Natasha's Legacy

by Heather Greenis

  Once Alex walked into the kitchen, Hope turned her attention to her husband.

  “Alex has arrived home after his evening with Sarah. They weren’t celebrating an engagement. They aren’t discussing a marriage.”

  “I also prayed they would announce an engagement, but I’m happy he’s spending time with a warm, sensitive, caring young woman. It’s your wish he marry, but obviously, it’s not his. We didn’t wait until our wedding night.”

  “We were engaged.”

  “Yes, I’m aware of that, but that didn’t make our actions acceptable. My parents would have been mortified had they known.”

  Hope inhaled deeply. Being conservative in so many ways, Adam was to agree and offer to speak to their son, not be supportive of Alex’s actions.

  “You shocked me that evening, but if I were able to step back in time, nothing would change. I love you, Hope Elizabeth Victoria Venderkemp.”

  “I won’t allow myself to be upset with you. I know you’re right. We must support Alex. I love you, Adam. Seduce me,” she pleaded.

  Adam walked over to her, put his hands on her cheeks, and gave her a gentle kiss. “It would be my pleasure.” Adam reached for her hand and guided her toward the private staircase.

  * * *

  Sarah surprised Alex with theatre tickets to the production of Midsummer Night’s Dream. After a meal in her apartment, they walked hand in hand to the theatre where they enjoyed a magnificent performance.

  Afterward, they returned to Sarah’s apartment. Alex closed the door and gave her a gentle kiss. “Thank you for the evening. You should have told me you wanted to see the performance earlier in the week. I would have been pleased to buy the tickets. I’ll reimburse you next weekend.”

  “That’s not necessary. My treat.”

  She stretched up and kissed him. It was not a kiss to bid farewell, but instead a kiss to initiate foreplay. Alex lifted Sarah into his arms and carried her to the bedroom.

  An hour later, Sarah rested her head on his chest, looked into his eyes, and began talking. A short time later, she kissed his chest.

  “Talk to me, Alex.”

  He struggled, but spoke for a couple of minutes. Then Sarah pushed her upper body toward him and kissed the tip of his nose.

  “Are you able?”

  “Certainly, but I may find it difficult to perform a third time.”

  The sun broke the horizon when Alex woke and crawled from under the covers. Sarah pushed herself into a sitting position.

  “I understand your need to return to the orphanage, but it would be wonderful to enjoy breakfast after an evening in your arms. It’s impossible for time to progress slower throughout the week, or while I wait for Rose and Richard to arrive to take me to the orphanage for Sunday dinner.”

  He pulled his trousers on. “You’re to be sleeping.”

  “I’m awake.”

  “Then rise and shine and come to my home with me. Bring a change of clothing for church. You can spend the entire day with me and my family.”

  Alex’s father and grandfather were dressed, sitting across from each other at the table, enjoying their coffee when they entered the room. Sarah mumbled something, but it wasn’t audible. She blushed as she attempted to pull her hand away from his. Alex firmed his grip, encouraging her into the room.

  “Good morning, Sarah,” his poppa said. “Would you care to join us for coffee while breakfast is being prepared?”

  Alex quickly pulled out the chair beside his. He walked into the kitchen, told his momma they had a guest, and returned to Sarah’s side, handing her a cup of coffee.

  Two months later, Alex woke before dawn. Relaxing before he crawled out of bed, he watched Sarah sleep. “I’ve fallen in love with you,” he whispered. “I want you in my life, but will you be content living at the orphanage? You enjoy your job at the mercantile. Your passion is in your music.” Sarah was at the conservatory multiple times a week. Both would be an inconvenience living a distance from the city. “Would you consider moving to the orphanage? If only I knew. Momma wants us married, but I can’t contemplate marriage without being certain you’ll be happy within the building I call home.”

  Sarah rolled onto her back as she continued sleeping. Alex pushed the covers off his body.

  “Alex?” she groaned.

  “If you plan to join me, you must rise and shine, darling.”

