CHAPTER 7

June 9, 1914

Did I mention Frank is the son of Mr. Easton, the owner of the hotel where I work? We’re trying to keep our relationship a secret for now. Frank recently ended an engagement to someone his father wanted him to marry, and Frank wants to wait before telling him about us. He’s worried it might affect my job. Isn’t he thoughtful?

Andrew stopped outside his father’s office and paused to let his temper settle. Paul Edison had summoned him for an unscheduled meeting, wreaking havoc yet again with Andrew’s timetable. He’d hoped to finish up his work and get away early in order to sit in on the nanny interview his mother had scheduled this afternoon. But this interruption meant that likely wouldn’t happen.

What scheme did Edison have up his sleeve this time? Something designed to make Andrew look incompetent in his father’s eyes, most likely.

He ran a hand over his hair, adjusted his spectacles, then entered the office.

Edison lounged in the chair across from Father’s desk as if he owned the space. His slicked-back blond hair and light blue eyes gave him the look of a playboy. Handsome enough to turn the ladies’ heads and charming enough to sway the men.

“Andrew, come in. Paul and I were just discussing an idea, and we’d like your input.”

Paul’s arrogant expression brought flashes of Frank’s smirk to mind. Frank had always been the golden boy, his father’s pride and joy. The one who could do no wrong.

“Why can’t you be more like your brother?” Father used to say. “Talk to the customers, make them feel special. Watch how Frank does it and try to imitate him.”

His father could never understand that Andrew didn’t have the kind of gregarious personality his brother did. That while Frank craved the limelight, Andrew preferred to remain in the background, quietly going about his business.

As painful as Frank’s estrangement had been, at least Andrew no longer had to face constant comparisons that proved him lacking. Foolishly, he’d believed he would now have his father’s full attention, the chance to gain his approval at last—a notion that had lasted only until Edison had joined the company as a junior executive.

Andrew took a seat. “What is this idea?” Whatever it was, it had better not require a large infusion of cash.

“I’ll let Paul explain.” His father sat back in his chair, his hands folded across his stomach.

Edison stood and straightened his jacket as though preparing for a theatrical performance. “Now that the war’s been over for six months, people are ready for a celebration. I think we should host a gala—a victory celebration, if you will—in honor of our winning the war, and in recognition of the soldiers who fought for our country.” He got more enthused as he went on, his expression animated. “We’ll invite a few key veterans and make a show of presenting them with some sort of tribute. We’ll charge an exorbitant entry fee, which no one will mind, because it’s for a good cause.” He winked at them. “It will be a great way to bring the community together and boost the city’s morale. Not to mention an opportunity to raise a lot of money.”

Andrew’s gut tightened. “So you want to exploit the soldiers who have survived the horrors of war—something we can’t even imagine—for your own selfish purposes.”

Edison’s face darkened. “Of course you couldn’t imagine it, staying here in the comfort of your family estate. But speaking as one who experienced a taste of battle and lived to tell about it, I can assure you I won’t be exploiting anything.”

Andrew clenched his back teeth together. Trust Edison to poke at Andrew’s sore spot—the fact that the army had turned him down because of a physical limitation, while everyone else he knew had passed with flying colors.

“The profits would be split evenly,” Edison continued. “Half for the veterans, half for the hotel. A benefit to everyone involved. And, as I said, it would bring the community together in a positive way.”

“I, for one, am in full support of the idea.” Father leaned forward over the desk to focus his attention on Andrew. “And I expect you to extend Paul your full cooperation. We’ll need to set a date, and get some of the other staff involved. But first and foremost, we’ll need to set up a budget. That’s where you come in, Andrew. I want you to work with Paul to decide how much capital we’ll need. Give him whatever funds are necessary to get this event off the ground.”

So this was why his father had brought him in. Not because he valued Andrew’s opinion, since it was obvious he’d already decided to go ahead with Edison’s proposal no matter what Andrew thought. He pushed to his feet with a grunt. “Fine.”

Edison raised a hand. “Before you go, I have one other idea.” He turned, a smug glint in his eye. “I believe Cecilia Carmichael might be the perfect one to work with me on this project. She has a flair for the dramatic and is used to throwing lavish parties. This would only be on a slightly grander scale.”

Steam built in Andrew’s chest. He clenched his hands at his side. “We have employees who are far more qualified than Miss Carmichael. I fail to see—”

“A splendid idea,” Father said. “And I’m sure we’d all enjoy having Cecilia around.”

Before Andrew could protest further, a knock sounded at the door and their secretary entered. “I’m sorry to interrupt, sir. There’s a call for Andrew.” The woman had taken to calling him by his Christian name because it was too confusing with two Mr. Eastons on the same floor.

