Endless Mercy

by Tracie Peterson

  “And you’re okay with this?” Madysen wasn’t sure what to think of it all, because Havyn was notoriously protective of her chickens.

  “I am. And I think Bethany and Eli will be able to manage this flock beautifully.” Havyn looked to John, and he nodded at the kids.

  “Really? They can be our responsibility?” Eli’s voice squeaked. Poor kid, his voice was changing, and it was hard to hear him go from little kid to young man every other sentence.

  “Really.” John tousled his hair.

  The love of this family—the bond they shared—it made her want to cry and hug all of them right then and there. How could she leave? She closed her eyes against the sting of tears and then focused. She had someone she needed to see. “Hey, I’ve been looking for Daniel. Have you seen him?”

  “He just brought the chicks, so he must be around here somewhere.” Havyn picked up another fluffy chick.

  They were all enamored with the new babies. She wouldn’t get any more information out of them. “Thanks. I’ll keep looking.” Madysen went back to the sheep barn. Maybe she should clean the kitchen. It might do her good to get out some of this nervous energy before she talked to him anyway.

  Scrubbing the worktable for all she was worth, she prayed for God to show her what to do. She couldn’t leave without knowing what Daniel actually felt for her. She’d never want to abandon Whitney in her time of need, but maybe things could be different with Buddy. He’d offered her a contract after all, hadn’t he? Did that have to mean marriage? Or would he be heartbroken and cancel the contract if she turned him down? Then what would that mean for Whit? The only choice seemed to be to accept his proposal, start performing, and get Whitney established somewhere else. Maybe one day, her smile and love of music would return.

  “Hey there. What did that table ever do to you?”

  Daniel’s voice made her jump.

  She looked down. She’d been scrubbing the same spot for several minutes. “Sorry, I guess I’ve got a lot on my mind.”

  “Care to talk about it?” He leaned up against the wall, so casual and calm.

  She loved that about him. “What did you mean that you might want to be more than friends?”

  “Maddy.” He took slow steps toward her. “You’ve got to be blind if you can’t see how much I care about you.”

  “It’s hard to see things when a person won’t just be outright . . . honest.”

  “Honest. You want honest?” He closed the distance between them and took her in his arms. “I adore you, Madysen Powell. With every fiber of my being.” He leaned his head down, closed his eyes, and put his lips on hers.

  Fire lit in her belly. And her breath caught.

  He deepened the kiss, and she lifted her hands, running them through his hair and down his neck.

  She almost fell over when he pulled away.

  “Was that honest enough for you?”

  She gripped the table as he walked out of the kitchen.

  He was gone.

  TWENTY-SEVEN

  Madysen looked at the ring Buddy had given her, but it was Daniel she thought of. She didn’t feel for Buddy the things she felt for Daniel—that much was clear.

  Especially since that kiss. She could scarcely think of anything but Daniel.

  The ring caught the sunlight as Madysen walked out across the yard. It was rather gaudy. At first she’d been impressed by it and all its lovely gemstones, but as she considered wearing it the rest of her life, Madysen felt less enthusiasm for the ring.

  Or maybe it was just that she felt less enthusiasm for its giver.

  “What am I going to do?”

  She heard a team of horses approaching and came back around toward the house.

  Buddy.

  She needed to speak with him and to finally sort through her feelings, but she honestly didn’t want to do it.

  When he gave her a wave, however, Madysen knew it was too late to make any other choice but to go greet him. What was she going to say? She tucked the ring in her pocket and whispered a prayer.

  “Father, I don’t know what I’m supposed to do. Please help me. I don’t love Buddy the way I love Daniel. But can I turn down Buddy if that destroys Whitney’s chance of healing? Aren’t we supposed to lay down our lives for one another? Is that what I’m supposed to do?”

  Buddy stopped the sleigh and jumped down to greet her. “My dear Madysen. I kept trying to get my work done and focus on our show closing up to head to the States, but you were all I could think of. How lovely you are today.”

  She glanced down at one of her oldest wool coats and long skirt. His comment would be laughable, if not for his sincerity. “You are kind to say so, but these are my work clothes, as you might have guessed.”

  “Just think how very different your work clothes will be when you begin your singing career with me.” He smiled and extended a new gift. “I saw this and thought of you.”

  Madysen opened the little box. Inside was a pair of diamond teardrop earrings. “They’re beautiful.” She closed the box. “But I can’t accept them. They are much too costly.”

  “But you’ll soon be my wife. I think such a gift is more than appropriate.”

  “I haven’t given you my answer yet.” Why was she stalling? Lord, help. I don’t want to say yes, but I feel I must.

  Buddy smiled and took hold of her gloved hand. “Haven’t you?” He gave her fingers a squeeze. “I know this is daunting, but we have our entire lives ahead of us. You have such amazing talent and will be the finest performer ever known to grace the stage.”

