Natasha's Legacy

by Heather Greenis

  Keeghan nodded. “I cried when Izabella declined his proposal. She could have lost him from her life.”

  “Hopefully, Alex shows you his wedding in your next dream. Even now, I know you will enjoy seeing it.”

  “I have my doubts I’ll be having any more dreams. The first time I had the dream, Alex told me the story was important but didn’t tell me why. The mystery is solved and you are filling in the blanks. Alex wanted Will to know about his heritage. I apologize for being blunt, but he was obviously questioning whether you would tell us about the orphanage.”

  Papa Victor scowled and then looked toward the ceiling. “For someone who procrastinated, waiting years to marry the woman of his dreams, you’re being impatient, Alexander Stewart Venderkemp. I would have told Lucas and William eventually.”

  “Did Alex and Sarah have children?” Keeghan asked.

  “Allow me to recite the story that I have heard many times. Sarah was fussing in the yard when a buggy stopped by the main doors. She glanced up and smiled as she always did to acknowledge the couple. The woman handed her husband an infant, leaned over to speak with the young child beside her, stepped down from the buggy, and the infant was put into her arms. She approached and told Sarah she and her husband were not able to support another child. She hoped the orphanage could find their daughter a loving home. Then she placed her baby girl in Sarah’s arms. The woman kissed her tiny forehead, whispered ‘I will always love you,’ turned, and left. Speechless, Sarah watched them ride off. Sarah walked the baby into the building and up to the medical area to see the doctor. After a thorough examination, she was told the baby was healthy and could be adopted. That little girl did not leave Sarah’s side. The bassinet was cleaned and set beside their bed.”

  “Oh G-god, they a-adopted her.” Keeghan wiped a tear from her eye.

  Will leaned over and kissed the side of her head.

  “Yes. The following day, the paperwork was prepared and Uncle Alex and Aunt Sarah adopted that little girl. Momma and Nana Hope spoke of the child’s resemblance to Sarah within months of the adoption. I couldn’t see it, but they said it was obvious. ‘The child could pass for a blood relative,’ he stated, using his fingers to quote his momma and Nana. Three years later, Sarah was outside with their little girl when the same woman approached.”

  “Ugh,” Keeghan gasped. “Oh no! Sarah had bonded with that child. Don’t take that baby away from her.”

  “Sarah was terrified she would lose the baby girl they had grown to love as their own. Holding her daughter’s hand, Sarah watched the woman step down from her buggy, reach for a small bundle, and walk toward her. The woman recognized her daughter and asked if there was a reason she hadn’t been adopted by a good family. Sarah was so scared, she crouched, put her arm around her daughter, and told the woman she and her husband had adopted her. A smile appeared on the woman’s face. Then she said, ‘Could you find it in your heart to adopt her sister? Allow my daughters to be raised together?’ Sarah was crying as she nodded. The woman placed the baby in her arms.”

  “Oh my g-gosh.” The tears streamed down her own cheeks. “I’m b-blubbering like a f-fool, again.”

  “No,” Will whispered. “You’re getting closure.”

  “Sarah had been paid by a number of her students’ parents that day. With the money on her person, she reached into her pocket and pulled all of it out. Sarah handed the woman her earnings and told her to look after her son, the brother to her daughters. The woman thanked her profusely, kissed Sarah’s free hand, kissed her infant’s forehead, and returned to the buggy with her husband and son. The baby was healthy, and Alex and Sarah adopted their second daughter. Being ten years apart in age, I didn’t keep in touch with the girls, my cousins, but they were in contact with Tessa’s daughter.”

  “I am so happy for Alex and Sarah.” Keeghan sniffed. Unable to stop the tears from racing down her cheeks, she looked toward Will. “They would have been amazing parents.”

  “Uncle Alex and Aunt Sarah loved those girls as their own, just as they loved each child within the building. Both Alex and Sarah said they saw the woman a few times a year. She would stop the horse at the orphanage and simply sit and watch the children play. She watched her daughters grow.”

