Natasha's Legacy Read online

  “Yes,” Hope agreed.

  “They are truly sorry. They are proud and honoured to have Rose enter our family.”

  “There is no need to apologize, Richard. We know your parents didn’t anticipate a harsh article.”

  Stewart sat on the sofa beside Izabella, took the newspaper from Alex, and began reading. Adam entered the room a few minutes later and greeted Richard. Finished with the article, Stewart handed it to his son-in-law. He turned his attention to Richard.

  “Rose has asked me to speak about her nana. With your pending marriage, the time has come to discuss Natasha’s family. Although it can be a long, detailed story, I will give you a condensed version of my life with Natasha Strathroy.”

  Richard’s eyes bulged, his jaw dropped at the mention of the Strathroy name. The condensed history began.

  “Nana Natasha,” Rose confirmed, once Stewart finished. She handed the framed picture to her fiancée. The picture of Stewart, Natasha and baby Hope.

  “You are truly a blue-eyed Natasha, Rose Alisha, but I do not recall seeing or hearing the reserved mannerism your papa has spoken of.”

  “I, too, am yet to witness it,” Stewart admitted.

  “Is it hiding?” Richard asked Rose. His smile was that of a man in love. “It would be a pleasant change, on occasion.”

  “Indeed it would,” Izabella remarked. “Her outspoken and blunt mannerisms are inherited from her papa. This building would be much different if Stewart, Hope, and Rose were as quiet and shy as Alex and Adam.”

  With Adam still reading, Stewart leaned over and kissed Izabella softly on her cheek. He turned his attention to Rose and Richard.

  “Do not be afraid of showing your emotions within the walls of your home. It’s healthy for a relationship. Even at our age.”

  Finishing the article, Adam placed the newspaper on the table.

  “We must discuss the matter that has brought us here,” Adam told the group. “Rose, I feel your anguish, but retaliation would be harmful and possibly disastrous for the orphanage. Without donations and loving families willing to adopt a child….” Adam closed his eyes. His hand went over his mouth, unable to continue.

  With a vision of homeless children entering his mind, Stewart took a deep breath. Children living on the street as the building he took pride in renovating stood unused.

  The children were given necessities while in their care. Unfortunately, some children left without being adopted. Over the years, Adam walked many to the door once they were no longer considered a minor. Some were relatively successful, others were not. They would face heartache and challenges their entire lives. This painful fact wasn’t discussed.

  It was tempting to retaliate and defend Rose; prove she was not a gold digger. But if he spoke of Natasha’s heritage, his business, and Izabella’s business, there would be repercussions. The trust fund would support the orphanage for a number of years, but not forever. As long as there was a child in need of assistance, the orphanage must keep its doors open. The Venderkemp Orphanage had a sterling reputation that neither he nor Adam wanted tarnished.

  “Monies collected through adoptions and donations are required to purchase supplies for the children and to compensate the medical staff,” Hope added when Adam struggled with his emotions. “My poppa has used his personal resources to pay Tom’s wages over the past twenty-four years.”

  Adam reached for Hope’s hand, communicating his ability to continue.

  “Without the donations and adoptions, in time, we would be forced to close to our doors. It would destroy me to turn a child in need away. I cannot … will not,” he stressed, “allow the reputation of this business to be tarnished. We will not respond to this,” he stated, pointing at the paper on the table between them. “My humble apologies Rose, Richard, but we have established a solid reputation that I will not see destroyed by a newspaper article.”

  “You’re suggesting we ignore this?” Richard asked.

  “Unfortunately, yes. In time, this will pass and be forgotten. Rose, do you understand the reason for this?”

  “I do, Poppa.” She smiled. “I will prove them wrong on my own merit.”

  Able to see Natasha’s attitude in Rose, Stewart couldn’t be prouder of their granddaughter.

  * * *

  “Good for Rose,” Keeghan acknowledged. “I don’t think I would have given in quite so easily. That attack was personal.”

