“We’ve been successful,” Hope told the sales woman. “We require accessories.”
“Hope. No-o-o. Look at the price,” Sarah winced. “I don’t make this amount after two weeks of teaching.”
“This isn’t coming out of your savings, Sarah, it’s my treat. Don't argue.”
“Hmm. It is beautiful.” Sarah admired herself in the full-length mirror. They placed a stylish black choker around her neck and clutch bag in her hand.
With bags in their hands, they returned to the carriage. The next stop was the beauty salon.
The women returned to Rose and Richard’s home and Sarah dashed up the steps to the guest bedroom. Minutes later, she opened the door and stepped into the hallway. Glowing wasn’t an adequate description. She looked radiant. She retreated to where the children were settled on Adam and Hope’s knees. Lowering herself, she gave each a kiss on the cheek.
“Sarah, it’s time to leave,” Adam reminded her.
“I shouldn’t be leaving without Alex. Rose, you must tell me. Where is he? I haven’t seen him all day.”
Rose shrugged her shoulders, her face covered in guilt. Richard opened the front door and extended his elbow. Sarah was led outside and escorted to the car with Adam and Hope following behind with the twins. Richard closed the door and returned to his wife’s side.
“What I would give to witness this evening,” Rose admitted.
Three sets of eyes turned and glared at her.
Chapter Fourteen
The day had been planned. Alex rose well before dawn and rode to his sister’s for breakfast. After a visit and words of encouragement, he went to Sarah’s parents’ home. With a pounding heart and clammy hands, he knocked on the front door.
During a brief telephone conversation, Papa Stewart told him Sarah had a relaxing morning and the carriage arrived on schedule. With the females due home momentarily, he left his sister’s residence.
The room was ready when Alex arrived at the restaurant. The staff looked prepared and Papa Stewart had assured him there was no need to compensate anyone in Sarah’s presence. It had been taken care of in advance. He was to enjoy the evening.
Now it’s my turn. Standing inside the door of the restaurant, looking out the window, his palms grew sweaty. About to rub them against his tuxedo pants, he stared at the cloth.
“Perhaps that is not a good idea. This red rose will surely wilt in my hand.” Alex found a napkin and wiped his hands. “Where is that carriage with Sarah?”
It finally arrived. With the driver instructed to assist Sarah to the door, Alex struggled to remain patient. His heart pounded into his throat. He shuffled his feet and scratched the back of his neck. “Help me God. Help me get through this.”
Seeing Sarah, his heart stopped. She was stunning the evening of his party, but her appearance didn’t compare to this evening. He stared at the woman before him in disbelief. The gown, her hair curled with ribbons, and the pearls dangling around the side of her face enhanced her beauty.
“Breathe. Remember to breathe. This is it.” Alex inhaled deeply. “This is the day I’ve thought about, dreamed about. Please God. Let it be perfect.”
He opened the door. Not a word was spoken. Sarah knew what was happening. The driver placed Sarah’s hand in his, turned, and walked back to the carriage.
“Oh my gosh. I’m going to cry,” she admitted.
“No salty kisses tonight,” he warned and then kissed her hand.
A smile broke free. “I can’t make that guarantee.”
“We are marking the occasion with a picture.” He pointed toward a photographer, a gentleman who’d been waiting at the side of the building. They stood in front of the door. Alex took his place slightly behind and to her left, just as the photographer had instructed. He placed his hands on her waist. The bright flash lit their faces.
“Thank you.” He turned to Sarah. “Shall we.”
A soft melody echoed in the building as they walked the hallway. It was one of Sarah’s favourite songs. At the end of the hallway, candles illuminated the room, giving it a romantic glow. There was a single table set for two with silver candelabras strategically placed for lighting in the centre of the room. Stepping inside, he looked toward Sarah. She was gazing around, smiling.
“You’re pleased?”
“Very pleased.”
