Love Finds You in Mackinac Island, Michigan (27 page)

He turned a kitchen chair around and motioned for her to sit on it. Then he sat on a second one. “Are you still angry with me?”

“I was never angry with you.”

He didn’t seem to hear her. “I had to tell your papa about the lighthouse.”

“I know.”

“If anything happened to you—”

She stopped him. “You did the right thing.”

Her gaze drifted back toward the window before he spoke again. “You look like you’re carrying the weight of the whole world on your shoulders.”

She sighed. “I believe I am.”

He leaned back in the chair. His eyes wandered to the window and then he looked back at her. “I bet that’s a pretty heavy load.”

She nodded slowly.

“You know as well as I do, Miss Elena, that there’s only one way to get rid of that burden.”

She glanced at him. “It doesn’t feel like there’s even one way right now.”

Claude pointed toward the windows. “Jesus says He doesn’t want us to worry. He wants us to be like those birds in the air or the flowers in your mama’s garden, living in the moment of beauty and trusting in Him.”

“I can’t stop worrying.”

He leaned toward her. “You have to give that burden to Him.”

“He wouldn’t want it.”

Claude lowered his voice. “Why do you go to the lighthouse?”

“To escape to a quiet place by myself to look at the stars,” she said. “And to draw.”

“And why else?”

She didn’t like to talk about this, not with anyone, but Claude had been like an uncle to her for more than a decade now. “To spend time with God.”

A bird landed on the limb outside the window, chirping at them. “You don’t have to go away to spend time with God.”

“But I don’t feel Him anywhere else, not like I do at the lighthouse.”

“You think God is out there in the universe, Miss Elena, but His creation is all around you. And He’s right here with you too.”

She blinked. “But I don’t feel Him here like I do at the lighthouse.”

“The Bible says He’ll never leave us nor forsake us. He’s at the lighthouse and in this cottage and even at your home in Chicago.

“It also says to pray on all occasions, with all kinds of requests.” He stood up and began to dry the cups. “Why don’t you talk to God right now and ask Him to take away that burden of yours?”

She walked out of the kitchen to the back porch and leaned against a post.

She always went to the lighthouse to seek God, but perhaps Claude was right—perhaps she didn’t have to go anywhere else to find Him. Perhaps she could talk to Him right here.

Did He care enough to take away the burden of her worries? Or perhaps He would help her carry it?

Quietly she clasped her hands together and began to pray that God would help her know what to do. That if He wanted her to marry, He would give her a husband like Chase, who cared for her. And a man who could also help support her family.

She was desperate—desperate to talk to Him, desperate for answers, desperate to know what she should do. So she began talking, pouring out her heart in whispers about whom she was supposed to marry, about Chase. Even though her father had told her to marry for love, she guessed he was secretly harboring the hope that she would marry someone who could provide well for her.

But what did God want of her?

Minutes passed as she talked to God on her back porch, and she knew Claude was right. The God who created the majestic heavens was here as well. She could feel Him in the wind and hear Him in the calls of the birds. She loved her lighthouse, and she loved seeing the beauty He created above it, but perhaps she didn’t have to go there any longer to talk to Him. She could talk to Him here and trust that He was listening to her and would guide her when she didn’t know where to go.

The door opened with a
bang
, and she jumped. Her mother stepped outside, her hair askew. She collapsed onto a wooden chair beside the door.

“Did you get some rest?” Elena asked.

Mama shook her head. “I couldn’t sleep.”

“I’m sorry about Chester Darrington.”

“All is not lost,” she said. “Mr. Darrington hasn’t met you yet.”

“It sounds like he’s already decided to marry another.”

“He will change his mind,” Mama said as she scanned the backyard, as if she had just realized where she was. “What are you doing out here, Elena?”

“Praying.”

“That’s good, I suppose.” Mama shifted in her chair. “Right now we need a miracle.”

