Julia rose to kiss Mrs. C.’s cheek. “I’ll never forget your kindness to me when I was in need.”
“It was my pleasure. And if I can do anything to help, just name it.”
Julia paused, then nodded. “Actually, there is one thing. If a man named Dr. Hawkins comes looking for me, please don’t tell him where I’ve gone.”
Instead of going straight back to the Y after seeing Harry, Quinn found himself walking south toward Lake Ontario. Something about the sound of gentle waves lapping against the shore soothed him. When he reached the water, he found a large rock overlooking the shoreline, climbed to the flat top, and sat down.
He raised his head to stare up at the multitude of stars hovering over the water and simply breathed in the magnificent sight. It occurred to him that he’d failed to fully appreciate the beauty of this country. In truth, Canada could give England a run for its money, especially with the vastness of the land and the boldness of its terrain. The various train rides Quinn had taken since his arrival had shown him that.
Now, in the darkness of night, the land gave Quinn a sense of peace and belonging. A feeling that no matter where in the world he traveled, God was with him.
Even if He didn’t answer his prayers exactly as Quinn would have liked.
He picked up a stone and tossed it out into the water, taking pleasure in the way the soft ripples captured the moonlight. If he were a painter, he’d have loved to capture the image on canvas.
It occurred to Quinn that this was the first time he’d simply stopped and lived in the moment. For once he wasn’t plotting his next move, trying to coerce everyone into falling in line with his plans. For now, he let himself simply . . . be.
Maybe Julia had been right earlier. Instead of concentrating on his failures, he should be counting his blessings. All three of his siblings were alive and, for the most part, doing well. He’d had the chance to see each of them in person, give them a hug, and tell them how much he missed them. And he’d managed to get Harry out of a bad situation. Even if nothing else came of this journey, Quinn would be forever grateful for that.
He hoped if his father was looking down on them, it would be enough for him as well.
Quinn lifted his face again to gaze at the sky. “I’ve tried my best, Dad. Worked myself to the bone to provide for Mum and the kids. But it seems their fate is out of my hands now. I suppose we’ll have to wait and see what God has in store for us.”
The wind picked up, blowing Quinn’s hair across his forehead. What a beautiful night. A night meant for romance. His thoughts inevitably turned to Julia, the one bright light in this whole episode.
She continued to surprise him at every turn. She was charming, level-headed, kind, and compassionate. And she possessed a type of unassuming beauty that could bring a man to his knees.
He drew in an unsteady breath.
Lord, I think I’m in love with her, but I don’t know what to do about it.
When he’d begun this journey, his sole purpose in finding Julia had been for his own selfish benefit, namely to gain his own piece of land. But the more he came to know her, the less he cared about that. Now, after they’d shared that amazing kiss, the main reason he wanted her to come back to England was to have more time with her. The mere thought of leaving here and never seeing her again made his heart squeeze with sorrow.
With a sigh, Quinn climbed down, dusted off his pants, and started the walk back to his room, vowing to do his best with the time that remained to change Julia’s mind.
Because going on without her now seemed unbearable.
Once Quinn had left the boardinghouse, Julia finished her tea and headed upstairs to bed. Despite being weary to the bone, she’d promised Harry to come up and see him, and she wouldn’t disappoint the boy. She stopped outside his room and listened for any movement within. After several seconds of silence, she inched the door open and peered inside. The bedside lamp was on, providing her enough light to see Harry sitting back against the pillows, staring into space.
His face brightened as she entered the room. “Miss Julia.”
“Hello, Harry. How are you feeling?”
“Much better now. How was your trip?”
“Very nice.” She moved to the chair beside his bed. “I met your sister. She’s a lovely girl.”
A shadow dimmed Harry’s features. “I miss Becky. It’s been so long that I almost don’t remember what she looks like.”
“Oh, honey. Don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll see her again soon.”
Harry nodded, then looked up with a smile. “Quinn says she might come back to England with us. I hope she does. And Cecil too. That way we can be a real family again.”
