“No, let’s just get home.” Summer hurries to say.
“I agree. I’m ready for this trip to be over and get back to life.” She drops her head at his words. “That’s not what I meant, Summer. I’m ready to get on with our lives together, Mrs. Yates,” he teases and lifts her chin.
“I must admit, I am getting used to hearing that,” her blush warms his heart.
“That was the plan,” he laughs at her wide-eyed look. “I hope you like the house. It is fairly new…”
A shout interrupts him, and the boat strikes something causing a rumble in the crowd. The ship begins to slow, and some of the crew run to the front with long wooden poles. They lean over and push something in the water. Passengers lean over and look into the water. A wave of horror rolls through the people on deck.
Debris floats on the water and the crew works to push it away from the boat. “Easy folks, we have some trash in the water, it happens. Remain calm,” Captain Dan orders from the deck above them.
The crew works hard to push the chunks of wood and timbers clear. He steers the boat around it slowly and guides the boat towards the center of the waterway following the wake of a larger ship in front of them. The shoreline is littered with people being tended to, blankets are wrapped or draped around shoulders and suitcases are being pulled out of the water. Victor is sick. He has a feeling he knows what this is from.
“No!” Summer gasps behind him when she realizes it too. Along the shore not only are the injured being tended to, but the dead are being covered with blankets. Some of the debris floating is still burning in the water. “It blew up,” someone whispers.
“Earl was right,” Victor murmurs and shields Jonah from the view. After an hour they pass the town and dock to unload passengers. This gives them enough room to move about freely on the deck. The captain is not taking any more passengers. They are his final run of the day.
“I’ve had the staff open the house, and they are prepared for our arrival. You and Jonah will need to rest a few days.”
“What exactly did you tell the staff?” Summer is curious and a little worried. She doesn’t want Alex to think badly of Victor.
“Don’t worry. You are his governess and my ‘cousin’ for now. Does that suit you?” He takes her hand in his and realizes he will not be so free to touch her once they are back home.
Her hand curls around his tightly, “Thank you for thinking of me. How soon will you have to go to work?”
“I will go in tomorrow. You should rest and become acquainted with the staff. I am going to hire someone to help with Jonah. You will take over his lessons, and we will see how that suits everyone.”
“I have been thinking about Caroline. She would be an incredible help and was amazing with Jonah. I wonder if she would be willing to move?” Summer murmurs.
“I didn't realize that was a possibility. Did she talk to you about moving?” He asks quietly.
“No, merely that her brothers are helping her and how hard it is to raise two children by herself. Her fighting spirit is what I loved. She would be an amazing addition to any household and a great friend.”
“I will send her a telegram once we are settled and see if she is interested. I only want you to be comfortable and happy.” He kisses her hand and as they enter the bay Jonah’s excitement is contagious. “We’re almost home, Dad!” He yells.
“Almost home,” Victor sighs and pulls her close.
After they dock, Victor arranges for a coach, and they set about the last leg of the journey. “This part of town is called New Hampton,” he explains as they bump along down a dirt road. The ride goes quickly and when he slows the team to a trot and turns down a tree-lined dirt road her excitement grows.
“I designed a modest house that would be comfortable and yet private. It has four bedrooms with private baths for each.” Jonah squeals and jumps to his freedom the moment they stop in front of the house.
It is a stunning two-story, gray mansion, with white wooden millwork and matching terraces. The Italianate style estate is a magnificent haven with breathtaking architecture. Summer is speechless. Victor lifts her down and sets her on her feet, following her as she walks toward the iron gates that are swinging open, thanks to Jonah.
“The property has a private garden, surrounded by stone walls, which backs up to a private guest house. It sits on fifteen acres.” She turns to Victor and points at the house.
“You designed this?” Summer is incredulous.
“It was finished right before I left for the war.”
“This is not a house, it’s a mansion, Victor.” She declares.
He grins, “Wait to pass judgment, Miss Denning. You must see the inside first.” All of her exhaustion evaporates in an instant, replaced by delight.
“Show me!”
The tour is eye-opening for Summer. Hearing someone say they are an architect and actually experiencing the finished product are two different things. Soft cream walls with amazing attention to detail. Fourteen-foot ceilings, ornate moldings, medallions, and millwork. Marble fireplaces and golden chandelier, but the crown jewel is the large den off the custom kitchen. The light streaming inside from a wall of French doors that open to a lush private garden with a water fountain at
