She’s even more attractive. How is that possible? Once inside the orphanage, he pointed to the office where Tom was working at the desk.
After a quick greeting, Alex led Sarah across the hall and opened the door. His parents, grandfather, and Izabella were in the study room. Since it was customary to allow people making a donation to see the children, they looked over and smiled. My family will assume Sarah’s a client.
The tour of the main level continued before he took Sarah up the main staircase. Two children were in the medical area, lying in bed, and three babies were in the nursery. After giving Sarah a few minutes to admire the infants, they went up the steps to the third floor.
“I have never seen so many beds. The area is immaculate.”
“It’s imperative the room is kept in order. With the number of children in our care, Poppa insists they are taught manners and have responsibilities. The older children are expected to make their beds.”
“How many beds are there?”
“There are twenty-five in each section plus the cribs.
Her jaw dropped as her eyes opened even wider. “Fifty children?”
Alex nodded. “That’s not normal, but yes, it’s possible. Over the years we have come close to filling the beds, but thankfully, children have been adopted. We’ve never turned a child away.”
Alex led her back to the staircase. Sarah gripped the material of her skirt, pulling it up slightly. “I had not expected a thorough tour of the building. The medical staff must find it challenging to tend to the children.”
“Under normal circumstances, tours do not include the second or third floor.” After descending the first set of stairs, he turned and headed for the addition. “We have strict policies for the staff and volunteers. Tom and the medical staff have authorization to the second and third floor, but the volunteers don’t. They’re restricted to designated rooms on the main floor.”
At the end of the hallway, Alex reached into his pocket for his key.
“Neither Tom nor the medical staff have access to the addition.” He unlocked the door. “This is the entrance to my home.” A slight smile appeared on her face. “The addition was added shortly after my parents were married. This is my parents’ room.” Alex pointed to the open door.
Sarah stood at the doorway and looked inside. Alex looked in, seeing the room from her perspective. His parents’ bedroom was tastefully decorated with a double bed, two wardrobes, a writing desk, and two chairs on either side of the window. There was a small table beside the second window with a vase of fresh flowers making the centrepiece. Pictures of family members covered a small portion of the wall. The spacious room had a beautiful breeze coming in, and his parents enjoyed a view of the property.
“It is a large, comfortable room.”
“Yes. The room was designed for my parents. They are both only children and they appreciate the space. Momma more so than Poppa.” Alex stepped away from the door and walked farther down the hall. He opened the next door. “Momma’s sewing room, previously known as the nursery.”
The room was strewn with sewing supplies and clothes in need of mending. They continued down the hall.
“My room.” Alex remained in the hallway allowing Sarah to step inside. She walked past his double bed to the night table with a chair beside it. She looked out the window and then turned her attention to the table, picking up his novel.
He remained at the door, keeping a firm grip on the doorknob. “Are you fond of reading?”
“When time permits. My enjoyment is music. I play the piano and study at the conservatory.”
“I admire people who are able to play. Momma attempted to encourage me to take lessons when I was a young boy, but I expected perfection far too quickly. To this day, wild animals that scream through the night make a sound more pleasant to the ears than I produced. I was embarrassed playing in that public building and cringed at the thought of being heard in my own home. I have awful memories.”
“It takes years of practice and dedication.”
Sarah followed Alex out of the room and to the single door on the other side of the hallway.
“Papa and Izabella’s private quarters.”
Sarah leaned into their sitting room, but Alex did not comment on the interior. “Shall we continue?”
Alex stopped at Rose’s door and placed his hand the knob. His sister’s wedding gown was hanging prominently on her privacy screen. Her wedding wasn’t a topic he planned to discuss.
“This is my sister’s room. We have three guest rooms and the remainder are used for storage. Momma and Poppa had planned a larger family.” Alex headed for the private staircase.
“You referred to your nana by her first name.”
“Izabella is not my nana. Nana Natasha passed at a very young age, leaving Papa to raise Momma. He met Izabella years later.”
“Oh my gosh. It is obvious your family shares a special bond.”
Alex stopped. “Yes, we are very close.”
They walked down the steps, through the dining area and parlour, and then outside. Alex inhaled deeply and exhaled, attempting to calm himself. It’s time to encourage Sarah to talk. “Tell me about your life.”
“Poppa works at the local feed mill, and Momma teaches. Andrew, my only sibling, is two years my junior.”
Alex stopped when they reached a large tree that offered shade, and she joined him on the grass. “Please continue.”
“I met the man who captured my heart at seventeen, while at the conservatory. Three years my senior, we were married weeks after my graduation to the delight of our families.”
Married? Sarah’s married? Regret swept through him. Alex looked up toward the sky. It had been foolish to think otherwise. A beautiful, sincere woman with a warm heart, of course she’s married. He had mistaken her friendly, bubbly personality as a sign of affection. Her husband is a fortunate man indeed.
“John was magnificent on the piano,” she concluded.