  That night, after watching Sarah ride off with Rose and Richard, Alex went for a walk around the property. Returning, he opened the door to the private entrance. He walked up the staircase and knocked on his parents’ bedroom door.

  * * *

  Hope and Adam were snuggled under the blankets, talking.

  “Momma. Poppa.”

  “Come in, Alex,” Adam responded.

  They pushed themselves up to a sitting position and leaned against the headboard. Alex entered their room, walked to the chairs by the window, and sat down. Quiet, he avoided eye contact until he settled. Then he looked at Adam.

  “I plan to ask Sarah to move into the orphanage with me.”

  Hope’s entire being burst with elation. In Hope’s mind, Sarah was perfect for her son. As perfect as Richard was for Rose. Both her children would be wed. She and Adam would assist with wedding plans and then she’d become a nana to Alex and Sarah’s children.

  “I’m thrilled, Alex. I will go to the bank tomorrow. How much money do you require? I’m assuming you’ve been to the jewellers.”

  “No,” he admitted. His attention never shifted from Adam. “I have not. I’m not asking for money. I don’t need a ring. I’m not planning to propose.”

  Adam reached for her hand and gripped it. He wanted the conversation ended, but Hope didn’t. She wanted Alex and Sarah married. Her poppa and Izabella weren’t married, but that didn’t mean the relationship was acceptable. It wasn’t.

  “I would be pleased to welcome Sarah, your wife, into our home. There is no need for a lavish ceremony. Small and intimate, but meaningful.”

  “No-o-o,” he blurted, shaking his head. “No. I’m not prepared to place a ring upon her finger.”

  Her eyes filled with tears. Her son should be committing to Sarah. They were young, in love, and should be wed. “I do not understand why you’re reluctant. She loves you.”

  “Yes, she loves me, not my chosen lifestyle. I question whether she’ll be happy living in this building.”

  “Alex. Sarah will be content knowing you’re happy,” Hope assured him.

  “I disagree. Sarah reads and plays with the children but has not experienced a difficult day. She hasn’t seen the children arguing or chaotic. She hasn’t comforted a child with a broken heart who sees a friend leave with a loving family. Sarah has not held a terminal child as they die in her arms. The building holds many joyous memories, but if Sarah moved in as my wife, she would be forced to stay. I’d be devastated to find her crying in her sleep, regretting her decision to join me. I cannot risk her unhappiness.”

  Adam shook his head slightly. Clearly neither of them agreed with Alex’s reasoning. They experienced difficult days, but they didn’t occur on a regular basis. Sarah would be treated in the same manner as her poppa and Izabella. She would read to the children and enjoy being with them when it was her choice to do so.

  “What you’re describing is not a regular occurrence,” Adam reminded their son. “Sarah will not be expected to assist in the nursery. She will not be expected to assist in any way.”

  “Eventually, I’ll ask Sarah to be my wife, but not until I’m certain she’s happy living here.”

  “Alex.”

  “I can’t force her to stay if she isn’t happy, Momma. She would have to make so many sacrifices, simply being here.”

  “Love is worth sacrifices,” Hope insisted.

  “Is it? Elaine loved me, but she had no intention of living in my home. Are you able to guarantee Sarah’s love is stronger than Elaine’s? I’m not.”

  Hearing Elaine’s name, Hope’s
entire body seized. If able, she would strangle that woman for hurting her son. Adam’s hand touched hers and then gripped it firmly. She turned and glared at her husband, expecting his support, expecting him to sway their son.

  “Hope,” Adam whispered. “I beg of you. Your lips must remain sealed on this topic.”

  “I would love to pretend Elaine is not a part of my past, but she is,” Alex reminded her. “The painful memories are still vivid in my mind. I want to talk to Sarah about moving into this building, but I need your support.”

  “Sarah’s love is stronger than you realize,” Hope reminded him.

  “I hope so, but will she be able to live within these walls?”

