“So would I,” Millicent and Elizabeth said at the same time.
“We’d need to get an early start. We can take the El partway and then use the trolley,” Luke said. “Does everyone want to go?”
“Yes, let’s.” Julia grinned. “I’m off this Saturday and I haven’t been in ages.”
It appeared everyone would be able to go—even Mrs. Heaton.
“I’d like to join you all, and I’m sure Michael and Violet might like to go, too.”
“The more the merrier,” Luke said.
“May I ask Colleen if she’d like to take the boys?” Kathleen asked. For now her sister and Ida had decided to take turns watching the children on Saturdays as only a few were left there on that day. And they were both off on Sundays. She thought Ida would be in charge this Saturday. “They’ve never been, either.”
“Of course!” Elizabeth said. “They’ll love it.”
“I’ll walk over with you after dinner so you can ask, if you’d like,” Luke offered. “Or you can telephone her.”
“Thank you, Luke. I’d love to go visit them for a bit.” Mrs. Heaton didn’t have many rules but she was firm about not letting the women go out alone after dark. One of the male boarders would escort them where they wanted to go and back to Heaton House.
Once dinner was over, Luke said, “Are you ready?”
“Let me run up and get my wrap and I’ll be right back,” Kathleen said.
He nodded. “I’ll be in the parlor. Just call me when you’re ready.”
Kathleen met up with Elizabeth, Julia and Millicent at the landing. They were talking about what to wear the next day.
“Oh, I need some advice for that, too. But I don’t want to keep Luke waiting and I’d like to see the boys before Colleen puts them to bed.”
“Just come to my room when you get back,” Elizabeth said. “I’ll tell you what we’re wearing and we can choose something for you.”
“Thank you, Elizabeth. I’ll do that. See you all later.”
Kathleen hurried to her room and grabbed a lightweight shawl before heading back down to the parlor.
Evidently Luke had been waiting for the sound of her footsteps, for he joined her just outside the parlor door.
“I’m ready if you are,” Kathleen said.
“At your service, ma’am.” Luke opened the front door and they headed to her sister’s.
Luke offered her his arm and she took it, knowing by now that he was only being gentlemanly. Still it brought her into closer contact with him and her heart fluttered. But she didn’t want to appear rude by not taking his arm. Thankfully, he never overstepped the bounds of being a gentleman and she was sure he never would.
“Are you looking forward to tomorrow?”
“I am. What’s it like?”
“Oh, it’s very interesting and there are a lot of rides I’m sure the boys will love. Have you ever been on a roller coaster?”
“No, I never have and of course neither have they. But we’ve seen pictures of them.”
“What about a carousel? Have they ever ridden one of those?”
“No.”
“Well, then, I’m getting more excited by the minute about showing it to you and them. It’s going to be a fun day.”
“But what if Colleen doesn’t go?”
“I’ll look forward to showing it to you and then again to them at another time.”
The evening was quite nice and Kathleen enjoyed the walk to her sister’s. They were welcomed in as if they hadn’t seen them in a very long time. The boys hugged Kathleen and then gave their attention to Luke.
“I’m not sure whether to be insulted or not.”
Her sister looked at her. “Oh, Kathleen, you know they love you. But they haven’t seen Luke in a while and he found a place in their hearts when I was so sick and he took them to fly kites.”
“I know. I was only teasing.”
“Well, come out to the kitchen with me and I’ll get some refreshment while they are playing with Luke. What brings you over tonight? Have you heard from Rose?”
She shook her head. “She said they’d have a decision by Monday.”
“I’m sure they are going to say yes. They’d be plumb crazy not to and I told them so when they came over this afternoon.”
Kathleen took a seat at the kitchen table and watched her sister pour glasses of lemonade—a treat they’d rarely been able to afford.
“I made some cookies today. The boys will be happy to have another before bedtime.”
“Well, before we go in, I’ll let you know one of the reasons we came this evening.”
“You have a reason other than you miss us?” Colleen grinned at her and Kathleen smiled back. It was so good to see her sister the way she used to be—long ago before Clancy.
“I do. We’re all going to Coney Island tomorrow and wondered if you and the boys might want to join us.”
“Oh, my, they would love to go. And Ida is in charge tomorrow. So, yes! We will go.” The smile left her face but joy was in her eyes. “Oh, Kathleen, do you know how good that felt? To say ‘yes, we will go’?”
“I have an idea.” Kathleen crossed the room and hugged her sister. They rocked back and forth for a few moments and then Colleen brushed at her eyes.
“The good Lord has seen us through, hasn’t He?” she asked.
“Oh, yes, He has.”
Colleen let out a big sigh and smiled. “Let’s get these things on a tray and go tell the boys they are going to Coney Island tomorrow. I don’t think they’ll believe me.”
Kathleen laughed as she took in the tray of cookies while her sister took in the lemonade she’d made earlier. “If they don’t now, they will tomorrow.”
“You know, I don’t think I will tell them tonight. They’ll never get to sleep if I do. I’ll wait until the morning.”
“Good idea.”
