A Daughter's Inheritance Page 10

  One way or the other, he’d have Langley’s share for himself, and Quincy need not think he’d share in it, either. He’d given Quincy his chance. At the very least, with a bit of finagling, he’d mange to skim and pilfer a goodly portion of her inheritance with no one becoming the wiser.

  After stubbing out the cigar, Jonas pulled his chair near the window and stared down below. Amanda, Sophie, and Fanny were gathered together on the front lawn enjoying a game of croquet, while Jefferson and George, along with several of the younger children, shouted instructions from the sidelines. Fanny waved and Jonas watched as Michael Atwell approached from the far end of the lawn.

  Fanny touched his arm and then perched on tiptoe to whisper into Michael’s ear. The young man laughed and nodded while Amanda and Sophie continued knocking the croquet balls toward the metal hoops. Michael withdrew something from his pocket and then held out the object for Fanny to examine. Jonas leaned forward, his forehead touching the glass. What did Michael hold in his hand? Whatever it was, the object had captured Fanny’s interest. It appeared the young man had a way with the girls—first Theresa and now Fanny. If the young boatswain continued his amorous behavior, one of the local girls would have him at the altar before long.

  Jonas continued to stare at the young couple. He paced back and forth, his gaze flickering down toward the lawn each time he passed the windows until he recalled his conversation with Mortimer Fillmore. They had discussed the possibility of an arranged marriage for Fanny.

  He stopped. Fanny had placed her croquet mallet in the stand and was strolling toward the boathouse with Michael. He’d have to find additional work to keep that young man busy! Fanny tucked her hand into the crook of Michael’s arm. From all appearances, she was encouraging the young man’s advances. Surely young Atwell didn’t think he could woo one of the Broadmoor girls. Jonas would never permit such a liaison. If anyone thought Hamilton Broadmoor’s granddaughter was being courted by the hired help, she’d be blacklisted from ever making a proper marriage.

  Jonas massaged his forehead. An arranged marriage was exactly what he needed for Fanny. And it looked like he needed to move swiftly. He would begin to prepare a list of possibilities. With a word to his business associates, he could surely locate the names of a number of possible candidates with the proper lineage and little intelligence. That was precisely what he needed. Unless he could arrive at some other solution, he must find the perfect marriage partner for his niece.

  “I missed you,” Fanny told Michael as they walked along the island path to her special place. She had brought a bouquet of flowers to put there in memory of her father, just as she did every year.

  “I missed you, too, although I have been quite busy. We built a new boathouse that kept us occupied.”

  “I saw it. I thought it looked grand.” She gathered her skirt and climbed down the rocky trail to where she used to sit with her father.

  The tree where she’d found him dead still stood as a reminder. Fanny could almost see him there. She bit her lip and forced back tears. How could it still hurt so much after all these years?

  “I don’t know if it’s a good idea for you to keep coming back here,” Michael said as he came alongside her. “It seems to only make you sad.”

  “It’s not just sadness,” Fanny told him. “It’s the wondering about what might have been. I miss him so much. I miss my mother, too, but I suppose that seems silly.”

  “Never. Everyone longs for a mother’s love.”

  His voice was soothing and very compassionate. Fanny couldn’t help but look up into his eyes. No one in the world mattered more to her now. “I’m glad you understand.”

  “I do. I can still remember that day—finding Mr. Broadmoor here. It seems like just yesterday.”

  “I know,” Fanny agreed. “I always wished Papa would have left me a letter or something to show that he was thinking of me—that he loved me.”

  “His actions showed that every day,” Michael whispered.

  “Every day but the last,” she countered. “If he had loved me that day, he would never have left me.”

  Michael reached out and gently touched her shoulder. “He loved you that day, too, Fanny. His pain caused his actions, but it couldn’t take away his love for you.”

  “I suppose you’re right.” She placed the flowers at the trunk of the tree and then straightened. “I’m so glad to be back here—on the island—with you.”

