Unexpected Love Page 16

  He chuckled and correctly guessed her thoughts—as usual. “It’s not as imposing as it looks. Trust me.”

  “Captain, this is the most impressive home I’ve ever seen,” Mum said, while Da stood by, nodding.

  “Thank you.”

  “And the view of Lake Michigan is quite beautiful, Brian.” Da looked out over the gray-blue water. Whitecaps rolled to shore on gusts of wind.

  “I agree. That’s why I chose this very location on which to build this home.” He turned and inhaled deeply. “The fresh lake air is exhilarating, and yet I’m close to downtown and my store and shipping company.”

  “I’m looking forward to the tour.” Da rocked on his heels.

  “Of which? My home or my business?”

  Da appeared momentarily chagrined. “Your home, of course, sir.”

  Brian laughed again. “Let’s go in, shall we? Our luggage will be delivered shortly.”

  They walked up the steps. When they arrived on the front porch, the large doors of the manse swung open, and Mr. Navis greeted them.

  “Welcome home, sir!” He smiled at the Fieldses. “Welcome to Milwaukee and the captain’s humble abode.”

  “Humble, indeed,” Da quipped.

  “Thank you, Richard,” Mum said.

  They moved into the grand foyer, and Brian held out his hand. “You’ve done over, above, and beyond the call of duty here—as always—and I appreciate it immensely.” He turned to explain. “I may have mentioned this in bits and pieces. For the children’s sake, my attorney petitioned the courts to declare me dead so their guardians could be named. I’d chosen Richard and Sarah.”

  “The captain is a wise man.” Richard grinned and puffed out his chest.

  “Or a crazy one.”

  It seemed incredible that Brian could sense Mr. Navis’s reactions.

  “I also appointed Richard to oversee my affairs, along with my trusted attorney, of course. They deemed it in the children’s best interest to remain here in the house until next year, when they planned to move to Richard’s parents’ farm. My children have always loved it in the country.”

  “And they’re there right now, sir. Sarah and I left them in my folks’ capable hands until tomorrow. This way you and the Fieldses will be able to get settled.”

  Brian’s shoulders sagged as if in relief. “A good decision. I’m grateful.”

  As the men talked, Renna’s gaze wandered around the magnificent vestibule with its terrazzo floor. Oil paintings hung on the papered walls. Renna smiled, thinking Mum looked speechless.

  Brian suddenly shrugged out of his overcoat.

  “Here, allow me hang up your wraps.” Richard held out his arms.

  “This is the kind of house I’ve only walked by and marveled at from a distance,” Mum said. “Even some of the more elegant functions I’ve attended because of your business endeavors, Wendell, were never held in a home of this magnitude.”

  “I’m glad you like it, and I hope you’ll soon feel right at home here.”

  Renna caught Richard’s wry grin. Why did he appear so amused?

  At the sound of light footfalls, Renna turned to see a lovely fair-headed woman coming down the front staircase. Her smile seemed tentative. “Hello, Captain Sinclair.”

  “Sarah.” Warmth entered Brian’s tone. “I’ve told Richard that I’m indebted to both of you.”

  “We’re just . . . glad that you’re alive, sir.” Sarah turned to Renna. Her bright blue eyes silently appraised her but didn’t linger on her birthmark. Sarah held out her hand. “I’m Sarah McCabe—”

  Richard cleared his voice loudly.

  “—Navis.” She fought back a laugh. “I’ve been married less than a month, and I’m still adjusting to my new name, although I’m proud to have it.” Her gaze sailed to her husband, and the pair exchanged adoring smiles.

  Renna decided she liked Sarah already. “I’m Renna Fields, and these are my parents, Wendell and Johanna.”

  Sarah gave a polite curtsy. “Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

  “Renna and her family have been instrumental in my recovery,” Brian added.

  “It’s a blessed relief, Captain, that you didn’t turn up like the others.” A pained shadow fell across Sarah’s pale features.

  Richard was at her side in a flash. “This is a happy day.” He hugged Sarah around the shoulders, and she seemed to muster a smile.

  “Well”—the captain brought his palms together and turned the subject away from himself—“I understand I no longer have a housekeeper.”

