To Honor and Trust (29 page)

Callie donned an informal dinner gown of pale blue silk with a dropped waistline, white ruching along the neckline, and bejeweled capped sleeves. She would have preferred something a bit less fancy, but Mrs. Bridgeport had insisted. In fact, Mrs. Bridgeport would have preferred Callie wear a formal brown and white chiffon gown, but she had refused to relent.

When Callie appeared downstairs, Mrs. Bridgeport shook her head. “I still think the chiffon was the better choice. You know Mrs. Townsend will be wearing a formal gown, and I'm certain her daughter will follow suit.”

“I truly don't care what they wear. I'm more comfortable in this dress, and I know Wesley will think it is perfect.”

“Yes, but he is a man in love. He thinks anything you say or do is perfect.” Mrs. Bridgeport rearranged the ruffles atop one of the dress sleeves. “If they don't treat you well, you tell them they'll have to answer to Luther.”

Callie chuckled. “I think they might fear you more than Mr. Bridgeport.”

“Perhaps they should. They'd best be kind.” She glanced toward the front of the house. “There's Wesley. Do have a nice time and remember—you're from a fine family. Don't let them intimidate you.”

Both Mrs. Bridgeport and Wesley seemed to think she had
something to fear at this dinner meeting, yet Callie remained calm as she walked into the private dining room holding tight to Wesley's arm. A silence fell as they entered, and she squeezed his arm.

“Callie, I'd like to introduce you to my family.” One by one, he went around the room and made the proper introductions; then he inhaled a deep breath. “Callie and I are engaged to be married.”

A cacophony of gasps filled the room. Helena frowned at her parents. “Did you know, Mother?”

“No, I didn't.” Mrs. Townsend dropped to one of the chairs and snapped open her fan. “You should have told us, Wesley. I knew you cared for Callie, and I encouraged you to court her, but I didn't know you had already asked her to marry you. Why didn't you tell us?”

“I thought it best to tell everyone while we're together. We can answer all of your questions, and there won't be any misunderstandings. This way no one feels left out.” He glanced around the room. “Am I right?”

“Well, I imagine Charles and Daniel will feel left out,” Helena said. “I truly can't believe you are engaged to marry, and this is the first time we've set eyes on your fiancée.”

Callie smiled. “I believe I met you at one of the tea parties. I was with Mrs. Bridgeport.”

Helena ignored Callie's reply. “You two barely know each other, and you've already decided to marry. It seems preposterous.” She shook her finger at Wesley. “I hope you're planning a very long engagement. Most couples know each other at least five or six years before they decide to marry. Richard and I knew each other for five years before he proposed, and then we were engaged for another two years.”

Wesley narrowed his eyes. “And all that waiting provided you with what, Helena? A perfect marriage?”

“What does that mean? Richard and I are quite happy. Aren't we, Richard?” She didn't give her husband an opportunity to respond. “It is a well-known fact that if you want a marriage that lasts, you should know your partner well.”

“I disagree, Helena.” Mrs. Townsend slapped her fan on the table. “You are talking utter nonsense. Charles and Anna didn't have a long engagement. Your father and I knew each other only two months before we knew we were perfect for each other, and we married less than a month later.”

“Mother!” Helena paled and sat down. “I cannot believe you would reveal such family scandal in public.”

“Oh, do get over yourself, Helena. What is scandalous about two people running off to get married when they're in love?”

Helena frowned. “I don't recall you adopting that attitude when you found out about Charles and Anna.”

Mrs. Townsend waved the comment aside. “That was years ago. Charles and Anna are now quite happy in their marriage.” Mrs. Townsend looked at her husband. “And we're quite happy, as well. Aren't we, Howard?”

“Yes, Blanche, that's right.” Mr. Townsend smiled at his wife and then turned to the others. “Blanche didn't want a big wedding.”

Mrs. Townsend bobbed her head. “It's true. I didn't. However, I now believe one should create wonderful memories when possible. I'm going to speak to Eunice, and we're going to make certain you and Wesley have a gorgeous affair. I know there's been flooding in Indianapolis, so perhaps we should plan on having the wedding in Massachusetts. Don't you think that's best?”

