Ella licked her pencil point and scratched items off her list while she rocked down the street in the Pierce family carriage.
Have Woody ask Mr. Pierce to consider hosting a charity ball for the orphanage.
Check.
Woody had assured her Mr. Pierce would not support the orphanage until Pastor Bridges did. But on faith, Woody went to his friend anyway and found him in conversation with the pastor. The pastor mentioned the Harrison’s butler, Steele, had told him how Woody visited the Harrison House several times a week now, reaching out to his family in love though never allowed entrance. The pastor and Pierce agreed then to help Woody with the orphanage project. Mrs. Pierce, after hiring Ella as part-time nanny, took over planning for the ball, which held every indication of becoming a smashing success.
Have tickets printed with “Elwood Harrison” as the guest of honor.
Call on New York City’s richest gossipmongers to sell them ball tickets (dressed as a fine lady, of course!).
Woody achieved permanent hero status in Ella’s heart when he volunteered to expose himself and resurrect his family scandal for the orphans’ sakes. Intrigued as to why Mr. Pierce would honor such a “rogue” at his charity ball, the gossips bought tickets by the hundreds.
Convince the most influential to buy name spaces on a monument to donors.
Reserve twenty prominent name spaces for ball guests to bid upon during festivities.
The monument was her idea. And what a success! With Mr. Pierce handling the orphanage funds and his good name driving the event, status-seekers purchased name spaces at exorbitant prices.
Ella closed her eyes. Besides saving orphans from unmentionable dooms, this orphanage would secure her and Ina a future as staff members—Ella had to believe they’d find her sister soon.
Next item?
Organize boys’ practice times so Woody won’t find out.
After her fateful refusal of his proposal, she’d wanted to bless him somehow. The boys snapped up the idea. She just needed to keep the secret tucked away a few more hours.
“Have we forgotten anything?” Woody asked from the opposite seat.
Ella slapped her tiny notebook shut and laid a hand over her heart. “No, I think everything is accounted for.”
“Sorry, I startled you.” He took her hand.
At his continued perusal, she grew fidgety. Was her hair still in place? She smoothed her skirts—probably wrinkling horribly sitting this way. Did she appear the pretentious fool she felt?
“You look beautiful.” In the glow of the carriage lamps, Woody’s eyes shone warm and inviting. Entering the carriage on his arm earlier, it was all too easy to imagine herself as his wife and he as a millionaire, though she’d love him no matter his financial status.
“Thank you, Woody.” Her cheeks radiated as she touched her borrowed pearls. Mrs. Pierce insisted Ella wear a new gown and lent her hairdresser.
Releasing her hand, he stretched his arm along the carriage cushion behind him. Not for the first time this evening, his slicked hair and tailored suit drew her eye. With that brooding gaze, square jaw, and kingly air, he must have broken many hearts during his reign as Elwood Harrison the Rake.
Each day she fell for him a little more. The way he loved the Pierce children with the same affection as the orphans melted her heart into mushy little bits and spiked her respect for the man he was.
She’d vowed to let God handle their future and not interfere, but nobody said faith came easy. Over the last weeks, Woody had limited himself to friendliness and hadn’t mentioned his proposal again. Had he made up his mind to move on?
“Something wrong?” Woody asked.
She schooled her features. “No, just hoping tonight goes well.”
Had she given the boys the right instructions about which entrance to use? Lord willing, the staff would let them in. House servants could be snobbier than the elite—especially to their own kind. And children seemed to reap the worst of any circumstance.
Woody toyed with the cushion seam. “Me too. Thank you for all you’ve done to make this possible.”
Surely he knew she’d worked not only for herself but for his sake. “I would do it all over again if it would help you … help the boys.”
His keen look intensified. Then he blinked and adjusted his lapel. “I know we’ve prayed for success all along, but … shall we pray together now?”
As Ella rested her hands in his and the unique tones of his voice flowed around them, she prayed for grace to accept the outcome of this night, whatever God chose to do. And He’d do it without hindrance from her, of this she was determined.