“Thank you, Martha. I’ll be right there.”

As he stalked into his office seconds later, he paused for a breath before picking up the receiver. Whoever it was did not need to bear the brunt of his foul mood. “Andrew Easton here.”

“Drew, it’s Ginny. I need a favor.”

Grace walked up the long drive toward the Easton estate, tension twisting her stomach into knots. This could be a disastrous idea on so many levels, yet she couldn’t pass up the chance to possibly become Christian’s nanny and see for herself that the boy was well cared for. She owed it to Rose and to their mother.

Even if she didn’t get the position, she’d have managed to see inside the house where her nephew now resided. That would be worth all these nerves. She hoped.

Her pace slowed as she approached the front entrance. Afternoon shadows filtered over the house and surrounding property, giving it a slightly ominous feel. The building, even more imposing close up, was as far removed from her tiny cottage back home as the stars were from the moon. Three stories of grand white walls towered above her. A portico with two stately columns sheltered the entrance. She climbed the few stairs and stared at the impressive carved door. Not wishing to be late for the appointment Virginia had so kindly arranged with Mrs. Easton, Grace smoothed down her jacket. She hoped the navy blue suit she’d chosen would give the impression of a trustworthy woman. With a last deep inhale, she knocked.

A few seconds later, a middle-aged woman dressed in a uniform answered. “May I help you?”

“Good afternoon. I’m Grace . . . Foley. I have an appointment with Mrs. Easton.”

The woman opened the door wider. “Please come in. I’ll inform Mrs. Easton that you’re here.”

“Thank you.” Grace stepped into the impressive entranceway and waited on the mat.

While the woman disappeared down a hall, Grace took in the elegant interior of the residence. Rich burgundy carpets lined the wooden floors. Warm oak railings framed the staircase. Every wall showcased paintings of all sizes, landscape and still-life mixed with what appeared to be family portraits. She’d never been inside such a grand house before. Squeezing the handle of her purse, she prayed for God’s strength to sustain her through this interview.

The housekeeper reappeared. “Right this way. Mr. Easton will see you now.”

“Mr. Easton?” Grace forced her feet to follow the quick-moving woman. “I-I was supposed to meet with Mrs. Easton.”

“I’m afraid Mrs. Easton is under the weather, so Mr. Easton will be filling in.” She reached an open door and poked her head in. “Miss Foley, sir.” Then she gestured for Grace to enter.

Grace had only a moment to swallow her panic at having to face the dreaded patriarch of the Easton family—the one who’d disowned his own son for marrying beneath him and who’d caused Rose such despair. Squaring her shoulders, she entered the room.

Her gaze swung from the floor-to-ceiling bookcase to the massive oak desk that dominated the room, then finally to the man sitting behind it. He wore a charcoal gray suit and striped tie. A shock of light brown hair swept back off his forehead, and dark-framed eyeglasses highlighted a pair of unforgettable blue eyes.

Her jaw dropped open. The same man who had rescued her last week stared at her now, appearing as stunned as she.

He removed his glasses, set them on the desk, and rose. “You’re Miss Foley? The candidate for the nanny position?”

“I . . . Um, that is . . . yes.” Her tangled thoughts fell over one another as she attempted to make sense of the situation.

Andrew gave her a warm smile. “What a pleasant coincidence. Please sit down.”

“Th-thank you.” She stumbled forward and sank onto the chair, grateful to be off her shaking legs.

“So, I understand you met my sister at the park. Mother told me Virginia was the one who presented you as a potential candidate.” One eyebrow quirked. “A somewhat unorthodox manner to get an interview, I must say.”

She held her gaze steady under his scrutiny, and despite the perspiration dampening her back, attempted a light laugh. “Yes, it was most unexpected. I stopped to admire the baby, and we struck up a conversation. When I found out she was looking for a full-time nanny, it seemed like a God-given opportunity.”

“I remember you told me you were seeking work.” He frowned suddenly. “How is your ankle? You didn’t walk all the way here, did you?”

“It’s fully healed, thank you. And I took the streetcar most of the way.”

“That’s good news.” The lines in his forehead eased. “Well, let’s begin the interview, shall we? Do you have a letter of reference?”

“I do.” Grace opened her handbag and pulled out the envelope containing Reverend Burke’s glowing report. He’d been kind enough to write it for her last night on very short notice.

Andrew removed the letter and began to read.

Grace tried to breathe normally as she waited, while her mind whirled with the implication that this handsome stranger, the one who had rescued her that night, was little Christian’s uncle and guardian. No wonder he was so quick to retrieve his auto. He’d been only a block or two from home.

