace as well, placing a kiss on her forehead as she drew away. “Have a good night, Grace.” She tapped the girl’s nose and smiled. “We shall see each other again soon. I promise.”

  Grace looked between Charlotte and her uncle, a smile almost appearing and a special light in her eyes. “Good night, Miss Pringle.”

  Anastasia led the way, but before Charlotte left the room, she turned again for one last glance at the two people who had become so special to her. Something about the way Grace said good night and how Richard now watched her set her heart thumping. Just what had the girl seen? And what thoughts lay hidden in Richard’s mind?

  A few moments later, she rested her head against the back wall of the carriage and relaxed her hands in her lap. Anastasia launched into a nonstop recounting of the evening, and Charlotte let her talk. Her sister didn’t need anyone to reply, anyway. And it gave her time to get lost in her own thoughts. How did she fit into this entire experience? She firmly believed everything happened for a reason. While she might not be able to figure out that reason, she had a duty to give back out of her own abundance or bless others in need when she had something to offer. Grace had a need, and Charlotte had the resources to help. An idea started taking shape in her mind. God’s Word said if she served those she encountered, she served as if unto Him. And she would do just that. Meeting remarkable people like Richard and Grace was just a bonus.

  Ten

  “Can you believe it?” Margaret stood behind Charlotte’s booth, arranging books and setting out others for a more eye-capturing display. “This must be the most successful bazaar I have ever attended. The abundance of merchants and tradesmen is simply splendid!”

  Charlotte panned the area from left to right. Nearly fifty booths sat scattered on both sides of the walking path in the park. “I cannot disagree. When I circulated word of wanting to arrange this event, I had six or seven merchants respond almost immediately. They told other merchants, who told several businessmen, who also included tradesmen as well, and”—she twisted her hands around like a magician after performing a trick—“we have our bazaar in the park.”

  “It bears the markings of being both a rewarding and productive event.” Margaret bent to retrieve a book that had fallen to the ground. She dusted it off and placed it on the table. “I should not be surprised if you achieve your goal of the full amount for Grace’s surgery from this one day alone.”

  “Perhaps.” Charlotte prayed it would happen, but she wouldn’t know until the day ended. “But even if I fall short of my goal, I am both pleased and amazed at the diversity and array of options available to all passersby.”

  “And participating vendors as well,” Margaret pointed out. “Although I would have to say the most comical booth is the one featuring the two costumed thespians acting out scenes from their latest play.”

  “That was one booth I eagerly welcomed when they approached me last week. I felt it an ingenious way of advertising the theatre company in Wilmington.”

  “It certainly brings a sense of merriment to an otherwise merchant-focused affair.”

  “Consider me a soft heart. The owner told me they are attempting to
raise enough money to invest in a building they can own instead of being forced to make use of whatever unused stage they are able to find. Wilmington will benefit greatly from an actual playhouse where everyone can go to see the many plays being performed. How could I deny him that opportunity?”

  “You can’t.” Margaret touched Charlotte’s shoulder and smiled. “And I applaud you for allowing them to participate. An excellent decision.”

  Charlotte looked down at the table and picked up her ledger recording the day’s sales. She knit her brows. “Forgive me for changing the subject so abruptly, but did we sell the copy of Gulliver’s Travels? I do not see it here, and I know it is not marked in my ledger.” She glanced at Margaret. “Do you recall if you sold it earlier today?”

  Margaret bit her lower lip. “Yes, I did. And I forgot to write it down. Three other customers stood ready to make purchases, and I am afraid it slipped my mind.”

  “It’s all right. As long as between the two of us we remember.” Charlotte grinned. “But if it happens again, I shall subtract some of your wages.”

  Her friend raised one eyebrow. “A difficult feat to accomplish considering you are not compensating me.” Margaret came ready to work in a simple walking dress, but even the quality of the cotton material gave evidence to her fairly recent rise in station. “However, I am going to make it a point to pay a visit to several booths should you permit me a period of rest from my work.”

  Charlotte sniggered but attempted to compose herself. She leveled her best reprimanding glance. “And what, pray tell, makes you believe you have earned a rest?” She made a sweeping gesture with her right arm. “We have only reached the halfway point of this event. And I might be called upon to see to other details. That would leave my booth unattended. We cannot have that happen, now can we?”

  Margaret picked up on her jesting. “Oh, of course not. But should you be called away, I cannot promise that I will not find a random passerby to oversee the booth in my absence.”

  “So long as there is someone here at all times.” Charlotte shrugged. “Who am I to be particular about the identity of that person?” She smiled and moved to straighten a stack of books. “Besides, far be it from me to tell a baroness she is not permitted to have a well-deserved rest. I wouldn’t wish to risk the wrath of Baron Edward James Heddington of Sutherland. He might have me tarred and feathered.”

  With surprising speed, Margaret whipped out her fan and smacked Charlotte on the upper arm. “You are positively irredeemable. To think, my husband ever ordering such barbaric punishment.” She tapped her fan to her chin. “Although I cannot guarantee the whipping post or pillory would be out of the question.”

  The two women dissolved into a fit of laughter at the absurdity of their conversation. At least the day would pass by more quickly than if Charlotte had been working the table by herself.

  A lady with two well-dressed children approached their booth, so Charlotte quickly composed herself. “Good afternoon, ma’am. How may we help you?”

  The lady nodded and her daughter curtsied while her son bowed. Children with impeccable manners! Charlotte didn’t often see that in the park.

  “Good afternoon,” the lady replied. She glanced at Charlotte, then at Margaret, and jerked her head back to look again. “Oh! Good afternoon, Baroness. I had no idea you would be in attendance today.”

  Margaret regarded the lady and pursed her lips. “Do forgive me, but are we acquainted from another event, or might we have been introduced elsewhere? If so, I cannot seem to recall your name.”

