Whit sat up and shook her head. “No. I’m sorry, Maddy. I feel like all the music within me has died.”
That couldn’t be true! No wonder Whit was so torn up.
“And you’re talking about leaving. I’d never demand that you give up on true love just so you could stay in Alaska—that would be too selfish. But are you sure it’s even love? It scares me to think of you out there all alone . . . with only him to protect you.”
“Don’t worry about me.” This wasn’t the time to discuss all the thoughts and doubts she’d been having.
“It’s my job. I’m your big sister. Always have been, always will be.” Whit rubbed the back of her head.
“Is the headache back?”
Whitney closed her eyes. “Yeah, most of the time it’s dull, but then it turns into a sharp stabbing pain every once in a while and takes my breath away.” Tears formed in her eyes, and she slumped. “I was so horrible to Ruth. I need to apologize to her. And to the kids too. They are probably frightened of the monster that is their oldest sibling.”
“Maybe you should lie down for a while. We can talk to them later.” Should she get in touch with the doctor? It didn’t seem right for Whitney to suffer so much.
Her sister stood. “No. I need to do this now.”
No sense arguing. Once Whit made up her mind, that was it. “All right. Let’s go together.”
Whitney pulled a hankie out and mopped up her face. Then with shoulders squared, she marched out of her room.
When they made it back into the dining room, no one said a word. Ruth had returned and sat eating.
Whitney fiddled with the hankie. “Ruth, I am very sorry for the way I spoke to you. I didn’t mean a word of it, and I should have never said such a nasty thing. It isn’t true. You’ve been a good friend to me, and I’ve been cruel. Please forgive me.” She turned to the kids. “Eli and Bethany, please don’t think that’s the way I act all the time. I’m so sorry.”
Ruth stood and came over to hug them both. She whispered, “I acted the same way. This isn’t your fault.”
Madysen shot a glance at her sister. What was that about?
Whitney ducked her chin and took her seat.
Madysen looked around at everyone. The tension had eased, but awkward silence prevailed. “Anyone need more coffee or milk?”
“I don’t, but I would love another cinnamon roll . . . or two.” Daniel gave Madysen an unrepentant grin.
“I’ll take some coffee and a cinnamon roll.” John lifted his cup. “Oh, I haven’t had a chance to make this announcement, but Daniel has agreed to come to work for us full-time. He’ll start next week.”
“You look miserable.”
Granny interrupted Daniel’s thoughts. He looked up at her. “Good morning to you too.”
“All right. Let’s have it. What’s bothering you?” Granny sat in her chair and rocked back and forth. “I thought you got everything straight with God.”
He’d forgotten in the Yukon what it was like to live with family—and to have them always in his business. But he didn’t mind. Not anymore. It showed him that they cared.
“I did. It’s not that.” He gave her a look.
“Oh . . . I see. It’s a girl.” She pointed a bony finger in his direction. “I know that expression.”
He held up both of his hands and smiled at her. “I figure you’re the best one to talk to about love. It’s Madysen. I can’t stop thinking about her, and I’m worried that if I don’t tell her how I feel, then she’ll leave forever with that slick Buddy Merrick.”
“Oh.”
“Don’t even start, Granny. I can see those matchmaking wheels spinning in your head. But I didn’t tell you so you could interfere. I just can’t compete with Buddy. He sends her expensive presents almost every day and he tells her all these smooth rehearsed lines.” Daniel stood up and paced in front of the rocking chair. “To top it all off, he’s at the Roadhouse every time she performs—and I know because I’m there too. It’s ridiculous. He’s not even at his own show, because he’s there watching Madysen.”
“So what’s the problem?” She folded her hands in her lap and leaned back. The chair stilled.
“I’ve fallen in love with her.”
“And how exactly is that a problem? I think it’s wonderful.” Her face beamed and her eyes twinkled.