Alex shut the door to the room, waited for Sarah to look his way, and made a circle motion with his fingers. Her face shone as she slowly spun around, allowing Alex to admire her gown and hair. He lifted her hand and kissed it.
“How is it possible you are able to look even more beautiful?” Alex walked to the small table and pulled out the chair. “I took the liberty of ordering,” he told her, keeping his tone just above a soft whisper.
The door opened when he took his seat across from her. The waiter walked into the room. Without speaking, he poured two glasses of red wine. The waiter turned and left the room.
“I didn’t hear other patrons as we entered. The other tables weren’t even set for dinner.”
“I have reserved the entire building. I recall being told you wanted to be romanced with a unique evening. Do you approve of my choice of venue?”
“Yes. Very much so.”
He looked at his wine glass. My hands are so clammy I will surely drop it. Stop it. I’m not to be this nervous. Not with all the planning. Sarah deserves this, and so do I. He picked up his wine glass.
“A toast. To falling in love. To being in love.”
Sarah picked up her crystal glass and took a sip of her wine and then the waiter arrived with the full plates. As expected, given the reputation of the Wedgwood, the meal was incredible.
Once the plates were cleared, Alex listened for the next song to begin, stood, and extended his hand to her. She stood and walked to the centre of the room.
“Kiss me,” Sarah pleaded.
Looking into her eyes, Alex smiled. He leaned forward and gently kissed her forehead and then they danced. When the song ended, he walked back to his chair, picked up his wine glass and took a sip. His mind drifted to Nana Natasha’s diary. In particular, how Nana declined Papa’s proposal. Why is this entering my mind? This can’t be an omen. Don’t let it be an omen.
“I didn’t expect to be as nervous,” he admitted. “Papa Stewart believes he is cursed, not meant to be married. Having inherited many of his characteristics, I’m afraid I’m also cursed while proposing. Please don’t decline again.”
“I didn’t turn you down. I would never turn you down. Why did I force you to do this? I should have accepted after celebrating your birthday.”
“No. You were right not to. You deserve something special. Something memorable.”
“I didn’t expect this. I didn’t expect this day to come.”
“Have you reached the point when Nana declined Papa’s proposal?”
“The tears ran down my cheeks. I was grateful to be alone when reading that section.”
The proposal in his dream had progressed smoothly, but reality was difficult. The pounding in his heart intensified. Reaching for his glass, Alex allowed more wine to flow into his mouth. Perhaps a sweet wine would have been a better choice. He reached for his glass of water and enjoyed the sensation of the cool liquid entering his mouth and working its way down to his stomach.
“I’m as nervous as the day we became acquainted. I struggled to say my name.”
“I won’t force you to continue,” she informed him, shaking her head ever so slightly. She picked up her glass. “A toast. To continuing our life together.”
Alex took a deep breath, getting as much oxygen as possible into his lungs.
“Ev-very m-moment of this day and evening has been p-planned. I shall complete my p-portion and state the words you have waited years to h-hear.” His hands were trembling as he reached into his jacket pocket, produced a small ring box, and removed the lid. He knelt on one knee, removed the ring, and placed it on the edge of her left finger.
/> “Oh my gosh.”
“I l-love you, S-Sarah. W-would you d-do me the honour of b-becoming my w-wife? “Will you m-marry me?”
Sarah put her free hand over her mouth and then quickly removed it. He saw that beautiful smile.
“I never thought this day would come.” Sarah stared at her finger. “I didn’t expect a ring. I didn’t expect you to propose. If I’m dreaming, don’t wake me. Allow me to enjoy this moment.” Tears continued to race down her cheeks.
Alex chuckled. His hands trembled so much, he almost dropped the ring. He pushed the diamond up to her knuckle, and then held her fingers together. Looking at her, she hadn’t responded. He took another breath. Please, put me out of my misery and say yes. He placed his free hand on his chest. “You’re n-not dreaming. Please. M-marry m-me. Agree to become my w-wife.”