“I don't know, but I think I should speak to Mrs. Bridgeport. Wesley and I haven't—”

“We don't plan to wait, Mother. Callie and I would prefer to be married here at Bridal Veil. If all goes according to plan, we won't be going to Massachusetts.”

Helena picked up her mother's fan and waved it back and forth with increasing vigor. “This is becoming more and more scandalous. You barely know each other, yet you've become engaged and now you're planning an immediate wedding. You do realize people will talk. Oh my. What next?”

Wesley smiled at his sister. “Since you've asked—we'll be going to Africa.”

There was a loud gasp before Helena slipped from her chair in a faint.

After a brief interlude that required the use of smelling salts and damp cloths, Helena roused. She'd been back in her chair for only a moment when she glared at Wesley. “This is your fault. You know I am prone to fainting when I receive bad news.”

“I wasn't aware you would consider my marriage plans bad news, Helena, but you're typically the first one to complain when you haven't been included in family happenings. I was doing my best to keep from hurting anyone's feelings.” He shot her an ornery grin. “At least we were in a private room when you took your tumble.”

Callie lightly nudged his arm. Rather than a celebration, this dinner was turning into a debacle. While Callie had anticipated there might be some rancor from Wesley's parents, she was surprised at Helena's attitude. Wesley had indicated he and Helena had been quite close until her marriage to Richard Kennebec, a man for whom Wes held little respect. After her marriage to Richard, the bond between brother and sister had weakened. Even though Helena had attempted to force a friendship between the two men, neither was interested. Was
Helena now going to heap disapproval upon Callie to get back at her brother? Callie shivered at the thought.

They wouldn't be remaining in the country for long, but Callie didn't want to begin her marriage on a sour note with any member of Wesley's family. Yet from the look in Helena's eyes, she might not have a choice. And now Mrs. Townsend's complexion had taken on a pasty color, as well.

Callie tugged on Wesley's sleeve. “I think your mother may not be feeling well. She's quite pale.”

“Mother? Are you feeling ill?” Wesley pointed to her glass. “Perhaps a drink of water?”

She gave a slight shake of her head. “I recall a conversation with you regarding Africa, Wesley. I believe you said Callie wasn't trying to convince you to go there.”

Callie opened her mouth to answer, but Wesley gently touched her hand. “Callie hasn't convinced me to go, Mother. Rather, we both believe God is leading us to the mission field, where we can best use our talents.”

“Forevermore, Wesley. I don't know what has come over you.” Helena directed another stern look at Callie. “When we arrived on Bridal Veil, you told us you didn't ever want to practice medicine again. Now you tell us God has directed you to put your medical education to use in Africa? Excuse me if I say that it sounds as though Miss Deboyer is the one doing the leading—not God.”

Callie winced at the remark. “I'm sorry you feel that way, but I have not attempted to influence Wesley in any of his decisions.”

“Don't pay Helena any mind. She just doesn't want to lose her brother.” Richard winked at his wife. “She got used to having him nearby when he returned from Texas, and now
she has to give him up again.” He nudged his wife's arm. “Isn't that right, Helena?”

“You must admit that going to Africa isn't the same as telling us you're going to live in another state.” Helena dabbed her eyes. “We'll probably never see you again.”

“Oh, that isn't true at all. My parents come home on furlough every five years.”

“Five years!”

Helena's shriek was loud enough to bring the waiter scurrying into the room, but Richard shooed him away after assuring him everything was fine.

Wesley's mother still hadn't regained her full color, but she waved her fan at Helena. “Please restrain yourself, Helena. If your father and I can accept Wesley's decision, then I believe you should be able to do the same.”

Helena turned a wide-eyed stare at her parents. “You're going to agree to this?”

