Authors: Susan Edwards
Grady pulled her into his arms for a quick kiss. “I promised to take Renny riding this morning. How about if you and Morning Moon come?”
Star rested her head against his shoulder and smiled. “No. This is your time with your daughter. I have much to do here.”
Grady nodded. “How will I manage all day without you, without this?” His kiss grew more demanding.
“By thinking of tonight.” Star slipped her arms around him. Not one to pass up an opportunity to kiss the man she loved, she deepened the kiss until he was breathing harshly. She ground her hips against him, then stepped back, enjoying this new sensation flowing through her.
Grady leaned against the door. “You’re a cruel woman to lead me on and then make me wait, Star. Now I can’t go downstairs.”
“But I can.”
With a wicked grin, Star shut the door and left her room, feeling happy and carefree. She put from her mind her fears or the future.
Going downstairs, she saw to the children. When Grady came down, they enjoyed a lighthearted breakfast in the morning room, with Renny chatting about the upcoming ride in the park.
Though both father and daughter tried to talk Star into accompanying them, she held firm. To her surprise, Morning Moon also declined. As soon as Grady and Renny left, her daughter came around the table, her gaze serious and determined.
“I’d like to talk to you, my mother.”
The words were spoken in Lakota.
Sighing, Star knew the time had come. Her daughter was right, and her personal happiness had made this discussion all the more imperative. It was time for them to talk about their respective gifts. Standing, she held out her hand and led the way into the family parlor. There they could relax and talk, undisturbed.
As Star sat down, Morning Moon climbed into her lap. “My grandmother has given her Sight to me.”
“I know.” Star struggled to keep her fear from her voice, but Morning Moon smiled reassuringly and stroked her mother’s cheek. “Do not be afraid for me,
Ina.
It is meant to be.”
The girl’s calm acceptance allowed Star to relax. As a young child, Star had never felt comfortable with the Sight. Yet her own daughter showed none of her mother’s fear of the unknown. “It does not frighten you?”
“Sometimes. But it is the way of the Spirits. And someday, I believe my gift will save our people. This I know to be true. They have chosen me. I will bring honor to our tipi.”
“Yes, my daughter. The Spirits have chosen wisely, for you are brave, and worthy of their gift.” Star hugged her daughter close, grateful for the calm acceptance Morning Moon exhibited toward her gift and her future. Why could she herself not enjoy the same pride and peace in such a great gift? Usually, its owner was regarded as
wakan
—great, powerful, all knowing. Yet in her heart, Star knew she didn’t want that honor.
Morning Moon turned and hugged her mother. “As you are,
Ina.
Our grandmother watches over us, and she is proud.”
How Star longed to believe that. Smoothing loose strands of hair back from her daughter’s face, she smiled. “I am glad you are happy with this. You will come to me if you are frightened?”
“I will first seek council of our
wicasa waken.
”
Star sighed. “As you must, my daughter. Remember, I am here if you need me.” In the Lakota way, Morning Moon would first seek council from their holy man. Then their chief. Losing that little bit of control hurt, but Star accepted that her little girl, with her mother’s and grandmother’s gift, was growing up fast. She could fight that no longer.
Standing, she took her daughter’s hand. They had a couple of hours before Grady and Renny returned. She eyed the kitchen. Cooking on the stove fascinated her daughter. Perhaps they could do that together.
Morning Moon seemed to sense her intention. “I would like to bake more of those round cookies, but Hattie will not welcome us right now. She is cleaning.”
Star laughed, feeling lighter of heart now than in a long while. “We shall have to wait until later, then.”
Two hours later, baking cookies forgotten, Star and Morning Moon were talking and laughing freely as they each worked on their beading and quilling. The intricate designs in the carpets and wallpaper provided new and interesting patterns to copy. Morning Moon’s was a simple dark blue with gold scrolls, while Star was trying to copy the carpet in the dining room—one of rose, pink and burgundy flowers.
The ringing of the front bell interrupted their work, and Zeke’s footsteps shook the floor as he rushed to answer it. Hattie poked her head into the parlor and shook her head.
“I haven’t ever seen a man more unsuited to be a butler.”
Star and Morning Moon laughed. “I think he’ll do fine.” She glanced at Morning Moon. “Shall we go see who is here?”