“I know you think that’s wonderful, but not if I can’t win her heart. I can’t compete with Merrick, and I don’t want to. But I’m going to have to talk to her before she makes her decision. If she leaves with him, then I don’t think I’ll ever see her again.” He knew what he had to do, just not how he was actually going to do it. What if he said the wrong thing?
“Long have I prayed that you would find a godly woman, Daniel Beaufort. Maddy is a strong believer. I don’t think she will do anything rash. Mr. Merrick has definitely swept her off her feet, but that doesn’t mean she’s chosen him. She’s sensible. And you two are friends. Why don’t you talk to her tonight after they’re finished at the Roadhouse?”
“Tonight?” His voice squeaked. Most of the time, Granny’s suggestions were good. And made him feel better. But this time, not so much. It made his stomach feel all squirrelly. He put a hand over the offending part of his abdomen and sighed.
“Yes, tonight. In a few days, you’ll be working out there full-time. Don’t you think you ought to have it resolved before then? It might make working on the farm mighty uncomfortable.”
Granny was right. He’d better do it soon. “Fine. I’ll talk to her tonight.”
“Good boy.” Granny started rocking again.
Was that a smile on her lips?
“Don’t forget to let me know how it goes.” The twinkle in her eye as she winked at him made him shake his head.
The day had passed far too slow. He’d worked in the store for a couple of hours and couldn’t help glancing at the clock every few minutes. Dad had been consumed with the books and seemed worried. But every time Daniel asked, Dad said it was nothing, so he’d headed out to the farm.
He’d thought maybe he’d have time to speak privately with Madysen, but she’d been busy teaching Bethany, and he didn’t want to interrupt. So tonight was it. He’d offered to stand watch at the Roadhouse with John, which would give him easier access to Madysen after the show. He would ask to take Madysen home. Then . . . he’d tell her how he felt.
Him and every other man in town.
He let a heavy sigh out between his lips.
When evening finally came, the Roadhouse was packed as usual, and the food was phenomenal. John had been glad for Daniel’s offer. This was Whitney’s first night back, and no one knew exactly how she would do.
Offering up a quick prayer for her, he watched the crowd. Whitney’s attacker wouldn’t dare show up, would he?
The sisters began to play. Whitney was at the piano, her hair tied into a tight knot at the back of her neck. She wore a shawl over her dress, she didn’t smile, and her color was a bit pale. He felt sorry for her. No doubt she’d be on guard all evening.
The ladies were soon caught up in their performance, and Daniel began to relax and enjoy the show. It was beautiful—they were beautiful. Thank goodness nothing was amiss.
The usual quiet of the audience was disturbed by some rude fellows at the table not far from where he and John stood. The man in the middle was all smiles as he told raucous stories to the other men.
Daniel tried to tune it out, but as soon as one of the men remarked about the lovely Miss Whitney Powell, the man in the middle laughed and declared that he had been intimate with her.
The other men clamored for more.
Rage washed over Daniel and he looked to John––to find that John had moved closer to the stage. Daniel ate up the distance to the rowdy table with long strides.
“She isn’t as stuck-up as she seems, gentlemen.” Garrett Sinclair sent a grin to his audience. “She just needed a little strong persuasion.”
Daniel grab
bed Sinclair’s collar and punched the man in the face. “Shut up!” His throat burned.
Sinclair put a hand to his bloody lip and narrowed his gaze. “We can take this outside if you want, but it’s not lies. I ain’t got nothin’ to hide.”
He gripped the man’s collar tighter and pushed him up against the wall. “Shut. Your. Lying. Mouth.”
Sinclair sneered. Then he pushed Daniel away and threw a punch of his own. Daniel dodged it and swung back.
The whole table of men came at him.
One punch after another landed to his gut and head then—
Blackness.
“Daniel? Daniel?”
Madysen’s voice called him. Where was she?
“Daniel, are you all right?”
Wha . . . Something wet was on his face. He reached up and grabbed it. Ah. A wet cloth.
He opened one eye. Madysen was like an angel hovering over him.