Andrew laid the paper on the desk. “Reverend Burke certainly has nothing but the highest praise for you.”

“He’s been very kind.”

“His letter speaks to your work ethic and your character, but do you have any experience with children?”

This time Grace was prepared for the question. “Not formally. But I did teach Sunday school at our church for several years. And I’ve minded a good number of the neighbors’ children.”

“What about babies in particular?”

Grace hesitated. She desperately wanted this chance to spend time with her nephew, but she couldn’t outright lie and claim to have experience that she didn’t. “I adore babies,” she began. “Some of the neighbors’ children I looked after were infants, and though I might not be an expert, I can surely learn whatever I need to. I’m more than willing to be trained.”

“Fair enough.” He picked up a pen and poised it over the paper in front of him. “Why don’t you tell me a little of your background.”

“Right.” She clasped her handbag tighter. “I grew up in a small town near Southampton. My father worked in the shipyards, but he died when I was fourteen. I had planned to go to college, but my mother became ill and needed me at home to care for her.” Grace paused. She wanted to give a semi-complete picture of her life in England, yet certain details she would keep private. Most especially her connection to Rose.

“Did you have a job there?”

“I worked part-time in our town’s general store when I could, depending on how Mum was faring. They were very understanding about the situation.”

“I see.” He tapped his pen, a wrinkle forming between his brows. “What made you leave home and travel all the way to Canada then?”

Grace licked her dry lips, willing the answer she’d rehearsed to come out with ease. “I came at my mother’s insistence. I suppose she felt bad for all the time I’d spent looking after her, putting my life on hold to care for her.” There, not a lie. Everything she’d said was true.

“So her health is improved?”

“Somewhat. She agreed to stay with her sister. It was the only way I’d leave her.”

“And what was your plan when you arrived?”

Beads of perspiration snaked down her back. “I was initially to stay with a relative but that . . . fell through.” She gestured to the letter. “I’d heard of Reverend Burke and went to meet him. He does his best to provide assistance to newcomers to the city.”

“Sounds like a good ally to have.” Andrew tilted his head, lips pursed. “If I might be so bold, what about romantic attachments? There’s no husband or suitor you’ve left behind, is there?” His gaze narrowed on her naked left hand.

A bolt of indignation shot through her. “I hardly think that’s relevant.”

He held up a hand. “Forgive me. I don’t wish to invade your privacy, but I must be sure you don’t have reason to leave, such as a potential suitor showing up to entice you back home.”

Aware of her racing heart and her rising temper, Grace inhaled and released a slow breath. “I assure you, I have no romantic attachments. No one who might come after me as you insinuated.”

Crimson stained his cheeks. “I beg your pardon for making you feel uncomfortable, but I had to ask.”

She gave a tight nod.

Andrew cleared his throat. “May I assume then that you’re planning to stay in Canada?”

Grace hesitated. What were her intentions? She hadn’t thought any farther ahead than this interview. But if she managed to get the position and developed a bond with her nephew, she’d stay as long as necessary. “I hope to, yes.”

“Good. Because I couldn’t let Christian become attached to a caregiver only to have her disappear. Not after losing his mother.” A shadow passed over his features.

“I would never do that, Mr. Easton.” She leaned forward in her earnestness, fighting the rise of emotion in her chest. “I would treat that child as a most precious gift from God.” All she wanted to do was cuddle that sweet boy and shower him with all the love Rose would have given him.

“I believe you would.” His smile eased the lines of tension on his face. “And please call me Andrew. When anyone addresses me as Mr. Easton, I always look to see if my father is in the room.”

She laughed. “Very well, Andrew.”

As the tension in her muscles began to relax, guilt seeped through her system. Andrew seemed like a good person, someone who might understand why she felt it necessary to perpetrate the deception she was planning. The honest thing to do was to tell him the truth and ask her questions about the boy in a straightforward manner. Make it clear that she only wanted Christian to be raised in a loving family.

She bit her lip and rolled the handle of her purse between her fingers.

But what if Andrew wasn’t as nice as he appeared? What if he would be furious that she’d come here under false pretenses? What if his father showed up and had her removed from the house before she could even explain herself?

That would mean leaving her sweet nephew here and returning to England, never being part of his life.

She couldn’t take that chance. What she was doing wasn’t entirely honest, but she couldn’t give up this opportunity.

She lifted her gaze to find Andrew studying her.

He quickly looked down at the papers on his desk and cleared his throat again. “I believe in being upfront about things,” he said, “so I’ll tell you that Mother and I have interviewed at least a dozen women for this position. While many appeared to have wonderful qualifications, each had some quality I didn’t care for. I’m looking for a younger person with enough energy to play with Christian and take him on outings. Someone who would be the next best thing to a mother.” He pressed his lips together and seemed to fight to collect himself.

