An Unexpected Love (35 page)

The guests were beginning to assemble for the afternoon repast, so Amanda assisted the older woman to her feet. “Though I would prefer to continue our chat, I see we are being summoned to join the other guests.”

Mr. Pullman rounded the corner, and Miss Barton joined him while Amanda scanned the crowd for her mother. Beatrice had taken charge of the buffet tables and was ordering the servants as to where to place the food. The children scampered nearby, eager to fill their plates. A moment later she spotted her mother with Mrs. Oosterman. Clearly overdressed for a picnic, the woman wore a hat of blue tulle with black chenille dots and peacock feathers that waved in the afternoon breeze.

She hurried toward the women. Her mother would be aghast to know the guests had already begun to fill their plates. As she approached, Amanda detected the distress in her mother’s eyes.

“No need to deny what I’ve been told by several of your nieces and nephews, as well as your grandchildren, Victoria. What I don’t understand is exactly how I have offended you.” Mrs. Oosterman dabbed her handkerchief to her eyes, although Amanda saw no evidence of tears. “Why weren’t Edward and I invited to the wedding?”

Amanda sighed. They should have given the older children explicit instructions, but who would have thought that one of them would even speak to Mrs. Oosterman, much less tell her about Sophie’s wedding.

“The guests, Mother,” Amanda said, pointing at the veranda. Perhaps she could bring this conversation to an end by diverting Mrs. Oosterman toward the food. Then again, Mrs. Oosterman would likely continue her questions in front of the other guests, and havoc would reign.

“At Sophie’s request, the wedding was a private affair. She asked that only family be present,” Victoria explained.

“Why would a Broadmoor desire an intimate family wedding? I can think of only one reason why she wouldn’t want to celebrate with a huge marriage in Rochester.” Mrs. Oosterman raised her brows and snapped open her fan.

Amanda leaned her head close and was attacked by the swirl of peacock feathers. “Sophie isn’t given to garish displays, Mrs. Oosterman. Some may find that difficult to understand, but I’m certain a woman of
your
taste and refinement can appreciate the fact that we wanted to honor the bride’s wishes.”

“I suppose, but I—”

Amanda grasped her mother’s elbow. “You truly need to see to our guests, Mother. If you’ll excuse us, Mrs. Oosterman?”

“Thank you, my dear,” her mother whispered when they were out of earshot. “I doubt that is going to silence Mrs. Oosterman’s loose lips, but at least I won’t have to endure any more of her questions.”

“Mrs. Oosterman will likely talk, but we must simply apply one of Miss Barton’s rules of action.”

“And what would that be?”

“Unconcern for what cannot be helped.” Amanda grinned. “I think it pertains to our circumstance, don’t you?”

“I suppose it does. We certainly can’t control what Mrs. Oosterman will or will not do, and there’s no need to concern ourselves further. Did Miss Barton have any other rules of action?”

“Control under pressure.”

Victoria laughed. “I do believe I could have used that rule earlier this morning.”

23

Monday, July 4, 1898

Sophie stopped in the hallway outside her cousins’ bedroom and listened to snatches of an angry argument floating up the stairway. The voices of her sisters Beatrice and Nadine and Aunt Victoria were easily distinguished, although she couldn’t figure out any of the others. From what she could hear, many of them were unhappy, and she was the cause.

Before turning the knob, she tapped on the bedroom door. “Amanda? Fanny?”

Fanny waved her forward. “We’re almost ready to go downstairs for breakfast. Have the other family members begun to arrive?”

Sophie shook her head. “I don’t think so, but it seems Beatrice, Nadine, and their children are all angry because we’re going to remain on Broadmoor Island for our Independence Day celebration. They want to go to either Wellesley or Round Island.”

Amanda shoved a hairpin into her golden tresses. “We’ve celebrated the holiday here on Broadmoor Island several different times. I don’t know why you feel you’ll be faulted for Mother’s decision.”

Sophie didn’t argue. Once they went downstairs, Amanda would hear the remarks for herself. Sophie knew her older sisters well—especially Beatrice, who would continue to grouse for the remainder of the day. Beatrice loved nothing more than an audience, and she would have a large one today. Except for Dorian and Louisa, all of the family members would be in attendance for the final distribution of Grandfather’s estate.

