No journey too far, p.30
No Journey Too Far, page 30
Garth’s eyes widened for a second, and then he reached out and shook her father’s hand. “Thank you, sir.”
Her father released Garth’s hand. “I’m sorry for the way I spoke to you at our home. We were told Grace had no living relatives when we took her in, but I’ve recently learned that’s not the case.”
“Grace has a large and loving family, and they’re eagerly awaiting her return to England.”
Her father nodded. “That’s what we’ve been told.” He turned to Grace. “So, that’s your decision? You won’t reconsider and come home with us?”
Grace pressed her lips tight, fighting to stay in control of her emotions. “I need to go to England to see my mum and sisters. I hope you’ll try to understand.”
His eyes turned glassy, and he looked down for a moment. “I confess it saddens me, but my deepest wish has always been for your happiness.” He lifted his gaze to meet hers once more. “I can understand why you’re curious to meet your…first family, but I hope you’ll always remember you have family here in Canada as well.”
Her mother dabbed at her eyes again. “Yes, please don’t forget us.”
A knot formed in Grace’s throat, and she had to force out her words. “I won’t forget you. I’ll write, and perhaps one day you’d like to visit us there.”
“We’d like that very much, wouldn’t we, Howard?” Her mother sniffed and then pulled a blue velvet box from her purse. “We want to give you this.” She held out the box.
Grace accepted it. “What is it?”
Her mother’s eyes filled again. “It’s your birthday gift.”
Grace blinked. Her birthday! With all the excitement surrounding the trial and Rob confessing his feelings for her, she’d totally forgotten her birthday had passed.
“You’re eighteen now, a young woman who will move into the next phase of life.”
Grace lifted the lid. Inside lay a beautiful pearl necklace. “Oh, it’s lovely.” She looked at her mother and father. “Thank you. This is very kind.”
Her father watched her, tenderness in his eyes. “We love you, Grace. I hope you’ll remember the good times and think of us fondly.”
Grace’s throat tightened, and she nodded. “I will.”
Her mother opened her arms. Grace stepped into her embrace and patted her mother’s back, wishing she could ease her distress.
“I’m sorry, Grace.” Her mother’s muffled voice was filled with emotion. “I should’ve listened and tried harder to understand. Maybe then you wouldn’t feel the need to leave us now.”
Grace stepped back and blinked away her own tears. “Every young woman needs to step out on her own path and follow where the Lord leads her. My path takes me to England, but I’ll always be grateful for you and all you’ve done for me.”
Her mother sniffed. “If you must go, I want to send you off with my love.”
Grace swiped at her cheeks. “Thank you, Mother. That means a great deal to me.”
Her mother turned to Rob. “Promise me you’ll take good care of our Grace. She’s a jewel. You’ll never find another girl like her.”
Grace stared at her mother. What a gift to hear those words of love and acceptance!
“I know that’s true, Mrs. Hamilton,” Rob said. “And you can be sure I’ll treasure Grace always.”
Andrew approached and stepped into the circle, obviously curious about the couple who had joined them.
Grace flashed a pointed look his way. “Andrew, these are my adoptive parents, Howard and Judith Hamilton.”
His eyes widened for a split second. “Oh, hello. It’s good to meet you. I’m Andrew Frasier.” He held out his hand to Howard.
Her father shook his hand. “You’re the lawyer. I understand you’re married to Grace’s…sister?”
“That’s right. I’m Laura’s husband and Grace’s brother-in-law.”
Her father grimaced, obviously still struggling to accept Grace’s relationship with her family but making an effort to be civil. “Richard told us you’ve recently taken part in a murder trial.”
Grace exchanged a glance with Rob. Richard must have asked a lot of questions around town to learn that fact.
“I defended Miss Emma Lafferty.” Andrew motioned toward Emma. “She was falsely accused, but she has been cleared of all charges.”
Her mother’s eyes bulged. “You’re the woman who was accused of murder?”