“Yes. Oh my gosh. Yes. I love you, Alex. I would be honoured to become Mrs. Alexander Stewart Venderkemp.”
Alex took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. He wanted to jump for joy and scream out. ‘I did it. I proposed and Sarah accepted.’ Okay, pounding heart, settle. It’s over. Memorable, and I did it. Alex pushed the ring onto her finger, stood, placed his hands on her cheeks, and wiped her tear soaked cheeks before giving her a gentle kiss.
Staring at the simple, yet elegant ring, she admired the gold band with a single row of inset diamonds.
“We shall be married,” Sarah boasted.
“I love you, Sarah. I love you with all my heart.”
Their embrace quickly turned into an intimate kiss.
* * *
“I’m proud of you,” Keeghan admitted, clasping her hands together. “You did it. You proposed and it was beautiful. What a sap I am. I’m all choked up. I can’t wait to see the wedding.”
“My wife is a hopeless romantic,” Will admitted. “Loveable, isn’t she.”
“Is she loveable, Constable? Shall we continue?” Alex asked.
“Yes, please,” both Keeghan and Will said in unison.
* * *
Walking out the restaurant door, the carriage was gone, but a buggy with a driver was waiting for them.
“I thought you might appreciate the view.” He pointed into the sky.
Sarah snuggled beside him. They watched the twinkling stars as they travelled toward the orphanage.
“The memories of this evening will stay with me to my last breath. Thank you, Alex.”
When they arrived, Alex thanked the driver, reached for Sarah’s hand, and began walking to the corner of the property.
“We’re not returning indoors,” he informed her.
Sarah squeezed his hand when he stopped at the tree where they sat that day and talked and talked, becoming acquainted. The same tree where Rose and Richard interrupted a passionate kiss. Guided by the moonlight, Alex found and lit the lantern. As promised, his family had been busy. A bottle of wine was laying on a blanket with two glasses, more blankets, pillows, and large folding privacy barriers.
“Mr. Venderkemp. More wine? Is it your intention to take advantage of me? To seduce me?”
Alex chuckled. Indeed it is. Raising his eyebrows, he shrugged his shoulders.
“You fool.” She giggled. “One of the many attributes I love.”
Sarah poured the wine as Alex adjusted the privacy barriers, giving them complete seclusion and protection. Joining her on the blanket, he reached for his glass.
“Another toast,” she announced. “To an evening we will never forget.” She looked up to the twinkling stars and back into Alex’s eyes. “An evening of new beginnings.”
After a drink, Alex took her glass from her and set both on the ground behind him. He placed his hand behind her head and pulled their bodies together. They spent a magical night under the moonlight.
* * *
Hope and Rose were in the parlour chatting and drinking their warm milk when the buggy pulled up and Alex and Sarah stepped out.
“They are home,” Rose acknowledged. “I'm going to bed.”
“I will be up in a couple minutes.” Hope reached for the mugs.
Ten minutes later, Hope crawled under the covers and snuggled into Adam’s arms. “Alex and Sarah are home. They are engaged for marriage. I know they are. This day should have occurred some time ago. Sarah should have moved in as Alex’s wife. I regret—”
“Hope! Not another word,” Adam warned. “One change could have disrupted history. We have no idea what has occurred in private, but we do know Sarah wasn’t content when she first moved into our home. What possessed her to stay with our son? Something he said? Alex isn’t convinced she will accept his proposal this evening. He is terrified he’s cursed. We must be grateful Sarah entered his life and they’re still together.”
“Indeed.”
“It’s possible Elaine could have re-entered his life. I don’t have to remind you, she arrived at the orphanage on more than one occasion hoping for private time with our son.”
“I will not utter another sound, but I'm very pleased.” She closed her eyes, but her mind was far too active to sleep.
* * *
Exhausted, the light from the rising sun woke Alex from a deep sleep. He rolled onto his back.
“Um. We should return indoors,” Sarah mumbled and then yawned.
