Natasha's Dream Page 7

  Chapter Eleven

  Natasha returned from her day at the orphanage. A letter had been placed at her bedroom door. It had her name written on it and the Picton logo on the top right. She picked up the envelope. Consumed with excitement and anticipation, she entered her room, shut the door, and sat on the edge of her bed. She stared at the inscription and the prestigious crest. She turned the envelope over and fingered the broken seal. Her private correspondence had been opened and read. She unfolded the paper and began to read until she saw the word “Congratulations.” Her heart leaped in ecstasy. She had been accepted to Picton University. She would join Stewart at school.

  Tears of happiness streamed down her cheeks. She read and reread the words. Reality cast a dark shadow over her joy. In her heart, she wished her mother and father had knocked on her door, handed her the letter, and offered their congratulations. She stared at the closed door. Had the twins received their acceptance letters slipped under their bedroom doors as well?

  Natasha shook her head. “Stop wasting your emotions on people who barely acknowledge your existence.” Taking a deep breath, she focused on Stewart’s face. He would be happy and share her enthusiasm once she informed him of the news. Leaving the letter on her bed, she walked to her desk and wrote a letter to Nanny, sharing her excitement.

  * * *

  Friday afternoon, Natasha stood at the entrance of the shed. Stewart approached and ran into her arms.

  “I received the letter from Picton,” she announced with exuberance. “I will attend in the autumn.”

  “Congratulations.” He beamed with pride. Wrapping his arms around her, Stewart lifted Natasha and swung her in circles. “They would have been fools to overlook your application.”

  Her feet touched the ground. He kissed her.

  “My first school year is almost completed, and I have managed to maintain strong grades. I have missed your companionship. I plan to spend every hour by your side.”

  Once the school year ended Stewart wished to spend time at the river. Natasha cherished her time at the orphanage. It was her salvation. She would finish volunteering at the orphanage on the last Friday of August, and leave for school on the following Monday.

  “I have done a great deal of thinking,” she admitted. She led him into the shed and sat on the blanket. “I plan to continue at the orphanage throughout the summer. My time there has given me such pleasure while you attended university. Each child is unique and beautiful. They deserve all the affection I can offer.” Disappointment became evident in Stewart’s expression. “Would you consider joining me at the orphanage?”

  “Volunteering?”

  “Indeed. It’s an orphanage for underprivileged children. I have spent months in that building and I assure you, they are not able to reimburse you for your time. I have seen you with your sister. I am certain would find the experience quite enjoyable … rewarding. Unless, of course, you are expected to work this summer?”

  “That is not the case. I have never considered working,” he admitted. “Not until I graduate with my degree. Volunteering at an orphanage? My parents will be shocked when I inform them.”

  “Do not feel compelled to join me, Stewart. I shall join you by the river once my day is finished. I will arrive at the shed shortly after three o’clock. We can enjoy almost two hours together.”

  “Nay, that will not do. I shall join you at the orphanage. Volunteering by your side.”

  The twinkle in his eye reappeared. Is Stewart hoping to volunteer just to remain close by my side? It is imperative he understands the affection we share must remain discrete.

  “We shall act as complete strangers while at the orphanage,” she informed him.

  “I shall approach you the first morning, introduce myself, and it shall appear as love at first sight.”

  No-o-o. They shared a wonderful friendship, but would never have a future together. Her father would never allow it. She had expected Stewart to meet and fall in love with a fellow student at the university. Since that had not happened—yet—she felt obliged to allow him the opportunity to meet his future wife at the orphanage.

  “Nay. The focus of my attention and affection shall remain on the children, as it has these previous months. Nothing shall change.”

  “I will respect your wishes while volunteering at the orphanage. I’ll simply inform my parents of my wish to volunteer.”

  Natasha didn’t want to argue with him. It had been a long week. She wished to enjoy his company, but she couldn’t do as he requested. Natasha shifted her body and turned her head. Cringing, she had allowed this topic to be reopened.

  “I beseech you, Stewart. Father is strict. I cannot be courted until I receive approval.”

  “You’re an adult.”

  “An adult that requires financial support to attend university,” she reinforced, defending her reasoning. “I must obey their wishes.”

  “At what hour of the day do you begin volunteering?” he groaned.

  “Six o’clock in the morning.”

  “What have I agreed to?”

  “You shall appreciate the beauty nature offers every morning.”

  “I’m pleased to hear there shall be an advantage to this adventure,” he responded.

  * * *

  Natasha was in the playroom when Stewart entered on Monday morning. More than one set of female eyes turned in his direction. Stewart seemed to enjoy his first day at the orphanage, displaying the same warmth and affection he showed his own sibling. On his second day Emily, an attractive volunteer with dark brown hair and light brown eyes, approached Natasha while she pushed a young girl on a swing.

  “I noticed you speaking with Stewart earlier today. Is he as polite as he is handsome?”

  “Indeed he is. He was very polite and cordial, but it was apparent I did not win his affection.”

  Emily’s face brightened.