She leaned back a bit. “Oh, good, you had us scared.”
“I’m fine.” He sat up and winced at his throbbing head. And his aching jaw. What happened?
“Everyone go back to your tables. He’s fine.” Madysen put her arm around Daniel as he got to his feet. “What was the fight about?”
Daniel looked around. Sinclair and his crude friends were nowhere to be seen, and the stage was empty. “Where are your sisters?”
“Taking a break. John’s with them. Tell me what you were fighting about.”
“Sinclair said something horrible about your sister to a table full of men. I couldn’t help it. I punched him and told him to stop lying. He punched me. I punched back. Then his friends jumped into the fray.”
Red tinged her cheeks. “Sinclair? I didn’t see him. What did he say?”
He shook his head. “It’s not for a lady’s ears.”
She stiffened. “If it was truly that bad, you need to tell me. She’s my sister.”
With a grimace, he told her the conversation.
Madysen’s expression fell. “Oh no. If this spreads, it will ruin her reputation. She’ll be devastated. She wouldn’t even let John go to the sheriff for fear of people blaming her.”
“I don’t think Sinclair is inclined to keep his mouth shut.”
“Look, don’t say anything to Whitney. After we’re back on stage, tell John what happened, please. He’ll know what to do.” Madysen glanced back as her sisters returned to the stage. “She’s been through so much already.”
“Don’t worry, Maddy. I’m sure John and I can handle this.”
“Thank you.” She grabbed his hands and squeezed. “I better get back up there.”
He nodded. “You’ll do great.”
But her expression told him she knew as well as he did that their lives were about to get a whole lot worse.
TWENTY-THREE
I’m going to kill him.”
Daniel had never seen John so furious. But he wasn’t serious, was he? John was too good a man. God-fearing.
“I wanted to do the same—believe me.” Daniel fisted his hands just thinking about it. “This is not a good situation. I’m worried about the ladies. This town is full of despicable men. If even one of them believes Sinclair’s lies, who knows what they’ll try.” Daniel stood with John at the back door. The girls were loading their things in the wagon and probably thought it strange that he and John weren’t there to help.
John swiped a hand down his face. “I knew we should have told the sheriff. Whitney figured everyone would think she encouraged the advance. With Sinclair telling his lies . . .”
“Her fears may come true.”
John looked like he could kill Sinclair.
Daniel put a hand on his friend’s arm. “I’m sure Sinclair or the men he was with have told this story to others. How can I help?”
John stood there, flexing and unflexing his hands at his sides. “I don’t know. But thank you for telling me. We’ll have to pray about this and see what unfolds.”
“I’ll be glad to help in any way that I can.”
John gripped his shoulder. “Thanks. You’ve done a lot to help this family out already, and we really appreciate it. Hope you know that.”
He did. And it gave him a sense of pride. “Would it be all right if I drove Madysen home tonight? I’d like to talk to her.”
“Of course.” John turned back to the wagon. “But let’s not say anything to Whitney just yet, all right? She’s fragile enough. She doesn’t need to know what the ruckus was about.”
“You got it.” Daniel walked with John to the wagon. Madysen was just about to climb up. “Can I drive you home, Madysen?” Daniel shoved his hands deeper in his pockets. Why was he so nervous?
She looked to the others and shrugged. “Sure. Are we going to ride double?”
“No. Dad let me borrow his sleigh. I think you’ll find it very comfortable.” He grinned. “And warmer than the horse.”
He helped her climb up into his sleigh, then got in and settled a blanket over her lap. “I’m betting you’ll stay nice and toasty.”
She laughed. “I’m sure. It looks like more snow might be on the way.” She tied the ribbons of her wool bonnet. “Thank you again for defending Whitney’s honor tonight. I just hope nothing awful comes out of that man spreading his lies.”
“I hope so too. But we better prepare ourselves for the worst. Men like that enjoy the attention.”