  “Partially so, Captain,” Richard said. “Mrs. Schlyterhaus’s last letter stated that she’s enjoying her visit in Missouri. She and Sarah’s brothers, along with others, will journey west come next spring.”

  “Hmm . . . ” Brian straightened his russet-colored waistcoat.

  “She, um, doesn’t want to return, sir.”

  “Then I won’t insist upon it. Gretchen deserves happiness like everyone else.”

  Richard and Sarah glanced at each other. Renna thought they seemed surprised by Brian’s reply.

  “But not to worry, Captain,” Sarah said.

  “Right,” Richard announced briskly. “I managed to hire another housekeeper. Her name is—”

  “What’s goin’ on in here?” A wiry little woman entered the vestibule at a breakneck pace. “I may not know much about la-de-da livin’, but I know you don’t leave company in the front hall, grand front hall as it may be. Guests are to wait in the main reception hall—and shouldn’t I be the one to answer the door?”

  Brian drew in a slow breath. “What have you done, Richard?” His voice was just above a dark whisper.

  “Well, um . . . ” Richard smiled, looking a tad less confident than Renna had ever seen him. “This is Hester, Captain. Your new housekeeper.”

  “Captain? Captain?” Hester moved toward him so quickly that she threatened the chignon sitting precariously on top of her graying, light brown head. “Welcome home, sir.” She took hold of Brian’s hand and shook it vigorously.

  Renna swallowed a giggle and noticed that Sarah was hard-pressed to contain her smiles too.

  “I’m pleased as punch to meet you, Captain Sinclair,” Hester prattled on. “Why, this job is the biggest blessing I’ve had all year. I lost my beloved husband eighteen months ago, and I was in sore need of a job and a place to live. Had to sell the farm, and my kids are all grown and gone.” Hester wiped a sudden tear off her cheek. “I just don’t know what I would have done if Mr. Navis here hadn’t approached me after the morning service a few weeks ago.” The woman managed a tiny smile. “But he did, and here I am!”

  “A pleasure to meet you . . . Hester.” Brian gave her a slight bow, and Renna was proud to see him act so gallantly toward the less-than-sophisticated housekeeper. Nonetheless, his disappointment showed. No doubt Brian had wanted his housekeeper to be highbred, at least in the way of household staff.

  “Now, come out of this front hallway at once!” Hester smiled at Renna, then her parents. “Lemme show ya to your rooms. Why, put ’em together, and they’re bigger than my farmhouse was!” Her light laughter echoed through the foyer as she beckoned the Fieldses up the front stairs.

  Renna moved to follow her parents, but Brian caught her hand and pulled her up beside him. “What do you think?” he whispered. “About Hester? Do I need to interview other candidates for a housekeeping position?”

  Renna momentarily fretted over her lower lip. Brian was asking her opinion on the housekeeper? What should she tell him? She had no experience in these matters.

  “Renna,” Brian insisted, “I want your heartfelt opinion, that’s all.”

  “All right. I think you ought to let her stay. Give her a chance.” Renna smiled up into his dark glasses. “There’s something about Hester that’s unpretentious and endearing. I like her.”

  Brian straightened to his full height of more than six feet, looking suddenly as imposing as his home.

  “
She’s very quick, Captain,” Richard added. “Hester had this whole house clean in a matter of hours.”

  “And she loves the children,” Sarah said. “She plays games with them and teaches them funny tricks. They like Hester too. They call her ‘Granny Hester.’” Sarah shook her blonde head. “For some odd reason, the boys think the word ‘Granny’ is hilarious, and Hester wears the title proudly.”

  “My sons never had a granny before.” Brian turned to Renna. “I believe I told you that my mother insisted upon being called her by her first name. She was incensed by the idea of grandmotherhood.”

  “Yes, you said your mother was very unconventional.” Renna had a feeling he missed his mother regardless of her eccentricities.

  “Well, in Hester you’ve got a granny, a governess, and a housekeeper all in one.” Richard wore an enterprising grin.

  Renna raised her brows. Sounded good to her—but what did she know?

  “You really want her to stay, Renna?”

