CHAPTER 18

Andrew stood at the rail of the Bluebell Ferry as it crossed to Toronto Island, his hat clutched in his hand. The breeze was just powerful enough to whisk it from his head if he wasn’t careful. The feeling of freedom without it was exhilarating, the wanton locks flying about his forehead with complete abandon.

He lifted his face and let the sun warm his cheeks. Before them, the blue sky stretched out toward the horizon, while gentle waves lapped at the hull. They couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day.

Andrew peered over his shoulder to make sure Mother was comfortable on one of the benches. She appeared quite content with Virginia and Grace on one side of her and the pram between them.

His gaze rested on Grace, so pretty in a blue dress with a tidy white collar. She too had forgone her usual straw hat and instead had tied her hair back with a colorful scarf. He still couldn’t believe Ginny had talked her into coming. And that Cecilia had declined his invitation, as he’d hoped she would. He should feel guilty about preferring Grace’s company to Celia’s, but he simply didn’t. Instead he planned to enjoy every minute of this fine day that was free from his father’s critical eye and Cecilia’s complaints.

Grace came to join him at the rail. “This ferry ride is a far more enjoyable experience than crossing the ocean.” Her brown eyes sparkled. “The view is so pretty. Look at the way the sunlight dances over the water.”

The wind whipped some loose strands of hair about her face.

His fingers itched to smooth them back, but he stuffed his hands in his pockets before he gave in to temptation. “It is beautiful. I haven’t taken the time to enjoy a day like this in a very long time.”

“What is your favorite thing to do at the park?” Her enthusiasm rolled off her in waves as big as the ones that crashed against the boat.

“Not the roller coaster, that’s for certain.”

“No? Not a thrill seeker?” She was teasing him, and he found he liked it.

“Definitely not.” He gave an exaggerated grimace. “I suppose I enjoy the carousel best. I also like the shooting gallery and the games of chance.”

“I used to love those as well. My brother always tried to win me prizes.” A hint of nostalgia seemed to dim the light in her eyes.

“The one who died in the war?” he asked gently.

“No. My other brother, Peter.” She bit her lip and turned toward the water, visibly working to contain her emotions.

“I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“It’s all right.” She smiled, but her eyes remained sad. “Peter and I were very close. I still have the stuffed poodle he won for me the last time.” She swallowed hard.

“What happened to him?” Andrew couldn’t help asking.

She shook her head, blinking back tears. “He died . . . in an accident.”

“I’m so sorry.” Andrew kept his hands tight in his pockets. The urge to put his arms around her and comfort her was almost a physical ache.

“Thank you.” She inhaled and released a long breath. “Even though it happened a long time ago, the grief still sneaks up on me.”

Andrew gave himself a mental slap for stealing her joy. He needed to dispel the gloomy mood he’d created—and fast. “Well, perhaps I’ll have a chance to match his skill today. I’m pretty good at the bottle toss, if I do say so.”

His ploy worked, and she laughed. “You want to win me a prize?”

“What better incentive than to make a pretty girl smile?”

Grace’s eyes widened. A blush stained her cheeks, and she quickly looked away.

The sharp toot of the ferry’s horn sounded, indicating that they would be docking shortly.

“We’d better sit down,” he told her. “It could get bumpy.”

With a hand at her back, he guided her to the bench, and they squeezed in beside his mother and Ginny. Andrew did his best to ignore the speculative stare of his sister.

Not even Ginny’s meddling was going to bother Andrew today.

Anticipation thrummed through the crowd as the passengers lined up to disembark from the ferry. Grace thrilled at the sight of the park before her—the rails of the roller coaster rising high above them, the music from the carousel competing with the hum of voices, and the smell of cotton candy and pretzels floating on the breeze.

Right now she didn’t care how incensed Mr. Easton would be when he discovered she’d come along. She intended to soak up every inch of this delightful experience and store it away as a wonderful memory for the years ahead.

Andrew insisted on pushing the pram. They made their way down the main thoroughfare at a leisurely pace, in keeping with the movement of the crowd. After a while, the throngs dispersed in different directions and Grace could breathe again.

“Where shall we head first?” Virginia asked.

Andrew pointed ahead. “How about the carousel? Even Mother can join us on that.”

Minutes later, they boarded the ride, and Grace scurried to find a seat. Mrs. Easton sat on one of the benches with Christian on her lap. Virginia ran straight for an elephant. Grace laughed, watching her try to mount the wide animal while keeping her skirts about her calves. Grace chose a multicolored horse, and after several unsuccessful attempts to climb into the seat, Andrew appeared beside her. “Allow me.”

She blinked as he gripped her by the waist and lifted her onto the painted saddle. Sitting sideways, she grasped the pole and held on for dear life, laughing. “Thank you, gallant sir. Which one will you choose?”

“I believe I like the view from here.” With his hands still on her waist, his eyes never left her face.

Grace held her breath, unable to look away. Her heart pumped at a furious rate. Did she imagine the suggestion behind his words?

“You can’t stand the whole time, Drew,” Virginia called. “Grab a seat.”

Andrew gave a cheeky salute and climbed onto the jet black stallion beside Grace. “I think this one is manly enough for me.”

Grace couldn’t help but laugh at his wry expression. “I don’t know. You could try the duck.” She pointed to a cartoonish white bird with a yellow bill, where a young girl was climbing up, assisted by her father.

Andrew narrowed his eyes at her. She only laughed harder.

A voice came over the loudspeaker warning patrons to hang on tight and keep all limbs inside the carousel. A few seconds later, the organ music grew louder, and the ride began to move.

Grace’s horse chugged, then started to rise as the carousel gained speed. Her scarf, tied securely under her chin, whipped out behind her.