Fanny retrieved several red, white, and blue ribbons from her drawer and waved them at her cousins. “We must keep up the tradition.”

The three girls had pinned the ribbons in their hair every Independence Day since they’d been young girls, and Fanny loved the custom. There had been a few years when Sophie or Amanda had offered an objection because the ribbons didn’t match their dresses, but tradition had always won out.

With their ribbons in place, the three girls left the quiet of the bedroom. “Let’s hope the others have finished their breakfast and we’ll have the dining room for ourselves,” Fanny said.

Sophie stiffened when she caught sight of Beatrice and Nadine. The children had left, no doubt to go outside and play, but her sisters and Aunt Victoria were still in the dining room. She could tell from the set of Beatrice’s jaw that this wasn’t going to be a pleasant breakfast.

“Nice to see the three of you have finally managed to dress and come downstairs.” Beatrice’s disapproving look was followed by a glance at the clock.

Amanda picked up a plate and helped herself to the eggs. “I didn’t know we were on a schedule this morning.”

Beatrice directed an icy glare at her younger sister. “Perhaps you’re not, Amanda, but
married
women generally get up before this time of day.”

“I don’t know why,” Amanda retorted. “We’re on holiday.” She winked at Sophie before adding a biscuit to her plate.

Sophie filled her plate and sat down opposite Beatrice. “I know you’re unhappy that we won’t be going to Wellesley Island, Beatrice, and I do apologize. I’m sure you believe the decision to be my fault.”

Beatrice cocked a brow. “Well, isn’t it? Your hasty wedding has everyone gossiping, and the children will now miss the grand celebration and fireworks at Wellesley.”

“I’m certain you are loath to miss the gossip, Beatrice, but if you’ll recall, this isn’t the first time we’ve remained on Broadmoor Island to celebrate the holiday. Last year we weren’t even on the island in time for Independence Day. We celebrated in Rochester.”

“Which is even more reason to enjoy the Wellesley celebration this year,” Beatrice said in a smug, haughty tone. “If we don’t, the children will be so disappointed.”

“I doubt the children will suffer overmuch. There will be fireworks and games and more than enough family members with whom you can discuss my hasty marriage.” Sophie plunged her fork into a mound of scrambled eggs and returned her sister’s icy glare.

“Besides, Father has ordered fireworks, and unlike that one year, they’ve arrived early and are ready for use,” Amanda added. “So stop whining about the children’s disappointment. They will have plenty to keep them occupied.”

Aunt Victoria forced a smile. “Now, now, I don’t think we need to begin our day with an argument. What time do you think we should eat this evening? Jonas wants to have the distribution this afternoon. Shall we eat immediately following?”

“I think that would be wise, since Beatrice will probably have enough questions and complaints to keep the meeting in progress until well after the supper hour,” Sophie said.

“I am not going to dignify that remark with a response.” Beatrice pushed away from the table. “I’ll be outside if you should need me, Aunt Victoria.” Tipping her chin in the air, she marched out of the room with Nadine following close behind.

Fanny giggled. “I do hope it doesn’t begin to rain. Poor Beatrice will drown.”

Aunt Victoria ignored the remark. “If you girls will excuse me, I need to speak with Mrs. Atwell and some of the other servants.”

“Beatrice truly is quite mean. Do you think it’s because she’s terribly unhappy?” Fanny asked.

Sophie shrugged. “I’m not certain, but I do feel sympathy for poor Andrew. I wonder how he bears to live with my sister’s constant tirades. Then again, perhaps she doesn’t act this way when she’s not around the rest of the family.” Sophie was skeptical about the soundness of that idea because her sister had been quick to criticize and gossip from an early age, but she would at least give Beatrice the benefit of the doubt.

“Would you like to do anything special this morning, or shall we go and play croquet with the children?” Amanda asked.

“I don’t want to play croquet,” Sophie said, “but I’ll come and watch if you two want to play. I do feel as though I’ve ruined the day for both of you. I’m sorry you’re going to miss all of the fun at the other islands.”

“You seem to forget that it was you who enjoyed those parties, Sophie. Amanda and I went along merely to keep you company. We’re happy to remain on the island. We’ll have a lovely time.”

