Natasha's Legacy

by Heather Greenis

  “My humble apologies, but I must remind you, the telephone is intended for the orphanage and emergencies.”

  The door closed. Alex removed his pocket watch. My word. We’ve been talking more than two hours. “My apologies, Sarah. I didn’t realize the time.”

  “Nor did I.”

  “May I call again tomorrow night?”

  “Indeed. Yes. Goodnight, Alex.”

  “Sweet dreams.”

  * * *

  It had been a quiet evening. Hope’s poppa and Izabella had retired for the evening, Rose was in her room reading and Alex in the office. It was getting late when her husband entered their room.

  “Please tell me Alex is no longer working,” Hope pleaded.

  “Alex has spent the last two hours on the telephone. With the window open, I’m pleased to say there was laughter.”

  “Two hours with laughter? Is he speaking with Matthew?”

  Adam shook his head. “I don’t believe so.”

  “A school chum?”

  “I’m not certain, but I question whether he's speaking with a young lady.”

  “You must open our door, Adam. I plan to speak with Alex before he settles in for the evening.”

  Adam changed into his sleeping attire, opened the door and crawled into bed. They were reading when they heard movement in the hallway. Watching, Alex walked by their door. After giving him a few minutes to settle, Hope crawled out of bed and followed Adam to their son’s room. Adam knocked.

  “You may enter.”

  Alex was dressed for bed and sitting in his chair. Hope stood at the doorframe, quietly by her husband’s side.

  “If my memory serves me correctly, you recently gave a young woman a tour of the orphanage,” Adam remarked. “I do not recall your presence in the office or your assistance with the children that day. Is it possible you were speaking with that same woman this evening?”

  The twinkle appeared in her son’s eyes. Then Alex smiled.

  “Yes. She introduced herself as Sarah McLennon. She has mesmerizing green eyes and a smile that captivates me.” He placed his hand on his heart. “I become nervous when her vision enters my mind.”

  “Pray tell, you must assure me she possesses more than a handsome face,” Hope pleaded. “We cannot allow history to repeat itself. I don’t want another domineering woman to enter your life.”

  Alex shook his head. “Sarah is quite the opposite of Elaine. Tom is well acquainted with Sarah. He assured me she is as bubbly and personable as Rose. I have witnessed this, and her dry sense of humour.”

  Hope grinned, clenching her fingers together. “You must invite her to dine with our family. Are you planning to ask Sarah to escort you to Rose and Richard’s wedding?”

  Alex glared at her and scowled, wrinkles covering his forehead and around his nose. An expression she hadn’t seen since his childhood.

  “No-o-o.” For a one syllable word, Alex dragged it as if in a song. “The wedding takes place in three days. I can’t possibly ask her to be my guest.”

  “We would be pleased to make her acquaintance before the event,” Hope suggested.

  “No,” he snapped, his voice even more firm. “I will not ask her to escort me unless the wedding is postponed a few weeks … or months.”

  “Don’t vocalize such thoughts,” Hope lectured. “Rose and Richard are ready to begin their lives together.”

  “We shall remain patient,” Adam assured. “Goodnight, son.”

  * * *

  On the day of their daughter’s wedding, Rose stepped out of her room.

  “I'm so pleased you chose this gown," Hope informed her. She attached a pearl necklace around Rose's neck. "The satin and lace gown is perfect. The scooped neck, puffy sleeves, and a short train complement your small frame."

  Rose twirled around.

  “Your poppa is downstairs, waiting for us. Your Papa, Izabella and Alex already left for the church.”

  Hope watched Adam's hands tremble as he led their daughter down the aisle toward the groomsmen. Proud, warm tingles consumed her. Turning her attention to Alex and Richard, they both looked handsome and official in long black tails, holding their top hats. Glancing to her side. Momma Venderkemp was all smiles, watching Adam and Rose. Feeling a slight squeeze to her hand, she looked at her poppa.

  “Rose is a vision of loveliness,” Vicki remarked.