Gazing into his expectant face, Julia wished she could do something to ensure his wish came true. That the dear boy would be back with his mother and the rest of his loving family once more. After everything he’d been through, he deserved that stability and happiness. “I hope so too,” Julia said softly.
Harry raised wide eyes to hers. “What about you, Miss Julia? Are you coming with us?”
Julia blinked. “Oh, I . . .” With all her heart, she wished she could say yes, but to give him false hope would be cruel. “Actually, I don’t think so, love. You see, I’m about to start a new job. Which is another reason I wanted to talk to you tonight.” She did her best to ignore his crestfallen expression. “I’m going to work for an elderly lady who needs a companion. But it means I have to live in her house with her.” She softened her features. “I’ll be moving out tomorrow.”
Harry stared at her. “I don’t understand. I thought you were coming to England with us so your uncle would give us a farm to live on.”
Julia frowned. “I think you misunderstood, honey.”
“No, I didn’t.” He shook his head, his mouth set in a petulant line. “Quinn told me your uncle is giving us a farm because he’s so happy Quinn is bringing you home. And we’re all going to live there together. Me and Cecil are going to teach Quinn how to grow crops.”
Julia stiffened on the chair, suddenly recalling Quinn’s odd response when she questioned him about where he and his family would live. His evasive manner. His unwillingness to explain. “I have somewhere in mind. Once I get home, I’ll be able to finalize the details.”
Was this the reason he wouldn’t talk about it? Had Quinn made some sort of bargain with her uncle? Bring Julia home and you’ll get a farm?
“When did Quinn tell you this?” Julia attempted to keep her tone casual.
Harry shrugged. “In the hospital, I think. Before you went to see Becky.”
Before Quinn knew Julia wasn’t going back. Her mind raced, trying to piece together her interactions with Quinn in light of this new information.
She rose on shaky legs and crossed to look out the narrow window in an effort to gain control of her emotions. She wouldn’t let Harry bear the brunt of her outrage at Quinn’s betrayal.
And betrayal it was—on the deepest of levels. Now every action she’d deemed so noble took on the taint of selfishness. Quinn didn’t care about her; he only wanted to use her for his own gain. No wonder he was so insistent she forgive her uncle and return home to make amends.
She pressed a trembling hand to her mouth. How could she have been so naïve? Again.
“Miss Julia?”
She swallowed hard. With Herculean effort, she forced a smile to her lips and turned around. “Yes?”
“Would you read to me?” He held out the book that she’d been reading to him before she left for Peterborough.
She exhaled and nodded. “Of course I will.”
There was nothing she could do about Quinn tonight, and with her new job starting the next day, dealing with his deceit would have to wait for a more opportune time.
But one way or the other, she would get to the bottom of Quinn’s deception. And then she’d let him know—in no uncertain terms—exactly what she thought of his duplicity.
CHAPTER 20
Th
e taxi pulled to a stop in front of a stately white-brick house. While Julia paid the fare, Mrs. Middleton opened the door and stuck her cane out in front of her. Julia hurried around to assist her.
“Just leave the bags on the walkway and I’ll come back for them later,” Julia told the driver.
“No need, miss. I’ll bring them up to the porch.”
“Thank you.” She gripped Mrs. Middleton by the elbow, and they slowly made their way to the front door.
The trembling in the older woman’s limbs proved she was still plagued by weakness.
After pulling a key from her handbag, Mrs. Middleton unlocked one of the double doors, which creaked as it swung inward. “Ah,” she said as she entered. “It’s good to be home.” She took a few steps into the foyer.
Julia looked around the interior. Though dated, the stately home boasted an old-fashioned elegance that time couldn’t dim, from the polished wooden staircase to the flocked green wallpaper that graced the hallway.
“What a lovely house,” she said.
“She’s a bit tired-looking, I’ll admit,” Mrs. Middleton said. “But it’s always been home.”