As the orchestra hummed, Woody meandered through the ballroom, schmoozing potential donors. Ladies tittered behind their fans as he passed, no doubt giddy to see a former rogue in the flesh.
What he wouldn’t give to wear Ella on his arm, showing her off to New York society. She should be sharing in the glory of the evening—her plan was working splendidly so far. But she’d disappeared five minutes ago—to the ladies’ refreshment rooms perhaps?
Pierce proved selfless once again, renting Oration Hall to hold the massive number of people. Upon introducing Woody at the beginning of the ball, Pierce explained Woody’s absence from polite society, reasoning he’d spent years living among the children, gaining their trust. Good ole Pierce simply left out the disinheritance part. Amazing how forgiving society became when someone of status and wealth endorsed you.
The chuckle rumbling his chest brought a curious glance from one matron drizzled with diamonds and lace.
Gasps quieted the room behind him.
He turned as Ella ushered in twenty or so street children, lining them up on the stage that held the orphanage monument.
No. Lord, please. Ella couldn’t know the harm this would cause.
Already, judgment creased the donors’ faces. It was bad enough society incriminated all street orphans as pickpockets. If the children paraded in front of these people, whose slander could destroy them beyond hope of good futures …
He had to help Ella get them out of here.
Halfway to the front he halted as his boys—and the new girls—harmonized the American national anthem in perfect choir formation.
Spellbound, he listened as the expressions of his peers became enraptured. Ella led the children through several foreign songs, French, German, Polish, then ended with the redemptive hymn, “Amazing Grace.” Tears gathered in his eyes when they reached the lyrics, “I once was lost, but now am found.”
Lord, let it be true of them. Physically and spiritually.
Several ladies—and gentlemen—dabbed their noses with embroidered handkerchiefs.
With a wink in his direction, Ella filed the children through the same door they’d entered.
When had this come about? The little sneak. He dabbed his eyes and wiped a hand over his mouth to cover his smile. What a woman.
If only … In his experience, charity balls performed well enough but wouldn’t completely underwrite the orphanage cost. He’d wait to invite Ella to share his life until he could afford to hand her her dreams. He wouldn’t have her wondering “what if” she’d married wealth. But earning enough to bring all her family to America could take years at the livery.
“Your attention, please,” Pierce announced from the platform. “Bidding will now begin for the remaining name spaces on the Bright Hope Orphanage Monument. To encourage your donations, Mr. Harrison has agreed to match all funds up to fifty thousand dollars.”
Between rounds of applause, the audience peppered the auctioneer with bids.
Woody’s heart dropped, then rivaled the fireworks Pierce had ordered for the evening’s finale. He exploded into action, meeting his friend coming off the stage. “You know I don’t have that kind of money.”
“I do.” Father emerged from the crowd.
With a clap on Woody’s back, Pierce exited.
“Father, what are you doing here?” Dumbfounded, Woody stared at the man whose features so closely resembled his own. “What changed your mind? And … thank you.”
“Thank Franklin Pierce.” Father led them to the room’s edge. “When I heard you were to be guest of honor for this charity ball, I thought it a mockery. I called on Pierce and demanded a reason. His explanation, your persistent visits, and the fact you never turned vindictive when I refused your request for orphanage funds … Those are the reasons I’m here. Pierce relayed how you’d changed. Something of a religious nature, I believe? I’d like to hear more. For now … I think you ought to know your mother is here, too.”
Though English, the words were difficult to comprehend. Could she finally forgive him … and he her? Woody spread his hand against his vest. “And?”
“All is not as it seems with her. She lost her brothers in the War.” Father touched his limp sleeve. “And part of her husband. She also … lost several children before she birthed you.
“During your growing-up years, she was protecting you, in her own way.” He motioned to where Mother stood aloof from a group of women. “Everyone bears a burden. Some are just more visible than others.”
Woody studied his mother’s proud posture. Yes, she’d been hard, cruel. But had he judged her heartless when she was only reacting to pain? “I had no idea. I’ll talk to her before the night’s over.”
