To Honor and Trust by Tracie Peterson, Judith Miller

each morning. She’d attempted to discuss the matter with Mr. Bridgeport during dinner last evening, but they’d been interrupted. And she couldn’t change his school lessons to the afternoon, since those hours were filled with a variety of riding, golf, and tennis lessons that could not be adjusted. Otherwise Callie would have insisted Thomas complete his lessons after lunch.
    A short time later, Maude and all three children entered the classroom. “I’m pleased to see you, Thomas.”
    â€œI’d rather be out hunting with Father, but he said I couldn’t miss my lessons again today.” Thomas settled at the large wooden desk and frowned.
    â€œYour father is a wise man. He knows you need a solid education before you head off to boarding school. How would you feel if you were behind all your classmates?” Callie didn’t hesitate long enough for him to answer. “I know you would be terribly embarrassed if you couldn’t answer the instructor’s questions, and the other fellows might poke fun at you. We don’t want that to happen.” In an exaggerated gesture, she clasped a hand to the Gibson collar of her white embroidered waist. “And should your parents receive a bad report, they might decide it was due to my inability to train you properly for higher education. They might decide I shouldn’t continue as your sisters’ teacher.”
    â€œOh no!” Daisy wailed. “You must study hard, Thomas. I don’t want Miss Callie to leave us.”
    â€œStop your blubbering, Daisy. Mother would never terminate Miss Callie. She thinks of her as a third daughter.” When Daisy didn’t relent, Thomas pointed his pen in her direction. “Get busy with your crayons, and I’ll see to my work. You don’t need to worry about my ability to get good grades in boarding school.”
    Lottie turned toward her brother. “I know you’ll do well, Thomas. You’ve never failed at anything.”
    â€œThank you, Lottie.” Thomas shot a smile in his sister’s direction. “You see, Daisy, there’s nothing for you to worry about.”
    Daisy sniffled and picked up her crayons. She didn’t appearcompletely convinced, and Callie silently reprimanded herself for saying something that would upset the child. If Thomas needed further correction, she’d be sure to do it when the two of them were alone.
    Maude remained in the room while the children set to work, and Callie stepped to her side. “How are you doing, Maude? Did everything go well this morning?”
    â€œThat it did. The girls are quite easy to manage, and young Thomas cares for himself very well. The cook prepared us a fine breakfast of bacon, eggs, and toast. All three of the children ate well.” She patted her stomach. “And so did I.” She leaned a little closer. “I’m a bit surprised the Bridgeports have a full-time cook, what with them eating most of their meals over at the clubhouse. Jane Nichols must have a great deal of spare time on her hands.”
    â€œShe helps Lula with the housework when she isn’t preparing meals. Then if Jane needs help in the kitchen, Lula steps in to aid her. I’m sure you’ll discover we all help each other as needed.”
    â€œDid you give any more thought to what I said yesterday?” Maude arched her eyebrows.
    They had talked about many things yesterday. Callie frowned as she attempted to recall their conversation. “You mean about Mrs. Bridgeport taking you to Biscayne to purchase dresses?” Callie didn’t wait for a response. “I believe she has that on her schedule for this afternoon. You might ask her when she returns from the clubhouse.”
    â€œNo, not the shopping. Why would I ask you to think about that? This island would be the perfect place for you to find a fellow. This morning Jane told me that there are lots of good-looking single men who