Natasha's Legacy

by Heather Greenis

  “It’s not necessary to keep the boys and girls separate. Mixed teams are fun.”

  Glancing around, all the children were shaking their heads.

  “You were not pulling with all your might,” one of the boys stated.

  Alex shifted his attention to the puffy white clouds in the sky. Help me. He looked at the boys. “We are outnumbered, yet I am to blame.” He looked into the sky once again. “I require assistance.”

  “Accept the truth, Alex,” Sarah teased. “The boys have been defeated by the girls.”

  Obviously, that plan isn’t meant to be. He would take Sarah to the back of the building and propose where Momma and Poppa shared their first kiss. He extended his hand to her.

  “Alex, you have to push Sarah and the oldest girls on the swings to reward them.”

  Looking toward Sarah, she nodded, gloating. She walked to the trees where the heavy cord and twine supported wooden seats. “Be kind to me,” he prayed silently. “I won’t—I can’t propose in front of—” he looked around at all the children and volunteers— “everyone.”

  They were exhausted by late afternoon. After dining, Sarah spent an hour on her students’ assignments while Alex went to the office. He was still working on files when she finished and stood at the doorway to the office. Within a few minutes, he heard a beautiful melody from the piano.

  Alex was fighting to keep his eyes open when he put the last file into the cabinet. He walked through the kitchen and into the parlour. “I’m retiring for the evening.”

  Proposing was not on his mind when Sarah followed him up the private staircase. Sleep dominated his thoughts.

  * * *

  The following week Alex was watching the children when Tom entered the study room.

  “Elaine is here.”

  “Perhaps she is making a donation.” They walked into the lobby.

  “Alex. You’re an intelligent man. Don’t be naïve. It’s a shame Sarah isn’t home. Your eyes sparkle in her presence. My bride has heard rumours.”

  Hearing the term bride brought a smile to Alex’s face. After years of marriage to Grace, Tom still referred to her affectionately as his bride.

  “Elaine is not married nor is she being courted,” Tom continued. “This is quite disappointing to her family.”

  The door opened and Elaine waltzed in. A few years earlier Alex had found her stunning in blue, but even in a long, light blue gown and a matching bonnet, her appearance wasn’t the least bit pleasing to his eyes.

  “Hello, Tom.” Elaine’s voice was far too chipper. “It’s a pleasure seeing you, Alex.”

  They heard a small team of horses and the chatter of women. Ignoring Elaine, Alex looked past her to the outside. The women were home. Excusing himself, Alex stepped outside to assist with their bags, leaving Elaine with Tom.

  “Did you enjoy your day?” Alex gripped a bag and walked toward the door with the women.

  “Yes,” Sarah responded enthusiastically. “Vicki, Tessa, and Elizabeth joined us. After lunch….” Seeing his former fiancée, Sarah stopped speaking and froze. Gripping Sarah’s hand, he encouraged her to enter the lobby.

  “I had a delightful day,” Izabella remarked, breaking the silence. “Thank you for inviting me.” She turned her attention to Tom. “Is Stewart home?”

  “He and Adam are at the back of the property, mending a broken fence.”

  Tom reached for Izabella’s bags and followed her up the steps to the second floor.

  Ignoring Elaine, Alex looked into the first bag. As expected from its weight, it contained music books. He opened the door to the office and set it inside for safekeeping. Then he glanced into the next bag. New briefs and trousers for him. Glancing into the final bag, a lacy garment caught his attention. “Oooh. It appears you were shopping,” he whispered.

  Sarah didn’t respond. She never looked his way, but stared at the floor.

  “The girls discovered a new boutique,” his momma informed him.

  “It’s been a quiet day,” Alex informed them. Sarah continued to stare at the floor. “The volunteers are playing with the children and we have not received notice of new arrivals. My paperwork is up to date. It’s a perfect day for an afternoon nap.” He stole a second quick peek into the bag. “Would you care to join me upstairs?” He leaned toward Sarah and gave her a gentle kiss on her lips.