Sarah McLennon. John McLennon. Of course. Elaine spoke his name. That and of Sarah’s talent.
“I was in the audience when your husband performed at the concert hall….” He stopped himself, having no intention of mentioning Elaine by name. “Your husband is indeed talented. I recall your name listed under his profile.”
“I was infuriated seeing my name in print. They were simply to note John was married.” She stopped and then sorrow covered her face. “That was my husband’s last public concert. One month later, his horse reared at an oncoming carriage. He was thrown.”
“Oh my.” Alex clenched his hands into a fist and placed it on his mouth.
“I was widowed in an instant. The world lost a talented pianist, and I lost my husband.”
“My sincere condolences. Do you have children?”
“No. We attempted to begin a family, but unfortunately, it was not in God’s plans. Financially, I’m unable to support a family without John, but I would have cherished the opportunity to watch a child we created grow. John, ever the optimist, was confident we would be parents, and equally confident of our future with music. Unfortunately, at the time of his death, we had no real savings for me to fall back on. I miss him terribly, but know God has special plans for such a wonderful man.”
She continued talking about her life. From the tone in her voice, she still loved him. Would always love him, just like Papa loved Nana. Warm tingles swelled through his heart.
“I sold the home we shared and returned to my parents’ home. Andrew heard about the position at the mercantile and insisted I speak with the owners. My brother was determined I should rebuild my life and not dwell on my misfortune. I found a small apartment a reasonable distance from the mercantile and the conservatory. Once I graduate, I plan to teach music or….”
Sarah stopped talking. Assuming the topic was too uncomfortable for her, he simply nodded.
“You mentioned you were at John’s concert. I believe you sat behind me. You were with a woman.”
“My apologies. I’ve embarrassed you. If my memory serves me correctly it’s not the first time.”
Alex looked at Sarah. “You didn’t embarrass me at the mercantile.”
“No, but I did when we were young. I was entering the conservatory with Momma and a chum when you were leaving. You held the door for us.”
The memory was faint but the girls had giggled. “Momma scolded me for allowing the door to close.”
“Then I was chastised for my lack of manners and embarrassing you. Momma was not pleased.”
Alex grinned. “Neither of our momma’s were pleased.”
Sarah smiled and shook her head.
“Tell me about your past. Obviously, you were with the woman at the concert.”
The opening he required. The conversation would allow him the opportunity to convey the importance of the orphanage.
“Yes. We were engaged to be married, with the date quickly approaching. I discovered Elaine had expectations I would never be able to satisfy. Coming from upper class society, she assumed I would join her father’s company, leaving the orphanage. I was….” He stopped to correct himself. “To this day I am unable to fathom a life outside the orphanage.”
“You were engaged. Did you not discuss the future you would share?”
“I’m very shy. Elaine is very outspoken. I once believed I excelled at listening but I find myself questioning that now. I accept responsibility for not making my intentions clear.”
Alex noticed Tom approaching with a tray and two glasses of lemonade. Seeing Tom, Alex was reminded of a conversation with their manager.
“Thank you, Tom.”
They took the glasses and Tom left them to continue talking.
“I’d like to convey my appreciation for the donation. Tom spoke of your generosity.”
“Although the cause is worthwhile, to be truthful, my intent was to become acquainted with you.”
Music to his ears, Alex fought a smile.
“Tom greeted me at the door and offered me a tour, but I declined.”
Alex had persuaded Tom early on to continue assisting clients with donations and adoptions, as his parents had done before him. “You didn’t ask Tom to locate me?”
“No. I’m not shy, but that is far too aggressive. Tom has spoken highly of your family, but I would have been humiliated if you were in a relationship at the time. Engaged to be married.”
“Your reluctance is understandable, but I assure you, Tom would have said something if that were the case. I hadn’t been to the mercantile in a number of years, but he persuaded me to go in the hope you’d be working. Of course, he kept that information to himself until I returned. He couldn’t praise you enough.”
“Tom speaks highly of the orphanage and has a great deal of respect for your family. Listening to his praise, I was intrigued and wanted to meet you.”
Relaxing on the grass, the conversation continued. Sarah reminisced about her childhood with her younger brother. Sarah had Alex laughing to the point his eyes watered. He gripped his stomach.
“Alex Venderkemp. You have a handsome smile and an infectious laugh. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with you today.”
“As did I, my time with you.”
“I must depart. I’d hate to be tardy getting to the conservatory.”
Alex stood, extended his hand, and assisted Sarah to her feet before walking her toward her horse. “I’d be honoured if you would join me one evening to dine.”
She smiled and nodded. Alex reached for her hand and assisted her onto the buggy. Once out of sight, he took a deep breath and looked to the sky.
“Thank you.”