And it was. The boys were already wound up, playing with Luke. Kathleen smiled as she watched them arm wrestle. He won once and then let the boys each win once. He was so good with them. He should have children of his own to play with. Her heart skittered at the very thought. He’d have to be married first and— She didn’t want to think about that. If he found someone and got married, she knew their friendship would never be the same. At that thought her heart twisted. No. She couldn’t think about it. Wouldn’t let herself.
She lifted the plate of cookies high. “Cookie, anyone?”
The boys hurried over and Luke followed. She gave the boys theirs and then handed him a cookie, leaning forward to whisper, “Colleen said they’ll go but she doesn’t want the boys to know. Said they’d never sleep if she did.”
Luke chuckled. “She’s probably right. They’re pretty wound up. She might not let me come see them at night anymore.”
“I shouldn’t.” Colleen came up behind them. “But I wouldn’t deprive any of you from having such a good time.”
“Thanks, Colleen.” Luke took the glass she handed him. “I’ll try not to get them quite so wound up next time.”
They didn’t stay much longer so that Colleen could get the boys settled down and into bed. Luke promised Collin and Brody he’d see them soon and that made both boys happy. Kathleen couldn’t wait to see their faces the next day when they realized they’d spend the day with him.
They headed back home under a moonlit, star-filled sky. Kathleen loved the quiet of the evening.
“Those nephews of yours have changed so much since they moved. They seem full of life and happy. Has your sister said anything about the boys missing their father?”
Kathleen shook her head. “No, not really. We don’t talk about Clancy much. She’ll talk when she’s ready.”
“And you? How are you feeling?”
“I still don’t remember what happened the night I came to Heaton House. Only vague images and, well, I don’t try to remember any more. And I don’t want to ask Colleen—she has enough awful memories to live with. I survived that night and he’s gone. And my sister and the boys are safe. I’ve got a lot of blessings to count.”
“Perhaps I should do some of the same.”
“What’s that?” Kathleen turned her head to look at him.
“Try not to remember the past and count my blessings.”
“You have memories you’d like to forget?”
“I do.”
Of course he did. Didn’t everyone? But he always seemed so strong and sure of himself, Kathleen had never asked much about him. She recalled her vow to start. “Would you like to talk about it?”
“I don’t want to burden you with—”
Kathleen stopped in the middle of the walk and turned to him, hands on her hips. “Luke Patterson, I can’t believe you said that. You have watched over me and protected me from the first day we met. You’ve even let me cry on your shoulder.” She let out a sigh. “How could you possibly think that listening to you could ever be a burden to me?”
* * *
Luke raised his hands in surrender. “I’m sorry. It’s not that I’ve tried to keep any of my life secret—not really. I just haven’t wanted to talk about it. It hurt too much for a long time and then, well, you’ve had a lot to deal with on your own, Kate.”
“I’m sorry, Luke. I shouldn’t pressure you to talk. It’s none of my business anyway. I just want you to know that I am here for you, too.”
Luke’s heart slammed against his chest and he wasn’t sure how to reply. Her words made him want to pull her into his arms and hold her, pour out his heart to her. But she wasn’t ready for that—nor was he. What was he thinking? She hadn’t declared love for him. She’d only made the offer of a good friend and here he was letting his thoughts run away from him.
“Thank you, Kathleen.” Luke took a step forward and began to speak, Kathleen keeping pace beside him. “I haven’t told anyone at Heaton House—haven’t really seen the need to, but your words about not trying to remember made me realize that I haven’t let go of the memories I can’t do anything about. Perhaps I need to sort through them and keep the good ones and say goodbye to the bad ones once and for all.”
“Perhaps it would help to tell someone—it doesn’t have to be me if you aren’t comfortable talking to me about it. But maybe Mrs. Heaton?”
“I have no problem telling you.” He took a deep breath and forged ahead. “Before I came to Heaton House, back home in Texas, I was engaged to be married. My fiancée was a bank teller.” Memories came flooding back and Luke swallowed around the lump in his throat.
“There was a robbery and my Beth was shot. I arrived only moments after, and—” His voice broke and he cleared his throat. “She died in my arms. If only I could have gotten there earlier. I—”
Kathleen stopped and both hands grasped his arm. Luke could never remember her touching him at all other than when they were walking. But now she was grasping his arm and looking at him with tears in her eyes.
“Luke, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to bring you pain. I’m sorry about your Beth, but you must know by now that what happened wasn’t your fault.”
Her words soothed his aching heart and he let out a cleansing breath. “I do now. But it’s been a long time coming. And then there’s been guilt when the memory of her face began to fade. I did love her...with all my heart. But she’s no longer here and—”
“Luke, I believe that is normal. I think anyone would feel the same way. If not for the pictures I have of my parents, I wouldn’t remember what they looked like, either. But you have the memories, even if her face isn’t clear to you.”
“Those are fading now, too, Kate.”
“Maybe it’s the Lord’s way of easing the pain?”
Luke had never thought of it that way.
“Maybe He’s paving the way for you to find someone else?”