Emma’s face flamed. “Yes ma’am.”
Grace stepped closer to Emma. “Andrew handled her defense with such skill that the man who was responsible confessed under questioning.”
“That’s right.” Garth slipped his arm around Emma’s shoulders. “Andrew proved Emma was innocent. We’re engaged, and we plan to marry soon after we arrive in England.”
Her father looked back at Grace. “Well, that all sounds very interesting.” He checked his watch, still appearing unsettled, even after the explanations. “Our train back to Toronto doesn’t depart until twelve thirty. Would you like to join us for a meal?”
“That’s kind of you, Father,” Grace said, “but we’re leaving for Roslin very soon.”
He nodded, resignation in his eyes. “All right, my dear.” He stepped forward, and Grace met him in the middle for a slightly awkward hug. “Take care of yourself, and write soon,” he said.
“I will.” She held on for a moment, then stepped back.
“Goodbye, Grace.” Her mother sent Grace a teary-eyed smile, then took her husband’s arm.
“Goodbye,” Grace called as she watched them turn and walk away. When they disappeared out the front door, she melted against Rob. “I can’t believe they came.”
“They love you, Grace. Even with all their faults and the misunderstandings, they want what’s best for you.”
“I wasn’t sure of that before, but I am now.”
“It’s hard for them to let you go, but I admire the way they handled themselves.”
Grace nodded, thankful they’d been able to clear the air before she left for England.
The stationmaster’s voice rang out, announcing the arrival of the ten-forty-five train to Roslin.
Andrew picked up his bag and motioned toward the doors leading to the platform. “Time to go.”
Rob grinned at Grace. “Are you ready for your adventure?”
She laughed and returned a smile. “As long as you’re going with me.”
“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.” He took her hand, and they walked through the doors together.
* * *
Grace leaned forward, watching out the motorcar’s side window as Andrew drove under the stone archway guarding the entrance to his estate.
Andrew looked over his shoulder from the front seat. “Welcome to Bolton.”
Her heartbeat picked up speed, and she smiled at Rob, seated next to her. His eyes shone, reflecting the same joy she felt at this special homecoming.
They rounded a curve, and Andrew pointed out the window. “The estate manager’s cottage is just ahead.”
A stone house appeared through the trees, and Grace’s eyes widened. When Andrew had told them it was a cottage, she’d imagined a small cozy dwelling, but this was a large two-storied stone house surrounded by a thriving garden and several fruit trees. “Oh, it’s lovely!”
Rob ducked his head to get a better view, and his smile spread wider. “I remember being impressed when I saw it on my first visit, but I’d forgotten what it looked like.” He turned and winked at Grace. She squeezed his hand, thinking ahead to the day they would share that home and begin their new life together.
They continued up the drive past large open meadows dotted with wildflowers. A few trees were scattered across the parkland, and sheep grazed on the lush green grass. They drove across a narrow stone bridge that spanned a rippling stream lined with rocks, small trees, and bushes.
Andrew glanced back at them again. “Just around this curve, you’ll see the family home.”
Grace tightened her hold on Rob’s hand as Bolton House came into view. The family’s three-storied manor house was beautifully crafted from golden-brown stone, with more windows and chimneys than she could count. Tall green hills rose behind the house, and the contrast in colors made the building seem to glow in the afternoon light. Grace shook her head in amazement and wonder.
The motorcar rolled to a stop in front of the house, and the second car, carrying Garth and Emma, parked behind them.
Grace looked at Rob, joy thrumming through her. “I’m so excited to see Mum and all the family.”
He sent her an encouraging smile. “I’m sure they’re just as eager to see you.”
The heavy oak front door opened, and a tall butler with gray hair, deep-set eyes, and a long nose walked out, followed by a younger footman dressed in livery. The footman sprang forward and opened the motorcar door for Grace, then opened Andrew’s door.