  “It’s not up to me, Brian.”

  “Cast your vote.”

  “All right, then. Hester stays.”

  “Then, that’s my decision too. Hester may stay on as my . . . housekeeper. I’m uncertain about the granny and governess roles as of yet.”

  If Brian hired a nanny, he’d have no need for Renna, really. Meanwhile, she sensed his reservation regarding Hester. Renna could only imagine what all Brian’s elite friends might have to say about the lowbrow servant on his staff.

  And what about her? Renna wondered if they’d take one look at her, with her birthmark, and then at Hester, with her flash-fire efficiency, and they’d think Brian’s head injury damaged more than his sight. His friends would think he’d lost his very mind!

  Sarah managed to pry Renna out of Brian’s grip. “Come with me, Miss Fields. I’ll show you to your room. You must be tired from traveling.”

  “Thank you.” She glanced at her pirate. “Would you mind, Brian?”

  “Go ahead. Richard and I have business to discuss anyway.”

  Glancing back at Sarah, Renna gave her a grateful nod and followed her up the front stairs. They traipsed down a long hallway and then turned to the left. Sarah opened the door to a bedroom with sunny-yellow walls. The curtains on the windows were made of thick ivory lace, as was the wide canopy covering the bed. They complemented the thick Lost Ship quilt, which looked so soft and inviting that Renna longed to curl up on it and go to sleep.

  “This house has seven bedrooms,” Sarah explained. “One suite-like room is on the third floor. It serves as Hester’s quarters. The remaining six are here on the second floor. Those are the captain’s chambers,” she told Renna, pointing down another hallway. “The captain has a bedroom and a dressing room. Then, here, there is a guest bedroom, across from yours, and that’s where your parents will stay. The remaining bedrooms are reserved for a governess and, of course, the captain’s children.” Sarah smiled, although her expression looked uncertain. “I hope you’ll be comfortable here.”

  “Thank you. I’m sure I will.” Renna walked farther into the room and began to remove her bonnet. “Where do you and Mr. Navis stay?”

  “We had taken over the captain’s suite down the hall, but since he’s not really dead . . . I mean . . . ” Her cheeks turned crimson.

  Renna smiled. “I know what you mean.”

  “We’ve since moved our things back to the farm, where Richard’s folks reside. However, we’ll probably stay a couple of nights here—in the governess room several doors down—until the children have adequately adjusted.”

  “Sounds like a wise plan.”

  Sarah replied with a tentative grin and toyed with the lamp on the nightstand. “Do you like children, Miss Fields?”

  “I love children.” She watched, then, as Sarah took note of the purplish mark on her left cheek. Renna touched the side of her face. “It’s a birthmark.”

  “Oh . . . ” Sarah seemed to dismiss the matter. “I’m so thankful to hear you love children.” An expression of relief spread across her face. “Poor Gabriel thinks you’ll be the kind of stepmother who’ll send him off to boarding school, just as Mrs. Kingsley planned to do.”

  Renna stood totally speechless for several long moments. “Brian and I haven’t talked about marriage.”

  “Oh, well, then, please pardon me for being presumptuous. It’s just that my husband said . . . Well, you both seem to be . . . ” Sarah’s lips parted, but she couldn’t finish her thought.

  “Your husband said what?” Renna tipped her head, curious.

  “Um . . . well, Richard made mention of the fact that you’re much kinder than Mrs. Kingsley.”

  “Thank him for what I deem a compliment.” Judging from Brian’s description of his former fiancée, the woman wasn’t the kind of person Renna aspired to be.

  Sarah took a step toward her. “Miss Fields, I must admit to being something of a dreamer, and I assumed or imagined—whatever you’d like to term it—that you and the captain had fallen in love.”

  Heat surged into Renna’s face. She’d dreamed the same dream. “I think Brian and I are taking things one step at a time.” There. She’d sounded pragmatic enough to convince even Nurse Rutledge.

  “Very wise, I’m sure.”

  Renna smiled.

  “For the record, I love the children very much, and I”—Sarah swallowed hard—“I could very easily call them my own—and I have.”

