by Janette Oke
Belinda wrinkled her nose. "I must admit to being a bit spoiled," she confessed. "I found it most difficult to go back to farmyard plumbing on my last trip home."
Drew laughed. "I should think so," he agreed.
Windsor announced dinner, and Belinda led the way to the dining room. The table was a large one to be set with just two places, and Drew mentioned the fact after he had seated Belinda.
"It looks good today," she said soberly "Usually it has only one."
"You eat in here . . . alone?" Drew asked as the first course was served.
Belinda nodded.
"Couldn't you just . . . isn't there a less formal, smaller table somewhere?"
"Off the kitchen," smiled Belinda.
"Well, couldn't you . . . well, use it?"
Belinda laughed softly."That does not seem appropriate to the staff," she informed him. "They would be uncomfortable if I did such a thing."
"But. . . but I thought you were staff," Drew countered.
Belinda laughed heartily. "I was. It was most strange. . . . Aunt Virgie insisted that I eat with her. She was just lonely, I think, and I was the only staff member who hadn't been
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brought up 'by the rules,' so to speak. So when she expected me to be at the table, I didn't have the sense to object. At first the other household staff were scandalized by it."
"But now she is gone and you are still at the table," observed Drew
"That's the strange part. Now they would be equally scandalized if I were to suggest eating near the kitchen with them." "So you always eat here . . . alone?"
"Oh no. Not always here. Sometimes I ask for my meal in the north parlor on a tray. Or in my room. But never in the dining hall off the kitchen."
After asking God's blessing on the food, they began to eat. "Well, I must say, it's the most delicious food I've tasted for quite some time," Drew admitted.
"Oh, Cook is most proud of her culinary skills," stated Belinda.
Drew was still shaking his head. Then he looked directly at Belinda. "I have to admit," he said simply, "you do look perfectly at home here."
Belinda smiled. "I suppose I've had some practice," she responded. "I felt very much out of my element at first. Especially when Aunt Virgie would entertain. She always had guests her own age, and the conversation was from another world than the one I'd known."
Drew smiled. "I can see the problem," he admitted.
"Shall we have coffee and dessert on the veranda?" Belinda asked later. "Thomas does a wonderful job on the gardens. The fall flowers are still very pretty, but I'm afraid we might not be able to enjoy them for long. Thomas says the seasons come and go so quickly that the flowers scarcely have a chance to bloom."
Drew nodded and Belinda rang for Windsor.
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She informed the butler of their plans and fell into step beside Drew.
Drew was just as overwhelmed by the gardens as he had been by the house.
"Thomas is always out here working in them," Belinda informed him. "Every day but Sunday. Even in the rain. In the winter he putters in his greenhouse getting plants ready for the next year's planting."
"Well, he is certainly skilled," Drew commented. "This is the prettiest setting I've ever seen."
"I love the gardens--almost as much as old Thomas does," Belinda said.
"I just can't imagine anyone living like this," Drew observed.
"You get used to it," Belinda replied with a slight shrug. "'Used to it,'" laughed Drew. "Listen to you. Used to it. As if it were a comfortable old shoe or something."
Belinda joined him in laughter. Windsor brought the dessert and coffee. "I'll pour, Windsor," Belinda offered. "That will be all, thank you."
Belinda could feel Drew's eyes watching her carefully, but he made no comment.
Looking about him at the magnificent home, he pondered aloud, "Seems a shame to have it all pass on to someone else. Someone who might not love it in the way your former employer did."
"That's why I don't want it sold," Belinda agreed. "I just
couldn't let Aunt Virgie's house be taken over by strangers." Drew looked surprised. "It won't be sold? But I thought
you said you were busy settling the estate."
"Oh yes. I am."
"Doesn't it have to be sold to give each of the heirs the portion mentioned in the will? You said--"
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"Oh, the specifics mentioned in the will were quite apart from the house," Belinda informed Drew. "In fact, all that has been taken care of. That wasn't the difficult part."
Drew looked more puzzled.
"The problem has been setting things up for the house . . . and grounds. I don't want things to deteriorate. It takes a good deal of planning to maintain such a place."
"You have to do all of that?" he asked, astonished.
"Oh yes," responded Belinda simply. "Aunt Virgie left it all to me."
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TWENTY
Disappointment
Belinda had no idea the effect her words would have on Drew. The impact of the simple statement took the wind from him as forcibly as the long-ago fall from Copper had taken it from Belinda. Belinda's wealth put an impossible barrier between her and a struggling young attorney, he was thinking with great sadness.
Belinda was still speaking. "It's been a great frustration," she said. "We have gone round and round trying to get things set up properly."
Drew nodded dumbly.
"But finally things seem to be drawing to a close. At least that's what Mr. Keats says. I have another appointment with him next Wednesday"
Drew nodded again. He still had not found his voice. "Mrs. Stafford-Smyth must have thought a great deal of you," he managed at last.
For a moment Belinda did not comment, and when she did, she had tears in her eyes. "We were more like family than employer and employee," she admitted. "She was so good to me. I miss her very much."
