Web of Dreams (Casteel 5)

"Won't you Leigh." It wasn't a question but a sharp demand.

After an exhausting day all I wanted to do was sleep. "Of course, Momma," I weakly agreed, unable to find the strength to refuse before slipping into sleep.

We left for Boston right after breakfast, just as Momma had planned. The snowstorm had ended shortly after midnight, but so much had fallen so fast that there was nearly a foot of new snow. Farthy resembled a winter wonderland in the bright morning sunlight. Some of the pine trees looked like they had had giant sheets tossed over them, because so little green was visible.

During the ride back to Bos

ton, Mommy finally elaborated on her honeymoon plans. She and Tony were flying to St. Moritz to stay at the Palace Hotel, something I knew she had always wanted to do, and since Tony was such a good skier and had been there before, he was very agreeable.

"It's a wonderful place for a honeymoon," she told me. "Members of Europe's aristocracy will be there, and you know how much I've wanted to go to the Palace Hotel.

"I never really had a honeymoon," she continued. "After your father and I were married, we came directly to Boston. He had promised to take me to Havana, but wouldn't you know it, as soon as we returned, he claimed he had a major business crisis, partially brought about because of his prolonged stay in Texas. Can you imagine? He was indirectly blaming me because he had remained in Texas longer than he had planned, just so he could win my hand in marriage.

"But finally," she said, "I'm going to have the honeymoon I deserve. Unfortunately, we'll be away for Christmas and New Year's, but you will have everything at your disposal at Farthy and mountains of gifts. If you want Miles to take you someplace, he will. You understand, don't you?" she asked without pausing to take a breath. She was almost pleading for my approval.

"Yes, Momma," I said, but couldn't help feeling horrible about my beginning my life at Farthy, which for the most part still remained a strange place, during the holidays, without Daddy or her.

"We'll make it up to you when we return. You know, of course, that Tony's working behind the scenes to get you right into the best private girls' school around," she added quickly. I hadn't known, not until this very moment. I had just assumed I would go to a public school close to Farthy.

"No, I didn't know. What school, Momma?"

"It's called Winterhaven. Isn't that a wonderful name for a private school? It just rings of class and richness, doesn't it? You know it's special because it has a waiting list yards long, but Tony is sure he can pull a few strings and get you in, especially since you're such a good student. It's a sleep-over school," she added quickly.

"A sleep-over? You mean, live there . . like at a

college?"

"Miles will drive you there every Sunday night and you can return every Friday, if you like. Doesn't that sound wonderful? Think of all the new friends you will make, and all girls from well-known, rich families. And you will meet fine young men, too. They have dances and get-togethers with a nearby allboys finishing school. You will finally be around people of your class, Leigh--finally," she added with a breath. And then, as if that was all there was to it, she turned away and began reviewing her wedding plans again.

I sat back, stunned. All these changes being rushed over me--I would spend Christmas and New Year's alone at Farthy, I would go to an all-girls school, a sleep-over, and have to make all new friends. My life was truly topsy-turvy. I should have anticipated it, I thought. I should have realized all this was going to happen, but I kept avoiding reality, dreaming that it would all go back to the way it was. Now that I heard the hard details, my dreams popped like balloons. And there was nothing I could do.

I felt even sadder and more depressed when we arrived at our Boston town house. Because Daddy was going to be away so much, and because we were now leaving it for good, our servants would have to go. I was especially fond of Clarence and Svenson, and they were fond of me. They had been with us for as long as I could remember. This trip home might very well be the last time we would see each other.

I was happy to learn, however, that Daddy was hiring them to work on one of his ships. There was always a need for a good chef on an ocean liner and since Clarence was such a perfect house servant, he would be assigned to the captain of the ship.

A second thing that made me happy was the discovery of a letter from Daddy. It had just arrived from the Canary Islands. Clarence brought it to my bedroom moments after we arrived. I could see by the look on his face that he hadn't told Momma. Perhaps this had been Daddy's instructions. I didn't like keeping secrets from Momma, but I thought perhaps this was better. She wouldn't have anything to feel bad about.

I opened it quickly and read.

.

Dearest Leigh,

I hope this letter finds you safe and well. I know you can't be happy with your life having been upset so, but I hope things have settled down somewhat for you and in time, you will find happiness again. I, of course, will do anything in my power to make that happen.

My trip to the Canary Islands was uneventful. This is a beautiful place, however, and I am happy I was talked into considering it. I will definitely be adding it to our route structure.

We will be leaving here shortly and heading for Miami, Florida, where I will be working on my Caribbean itineraries with travel experts and the like. It looks like I will be there during the holidays, but I will call you on New Year's Eve. I know where you will be.

Yes, Leigh, I know about your mother's plans to remarry. That was part of what we discussed when she came into my office and asked you to leave us. I knew this would only add to your sorrow, so I didn't want to bring it all up. Perhaps now, your mother will find that world of happiness she dreams of. She also told me of her plans for you to attend one of the finest finishing schools in the East. I rest easier knowing you will at least have all the material comforts life has to offer.

I promise to visit you every chance I get. For a while I would like to bury myself in my work. It has helped me get over the emotional crisis and tragedy. However, it is a consolation for me to know that you will be there when I return.

Now you are the only remaining soft and beautiful part of my life. I don't want to say anything that will make you cry, so button down the hatches and wait for my ship to come back.

I promise it will.

Love, Daddy