Julia’s gaze flicked up the grand central staircase. Mrs. Middleton needed to rest before she tackled that climb. “Let me get you comfortable. Where would you like to sit?”
“The parlor will do for now.” Mrs. Middleton pointed to the French doors on the right. “I hope Allison made a fire in here. It gets chilly, even in the summer.” She headed into the parlor, Julia following behind.
The pale blue room was crowded with furniture of every description. Each corner held a table or a bookcase, a chair or an ottoman. As Mrs. Middleton had hoped, a small fire graced the hearth.
Julia helped the woman into a chair near the warmth and pulled a knitted afghan from the ottoman to drape over her lap. “Are you comfortable for a minute while I bring in the bags?”
“I’m fine. These old bones are happy to be back in my familiar seat.”
Julia hurried out to the porch where Mrs. Middleton’s bag, as well as Julia’s case, sat on the top step. She brought them into the foyer and returned to the parlor.
A woman in a black dress with a white collar stood in front of Mrs. Middleton’s chair. The housekeeper, most likely, Julia surmised.
“It’s grand to have you home, ma’am,” the woman said. “The place hasn’t been the same without you. If I’d known you’d arrived, I would have met you at the door.”
“Thank you, Allison. It’s good to be back at last.” Mrs. Middleton looked over. “Oh, here she is now. Julia, please come and meet my housekeeper, Mrs. Banbury. This is Julia Holloway. I’ve hired her as my live-in companion. She will take the room across from mine.”
“Nice to meet you, Mrs. Banbury.” Julia gave the woman a wide smile.
The servant only nodded, her expression less than friendly. Then she turned back to Mrs. Middleton. “I’ll have Mrs. Neville prepare your favorite dish for the evening meal. In the meantime, I’ll make up the guest room.”
“Thank you, Allison.”
“Is there anything else for the moment?”
“No, that will do for now. I believe I may need to lie down for a while.”
Julia moved toward her. “I’ll help you upstairs if you’re ready.”
With a grunt, Mrs. Middleton pulled herself out of the chair.
Before they started up the main staircase, Julia retrieved the woman’s bag. Again, the process was slow, and Mrs. Middleton was breathing heavily by the time they reached the room she indicated was hers.
The housekeeper had been busy, it seemed. The windows were open, allowing a slight breeze to stir the curtains. A large bed with a white iron headboard dominated the room, and a vase of fresh flowers sat on the dresser.
Julia helped the woman to lie down, and spread a light blanket over her. “I’ll check on you later. Have a good rest.”
Mrs. Middleton settled back against the pillows with a sigh. “Welcome to my home, Julia. I hope you’ll be happy here.”
She smiled. “I’m sure I will.”
But as she closed the bedroom door behind her, her thoughts turned to Quinn. Soon, she would have to confront him about his dealings with her uncle. She’d give herself a few days to get settled first, and hopefully by the time she saw Quinn again, she’d be in control of her emotions and able to have a reasonable conversation with him.
Quinn trudged along the sidewalk on his way to the boardinghouse, trying to ignore the way his damp shirt clung to his skin. The intense heat of the summer was one aspect of the city he still hadn’t grown accustomed to, and today it was making him more than a bit irritable.
It had been three days since Quinn and Julia had returned from Peterborough. Three days since Julia had moved in with Mrs. Middleton. Yet it felt more like three years. He missed her warm smile, the amber flecks in her brown eyes, the way her face lit with enthusiasm at every new sight she encountered. He missed sharing his thoughts with her, knowing she’d listen and sympathize with him. Or perhaps even suggest a different course of action.
Now, as he approached Mrs. Chamberlain’s front door, Quinn missed the thrill of anticipation he used to experience, knowing she was inside. Somehow the boardinghouse didn’t hold the same appeal without her.
Even Harry agreed.
As the boy’s health improved, he was becoming restless, unused to lying around with nothing to do. And he complained about Julia not coming to visit him. “Julia brings me cookies,” he whined. “She reads to me and plays cards with me.”
