The Promise

by Jane Peart

  “Another time, then. How about you, Jana? You’re not in any hurry, are you?”

  “No.” Jana turned to Akela. “Do you mind?”

  “Of course not. You two go ahead,” Akela smiled. “Have a nice time.”

  “Do give my regards to your grandmother, won’t you?” Bayard called after her, then held out his arm to Jana. “Come along, then.”

  Jana slipped her hand through his arm, and they walked down the street to a nearby confectionery store.

  “Limeade?” he asked when they went inside.

  “Lovely.”

  Bayard placed their order at the counter. He received two tall, frosted glasses and suggested, “Let’s take these outside.”

  They went to one of the umbrellaed tables on the small lanai and sat down.

  “You’ve changed my luck today,” he told her.

  “How’s that?”

  “Oh, I’ve just come from a long, boring session at the bank. My father’s business. But while he’s gone, I have to take care of some things. I was feeling very dull when I left there, and then—lo and behold!” He threw out his hand dramatically. “There you were! What a treat!”

  Jana laughed at his foolishness but felt pleased. She held up her glass in a toasting gesture. “But it’s I who’s getting the treat.”

  “You’ll have to pay for it, though,” Bayard smiled. “I need you to help me select a gift for someone. A lady. Now, don’t get any ideas. It’s a hostess gift. For Mrs. Amory. You remember Greg, don’t you? Well, I’ve spent several weekends with them over the last year or so, and I want to send her something special. But I don’t know what, and I need your artist’s eye to help me find something.”

  “Any idea what she might like?”

  “I think something distinctly Hawaiian.” He pulled a face. “You know how mainlanders are. They think anything from the islands is exotic.”

  “Well, that shouldn’t be difficult. There’s a wonderful shop not far from here that has beautiful things.”

  “Great. As soon as we finish here, let’s go and take a look.”

  The store was one Jana had often lingered outside of, gazing raptly into the display windows at the merchandise. She had never ventured inside, because she knew that the prices were way beyond anything she could ever afford. It was even more marvelous than she had imagined. She wandered about, admiring the delicate porcelain vases, the intricate jade sculptures, the exquisite embroidered silk screens, the jewelry.

  “Do you see anything that appeals to you?” Bayard asked.

  Jana widened her eyes. “Of course! Half the store!” she answered in a hushed voice. Then, smiling, she led him over to a display of blue-and-white china and pointed to two graceful candleholders and a matching bowl.

  “Yes, I think I agree with you,” Bayard nodded. “I believe that would suit Mrs. Amory’s taste very well.” He gave Jana an approving grin. “You’re a genius.”

  While his gift was being boxed and wrapped, they waited at the large jewelry display counter. Pearls and jade in all shades, shapes, and styles—rings, necklaces, earrings, pins, and pendants—were set out on dark velvet. Jana was totally entranced.

  “Something here you’d like?” Bayard asked quietly.

  “I’ve always loved pearls. They have such a quality of surprise about them. How they’re found even seems romantic—out of the sea, like some lovely gift.”

  “I’d like to get you something. Pick something out.”

  Startled, Jana looked at him, stepping back from the display case. “Oh, I couldn’t, Bayard. It wouldn’t be—be proper.”

  “Why not? Just as a little thank-you for helping me today.”

  “That’s not necessary, Bayard,” she protested. “I enjoyed doing it. You don’t owe me anything.”

  “What if I just want to do it? What’s wrong with that?” His mouth twisted sarcastically. “Is it some kapu I never heard of?”

  A kapu was an ancient rule of the Hawaiian culture, existing long before the white man came to the islands. There had been placed upon the people many restrictions that had to be obeyed. Certain things were forbidden. These included eating certain types of fish, which were reserved for royalty, or passing within the shadow of a king or his possessions.