Drew would have liked to move forward to comfort Belinda, but he held himself back.
Unaware of Drew's hesitation, Belinda continued to
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recount her experiences. "She always missed her grandsons so much," she explained, "but she knew they would never move here to America . . . not even for this beautiful home. So she did what she could to keep it like this." Belinda looked about her and waved her hand. "She gave it to me. She knew I would do all I could to keep it just as it is . . . as much as possible."
Drew nodded, his pain still unnoticed by Belinda.
"It seems like . . . like a lot of house for one small woman," Drew said with a sigh, looking around into the large dining room.
"Exactly," agreed Belinda. "That's why I've decided to share it."
"Share it?"
"With the elderly. We are planning to invite ten older people . . . people who do not have homes or families . . . to live here."
Drew's expression showed his surprise.
"So you see," laughed Belinda merrily, "the dining room table will no longer need to be set for one."
Drew managed a smile. "Doesn't it . . . doesn't it bother you . . . having all those people . . . strangers . . . moving into your beautiful home?" he asked.
"Oh no," Belinda shook her head firmly. "It really seems the only way to do it."
"You mean . . . you . . . you need the income for the upkeep?" he finally asked, feeling awkward about the question.
"Oh no. Nothing like that. There's plenty of money for that. The new boarders won't be charged anything. They will be guests . . . for as long as they wish to live here."
Drew shook his head. "I've never heard of an arrangement like that," he said to Belinda.
"I guess others haven't, either. That's what makes it so difficult
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to set it up. Even Mr. Keats is hard put knowing how to go about it."
"I see," said Drew. The day seemed to have lost its joy. Drew set aside his cup and stood to his feet.
"Well, I guess I
shouldn't outstay my welcome," he murmured.
"Your welcome? Oh, you could never do that," responded Belinda. "Come, let me show you the rest of the house."
Drew politely followed Belinda on the guided tour. The more he saw, the more dejected he became.
"You'll come again?" she asked anxiously when he took his leave.
Drew didn't answer her question directly. "Don't forget you promised to come to the mission with me," he reminded Belinda.
"Oh, I'd love to," she responded with enthusiasm, and Drew's countenance lifted for a moment. But then Belinda added, "I might find some elderly people there who need this home."
Drew, disappointed, nodded solemnly and turned to go. "But how are you getting home?" Belinda asked him. "Oh, I'll find a carriage," he said, shrugging his shoulders. "Nonsense," insisted Belinda, "Windsor will drive you." Drew began to argue, but it looked as if Belinda had quite
made up her mind.
"I'll even ride along. . . if you don't mind," she said with a smile, and Drew agreed helplessly.
Belinda could sense it, but she had no idea why Drew seemed to be withdrawn. She was unaware of the discouraging thoughts racing through the mind of her companion since he had discovered her true situation--that she was a very wealthy
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woman. Instead, she thought about the wonder of their finding each other in Boston. She was reveling in the fact that they were able to enjoy each other's company. She relived the moments spent together and looked forward to many such happy times in the future.
And then Belinda remembered her plans for going home, and her heart sank within her. It was obvious to her that Drew planned to stay on in Boston. He had a promising future with an established law firm. He would be foolish to give up all that for. . . for a hometown girl.
Belinda suddenly shivered. There seemed to be more than a hint of fall in the air. A strange silence fell between the two sharing the carriage.
"I have discovered several ways that we can go," Mr. Keats began on Belinda's next visit. "But in each case it will involve setting up a trust and administrators."
Belinda nodded.
"The main issue is what kind of trust you wish to set up." "What choices do I have?" asked Belinda.
"Well, we could set it up under the city administration. They do have a concern committee to care for the homeless. Your proposal might fit into their program."
Belinda considered that.
"Or," Mr. Keats went on, "we could set it up under a church. They have contacts with the needy and could administer it as they see fit."
Belinda spent another period of time thinking of that possibility.
"Or," continued the attorney, "we could set it up independently A board quite apart from either of those. Self-governed and self-controlled."
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Belinda thought some more. "I favor that idea," she finally said.
The man nodded. "One needs to be very careful about choosing the administrators," he cautioned.
"How about an attorney, a banker, a member from the city council, and a church official?" suggested Belinda a bit timidly.
The man nodded. "Good choices," he said, looking surprised. "I would recommend a few more."
"Would you serve on my board?" Belinda dared to ask. Mr. Keats was obviously flattered. "Well, I . . . I would be honored," he replied.
Belinda felt they had finally made a significant step. The rest of the appointment time was spent in discussing possible board members, and when Belinda left, Mr. Keats had her instructions to make the contacts.
Belinda was hoping she might run into Drew. She, wanted to share her good news. And then she remembered that her good news was also bad news . . . at least to her way of thinking. Once the manor affairs were settled, she would have no reason to linger in Boston. She would be saying good-bye to Drew again . . . and this time there was little likelihood that their paths would cross.
I could stay right here and run the manor, Belinda thought. No one would ask me to leave.