  He smiled and the look he gave her caused Fanny’s heart to skip a beat. If possible, he was even more handsome than he’d been the year before.

  “It always seems to take forever before the winter and spring pass and you return. I always fear this will be the year you won’t come back.”

  Fanny laughed. “I’ll always come back, Michael. This is my home. I love it here more than anywhere else on earth. I’ll never leave it . . . or you . . . for good.”

  9

  Later the same afternoon, the three girls sauntered across the lawn until they reached their favorite spot beneath one of the large fir trees that dotted the lower half of the grassy expanse. They carefully positioned their blankets to gain a view of the river—watching the water flow by was one of Fanny’s favorite pastimes on warm afternoons such as this.

  Sophie tucked her dress around her legs and leaned against the trunk of the ancient conifer while Amanda settled between her two younger cousins. Sophie had promised to give them a full account of the Independence Day party she had attended at Brown Square. Though Amanda and Fanny had been much too frightened to sneak off with Sophie that day, they both were eager to hear the details now.

  Fanny brushed a persistent fly from the sleeve of her striped shirtwaist. “Well? Did you have as much fun as you expected?”

  Sophie bobbed her head. “Of course. In fact, even more. I met two wonderful young men who were ever so sad to hear I would be leaving Rochester for the summer. They’ve promised to come calling the minute I return to town. Both of them were quite handsome, too.” She giggled and tucked a curl behind her ear. “Promise you won’t tell a soul, but I permitted one of them to remove my shoes so I could get my feet wet.”

  Amanda gasped and clutched her bodice. “Please tell me that’s all you let him remove.”

  “If you’re worried about my stockings, fear not, Amanda. I would have preferred to remove them, but it didn’t seem prudent at the time. Instead, I waded in with them on. The men thought me a good sport.” Sophie leaned forward and sighed. “They were both so attentive all evening. I think they were competing to see which one would have the privilege of escorting me home. The boys offered to buy me some of the German beer that was for sale in the park, but I told them I didn’t like the taste. Do you know what Wilhelm did then?”

  Amanda quirked her brows. “I can only imagine.”

  “He went and got me a large cup of fruit punch.” Sophie glanced over her shoulder. “And then he removed a silver flask from inside his jacket and poured some whiskey into the punch. It was wonderful.”

  Amanda’s eyes grew wide. “That’s disgraceful, Sophie. Those boys were likely hoping to get you drunk in order to take advantage of you.” She grasped Sophie’s hand. “Please tell me that didn’t occur.”

  Sophie laughed. “You need not worry, Amanda. It would have taken more than that to render me defenseless.”

  “You’re accustomed to imbibing alcoholic drinks?” Fanny’s mouth gaped.

  “I’ve had more than my share, I suppose. Oh, do close your mouth, Fanny. There are far worse things than alcohol. I could tell you about them, but I fear both of you would faint—and how could I possibly explain that to the family?” Sophie pointed toward a launch filled with summer visitors. “I’d guess they’re on their way to the party at Hopewell Hall. I do wish your mother would have given permission for us to attend. I’d love to sneak off to that party, but this isn’t like being at home. Here, I have your mother watching after my comings and goings.”

  There was little doub
t Sophie was unhappy. She’d been pouting ever since discovering Aunt Victoria had sent regrets to the Browning residence on Farwell Island. Several of William Browning’s grandsons were hosting a party at their grandfather’s island, and all three of the girls had hoped to attend. Even Fanny enjoyed the occasional gatherings hosted at the home of the man who had spawned his fortune making uniforms for the Union Army during the American Civil War. Hopewell Hall provided a spectacular view from its perch high above the river, and though Fanny didn’t care about mingling with the elite, she did enjoy exploring every island she visited and watching the variety of boats and barges that consistently dotted the waterway.

  Amanda patted Sophie’s folded hands. “There will be parties all summer long, dear Sophie. Mother wanted us all in attendance to welcome your sister. After all, this has been a trying time for Louisa and her children.”

  Sophie shrugged. “My entire life has been trying.”

