A Daughter's Inheritance (29 page)

“Fanny!” Her uncle stood in the doorway, his face as red as the tip on his cigar.

With a fleeting good-bye to Michael, she hastened toward the front entrance. Let him bluster—they hadn’t broken their agreement. “You shouldn’t be smoking that smelly cigar, Uncle. I doubt that it’s good for your health.”

“What’s bad for my health is a niece who doesn’t do as she’s told.” He stubbed out the cigar and followed her into the house. “Breakfast is waiting. You’ll be delighted to hear my announcement.”

She doubted that she’d be delighted. Her uncle sounded far too pleased with himself. Most of the family and their guests had already gathered around the breakfast table by the time Uncle Jonas took his place at the head of the table. They’d hardly begun their fruit compote when he signaled and asked for quiet.

“I’ve an announcement that I believe you’ll all find most pleasant.” All eyes turned in his direction. “The Thousand Island Club will be hosting the annual polo matches in two weeks. And I know that you ladies will be anxious to show off your latest fashions. I have made arrangements for all of us to attend.”

Aunt Victoria frowned. The weekend of the polo matches had always been a weekend free of guests. “It’s difficult managing during that weekend, Jonas. There are so many activities, and we must be coming and going at different times. I truly don’t know . . .”

He glanced around the table with a look of expectancy. “Our guests won’t expect you to look after their every need. We have a houseful of servants who can assist them if you’re busy, my dear.”

Sophie forked a piece of melon. “I agree with Uncle Jonas. The more the merrier. I’m sure these fellows can find their way to the kitchen or ring for a servant if need be.”

The young men nodded their heads and murmured their agreement. “Very kind of you to include us, Mr. Broadmoor,”

Daniel said. “I look forward to additional time with your family.” He glanced across the table at Fanny and winked.

She curled her lip and turned away. What a rude man! Did he believe she would think his bold behavior endearing?

“May I request your permission to escort Fanny to the polo matches and ball, Mr. Broadmoor?” Daniel inquired.

Fanny smiled demurely. “I’m sorry, but I’ve already accepted another invitation, Daniel.”

Her uncle glowered. “Without my permission? I think not.”

“You object to Sanger Pullman?” She tipped her head to the side and waited for his response.

Sophie giggled. “I’m sure Mr. Pullman wouldn’t be pleased to hear that you find one of his sons an unacceptable suitor.”

“I never said any such thing, Sophie, and don’t you consider repeating such a comment. I was merely surprised by Fanny’s announcement. Naturally, I have no objection. However, in the future, I would appreciate it if you would speak to me
before
making any arrangements, Fanny.”

Fanny politely agreed. She didn’t participate in the remainder of the breakfast conversation, for her thoughts were awhirl.

Plans had to be made and expedited as soon as possible. She signaled for Sophie and Amanda to meet her outside the minute they’d finished breakfast. Fanny led her cousins across the front lawn to a spot that afforded a clear view of anyone who might approach.

“Sit down over here by this tree.” Fanny glanced over her shoulder to make certain none of the young men had followed. “I am in dire need of your help.”

Sophie straightened the delicate edging on the sleeve of her dress. “There’s no doubt about that!”

Fanny ignored the remark and hastily explained Michael was departing for the Yukon and that he’d made an agreement with Amanda’s father. “Please promise you’ll not tell anyone about this. Not even your mother, Amanda.”

“I promise, but I find all of this most unsettling. I don’t understand why my father believes he must be so involved with your future. I understand he’s your legal guardian, but he’s taking those duties more to heart than parenting his own children.”

“No need to become so dramatic, Amanda. You should be thankful it’s Fanny he wants to control. Remember, you’re the one who keeps telling us you’re intent upon discovering your true calling in life rather than merely finding a man and exchanging marriage vows.”

“I never meant that I didn’t want to wed some day, and Father should care about the plans for my future, too.”

Sophie snapped open her fan with a flick of her wrist. “Oh, do enjoy your freedom, you silly goose.”

The men had been gathered on the porch but were now strolling toward them. Fanny grasped Sophie’s hand. “I need you to speak with Sanger about the polo matches and the ball. Ask him if he’ll act as my escort.”

Sophie chortled. “You treacherous girl! I wondered when Sanger had invited you.”

“You mean—” Amanda gasped.

“That’s exactly what she means, Amanda.” Sophie snapped her fan together. “I truly didn’t think you had a devious bone in your body, Fanny, but it appears that Uncle Jonas’s desire to control your life has turned you from the straight and narrow.”

Fanny ignored the remark. “Will you help me?”

“Of course I will. I’ll have Michael deliver a note this very morning.”

Amanda tied a ribbon around her hair and walked to the window. “Here comes Sophie, and she has an envelope in her hand. Do you think she’s already received word back from Sanger?”

Fanny joined her cousin near the window. “Let’s hope so. This has been a most worrisome day. If your father discovers my misdeed, he’ll force me to accept Daniel’s offer. And that’s an invitation I find most distasteful.”

Waving the envelope overhead, Sophie rushed into the room and dropped onto the side of the bed. “Bad news, I fear.”

Fanny stepped forward. “What do you mean?”

“Martha Benson has already accepted Sanger’s invitation to the polo matches and dance.”

21

Saturday, August 14, 1897

Amanda and Sophie stood on the veranda and watched as the
Little Mac
docked and two men disembarked and trudged up the path toward the house. Sophie shaded her eyes. With a scowl, she turned away and folded her arms across her waist. “Oh, forevermore! I do wish Father wouldn’t bring Paul with him every time he makes an appearance on the island.”