After finishing their breakfast, the three girls strolled to one of their favorite picnic spots, where they could visit in private and enjoy the view of passing boats.

“When will Paul arrive?” Fanny asked, picking a wild flower and tucking it into her hair.

“He should be here this afternoon. He planned to take some of the children from the Home to the Independence Day parade in Rochester this morning. I don’t know if he’ll remain there to help with their picnic or not.”

“For a recently married man, he’s been in Rochester a great deal,” Amanda said. “I’m sure Beatrice has been taking note of his absence.”

“Most of the men travel back and forth, and everyone knows of Paul’s dedication to his work,” Fanny offered.

Sophie shrugged. “I’m also certain he’s more comfortable in Rochester, where he can sleep in his bed instead of on the floor.”

Fanny grasped Sophie’s elbow. “On the
floor
?”

Amanda chuckled. “How did you get him to agree to that arrangement?”

“I explained that one of us would be sleeping on the floor. Then I counted on the fact that he was too much of a gentleman to force me from the bed.”

Amanda chuckled. “Well, no wonder he’s returned to work so soon. Who can blame the poor man?”

“He has been searching for a place for us to live. There’s so little room in Father’s house, and Paul prefers we have a place of our own before the baby arrives.”

Fanny nodded. “I agree. Especially since they work together all day. I wouldn’t think he should have difficulty locating a suitable house.”

“His ministry work at the Home pays a meager salary, and Father insists they can’t afford to pay him more. I spoke to Father privately, and he said the board of directors must approve any increase. He doubts they’ll agree, since they’ve been working to raise enough money for the new addition. And with the loss of that huge pledge Wesley made . . .”

“Surely there must be something,” Amanda said.

Sophie nodded. “Eventually he will locate a place. Even so, it can’t be much on his earnings—a room or two in a boardinghouse or a small apartment in one of the tenements near the Home.”

Amanda clasped a hand to her bodice. “Dear me! You can’t live in one of those tenements. Not long ago Dr. Carstead and I treated an infant who lived in one of those places. A rat had gnawed off part of his ear while he slept.”

Sophie covered her ears. “Amanda! Don’t speak of such things.”

“Well, it’s true. You’re going to have a baby, and you must consider your living conditions. It would be better to remain cramped in your father’s small house than to—”

“One moment!” Fanny waved for their silence. “I have money— lots of money. I will purchase a house for you and Paul.”

“Oh, Fanny, what a kind and generous offer. But I don’t think Paul would ever agree to such a thing. Like most men, he is proud.”

“Then you must let me explain to him that I am doing this because you and Amanda are like sisters to me and the only real family I have. Also, he is a man who preaches God’s Word. He should understand that it would bless me to do this for you.”

Sophie frowned. “I’m not sure.”

“If he does not agree, then I will remind him of the rats,” Amanda said.

“Paul is a practical man. I don’t think that will be necessary.” Fanny took Amanda’s hand in her own. “And when you marry, I will purchase a home for you, too.”

“Since I have no prospects on the horizon, I doubt you’ll have to fulfill the offer. But I do thank you for your kindness, Fanny.” Amanda squeezed her cousin’s hand. “After visiting with Clara Barton, I think I’ve decided on a career that will prove fulfilling. And I will come and visit the two of you and spoil your children.”

Sophie pointed to the
DaisyBee
making its way toward the island. Even from the hilltop, she could see there were a number of passengers aboard. The house would be brimming with relatives by the time they returned. She glanced at her cousins, thankful they’d had each other through the years. They had bonded as young girls, and though time had tested them on occasion, their friendship and love had remained strong. They had remained a threefold cord that had never been broken. Sophie smiled as she recalled the many times her grandmother had recited a favorite Bible verse to them when they were young:
And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. “Always remember that verse,”
she’d instructed. And they had.

Sophie had been present on the dock for each of the last three arrivals of the
DaisyBee.
Not because she had any desire to welcome the influx of relatives, but because she wanted to be present to greet Paul when he arrived. She cupped her hand to her forehead as Mr. Atwell turned and made the approach toward the dock. She waved her handkerchief and saw her husband wave in return. Her heart raced with anticipation as the boat came alongside the dock and he stepped out to greet her.