Read Online Natasha's Legacy by Heather Greenis - Free Book Online

before the
Carsons. I must have a moment alone with Richard before the entire
family arrives for our weekly meal. Waiting another week to speak
with Richard is impossible. I must know if Andrew has knowledge of
the trust funds.”
    Alex went down for breakfast.
    It was a long morning. When the mid-day meal
was over, Alex watched for his sister and brother-in-law to arrive.
He was sitting on the porch when the newlyweds pulled up in their
buggy. He ran to greet them and heard his momma and poppa behind
him. His sister began chatting with their parents.
    “Richard, I require a moment of your time …
in private.”
    “Of course.”
    Alex walked Richard to the side of the
extension. “I need to know how many employees have access to the
trust fund. The Venderkemp and Donovan—”
    “There is no need to question the discretion
at the bank, Alex. My father is very professional. In direct answer
to your question, my father manages the accounts personally. His
secretary is the only other person aware of the connection between
the orphanage and Papa Stewart. Even I don’t know the value of
those accounts.”
    Music to his ears. Convinced Sarah’s
intentions were sincere, the weight of the world lifted from Alex’s
shoulders. He refrained from bellowing with delight, but did not
attempt to contain his grin.
    “I’ve been spending time with a woman,” Alex
confided. “I discovered her brother works at the bank. Andrew.”
    “I know him well. Andrew is a good worker and
very professional, but does not manage any of your family’s
accounts.”
    Suddenly, Alex had no desire to visit his
extended family. His mind was on Sarah and telephoning her.
    The rest of the family arrived and eventually
sat for the meal. It took forever for them
to eat. The plates were emptied but they continued chatting. Go home. I love you all but go home. Although it was tempting, he suppressed to urge to excuse himself
to use the telephone.
    After watching the last buggy disappear, Alex
walked into the office and picked up the telephone. He apologized
for the lack of contact and invited Sarah to dine with his family.
They spoke on the telephone every evening.
    On Saturday afternoon, Alex stood in front of
the mirror and looked at his own reflection. “Momma believes this
blue shirt complements my eyes. I hope Sarah agrees.” His eagerness
to see Sarah spurred his nerves. His heart pounded into his
ears.
    Sarah stood at the door to her building in a
brown flowing skirt and cream coloured blouse, fiddling with the
brooch covering the button at her neckline. In his eyes, her beauty
magnified tenfold since their previous encounter. Alex placed his
hand on his heart and inhaled.
    “Shall we?” he asked. He extended his elbow
for her to hold.
    Sarah chatted and Alex attempted to respond
as they travelled to the orphanage. Approaching the building, music
guided them toward the parlour.
    “It’s one of my favourite pieces,” she
admitted. She hummed as they entered the room.
    Alex’s father and grandfather, always
gentlemen, stood to greet them. After introductions, Alex sat on
the sofa, ensuring room for Sarah to join him.
    When asked, Sarah discussed her family, life,
and marriage and she listened intently while his momma, papa, and
Izabella spoke of their lives since moving into a building
surrounded by children, medical staff, and volunteers.
    “I find myself amazed Alex was not married by
eighteen, given the number of volunteers in this building.”
    Alex never uttered a sound.
    “Alex is a shy young man,” his papa
responded. “The volunteers found it necessary to approach him.”
    “I’m not surprised.” She turned to face him.
“If I had volunteered, I would have approached you.”
    “Please, do not volunteer in this building,”
Alex begged. “It will be impossible to complete any work while
you’re present.”
    “Perhaps I made an error in judgment when
accepting a full-time position at the mercantile. I’m unable to see
a