He shook his head. The Lord above knew better than anyone that Luke didn’t plan on ever falling in love again. “I don’t think so. But thank you for your thoughts and for listening. It has helped to talk about it.”
“I’m glad. Anytime you want to talk about it, remember I’m here.”
“I’ll remember.” He did feel better. “Now maybe I can put the bad memories to rest and concentrate on my blessings.”
“I hope so.”
Her smile lightened his heart even more. He was blessed to have this woman as a friend. “So do I.”
They walked back to Heaton House then and they entered the foyer. A peek into the parlor told them everyone had gone their separate ways.
“They probably want a good night’s sleep before tomorrow. I am so looking forward to it!” Kathleen said. “I suppose I should see if Elizabeth is still up. She promised to help me pick out something to wear. Thank you for escorting me to Colleen’s—and for sharing with me.”
“Thank you for listening, Kathleen.” He wanted to pull her into his arms but he settled for looking deep into her eyes, seeing the compassion there. “You are one of the blessings I’ll be counting tonight.”
He could hear the quick intake of her breath and his own breath caught in his throat. He watched her chew her bottom lip as if she didn’t know what to say next. Had he overstepped?
“Thank you, Luke. You’re high on my list, too. I suppose the Lord knew we both needed a good friend. Good night. See you in the morning.” With that she turned to hurry up the stairs, leaving Luke to watch.
She disappeared around the landing and suddenly Luke realized Kathleen was much more than just a friend to him—and that his feelings for her seemed to grow with each passing day. And he didn’t have the faintest idea what to do about it. So, he did the only thing he knew to do. He prayed.
* * *
There was a holiday feel to the day the next morning at breakfast when Kathleen came downstairs dressed in the lightweight beige skirt and shirtwaist that Elizabeth had loaned her.
“It will reflect the heat off you. Being outside most of the day, you’ll need it,” she’d said.
Kathleen was pleased to find she was dressed similarly to the other women in the house. And even Colleen had seemed to know what to wear as she showed up in a light-colored dress. The boys both had on light brown knickers and white shirts.
Instead of taking the trolley, Michael had hired an omnibus to take them out to Coney Island. As they all piled in, it was Brody and Collin who had everyone’s attention. There was nothing quite like seeing things through a child’s eyes.
“Where we goin’, Luke?” Brody asked.
“We’re going to Coney Island.”
“Is there pirates there?” Collin asked.
“No. Well, maybe, but not real ones. There are lots of amusements.”
“What’s amusements?”
“Amusements are places that are for entertainment—to have fun at.”
“Oh!” Brody said. “I like to have fun. Is it like arm wrestlin’ with you?”
“Oh, I think you’ll like it better,” Luke said.
“Okay.” Brody grinned and looked out the window. “Is it a long ways?”
“It’s farther than you’ve been before, Brody,” Colleen said. “And we’re going to go over a bridge to get there.”
“The Brooklyn Bridge?” Collin’s eyes flashed with excitement.
“Yes, that’s the one,” Kathleen said as she brushed his hair out of his eyes.
“Oh, boy! I can’t wait to go over it.” He turned around and got on his knees to join Brody in looking at the passing scenery.
“I can’t wait to see the look on their faces when they actually see the Elephant Colossus!” Luke g
rinned. “They are going to love everything.”
“I think I am, too. What’s the Elephant Colossus?”
“You’ll see.”
The boys’ excitement was contagious and Kathleen couldn’t wait to see the sights any more than they could. Going over the Brooklyn Bridge was quite breathtaking as they left Manhattan behind and headed toward Brooklyn and then Coney Island. It was quite the ride and Kathleen understood why they wanted to get off early.
It was midmorning before they arrived at Coney Island and Luke didn’t have to point out the Elephant Colossus. The boys were overwhelmed at the sight.
“Look, Aunt Kate! Look at the Elephant!” Brody yelled.
“How big is it?” Collin asked.
“It’s 150 feet tall and has all kinds of amusements inside. There are even telescopes inside where you can look out his eyes.”
“I don’t know if I want to get that close to him,” Brody said.
“He won’t hurt you, Brody. It’s not a real elephant after all,” Collin assured him.
Everyone piled out of the omnibus and Kathleen found herself looking to Luke for direction. “Where do we go first?”
“Doesn’t matter. We can just take off in any direction, stop when something interests you or the boys. We’ve got all day and can backtrack if we need to. Just stick with me and we’ll see it all—well, most of it. What we miss now, we’ll see another time. I’m sure the boys would love to go swimming when it warms up.”
“Yes, they would love it,” Colleen said.
“I thought you might ask Officer O’Malley to come with us,” Kathleen said to her sister as they walked along.
“Actually, I did telephone him after you left last night. He’s on duty today and couldn’t come. He was excited for the boys, though. He’s pretty taken with them.”
“Who isn’t?” Luke nodded his head toward Michael, Violet and Mrs. Heaton, who were carrying on a conversation with the boys in front of them. “They’re pretty hard to resist.”
Kathleen’s heart warmed as it always did when Luke talked about Brody and Collin. He was very taken with them himself.
A Place of Refuge Page 17