“The children will be cared for.” Alex struggled to pry his eyelids apart. He yawned. “Once my family is aware we’re awake, breakfast will be delivered.”
Sarah smiled, settled on her back, and raised her hand to look at the ring. In all their years together, he had never seen Sarah so happy. The previous twelve hours had been the best in their lives.
It had been a struggle getting to this stage of his life. His courtship with Christine, his relationship with Elaine. Both affected him, scarred him. Then he thought of Sarah’s contract offer. It still amazed him she agreed to remain by his side. Sarah performed in four concerts a year in the city. Each event was sold out within days of the announcement. She once spoke of her nerves performing in front of a large audience, but she wasn’t the least bit nervous at those events. She glowed on the stage, a fact never discussed. Alex drove her home after each performance and she shared his bed.
Alex’s mind drifted to their first kiss. He mentioned it recently, but she hadn’t given him a definite answer. What will it take to gain her forgiveness? His degree in psychology had not been of value as he attempted to read Sarah’s mind over the years.
“The ring is beautiful, Alex.”
Her words brought his back to reality. “I received Rose’s approval for the ring. I have to ask. What is required to receive forgiveness for the inappropriate kiss?”
“Which kiss?” she questioned. There was a hint of a chuckle to her tone.
“The kiss at the concert hall. I am not apologizing for kissing you in my family’s presence. I need a blunt response, Sarah. It’s obvious I lack the imagination and insight to read your mind. I want to be forgiven.”
“You will be forgiven the moment I become your wife.”
Alex froze. That kiss occurred early in their relationship. “How is it possible you knew you wanted to be married? That your heart knew? My wife? You couldn’t possibly know….”
“I thought about becoming your wife the day you stood in the mercantile. Your eyes sparkled and then you smiled. I was smitten.”
“You began talking and your sense of humour captivated me. Then I looked up and your beautiful face took my breath away. As you lay in my arms, with your hair loose, you still take my breath away. Once you arrange a date, I will be standing, waiting to hold your hand in mine.”
“I require your presence tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?” He smiled. “An informal wedding, or do you own an appropriate gown?”
“I do. It hangs in my former room at Momma and Poppa’s, but I do not intend to wear it. It’s bad luck. Perhaps I shall be married in the gown I wore last evening.” She looked at the clothes that lay beside them. “Or the gown I wore at your birthday
party.”
“No.” Alex shook his head. “The day is yours to plan, but I must insist you do not wear black or anything too dark. I am a traditional man.”
Sarah’s head flopped back onto the pillow as she laughed. “There is nothing traditional about you, Alexander Stewart Venderkemp.” She paused for a moment. “I must order flowers, a gown, speak with the priest, speak with Rose, our mommas, Andrew, Jessica. Hmmm. Perhaps the wedding should be delayed a day or two.”
When Alex reached behind for their clothing, Sarah placed her hand on his arm. Then she straddled him.
“Seriously? After last night? You possess energy…?”
“Yes. I will have the energy when we’re ninety.”
“Ninety.” He raised one eyebrow. “It’s probable the frequency will be reduced.”
“Perhaps. Twice a week at seventy and once a week at ninety.”
He placed his hand behind her head, pulled her toward him, and kissed her.
Alex and Sarah were dressed when they heard Richard approach with the breakfast tray.
“Enjoy while it’s warm.” Richard handed the tray to Alex. “I shall be rewarded for assisting when you mind my children.”
“We will be pleased to spoil our niece and nephew,” Alex assured him.
After a leisurely breakfast, they walked toward the orphanage. The family rushed out to greet them. Sarah took Alisha into her arms allowing Alex to hold his nephew. Alisha gripped the engagement ring.
“You mustn’t do that sweetheart.” Rose pulled her small hand away. “Auntie Sarah was given a special gift last evening. Now, finally, we can plan a wedding.”
“Rose,” Richard groaned. “It is possible she doesn’t require your assistance.”
Natasha's Legacy Page 19