  Fanny giggled.

  “Don’t you dare laugh at me, Fanny. You have no idea of the difficulties I’ve been forced to endure.”

  Fanny leaned forward and peeked around Amanda. “You are so dramatic, dear Cousin. I fear I haven’t noted the many tragedies you’ve suffered. Do tell us of all your horrid life experiences so we may commiserate with you.”

  Ever melodramatic, Sophie gazed heavenward and exhaled deeply. “How could you possibly fail to notice, Fanny? While my mother was alive, she was always consumed with my brother and sisters. Even when they were gone from home, she didn’t have time for me. She was either worried about Dorian being forever lost to her in the Canadian backcountry or worried about my sisters’ marriages and the births of her grandchildren. There was never time for me.”

  “You may be exaggerating just a wee bit,” Amanda said.

  “And how would you know, Amanda? Your mother is constantly at your beck and call. You don’t know what it’s like to be ignored by your mother. While Mother was alive, my father spent all his time working for Grandfather and was seldom home. As for me, I don’t miss either of them.”

  “Sophie Broadmoor! How can you say you don’t miss your mother?” Amanda clucked her tongue.

  “You can’t miss what you never had.” Sophie’s rebuttal dripped with sarcasm.

  “That’s not true,” Fanny declared. “I never knew my mother, but I feel a deep longing in the pit of my stomach at the very thought of her. You were fortunate to have your mother for so many years. One day you’ll agree with me. And you should make an effort to spend time with your father, too. If something should happen to him, you’ll regret not having made the effort.”

  Sophie groaned. “Haven’t you become the idealistic soul! My father is so consumed with his Home for the Friendless that I could disappear from the face of the earth and months would pass before he even realized I was gone.”

  “You do have a flare for the dramatic,” Amanda said with a chuckle. “And if your father is so uncaring, why does he provide aid to the homeless and why does he make an appearance on the island during the middle of the week? My father seldom arrives until Saturday afternoon and departs on Sunday evening or Monday morning. He’s rarely on the island, yet I don’t condemn him as heartless.”

  “I suppose that’s because you’re a better person than I am. And don’t think my father is here because he’s interested in my welfare. Do you see that young man he met at the dock only a few minutes ago?”

  Fanny and Amanda strained forward and watched their uncle crossing the lawn with a young man they’d never before seen. Fanny cupped her hand over her eyes and squinted. “Who is he? I don’t believe I’ve met him.”

  “You haven’t. He’s Paul Medford, father’s new protégé and a recent graduate of Bangor Theological Seminary. You’ll notice Father has scads of time for Paul. He clings to every word young Mr. Medford utters.”

  “He works for your father? Doing what?” Amanda asked.

  Sophie turned her back on the two men as they continued toward the house. “Father advertised in the newspaper and contacted several divinity schools, stating he planned to hire a man to live at the shelter—someone who had a heart for ministering to the less fortunate and was willing to reside on the grounds with all those friendless people he takes in.” Sophie wrinkled her nose. “According to Father, Paul is a gift from God, a man who seeks nothing more from life than helping his fellow man. The man is a true bore. He thinks of nothing but God and those wretched people who live at the shelter.”

  “I think he’s quite handsome,” Fanny remarked.

  “I find him somewhat plain,” Amanda observed, “but I’m sure he must be very kind.”

  “I suppose because I am rather plain, I attempt to find beauty in the simple,” Fanny said.

  Amanda chuckled. “You are far from plain. With your beautiful skin, those auburn curls, and beautiful brown eyes, you are a beauty.”

  Fanny didn’t argue with her cousin. If the conversation continued, they would think she was begging for compliments, but compared to her cousins, she was very ordinary.

  Sophie leaned close to Amanda. “Paul would be perfect for you, Amanda. Just like you, he thinks people should spend all their time serving mankind through charitable works.”