  “Go speak with him,” Natasha urged. She gave the young girl on the swing another push, observing Emily from the corner of her eye. A few moments later, Emily turned away from Stewart and walked back toward her. Stewart glared at Natasha over the retreating girl’s shoulder. She fought back her smile and turned her attention to Emily. Her friend stopped by her side.

  “He was flattered, but is betrothed,” Emily informed her.

  “Betrothed?” The swing swung past, missing her arm by inches. Startled, and somewhat embarrassed, she took a step back. “She is a fortunate woman indeed to possess a claim on his affection. My apologies. Stewart didn’t speak of any arrangement.”

  That afternoon, Natasha sat beside the shed and relaxed as she waited for Stewart to arrive.

  “Emily informed me this afternoon that you are betrothed. Is your fiancée aware you have kissed me?” she asked. She stood and followed him into the shed.

  “Perhaps the term is a little premature, but it accomplished a goal. Emily was the fifth woman to approach me. She was unable to keep that piece of information to herself. I was congratulated many times over today.”

  She sat on the blanket and frowned. He joined her.

  “I encourage you to be cordial, Stewart. She is very handsome.”

  “I must admit, I didn’t notice. There is already a claim on my affection by a beautiful, intelligent woman.”

  The warm look in his eyes dissuaded her of the wish to discuss Emily or any other volunteer. They were alone. It would be a waste not to take advantage of their privacy.

  “Have I made her acquaintance?”

  “Indeed you have. Intimately.”

  Stewart supported the back of Natasha’s head with his hands, rolled her onto her back, and kissed her.

  * * *

  After their noon meal the next day, the children planned a game of tug-of-war. A volunteer retrieved a long rope and the children gathered on either end. The volunteers joined them. Natasha had played tug-of-war with her brothers and cousins in her youth. Eager to participate, she joined the end of the girls’ line and grasped the rope.
She then glanced toward the boys. Given their size and age, the boys would enjoy an easy victory. More children and volunteers joined. Natasha noticed Stewart walking toward the garden with Mark, another student volunteer.

  “Stewart, Mark, please join us.”

  Stewart darted toward the girls’ line. Pleased to see him approaching, Natasha gathered the remaining rope behind her into her hands. She struggled to contain it within her grasp. She could hear Stewart speak words of encouragement to the young girls ahead of her. He winked, but didn’t seem to notice the stash of remaining rope in her hands. He took his place behind Natasha, put his arms around her and gripped the rope, his hands ahead of hers.

  “Be prepared to give a good hard tug on the rope,” he whispered.

  Mark settled behind the boys.

  “Ready,” Stewart yelled.

  An older volunteer yelled “Go!” and the game began. Unable to pull because of all the extra rope in her hands, Natasha chuckled at her own predicament.

  “Where is your competitive spirit?” Stewart groaned.

  After a few minutes of tugging, Stewart yelled, “Now!” The girls gave a hard, forceful tug on the rope. The boys on the other end were taken off guard. The rope slipped from their grips. With the momentum, the young girls stumbled backward, lost their balance and fell against Natasha. Her feet shifted. Her right ankle became tangled in the loose rope. She fell backward into Stewart’s arms. He fell onto the ground, with Natasha tumbling on top of him. She howled with laughter.

  The young girls jumped to their feet and cheered, celebrating their victory. Stewart and Natasha remained on the ground, giggling. They remained there as the children were sent inside for some quiet time.

  Natasha rolled onto her side and gazed into Stewart’s eyes. She did not see or hear Mark until he extended his hand to assist her to her feet. Reserved in his presence, she froze. Heavens, what was I thinking, lying here entangled with a male, and in public no less! To make matters worse, a young man with whom I lack any level of comfort is offering to assist me. I cannot allow Mark to touch me. Thankfully, Stewart jumped up, extended his own hand, and assisted her back to an upright position. The two men discussed the game. Mark was quick to suggest a possible rematch as they walked back toward the orphanage and joined the children. Fifteen minutes later, Natasha read to a small group of children as Stewart leaned against the wall and listened.

  That afternoon, Natasha sat by the river with her feet in the water. When Stewart arrived, her heart leaped with joy. She jumped up and ran into his arms. “I enjoyed the game immensely, although I’m certain you must believe I’m clumsy.”

  “A clumsy woman I adore,” he responded as he held her. “Mark would have preferred to stand in my shoes, I assure you.”

  “There would have been ample rope for Mark. My intent was to have a certain handsome man behind me to catch me.”

  Stewart pulled back from the embrace and kissed her.

  * * *

  Away from the orphanage, they spent every possible minute together. Stewart attempted to teach Natasha to fish, but she couldn’t tolerate the squirming fish as it struggled for survival. She enjoyed his arms around her as they pulled the fish in, but her compassionate heart broke once the creature was flopping on the bank. At her insistence, Stewart would release the creature. He teased Natasha that she would starve in the wild. Once a week she would turn her back, cover her eyes, and Stewart would return home with his dinner, make his outing a little more legitimate.

  By late summer Natasha was prepared to leave the castle for university. After writing a long letter to Nanny, unable to imagine a stage of her life without her guidance, Natasha wrote a long entry in her journal.