But in her heart Belinda knew that was out of the question. She needed, desperately needed, to touch base with her roots again--to discover the real Belinda Davis. She had been living in another world--in many ways a fantasy world--for too long. She didn't belong there, and she wasn't even truly happy in that lifestyle. She hadn't been raised to be a parlor pansy in some magnificent Boston home. She was a simple person at heart. She had learned from her parents to think of others--to seek direction from God as to how she could serve.
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I definitely have to go home. And Drew will be staying on in Boston. There's no use encouraging anything more than friendship. At least I will say my farewell with some kind of dignity, she determined.
In spite of the resolves made on both sides, Drew continued to call Belinda for engagements, and she continued to say yes to each invitation. They attended Drew's small mission church, as previously planned. Belinda was enthralled. It reminded her so much of the small community church back home. The people were openly friendly, the singing so enthusiastic, and the Gospel presented in such a simple but easy-to-understand fashion. Belinda felt right at home. She told Drew her impressions, and he nodded and smiled, looking pleased that she had enjoyed the church.
She didn't find any elderly in need, though she did ask Drew to keep his eyes and ears open.
They attended another concert, enjoyed a Saturday picnic at the park, visited some local museums, and took long walks. And during the time they spent together they were each silently telling themselves that they were enjoying a simple friendship--nothing more--because the circumstances would not allow for anything else. But within each heart, the feelings were growing more and more intense.
Things can't drag on like this, Belinda told herself as the first snowfall of the year swirled about the manor. I must get things settled here once and for all and be offfor home.
She spent the morning on the telephone, and by the time she was through, five residents had been secured for the manor. The big house would soon be filled with activity.
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I still need help for Mrs. Potter, Belinda reminded herself. Mrs. Simpson! she thought suddenly in a flash of inspiration. Drew would be happy to have his mother here, Belinda reasoned. She could help in the house and Sid could go to school. It seemed like a fine plan to Belinda, and she couldn't wait to discuss it with Drew.
When he phoned that evening, Belinda was quick to put her idea to him. At first he seemed a bit hesitant, but the more Belinda talked, the more he seemed to agree.
"Do you think she would consider it?" Belinda asked. "I'm sure she would," Drew admitted. "She has wanted to return to the city for a long time."
"But would she mind. . . mind working with Mrs. Potter?"
"Mother was never afraid of hard work," Drew answered. He thought for a moment and then said, "We might even be able to find something for Sid."
"I thought he should be in school," Belinda told Drew. "He could help part-time here at the manor with some of the extra chores and take classes at one of the local universities."
"You have thought of everything, haven't you?" Drew chuckled.
"You think it will work, then?" asked Belinda.
"I think Mother would be delighted," Drew said honestly.
So Belinda sent off a letter with two train tickets and an advance of cash enclosed and held her breath until she received the reply. Mrs. Simpson and Sid would be arriving on the twenty-fifth of November. With a great feeling of excitement she called Drew.
It was a cold, wintry day when Belinda prepared to meet the incoming train. She had first thought she would send Windsor on his own but then realized the Simpsons might be more comfortable being met by someone they knew. Drew had
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offered to meet the train, but Belinda insisted she had more time for that than he did. "Come in the morning to see them," she invited.
Belinda was glad she had decided to meet the Simpsons herself. Both mother
and son seemed somewhat uncomfortable and nervous. Windsor saw to the baggage, and Belinda led the two travelers to the waiting carriage.
"It's cold tonight," she told them. "Be sure to wrap the blankets around you." She passed them two of the heavy blankets Windsor had placed in the carriage and proceeded to bundle herself carefully in her own blanket. The two passengers followed her lead.
She chatted about their hometown and drew bits of information from Sid. He had grown up since Belinda had last seen him, and she was impressed. He had turned out to be a fine- looking young man. Mrs. Simpson was her usual quiet self, although she did answer Belinda's questions.
When they arrived at the manor, both of the tired travelers seemed to come to life in fascination with their new abode. Even Mrs. Simpson made some comments about its beauty.
Belinda knew that the rules had now changed. Potter was the administrator of the manor and as such would need to make all the decisions concerning the staff. And the Simpsons were staff, even though Belinda would like to have treated them as her guests. So Belinda wisely turned the two weary newcomers over to Potter, knowing they would be served refreshments and shown to their rooms.
Tiredly, Belinda climbed the stairs to her own rooms. She was anxious for a hot bath and a good rest. Drew would be coming in the morning to greet his mother and brother. Belinda could foresee another heart-wrenching day--the emotional trap to keep her here in Boston at odds with her desire to return to her roots.
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TWENTY-ONE Final Preparations
Belinda had hoped to have all the arrangements concerning the manor finished by Christmastime, but as time went by she began to realize that it would be impossible. She eventually gave up on the idea and started to make plans for Christmas in Boston.
Perhaps it is better this way, she thought. Potter may need my help during her first Christmas as administrator. But Belinda secretly wondered if another reason for staying on was to delay saying farewell to Drew.