* * *
After spending time with the children, Stewart followed Izabella up the main staircase. He stopped to speak with the doctor while Izabella continued down the hall. Reaching their quarters, he didn't see Izabella. “She must be in her own room.” Giving her a moment to finish what she was engaged in, he wandered to the window and gazed outside. Alex was walking a young woman to her horse. A hand touched his shoulder.
“It appears Alex has a friend,” he informed her.
Izabella stood by his side and looked out. “Alex gave her a tour earlier today,” she reminded him. “I don’t believe she came looking to adopt a child or to make a donation.”
When Alex reached for the woman’s hand, Izabella stepped back from the window.
“Stewart.”
His focus never budged from his grandson and his new friend. “Alex is not aware I’m watching.”
“You should be ashamed. You’re to be changing in preparation to dine.”
“I will.” He continued looking out the window.
“Do not embarrass him,” she warned.
Chapter Three
Alex settled on the chair in his room, reading. Focused, he almost missed the faint tap on his door.
“Alex.”
He put the book down and straightened his dressing gown. “Come in.”
Papa entered the room, shut the door, and sat on the edge of his bed.
“I believe you’re attempting to keep a secret from me. I can state with certainty, the young woman you entertained did not arrive with the purpose of making a donation, or adopting.” Papa Stewart raised his eyebrows. “Izabella spoke of the sparkle in your eyes earlier today. That pleased me.”
Unable to conceal the truth, Alex looked down at his novel before shifting his gaze back to his grandfather. “I didn’t realize my emotions are transparent.”
“You possess the Donovan eyes, the sparkle. They’re transparent. She’s attractive.”
“Attractive? I’m yet to vision more beautiful features on a face.”
Papa’s eyes sparkled. Alex’s mind shifted to the diary. To Papa’s relationship with Nana. “I’m amazed my great-grandparents weren’t aware of your relationship. Your parents were not as perceptive when you began courting Nana Natasha.”
Stewart smiled. “It was a struggle to refrain from speaking of her. I splashed cool water on my face when returning to my home and attempted to keep my mind occupied. I missed her terribly while apart and cherished our time at university.”
“I’m astonished you graduated,” Alex mocked, “and with the grades you achieved.”
“It was imperative I maintained my grades while attending school. Enough about me. You must put me out of my misery and speak of the young lady you entertained. Izabella and I were in our sitting room when she departed. I was proud watching a gentleman assist her onto her buggy.”
Alex’s entire body warmed, envisioning Sarah’s face. A smile broke free. “We met yesterday, while in the city completing errands. After a thorough tour of the building and grounds, we sat outdoors and talked and laughed. Rose and Sarah share similar humour.” Alex stopped. His former relationship entered his mind. “I don’t trust my emotions,” he admitted. “I have hurt and been hurt. I will not cause more pain.”
“You must open your heart, Alex. The past is your history, tomorrow, your future. If Sarah brings laughter and enjoyment to your life, you must open your heart and mind to her friendship.”
“I’m trying.” Alex bit his bottom lip.
“I will expect a proper introduction during her next visit.”
Alex smiled and nodded.
* * *
Leaving Alex, Stewart returned to his own room. Izabella was sitting up in their bed with her head resting against her pillow, reading. She placed her novel on the night table and watched Stewart turn out the light and crawl in beside her.
“Did you speak with Alex?”
“The young woman answers to the name Sarah and Alex is smitten. Although he fears being hurt, or hurting the young woman, he has strong feelings for her.”
“Alex is
a young version of his papa.”
“That is my concern. When it comes to Alex, the weight of the world is on his chest. He must open his heart to her. I sympathize with his dilemma. It was difficult to open my heart after Natasha’s death.”
“You shared a true union of souls and were blessed with a beautiful daughter. The pain in your heart increased tenfold raising a child that is her mother’s image. I do not believe Alex has experienced the emotions of being in love. I hope Sarah is a special young woman who is compassionate, but able to give Alex a slight tug. She must find her way into Alex’s heart as I found my way into yours.”
“That is my hope, and that of his parents.”
* * *
Alex finished his breakfast and walked into the office to see two stacks of files on his desk. Sitting on his chair, he glanced through the papers for volunteer applications. He only saw information for adopted children and babes born. Breathing a sigh of relief, he prepared himself to work. As he opened the first file, a knock on the door interrupted him.
“Come in.”
Tom entered. “My apologies. I wasn’t able to work on the children’s files.”
“Don’t apologize. Accept my gratitude for finishing the volunteer applications.”
“It was pleasing to see Sarah by your side. I heard the laughter while outside with the children.”
“We enjoyed our time together.”
“I hope to see her visiting on a regular basis. I will leave you to work.”
Tom closed the door on his way out.
Two days later, Alex telephoned the mercantile asking to speak with Sarah. After apologizing for his tardiness, he asked if she had a telephone at her home. That night, once the children were settled for the evening, Alex walked into the office and closed the door. Time stood still as they chatted. There was a tap and then the door opened slightly and Poppa looked in.
Natasha's Legacy Page 4