  A kapu breaker was severely punished. It was believed that if he or she went unpunished, some disaster, perhaps a tsunami—a tidal wave—or a volcanic eruption, might occur. However, if the culprit managed to reach a place designated as a refuge, the person was safe. All who sought entry there were admitted—vanquished warriors and noncombatants as well. It was a sanctuary in which offenders could stay as long as they wanted, but if they left, they were again subject to punishment. One such place, on the south Kona coast, was called City of Refuge.

  Jana bristled slightly at his tone. She didn’t like hearing jokes about the old Hawaiian culture. She felt that it should be respected, not ridiculed. “No, of course not. It’s just that…a young lady should not accept an expensive piece of jewelry from a gentleman unless they are—” She stopped short.

  Bayard smiled as he finished her sentence. “You mean, unless they are engaged?”

  Jana’s cheeks flamed. “Well, yes.”

  “Wouldn’t allowance be made if it was something quite small, given in friendship?” Bayard persisted. “For instance…“ He leaned forward and pointed down into the display case, to a small brooch, a pale pink, fan-shaped shell in which a tiny pink pearl nestled. It was a delicate piece of jewelry, and Jana would have loved it. Still, it was out of the question. Her mother would have a fit! Reluctantly she shook her head.

  “Mahalo, Bayard—it was a very nice thought, but no.”

  Just then the clerk returned with Bayard’s package. Bayard peeled off several bills in payment and they left the shop.

  “Could I talk you into going for a horseback ride along the beach this evening?” he asked.

  “Oh, you certainly know how to tempt a girl!” she laughed. “I have a history test tomorrow. I have to really study hard tonight.”

  Bayard gave her a long, steady look.

  “I never met a girl so honest or one with so much character.”

  Again Jana felt her face grow warm. When she was with Bayard, he often said things that made her react strongly.

  For a moment a kind of uneasy silence tingled between them.

  “Well, I have to go, Bayard,” Jana said and took a few steps away from him.

  “Could I give you a ride? My surrey is right across the park.”

  “No, thanks. I’ll walk.”

  All the way home Jana thought about the afternoon, the time she had just spent with Bayard, and how much she would have liked the small shell pin with the tiny pearl.

  Chapter Seventeen

  During the next two weeks, there were other impromptu meetings, other little excursions, other unplanned outings, with Bayard. He would often show up with Palani on a lead and insist that Jana put aside her books and go riding.

  It was getting near the end of school, and there were final exams and several special activities for the graduates. An open house was planned to which the island superintendent of secondary schools, magistrates, and other dignitaries had been invited. The seniors had been asked to bring samples of their artistic work or crafts to exhibit. The small island high school wanted to show off its students and their accomplishments.

  Late one afternoon when Jana was going through her portfolio, trying to pick out some of her watercolors for the school exhibit, Bayard stopped by. She had spread some of her watercolors on the living room floor to look at them and decide which ones to submit. When she saw him standing outside the screen door, she called, “Come in, Bayard. Maybe you can help me decide.”

  He took off his boots and came in on stocking-clad feet. Jana, barefooted, was stepping between the pictures, moving them around for better viewing, selectively discarding some, leaving others. Bayard stood beside her. “You’re very good, Jana,” he said as he examined h
er work carefully. “I had no idea.”

  “Mahalo,” she said rather absently. “I’m not so sure. These are not as good as I’d like them to be.” She shook her head. “I’ve neglected my watercolors the last few months. I spent so much time working on the design I submitted for a scholarship to art school.”

  “You haven’t heard yet, then? From the art school?”

  “No, and I’m kind of losing heart. Maybe my entry was too different. It was a Hawaiian quilt design. I don’t know. Perhaps I should have sent a seascape, like my father suggested, or a copy of some famous artist’s painting, as Mama wanted me to do.” She sighed.

  Bayard looked steadily down at the paintings. “Want my choice?” he asked.

  “Of course. Please.”

  Quickly he pointed out two. One was a scene at sunset, palm trees curved against a brilliant sky, a sailboat on the far horizon. The other was a small church surrounded by colorful red and pink anthuriums, the waxy, heart-shaped flower. “They show not only your skill but your emotion. The way you feel about the subject. Your heart. They are Hawaii.”