  Once again, Hope’s eyes filled with tears. Alex had inherited her momma’s stubborn pride. How would she ever sway him to change his mind? His proposed living arrangement wasn’t something she could support. How will Sarah react? Alex stood and walked over to her.

  “Support my decision. Please.” Alex kissed her cheek.

  Hope didn’t respond. Turning, Alex walked out of their bedroom and closed the door. Hope wiped the tears from her cheeks and then turned to Adam.

  “Speak with him,” she pleaded. “In the morning, perhaps he’ll listen. Sarah is a perfect complement to our son.”

  “A night’s sleep won’t affect his decision. We cannot force him to marry her. Alex has built a wall around his heart the same way your poppa did when your momma passed. Sarah located a small crack and Alex is scared. This is his decision, love. This is his home, his business. We simply assist him. At his age, we were married, attempting to begin a family. Stewart was widowed and raising you. Alex’s happiness should be your utmost concern. Sarah loves Alex, but it is doubtful she will demand a marriage. I don’t think she will force him to marry her.”

  “Unless Sarah discovers she’s expecting a child,” Hope whispered.

  “Hope! I hope that does not occur until they’re married. It’s a gift when it’s planned. Your poppa and Izabella will support him.”

  “Yes. I’m aware of that.” Hope yawned and snuggled into Adam’s arms, too disappointed to relax.

  When Adam was sleeping, Hope rose from their bed. Wandering over to the window, she looked out at the beautiful starry night. The moonlight sparkled, giving a white ribbon of light to the surface of the pond. Hands touched her shoulders followed by the warmth of Adam's chest on her back.

  “My apologies. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

  He never responded. As she leaned into him, his arms came to rest on her stomach and then his lips touched her neck. “Ahhh,” Adam loosened the tie on her dressing gown, pulling it past her shoulder, and caressed her skin with gentle kisses.

  “I love you, Adam.”

  “Would you have ended our relationship if we were unable to wed?” Adam asked.

  Hope turned from the window and looked into her husband’s eyes. Reaching for her left hand, he raised it to his lips.

  “Our son has found happiness with Sarah and wants her in his life. I find myself grateful I will not be discussing the topic with my momma and poppa,” Adam informed her.

  “Heaven forbid.”

  “Stewart will support Alex’s decision. I beg of you, Hope, don’t hamper your relationship with our son. You risked your own life to bring him into this world.”

  “Why did I encourage and support you in your study of psychology?”

  “To assist you back to sleep.”

  Hope chuckled and then reached up and kissed him.

  * * *

  “I’m with Hope on this one,” Keeghan admitted. “Living together is common practice today, and God knows I moved in with you before we were married, but it was unheard of back then.”

  “What a family,” Will remarked. “Tsk, tsk. Living in sin. The question is, will Sarah accept the idea?”

  “Stay tuned, but Adam thinks she will.”

  Alex remained silent, as usual, but pointed to the screen.

  Chapter Six

  After ending the telephone conversation with Sarah, Alex walked up the steps and down the hallway to their private quarters. Seeing his papa sitting alone in his room, he entered and slumped onto the chair.

  “Did you have the opportunity to speak with Sarah? To discuss your plan?”

  “No-o-o,” he replied. “Momma has not given her approval. It isn’t possible to welcome Sarah into our home without it.”

  “True. It is not. This building only appears large.”

  “I’m hurting Momma, but I can’t propose to Sarah.”

  “Your momma requires time, Alex. She wasn’t pleased with my living arrangement either, yet she has a warm, loving relationship with Izabella. With words of support and encouragement from your poppa, she’ll give her blessing. In her heart, your happiness is her biggest concern.”

  “Momma is upset. To be truthful, I don’t expect Sarah will be too pleased with my offer either.”

  “I believe you’re correct. Considering the way you spend your Saturday evenings, Sarah will be hoping for an offer of marriage. Obviously, you’ve given this serious thought.”

  “In your opinion, am I risking my relationship with her?”

  “Sarah loves you. That love will force her to accept. I was devastated when Izabella declined my proposal, yet she remains in my life today. Your nana declined my proposal, but I did not allow her to walk out of my life. I have no regrets about either relationship.”