  With her aunt and uncle sitting behind with Matthew, Carolyn, and Tessa and her beau, Hope turned to acknowledge the comment and saw Matthew wink at his nervous cousin. Then Hope saw her camouflaged uncles, Joshua and Marcus and their families. She smiled and nodded to greet them.

  Turning her attention back to her daughter, Adam kissed Rose’s cheek, gave her a quick hug, and placed her hand in Richard’s. Adam walked to the pew and sat beside her. She heard him take a deep breath and exhale.

  “I’m thankful we only had one daughter. That was difficult for this ageing heart.” Hope smiled, gripped his hand, raised it to her face, and kissed his fingers. The ceremony began and they listened to Rose Alisha exchange vows with the man she cherished. Both Hope and Izabella wiped tears from their eyes when Richard slid a wedding band onto Rose’s finger. The next phase of Rose Alisha’s life was beginning.

  Once the ceremony ended, the guests were invited to the orphanage grounds to enjoy a meal. The children presented the newly married couple with a wedding card they had designed, and the extended family stood for a formal picture with the bride and groom. Hope, Adam, and Richard’s parents walked the newlyweds to the buggy. With the bride and groom gone, the guests slowly departed and Alex disappeared. Even with the door closed, laughter filled the lobby as he chatted on the telephone.

  * * *

  Papa Stewart, Izabella, and his parents had made plans to dine with Aunt Vicki and Uncle Greg. With Nana Venderkemp coming to deal with emergencies, Alex asked Sarah to join him for dinner. As he dressed for the evening, the knock on the door made his heart pound. He gripped his chest as Papa entered his room.

  “Alex!” Papa groaned.

  “This is awful, Papa,” he admitted. “I’m so nervous, I almost jumped out of my skin when you knocked. I’ve been able to relax while speaking on the telephone with Sarah, but this evening we will be face to face. My pounding heart will age me before my time. I’m looking forward to seeing Sarah, but doubt I’ll be at ease while in her company.”

  “Breathe and enjoy it, Alex.”

  “Yes. Easier said than done.”

  Alex rode off a few minutes after his aunt and uncle arrived.

  When Sarah opened the door to her home, Alex's heart leaped into his throat. He choked back a cough, fighting to breathe. It took his a second or two to catch his breath. “My word, that shade of blue accentuates your eyes. You look beautiful.”

  “Thank you, Alex. Please, come in. Would you care for a glass of wine? Red or white?”

  Two drinks later, they ate the meal Sarah prepared.

  “This is delicious, but I had intended to take you out.” Alex placed his hands on his full stomach.

  “I don’t mind, and I love to cook.”

  They went for a long walk, ending at a local park to watch the stars twinkling in the sky. It was getting late when he noticed Sarah place her hand over her mouth, fighting back a yawn. Pleased with the night, he walked her back to her home.

  With Rose a married woman and moving into a small apartment Richard had leased, Alex missed seeing his baby sister.

  Laying in his bed, he looked around his room. “I'm not moving out of the orphanage. But I've outgrown this room. It needs renovated. I will speak with Poppa and Papa later today.” Pleased with the idea he jumped out of bed.

  The following week, they moved his furniture into a spare room and with guidance from his papa and assistance from Greg and Matthew, the wall between Alex and Rose’s room was demolished.

  “I have space,” he gloated as he stood in his room and extended his hands. “Now, I will ask Sarah to assist me as
I shop for new furniture.”

  The aroma of lunch cooking greeted him when she opened the door to her home.

  “You’re spoiling me with meals.”

  “I enjoy cooking for someone other than myself.”

  With their stomachs full, they travelled to the city in search of a new bed and wardrobe cabinet, two armchairs, and a small table. Appreciating her suggestions and opinions on the modern décor, the furniture was ordered.

  That night, he sat in his room writing in his journal. His friendship with Sarah was deepening, but still lacked the level of comfort he experienced with Rose or his cousins. “That won’t change until I kiss her. I can’t fathom initiating anything intimate.” Grumbling, he put the journal away and went to bed.