Mr. Townsend traced his index finger beneath his starched white collar. “It wouldn't be my first choice for any of my children to go off to some foreign land, but Wesley is an adult and is capable of making his own decisions. Besides, who are any of us to argue with God? If Wesley believes this is what he's to do, then I won't stand in his way.” Wesley's father pointed a thick finger at his daughter. “And your childish behavior will only cause ill feelings between you and your brother, Helena. I don't think that's what you want to happen when he's going to be gone for a number of years, is it?”

“No, but I . . .”

Mr. Townsend shook his head. “There is nothing else to be added, Helena. You will miss your brother and so will the
rest of us, but when the time arrives for him to depart, we will wish him Godspeed and best wishes with his new life.”

“Yes, Father.” She turned toward Callie and Wesley. “I'm sorry for my unkind words and rude behavior, but you both must realize what a shock this is for all of us. I hope we will at least have an opportunity to get to know you, Callie, a little better before you leave the country.”

Callie smiled. “I hope so, as well, Helena.”

Mrs. Townsend straightened her shoulders. “Tomorrow I'll meet with Eunice, and we'll set things in motion for the wedding, but first we must plan an engagement party. I'm certain Mr. Crocker will be happy to assist us in arranging everything. If not, we can have the party at the lovely hotel in Biscayne. Of course, if the weather is nice, we could have the party outdoors.”

“But you can't depend upon the weather, Mother.” Helena glanced at Callie. “What about the Bridgeports' cottage? Do you think it's large enough to host an engagement party? Would Mrs. Bridgeport prefer the event be at their cottage rather than the clubhouse?”

Suddenly Helena had set aside her concerns about Wesley leaving for Africa and had become swept up in her mother's excitement of planning an engagement party. Callie didn't know what to think of the sudden change, nor did she have any idea what Mrs. Bridgeport might desire. In fact, she didn't know if Mrs. Bridgeport wanted to be included in any of the wedding preparations. They'd not had a chance to discuss the matter.

“I can't speak for Mrs. Bridgeport.” She glanced at Wesley. “I don't believe either of us is desirous of elaborate parties or a large wedding. We'll be pleased—”

Mrs. Townsend waved her fan—this time in Callie's direction. “
Tut, tut.
No Townsend is married without a proper wedding.”

Callie frowned. “But you said you and Mr. Townsend had a small ceremony and—”

Once again the older woman brandished her fan. She waved it overhead like a flag flying in the breeze. “That's true, and since we're here at Bridal Veil, I'm afraid anything we plan will be attended by fewer guests than if we were hosting the events in Massachusetts. But that doesn't mean we can't manage something every bit as grand.” She graced Callie with a bright smile. “I will admit that later in life I had a few regrets that I didn't have a magnificent wedding—not because I would be any more married, but because of the memories and the joy it brings to other people when they are able to plan and attend beautiful weddings.”

Mrs. Townsend snapped her fan together and used it as a pointer. “And I know neither of you wants to rob us of our joy.”

Callie pressed her lips together and swallowed her rebuttal. She didn't desire an elaborate wedding. But after Helena's fainting spell, Callie didn't think this would be a good time to argue about wedding plans. Instead, she would discuss the matter with Mrs. Bridgeport first thing tomorrow. With her experience handling difficult social situations, perhaps Mrs. Bridgeport could provide an idea or two of how to best handle Mrs. Townsend and Helena before the wedding turned into an extravaganza of sorts.

Mr. Townsend signaled for the waiter to begin serving their meal. It wasn't long after they'd completed their soup course that Richard leaned Callie's way. “I understand the nanny who was working for the Bridgeports was involved in the thefts
taking place on the island, and the detectives investigating the case even attempted to implicate you.”

Wesley frowned at his brother-in-law. “And how did you happen to learn that piece of information? To my knowledge, there were few people who knew anything about those details.”

“Your father pays me to keep abreast of news in the textile industry and of possible investors. You'd be amazed how much other information is gathered during the course of doing business.”

When Wesley bristled at the remark, Callie reached for his hand while directing a sweet smile at Richard. “I am certain the detectives spoke to many people during the course of their investigation, but your informants were correct in what they told you. However, since I'm not in jail with Mrs. Murphy and her son, it is obvious they were incorrect in their assumptions.”

