“The door slammed.”
Jennings took the little girl into his lap, his eyes still on the offended digit. Emma and Lizzy hovered nearby, Lizzy with tears of commiseration in her eyes.
“It’s a little red, so it might throb for a time,” Jennings told her. “Why don’t you sit here until it feels better?”
Penny laid her head against him, her face woeful with self-pity.
Watching her, the Palmers smiled. She was so cute, even when she was sad, and snuggling in Jennings’ lap made her look all the littlier and more appealing.
“How is it?” Emma asked, her face concerned.
“It’s better.”
“You can hold the ball,” Lizzy told her, ready to hand it over.
Penny thanked her and took it in her lap.
Jennings turned back to his sister.
“I’ve been meaning to ask you how you feel lately, Liddy. You look so well that I take for granted that you feel the same.”
“I do feel well, thank you.”
“Other than needing more sleep, you’re much as you always are,” Palmer added.
“I think so,” Lydia agreed.
Soon Penny had recovered, and the three girls, ball in hand, went back to their play.
“She’s so relaxed with you, Jennings,” Lydia said when the little ones were gone. “It’s lovely to see.”
Jennings smiled in agreement. “This morning she wrote letters at my desk. I helped with her spelling.”
“Would you say the two of you have gotten closer with the boys gone?” Palmer asked out of curiosity.
“Yes. She searches me out much more often, and of course in the evenings it’s just the two of us reading the Bible. Her knowledge of Scripture is impressive, and she’s not afraid to ask questions.” Jennings suddenly laughed. “I just remembered back to the first time I tried to interact with Penny. It was while we were still at Aydon at the dining table. When I finished speaking to her, Thomas said to me, ‘It wasn’t that scary, was it, sir?’”
The Palmers laughed with him.
“How do you think they’re doing?” Jennings wished to know, his mind having obviously gone to the boys.
“I think well,” Palmer reassured him. “It’s old stuff for Frank and Walt, and they will be helped when they see school through the eyes of newcomers like Thomas and James. Your boys will be helped when they follow the lead of our boys who have been there. It’s a good combination.”
“That makes sense, but it’s still difficult not knowing.”
“A huge trust issue,” Palmer agreed.
This was no more said than the girls were back, wishing for adults to join them in the game. Palmer and Jennings agreed, leaving Lydia with only her thoughts for company, something that suited her very well. Jennings’ words had brought all four boys keenly to mind. It was lovely to have time alone to pray.
Thornton Hall
“Can we ride horses to Blackburn Manor?” Penny amazed Jennings with these words as they walked to the carriage on Thursday morning.
“You don’t have a riding horse, Penny.”
“I could ride with you.”
Jennings’ brows rose. He’d never considered it.
“You could, couldn’t you?”
Penny nodded, her eyes excited.
“I think I need my horse,” Jennings said to the footman.
“Right away, sir.”
The carriage that had been readied for them was returned to the stables.
“Do you want to wait inside or walk ahead to the stables?”
“Let’s walk.”
Jennings realized very suddenly that if he’d known the pleasure of having children long ago, it would have altered the way he lived his life. He put his hand out, and Penny took it.
“It’s nice today,” he commented, smiling when Penny looked up at the partially cloudy sky, evidently just noticing.
“Do you think it’s nice at school too?”
“Your school or where the boys are?”
“The boys.”
“It’s hard to say. Your school is close enough that the weather is probably the same, but the boys could be having any type of weather.”
This conversation took them almost to the stables, with one brief stop to look at flowers.
“Do you know what I hope, Penny?”
The little girl looked up at him.
“I hope you never lose your love of flowers or forget who made them.”
“God made them.”
“Yes, He did. I wish someone had told me that when I was your age.”
“Did your father love Jesus?” Penny asked, nearly stopping Jennings in his tracks.
“I don’t know, Penny,” he answered slowly, having thought of this only a few times since his conversion. “We never spoke of it, so I’m not certain he did.”
“Someone should have told him,” she said simply.
“Yes, Penny, I do believe you’re right.”
To the stables and in the saddle a minute later, they set off, Penny utterly delighted to be up so high and moving so fast.
“Go faster,” she called at one point.
“This is fast enough,” Jennings said on a laugh, thinking it wouldn’t be the end of the world if Marianne was not available; he and Penny could just keep riding.
Blackburn Manor
“You have visitors,” Mrs Walker told her daughter, her eyes trying to hide her delight. “Mr Jennings and Penny.”
Marianne’s brows rose, but she left the flowers she was arranging, checked her hands for stains, and went to the salon.
“Well, Penny,” Marianne said when she opened the door and that little girl ran to embrace her. “What a nice surprise!”
“We hope you’ll think so when you hear why we’ve come,” Jennings put in but didn’t elaborate.
Marianne looked down at the little girl still hugging her legs.
“I came so you could teach me to shoot the arrows.”
“Oh!” Marianne said and got no further.