Apparently, Quinn didn’t quite measure up in the visitor department.
“You know Julia has a new job,” he’d reminded Harry. “I’m sure when she has some time off she’ll come ’round.”
“Or maybe when I’m better, you could take me to visit her.” Harry’s face had brightened, his eyes pleading.
“We’ll see.” But Harry’s comment had given Quinn pause. Quite innocently, the boy had let it slip that he still wasn’t fully recovered. Which only reinforced Quinn’s goal for today.
He planned to speak with Mrs. Chamberlain, get her opinion on Harry’s prognosis, and ask her what she thought they should do next. He didn’t want Harry to become a burden. Yet Quinn’s room at the YMCA had room for only one cot. If need be, Quinn could make a pallet on the floor for himself and give Harry the bed, but that arrangement wouldn’t do for long. Perhaps Mrs. C. would have another alternative.
Quinn knocked on the door and shifted from one foot to the other as he waited.
Today he would also ask to use Mrs. C.’s telephone to contact Becky and find out what she had decided regarding coming back to England.
He’d checked into the schedules for ships leaving Halifax for England, and there was one leaving at the end of July. The daunting task of getting all three of his siblings, as well as Julia, on that boat weighed heavily on Quinn. Only his faith allowed him to believe it could be possible. Surely, God hadn’t brought him this far to let him return empty-handed.
“Hello, Mr. Aspinall.” Barbara Campbell, one of the boarders, opened the door with a smile.
“Good morning, Miss Campbell.” He removed his cap. “How are you today?”
“Very well, thanks,” she said with a grin. “You must be here to see that adorable brother of yours.”
“That’s right.” He moved into the foyer. “But I’d like a word with Mrs. Chamberlain first, if she has a minute.”
Barbara rested a hand on her hip. “Sure thing. I’ll get her for you. You can wait in the parlor.”
A few minutes later, Mrs. C. entered the room. “Good morning, Quinten. What can I do for you?” Today, she looked different. All dressed up, as though ready for church.
“You look like you’re heading out somewhere,” he said.
“I am. But I have a few minutes to spare.” She indicated the sofa. “Sit down and tell me what’s on your mind.”
He perched on the edge while she took her usual chair.<
br />
“I wanted to get your opinion about Harry,” he said. “Whether he’s well enough to move in with me at the Y.”
“He’s doing quite well, but surely there’s no rush. We all love having him here.”
“You’re sure he’s not a burden? I don’t want to add to your workload.”
“Nonsense. Harry is a delight.”
“Even without Julia to help care for him?” Quinn fought to keep his tone neutral, though his neck heated under his collar.
“We all miss Julia, of course,” Mrs. C. said. “But the other girls are pitching in to make sure Harry is well looked after. In fact, Mabel stayed on the third floor so Harry wouldn’t be alone.”
“That’s kind of her. Be sure to thank her for me.” Quinn hesitated, attempting to appear casual. “Speaking of Julia, have you heard from her since she moved out?”
“Just once. She called to check on Harry.”
“Did she say how she’s managing in her new post?”
“She likes it quite well so far. Especially her spacious bedroom in Mrs. Middleton’s mansion.”
“Mansion?” Quinn’s head shot up. He’d pictured a little cottage-style house, one befitting a lonely widow. “Is Mrs. Middleton a wealthy woman?”
“I wouldn’t say wealthy, though she’s hardly a pauper. The Middleton mansion has been handed down through the family for three generations. In any case, Julia seems content there.”
Quinn swallowed and loosened his collar. Why wasn’t he happier for her? He should be thrilled she landed the perfect job working for an independent woman of means. But part of him wished she missed him—at least a little.
“Getting used to Mrs. Middleton’s eccentricities will be a bit of a challenge; however, Julia is more than capable of handling it. I have no doubt they will both settle into a mutually beneficial relationship.”
Which meant Julia would have no incentive to return to England. Quinn let out a sigh.
The Brightest of Dreams Page 17
