Chapter 24 #2
“God is never on our timetable, dear. He organizes things exactly how they need organized, and if I were to hazard a guess, I’d say He organized my rescue in a way that not only benefits me, but you, and perhaps those people we’ve been rudely ignoring but who have kindly given us time without interruption to reunite. ”
Turning, Annaliese’s gaze settled on Seth, who was bending over to look at something Norma Jean had found in the sand.
Louisa, Miranda, and Flick were sitting back from the surf with a man who was obviously the captain, chatting away with him, all of them seemingly content to continue allowing Annaliese a long overdue reunion with her aunt.
“I think they’re fine for now,” Annaliese said, returning her attention to Ottilie. “And I do still have so much to tell you, especially about Chicago and your castle.”
“Should I assume you need to tell me that some unscrupulous developer, or that crime boss, got their hands on my castle?”
Annaliese smiled. “Fortunately, no, but it wasn’t for lack of trying, although your castle isn’t exactly how you left it.”
“Because all that trying you mentioned resulted with it being dismantled?”
“Fortunately again, it’s still standing, but Drusilla and I have made some modifications to it.”
Ottilie’s eyes grew wide. “That makes it sound as if you and Drusilla actually went to Chicago, something I never imagined you’d do.”
“We definitely went to Chicago, although once there, we did realize that you probably never expected us to go there, given all the less-than-reputable men who kept offering to take the castle off our hands, and that you’d only given us the castle as a way to keep it safe from those men while you were gone. ”
Ottilie frowned. “You had to modify the castle to keep you safe from those men?”
“No, the modifications we made were done because we were short on funds at that time and the only way Drusilla and I could think of to make some cash was to turn your castle into an academy for young ladies.” Annaliese smiled.
“We’ve named it the Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies, and it’s a school that provides young ladies with an education in proper decorum, something we learned was desperately needed in Chicago. ”
“I bet there’s a grand story behind that, and I must say I’m anxious to learn why you were short on cash.”
“Believe me, this particular story reads like pages from a suspense novel, complete with unscrupulous men of affairs, imaginary ghosts, walking suits of armor, and ravens that took a dislike to Drusilla.”
“Those ravens dislike me as well.”
“I’m sure Drusilla will be thrilled to learn that since, once we get back to your castle, they can take turns tormenting the two of you, but . . .” She caught Ottilie’s eye. “We can always move the academy elsewhere if you prefer returning the castle to how you left it.”
Ottilie waved that aside. “Nonsense. An academy is a perfect use for the castle.” She smiled. “Frankly, I’ve always thought I’d make an excellent instructor, given the life I’ve led, so perhaps we can find a few classes for me to teach.”
“I’m sure we could, but . . . are you quite certain you’re not upset you’ll be returning to a castle that’s not how you left it, although know that there’s still an entire wing devoted to personal living space.”
“Good heavens, no, but I’m getting the distinct impression that something dreadful happened while I was away because I can’t imagine my brother would have approved of you and your sister going into what he would have considered trade since he’s certainly less than a progressive man, or how it came to be that you were short on funds when my brother is a very wealthy man. ”
Annaliese released a sigh. “As I said, there’s so much to tell you, but know that it’s with great regret that I have to disclose to you that Father died not long after you last saw him in New York.”
Ottilie raised a hand to lips that had immediately taken to quivering. “What happened?”
“He suffered an apoplectic fit, brought about after Sanford Duncan made the claim that he was in love with Mother, and that Mother was in love with him.”
Ottilie lowered her hand. “You’ve got to be jesting.”
“I’m afraid not.”
After dashing aside a single tear that had taken to rolling down her face, Ottilie drew in a deep breath and slowly released it.
“While I’m sure you were aware that your father and I butted heads on more than a few occasions, know that I will truly miss him.
He could be such a difficult man, didn’t understand my need to lead my life as I saw fit instead of embracing a more traditional feminine role, and never hesitated to tell me how he felt I was a bad influence on you and Drusilla.
” She smiled. “I’m sure he’d be appalled with what you and Drusilla are doing in Chicago, and I must say I’m looking forward to hearing all the gory details. ”
Ottilie shot a glance past Annaliese, then squared her shoulders.
“Those gory details, though, are going to have to wait since I think we’ve kept your companions waiting long enough.
I also want to introduce you to the captain, who has, of course, heard all about you during the time we’ve been traveling together.
” Her gaze drifted back to the captain, who was now in the process of pointing out something to Norma Jean.
She returned her attention to Annaliese and smiled.
“If I’m not mistaken, the captain is currently showing that young lady one of the overly large spiders that inhabit this island.
Given that she’s not screaming, I’m going to surmise that she’s an adventurous sort as the spider I’m sure she’s considering right now is a tarantula, and one that could very well be the size of a dinner plate. ”