  “Yeah, but the reputation of the orphanage is at stake. Her love for her dad and grandparents would have her swallowing her personal pride.”

  “I guess. Still that had to hurt. I hope Rose does well for herself. Now she has something to prove. I like her. She’s a gutsy young woman. There’s a lot of Natasha and Hope in Rose.”

  * * *

  The orphanage was busy with babies born and adoptions. Tom and Alex were confined to the office for more hours than appreciated. Inundated with volunteer applications, it was the one job Alex detested. Alex set a piece of paper into a file folder of acceptable applicants and tossed his pen onto the desk.

  “I would not be surprised if you were to tell me we were the only orphanage on this continent. We are inundated with paperwork.”

  “You are a handsome bachelor. Women seek the opportunity to meet you. I do not recall you courting in some time.”

  Alex stared at the papers in front of him. Why did I open my mouth? He didn’t appreciate comments from his family, and did not care to listen to Tom’s views on the topic.

  “Female volunteers appear discouraged when you fail to spend time with them. They seem like they would be happy to be in your company, perhaps for a short stroll around the property to talk.”

  “My life revolves around an orphanage. Women are not interested in building a relationship.”

  “Alex, you are naïve to the world. I recall a number of volunteers eager to spend time in your company. Later on, they were envious of Christine.”

  “You are an old romantic fool, Tom,” Alex remarked. “During my school years, the women were not seeking a serious commitment.”

  Tom shrugged his shoulders, stood, and walked out of the room, shutting the office door behind him.

  * * *

  Hope stood by the door of the playroom, listening to Izabella read a story to a small group of young children. Tom opened the door.

  “I require a moment of your time,” he requested.

  “Certainly. Of course.”

  Hope stepped into the lobby, closing the door behind her.

  “I’m to spend the day completing errands tomorrow, but we’re behind reviewing the volunteer applications. With both Alex and Adam disliking the job, my time would be better spent in the office. It would be much appreciated if Alex would go to the city tomorrow.”

  “It would be pleasing to see Alex leave the premises. Request his assistance in the morning. Adam and I will be happy to help any couples looking to adopt, or volunteers that require assistance while you’re occupied.”

  Tom stepped outside. Having forgotten to ask about a particular couple considering an adoption, Hope opened the door. Tom was looking to the sky. She didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but heard his voice in a quiet prayer.

  “I believe in fate, my heavenly father, but also believe it requires a slight push. If my intuition is correct, guide them.”

  Questioning the meaning of the prayer, Hope returned to the playroom, granting him his privacy.

  * * *

  After breakfast, Alex left the children with the volunteers and went to the office. Tom was sitting at the desk, working on a file. Alex looked toward his own desk where a pile of volunteer applications waited. “Ugh.” Unable to procrastinate any longer, he walked toward his seat.

  “I’d be pleased to review these documents if you would complete the errands in the city,” Tom offered.

  Alex took a step back from his desk. He enjoyed running errands with his father and grandfather years earlier. “If you’re serious, I’d be delighted to avoid this
task.”

  “I’m serious. These applications need to be reviewed and the volunteers need to be contacted. Unless we get busy, I’ll get those completed.”

  Tom handed Alex a list. Not allowing their manager a moment to change his mind, Alex pulled the bank deposit from the main desk drawer and left in haste to change.

  Outside, the sun shone and a few fluffy clouds dotted the sky. It was a beautiful day for errands. Suffering a small pang of guilt leaving Tom in the office completing paperwork, Alex looked back toward the door. “I deserve a day to myself.” Giving the reins a tap, the horses trotted along. He took a deep breath, allowing the fresh morning air to enter his lungs. “I'm looking forward to this.”

  When he reached the city limits, Alex retrieved the list from his jacket pocket. Once the bank deposit was completed, he asked to speak with Richard. His future brother-in-law walked out to greet him, and took him into his office. They enjoyed a lengthy visit.