  Charlotte raised her eyebrows at her friend, who didn’t seem to notice. Where had the jovial woman who had only moments before been making light of whipping post punishments gone? In her place was a dignified, proper lady with a rather refined manner of speech. Charlotte was amazed at the quick transformation.

  The lady waved her hand in dismissal. “No apology is necessary, Baroness. In fact, I would be quite surprised if you recalled me at all.” Margaret remained confused, so the lady rushed ahead. “My name is Elizabeth Frederick, and I was in attendance at your wedding to the Baron a few months past. You see, my cousin is the nephew of your husband’s uncle.”

  Understanding dawned on Margaret’s face. Charlotte, on the other hand, tried to make the connection. So, this lady’s cousin was also a cousin of Margaret’s husband.

  The lady continued. “We are here from Philadelphia visiting my sister, and she mentioned this bazaar.” She placed one hand on each of her children’s shoulders in loving affection as she glanced down at them. “I told William and Louise here we would take some time to come. They were quite impressed with the theater pair. But I saw this booth with books and felt compelled to stop.” She smiled at Margaret. “Now, I am rather delighted I did.”

  Margaret smiled in return. “I shall be certain to tell the baron of our meeting here today. He will no doubt be pleased to hear of it.” She switched personas and became a saleswoman. “Now, is there something in particular you are seeking, or would you like me to make a suggestion?”

  Charlotte chose that opportunity to leave and start her rounds. Her booth was in capable hands, and she’d likely have a sizable sale upon her return. Time to check the rest of the vendors and how their sales had gone so far.

  A little over an hour later, Charlotte finished with the final vendor and tallied the results. A broad smile formed on her lips. Praise the Lord! Her goal had been reached. And the day hadn’t yet concluded. Who knew how much there’d be by day’s end. So many generous merchants and craftsmen. Without prodding, each one of them had agreed to donate half of their proceeds to Grace’s need. They had simply heard of her plan and volunteered to be involved. A successful bazaar indeed. Just as Margaret predicted. Now Grace could have her operation.

  Charlotte could hardly wait to tell Richard and Grace.

  ❧

  “Uncle Richard, look!” Grace pointed across the creek to a red-crowned crane wading about thirty feet away. “A crane. I cannot believe I saw a crane.”

  “Excellent observation, Grace.” Richard walked behind her, pushing the wheeled chair over the dirt path along the creek’s edge.

  They had met Charlotte at her bookshop about twenty minutes ago and made their way down through the tulip poplars, giving them a great deal of shade on this sunny afternoon. From the moment he saw Charlotte, he’d noticed a certain light in her eyes and extra bounce to her step. What had happened since Grace’s birthday party to make her so cheerful? She must have received good news of some kind. Perhaps another rare book she treasured. Or maybe higher sales than expected at her bookshop. He hoped she’d tell them today.

  “You should have your notepad and pencil with you, Grace, so you can write down the different species you see today. Then you could write a special report to include with your daily studies. Your tutor would be quite impressed.”

  “I don’t need paper.” Grace tapped her head near her right temple. “I remember it all up here.”

  Richard glanced at Charlotte as she walked next to them. “Says the girl who had difficulty recalling the name of the substantial land purchase President Jefferson made earlier in the century. Right about the time the du Pont family emigrated here and had heavy influence with Jefferson and France.” Grace usually demonstrated a rather keen intelligence when it came to history. Something else must be on her mind. Much like Charlotte. He still wanted to know when she’d say something.

  “Do you mean the Louisiana Purchase?” Charlotte asked.

  Obviously not now. And he wasn’t about to initiate the discussion. He’d leave it up to her.

  “One and the same.” Richard patted Grace’s head. “This one thought it was the Lewis and Clark Territory.”

  “Well, they were the ones to explore the land and report back with their maps, notes, and charts. It could easily be an honest mistake.”

  Grace turned and gave a broad smile, showing her appreciation for Charlotte defending her. She then stuck her chin in th
e air and harrumphed. The corners of Charlotte’s lips turned down as she attempted to hide her grin. Somehow, Richard felt like the odd man out in this trio. For the moment, Charlotte was the champion and he the accuser.

  “All right,” he continued, forcing a teasing tone into his voice. “What about the name of the man who was responsible for claiming Delaware for the British?”

  Grace folded her arms and looked straight ahead. He could imagine the frown on her face, or even the pout. With a quick bend at the waist, he leaned forward and peered over her shoulder. Sure enough, the frown and pout were both there.

  “Grace,” Charlotte chided, “you couldn’t recall William Penn?”

  “I only remembered him for founding Pennsylvania.” She twisted in her chair as best she could and wrinkled her nose up at Richard. “At least I remembered Lord de la Warr.”

  Richard took a step closer to Charlotte and lowered his voice. “She isn’t very good at accepting constructive criticism or correction when she makes mistakes.”

  Charlotte pressed her lips together, showing one dimple where the corner of her mouth crooked, and raised her eyebrows as if shrugging. “Do you know anyone who is?”

  He made a quick jab, mimicking a parry with a sword. “Touché.”

  She grinned. “I believe Grace is perfectly justified in her indignation when someone chides her about those mistakes. Just remember all the facts she gets right and allow her a slip or two now and then.”

  “All right. I see your point.” He probably shouldn’t have teased his niece in front of Charlotte. But it wasn’t easy remembering her young and impressionable age all the time. She seemed so much older in most instances and conversed with him, often better than many adults he knew. Again, he lowered his voice, placing one of his hands over his chest. “I promise I shall endeavor to be more lenient to my niece when the situation warrants it.”

  His antics caused Charlotte to laugh as she shook her head. “And I thought Grace was the impish one among us.”