“I can’t say whether she’ll receive you.”
After a moment, Woody nodded. “That’s fine.”
Father’s meaty hand clasped his shoulder. “I’m proud of you, Son. You’ve got a place in the railroad business anytime you want. Oh, and the shares in your name … I never changed them. They’re yours.”
Woody’s head came up. At the kindness in his father’s eyes, the approval he’d craved for years, his limbs began to shake. He’d prayed, but never dreamed … Why was he surprised when God came through for him?
“Thank you.” His voice closed off, so he tried again. “Thank you, sir.”
“Seems there’s a young lady to whom you’d like to tell the news.” Father nodded across the room to where Ella watched the bidding, hands clasped at her bosom.
“Go on, now. Don’t forget I want to meet her soon.” With one last shoulder squeeze, Father left.
Exhaling disbelief and gratitude in the same breath, Woody crossed the ballroom toward the object of his affection, a beautiful vision in a blush-pink gown, the style of which he couldn’t begin to name.
How would she react to the news? If she let him, he’d give her the world, whether she loved him or not. A man who’d lost his heart couldn’t be choosy.
The crowd moved to obscure her, and he wove his way through. The grand ballroom was perfect for proposing. Perhaps for announcing their engagement as well, once she met his parents.
If she said yes.
God, grant me the right words this time.
“You’ve been avoiding me.”
Ella turned to find Jamieson Leech serving himself a glass of punch. Why was he here? Not to get back at Woody, she hoped. Whatever the reason, Leech’s presence would save her a trip to break things off with him. She began her rehearsed English speech. “Mr. Leech, I must apologize. I’ve—”
“Mr. Leech?” He chuckled. “I thought we had an understanding.”
“This is what I am try to tell you. I only court you for your money. I’m sorry.”
Leech shrugged and looked her over while taking a sip. “Then marry me.”
Ella’s brows sank in a scowl. Was the man obtuse?
“I’m rich.” He continued to leer. “I’ve got what you want … and you’ve got what I want.”
Engulfed in hot indignation, she spun and started toward the tall French doors leading to the veranda. She needed some air. Very cool, very breezy, and very quick. Lest she do something rash and jeopardize the whole night—like empty the punch bowl on him.
He caught her hand. “Sweetheart, it’s obvious we belong together.”
Forcing a smile so as not to cause a scene, she pried her hand from his. Her anger made translating to English difficult. “Mister Leech, I cannot do this ‘understanding.’ I am no longer needing for to marry money. No…. I will follow God. He will guide for who I marry. Not you. Not me. If you come to this ball only for to proposing to me, you should be leaving. Goodnight, sir!”
“Listen, doll …” He grabbed her arm. Icy shivers chilled her spine.
Woody clamped the back of Leech’s neck. “You’ve worn out your welcome, old pal. Don’t force me to toss you out.”
When released, the vulture ground his jaw and left with his coattails flapping, the crowd parting to let him pass.
Woody brushed her arm and led her toward the French doors. “You okay?”
“Yes.” Ella regained her breath, but her heart still thrummed—what if she’d married that scoundrel? Good riddance. Ella touched her lips, suppressing sudden mirth before lapsing into Polski. “Ooh, Woody, that was magnificent.”
Straightening his lapels over the tall, confident frame Ella had come to love, he stepped close, eyes turning to molten chocolate while his mussed hair begged her smoothing touch. “Funny, I was thinking the same of a beautiful woman I know. First with the choir—very sneaky, by the way—then with telling off Leech … Did you mean what you told him?” His warm regard soothed her frazzled nerves.
“Every word. I’m trusting God to make a way for my family while I pray daily.”
“Let me pay their way to America.”
She shook her head. “I can’t accept what will take years for you to earn. I know you don’t have the money—”
“I do now.” The joy defining his eyes and cheekbones thickened her pulse.
“Woody, what are you saying?”
“Because of what you’ve done to make tonight possible, my father has welcomed me back to the family business.”
“I don’t understand.” She placed a hand to her bosom, afraid to hope.