  After a lengthy visit, Alex left the room, retiring for the evening. Stewart stood and walked into the bedroom to find Izabella relaxing against her pillow the blankets covering her legs. Seeing him, she placed the book on her lap.

  “My heart breaks for that young man. Following one’s heart is difficult when it hurts those one loves. I heard your comment regarding our relationship.”

  Stewart sat on the edge of the bed and reached for her hand. “It was upsetting knowing Momma, Poppa, and Hope weren’t pleased, but my parents are no longer a concern. Hope has accepted our relationship and it doesn’t bother Vicki. Both her children are happily married. Rose and Richard are happily married. Alex possesses Natasha’s stubborn nature. Natasha agreed to marry me, and in time, Alex will marry Sarah. I would be honoured to place another ring on your finger, but at our age, I’m content and very happy with our relationship.”

  The smile on her face was comforting. The family he created with Natasha had grown before his eyes. First Hope and now her children. Natasha could look down and smile. That beautiful smile that would never grow old. Then, an image of Natasha lying dead on their bed entered his mind. That bloody crown on her head. He gave his head a wee shake.

  He hadn’t looked at or thought of the crown in years. No one in the family knew he had it. “I’d like to show you something.” He walked over to his wardrobe and looked at the bottom drawer. Stewart removed a large box and stared at it before returning to the side of the bed. Stewart sat, lifted the cover of the box, and gently removed the silk scarf his momma had given to Natasha for Christmas. Then he removed the item, handing it to Izabella.

  “Oh my gosh.”

  “Natasha’s crown,” he confirmed.

  “You’ve had this all these years? You didn’t return this to Anna?”

  “No. Anna left it on Natasha’s head. No one mentioned it. Not Marcus, Joshua, or Nanny.”

  “My word, it’s heavier than I expected. I can’t imagine wearing it.”

  * * *

  “Stewart kept the crown?” Keeghan questioned. “I don’t know what I thought he would do with it, but not this … Oh my gosh Will. That is the crown we found.”

  “Yeah. We’re looking at it again.”

  Alexander’s lips curled into a smile. He turned his attention back to the screen.

  * * *

  “I must assume Anna thought the crown was buried with her daughter, but that wasn’t the case. Natasha despised this jewel. My wife was buried with a piece of paper with Hope’s hand and foot prints, a letter I wrote, an
d a red rose. That and her wedding band, the symbol of our eternal love.”

  Stewart removed the portrait of Natasha’s family from the box. Joshua and Marcus appeared youthful but Natasha never aged. Even watching Hope grow older, he never imagined Natasha ageing beyond her mid-twenties. Once Izabella put the crown back into the box, he handed her the portrait.

  “I’ve never forgotten their status, but when Marcus or Joshua visit with their families, the significance of their positions—”

  “Doesn’t exist within these walls. They visit their niece and her family.”

  “Imagine how different your life would have been if Natasha had not ended her life.”

  Stewart inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly as he gave that some thought. “It’s possible Natasha would be alive today, but we would not be together. With her father’s resources, they would have located us, and my wife would have been confined to the castle. Hope would have grown up without knowing—me. I’d have been killed fighting for them. This country wouldn’t know King Joshua.” The ramifications came with a slight smile.

  “Although I miss her terribly, Natasha’s death brought positive change to this country.”

  “Yes, and you have become a man I love. You must put the crown and portrait away before retiring for the evening.”

  “It’s my intent to give both to Hope. I’ll return momentarily.”

  Stewart placed the portrait in the box and walked out of the room. With the door to the master bedroom open, Stewart looked inside. Hope was still dressed and reading. “May I interrupt?”

  “Of course, Poppa.”

  “Alex and I had a good visit this evening.” He sat in the chair beside hers and placed the box on his lap. “We discussed his relationship with Sarah. It’s good to see Alex content. I’d hate to see him revert to his quiet shell.”

  “Heaven forbid.”