Callie took heart when Richard's shoulder drooped. She'd obviously deflected his accusations. Wesley was correct about his brother-in-law: The man did enjoy stirring things at every opportunity. Once the discussion about the wedding had settled, he appeared intent upon finding another subject that would create tension and disharmony.

Richard sniggered. “You should have stopped by the jail while you were over in Biscayne. I'll bet Mrs. Murphy would have been more than a little surprised to see you.”

Callie folded her hands in her lap and stared at Richard. “If I thought it would have given Mrs. Murphy comfort, I would have gone to see her. To be frank, I feel a great deal of sadness regarding Mrs. Murphy. She was a strange woman at times, but she could be quite kind and caring, as well. I don't know what possessed her to aid her son in such horrendous criminal
activity, but it doesn't change the fact that she was good to the children and generally kind to me.”

Richard pointed his bread knife at Callie. “Well, I'm not so sure the people she stole from believe she's such a saint. And if she'd stolen your expensive jewels, I doubt you'd be so forgiving.” He placed the knife on the bread plate. “Then again, you didn't need to worry since you don't own any expensive jewels. Isn't that correct?”

Wesley pushed away from the table. “I've had enough of your tasteless behavior, Richard.”

“No, Wesley. It's quite all right. I'm pleased to answer his question. The fact is that I'm not wealthy, Mr. Kennebec, so I don't need to worry about jewels being stolen. I was, however, sympathetic to the guests and the distress they suffered because of Mrs. Murphy's actions. But it is my understanding that all of the jewelry was recovered and has been returned to the proper owners. And while I don't consider Mrs. Murphy a saint, I do believe she is a child of God who deserves forgiveness. All of us sin, and all of us need forgiveness.” Callie shifted in her chair and met Richard's stare. “Don't you agree?”

Mrs. Townsend tapped her fan on the white tablecloth. “I know I agree—and I know that's enough talk about robberies and other unsavory topics. I doubt I'll be able to digest my dinner if this discussion continues.”

Later, while they were finishing their after-dinner coffee, Mrs. Townsend excused herself from the table. She returned a short time later, walked to the head of the table, and placed one hand on her husband's shoulder. “I have spoken to Mr. Crocker, and we will host the engagement party here at the island. With my direction and assistance, he assures me that all can be in readiness whenever we decide to have the party.”

“But I—” Callie stopped short when Mrs. Townsend snapped open her fan.

In no time at all, Callie had lost control of her wedding plans.

Throughout the days that followed, Mrs. Townsend and Mrs. Bridgeport became as alike as two peas in a pod. What one said, the other agreed to and vice versa. Callie had done her best to try to dissuade Mrs. Bridgeport, but to no avail. The older woman was certain Callie's objections were due to the cost involved with the engagement party and a sumptuous wedding. Wes and Callie acquiesced and decided to wed on the third day of May.

Once the young couple set the date, Mrs. Townsend and Mrs. Bridgeport wasted no time scheduling the engagement party for one week prior to the wedding. They had hoped to host it two weeks prior, but when they discovered the clubhouse had already been scheduled for another event that could not be changed, they conceded.

When the dates for the party and wedding had been set, it became abundantly clear there would be no peace, since Callie had permitted the women full rein. When Mrs. Townsend insisted upon taking her to Biscayne to be fitted for a wedding gown, she didn't object. When Mrs. Bridgeport insisted upon purchasing items for her trousseau, Callie didn't object. When the two older women decided upon the decorations, flowers, and food for the engagement party, she didn't object. Each skirmish turned into a losing battle.

Mrs. Bridgeport had quieted Callie's objections by insisting that Mr. Bridgeport would have it no other way. He could think of nothing upon which he'd rather spend his money—a
statement Callie found difficult to believe. When she raised her objections to Mrs. Townsend, the older woman immediately pointed out that she and Wesley would be leaving the country and the couple should indulge the family by permitting all of them this time of special celebration.