The Virtuous Woman (33 page)

“Yes, he is, and Lucy’s so sweet. They’re going to make a perfect couple.”

“Another thing,” he said, stroking her back, “it’ll be a good time to introduce our new daughter.”

“Do you think that’s wise?”

“Yes, I do. Have you noticed the change in her? She’s like a new person.”

“Of course I have. I spend more time with her than you do. I think you ought to pay Francis a bonus. He’s really done wonders for her speech, and she’s even showing good taste in clothes.”

He continued to stroke her back and then pulled her close. “I like being married,” he said. “I hope Kevin and Grace like it as well.”

“You’re crushing me!” she protested.

“It’s the caveman in me. I have to keep you under submission.
You’re an unruly wife.” When she opened her mouth to protest, he closed it with a kiss and then laughed softly. “There, now be still or I’ll drag out my club.”

They lay there for a while discussing details about the party. She reached up and held her hand against his cheek. “I love you, Phil,” she said quietly.

“And I love you too, sweetheart. I hope our kids are as happy as we are when they’ve been married a hundred years.”

****

Phil Winslow rarely threw himself into social life, but he had determined that the party to introduce his new daughter and daughter-in-law-to-be to New York society would be absolutely top drawer. His family was amazed at how he put himself into it. He hired a top caterer and a special decorator. He insisted on picking out the musicians and even conferred with them about the music that would be played. The house was turned upside down for a few days. But when the night of the party came, Brian stood looking at the house with admiration. “Dad, I didn’t think you had it in you. You’re getting to be as bad as old man Asquith.”

“That’s right,” Phil said with a grin, looking very distinguished in his white tie and tails. “Just an old social climber, that’s me. No riffraff around here.”

“The way Kev’s come out of himself is a miracle. Are you really going to buy him an airplane, Dad?”

“Yes, I certainly will. He’ll make us proud of him, Brian.”

“Well, I’m proud of
you,
” he said. He smiled at his father and hit him lightly on the shoulder. “You’ve done a great job on this party. It must have cost a fortune.”

“I wanted a celebration Lucy and Kevin would never forget.”

“I don’t think they’ll forget this. Who all is coming?”

“All the big shots that bore me to death.”

“Oh, come on, Dad, they’re not that bad.”

“No, we’re having all of our friends in and all of yours too. Do you think this monkey suit looks all right?”

“You look great, Dad.” An impish light danced in Brian’s eyes. “If you drop dead, we won’t have to do a thing to you.”

“Why, you young whippersnapper! I ought to pop a knot in you!”

“You look great, Dad, and Mom’s dress is beautiful.”

“It should be. It cost enough, but she’s worth it.” The doorbell rang, and they heard the help greeting their first guests at the door. “I guess I’d better go welcome them,” Phil said.

“Have you seen Grace yet?”

“No, I haven’t. She had some kind of a disagreement with Francis about her dress, I understand.”

“Really?” Brian looked interested. “What was the fight about?”

“Francis thought he ought to help her pick it out. You know he’s given her a crash course in how to dress and things like that. She politely told him to paddle his own canoe.” Phil laughed, his teeth white against his tanned skin. “I think he’d gotten used to the idea of making all of Grace’s decisions for her.”

“He’s done a good job of it. You know, I’ve spent some time with Grace. Everything about her is better. Especially her attitude. She’s got a gentleness about her now that was lacking before.”

“I think giving her heart to the Lord has done some of that.”

“You’re right, Dad. Have you seen the dress?”

“No, it’s a big secret. Look, the Asquiths are coming in.”

“I’m surprised you invited them. And John too? After the way they treated Grace, I’m surprised they’d have the nerve.”

“Your mother put some pressure on them. Come along. Let’s go greet them.”

Phil shook hands with Mr. Asquith and John and said, “I’m so pleased you could come tonight.”

“I’m glad to be here, sir,” John said. “Where’s the prospective bridegroom and his bride?”

“They’re right over there, John. I’ll introduce you momentarily.”

The Asquiths looked ill at ease, especially Roger. He could not help remembering the last time he had been at a party with this man’s daughter and what a disaster it had been. “I congratulate you,” he said. “I understand your son is going into flying as a profession.”