  “Alex,” Sarah groaned. “We are in the company of—”

  Alex wasn't concerned that Elaine was in the room. She needed to hear the conversation. Elaine need to know he had moved on and he was happy with Sarah.

  “Momma does not believe our relationship is platonic. As long as I’m able to breathe, it will never be platonic. We share a bed, Sarah.”

  Her face flushed slightly, but she never moved. With no sign of a smile, he put his fingers under her chin and tilted her head toward his. Her expression was sad, almost scared. “Someday, you will believe my words when I tell you how incredibly beautiful you are. How fortunate I am to have you in my life. To fall asleep, quite regularly, with a smile on my face. There are so many mornings I wake thinking I’ve had the best dream. Then I open my eyes and see you sleeping beside me. It wasn’t a dream. You’re in my life. Living in this building we call home. Now, I’d like you to follow me to our room.”

  Warmth consumed his heart when Sarah placed her hand in his. Turning his attention back to Elaine, Alex finally spoke to his former fiancée.

  “You were introduced to Sarah the evening of her concert. You must recall, Sarah is magnificent on the instrument. My family is graced with her angelic melody most evenings and the area residents are delighted to hear her play four times a year. Regarding your visit, travelling this distance, Momma will be pleased to accept your substantial donation. The children within this building will appreciate your generosity. Now, if you would excuse us.”

  He turned his attention to his mother. “Momma, inform Tom he may take the entire day off tomorrow, not simply the afternoon. I will remain available the entire day.”

  Alex ascended the staircase with Sarah by his side. Once in the private hallway, he lifted Sarah into his arms and carried her into their room.

  “I saw something in that bag.” He gave their bedroom door a slight kick to close it. “I’m hoping you plan to model it.”

  “Your undergarments?”

  “No.” He set her on the bed. “I appreciate you shopping for necessities, but I’d like to see my treat for being ‘a good boy.’ Then we can play.”

  With the bag in her hand, Sarah slipped behind the privacy barrier.

  Alex had planned to propose when the women returned, but now, it didn’t seem appropriate. The proposal should be special. Sarah’s day. A day shopping with his family would have been perfect if it hadn’t been marred by Elaine’s visit. Damn her.

  * * *

  Hope watched her son, able to see the love and affection in his eyes when he looked at Sarah. It’s impossible Elaine doesn’t see it. That beautiful twinkle, the Donovan twinkle. When Alex finally spoke to Elaine, Hope’s heart filled with pride. Her shy son had become outspoken and blunt. Hope extended her hand for the money, forcing Elaine to reach into her purse. Alex and Sarah walked up the steps, hand in hand.

  Then the irritating woman walked out of their home for the last time, at least Hope assumed it would be the last time.

  * * *

  Stewart and Hope were in the office when they saw Rose and Richard’s car arrive. Rose opened the vehicle door the moment it stopped moving, held up the skirt of her yellow dress, and ran toward the main entrance.

  “Momma.”

  Hope dashed to the lobby.

  “I’m going to have a baby, Momma.”

  Every person in the building heard Hope’s ecstatic voice upon receiving the news. They were still embracing when Richard walked into the building with a smile on his face. The family was gathered in the parlour.

  “I reminded Doc of your difficulties, Momma.” Rose sat by Richard’s si
de. “He assures me he will monitor my progress.”

  They were still talking, enjoying their visit when Vicki and Greg arrived for dinner.

  “You must tell Vicki your news,” Stewart stated.

  “I’m going to have a baby.”

  “I am so pleased.” Vicki walked over to Rose, placed her hand on her niece’s stomach, then turned and looked at Stewart. “With my grandchildren inheriting the green Carson eyes, it would be delightful if the baby were to inherit the Donovan eyes.”

  “That would please Natasha as she looks down from heaven.”

  Stewart’s eyes were still sparkling in anticipation after Rose and Richard left for the evening. He followed Izabella up to their private quarters, shut the door to the hallway, and turned to her. “I do not recall seeing Hope this pleased in some time.”