  After three weeks of telephone calls and meals at her apartment, Sarah invited him to join her family for dinner. Lying in bed the evening before the meal, his eyes refused to stay shut. Sleep was impossible.

  Alex stood in front of his mirror, ensuring he looked respectable in his navy blazer, vest, and dark trousers before walking out of his room.

  Sarah was standing at the door to her complex when he arrived. The dark flowing skirt of her dress blew freely in the breeze. His hands trembled as he jumped down and then assisted Sarah onto the buggy.

  “Breathe, Alex. Once you meet Momma, Poppa, Andrew and his wife Ingrid, your nerves will settle.”

  Taking his seat beside her, he stared at the reins in his hand. Memories of his first meal at Elaine’s home filled his mind. That dreadfully uncomfortable dinner. Alex stopped the horses at Sarah’s parents’ home, assisted Sarah down, and walked to the main entrance. The night was a bit of a blur in his mind but certain details were vivid. Once Alex exchanged greetings with Sarah's brother, he noted something very familiar about Andrew. Did Andrew attend Picton? No, Andrew is younger than Sarah. Why do I recognize this man? He shook her brother’s hand as he studied his face.

  While dining, Alex spoke proudly of the orphanage and his responsibilities.

  “Andrew, what is your occupation?”

  “I’m an account manager at the bank. I assist the manager with the investment accounts and the business accounts.”

  The bank. It was possible Andrew knew of Momma’s trust fund, the trust fund for the orphanage, and the connection to Papa’s business. Mortified, Alex’s heart broke. No. Why couldn’t you work anywhere but the bank?

  His mind shifted to the day he and Sarah became acquainted. Did her interest magnify when learning I’m a Venderkemp? Employed at the mercantile, Sarah admitted her income paid her bills. Is she enticed by the possibility of establishing a relationship with a man of wealth? His chest felt heavy. Attempting to inhale, he almost choked. He couldn’t associate with a woman who was only interested in the money.

  He’d speak with Richard and end the friendship immediately if his suspicions were correct. Doubts filled his mind. Unable to sit still, he couldn’t relax. The remainder of the meal and conversation was a blur.

  “I must depart,” Alex announced.

  “I will ensure Sarah gets home," her brother informed him.

  Sarah walked him to the door. "Thank you for inviting me to meet your family."

  He turned and walked out of the home.

  Travelling to the orphanage, a vision of Sarah filled his mind. His eyes swelled with unshed tears. “If need be, I will avoid Sarah as I have avoided Elaine.” It was a long depressing journey home.

  Unable to sleep, unable to speak of his suspicions about Sarah to his family, he wrote a long journal entry.

  * * *

  Tom walked into the playroom and over to Hope. “Rose and Richard just arrived.”

  Overjoyed and eager to see the honeymooners, Hope rushed out of the room. She guided the young couple into the parlour as Rose bubbled with enthusiasm, speaking of their time together. The family quickly joined them.

  “I plan to seek a part-time job while I complete my education. I want to assist Richard with our savings. We want to purchase a home within a year.”

  “That is an aggressive goal,” Adam remarked.

  “I’d be pleased to hire you at Valentines.”

  “That is appreciated, but I respectfully decline, Izabella. Your other employees will assume I’m employed due to your relationship with Papa. I will gain employment based on my own merit. My own ability.”

  Hope’s heart filled with pride.

  After dining, the crates containing Rose’s personal possessions were loaded onto the wagon. Hope embraced her daughter.

  “I expect to see you Sunday afternoon. I want the Donovan Carson Venderkemp tradition to continue.”

  “We’ll be here, Momma. We will arrive in plenty of time to visit before the Carson’s arrive.”

  Richard assisted his bride onto the buggy and guided the horses in the direction of their small apartment.

  * * *

  “Alex,” Keeghan groaned. “I like Sarah. I’m proud that your back is up a bit, that you’re being careful, but, I like Sarah. I want things to work out for you.”

  “I’m proud of Rose,” Will admitted. “It would have been so convenient to accept Izabella’s job offer, but she didn’t. Rose has something to prove.”