  “She knew her little girls were happy,” Will confirmed.

  Papa Victor nodded. “Yes. All the children of the orphanage were so important to Alex. I’m certain he wanted you to feel for them in your heart.”

  “There are a lot of good charities in our province, in our country. Alex was determined to ensure the financial stability of the orphanage.”

  “Yes. You are the youngest family member and you happen to have a soft heart and the ability to remember dreams,” Will added.

  “I love your grandson, but he would have woken and said, ‘I know I had a really weird dream but I can’t remember anything about it,’” Keeghan informed Papa.

  “I don’t remember my dreams either, William, but my bride would tell me on occasion I was talking in my sleep.”

  “Obviously, Papa Hetherington, you are financially supporting the orphanage. Is the money coming from your personal savings, or is there still money from the original trust fund that your papa Stewart set up?”

  “The trust fund has done well over the years and still has the funds to support the orphanage, which manages on a modest budget. Financial records are sent to the bank quarterly and forwarded for my review. To this day, I am pleased with what I see or I would have gone over. I authorize payments to the business account for their day to day operations.”

  “Does Dad know about this?”

  “No, I haven’t told Lucas—”

  “Papa!” Will lectured. “The orphanage requires that money. What would have happened—?”

  Papa scowled. “William Alexander. I assure you, if something unexpected had occurred, there is a letter with my will explaining the details of the trust fund, the orphanage, and a contact name at the bank. My will also states the orphanage is the beneficiary of the trust fund.”

  “Hope had a trust fund too. What happened to it?”

  “William? Do you need money? I thought your businesses were going incredibly well.”

  “We’re fine. We’re curious. From Keeghan’s dream, we know Hope used some of her money for the addition and to renovate the orphanage, which, by the way, still looks amazing.”

  “I’m glad to hear that. When Uncle Alex died, I am certain he provided for his daughters, but funds were also transferred to the orphanage trust fund. When Momma passed, she did the same. I was raised to be proud and support myself. Never missed a meal and had a roof over my head. There was no need to flaunt the fact the family had access to money.”

  “Why haven’t you told Dad about this?”

  “With his background in finance and knowing he and your mom have been financially stable, we never discuss money. I know I won’t live forever, but I’m still healthy and I enjoy reviewing the books. It is good for me and I’m not ready to relinquish my duties.”

  “I appreciate your independence, but you should have told Dad about his heritage years ago. I should have been told about this a long time ago.”

  “Enough with the lectures, Will,” Keeghan whispered.

  “I guess a little bit of Papa Stewart is coming out in me. Donovans are known to procrastinate a little bit.”

  “A little bit?” Keeghan repeated. She turned her head and glared at her husband. “Like fixing the steps down to the ocean?”

  “Ugh. I’ll finish those just out of spite.” Will turned his attention back to his papa, waiting for a response to his statement.

  “No, Lucas doesn’t know about the trust fund although I’m sure he will remember Uncle Alex and Aunt Sarah. Alex was a character and always made Lucas laugh when he was young.” A small smile appeared on his papa’s face. “Momma always said I was truly a Donovan, but I have Venderkemp blood in me as well.”

  “At least I know it’s hereditary,” Kee
ghan acknowledged. “William Alexander Donovan Venderkemp Hetherington. Papa Stewart lives on in the current generation.”

  “You should have spoken to Mom and Dad when I was born. If I had been christened with that name, this puzzle would have been a little easier to solve. William Alexander Hetherington came up a bit short.”

  “Your nana and I spent many nights talking about my family. Lucas entered his early teens, enjoying life. He had some growing up to do and I didn’t want him tempted by the knowledge there was some money out there. As you recall, other than the car, my parents weren’t given the proverbial silver spoon and platter the day they were married. They worked and earned their lifestyle as did your nana and I. It didn’t do us any harm. I think we have strong morals because of it. We thought it was best to wait until your father was a little older before we told him about the orphanage and specifically the trust fund. As he aged and entered finance, I didn’t see the need. He doesn’t require a tutorial on how to manage the funds.