“He’s been learning since the spring. I have it on the best authority that he’s a great pilot.”

Mrs. Asquith was looking around nervously. She was obviously looking for Grace, and Phil smiled inwardly. “Mrs. Asquith, I know you’re a busy woman. It was so nice of you to come to Kevin’s engagement party.”

“I’m anxious to meet the young woman.”

“You’ll like her, I’m sure.”

Phil Winslow had an impish streak in him that surfaced from time to time. He knew that the Asquiths had come partly out of curiosity to meet Kevin’s fiancée, but he knew they had also heard that Grace had come back. “Come along,” Phil said. “I’ll introduce you to Lucy.” They had started across the room when a movement on the stairway caught Phil’s eye. He looked up and smiled. “Just a minute. Here comes someone you’ll want to greet.”

The trio followed Phil’s gaze and watched as Grace came down the stairs. Phil had never been so proud as he was as he watched his daughter descend the stairway gracefully, her head up, a smile on her face. And the dress! It was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. The deep blue sequined evening dress by Chanel had a rather low neckline in front and a plunging V down to her waist in the back. It was sleeveless, and the fluid lines of the dress ran smoothly along the curves of her body. The back of the skirt had a series of pleats that started at the waist, gathered together by a small sequined bow, and a short train trailed behind her as she walked.

Grace greeted the Asquiths with a calm graciousness that delighted Phil. She smiled and said, “How are you, John. I’m glad to see you again.”

John stepped forward and took her hand. “You’re looking beautiful, Grace.”

“Why, thank you, John.” She greeted his parents. “Mr. Asquith. Mrs. Asquith. It’s so good to see you.”

The Asquiths, Phil saw, were absolutely astonished. This was a woman they had never seen before! There was a quiet dignity about her, and her voice was low-pitched instead of shrill. There was no gum chewing, and as she welcomed them to the party, they stared at her as if she were a strange specimen.

Francis had drawn near off to one side and witnessed Grace’s entrance. He came forward to stand by her side and greeted the Asquiths pleasantly. Everyone in the room had turned to watch the group. Most of the guests knew of the difficulties the Asquiths had experienced with Grace and were curious about the ongoing drama.

The most interested person there was Paige Winslow. She had been standing beside Kevin and Lucy, and when Grace had started down the stairs, she had nudged Lucy. “Look, there comes my sister.”

Kevin had whistled low at the sight. “Wow, is she ever something!”

“She’s so beautiful and regal—she looks like a princess!” Lucy whispered.

Paige waited until Grace had spoken with the Asquiths; then she joined the group, touching John’s arm as she did.

His eyes opened wide when he found her standing next to him.

She smiled at him. “How are you, John?”

“F-fine,” he stammered. “You’re looking beautiful tonight, Paige.”

“Thank you, John. Good to see you here, Mr. Asquith, Mrs. Asquith. I’m so pleased you could come.”

Once again the couple was taken aback. They had been the instrument of separating their son from this young woman, and now she was acting so graciously. And they were very aware that their son couldn’t take his eyes off her. When the others moved on to greet other guests, Roger said, “Now, John, don’t go getting any ideas.”

John stiffened. “Ideas?” he said, his face sober. “What do you mean?”

“I mean about that woman. Remember that you’re already engaged.”

“Father, you and Mother are responsible for separating me from the finest girl in New York. I plan to break off my engagement to Margaret. She was
your
choice for me, and I have no feelings for her whatsoever! I’m going to talk to Paige and beg her pardon for being such a milksop. And furthermore, I’m not taking any more of your suggestions about whom I shall marry.” He walked quickly away, leaving his parents gasping like two fish.

He walked straight over to Paige and asked if he could have a word with her.

“Why, certainly, John. What is it?”

He led her into a private corner. “I was a fool to let my parents tell me to break our engagement, Paige. I’ve just told them that from now on I will see whom I please, and I’ll choose my own friends.”

“Did you really? That’s wonderful!” She smiled broadly.

“I know you can never forgive me, but I think for the rest of my life I will be kicking myself for being such a fool.”

Paige was touched. “I understand you’re engaged, John. What about that?”