  Dear Diary,

  I am terrified of the unknown, but equally excited. I shall finally experience the freedom my brothers enjoy. My only regret is leaving the orphanage children….

  * * *

  On their last day at the orphanage a final game of tug-of-war was organized. Mark and Stewart were team captains. Stewart spoke to each of the girls, squatting to their height.

  “You’re very important to this team.” She heard him inform them. “You must pull with all your might. We cannot allow the boys to achieve victory.”

  The girls giggled as he worked his way to the end of the line. He winked at Natasha.

  “You are a flirt, Mr. Donovan.”

  He smiled, took his place behind her, and moved her hair and kissed the back of her neck.

  “Stewart.”

  “Rest assured, no one saw that,” he whispered. “Could it be that you’re jealous?”

  “Indeed I am. Incredibly. They’ll be competing for your affection ten years from now.”

  He chuckled. Stewart glanced at the excess rope behind Natasha and put his arms around her. He gripped the rope, his hands ahead of hers as he had done in the first game. He kissed the back of her neck for a second time. Tingles raced down her spine. Natasha snuggled her back tight to his chest. They watched Mark take his position at the other end of the rope with the boys.

  “Ready,” Mark yelled.

  “Ready,” Stewart responded. The volunteer called out, and the competition began. Within seconds, the girls edged forward, losing ground. Natasha pulled with all her might.

  “I believe … the boys were insulted … and have practiced,” Stewart groaned.

  “An older boy … arrived this week,” Natasha responded, struggling to breathe.

  Stewart released his grip. Natasha slid forward before he renewed his hold and increased the force on their side. The game continued. The boys edged closer to the short piece of rope used the mark the halfway point. With a final heave the girls hauled the boys over the line. The girls jumped up and down with delight and hugged the volunteers. Natasha embraced the ecstatic little females, praising them for their efforts.

  Dear Diary,

  I am going to miss the orphanage, but I am eager to start my new life….

  Chapter Twelve

  The carriage came to a halt just outside the university’s wide stone gate. Natasha was assisted out of the carriage and took in her surroundings while her brothers chatted. She followed them through the entrance and was pointed toward the girls’ dormitory. After assuring her brothers she did not wish for them to accompany her, they disappeared into the crowd of students. When she stopped to gaze in awe at the beautiful old three-storey yellow stone buildings, a few students brushed against Natasha. She continued walking in the direction of her building, mindful of the hour. She had to settle into her room and prepare for the first class.

  Opening her dorm room door she expected to find furnishings for a roommate. Disappointed, there was only one large wardrobe, one large desk and chair, and a bed. This room had been prepared for one person, not two. She grimaced. She had so hoped to have the company of another female. She removed her books from her bag, set them on the shelf over the desk, and prepared herself for class.

  Unaccustomed to taking notes while a professor spoke rapidly, Natasha found the lecture hall challenging. Stewart joined her for lunch. He sympathized, but assured her she would adjust to a classroom setting. He offered her a tour of the magnificent grounds. The main structure was built in a U-shape. There was a six-foot cobblestone walkway around the perimeter, and the courtyard was manicured in readiness for sports activities.

  Stewart and Natasha strolled along the walkway toward the three-storey circular shaped library. Constructed with a multitude of windows, it offered a bright study area during the day. Awestruck, the property was surrounded by oak and cypress trees, a wide river marking the end of the campus property. They settled under a large old oak tree at the side of the main building.

  By the end of her first day Natasha had sat through three lectures and was given more homework than she expected.

  Dear Diary,

  We had a wonderful day today….

  * * *

  The second week, Natasha was sitting at a long wooden table in the libra
ry reading an assigned novel when Stewart approached and sat to her right.

  “I became acquainted with your brothers,” he informed her. Enthusiasm burst from his tone.

  She didn’t want her brothers and Stewart speaking, or heaven forbid, to become friends. If Stewart spoke of the friendship with her and his intention to meet their parents, the twins could divulge the truth. Stewart would surely discover she had been deceiving him.

  “You spoke with them?”

  “I introduced myself. They were quiet, rather reserved, much like their sister.”

  “My brothers?” she clarified, just to be certain.

  “Indeed. They barely muttered a greeting. Do not fret, I didn’t discuss our relationship, but will be civil when passing in the hallways. It is my hope we will become better acquainted in the future.”

  Natasha hid her grin. Neither of her brothers were reserved. Both Marcus and Joshua would stand and chat with peers for ages, causing all to be late for class. He couldn’t have met her brothers. But Stewart was pleased, believing that he had. She remained silent.

  It didn’t take long for Natasha to settle into a routine of a university student. She excelled in her English Literature classes. Soon, she began to socialize with a few classmates, able to converse with ease after her time at the orphanage. She enjoyed her new life more than she ever dreamed possible. With Stewart occupied with his studies, Natasha wrote letters to Nanny. Spending the majority of her time with Stewart in the library or enjoying the shade of their favourite tree, she never saw or communicated with her brothers. Natasha did hear fellow students discussing the twins and their shenanigans. Confident they were achieving adequate grades, she was hopeful their mischievous ways would not warrant suspension. A serious offence could force her and her brothers back to the castle.