Love on Assignment (40 page)

“Professor, it's come to my attention that you're an exceptionally gifted teacher. Your students give you high praise. In a word, they insist you stay at the college.”

“Oh?” Daniel murmured, wondering if perhaps some of his students' parents forced President Ralston to reconsider his forced resignation.

“So, if you'd like, you may keep your position as Bible professor. And you may continue to write your column with the
Newport Gazette
.”

“Just like that?” He couldn't imagine which students had become his advocates.

“Yes. I always keep an open mind and listen to all points of view.”

Daniel struggled to stifle a laugh.

“Will you remain with us, Professor?”

“I shall be delighted to continue my teaching duties. May I ask who spoke up for me?”

The president shook his head. “Many of the students and their parents want you to remain here, but your strongest advocate was one of your students, Agnes Brownington.”

DANIEL HURRIED TO Summerhill, bursting with his news. His mother's smile flashed genuine relief.

“Splendid,” she said to Daniel. And then her gaze slid to Mr. McClintock, seated on the wicker chair beside her. “I would have missed you, Horace.”

Ruthie threw her arms around Daniel and buried her head in his chest while Tim jumped and whooped like a wild man. Mrs. Finnegan hustled to the drawing room to unpack vases and figurines from the mantel and whatnot shelves.

Daniel fetched the gig and drove to Bridge Street in search of Charlotte. Surely she'd want to know about President Ralston's change of heart. He halted the gig in front of Charlotte's home and knocked at the door. While he waited, children down the block romped on the sidewalk, shouting, playing jacks, rolling hoops. Women with shopping bags and toddlers in hand greeted the little children as they passed by. These were native Newporters, whose ancestors had founded the city by the sea over two hundred and fifty years before, common people whose husbands worked hard for a living down at the docks and in the shipyards.

The gaunt Mrs. Hillman opened the door a crack, then when she recognized him, she flung it open and stepped aside.

“Do come in, Professor Wilmont. I expect you're looking for my niece. If you'll wait in the parlor, I'll fetch her.”

Daniel followed Mrs. Hillman into the claustrophobic room, overwhelmed by carefully displayed clutter. A few family photographs lined up against the faded wallpaper, afghans draped over chairs, and a vase of yellow daisies graced the side table. He noticed the Bible he'd given Charlotte for her birthday lay beside the flowers. He stood by the fireplace, his hands shoved deep in his pockets. Every nerve in his body jangled like a sack of coins.

Charlotte entered the parlor, wariness veiling her eyes. She wore a simple violet dress, far prettier than the plain uniform his mother made her wear. “Good morning, Daniel. I didn't expect to see you again.” By the edge in her voice he knew she expected an explanation. She didn't project the friendliness he'd hoped for.

“I have excellent news I want to share, but first I want to give you your pay. You left Summerhill so quickly I didn't have a chance.” He handed her an envelope, but she shook her head.

“I appreciate your kindness, but I don't deserve it. Not when Mr. Phifer was paying me too. But thank you all the same. You're more than generous.” She glanced at the envelope he placed on a table, but she didn't reach to pick it up.

“So, what is your good news?”

He couldn't help grinning, even though she stood there, so stiff and inhospitable. “President Ralston reinstated me, so I'll be staying in Newport.”

She allowed a small smile to play on the corners of her mouth. “I'm so happy for you and your family. How did that come about?”

“Agnes Brownington and her father intervened, along with some other parents.” He hoped Charlotte would cheer up at his good news, but her fingers gripped the back of an overstuffed chair and her smile remained uncertain.

“I'm thankful this worked out in the end, though I deeply regret my part in all your troubles.”

“But that's all in the past now.”

She shook her head. “It's not that easy to ignore betrayal. But thank you for stopping by to tell me you're staying in Newport.” She started for the front hallway.

Apparently Charlotte expected him to follow. He lingered by the mantel, unwilling to leave until he said what he'd really come here to say. “Charlotte, I want you to know I hold no hard feelings toward you. We all commit sin and we all make errors in judgment. God forgives us, so we must forgive one another.” He took a deep breath. “If you're willing, I hope we can begin again. We can make a fresh start and forget the past.”

She shook her head. “That's not possible, Daniel. I'm so sorry.”

He feared she might resist his clumsy attempt at reconciliation, but he couldn't let her turn away. “Why? I love you, Charlotte, and I thought you loved me as well.”

He shouldn't have asked that question because he didn't want to hear the answer. From the dejection tugging at her mouth and dulling her eyes, Daniel knew her response wasn't the one he wished for. He wanted to take her in his arms and kiss away all her reservations. And guilt.

Her shoulders slumped. “You think you forgive me, and perhaps you really do. But you'll never forget how I betrayed you, no matter how hard you try.” Her lower lip trembled as she raised her chin and stepped toward the front door.

“Maybe you'll reconsider when more time has passed.” Surely she'd realize his love could fill an ocean and drown all her guilt. “You know I've forgiven you, but now you must forgive yourself.”

Charlotte opened the front door and stood back to let him pass. “You're a good man, Daniel Wilmont. A godly man. And I'm sorry I caused so you much pain.”

He leaned down to kiss her, but she moved to the side and gently shook her head. “I'm afraid it won't work for us.”

His shoulders slumped. “It could if you'd only try to let go of your guilt. Good day, Charlotte.”

“Good-bye. I'll miss you, Daniel,” she whispered.

TWENTY-FIVE

C
harlotte clicked the door shut and shuffled to the parlor on wobbly legs. Collapsing into the chair by the window, she watched Daniel's buggy disappear down the street. He glanced back but didn't spot her behind the lacy curtains stirring in the morning breeze.

His buggy turned the corner and he was gone. She already missed him dreadfully. Her chest ached with thoughts of what might have been.