  Jana studied the paintings Bayard was pointing to. Immediately she knew he was right. She nodded. “Yes, I see what you mean.”

  “You really have talent, Jana. Scholarship or no scholarship, you should go on with it.”

  “Without one, I can’t. Couldn’t afford to go.” Once the words were spoken, Jana could have bitten her tongue. She certainly didn’t want to sound “poor mouth” to Bayard. However, he didn’t seem to have even heard her. He had picked up one of the watercolors and was holding it at arm’s length, examining it carefully.

  “This is really good work, Jana. You can’t give it up. Study abroad. You should go to France, to Paris.”

  “Paris? You are dreaming!” Jana gave him an incredulous look, thinking, That’s easy enough for you to say, Bayard. People like the Prestons, people with money, never thought that the lack of it could make the difference between what you did and what you didn’t do. Most of all, they didn’t realize that money was necessary to fulfill dreams.

  “But it would be a waste if you didn’t continue.” He caught her look, and a slow flush reddened under his tan. Still, he added seriously, “There must be a way.”

  “Oh sure, if you believe in Aladdin’s lamp and have three wishes,” she laughed, trying to lighten the moment.

  “Could you leave this for a few minutes? Take a walk down to the beach with me? I have something to tell you.”

  His mood had changed abruptly. He had something on his mind. “Yes, of course. Just let me put these aside and stack the others. Mama is having her missionary society ladies’ meeting here later.”

  Bayard was waiting for her outside when Jana came down the porch steps.

  “Is something wrong?” she asked. “You look worried somehow.”

  “Not worried, exactly. Just sad. I have to go to the mainland. Father has arranged for me to take a position in a brokerage firm in New York. He wants me to learn investments so that I’ll be able to take over when…he’s gone.”

  “When are you going?” Jana asked, surprised that the thought of Bayard’s leaving dismayed her. During the past few weeks, they had seen a great deal of each other. Her old impressions of him as being arrogant, conceited, self-centered, had gradually disappeared. She had come to know another Bayard, one she had never suspected. The bond between them was there, stronger than she had realized, and true—the deep love they shared of Hawaii.

  “As soon as Father gets back and I can get my things together—a few weeks.”

  “Will you be here for my graduation?” she asked. Then, afraid that might have sounded too personal, she amended, “Our graduation, Akela’s and mine.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it,” he assured her. They were at the gate and Bayard opened it. Together they walked a short distance to the small grove of banyan trees at the start of the path that led to the beach. Here Bayard halted.

  “I hate to leave all this.” His voice sounded strange, tight. “I think only you would understand that, Jana. I don’t want to go. But I have to. I can’t escape my responsibility.”

  “But you’ll be coming back, Bayard. I mean, your father wants you to run the ranch, after all, doesn’t he?”

  Bayard nodded.

  Her heart wrenched empathetically. She did understand how he felt. She placed her hand on his arm and he turned toward her, then drew her into his arms, holding her tight against him. She felt his chin on her head as her cheek pressed against his chest. His hands smoothed her hair, and he murmured something she could not quite hear. Then he turned up her face and kissed her mouth. A slow, tender kiss. Sensing his need for comfort, Jana returned the kiss with a natural sweetness and sympathy. Bayard’s arms tightened and he kissed her again. This time it was not gentle, but demanding—in it was a desperate longing that startled and then frightened her. Struggling out of his embrace, she stepped away from him, breathless. Her mouth felt bruised. Bayard dropped his arms and said, “I shouldn’t have done that. I guess I want to hold on to something. You mean so much—symbolize all that I love. You’re so special.” He sighed heavily. “Now I have something else to apologize for, I suppose.” The slightly sarcastic tone was back in his voice.

  “No, not at all,” she protested a little shakily. She wasn’t blaming him, because she knew she had enjoyed his kiss. She had liked being held. For that moment, she had felt something wonderful. But was it for Bayard?

  “I’d better go now,” he said.

  “Yes, and I have to get back home.”