“We can build ten orphanages if you want. And have your family here within the year.”
Her mouth fell open, and breathing became difficult. But … she’d turned him down. How could he be willing to—
“Keep looking at me like that, sweetheart,” he groaned, “and I’m going to kiss you in front of all these people.”
With a shocked laugh, she covered her scalding cheeks, but when he took her gloved hands in his, her heart responded to everything his eyes promised.
“Ella … I never thought I’d open my heart to love like this. Then I met you. Never dreamed I’d find someone who loves the kids like you do. You’ve challenged me to reach beyond myself to do what’s best for the boys—and girls. And you encouraged me to repair the breach in my family, which in turn healed me of a deep wound.” Woody kneaded her palms and leaned in, like he’d lost something precious in her gaze. “I love you, Ella. Your honesty and compassion have completely captured my affections … Plus, you’re the most beautiful woman in this room, and I feel privileged you’ve put up with me this long. So please, when I ask to fund your family’s trip to America, let me?”
Tears spilling down her cheeks by now, she laughed. “I love you, too, Woody. But I vow I’ll earn the money myself unless you say you want to marry me.”
A slow smile. “Marry me, darling. I want to spend the rest of my life loving you.”
“Yes,” she sighed.
Gathering her against his chest, Woody rested his cheek atop her head, his warmth overwhelming her. A lump rose in her throat as she hugged him back. How wonderful, the first time she’d been held after months without hugs from her family. Did he know what he was doing to her heart? “Oh, love, thank you.” She melted into his embrace.
The orchestra quieted in preparation for the first dance, signaling Woody’s duty as guest of honor to take a turn with the most prominent ladies attending. Oh, bother.
He eased back, smile twitching. “You know, that was the most beautiful proposal I’ve ever received from a lady.”
Her ears caught fire.
Quick as a candle’s flicker, he swooped in for a soft peck on her lips. Gasping, she swayed toward him and caught a hint of lemon drops, but he gently set her back. “I’ve got to go, but this conversation’s nowhere near finished.”
The diverted glances he sent her way as he gained the front of the ballroom promised a proper engagement kiss would be hers before the night’s end.
A bit disappointed he didn’t ask her for the first dance, Ella gathered her heavy skirts and edged toward the refreshment table where Musty and Shoe Shine drained their punch cups, sandwiches in their free hands. Hadn’t she told them to remain in the playroom with the games and snacks she’d prepared? They’d develop stomachaches if they kept this up.
Murmurs drew her gaze to where Woody stood before his mother, expression shielded. Ella’s breath stagnated in her lungs while Mrs. Harrison stared back, spine rigid.
If he’d wanted an opportunity to humiliate his mother for years of neglect and ill will, this was it.
After a slight hesitation, he lifted his chin and extended a gloved hand.
Ella’s heart swelled nigh to painful. Oh, that man. She laced her gloved fingers together and felt pressure from her left ring finger. Flipping her palm, she caught a silver glimmer. Two hands holding a crowned heart.
“Woody,” she breathed, flicking the moisture from her tear-blurred eyes. Stealthy as a pickpocket, he must have slipped it on her finger while holding her hands.
What had it cost him to give her such a dear piece of his past?
She made a fist and cradled the treasure against her chest. You knew all along, didn’t You, Lord? You sent Woody, not only to look after me but after my heart as well.
After several aching moments, Mrs. Harrison glanced about, then slipped her hand into Woody’s grasp. He made a broad, dashing figure as he drew her into his arms for a waltz. All eyes followed their whirling figures, the unheard exchange of mother and son softening their features from hesitant to hopeful.
Ella thumbed his ring—her ring. Had this New York prince just proposed to her, a humble Polish farm girl, or was she dreaming?
That kiss, though … Tender, but powerful. Not a dream.
Woody, her Woody, who loved street kids and peach pies and maps and tea, who lived and breathed languages and boxing and compulsive organizing—now a millionaire, wanted to share his life with her, his aspirations, his possessions … and the greatest prize of all, his heart.