The butler nodded to Andrew. “Welcome home, Mr. Frasier.”
“Thank you, Sterling. Will you see to our luggage?”
“Yes sir.” The butler motioned to the footman, who hustled into action.
Garth and Emma climbed out of the second motorcar and crossed the gravel drive toward them.
The front door of the house opened again, and adults and children streamed out. Grace quickly searched their faces.
“Grace!” Mum hurried toward her, her eyes glistening. Memories from years ago came rushing back. Mum’s brown hair was now laced with silver, and lines crinkled around her eyes, but the same love flowed from her smile.
Grace’s heart swelled. “Mum!”
Before Grace could say another word, Mum drew her into her arms and wrapped her in a tight hug. The scent of lavender and roses filled the air around them, sending a comforting wave through Grace.
“Oh, my girl! My dear, dear girl!” Emotion hushed Mum’s voice.
Grace’s eyes stung as she held tightly to Mum. For so long she’d ached to know she was loved and cherished by her family, especially her dear mum. She swallowed back her tears. “It’s all right, Mum. I’m home now.”
Mum held on a few more seconds, and then she leaned back but didn’t let go. Instead, she placed her hands on Grace’s shoulders and smiled. “You’re so tall and lovely, and you look so much like Laura.” Mum laughed softly through her tears, then traced her fingers down the side of Grace’s face. “My little Gracie is home at last.”
All around them other members of the family greeted each other with hugs and handshakes. The children moved among the adults, eager to be acknowledged and introduced.
Mum released her with a teary smile. “I’m sure the others want to say hello.”
Laura stepped forward with a glowing smile. She was tall and elegantly dressed with her blond hair pulled up in a pretty style. Her blue eyes reflected kindness and warmth. “Welcome home, Grace.” She leaned in and kissed Grace’s cheek, then hugged her.
“I’m so glad to be here. Thank you for all you and Andrew did to search for us.”
Laura sniffed and patted Grace’s back. “I only wish we could’ve connected with you sooner.”
Grace stepped back and smiled through her tears. “All in the Lord’s good time.”
Katie came forward next. She was shorter than Laura and had auburn hair and pretty hazel eyes. Her figure was softly rounded, reminding Grace that she’d recently given birth to a baby boy.
As she gazed at Grace, her smile melted away and her chin trembled. “Oh, Gracie, I’m so sorry I didn’t keep us together. I know I promised I would, but—”
Grace pulled her sister into her arms. “It’s all right, Katie. I know you did everything you could. And from what Garth tells me, you’re the one who suffered the most.”
Katie stepped back and wiped a tear from her cheek. “That’s long past. Life is good now. The Lord has blessed us all.”
“Yes, He has.”
“We’re thrilled to have you home,” Katie said. “I can’t wait to catch up and hear all about your years in Toronto.”
Grace nodded, her heart warmed by her sister’s tender words and the powerful sense of connection they still shared. “I want to hear all about your life here—how you met Steven, and so much more. It will be fun exchanging stories.”
Grace turned to Rob and took his hand. “I’m sure you remember Rob Lewis.”
Several family members nodded and welcomed Rob.
Steven shook Rob’s hand. “Good to see you again, Rob. Andrew says you’ve agreed to take on the estate manager’s position.”
“That’s right. I’m looking forward to it. I hope you’ll help me learn the ropes.”
“I’d be glad to bring you up to speed as soon as you’ve had a chance to rest up from your journey.” The two men continued talking, and Grace smiled, happy to see how easily they conversed.
Mum walked over and embraced Garth. “Welcome home, son. We’re all so grateful for what you’ve done to bring Grace back to us. Thank you.”
He kissed Mum’s cheek and stepped back. “Thank you for praying for us. I couldn’t have done it without Him guiding me each step of the way.”
Mum nodded, her face glowing with pride and affection. She turned to Emma and held out both hands. “And this must be Emma.”
Garth’s fiancée offered a shy smile as she took Mum’s hands. “Yes ma’am.”