“If we’re disturbing you, Miss Walker, we can certainly make it another day.
“Not at all,” she denied, but her tone and voice were not convincing. “I’m just not certain I’m the one to teach her.”
“You don’t want to?” Penny asked.
“It’s not that, dear. I would be happy to, but Mr Jennings is more accomplished, and I only thought—” Marianne stopped when the other two occupants of the room stood staring at her, their faces open and expectant. She truly did not see herself as the person for this task, but clearly she was the only one who thought that way.
“Well, then, let’s head along to the yard and begin.”
Penny took Marianne’s hand, and not until they were outside the salon did Marianne realize that Jennings was coming along as well.
“If you have things to do, Mr Jennings, feel free to leave Penny with me.”
“On the contrary; I was hoping to watch. I might learn something.”
Marianne waited for him to smile and tease her, but the eyes that watched her were warm and serious.
“Well, then,” she repeated, nearly at a loss. “We’ll go right out.”
Once outside, Jennings took pity on the nervous teacher. Extra equipment was being set up on a table a good way from the target. Settling in a yard chair there, Jennings gave Penny and Marianne some space to work, but he was still able to observe.
It didn’t pass his notice that Marianne put her back to him as she began to explain. She took several minutes to define the dangers and caution Penny against pointing the arrows toward people, the house, and even the dogs.
Penny tried the bow one time, and Marianne could see it was going to be too long.
“Wait here, dear,” Jennings heard her say just before she started his way.
She came to the table and began to study the equipment laid there. She had begun to gather the smaller bow and arrows in her hand when she looked up into Jennings’ eyes.
; “I love you,” he whispered softly.
Dropping everything she was holding and in a complete panic, Marianne could not even look at Jennings. Her actions were so flustered that his heart turned over. She knelt down toward the grass to gather the items at her feet.
“Here, let me help you,” Jennings offered as he bent to the task.
“It’s all right,” Marianne said in a breathless voice, even as she took the things he was handing her. Her hands shook as she straightened and laid the arrows neatly on the table.
“Do you want me to come over to the target and help you?” Jennings asked quietly, his eyes never leaving her face.
Marianne knew where the question had come from. This was not the time to be upset. Someone could be hurt. But if he knew that, why would he have said such a thing to her? Maybe he hadn’t planned it—maybe it just came from deep in his heart.
Stop it! Marianne said to herself, taking a breath and slowly lifting the bow and arrows in her hands. She was still not ready to look at him.
“We’ll be fine,” she said softly. “Thank you for offering.”
For just a moment Marianne managed to raise her eyes to his. What Jennings read there caused him to muster up every ounce of self-will he possessed. Not even aware that he was on his feet, he stood for some time and watched the two “ladies” he loved. When at last he remembered to sit down, it was because he was no longer certain his legs would continue to support him.
Tipton
“Well, Marianne, where did you come from?” Palmer asked from his place at the head of the dining room table.
“Oh, I just flew in on a cloud.” Marianne’s voice was very merry. “Hello, Lizzy; hello, Emma.”
“Hello, Marianne.”
“Do you suppose I could have a word with you, Lydia?” Marianne managed, but only just.
“Certainly.”
Marianne knew that her friend was not done eating, but this would not wait. Wanting to drag her to move faster, Marianne went to the closest room, the library, and over to the sofa. Lydia, a bit bemused, followed.
“Your brother loves me,” Marianne said softly the moment Lydia’s seat touched the upholstery.
Lydia laughed.
“And when did you figure this out?”
“This afternoon when he told me.”
Lydia stopped laughing.
“He said this to you?”
Marianne nodded, her face wreathed in soft smiles.
Lydia put her arms around her friend.
“Oh, Mari, I could cry.”
“It’s wonderful, isn’t it?”
“Yes. Did the two of you talk?”
“No. Penny was with us, and I know Jennings wants to spend time with her right now.”
“But your time will come,” Lydia put in.
“I hope so.”
“So he doesn’t know how you feel?”
“Not directly.”
“Everyone all right?” Palmer asked from the door.
The women didn’t answer but turned and smiled at him.
“Well, now, everything looks well.”
“Come in, Palmer,” his wife bade, laughter in her voice. “Marianne has lovely news.”
Thornton Hall
“Are you ready, Penny?”
“Yes.”
“Are you certain about Mr Pat?” Jennings asked her again.
The little girl looked over at the shelf that held her treasured possession.
“Yes,” she said with very little pause. “I have Mama’s quilt.”
“All right. We’d best get to Tipton so you can be off.”
“Is Lydia coming?”
“I think just Palmer is taking you girls.”
“Can we ride to Tipton?”
Jennings almost shook his head in amazement. Since the first time he allowed her in the saddle with him, riding was all she wanted to do.
“I think we should not arrive windblown and dusty, but we will ride again when you return.”
