To Honor and Trust Read Online Free

briefly considered becoming a botanist rather than a physician. His life wouldn’t be in this present state of disarray if he’d become a botanist or landscape architect—anything other than a medical doctor.
    The clerk called out his father’s name, and both girls jumped down. “Can we come and see your room, Grandpap?”
    Any sign of his earlier irritation vanished as he winked at his granddaughters. “As soon as your mother and father give you permission, you can come to our rooms.” He leaned down and kissed each of them on the cheek before they followed the hotel clerk.
    Wesley reached for his small traveling case and withdrew abook. While his brother and Richard were talking about the textile mill, he read about the art of architectural landscape. Once he had settled his belongings into his room, he planned to begin exploring the island. He was eager to find new floras that were listed in his book. On their short buggy ride from the dock to the clubhouse, he had observed any number of plants he’d never before seen. And the landscaping around the cottages and clubhouse was magnificent—proof that work could be found for good landscape architects.
    Helena’s husband, Richard, leaned against one of the thick white porch columns. “I hear they have an excellent golf course here on the island, Wes. That should keep you occupied for the entire winter.”
    Wesley couldn’t decide what bothered him more—Richard’s arrogant sneer or the sarcasm in his voice. For an instant, Wesley considered mentioning the racetrack as the place where the family would likely find Richard, but such a comment would hurt his sister more than Richard.
    â€œThank you for thinking of me, Richard. One of Father’s friends told me about the course before we left Massachusetts. If it’s as good as he said, then you can be sure I’ll spend a great deal of time there.” He flashed a smile at Richard. “You should give golf a try. The fresh air and exercise might help you.”
    â€œIs that what you learned in medical school? A little fresh air and exercise will fix any problem?”
    â€œIt won’t fix all problems, but fresh air and exercise are proven to aid good health.” Wes patted his stomach. “And it appears you’ve put on a bit of weight.”
    â€œI could have told you fresh air and exercise aid good health. It would have saved your father the money he spent sending you to medical school.”
    â€œStop, Richard!” Helena reached for the baby in his arms. “Take the girls and let them watch the croquet game on the lawn.”
    Once they were alone, Helena took a chair next to him. “Don’t let Richard’s comments bother you, Wes. He’s not happy unless he’s irritating someone.”
    Wesley glanced over the railing at Richard and the two girls. “The girls are growing up. They’re good-looking children.”
    Helena’s lips curved in a forlorn smile. “I long for the days when they were much younger and more dependent upon me.”
    Wes chuckled. “You could always have more. Besides, they’re only five and seven. It’s not like they’ve become adults just yet.”
    â€œSpeaking of children, when are you going to find a girl and settle down? Mother mentioned several young ladies she thinks would be perfect for you.” Helena resituated the squirming baby on her lap.
    Wes pushed up from the chair and settled against the white wooden railing that surrounded the porch. “I’m beginning to think this entire vacation was arranged to either force me to accept a position at the textile factory or to find me a wife.”
    â€œOr both.” She grinned at him. “You know Mother and Father. When they come together with a plan, they usually circle around and tighten the ranks.”
    â€œSo there is a plan?”
    She held up her hand. “I was only joking