  “A woman after my own heart. That girl has Nana Natasha in her.”

  * * *

  Rose found employment in a boutique walking distance from her and Richard’s apartment and the bank. Filled with pride, Natasha’s granddaughter was becoming an independent young woman. Now, Stewart prayed Alex could find contentment with his relationship with Sarah.

  After a long walk in solitude, he worked his way back indoors. Hope was sitting at her desk, completing paperwork when he looked in the office. He entered the room and took a seat, waiting for her to finish adding a column.

  “Do you have a moment?”

  “Of course, Poppa.”

  “I’ve done a great deal of thinking. With your permission, I’d like to assist Rose and Richard with the purchase of a home. Recalling the time your momma and I spent in the apartment, Natasha was claustrophobic in the confined space. I’m afraid Rose will become claustrophobic, putting undue stress on their marriage.”

  “Unlike Momma, Rose is able to come and go as she pleases. Rose and Richard would appreciate the offer, but I doubt they would accept the gift. After the article in the newspaper, my daughter is determined to prove she and her husband are self-sufficient. Richard is well compensated in his position and Rose is pleased with her salary. Richard told Adam they are putting more money aside than he originally anticipated. He is confident they will have the down payment for a home within the year.”

  “If the time becomes appropriate to assist the newlyweds, it would please me to open my cheque book to cover the cost of their home.”

  “I will keep that in mind, Poppa.”

  * * *

  Alex walked into his room that night and flopped onto his bed.

  “Stupid,” he grumbled. “I need to speak with Richard. He was here, in my home yet I did not request a moment of his time. Now I must wait.” He pounded his fist into his mattress. “I must continue avoiding Sarah. I cannot risk associating with her.”

  The week progressed slowly for Alex. He had only spoken to Sarah once since dining with her family. During that telephone conversation, he thanked her again for dinner and the opportunity to meet her family, but the conversation had been strained. Something inside his being didn’t trust her. Perhaps that was too harsh, but it was possible Sarah’s interest was less than honourable. That she sought access to the money from the trust funds. Perhaps, like Elaine, she wanted a life in high society.

  Although Alex wanted to see her beautiful face, to listen to her voice, he didn’t contact her again, deciding it was best to wait to speak with his brother-in-law. Alex would have volunteered to go to the city to complete errands, taking a few minutes to visit with Richard, but the need didn’t arise. There was no need to leave the orphanage.

  Alex con
sidered telephoning Richard at home, but Rose would be aware of the conversation. He didn’t want to discuss Sarah with his baby sister.

  Alex was completing the last file on Wednesday before retiring for the evening when Momma walked into the office.

  “You must invite Sarah to dine with the family. This coming Saturday.”

  “She can't come. She is busy,” he responded, lying.

  “Your poppa and I wish to meet her.”

  I can't allow that to happen. “Yes, I know.”

  Momma left the office, closing the door behind her.

  I need to speak with Richard. I will do that at the family dinner on Sunday. I won't allow Rose and Richard to leave until I have a moment of his time.

  On Saturday night, Alex crawled under the covers and stared at the ceiling. Momma had reiterated during the meal that evening of their desire to meet Sarah. He had to ensure Sarah's intentions were sincere. He needed to know if Sarah was aware of the trust funds. “I will speak with Richard tomorrow. It will be the best day of my life or one of the worst.”

  After a restless night, Alex rose early and wrote in his journal. Finishing his entry, a vision of Sarah filled his mind. “It’s imperative Rose and Richard arrive before the Carsons. I must have a moment alone with Richard before the entire family arrives for our weekly meal. Waiting another week to speak with Richard is impossible. I must know if Andrew has knowledge of the trust funds.”

  Alex went down for breakfast.

  It was a long morning. When the mid-day meal was over, Alex watched for his sister and brother-in-law to arrive. He was sitting on the porch when the newlyweds pulled up in their buggy. He ran to greet them and heard his momma and poppa behind him. His sister began chatting with their parents.