They made their way into the foyer. Zeke met them, his expression dark.
“Who’s here, Zeke?”
“That woman. Wants to see Grady. I told her he ain’t here, but she insists on waiting.”
“Where is she?”
“I put her in the front parlor.” His expression plainly said that wasn’t where he wanted her to be.
“I’ll go see her.” Though to see Hester Mae was the last thing Star wanted, she also knew that for Grady’s sake she had to act the gracious hostess. People of society would expect that of a governess. She stopped Zeke. “Ask Hattie to send in tea…and maybe some of the tarts the cook baked.”
“Yes, Mrs. Star, though it seems a waste to serve them things to that woman.”
Star hid her smile and stepped into the formal parlor. Hester Mae stood near the window, staring out. “Good day, Mrs. Olsen,” she said. At the sound of Star’s voice, the woman drew herself up to her full height.
“I’ve come to see my niece.” The request was belligerent.
Star nodded, unsure of what to do. “Renny and her father have gone for a ride.”
“I’ll wait.” Her expression dared Star to disagree.
Indicating that Hester should sit, Star moved into the room. “You are welcome here. I’ve sent for tea and refreshment.” Watching the older woman take a chair and fold her hands primly in her lap, Star hesitantly took a seat across from her.
Hattie carried in a tray and set it on the table between Star and her guest. “Would you like anything else, Mrs. Star?”
“Thank you, Hattie, no. This will be fine.”
“Call if you need me,” the housekeeper said, then exited.
“What does that woman think I’m going to do?” Hester Mae snapped.
“Cause trouble. Try to take Renny, perhaps.”
Hester Mae paled. “That was a long time ago. I was out of my mind with grief.” Her hands shook as she pulled out her hankie. Star saw a stain of blood on it before the woman could shove it back. Noting another stain on Hester Mae’s gloves, Star frowned.
“What happened? Are you all right?” Concern softened her voice.
Hester Mae pursed her lips. “Do you care?” She looked uncomfortable, as if she were about to bolt.
Unsurprised by the woman’s bitterness, Star gentled her voice further. She was not a part of the bad feelings between Grady’s family and this woman. “You are Renny’s aunt.”
“And you are Grady’s—” She closed her mouth, with a snap, then sighed. “Forgive me. It’s been a difficult day. Suffice it to say, I am concerned about Renny’s upbringing.”
“Renny is loved by her father, and myself.”
“I love her too.” The words ended on a sharp inhalation of breath.
Star eyed the woman’s agitation with worry. Was she unstable? Should she have Zeb go find Grady? She didn’t dare leave this woman alone. Wishing she was anywhere but where she was, Star decided to try and soothe Renny’s aunt before the girl and her father returned from their ride. “Yes, I believe you do.”
“All I want is to see her, to spend some time with her. It’s not too much to ask.” Hester Mae’s chin quivered.
No it wasn’t, Star thought. Beneath the gruff exterior, she sensed sadness. And something else. Pouring two cups of tea, she slid one across the small oval table to her guest.
The woman reached for her cup, then brought it back over her lap. Her fingers shook so hard, tea sloshed over the rim. She laughed without humor. “When I left the house this morning, I was determined to come visit my niece. She is, after all, family But—” she shook her head and closed her eyes “—but I truly don’t wish to cause trouble. I’d like to see her, take her on outings and to go shopping…but if Grady wishes me to never see her again, I understand. I haven’t given him much reason to think well of me.”
Star sipped her tea, considering all she knew of this family. “You loved your sister very much.”
“Yes, and
she loved me.
”
Those simple words told Star much. Again her gaze fell to the stains on the woman’s gloves. She pointed. “What happened?”
Hester stared down at where Star indicated. Her voice turned soft with yearning. “A child was hurt. I helped her and took her home.” She leaned her head back. “The child has no parents or family that I know of. The woman who is caring for her and her infant brother plans to send them to an orphanage.” Hester Mae’s eyes softened. “I held the boy, and now I want them both. They have no one to love them.”
Before Star could reply, she heard Grady and Renny come in. Hester Mae kept talking; apparently the floodgates had opened.
“All I ever wanted was to have children of my own. And when the years passed leaving my arms empty, I tried to find contentment in loving my sister and her children. But it wasn’t enough. Watching her with Emma just magnified what I didn’t have. And when she became pregnant with Renny, a desperate need grew inside me until it drove those around me away.”