“Paul seems very nice, except when his surprises cause you to fall into the river.” Amanda giggled.

“I don’t find your comment humorous. And if you think he’s so nice, you may entertain him during his visit. I grow weary of his chiding comments.” Sophie ran down the path and greeted her father with a kiss on the cheek.

Except for a curt greeting, Sophie appeared to ignore Paul until they arrived at the veranda. With a mischievous grin, she pulled Amanda forward and then turned her attention to Paul. “Amanda tells me she would like to visit with you about her interest in charity work. If you’re very nice, I’m certain she’d be glad to offer you a glass of lemonade, wouldn’t you, Amanda?”

Amanda glared at her cousin. She didn’t want to participate in this silly charade, but she wouldn’t be rude or embarrass Paul. “Yes, of course. I’d be delighted to fetch a pitcher of lemonade.”

Paul hurried behind her and opened the door. “May I help?”

“You young people shouldn’t be interested in spending your day indoors. It’s much too pretty a day,” her mother said as she walked down the front stairway. Light spilled through the door and Victoria squinted. “Ah, Paul. I didn’t realize you were here. May I assume Quincy has finally arrived?”

“Yes, Mrs. Broadmoor. We were detained in Rochester. Problems arose that needed immediate attention.”

Mrs. Broadmoor instructed one of the servants to bring lemonade to the veranda as she grasped Paul’s arm. “Do come outdoors and tell us all about what’s been happening.” With a quick look around the porch, she turned to Paul. “And where is Quincy? Has he gone off in search of Jonas? I’d think he would want to spend some time visiting with Sophie.”

“He spoke with Sophie upon our arrival, but I believe she hurried off to play croquet with some of the gentlemen who are visiting.” Paul’s gaze drifted toward the sounds of boisterous laughter beyond the house. “Mr. Broadmoor had a matter of great import to discuss with your husband.”

“Regarding your delayed arrival? We expected Quincy to arrive Friday evening and here it is Saturday afternoon.” Mrs. Broadmoor motioned the approaching servant to place the lemonade on a nearby table. “Why don’t you pour us each a glass, Amanda?”

“I know he disliked the delay, Mrs. Broadmoor. There was a fire in a tenement building that left many with nothing but the clothes on their backs. A number came to us seeking food and shelter. We couldn’t turn them away in their hour of need.” Paul shook his head. “We don’t have adequate space for them all, but they have nowhere to go. Some of the churches are collecting clothes and donating what they can to help defray our additional expenses, but the budget of the Home for the Friendless is already stretched beyond its limits.”

Victoria wiped the beads of condensation from her lemonade glass with a linen napkin. “Dear me, this is unfortunate. The timing couldn’t be worse, what with so many of us out of the city for the summer.”

“Financial donations have been limited for that very reason. We have willing hands, but we need funds with which to purchase food and help these people reestablish a place to live.”

“No doubt you are in dire need of the organizational skills of the Ladies’ League. I do wish I could offer assistance, but we won’t be returning to Rochester until early September.” Victoria set her glass on the table. “That’s not so far off. Could you make do until then?”

“What about me, Mother?” Amanda chimed in. “I could return with Uncle Quincy and help. You know I desire to devote my energies to charitable work. This would permit me a grand opportunity to test my skills.”

“Oh dear, Amanda. Neither your father nor I would agree to such an idea. I am surprised you would even suggest such an arrangement.”

“There are servants at the house. I wouldn’t be alone. Perhaps some of those homeless people could come and stay at Broadmoor Mansion or at our house until they . . .”

Victoria paled and shook her head. “
That
is not even a possibility. While we are called to help the less fortunate, sound and rational judgment is necessary. The fact that you would even make such a foolhardy suggestion demonstrates your inexperience.”

Amanda frowned. “If we have an empty house, servants, and food, why is my suggestion inappropriate?”

“I greatly appreciate your offer to help,” Paul interjected, “but I must agree with your mother. Though I commend your charitable spirit, an unescorted return to Rochester would be highly inappropriate.”

Amanda rested her arm on the chair. “I can’t go into the mission field unless I am married, and I am in need of an escort if I’m to be of assistance in the city. How am I ever to fulfill my desire to make a difference in the world?”

“Forgive me for being so bold, but I am surprised you’re not making marriage plans, Miss Broadmoor. I’m certain you have no lack of eligible suitors.”

Amanda tapped her fan in her palm. “I do plan to wed and have children one day. But before that time arrives, I want to explore other possibilities. It would appear, however, that society will not permit me to do so without my good name being ruined.”

Paul laughed. “I believe you can discover a way to help others while still meeting the proper rules of society. I’m certain the Ladies’ League would be pleased to add your name to their membership roster and assign you a myriad of duties upon your return to Rochester.”

Victoria took a sip of her lemonade. “But that is neither here nor there at this moment. I’m curious about Quincy’s discussion with my husband. If it is financial aid he is seeking, I doubt Quincy will meet with much success.”

“I have prayed your husband will look upon the plight of these people with sympathy and be anxious to share his resources,” Paul said.

“You obviously have much to learn about my father, Paul.” Amanda pointed her fan at Sophie and the group of young men. “Shall we join the others in their croquet game?”

He had gained Mr. Broadmoor’s permission to bid Fanny good-bye, yet Michael knew his time with her would be brief. Along with Paul Medford and Messrs. Jonas and Quincy Broadmoor, Michael would board the Monday morning train to Rochester. Following his employer’s instructions, Michael arrived on the veranda at precisely six-thirty. Mrs. Broadmoor escorted Fanny outdoors to meet him for their final farewell.