Reluctant Deception - Cambria Smyth Page 0,54
Miss Elizabeth Reed," she'd heard him say.
"Less than an hour ago, I had the privilege of seeing first hand, the exciting changes taking place here at St. Bernadette's," he continued.
Libby leaned forward, her heart racing, as she strained to listen.
"You may, or may not, be aware that I spent eight years of my childhood in this old building. I clearly remember playing tag in its run-down playroom, roaming the drab, dingy halls, eating in this depressing dining room. As they are today, the Sisters were always kind and loving to us children, but they struggled daily to get us hot water and proper lighting from its ancient plumbing and electrical systems."
Chris was relaxed and open, addressing the audience with the ease of a seasoned professional.
"About a year ago, I made an offer to Sister Mary Clare and the Monseigneur that I was sure they wouldn't refuse. I told them I'd tear this place down and build a brand new one, at my expense. I was sure they'd jump at the opportunity. But I was wrong."
Libby was held as captive by his story as was the rest of the audience. The room was completely silent.
"Sister Mary Clare," Chris called out, searching the room before locating her. "Do you remember what you said to me that day?"
Sister Mary Clare rose from her chair.
"I sure do, Chris," she replied in a voice loud enough for all to hear her. "I told you that if this building was good enough to produce such fine people as you, then it might turn out even better ones once we restored it." Beaming, she took her seat.
"Those were her exact words. She went on to tell me that she and the other Sisters' great love for this place wouldn't let them even consider demolition. She was stern and indignant. Basically, she told me to pack my money bags and leave. So, I left. Wondering where the heck they were going to find the money to even fix the Orphanage, let alone restore it."
"Now, those of you who've had to deal with the good Sister know how tenacious she can be. A few days after our conversation, she called me. 'Chris,' she says, 'we're applying for a million dollar state grant to restore St. Bernadette's.' Suddenly, I'm sending her a check so she can hire a professional to write the complex application for them."
He paused, looking over the crowd.
"I admit, I didn't donate the money willingly at first, but you know how persuasive Sister Mary Clare can be when she really wants something!"
The audience laughed gently in agreement.
"The rest of the story you are familiar with. St. Bernadette's got the grant and, after yet another lecture from the Sister, I agreed to match it."
Chris took a sip of water from the glass on the dais.
"I didn't think it possible--or worthwhile--until an hour ago. Miss Reed showed me tonight the hidden splendor being carefully revealed. After restoration, St. Bernadette's will be a model institution and a wonderful place to nurture the children who so desperately need a home filled with light and hope."
Libby felt hot, wet tears gather in her eyes at his words. Had she finally managed to break through the barriers of his resistance?
"I must tell you, though, I still don't believe every old building deserves to be saved. But the Orphanage clearly does. To Sister Mary Clare and all the others who backed this project, I acknowledge you were right all along."
"To Miss Reed, I say thank you for opening my eyes and changing my way of thinking. And in closing, thanks to all of you for contributing your time and money to restoring St. Bernadette's."
The crowd erupted into thunderous applause again and as Chris turned to accept a plaque honoring the occasion from the Monsignor, Libby got out of her seat and slipped quietly out of the room.
Chapter Nineteen
The air in the tiny contemplation garden behind the Orphanage was still balmy despite the lateness of the evening. Libby sat on one of the garden's several wooden benches, savoring the fragrance of the heirloom rose bushes clustered to her right. Strains of music coming from the building signaled the end of the speeches and the resumption of dancing. Needing some fresh air and a quiet moment before the drive home, she decided to spend a few minutes in the lovely green sanctuary she'd discovered during her research at the Orphanage.
Taking a deep breath of redolent air, Libby relaxed against the cold, hard wood slats and stared