  “Loving children, she has been hoping to become a nana.”

  “Perhaps the time has come for you bear the name nana.”

  “I think not. I’ve grown fond of the name Bewwa when it is spoken from a young child’s voice.”

  Stewart smiled. He opened the door to their personal quarters.

  Chapter Nine

  The day had been planned. Sarah went to the conservatory to discuss her students and an upcoming concert date. Then she would join her parents for the noon meal. Alex had a busy morning planned at the orphanage.

  Alex was occupied with Tom and some volunteers and didn’t see her when she returned home early in the afternoon. Looking back, that was unfortunate.

  Sarah had just returned home when she heard the engine of an automobile. Although she saw vehicles on a regular basis, she was not accustomed to seeing the long body, long bonnet, and small ornament on the very tip. Just under the ornament she squinted to see the word ‘Bugatti.’ Having seen a similar car in the city, Alex had said it was a very expensive model.

  Clenching the skirt to her yellow dress, keeping the shirt from blowing in the breeze, she walked toward the main entrance but noticed the driver open the passenger door. On rare occasions, if there wasn’t another person available, she would give a short tour and accept a donation, but she was uncomfortable discussing adoptions. Sarah continued walking, hoping to avoid the interaction. Once inside, she tapped and opened the office door. Finding the room empty, she closed the door and turned toward the study room as the gentleman entered the lobby.

  Not wanting to appear rude and unable to avoid the inevitable, she smiled to acknowledge their guest. Sarah recognized the man’s face, but was unable to think of his name or the location of the acquaintance. Assuming they had been introduced at the conservatory or a concert, her smile widened.

  “Good afternoon. I’d be pleased to offer you a tour, or accept a donation, but if you are interested in adopting a child, I will locate Tom or Alex to assist.”

  “If you would be so kind, I’d like to speak with Stewart, Hope, or Alex.”

  Sarah was not accustomed to hearing anyone ask for a family member, but knew Alex would explain the reason privately. “Of course.” She excused herself as her mind raced for the gentleman’s name.

  Following Hope and Adam down the main staircase, it came to her. Their guest was a member of the royal family. Humiliated, her face burned. She actually suggested the king make a donation or adopt a child. Then, to make it worse, she had the audacity to leave him alone in the lobby. Every part of Sarah’s being wanted to turn and run up the steps to hide, but that would appear foolish. He could see her walking down the steps.

  “What a pleasant surprise,” Alex's momma remarked.

  Sarah was aghast as Hope greeted her guest with a kiss on his cheek. Then Adam, a normally shy, quiet man shook his hand. Neither bowed to acknowledge the royal member’s presence or position in society. In Sarah’s mind the entire scene was disgraceful, but the gentleman wasn’t the least bit daunted.

  “It would be pleasing to state I arrived to visit. Would it be possible to speak in private?”

  “Oh course,” Hope responded.

  “Would you locate Alex and my poppa?” she asked Sarah. “We will be in the parlour.”

  The door leading to the study room opened and Alex entered the lobby.

  “Uncle Marcus,” Alex greeted. With his enthusiasm, he didn’t notice Sarah’s expression or sense her confusion.

  “We must ask Tom to locate Poppa,” Hope said to Alex.

  Alex looked into the room he had exited, spoke with Tom, and turned his attention back to his family. Alex grasped Sarah’s hand and then he kissed her cheek, but was so eager to speak with his uncle, he didn’t notice Sarah’s sober, unusual mood.

  She never uttered a sound but found herself following Alex and his family outside and then into a private parlour. With her chest tightening, she struggled to breathe. Then, the unthinkable occurred.

  “I do not believe we have been formally introduced. You must be Sarah.”

  “My apologies. I’m forgetting my manners. Yes,” Alex confirmed. “This is Sarah.”

  “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Stewart, Hope, and Alex speak highly of you. My apologies for not recognizing you. I have attended your concerts. You are truly a talented pianist.”

