Page 7 of If The Fates Allow
Observing her father’s words sink into Noah and Beau’s brains was a bit like watching a magnificent ship sinking spectacularly into the ocean. Willa was no expert on the matter but had read extensively onsuch things, mystified by the accounts of survivors. The slow, shocked expressions on the brothers’ faces deepened the more her father’s statement penetrated their minds and—metaphorically speaking, of course—reminded her of how she thought those poor ship passengers might have looked as they went down.
“Richards will be at The Gathering, correct?” Cal asked. “If he’s serious about Willa, I’d like to speak with him. There’s a section of land in Hollingsdale I’ve had my eye on. It’s an ideal spot for us to build a second Fairweather homestead, and it turns out that John Richards holds the deed.” Her brother aimed a grin at her. “Perhaps Willa can give him one of her sweet smiles, and we’ll nab an extra piece of the pie while we’re at it.”
Both Anderson brothers paled while her mother looked positively aglow over the idea of moving to town. “Gentlemen, please remember that Mr. Richards’ interest in Wilhelmina is merely speculation. We’ll have to wait and see how he engages with her before any plans can be made.”
Noah’s eyes snapped to Willa, but she refused to look at him, keeping her gaze trained ahead, just as her father preferred.
“Are you saying you’ve had no interaction with this Richards person and are considering his hand in marriage?” Noah asked, sounding somewhat angry. When she didn’t reply, he turned to Cal. “Is he aware of her illness?”
The question hurt, and unable to hold her tongue, Willa finally spoke. “I am more than my illness, Dr. Anderson. I will make a good wife to John Richards or any man lucky enough to have me.”
Her father’s harsh laughter filled the parlor. “You are an invalid who offers no value. Lucky would be the very last word I would use to describe the man willing to take you on, Wilhelmina.”
Embarrassment singed her cheeks, but Willa showed no emotion at his jab, having been taught the consequences should she doso.
Beau cleared his throat. “Will there be many people at The Gathering tomorrow?” he asked, obviously searching for another topic. “My brother and I have already been informed we’re attending.”
“Oh, yes!” her mother said, seizing the opportunity. Margaret’s heart might be black, but she despised her husband and would never give him the satisfaction of knowing how his comments hurt one of them. “We should have well over sixty guests.”
“Oh, I would say we’re closer to a hundred at my last count,” Bonnie said proudly. “It will be a lovely Gathering this year.”
Noah abruptly stood, moving around the center table where the tea service was arranged. “My apologies.”
“Uh, yes.” Beau joined him, looking rather relieved to be leaving. “We really must be going.”
Willa allowed her gaze to roam, and like a moth to a flame, it connected directly with Noah’s. She thought he must have no manners at all since he dared to openly stare at her from across the room. “My apologies,” he repeated when he knew he held her attention. “I look forward to helping in any way I can.”
“As long as you’re not expecting us to pay, Dr. Anderson,” her father said sarcastically. “Wilhelmina is yours to do with as you like.”
Chapter 3
“Ahorse?”
Lucy brushed her hair furiously while seated at the vanity in her bedroom’s corner. “You had to call me a horse?”
Willa chuckled as she watched a snowy egret traverse the bayou’s waterline from Lucy’s window. She could only spot the one white figure, but as sunset approached, more would arrive to have their dinner on the swampy shore.
“It was the best insult I could come up with,” she replied. “You know I don’t do well when put on the spot.”
“And the blue dress.” Lucy swiveled around on the stool. “She forces you to wear the blue dress when it looks much better on me.”
Willa didn’t care what she wore and would gladly strip out of the dress right then so as not to have to listen to her sister complain all night. “It doesn’t matter what you wear, Lucy. You’re beautiful, and Paul Anderson will trip over himself to have your attention.”
“Mother would never have done that to Grace.”
Long gone from Haven House, their mother remained dedicated to her eldest daughter. “No, she most definitely would not have done that to Grace.”
With the afternoon sun disappearing, the temperature would be ideal for a stroll. Tentatively opening the balcony door, Willa let the first slap of cool air strike her lungs. Perfect.
“Come walk with me, Lucy.”
Setting her brush aside, Lucy joined her, and the two of them stepped outside to walk along Haven’s expansive balcony, which traveled the entire length of the second floor. Careful to keep out of sight so they wouldn’t be seen by arriving guests, they headed towards the rear of the house arm and arm.
“Are you feeling good about The Gathering tonight?” Lucy asked.
Willa nodded, looking out over the dozens of oaks sprinkled across the lawn. Their home’s beauty was unmatched during this time of day. Nestled in the thick pine forests of northern Florida and less than a mile from the powder white dunes of the Gulf of Mexico, the splendor of Haven House was hard to deny. “I’ll remain on the stairs. Standing above all, as if I’m an angel on judgment day, ready to condemn the slightest hint of wickedness.”
Lucy scoffed. “This party is being thrown by Mother. The only wickedness that could occur will be if Paul’s mother drinks too much punch and tries to hire Bonnie out from under us yet again.”