“Can we talk about something else?” She waved a hand in front of her. “I’m sorry. But it’s beginning to make me feel sick to my stomach.”
“I understand. Besides, I had a couple of things to discuss with you.” Two major issues weighed on his heart, but which one should he bring up first?
“Oh?” Shifting in her seat, she turned toward him a bit more. “About sheep?”
He laughed. “It’s always about sheep with you. You sure do love those critters.”
“It’s not always about sheep. Sometimes it’s about music.” She giggled.
“I stand corrected.” Their laughter filled the night air and made him comfortable just sitting with her in companionable silence.
“So?”
“Oh, sorry. I wanted to talk to you about my becoming John’s assistant. Are you all right with me working full-time at the farm?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?” She squeezed his arm. “It’s absolutely wonderful. I readily admit that I don’t know much about sheep, although I’m trying to learn. Knowing you’re going to be there for us and with us, well, you have made my week so much better.”
If only he could make more than just her week better. But they had such a good friendship, he didn’t want to mess anything up. Except . . . if he didn’t say anything to her about how he felt, she might leave forever. Was he willing to take that risk? “So tell me about Buddy. Any more thoughts about leaving Alaska?” If only he had the nerve to say what was really on his mind.
“You know, I appreciate you asking. Since Buddy hasn’t had time to get to know my family too much, I feel like they aren’t giving him a fair shake. Yes, he’s a little flashy and flamboyant, but most performers are. Behind all of that is a man who really sees me. He understands my dreams. And he seems to care about me a lot.”
Not what he wanted to hear. “And it sounds like you are considering his offer?”
She gave a little shrug and tilted her head. “We’ve discussed the possibility. Buddy feels he can make me a star.”
“But what about the rest? What about his . . . feelings for you?” Daniel cleared his throat. “Are you thinking . . . of, uh, . . . of marrying him?”
Madysen shrugged as if the question were about nothing more important than the price of eggs. “I am, but he hasn’t exactly asked me. Not yet.”
How could he talk to her about this? He couldn’t just tell her that she was making a huge mistake. Could he? They rode in silence for several seconds. He couldn’t let this opportunity go to waste. “Maddy, can I ask you a question? And you understand that I’m not judging you, just like
you were so kind not to judge me when I told you about my anger toward God?”
She squinted at him. “Sounds ominous. But you’re my friend, and I know you care about me, so go ahead.” She straightened a bit and folded her hands in her lap.
The horses pulled the sleigh along and swished through the snow. Daniel could hear his heart beating. Hopefully she couldn’t. “Well, have you thought about the fact that maybe this is just a crush you have on Mr. Merrick? Could it be that you are in love with the idea of being in love? Or maybe it’s the idea of performing?”
She sat silent for several moments.
Had he gone too far?
“I don’t think it’s a crush, although I must admit I’m not sure. Yes, it’s exciting to think about getting married and traveling the world and being famous—” she took a deep breath—“but I would like to think that I am sensible enough to not be swayed by the idea of it all. Hopefully I would be sensible enough to actually care for someone for who they are.” By the time she was done, she sounded aggravated.
“I’m sorry if I—”
“No, I’m the one who’s sorry.” Her shoulders dropped a bit. “Here I told you I would listen, and I didn’t. You’re my friend and are just expressing concern. My family has been expressing concern too. But I feel like everyone just needs to get to know Buddy. Give him a chance.”
What he wouldn’t do for this woman. But giving Buddy Merrick a chance wasn’t appealing.
“It’s hard to give a chance to someone who doesn’t exactly make himself available. From what I’ve seen, Buddy Merrick shows up, pays you court for a few minutes, and then takes off before anyone can speak to him.”
“He’s a very busy man.”
“But an honorable man would make time for the family of the woman he loved. He would spend time getting to know the family and put their minds at ease. Let them know he is trustworthy. He would maybe even go to church with them, but I’ve never seen Buddy Merrick at church.”
Endless Mercy Page 24