  “Momma, Uncle Alex, Alisha, and I were raised knowing the money was for the orphanage. In my heart, that money still belongs to the orphanage and always will. Money was given to help with special items and that is still the case today. As you recall, I assisted both of you with your businesses. Nana Hope wanted her family to strive and succeed on their own merit. I’m proud to say my poppa made a decent living at the bank, as did your father and I. This family has made sacrifices over the years starting with Nana Natasha, Izabella and even Sarah. She never once complained about the lifestyle she led with Alex, but I know after listening to her play, she would have been in her glory on the stage playing professionally.”

  “She didn’t like playing in front of crowds,” Keeghan reminded him.

  “She was glowing every time we sat around the piano and listened to her. She was glowing when she performed at the concert hall. If Uncle Alex had insisted she pursue her career, there would have been a void in both their lives. Life wouldn’t have been the same at the orphanage. Aunt Sarah knew that. There were so many sacrifices made over the years and they all benefited the Venderkemp Orphanage. Yes, William, you have some very distant royal cousins, and there is money, but does it make a difference? You’ve had a good life and married a beautiful bride. Someday, God willing, my great grandchild will be administering a trust fund for the orphanage Nana Hope loved. That Nana Natasha loved.”

  “It makes me proud just thinking about it and it wasn’t my family,” Keeghan admitted.

  Will winked at Keeghan, then turned his attention back to Papa Victor. “What happened to Papa Stewart’s business?”

  “Matthew’s son followed the tradition. To this day, the business is run by Carsons. Matthew and Tessa’s grandchildren are partners. Papa Stewart would be proud of Aunt Vicki’s family. The next time you’re on the computer, look at the website for Donovan and Carson Incorporated. I have it bookmarked and go in occasionally to look at their latest projects.”

  “I’m proud of you. I didn’t realize you are computer savvy. I didn’t think you looked at anything but the stock market.”

  “I have Donovan blood in my veins and it makes me proud to see the accomplishments of the business started by Papa Stewart and Papa Willard.”

  “I’ll check it out tonight.”

  Keeghan looked at Papa Victor. His eyes were turning a soft shade of sleepy blue. She'd never question when Will, his father or grandfather were tired.

  “I have one more question, if you are up to it. Do you ever remember seeing your nana Natasha’s crown?”

  “That crown,” he repeated softly. “Strange you should mention that. After Poppa passed, Momma was preparing to move into an apartment and she came across a box with Nana Natasha’s crown and the portrait of her family. She told me she was sending it over, but the package never arrived. It wasn’t like Momma to forget something important to her. I never mentioned it, not wanting to upset her. After Momma passed, I expected to find the box among her possessions, but didn’t. I assumed it was mislabeled and given to charity in error. I was never interested in the crown, but would have enjoyed seeing the portrait. I have never seen a picture of Nana Natasha’s father.”

  William gave Keeghan a quick wink.

  “I should take Constable out for a quick walk and see if she needs to relieve herself. I’ll be back in a few minutes. Come on, girl. You have been a good dog, and I’m sure you could use a stretch.”

  Keeghan walked out of the apartment with the dog, giving Will and his grandfather time to talk.

  Chapter Nineteen

  William was standing at the doorway, looking down the hallway when Keeghan opened the door for the stairwell. He walked down the hall and took the box from her. He followed her and the dog back into the apartment. After closing the door, William walked into the living room and set the box on his grandfather’s lap. Keeghan returned to her seat on the sofa.

  “This is what started our search, Papa,” Will announced. “Nana Rose never lost the crown or the portrait. It’s strange. The portrait was sealed in a bottle and found its way to our home via the ocean.”

  Papa Victor removed the silk cloth covering the objects. His eyes filled with tears as he removed the portrait. “What a waste. To have her life ended so soon. She was truly a beautiful woman.”