She'd so wanted to melt into his arms and feel his warmth surround her. She needed his strength and good sense to keep her on track, to see how her life fit into God's plan. To bring her stability. She could marry him now because he'd be staying in Newport, and most importantly, he knew of her betrayal. He forgave her, but as a good Christian, what other choice did he have? He had to disregard her transgressions or at least try to. But in his heart could he truly forget what she'd done?

She thought not. And that prevented her from acquiescing to his pleas. Nothing would erase the resentment he must feel toward her, though he'd try his best to cover it up. But she couldn't live with that.

For several minutes she let tears stream down her cheeks. Yet what was the point of pitying herself? Moping wouldn't secure her a job or pay for groceries or doctor bills.

With great effort Charlotte put on her hat, grabbed her reticule, and left for town. Her heels dragged on the dirt sidewalk as she stopped to talk to friends and acquaintances out for their morning errands to the market or dry goods store. She kept up her end of the conversation, smiled when appropriate, and tried to rid her mind of her woes. After all, she wasn't the only one with troubles. And she had to remember, hers were of her own making. She had no right to feel sorry for herself.

For three hours she searched in shops and offices for any job that would bring in money. Although she was willing to work hard for long hours, no one offered to hire her. She was either too inexperienced, too young, or of the wrong gender to suit.

On her way home Charlotte stopped by Knowles Roofing and paid the bill with her governess salary. She hated to use Daniel's money, but he'd left it for her and she needed to pay the roofer. Later, after she found a job, she'd return the sum to Daniel.

“I'm dreadfully sorry for the late payment, but this settles my account.”

He took the cash and counted it. “All right. It's all here. You're lucky you gave me the money because I was about to contact my lawyer again. I can't make a living if customers refuse to pay.”

Charlotte held her tongue. “I apologize for the inconvenience, Mr. Knowles. Good day.”

She returned home, her feet sore and her spirit deflated. She fought back a surge of anxiety. Indulging in fear wouldn't help one bit. But prayer might.

Heavenly Father, You know my needs without my even telling You. Please provide for my family and me in the way You find best. I can't seem to manage on my own. I'm at my wits' end. Don't let us down, Lord
.

DANIEL DROVE THE gig to the Coastal Inn to see Jackson Grail. He found him with his wife, Lilly, pushing the baby pram around paths that edged the back lawn of the small hotel. A sea breeze, soaked with salt and humidity, blew inland and stirred the silk ribbons on Lilly's hat. Daniel waved as the couple descended onto a wooden bench set beneath a gently swaying elm.

After greeting each other, Daniel leaned against the tree trunk. “I've good news. President Ralston reinstated me so I'll continue to teach at the college.” He summarized yesterday's events, leaving out Charlotte's involvement.

“That's excellent,” Jack said, “though I'm sorry you won't be coming to New York. But I suppose this is what you and your family really wanted.”

“It is. But I greatly appreciate your job offer.”

“You would've been a tremendous asset to Jones and Jarman.

But perhaps you can still write a religion column for the
Manhattan Sentinel
. What do you say to weekly?”

Daniel nodded, again thankful for his friend's kindness. “I'd like that.”

When a cool gust of wind brought a chill, Lilly bent over the baby's pram and pulled the blanket up to little Jackson's chin. Jack glanced at his infant son, obviously bursting with pride. Daniel remembered how happy and amazed he'd felt when Ruthie and Tim were little ones. And how much he wished for another child. Charlotte's child. He didn't care if it was a boy or a girl. One more or ten more.

As if he could read Daniel's thoughts, Jack tilted his head and hiked a brow. “I'd like to ask you a personal question.”

Daniel nodded but braced himself.

Jack shifted on the hard bench. “Lilly and I wondered if you're interested—romantically—in your children's governess. You seem so at ease together.” Jack cleared his throat. “If you care about her, then don't let her get away.” He flicked an embarrassed smile and then glanced at his wife. “I had to fight for Lilly. I never gave up, even though she mistakenly thought she ought to marry someone else.”

Daniel laughed. “I'm sure you made a wise decision, Mrs. Grail.”

Lilly nodded as the baby mewed and slowly awoke. On her feet in an instant, she bent over her child, cooing softly. “No doubt he's hungry. If you'll excuse me, I shall go inside before he starts crying. Good seeing you again, Daniel. And do take Jack's advice.”

“I know I shouldn't intrude,” Jack persisted, “but I'd hate to see you lose the woman you seem to love.” His voice trailed off, but he was clearly awaiting a response.

Daniel dropped on the bench beside Jack. “I didn't realize my feelings were so obvious.” He buried his head in his hands. “I've already let Charlotte get away. The situation is complicated and I don't see a happy resolution.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

“No, I don't believe so. But thank you. I'll have to work this out for myself. Actually, it's Charlotte who must search her soul. I proposed and she turned me down.”

Jack gave him a sympathetic thump on the back. “Don't give up just because she declined. Give her time.”

Daniel hoped his friend was right, but he wondered if anything would alleviate the guilt Charlotte felt. He bade Jack good-bye and returned home to find his mother and Mr. McClintock on the front veranda sipping lemonade. For once Vivian flashed a grin so broad it appeared genuine. He looked closer. Though her complexion had a gray tinge he found alarming, the sparkle in her eyes made him question his observation. He'd never seen her happier. And apparently she felt well, also.

She reached over and touched Mr. McClintock's hand. “Horace and I have exciting news. We want you to be the first to know.”

Mr. McClintock covered Vivian's hand with his own and sat up even straighter than usual. Through a thick mustache heavily laced with silver, he quirked a self-satisfied smile. “Daniel, your mother and I are going to marry. We haven't set a date, but it will be soon if I have anything to say about it.”