“I have no interest in pussy-footing around what your father thinks, but I do care about your well-being; physically, emotionally, and spiritually as you move forward.”
“God put my views on the subject in the land of lost memories, so it’s His fault I have no opinion in the matter.”
“Listen to yourself. Surely, even a hardened heart cannot swallow that lie.”
“Ah, yes. You think its so easy to just figure it all out again, make new decisions.” His face grew hard. “Well, I am tired of starting everything new. You have no idea how the past haunts me.”
She reached for his arm. “You’re right. I have never walked in your shoes, but many men have returned from war to the old lives they knew, only to find that all the rules have changed. Rigid principles and world views need to be re-evaluated by the entire nation. Perhaps it might be easier to look at your plight through fresh eyes, ones not tainted by the memories of what doesn’t exist anymore.”
His glare softened. “You are wise for one so young. The school did indeed send me the right nurse. I apologize.” He glanced at Jake, who sat quietly on the floor, playing with a piece of wood. “Are you ready for our picnic?”
“I am,” Gwen said. “The weather is perfect, and your son and I are happy to join you in a little bit of fun.”
Outside, Daniel took the reins from Arthur. “Why don’t you take the afternoon off? Spend some time with the family. I can drive my own buggy to the lake.”
“Do you recall how to get there?”
“I will manage,” Daniel said. “I rode at leisure yesterday and spotted the place, but an uneasy feeling lurked in the morning mist. It’s rather odd, don’t you think?”
“The past is full of horrors you are not privy to—some of them not worth seeking, but as boys, we experienced plenty of pleasant memories there. Perhaps a few of those will come to light.”
“You sound as optimistic as Nurse Gwen.” Daniel shook off the premonition and reached for her hand. “Let me help you up.” When she sat on the covered bench, he scooped the toddler off his feet and twirled him playfully in the air before handing him to Gwen.
The boy giggled. Gwen was pleased to see that the day was off to a good start. She caught Arthur’s confusion at the arrangement and winked. It might have been nice to have him along, perhaps to spark a forgotten memory, but when she saw him glance longingly down the gravel road, she grinned.
“Arthur, I believe I still hear singing from the church in the woods. You might catch the tail end of your service if you hurry.”
He brightened. “Thank you. I shall leave you to enjoy your afternoon alone.” The young man scurried away and was soon out of sight.
Daniel joined them on the seat and hit the lines on the backs of the team. They started, and Jake squealed with delight.
“I like Arthur,” Gwen said.
“He does seem to be a nice chap—a great source of information and help for me in my current venture, with the tree-cutting and fixing up the row houses.”
“I’d bet that if you asked your father if he could work with you full-time, the job would get done faster and with added pleasure.”
“My father does not take to change easily. He depends on Arthur at the house.”
“And have you asked or even told him of your growing vision for the plantation?”
“Forestry? It sounded good at the onset, but I chickened out. I’m not ready for him to laugh me out of the house.”
“Your father took the initiative to hire a nurse so that you could return to the land you will inherit someday. I think that sounds like a man open enough to listen to new ideas. The horizon is changing, and wood will be a rare commodity, needed to rebuild our country.”
Daniel laughed. “Perhaps you should speak to the man. You seem to have it all figured out.”
“Hardly. Look at me: I went to school to learn nursing skills, and it turned out my first charge is quite capable of healing himself, should he wish to.”
“You consider your skills to be wasted here?”
“What do you think? You barely limp anymore, and you do not hide in the chalet like a whipped puppy.”
“You take charge of my son and do a fine job. I appreciate that.”
“A child who is also healthy and not in need of a nurse but a nanny,” Gwen argued.
“Do you want to leave?” His eyes darkened, and she feared for the frantic loss that swam within the depths of them.
“I didn’t say that.”
“Good. You had me worried for a minute. I’ve grown quite accustomed to our routine and am not eager for it to end.”
Gwen wasn’t sure if he had meant for his inconvenience or that he’d actually miss her. She had a growing concern that in her case, she would miss the man and his son more than the McAlisters might miss her.
The river came into sight, and Jake squealed and pointed while jumping his little bottom up and down on the seat between them.
“Well, the lad seems excited,” Daniel said.
“We shall have to watch him carefully. Children don’t know the dangers of water.”
He grinned at her across the youngster’s head. “He’ll be fine. It’s Sunday, and you deserve a day of relaxation as well.”
Gwen breathed in the fresh air and let the cares of the world flow from her mind. The wonderful escape was all the remedy she needed—that and enjoying God’s creation with good company.
Chapter 9
On the grassy meadow, Gwen spread out the ample feast Arthur