Penny looked satisfied with this plan but wanted to go out and say farewell to Jennings’ horse. He escorted her, keeping her well back, and at last they were in the carriage, his heart asking himself if he was ready for this.
They were at Tipton before he had an answer. The family was out front, Marianne with them, and Jennings climbed from the carriage, his heart dealing with more emotions than he expected.
Lizzy was in tears by her mother’s side, and the group said little. Before Jennings was ready, Palmer said it was time to leave. Penny had just come back from hugging Marianne and Lydia, and now looked to Jennings. She was dry-eyed, but her face was sober.
“Come here,” Jennings called to her as he hunkered down to her level.
“Megan packed all you need, but if we forgot something, have the matron write me.”
“Okay.”
Jennings looked into her face, his hand coming up to cup her small cheek.
“I love you, Penny.”
“I love you, Mr Jennings.”
Jennings could not get her into his arms fast enough. He scooped her close and hugged her for a long time, her little arms hugging him back. Still in his embrace, Jennings walked to the carriage and put her inside.
The goodbyes were brief, and in that there was mercy. The women waved to the carriage for a long time, but Jennings only stood and stared after it. When it was finally out of sight, he looked over at Marianne to see her watching him with sweet compassion.
“The girls’ school is much closer,” Lydia comforted him. “You can visit so easily.”
“And don’t forget,” Marianne added, “she’s with Emma.”
This brought fresh tears from Lizzy, and Lydia led the way inside. Jennings wasn’t ready to visit and make light conversation and was thankful Marianne and his sister understood. They prayed for him as his carriage pulled away, neither one wanting to tell him that it never got easier.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Marianne did her best not to look expectant or disappointed, but when Sunday morning came and went, and Jennings greeted her with the Palmers but made no move to single her out, her heart filled with confusion and questions— questions that she could not answer. One person could answer them, but right now he seemed very far away.
“Did you see Mr Jennings this morning?” Walker asked of Marianne on the carriage ride home.
“Not to speak to.”
Her father made no comment one way or the other, and Marianne read nothing biased in his expression. Nevertheless, Marianne waited at home all afternoon. She received no visitors.
She climbed into bed that night with many thoughts but only one that she would act on: Maybe it’s time to visit my sister after all.
Jennings had never in his life been so idle. It made no sense. He’d lived for years on his own, never lacking a moment, but now, with the children gone, he was nearly at his wit’s end.
He thought long rides on horseback would do the trick, but they only made him miss Penny. Seeing the portrait of the children’s mother brought back memories of their time at Morehouse. And the quiet bedrooms upstairs were the worst. They seemed to mock him with their emptiness.
Jennings caught up on his business correspondence, including a letter to Mrs Dashwood, letting her know that his lawyer was on the job, but to date, Mrs Smith had not been located. He had more time to read and study his Bible, and he was learning a lot, but it didn’t completely dispel the loneliness that lingered in his heart.
About the third day he took to writing personal letters. He’d already received one from each of the boys, and had read them five times.
Mr Jennings, Thomas began,
School is exciting. I enjoy most of my classes and professors. Yesterday we had a lively discussion on Napoleon. The entire class was involved. The professor even mentioned an outing we might take, but he didn’t say exactly where we would go.
Did Penny get off well? I wonder if she cried or if going with Emma was enough. I know I enjoy having James
and the Palmer boys nearby. We see each other every day, and Frank and I have done some studying together.
I’ve got a paper to write that must be handed in tomorrow, so I had best close. Give my best to everyone there. Say hello to Marianne for me, and please ride my horse if you have time.
Sincerely and with affection,
Thomas Jennings
James’ letter was different, but no less dear to the lonely guardian.
Dear Mr Jennings,
How are you? How is my horse? I hope someone will have time to ride him so he doesn’t think he’s been deserted. Walt and I have several classes together. He’s funny. Is Penny all right? Did she go to school with Emma? Tell Marianne I’ve seen wildflowers she would enjoy. I’m looking forward to the term break, being at Thornton Hall, and seeing you. Thank you for all of our school needs.
With regards,
James Patrick Jennings
Having read the letters, Jennings started his own. He wrote to the boys about everything he could think of. He gave a detailed account of Penny’s getting off to school and even told how much they had enjoyed their daily rides.
He was able to tell the boys that he was riding their horses as well as his own, and that both animals were in fine shape. He ended his letters to them with the item that was most on his heart.
I know where we’ve left off in our Bible reading, and we’ll be sure and share in that time whenever you are home. I miss you boys very much and pray that you are well. Thornton Hall is a different place without you.
With deep affection,
William Jennings
Jennings followed the letters to the boys with a note to Penny. For a time his heart was calm, but he found himself pacing the next day before the post arrived.
He spent too many days this way. Jennings should have been thinking more clearly about the matter, but it took more than a week for him to realize that this was the time he’d waited for. He’d told Marianne he loved her, but with Penny still home, he felt he couldn’t spare the hours to call on her.