  “I think I understand, and it makes perfect sense, particularly since you were named as a guardian and Brian was presumed drowned.” Renna reached out and touched the sleeve of Sarah’s printed dress. “I can tell you that Brian hopes to repair his relationship with his children. He wants to be a good father.”

  “He always has. In fact, when he hired me to be the children’s governess, he said he wanted to be a–a family. But I’m afraid he has no idea what being a family member entails. In the past the captain’s business and social life have taken precedence over the children.”

  “I believe he’s aware of the mistakes he’s made.”

  Sarah folded her arms and lowered her gaze. “I wouldn’t mind signing legal documents if the captain decided he didn’t want to be a father. Richard feels the same way.”

  Renna inhaled sharply. The children needed to be with their father. Still, it wasn’t her place to say so. “That’s something you’ll have to speak with Brian about, but—” Renna gave her a pleading look—“couldn’t you at least give him another chance?”

  Sarah seemed both wounded and contrite all at once. “God extends grace to us all the time. I suppose it’s my duty as a Christian to extend grace to others when I can. It’s just that I love the children very much. It’ll be hard to part with them.”

  Renna folded her into a sisterly hug. “It’s not as though Brian will rip the children away from you. I suspect you and Richard will always have a major part in their lives.”

  “Do you really think so?” Sarah pulled back.

  “Of course I do.” Renna smiled. “I haven’t known Brian for long, but he seems like a reasonable man.”

  “Sometimes. And at other times he’s connived and meddled in people’s lives in order to get what he wants.”

  Thoughts of Elise Kingsley and her shipping company came to mind, and she turned from Sarah so she wouldn’t reflect her doubt. “Brian hopes to change all that.”

  “I pray he’s successful.”

  Renna did too.

  Sarah sidestepped toward the door. “Would you like a tour of the house?”

  “Oh, yes, I’d like that very much.”

  Sarah led Renna around the first floor, showing her first the reception parlor.

  “There’s a sunroom, also called the solarium,” Sarah said as they moved on. “One can access it through both the reception parlor and the dining room. It’s glass encased and filled with plants and flowers. So peaceful . . . sometimes I have my morning devotions in that room.”

  “Sounds lovely.”


  “It is, but you can investigate it for yourself after I give you the overall tour.”

  “All right.” Renna looked forward to it.

  The ladies’ parlor came next. Renna peeked inside, admiring the décor, the dainty furniture, and floral paintings on the walls. Next was the gentlemen’s parlor. In contrast it had large, heavy furniture covered in dark-brown leather. Books lined the wall of shelves, and everything smelled of cigar smoke, which made Renna’s nose tickle. Nonetheless, she felt awestruck by the home’s magnificence thus far.

  Three parlors. Three!

  Sarah slid the doors closed, and they moved on to the music room.

  “This is another of my favorite rooms.” She sat down at the piano and played a quick melody. “I still hope to keep up the children’s music lessons.”

  Renna couldn’t see why Brian would object, although it wasn’t her place to say one way or another.

  Brian’s office came next. They’d actually made a circle of the grand foyer and now stood near to where they’d begun—near the front door and the stairwell and across from the reception parlor.

  “Are you ready to go upstairs?”

  “Yes.”

  At Renna’s reply, Sarah led the way up to the third floor and showed her Hester’s suite. Next she led Renna across the hallway, through a double set of doors, and into a magnificent ballroom. Plaster sculpture work adorned the ceiling, from which hung two crystal chandeliers. The walls were lined with matching crystal sconces.

  “This is the most beautiful room I’ve ever seen,” Renna breathed, stepping across the shiny hardwood parquet floor.

  “That was my reaction exactly!” Sarah exclaimed with a smile. “I was quite taken with this room—with the whole house, in fact.” She shook her head as if remembering. “Why, I can still see Captain Sinclair and Elise Kingsley gliding across this floor. The children and I had to make an appearance at one of the captain’s parties last summer, and the music and dancing, and the way the captain was holding Mrs. Kingsley—”

  Sarah stopped in mid-sentence and blushed right up to her blonde hairline. “Oh, Miss Fields, please forgive me! I . . . I didn’t mean to run on like that.”