  Fanny leaned against the tree while her cousins argued about Paul Medford and Amanda’s aspirations to perform charitable work. They all three realized the one who would have the final say in Amanda’s future would be Uncle Jonas. They also understood that he wouldn’t agree to his daughter’s seeking a career. He would expect Amanda to wed. He would insist her husband be a man of wealth and position, regardless of Amanda’s personal desires or the physical appearance of her intended. Amanda was his only daughter, and Uncle Jonas would not permit her to marry some beggarly fellow who didn’t meet his expectations. For years, Amanda had worked alongside her mother performing charity work, and her mother knew of her desire to continue with such endeavors. But her father had also made his desires known: she could perform her charity work as a married woman, just as her mother had done before her.

  A passing launch drew close to the water’s edge, and several of their friends waved and hollered greetings. “They’re likely on their way to Hopewell Hall. I do wish my sister would have chosen some other day for her arrival. You might know that she had to select the day when the Brownings are hosting their party.” Sophie pulled a handful of grass and tossed it into the air.

  “We’ll be attending parties, dances, and picnics all summer long, Sophie. You may as well cheer up. Your continued pouting hurts no one except yourself.” Amanda waved to the group as they continued down the river. “And I’d think you’d want to offer a show of support for Louisa. Life can’t be easy for her with three little children and so recently a widow, too.”

  “Louisa should have no difficulty. Her husband left her with a handsome inheritance. She had best keep her purse strings tied or Father will be seeking a large contribution for his Home for the Friendless.”

  “Sophie! What a terrible thing to say.” Amanda frowned at her cousin. “You’ve become quite disparaging of late, and it doesn’t suit you well.”

  “Say what you will. I know my father. He had Paul arrive today so it would coincide with Louisa’s arrival. Oh, what if he’s planning some wild matchmaking scheme between the two of them? Now wouldn’t that make for an interesting summer!”

  Fanny couldn’t believe Sophie’s flippant attitude. “Louisa’s husband has been dead for less than a year. Your father would never consider such a thing.”

  Sophie pulled her hair off her neck and bunched it together atop her head. “You must admit it’s a delicious idea. If Amanda has no interest in Paul, I shall mention him as a possibility to Louisa myself.”

  “You wouldn’t! Promise me you’ll do no such thing.” Fanny reached across Amanda and grasped Sophie’s arm. “If you’re angry with your father, then talk to him, but don’t add to your sister’s pain and bereavement with such irresponsible antics.”

 
; “Oh, I suppose you’re correct. Louisa isn’t to blame for our father’s behavior.”

  Fanny gave a sigh of relief. She couldn’t believe her cousin would entertain such a foolish idea. Then again, after hearing of Sophie’s behavior at the Independence Day party, Fanny knew she shouldn’t be surprised. Obviously, the breach between Sophie and her father had widened considerably during the past year. It seemed Sophie hoped to gain her father’s attention with her outlandish behavior. Instead, he seemed even more distant and aloof.

  “It appears your sister has arrived while we’ve been discussing her future.” Amanda pointed toward the dock. Louisa was holding a child by each hand as the Little Mac slowly moved away from the dock.

  Sophie shaded her eyes and looked. “I suppose we should go down and see if she needs our help.”

  When Sophie made no move to get up, Fanny jumped to her feet. She extended her hand and helped Amanda up from the grassy slope. “Come on, Sophie. Let me help you up.”

  “There’s no rush. And where are the servants? Don’t they see her down there with her luggage and the children?” Sophie slowly got to her feet. Before heading off with her cousins, she stopped to fold the blankets and stack them beneath the tree.

  The wails of the little boys were carried on a rush of wind as they walked alongside their mother. Louisa bent down to pick up one of the boys, and the other immediately ran from her side. The child fell as he reached the graveled path, and the nanny hurried to lend aid to Louisa and the injured child.

  “Hurry, Sophie. Louisa needs our help with the children and her baggage,” Fanny shouted. A sudden wind whipped at the girls’ skirts, and whitecaps crested the breaking waves. “There’s a storm moving in. We’d better get the luggage before it begins to rain.”