  Papa Victor set the picture beside him, looked into the box, and stared at the contents. He removed the glass bottle and examined it. “The portrait was inside this?”

  “Yes.”

  “That is strange. I can’t imagine Momma placing the portrait in that. She was a meticulous woman, especially with items of value. It would have been framed for protection and in a closet if it wasn’t hung on a wall.” He turned his attention back to the box but never attempted to remove the jewel. The room went quiet. Keeghan could hear Constable snoring.

  “Papa?” Keeghan whispered, “Do you know what happened to Natasha’s diary or the journal Stewart, Hope, and Alex kept? I’d love to read them.”

  “That diary,” Papa Victor responded quietly. “I don’t think Nana Natasha ever intended for anyone but Papa Stewart to read her thoughts. I haven’t seen those books in years.”

  Keeghan lowered her head, but it was difficult trying to hide her disappointment.

  “Keegh.”

  “After learning Will’s a descendant of Natasha and Stewart, I got my hopes up and expected to read the diary and journal. With such a close-knit family, I was sure the books would have been stored in a safe location.” She fought the urge to cry.

  “Are you up to another trip down memory lane?” Will asked his papa.

  “I’m getting tired, William. What do you have in mind?”

  “I want to take Keeghan back to Kassima.”

  “Really!” Keeghan grinned. “I’d love that.”

  “We’d like you to join us, Papa.”

  Keeghan nodded, enthusiastically.

  “We can tour the entire orphanage and grounds and perhaps speak with Nicole,” Will informed them. “It’s possible she’s the offspring of one of the daughters Alex and Sarah adopted.”

  “Nicole. Yes, she is Alex’s great granddaughter. We exchange Christmas cards and chat about the orphanage.”

  “Well then. Keegh and I want to see the cemetery at the back of the property.” He paused for a second. “We’ll bring Mom and Dad up to date and the five of us can fly over for a little holiday. It’s up to you whether you come to the orphanage with us, but I’d also like to go back to the university and to the cemetery. To see the Donovan plot and Izabella’s.”

  “I’d like that. I think it’s time I visit the Venderkemp Orphanage.”

  “The orphanage has special meaning now. We’re going not as guests but as family,” Keeghan boasted. “This is the Hetherington heritage. Something to tell our children.”

  “I would like to make a donation to the university on behalf of the Donovan / Venderkemp / Hetherington family,” Will continued, “and place a plaque under the portrait of Stewart,
Natasha, and Hope. I’m going to take my digital camera with us and take some pictures from the school archives.”

  “I want a thorough tour of the building and the property,” Keeghan told Will. “The staff wouldn’t allow us to tour the grounds of the orphanage while we were there,” she informed Papa. “That’s going to change. We’re going to see every millimetre of that place.”

  Papa Victor never looked up to acknowledge the comment. His focus was on the family portrait that he held.

  “Make the arrangements, William. I think it’s time I face my past. I need to revisit Nana and Papa’s home. Nicole needs to meet Victor, Lucas, and William Hetherington. Eventually they will be seeing your names on the financial documents. Our history is over there and Uncle Alex is right. It is about time Lucas learned about his heritage.”

  “Papa is exhausted,” Keeghan whispered. “I’m exhausted. We should go home.” They stood, planning to leave.

  “Nana Natasha’s legacy,” Papa Victor whispered. “Natasha was denied her rights when she refused to return to the castle. She detested anything that reminded her of that part of her life. For Nana Hope, the crown was a reminder of her mother’s pain. I love and respect Nana Hope and Papa Stewart for declining the offer to return to the castle.” He pushed the box containing the crown toward his knees. “Take that with you, William. I’m going to call your dad and invite your parents out for dinner tomorrow night. If you’re not too tired from your trip, I’d like both you and Keeghan to join us. I’m sure it will be an interesting conversation.”

  “We’ll be there. We’ll be crashing early tonight. We have to readjust our bodies to the time change, but we will see you tomorrow. Come on, Constable. It’s time to go.”