Gwen spoke, hoping not to offend the woman: “I wondered if you’d like me to take on the project of upgrading your homes?”
“Fix ‘em up?” Mable asked as if it were a novel idea.
“Yes. Maybe a proper wood floor and whitewashed walls. You could use some cupboards with doors to keep the mice away from the food.”
She was surprised when Daniel joined in the scheme. “My father tells me I’m good with wood. Haven’t put it to the test, but I’d try my hand at carpentry.” His voice sounded light, devoid of the heaviness caused by his personal dilemma.
Gwen grinned in his direction and watched his face brighten. Perhaps this was a God-idea, after all, sending her to help the poor souls just starting out on the Freedom Trail while, and at the same time, teaching a self-consumed man the joy of giving. It might actually be the turn on the road to recovery for which Gwen had prayed.
Chapter 5
Gwen took extra time to prepare for lunch with the McAlisters. She changed into a clean, stylish dress, swept her blonde curls on top of her head, and pinned it with a decorative comb. She slipped on a pair of pumps and moved to the front porch to wait for Daniel. She’d already fallen in love with the plantation, and she felt confident of the plan she’d already put into place for her patient. Gwen needed to make a good impression—for to be fired on the second day would be devasting.
She heard Daniel whistling a tune and turned to watch him approach. His mood seemed improved, and she dared believe it was due to the new project they’d discussed earlier. His eagerness surprised her, given the arrogance he’d flaunted since her arrival. He’d taken the reins of the conversation and chattered all the way home about the steps necessary for getting the development underway. He’d claimed that managing and working on the run-down houses would strengthen his flabby muscles and provide activity for his mind. These had been two of the goals she’d set for his recovery, and they’d been accomplished in a single effort. It was a good start to the day.
“Hello, again, Nurse Gwen.” His eyes scanned her appearance, and a mischievous grin spread across his face. “All set to dazzle the folks, are you?”
“To dazzle was not quite my intention,” she said. “More like displaying my well-groomed, independent character.”
“You’ve managed that and more. Father will be impressed, but then, he admires most any woman in a skirt.”
“Daniel! He is your father, and he deserves respect.”
He laughed. “I suppose, in theory, he does. We shall see what mood we find him in today. One word of advice; informality won’t cut it. And just to let you know, my name is also Mr. McAlister when in the presence of the noble plantation owner.” He reached for her hand to help her down the two steps to the stone walkway. “It’s not too far to walk—I thought I’d impress you with more exercise.”
“You are going beyond my expectations today. I trust you will keep up the good work. There is color in your face, and a new sparkle lights your eye.”
“I must admit, the project has excited me.” He cast a playful grin in her direction. “And then, there is Nurse Gwen, who has proven more than I expected.”
She felt a crimson rush flood her face. He patted the hand locked in the loop of his arm. “Seems your color has improved as well.”
“Must be the Kentucky air,” she said.
“Yes. Must be. Shall we continue to the lion’s den? We daren’t be late. I’m afraid the skirt won’t triumph over a show of tardiness.”
Flowering bushes and grand oak trees grew alongside the dirt road they trekked in silence. Birds danced in the branches, and squirrels skittered across the path with boundless energy and purpose to each step. The May air smelled of fresh blossoms and new life, springing from all of God’s creation. Gwen’s spirits were high, and she hoped Daniel’s parents would see the slight change in their son. Getting started on the right foot was important.
When they’d rounded the final curve, and the homestead came into view, Gwen halted in her tracks and gasped.
“The first sighting kind of hits you that way,” Daniel said, taking a measure of delight in her reaction.
The stark white, three-story building stood in all it’s grandeur against the clear blue sky and the backdrop of both leafy and evergreen trees. Round columns reached from the covered veranda on the main floor to the last balcony on the top level. The upper floor was what attracted her the most. To live there, and view the world from those heights seemed a dream too big to grasp.
“It’s not like I haven’t seen unique constructions before,” she stammered, “but what is it that makes this place magical, like a woman’s dream of happy-ever-after?”
She felt him stiffen. “So, it appears I will be fighting off the good nurse as well as all the flighty females my father sends my way with marriage and prestige as their sole ambitions.”
She inhaled sharply. “Of course not! I was merely thinking out loud. I love the little cottage, and I have no plans to exercise my patient all the way to the altar, so get over yourself, Mr. McAlister.” She hastened toward the house. “Let’s get this over with.” The wonder of the moment had dissipated, and she felt cheated.
Daniel turned the knob and let them in. Gwen kept any astonishment she felt at the magnificence of the interior décor tightly in check and waited to be ushered into the dining room. Her main objective that day was to keep her job.
A manservant appeared, bowed slightly, and led the way to the formal dining