“There must have been a way to—”
“Adoption?” she cut in. Shaking her head sadly, Hester Mae dabbed at the corner of her eyes with a corner of a lace-trimmed handkerchief. “No. Then, I didn’t want some other woman’s children. More foolishness on my part. Until today, I didn’t think I could love anyone else’s children except my sister’s. But when Margaret Mary died, Grady didn’t trust me to raise them.” Hester Mae sighed. “And with good reason. I wanted children so badly, needed to be a mother, that I was willing to take his from him. But today, when I held that baby, and that sweet little girl clung to me as I was leaving, I realized how wrong I’ve been, and how many wasted years have passed. I hope someday Grady will forgive me.”
“I believe he will,” Grady said, entering with Renny beside him. His gaze met Star’s.
She smiled at him to let him know everything was all right. “Hester Mae has come to visit.”
Hester Mae stood, her teary-eyed gaze moving from brother-in-law to her niece. “I’d like to be allowed to visit my niece, Grady, but I will understand if you decide not to allow it. I will abide by your decision.”
Clasping his hands behind his back, Grady inclined his head. “I, too, have made mistakes. I should never have left my children. Leaving them was wrong and had I stayed, we might have been able to work out our problems. Relations between all of us might have gotten better. My girls have forgiven me, so it’s only right I forgive you as well—along with granting permission for you to visit. If Renny is agreeable, you may do so.”
The girl leaned against her father’s thigh. “I’d like that. And I’m sorry for scaring you with my rats. I didn’t know you’d be spooked like that woman on the boat.” Her eyes widened then, as if she’d said too much. She winced as her father’s fingers squeezed her shoulder, but they shared a knowing look.
“Perhaps you could show them to me again. From a distance,” Hester Mae offered.
“Why don’t you take your aunt up to see your room, child? As I recall, her taste in decorating is impeccable.”
Renny’s eyes lit up. “Really? My room is pink and white, but I hate it. Papa says I can choose my own colors. I want blue and green.”
Hester Mae’s eyes misted over. “Thank you, Grady.”
“Everyone deserves a second chance, Hester Mae. I’ll have someone take care of your horse and buggy.”
Zeke poked his head into the room. “Already taken care of, Colonel.” With a satisfied grin, he took the tea tray from the parlor.
When they were alone—Renny, her aunt and Morning Moon had left the room—Star went to Grady. “You were generous.”
“No more so than you, my love. You’ve given me a second chance at love and my daughter. It seems only fair to give Renny’s aunt one as well.”
“Morning Moon spoke to me today.”
“Ah. She is a wise child. What did she say?”
Star drew a deep breath. “She does not seem to hate her gift as I do. She accepts it. She even seems sure it will serve our people one day.”
“That is good, isn’t it? Now you can stop worrying about her.” Grady took her hands in his and kissed the backs of them.
“She doesn’t understand—”
“I think she does, love. Perhaps it is you who doesn’t. Let go of your fears for her. Let’s see what the future holds. The best thing you can do for her is to be there when she needs you. I’ve learned that. Now come here and kiss me. I’ve missed you.”
His words were wise. There was little she could do but deal with her own visions. And she didn’t want to do that, not now. She went willingly into Grady’s arms. “It’s only been half a day.”
“That’s far too long to be apart, don’t you think?”
“Much too long.” Star leaned into him and lifted her head. A commotion at the door broke them up before they could indulge in kissing, though. Someone had come through the front door and was shouting for Grady. As they went out to the foyer, Charles ran up to them.
“Charles, what’s wrong?” Grady drew Star alongside him.
“I need to speak to Hester Mae. She said she was coming here, but I didn’t see her buggy out front.”
“It’s in the back. She’s upstairs with Renny.”
“I’ve got bad news. Someone tried to kill her husband!”
A loud gasp came from the top of the stairs. “What happened?” Renny’s aunt ran down the stairs, the two girls following. “Where is he? Is he all right?”
Charles stepped forward. “He’s at the City Hospital, Hester Mae. It doesn’t look good. He took a hard knock to the head.”
Hester Mae stumbled and cried out. “Take me to him.”