  After the butcher shop and the blacksmith, Alex stopped his horse at the mercantile. He scanned the long list of required goods as he entered. Glancing up, he made eye contact with a male clerk just before the man disappeared into an adjoining room.

  “Good afternoon. Could I be of assistance?” the female clerk asked.

  He would have preferred dealing with the male clerk, but it appeared he had no choice. Alex avoided looking up. “Yes, that would be appreciated.”

  Alex approached the wooden counter and placed the list down. He stole a long glance while she scanned the large order. Five or six inches shorter than his six foot one frame, her chestnut brown hair was tied back, complementing her fair completion and long eyelashes. He found her features quite pleasing. Her eyes shifted up and locked onto his. Alex instinctively stared at the counter. The burning sensation in his cheeks went into his spine and down his neck. Prickles irritated his skin. He had avoided associating with females other than family, Uncomfortable in the woman’s company, he closed his eyes and scratched the back of his neck.

  “I’ll return in a moment,” the clerk informed him. “I require help given the size of this order.”

  The clerk disappeared but returned a moment later. She began chatting as she gathered the items, listing them on an invoice and putting them into boxes. Despite his nerves Alex began chuckling at her amazing sense of humour. Her face brightened and her cute, rounded nose wrinkled when she laughed. Fascinated by her smile, he was gazing at her lips when she looked at him. Their eyes locked for a second time. Alex closed his eyes. If able, he would crawl into a hole and vanish.

  “Would you be requiring anything else?” she asked.

  Opening his eyes, he took the paper in his hands and scanned the list.

  “I do not believe so,” he whispered.

  Alex gazed around as she added the items on the invoice. Then she stated the amount owing, expecting payment. Arrangements had been made years earlier. The orphanage was sent invoices which his mother paid monthly.

  “My humble apologies. The invoice is to be added to the Venderkemp Orphanage account,” he responded, staring at the counter top.

  The clerk reached below the counter and retrieved a small box. It pleased Alex that she questioned him. Limited people had permission to charge goods to the orphanage account. Tom’s name would be listed as well as his family.

  “It is not my intent to be rude, but I’m not aware of your name.”

  “Alex,” he replied.

  “Mr. Venderkemp?”

  There were far too many questions. Far too much conversation. I’m not comfortable with this. It was a mistake coming on my own.

  “Technically.”

  Unable to look at her, he hadn’t been in the mercantile in a number of years. If Tom was unable to run errands, his parents made the trip, or, on the rare occasion, his grandfather would pick up a few supplies.

  “I’m certain you are familiar with our employee, Tom. You will also see the names Adam, Hope, Rose, Stewart, Victoria, and Gregory on that list. Please accept my apologies. I’m forgetting my manners.”

  Taking a deep breath, he raised his head and stood transfixed by the woman’s dazzling green eyes. Eyes that complemented her beautiful smile. Alex fought the impulse and temptation to look away.

  “Alexander Venderkemp.”

  “Sarah McLennon. It is a great pleasure to meet you, Mr. Venderkemp.”

  Sarah McLennon. Why is that name familiar? Did she attend a class at university? Think.

  “The pleasure is mine,” he managed to say. He scratched the back of his neck shifting his attention back to the counter.

  “I’ve been to the orphanage and was impressed by the building, grounds, and the content children. I don’t recall seeing you.”

  “We take pride in the orphanage,” he remarked. His tone had less enthusiasm than he should have used.

  “I was hopeful at the time you would appear in the lobby and offer a tour. Perhaps it would have been advantageous for me to volunteer in the hopes of becoming acquainted with you.”

  His heart pounded. Staring at the countertop, his mind went blank. The uncomfortable silence stretched. Glancing up, Sarah had refocused her attention on the invoice and added the amounts. She slid the paper toward him for his signature.

  Alex looked at the paper and then glanced toward Sarah. She remained silent, waiting for him to sign. Her recent friendliness had disappeared. Damn. He finished signing his name, took a deep breath, and placed his hand on his chest.