Virginia waved at her. Grace waved back and twisted to see how Christian was faring. He and Mrs. Easton both wore wide smiles. Grace darted a glance at Andrew, who held his hat on with one hand and grasped the pole with the other. He grinned over at her. She’d never seen him so relaxed, so carefree. The carousel picked up speed, moving faster and faster in dizzying circles. The crowds surrounding the ride cheered and waved, speeding by in a blur.

All too soon the ride slowed to a halt.

Andrew jumped down and came to help her dismount. The feeling of his strong arms sent a surge of electricity though her, leaving her strangely breathless.

He cleared his throat and stepped back, shoving his hat back on his head. “I think I should have left this at home today. I fear I’ll lose it before the day is out.”

“Why don’t you store it in the boot of the pram? There’s plenty of room there.”

“An excellent idea. Come on. Let’s see how Christian enjoyed himself.”

The morning passed quickly as they explored the park and the petting zoo, which Christian adored. His wide eyes and giggle of glee when Grace laid his hand on a sheep’s furry back had been priceless. Around noon, Mrs. Easton insisted they find a picnic table in the shade to eat the lunch Mrs. Hopkins had prepared for them. The cook must have made enough food for Mr. Easton and Basil Fleming as well, for the basket was filled to overflowing with sandwiches, fruit, and strawberry tarts.

“Are you enjoying yourself, Mother?” Andrew asked after they had eaten their fill.

“Very much so.” Mrs. Easton smiled.

Grace gave her credit for putting on a brave face when she must surely be missing Frank.

Andrew removed the trash from the table and spread a blanket over the grass. “It’s time for us men to have a nap.” He lifted Christian from Virginia’s lap and laid him on the blanket. The boy instantly stretched out his feet and arms as if relishing the freedom. Andrew flopped down beside him, pillowing his head on his arms.

“Where is Basil, Virginia?” Mrs. Easton asked as she repacked the basket. “I thought he’d be here to share lunch with us.”

Virginia sipped her bottle of lemonade. “He said he’d try. I guess he wasn’t able to get away.”

Grace studied her. She certainly didn’t seem upset that her fiancé hadn’t come to the picnic as promised. If Grace were in Virginia’s shoes, she’d be madder than a wet hen.

Mrs. Easton closed the hamper. “We’ll wait a while longer before we leave the picnic area in case he arrives.”

“I don’t want to hold up everyone on his account. Why don’t you all head out and I’ll stay here with Christian? He can have his nap on the grass in the open air.”

Andrew sat up on the blanket, frowning. “I don’t like the idea of leaving you here alone. We’ll stay until we can all go together.”

Half an hour later, Christian started to fuss, and Virginia seemed on edge. She kept looking up and down the long expanse of grass, as though nervous. But what would she be nervous about? Did she fear Basil would appear and ruin the outing for her?

Grace looked around. “Who wants to try the roller coaster? Virginia, you seem the type who would love those daring rides.”

Virginia’s dark curls swung as she shook her head. “Not me. I prefer my feet on the ground, thank you very much.”

“Oh, come on. Live dangerously.” Grace tugged on her arm.

“No, thank you. I enjoyed my lunch, and I don’t care to lose it.” With a laugh, Virginia picked the baby off the blanket and laid him in the pram. “I think Christian needs a diaper change anyway. Drew, why don’t you take Grace on the ride?”

Andrew’s eyes widened with mock horror. “Have you seen how high that thing is? A guy would have to be crazy to risk his neck that way.”

“I’d be happy to take you, Miss Foley. I happen to love roller coasters.”

Grace whirled on the bench to see Collin Lafferty and Toby McDonald standing behind the picnic table. Both were wearing vests and matching caps, their white shirt sleeves rolled up to the elbow. But while Toby was smiling, Collin’s features were pinched and pale.

“Mr. McDonald?” Grace rose from her seat, conscious of Mrs. Easton and Andrew’s attention on her. “What are you doing here? I thought you were spending the day with the other staff members.” Grace hoped her pleasant tone would ease the instant tension that had fallen over the small party.

“A change in plans. When we spotted you here, we couldn’t pass by without saying hello. And it seems we’re just in the nick of time.” Toby winked at Grace.

Her cheeks blazed with heat that had nothing to do with the sun. “That’s most kind of you, but—”

Andrew jumped to his feet, brushing some pieces of grass from his pants. “I was joking, Grace. I’d be happy to escort you on the roller coaster.” He moved to her side, laying a hand at her waist.

If Grace’s spine grew any stiffer, she’d snap in two.

The men exchanged heated stares for a second or two, then Toby tipped his cap. “Another time then, Miss Foley. Mrs. Easton, Miss Virginia, have a pleasant day.”

Collin nodded and shot a glance at Virginia as Toby pulled him back onto the walkway.

Virginia bent over the pram, busying herself with Christian.

“Is it me, or was there something odd about that whole encounter?” Mrs. Easton pinned Grace with a pointed look.

“It did seem strange. But I assure you I had no idea those two were coming to the island today.”

“So you didn’t ask Mr. McDonald to meet you here?”

“No, ma’am. I didn’t even know I was coming until Virginia invited me this morning.”

The woman’s shoulders relaxed. “Just a coincidence, then?”

“Yes, ma’am.” But as Grace looked over at Virginia, suspicion dawned. Perhaps Basil had never agreed to join them. Perhaps Virginia had been biding her time to sneak off and meet Collin.

Grace turned to Andrew. “You don’t have to take me on the roller coaster. Why don’t we try our hand at the games instead? I just might give you a run for your money at the shooting gallery.”

The relief that spread over his face was almost comical. “You’re on, Annie Oakley.”

“Who is Annie Oakley?”

He only laughed harder.