“I see,” he said slowly. “But you don’t seem nervous around Dr. Henshaw. Is that because he’s a friend?”
“I was nervous of him too at first, but he’s earned my trust. Still, if he ever came near me with a needle or some medical instrument, I can’t predict how I’d react.” She attempted a weak smile.
Darius glanced sideways at her, a troubled expression on his face. “I’m sorry you’ve had so much suffering, Olivia. And I hate what those protestors did. They should be arrested for their disgusting behavior.”
“Yes, they should.” But would that stop all the forces against them? Olivia doubted it. “It’s strange,” she said. “I thought the hardest part would be opening the home in the first place. I never imagined the community would turn against us.” She winced as a ray of sun hit her eyes. “I can’t believe Mr. Simmons went to the paper and that they printed his venomous words. They never even bothered to check our side of the story.”
When Darius remained silent, Olivia glanced over at him. A nerve pulsed in his jaw.
“I’m afraid it wasn’t Mr. Simmons behind the article,” he said at last, “although he was more than willing to give his testimony.” His knuckles whitened around the steering wheel. “It was my boss who initiated the piece. He’s still bent on shutting your home down so Mrs. Bennington will sell.”
With the throbbing in her temples, it took a moment for the full implication of his words to sink in. “Did you have anything to do with it?” she asked quietly.
“No. Mr. Walcott came to me with the idea for the article, but when I didn’t act on it, he had one of my colleagues take over the assignment.”
She released a soft breath. “I’m glad it wasn’t you. But that must have put you in a difficult position.”
“Unfortunately, it did.” His features darkened. “But I intend to speak to my boss on Monday and let him know that I won’t be party to such underhanded tactics. Bennington Place is a worthy endeavor. He has no right to interfere with it.” He gave her a long look, a mixture of admiration and regret. A look that seemed laced with promise.
The tension in her muscles began to ease. Perhaps as a result of all this uproar, Bennington Place had gained a new supporter. One who might make all the difference in keeping their home open.
She only prayed that the damage done so far hadn’t already been too great.
21
I’m taking Sofia out for a while,” Darius said to his mother as they finished up the dishes. “We’ll be back in time for dinner.”
Darius had gone to his morning class at the university and come home to have lunch with his family. Saturday afternoons were usually reserved for time alone with Sofia, but today the urgency to see Olivia and make sure she was all right left him feeling edgy and restless. So he’d decided that he and Sofia would make a quick stop at Bennington Place before heading to the park.
“Watch she doesn’t get overheated. It’s a hot one today.”
“I will, Mamá.” He kissed her cheek. “Is there anything you need while we’re out?”
“If you pass the butcher, I need some lamb for tomorrow’s stew.”
“Sure thing.” He peered into the living room to find Sofia sitting on his father’s lap, the beloved princess storybook open before her.
Darius’s stomach dropped at the sight of it. Did canceling his wedding to Meredith mean his daughter’s dreams would never come true?
Perhaps he was being unreasonable rejecting the marriage. Yet his parents didn’t think so. Mamá made no bones about the fact that she didn’t approve of Meredith and was ecstatic that he’d called off the wedding.
He ran a hand over his eyes. Lord, I pray I haven’t made the worst mistake of my life. And that I haven’t been unnecessarily harsh in judging Meredith. Please help her and her family come to terms with the situation in the best way possible.
Taking a breath, Darius entered the room. “Come on, Sofia. Time to go.”
She jumped up with a smile. “We’ll finish the story later, Pappoú.”
“You have fun,” his father said. “See you at dinner.”
Fifteen minutes later, as Darius parked the car, he was glad to note that only a few protestors lingered on the sidewalk across from the maternity home. Of course, Mr. Simmons was leading the way.
“What are we doing here, Daddy?” Sofia hopped along the sidewalk, attempting to avoid the cracks.
“We’re visiting a friend for a few minutes before we go to the park.”
“They live in a big house.” Her eyes widened. “They must have a big family.”
How did he begin to explain a maternity home to a four-year-old?
“This is like a boardinghouse.” Darius led her up to the front door and knocked. “The ladies pay rent to live here.” He didn’t know if that was true, whether any monetary compensation was involved, but it was the best explanation he could think of.
The front door opened. This time Darius recognized the girl on the other side. “Good afternoon, Margaret,” he said. “This is my daughter, Sofia. We’ve come to see how Miss Rosetti is doing today. Is she up for visitors?”
Margaret opened the door wider. “She’s resting in the parlor. Come in.”
Darius steered Sofia into the room, pausing for a moment. What would Olivia think of him bringing his daughter here? He hoped she wouldn’t think it too forward of him.
“A baby!” Sofia’s squeal was loud enough to wake the neighbors.
From where she was seated in the rocking chair with little Abigail, Olivia’s