  “If you find yourself at the orphanage, please ask Tom to locate me. I would be delighted to give you a tour.”

  “That would be much appreciated.” Her smile lit her face.

  Alex returned her smile, picked up the box, and took his leave. Placing the last crate in the wagon, he turned to see Sarah standing by the door.

  “It’s a pleasure making your acquaintance.” His voice was as sincere as he could manage. “I hope you’ll take me up on my offer for a tour.”

  “It is my plan to do so.”

  “If it’s not an inconvenience, would you be so kind as to telephone the orphanage before arriving so I might ensure I’m able to give you the tour?”

  “It’s not an inconvenience.”

  Alex climbed onto the buggy and gave Sarah a slight smile before tapping the reins. Although he acknowledged the smiling and waving women across the road, his mind remained on Sarah. He struggled to breathe and bring his pounding heart under control.

  Eager to talk to Tom, it was a long journey home. His poppa stepped out of the main entrance when Alex stopped the horses. Tom was right behind him. With the first box in his arms, Poppa headed for the building

  “Tom, I’m hoping you have met the clerk at the mercantile. She introduced herself as Sarah.”

  “Sarah McLennon. I’m well acquainted with her. I was hoping she would be working when you arrived. Sarah is personable, intelligent, and possesses a wonderful sense of humour. She is much like Rose.”

  A warm sensation filled his heart while listening to the man he respected.

  “The day Sarah appeared with a donation, I offered a tour of the building but she declined,” Tom continued. “If I’d been aware of your location, I would have introduced you. She is a handsome woman.”

  Alex picked up a box and followed Tom toward the storage area. “Yes,” Alex mumbled. “I have offered to give her a tour of the building and grounds if she finds herself in the area.”

  “I will be searching for you before she closes the door.”

  Tom sounded too chipper, too pleased with himself. His entire family would know of his interest in a female. It was imperative Tom remain silent. Alex did not want his family speculating on his interest in Sarah.

  “Do not speak of Sarah to anyone. I was so nervous, I barely met her gaze while speaking at the mercantile. I struggled to speak intelligently in her company. It’s possible she will not show her face here in search of my company.”

  “I consider Sarah a friend and enjoy our
conversations. You must relax and enjoy her companionship.”

  “Relax? That isn’t possible. My heart is pounding just thinking of her. I barely recalled my own name in her presence.”

  Tom followed Alex into the storage room, meeting his poppa on his way out to retrieve a second box.

  * * *

  “McLennon, that name does sound familiar,” Keeghan admitted. “Sarah sounds really sweet.”

  “Here we go,” Will teased. “Keeghan wants to match-make.”

  “Behave! I’m just saying, Alex needs a friend or two and I think Sarah and Alex might make a cute couple.”

  * * *

  The following day, after the noon meal was served, Alex was playing catch with the boys when Tom approached.

  “Sarah called. She will arrive shortly.”

  “Thank you.”

  After excusing himself, Alex went to his room. He stared at his own reflection in the mirror.

  “When courting Christine and Elaine I was uncomfortable showing our private quarters, but Elaine never understood the importance of the orphanage in my life. If I’m able to form more than a friendship, it’s imperative Sarah appreciates my dedication to my chosen career.”

  After shaving, Alex removed his dark trousers and best white shirt from the wardrobe.

  Standing in the office, he talked to Tom while keeping an eye out the window. When Sarah arrived, Alex stepped onto the porch and looked at the heavens.

  “Please. Help me find the courage and strength to speak with intelligence.” He took a deep breath and then walked to her. Assisting Sarah from her buggy, her long chestnut brown hair blew around her face. That would have bothered Elaine but didn’t seem to concern Sarah. Her carefree attitude was a refreshing change. Having seen Sarah with her hair tied back and an apron covering her blouse and skirt, he took a moment to admire her appearance. Her long, dark skirt and frilly, cream blouse emphasized her curves.