Music flooded through the walls of Chase’s room and shook the floor. The ball had begun below, but he was in no hurry to make his appearance. He reluctantly packed the last of his clothes into his trunk and stepped toward the mirror, straightening the satin knot of his cravat.

He stared for a moment into the glass. The past week, he’d changed from a man anxious to rush on to the next business proposition to a man who wanted to linger a bit longer and savor the moments with a woman who had captured his heart. Instead of fleeing the island, now he didn’t want to leave, not without Andy.

If only Andy could come to Chicago with him.

He shook his head. The thought was an impossible one, currently, at least, but she’d said she was a wanderer. Perhaps she would enjoy traveling with him one day.

Galileo put his head on the dresser. While Chase was in Chicago, the dog would be staying at the hotel with his sister and parents and spending his evenings in the hotel kennel. Chase sat on the floor, leaning back against a chair as he rubbed Galileo’s ears.

“Do you think she would like Chicago?” Then he laughed at himself, for talking to his dog.

Andy liked the fresh air, watching the skies—but she also liked art. If she went with him, he could take her on a tour of private art collections and watch her marvel at the artwork. They could visit a dressmaker to make a new gown for her…or gowns. Had she ever had a new dress? As much as she enjoyed beauty, she would surely enjoy selecting the fabrics and ribbons. He could almost see the sparkle in her eyes from being able to choose—and then wear—such an elegant costume. He could take her to the gardens in her new gown…and one of the finest restaurants and the theater.

The more he mulled over the thought of indulging Andy for a few days—a week, even—and introducing her to the beauty in the city, the more he liked the idea. He could talk to her employer—or her parents—and ask for permission to escort her, along with a chaperone, to Chicago. Once they knew who he was…hopefully they would agree.

Richard would think he was crazy, of course, bringing a woman and perhaps a dog to Chicago, but other people were allowed to lose their minds for a bit. Why couldn’t he lose his as well?

He donned the black evening jacket and cummerbund that Sarah had selected for him. Tonight he would dress up for his family’s sake and spend a few hours hobnobbing before he went to the lighthouse. Or perhaps he would just stay an hour.

“Don’t cause any trouble,” he told Galileo as he walked to the door. He’d meet whoever it was that his parents wanted him to meet downstairs, dance a time or two, and then bow out with the excuse that he needed to check on his dog. Then he and Galileo would escape to the lighthouse.

He brushed his hand over his jacket, making sure every button was secure before he stepped out into the hallway.

No, he wouldn’t stay long at the ball. He had to see Andy one last time before he left Mackinac.

* * * * *

Red and blue balloons arched across the ballroom entrance for the Independence Day ball. Light shimmered over the ribbons and bows that climbed the railings and posts around the room. Jewels and beads sparkled as the elegantly clothed men and women danced under the chandeliers. A swan made of carved ice was the centerpiece of a table towering with fruits, chocolates, and sliced meats.

As Elena stepped into the room with her parents, she stopped and admired the splendor of it all. It didn’t compare to God’s splendor above them, but it was still breathtaking.

Hundreds upon hundreds of people crowded into the room, the waiters blending in with the guests. She sighed with a bit of relief. There were so many people that Chase might not see her. Even then, he probably wouldn’t recognize her in her evening attire, with her hair up.

She looked down at her gown, designed at the prestigious House of Worth in Paris. It was made of a pale blue taffeta to match her eyes and accented with ivory lace. On her neck was a strand of pearls—Mama insisted that she wear it instead of the locket for this one night. The gown was beautifully stitched, but she didn’t feel comfortable in either the dress or the expensive jewelry.

Chase had tapped into her heart and mind, and she didn’t want to muddy their friendship by letting him see her in society dress. She would feel ridiculous, meeting him at a ball like this, and he would surely feel uncomfortable as well, serving guests while she danced.

And if her parents found out about him—

She couldn’t let him see her.