She shifted on her chair. “May I ask a question?”

“Certainly.”

“I presume you’re not married?”

“Correct.”

“What would happen if you were to marry one day?” If he could question her long-term plans, she could do the same.

“You’re worried about the security of the position?”

“Yes.”

“When the time comes, I hope my future wife will love Christian as much as I, and want to be a mother to him. But getting married wouldn’t necessarily negate having a nanny. Many members of our social circle employ nannies or governesses for their children.” He paused. “However, in the event that I no longer required your services, you would be well compensated and given ample time to find a new position.”

She drew in a full breath and released it. “That seems more than fair.”

Andrew rose and came around from behind the desk. “I will have to discuss your application with my family. How may I contact you once we’ve reached a decision?”

“You can telephone me at my landlady’s. Or leave a message with Reverend Burke.”

“Fine. If you would leave me your landlady’s name and number, I think we can conclude our interview.” He passed her a piece of paper and a pen.

She quickly jotted down Mrs. Chamberlain’s phone number, then rose and smoothed the wrinkles from her skirt.

He held out his hand. “Thank you, Grace. I’ll be in touch as soon as we’ve made a decision.”

She placed her hand in his. Warmth surrounded her, leaving her with a feeling that Andrew Easton was someone trustworthy and good. “Thank you. I look forward to hearing from you.”

As she made her way back to the streetcar, Grace inhaled deeply, willing her nerves to abate. Despite her shock at Andrew’s identity, she’d made it through the interview well enough. Her fate now rested in God’s hands. She would have to accept whatever the Eastons decided. So far they appeared to love her nephew very much. But it would take living in the same house with him to ascertain how they treated him. Would they hand him off to a nanny and have little contact with him? Or would they love him unconditionally and treat him as a treasured member of the family?

These were the questions Grace needed to determine for herself in order to have any peace of mind about Christian’s future.

Andrew closed the front door and expelled a loud rush of air from his lungs. He’d never expected to see Grace again, and now he was thinking of hiring her for a live-in position in his home. What were the odds?

He ran a hand through his hair, recalling how attractive she looked in her blue suit and the matching hat perched on top of her dark hair. Once again he’d found himself riveted by her warm brown eyes, which at times glowed with sincerity and other times hinted at possible secrets.

Was he crazy to even consider hiring her?

Footsteps alerted him to someone coming down the stairs. Seconds later, Virginia appeared in the hallway. “Well?” she asked, her face alight with hope. “What did you think? Grace seems perfect, don’t you agree?”

“I wouldn’t say perfect. She does lack credentials and actual experience.”

“Pishposh. I can tell a person’s heart right away, and I know she would love little Christian as much as we do.” Virginia crossed her arms. “Besides, we’ve had nothing but a parade of credentials so far, and where has that gotten us? Nowhere.”

“True.” He shrugged one shoulder. “I’ll have to talk it over with Mother and see what she thinks before I make a decision.”

Virginia smiled and patted his arm. “I’m sure you’ll weigh all the pros and cons until you decide on the most logical course of action,” she teased.

“You make it sound like a bad thing.”

“Not always. But sometimes a little spontaneity goes a long way. Sometimes you have to follow your instincts.”

“And what do your instincts tell you?”

“That Grace is a good person, kind and compassionate, with a heart for children.”

“I’ll keep that in mind when I talk to Mother.” He bent to kiss her cheek. “I take it Christian is napping?”

“Yes. I’m getting a cup of tea, and then I’ll take him out for our usual walk when he awakens.”

“If I do decide to hire Grace, you’d have no problem teaching her everything she needs to know?”

“Of course not. I’m not going to abandon Christian just because he has a nanny. Especially when I’ll miss so much time with him when I leave for Europe.” Sadness dulled the light in her eyes.

“Ginny,” he said quietly, “if you don’t want to go, you don’t have to.”

“Yes, I do. Basil expects it.” She pulled herself up to her full height, barely reaching his chin. “Don’t worry about me, Drew. I’ll be fine.”

Yet Andrew couldn’t help but worry about his baby sister. She’d lost the man she cared for at the beginning of the war, and he hated to see her settle for less than a true match. At least now she was open to the idea of marrying. It had taken her nearly three years to get over Emmett’s death. Andrew should be happy she’d found someone she would even consider sharing her life with. She deserved a family of her own, children of her own.

With a shake of his head, he pushed such useless thoughts away and concentrated on the issue at hand. Best to find Mother and learn her opinion on the matter of the nanny.