“I plan to break that off immediately,” he said. “She was my parents’ choice for me. She’s not a woman I could ever love.”

“You’ll find a woman who loves you, John. I’m very glad you’ve told your parents that you’re your own man now. I like you better for it.”

He smiled shyly and said, “Maybe we can have a dance?”

“Of course. You’re the best dancer I’ve ever known.”

****

Kevin invited Grace to dance and told her how delighted he was with the party and how happy he was for her.

“It’s your night, Kevin,” Grace said. “I’m proud of you and Lucy. Everyone loves her.”

“Yes, I believe that’s true. But I’m proud of you too. You’ve come so far.”

“Thank you, Kev.”

“It’s good to have a new sister.”

“And it’s good to have a brother.”

Kevin surrendered Grace to a young man who cut in, then went to talk to Francis, who was standing by the refreshment table. Kevin took a glass of punch and said, “She’s beautiful, isn’t she, Francis?”

“She sure is. You’re a lucky man.”

“Oh, I didn’t mean Lucy—although of course she’s beautiful too! I meant Grace. You’re a lucky man too. We owe all of this to you, Francis. You’re the one who found her, and you’re the one who brought out the woman God created her to be.”

Grace approached Francis with arms outstretched. “Dance with me, Francis.”

He put his punch down, and they joined the others on the floor. She was wearing heels and was slightly taller than Francis. It did not bother either of them, however, and he said, “I’m so proud of you tonight, Grace. You’re beautiful.”

“Do you really think so, Francis?”

“Yes. Don’t ever let me pick a dress out again. You did a marvelous job picking that one out by yourself!”

Grace’s face grew serious, and she said, “I’d like to ask for a favor.”

“Anything you want.”

“Wait until I ask,” she warned. “You may not like it.”

“Try me.”

“I want Dad to announce our engagement tonight.” She
saw the uncertainty in his expression. He could be stubborn when it came to changing plans. “Please, Francis, it would mean a lot to me.”

“I’d do anything for you, Grace, but I just don’t think it would be wise.”

“Why not? You’ve got a job. You love me, and I love you.”

“It’s not much of a job. Wait until I’m successful as a writer. Then we can announce our engagement.”

Grace remained silent for a time, and finally she said, “I thought Christians were supposed to have faith.”

“Why ... yes, they are.”

“Don’t you have any faith in yourself? Don’t you believe God’s going to bless what you’re doing with your writing?”

“Well, sure, but it may take a while.”

“Francis Key, I’ve wasted too many years. I’m not going to waste another.” She pulled out of his arms and left him standing there as she walked straight to the bandstand. He watched with astonishment as she tugged on the band leader’s sleeve and whispered to him. The man held up his hand and the music trailed off. Everyone else in the room turned to see why the music had stopped, and they all saw Grace standing by the band with a determined look on her face.

“I think I know that look,” Phil whispered to Cara. “That daughter of ours has something on her mind.”

“She looks like you, Phil,” she whispered back. “She’s got that determined look you get sometimes.”

When it was quiet, Grace said, “I want to tell you all how very proud I am to be a member of the Winslow family.”

Kevin began applauding, and it spread across the room. Francis joined in, smiling, for it had been a courageous thing for her to do.
She knows everybody in this room is aware of the things she did when she first came here, and she’s facing them down. What a woman!

“I never had a family, and now I have one. I have a father and a mother, a sister and two brothers. I have a niece and two nephews, and I have something I never dreamed about.
I have a Savior, Jesus Christ. He has forgiven me all my sins, and I thank Him for it.”

“By George,” Phil said, whistling low. “What a testimony! She’s got boldness.”

“Yes she has,” Cara said, her eyes filled with tears. “I’m so proud of her.”

Grace looked straight across the room at Francis. She smiled at him and said, “I also have an announcement to make. My father should be making this announcement, but I have a problem.”

Francis suddenly felt very conspicuous, for he sensed what was coming. He looked about nervously but knew there was no escape.

“I am very much in love with Mr. Francis Key, that short gentleman right over there.”

Francis wanted to sink into the floor when every eye rested on him. At that moment he would have liked to throttle the beautiful woman who was speaking!