  Silently they walked back up to the house. At the gate, Bayard took Jana’s hand and held it in both of his for a moment. “Mahalo, Jana. For everything. For being you. I’ll never forget the time we’ve spent together these last weeks.”

  Then he turned and walked away, and Jana went into the house. Inside she tiptoed down the hall, past the kitchen, where her mother was talking to Nathan, and to her room. She needed to be alone for a while to try to sort things out, analyze her feelings about what had just happened, about Bayard Preston.

  She sat there on the edge of her bed, staring out at the darkening sky outside her window. The curve of the palm tree was silhouetted against a purple, mauve, and pink background.

  The kiss had shaken her. Her response to it, even more so.

  The time they had spent together these past few weeks had no reality, as if it were set apart from her normal life. It would be foolish to imagine a romantic relationship with someone like Bayard Preston. Who was under all that easy charm, the sophistication, the patina acquired by affluence and experience?

  What would it be like to live within the magic circle of people like the Prestons? Bayard spoke so casually of going to Europe, and no expense had been too much for Colonel Preston to make sure Edith had her own horse at her prestigious school. Jana remembered the beautiful clothes Edith took so for granted, the lavishness of everything at the Preston Ranch. Her mind toyed with the idea of wealth, luxury, and travel.

  Could she trust Bayard’s enigmatic words? They were too vague, ambiguous. Had she been just a challenge, an interesting diversion? Yet there was something that drew them to each other, some strong attraction. But it wasn’t love. Jana was sure it wasn’t love. It couldn’t be. Could it?

  Fantastic daydreams invaded her thoughts. Dreams of being fashionably dressed, traveling to Europe, wandering through the vast halls of the great museums…Bayard Preston could provide all this. If it was offered to her, would she turn it down?

  Suddenly she thought of Kimo. It made her heart sore. Did he even remember what he’d written on the sand before he went away? In her heart of hearts she knew that no one else could fill the empty place he had left there.

  “Jana!” her mother’s voice called. “Come set the table for supper.”

  Jana got up. What foolishness she had been thinking. She could not expect anyone to fulfill her dreams for her.

  Graduation night was a beautiful mingl
ing of traditional stateside and Hawaiian ceremony. The graduates were all in white—the girls in their prettiest dresses, the boys in embroidered shirts, white duck pants. All wore leis of red carnations and white plumeria, the school colors. There was an invocation by a well-known minister from Kona, a welcome from the principal to parents and friends of the graduates, the salutatory, the prize giving, the valedictorian’s speech, and then the diplomas were handed out, the school song was sung, and everyone was invited for refreshments at the reception in the decorated gym.

  The graduates formed a receiving line at the gym entrance. Jana had won the art prize and was happy to see Bayard in the crowd, coming up to congratulate her. She was pleased that he had come, pleased that he brought another lei to add to the several she was wearing. The gift of a lei on special occasions was a Hawaiian custom.

  “May I walk you home?” he asked as he dropped the lovely garland of white and yellow hibiscus over her head.

  It was a starry night and blissfully cool after the warmth of the crowded reception, where the air had been heavy with the scent of mixed flowers.

  “I’m leaving day after tomorrow, Jana,” Bayard told her.

  “So soon?” Her disappointment sounded in her voice. “Just when I’ll be free, with no lessons, no deadlines to meet.”

  “Yes, I know. But…“ Bayard shrugged. “But duty calls and all that nonsense.” He sounded bitter. “I would have liked this time to go on, but Father has put everything into motion, and there’s nothing I can do about it.”

  They walked back up to the house together in silence. At the gate Jana said, “The lei you brought is lovely, Bayard. Mahalo.”

  “I have something else for you, too,” he said, putting his hand in his jacket pocket and bringing out a small, square package, wrapped and ribboned. He held it out to her. “I want you to have this.”

  She hesitated a moment, then took it. Her hands were already full with her diploma and her art prize.

  “Don’t open it now but after I’m gone. It’s something I want you to have.”