  Sarah stood still without uttering a sound. Then Alex’s uncle kissed her hand. Sitting on the sofa beside Alex, she listened as Alex’s uncle informed the family King Joshua had passed in his sleep the previous night. Sarah’s knowledge of the royal family was limited, but she knew the prince and king were twins.

  Once or twice a month, Alex would speak of a telephone conversation with Uncle Marcus. The royal family owned the box in the centre of the first balcony, but she never looked up when she performed. She would walk out, look toward Alex, his family, and hers. Then, as always, she would become lost in her music.

  The family began to talk, but Sarah stared at the floor. The man she loved kept important information from her. Now, sitting in the presence of the prince, her hands trembled. It went unnoticed.

  When Stewart and Izabella entered the room, she looked up. His uncle placed his tea cup on the table, stood, and greeted them. They enjoyed a long discussion about Joshua and his contribution to the country.

  “I recall from a conversation, Greg and Matthew are managing Donovan Contracting and Engineering. You chuckled when stating the transition was ‘interesting’.” Marcus remarked.

  Donovan? Matthew and Greg worked for an engineering company with the name Donovan. That is Papa Stewart’s company? She had never inquired or been told Stewart’s surname. His papa had spoken with pride about the orphanage, but never discussed his own career. She had never asked.

  The Venderkemps kept a medical staff and manager. They housed an extended family, but she never inquired about their financial situation. It didn’t concern her. Sarah was pleased with her independence. She made a modest income teaching and performing concerts. She supplied additional food when her parents or brother dined and prepared the meal. The family knew she enjoyed cooking.

  I am a fool. A gullible and naïve fool. Alex had been given the use of an automobile. As children, Rose and Alex were exposed to culture. Alex made reservations and treated her to an exquisite restaurant the evening before the big concert. Sarah fought tears, determined his family wouldn’t see her grief. Alex wasn’t the man she thought he was. I don’t know Alex, or this family I live with.

  Alex had no idea Sarah was deep in thought. After a lengthy, informal visit, his uncle told them he’d be in touch with details of the funeral arrangements, bid the family farewell, and drove off. As his Bugatti disappeared, a young couple arrived and walked toward the building with a young girl by their side.

  “A potential client?” Adam questioned.

  “An adoption. The paperwork has been completed. Lucy will have a sister a year her senior.”

  Alex greeted his guests and walked the couple inside.

  Once the clients left with their newly adopted daughter, Alex looked for Sarah. He searched the main floor of the or
phanage, the music room, and parlour before running up the steps. He looked in the nursery and then their bedroom. Finally, he searched the property, calling her name.

  “Have you seen Sarah?” he asked both volunteers and the children.

  Alex ran into the barn and then gazed into the field. Sarah’s favourite mare was gone. Thinking of the visit with his Uncle Marcus, Sarah had been quiet. Uncharacteristically quiet given her normal disposition. “Where is she?” Alex ran into the building and told Tom he would return shortly. Running to the gate, he jumped onto his horse and rode bareback to the Tymlin home.

  “Sarah left not ten minutes ago,” her mother told him.

  Alex rode to her brother’s house. Not seeing any sign of Sarah’s horse, he returned home. His grandfather was sitting alone on the porch “Is Sarah inside? Did she return home?”

  “I haven’t seen her. Why the concern?”

  “She left without mentioning her plans.”

  “Did you quarrel?”

  “No. We’ve barely spoken since we woke. I don’t understand why she left without speaking with me.”

  “Is it possible she is at the cemetery tending to John’s grave site?”

  “I never thought to look.”

  “Izabella enjoys solitude at Charles’ grave as I do at Natasha’s. I’m certain she will return momentarily.”

  In all their time together, she’d never left without saying something to someone. It was a difficult day for Alex as he watched for her. The evening meal was being prepared and Sarah hadn’t returned home.

  Alex had just taken his seat at the dining table when the door opened. Relieved to see Sarah, he jumped from his seat and ran to her.

  “I was concerned,” he whispered. “You normally speak with me when you’re going out.”

  “My apologies,” she responded. “Please excuse me. I shall return once I clean my hands.”