Mum offered her a gentle smile. “We’re so glad you’ve come, and I’m happy to hear you’ll be joining our family very soon.”
Garth grinned and exchanged a smile with Emma. “That’s right. Emma has agreed to marry me as soon as we can make the arrangements.”
“I’m very happy for you both. And since you’re soon to be my daughter-in-law, I hope you’ll call me Mum.”
Emma’s cheeks flushed. “Thank you. I’d like that.”
Grace’s throat tightened as she watched Mum interact with Emma. The dear girl had been through so much, from years of being scorned as a Home Child to being falsely accused of murder. It was past time she received the love and acceptance she so richly needed and deserved.
Mum slipped her arm around Emma’s shoulders and guided her toward the house. “We’ll give you a few days to settle in, and then we can begin working on your wedding plans.”
“Tea is ready in the library,” Laura announced. “Let’s all gather there and continue our conversations.”
As Grace watched her family move toward the house, a warm wave of happiness filled her. She might have been missing from the family for ten years, but she could tell the love she remembered still burned brightly in each of their hearts. They had offered her a warm welcome and given assurance that there was a special place in the family for Rob and Emma.
Rob stepped up beside her. “Glad to be home?”
She met his gaze. “Yes, so very glad.”
He placed his arm around her shoulders and exhaled a contented sigh. “You’re finally back with those who love you most, and that includes me.” Affection and a hint of mischief twinkled in his eyes as he leaned down and gave her a kiss as tender and light as a summer breeze.
His message of love flew straight to her heart, washing away the shadows of the past. No longer would she have to hide her true identity or live a life pretending to be someone she was not. She had finally found the freedom, love, and acceptance she’d longed for—in the Lord and in her relationships with Rob and her family.
The journey had been long and challenging, and it had taken her farther than she’d ever imagined going, but the Lord’s love and light had shone on the path and guided her home at last.
Garth looked in the small mirror on the church-choir-room wall, and his fingers tangled in his tie. Why couldn’t he get this right? Beads of perspiration gathered on his brow. He huffed and shook out his hands.
Rob looked over his shoulder in the mirror. “Having trouble?”
“You could say that,” Garth muttered.
“Turn around. I’ll give you a hand.”
“Thanks.” Garth faced Rob, lifted his chin, and continued tapping his foot with nervous energy. He could hear the voices of friends and family gathering in the sanctuary for the ceremony. Had Emma arrived at the church yet? That question shot another rush of energy through him.
He looked at Rob. “I don’t know why I’m so flustered.”
“This is an important day.” Rob undid Garth’s tie and started again. “I’d be surprised if you weren’t a bit nervous.”
Garth blew out a breath and studied his friend’s face. They’d grown as close as brothers in the past ten years, and he was thankful Rob was with him today. “We’ve been through a lot together, haven’t we?”
Rob’s gaze met Garth’s, and a smile tipped up the corners of his mouth. “From the children’s home in London, to our years in Canada, then the war in France, and now back to England to celebrate your wedding day.”
“And yours is not too far away.”
Rob’s grin spread wide, and he gave Garth’s tie a final tug. “It can’t come soon enough for me.”
Garth glanced toward the door leading to the sanctuary and grew serious again. “I hope everything will go well today for Emma’s sake. She deserves a perfect wedding.”
Rob clamped his hand on Garth’s shoulder. “It will. Your family will make sure of it.”
Garth nodded, grateful that was true. In only five weeks, his mum and sisters had helped Emma plan the wedding—everything from ordering invitations and having her dress made to choosing the menu for the wedding breakfast and selecting the flowers.
Andrew and Rob had gone with him to the tailor to select his new suit. They had also helped him make the arrangements for his and Emma’s wedding trip to Cornwall. The whole family had come together to make sure their wedding would be a wonderful day for them to enjoy. He was blessed to be surrounded by so much kindness and support.