Someone called her name, and she turned to see Mrs. Darrington motioning them toward her. She took a deep breath and donned the perfect smile. Her son might not want to meet her, but she would be courteous, for the sake of his mother and hers.

“He won’t be able to take his eyes off you,” Mama whispered.

Elena walked slowly between her parents and as gracefully as possible toward Mrs. Darrington and the small crowd gathered around her. Mrs. Darrington shook her gloved hand and then kissed her lightly on the cheek. “I want you to meet my family.”

Sarah’s friendly gaze turned to ice as Mrs. Darrington introduced them. Edward’s lips turned up under his mustache into something like a smirk.

Elena gave a slight curtsy. “It’s nice to see you again, Mr. and Mrs. Powell.”

Sarah’s eyes found Elena’s face. “Have you recovered from your terrible fall?”

She could feel heat climbing to her cheeks. “It wasn’t so terrible.”

“I heard that you—”

“Now, Sarah,” Mrs. Darrington stopped her, “we can all rejoice that Miss Bissette is fine.”

Sarah tugged on Edward’s arm. “Let’s go dance.”

Edward was still watching her with that terrible smile. “I don’t want to dance.”

“Right now, Edward.”

When they left, Mrs. Darrington turned to the man next to her. “Let me introduce you to my husband, Samson.”

The senior Mr. Darrington shook Elena’s hand, his smile friendly and somewhat familiar to her. Perhaps she had seen him at one of the parties in Chicago. “My wife has told me about you,” he said. “She said you love to draw.”

“It’s true.”

“She used to draw as well, but she rarely does anymore.”

Mrs. Darrington patted Elena’s arm. “Perhaps we shall do it together one day.”

“I would enjoy that.”

“What is your business?” Mr. Darrington asked her father.

“I have a factory in Chicago,” he replied. Elena was glad to hear him say “have” and not “had.”

The two men stepped aside to talk.

“If I can find him—” Mrs. Darrington scanned the crowd behind them. “I wanted you to meet my son.”

Someone touched Elena’s arm and she turned to see Parker, but there was no smile on his face. “Would you like to dance?”

“Yes,” she said as she started to step away from the circle, grateful for the excuse not to have to meet Chester Darrington.

Mama stopped them. “Elena has to stay with us for the moment.”

“Perhaps I can have the next dance.”

Mama gave him a tentative nod and then resumed her conversation with Mrs. Darrington.

Elena turned and whispered to Parker. “How are you?”

“
Rotten
is the first word that comes to my mind.”

“I’m sorry, Parker.”

“Mother said she left your house.”

“She didn’t want to leave.”

He glanced quickly on both sides of him. “Do you know where she is?”

“Yes, she’s—”

Elena’s gaze wandered over Parker’s shoulder, and her heart flipped at the sight of Chase across the room. She hadn’t wanted to see him, but now…now she couldn’t seem to look away. Instead of wearing his work clothes, Chase was dressed in a black evening suit, his hair combed neatly behind his ears. He didn’t look like a regular hotel employee. Perhaps he was the maître d’hôtel.

“Where is she?” Parker repeated.

She took a deep breath, trying to concentrate.

Parker turned to see who she was looking at. “I’ve lost your attention, haven’t I?”

“No, I—” She tried to focus on Parker, even as her whole body trembled. Her heart warred with itself, wanting to see Chase tonight and yet wanting to run. “Jillian’s up at the fort.”

“Thank you,” Parker said. “Apparently I’ll be asking someone else for the next dance.”

She gave a slight nod, her gaze stolen by the man across the room. As Chase strolled toward her, she blinked in disbelief. This was the same man she’d met at the lighthouse, and yet he seemed to be only a shell, a ghost of the man she knew. There was no easy smile on his lips nor the light in his eyes that had become so familiar, so comfortable to her.

In that moment she realized—Chase wasn’t looking at her.

“Oh, finally.” Mrs. Darrington waved her hand, motioning Chase toward them.