  How strange that he was focused on the performance aspect of their future rather than their marriage. Why wasn’t he speaking to her of his love and inability to imagine a future without her at his side as his wife—not a singer. Why hadn’t she seen this before? So maybe she could turn down his proposal and still sign a contract to perform.

  Buddy sandwiched her hand between his. “I came out here today because the last ship out of Nome has been moved up to the day after tomorrow. We need to arrange for your stateroom and some travel clothes. I can buy you all new things in Seattle, including a wedding dress.”

  This was happening too fast. The ship couldn’t be leaving that soon, could it? “Um . . . I’m not sure I’m comfortable with any of this. My family won’t like the idea of me not marrying here. If I say yes, there shouldn’t be any reason we couldn’t have a small private ceremony here first and then have a wedding for your mother in Seattle.”

  He shook his head. “I wouldn’t be comfortable with that. It would be like lying to Mother.”

  His answer was a poor excuse. “But as a single young lady, traveling with a man to whom I’m engaged but not married would surely put a stain on my reputation.”

  “Who cares about what other people think?” Buddy took her hands. “We’ll know the truth. God will know the truth. The rest is completely unimportant.”

  “My sister Whitney wishes to join me if I go.” Madysen couldn’t wait to see what his response might be.

  “She’s the unmarried one—the one who usually plays piano?”

  “Yes. She’s also the one the entire town is talking about, so please don’t tell me reputations don’t matter. She’s devastated and thinks leaving Nome might be her only hope of recovery.”

  “I would love to have her join the troupe. The two of you playing and singing would be marvelous. I know we could make a lot of money.”

  “And that’s important?” Madysen became more uncomfortable. Buddy had still shared no real thoughts on their life together. It was all about the show.

  “Of course money is important, you little goose.” He pinched her cheek. “Money will allow me to keep you in a comfortable lifestyle with plenty of beautiful things.”

  “Love is much more important.”

  He frowned. “Well, of course it is. Women are such creatures of emotion. Love will always be important.”

  There was an edge of irritation to Buddy’s voice that
she hadn’t heard before.

  “So Whitney would be welcome to join us?”

  “Of course. She would be an amazing asset to the show. Does that mean you’ll accept my proposal and come with me to Seattle?”

  Madysen thought again of how heartbroken her older sister had been since the rumors spread about her supposed lack of virtue. What choice did Madysen have? Whitney needed this—needed Madysen.

  “I don’t know about the proposal, Buddy.”

  “But—”

  “No buts.” She held up a hand. “My family has been through a great ordeal, and if you push me, I’ll lose my temper. There will be no marriage unless you’re willing to say that we can have a ceremony here with my family before we leave.” Well. That felt good. Like she was finding herself again. She lifted her shoulders and stared him down. “Let me talk it over with my family. I want to do what’s best for my sister. If she wants to go, we’ll come be a part of your show.”

  “All right. I won’t push. Another reason to put off any wedding until Seattle.” He pulled her into his arms and gave her a rather awkward kiss. It was nothing like Daniel’s kiss.

  Nothing at all.

  Thank heaven Buddy made it quick.

  “There, now we’ve sealed it with a kiss. Soon we’ll be on our way for Seattle, and you and your sister will become stars—rich and famous.”

  Madysen frowned. “I thought you wanted to marry me?”

  “Oh, I do, my dear. Of course.” Buddy laughed. “Of course.”

  “She’s agreed to marry me.”

  Buddy’s smug tone was almost as irritating as the smirk on his face. Judas didn’t give him the satisfaction of a reaction. He just watched the man as he perched on the edge of his desk.

  “And, get this. Her sister Whitney is so devastated over her reputation being ruined that she wants to go too. I’ll get two for the price of one.”

  “And exactly what is that price?” Judas leaned back in his leather chair.

  Buddy laughed. “I discussed your desires with my performers, and most are willing to remain in Alaska, but a few wanted to return to the States because of their families.”

  He could live with that. Judas inclined his head. “So long as the stars remain, I can always train other performers.”

  “Yes, exactly.” Buddy flicked lint from his suit sleeve. “The last ship leaves the day after tomorrow, as you well know. We should conclude our transaction tonight. I will need cash or gold, and then the show is yours.”

  “You still haven’t given me a figure.” Judas eyed the man. Merrick was obviously crooked, but so far he’d held up his part of all bargains.

  “Five thousand dollars.” Buddy held up his hands as if certain Judas would protest. “That’s the amount of money I could have made in the time it will take me to train a new group of performers. See what a deal I’m giving you? I’ll actually make little or nothing. But the fact that I’ll have Madysen at my side, as well as her sister, makes me feel generous.”

  Judas nodded. “Five thousand sounds reasonable.” He’d been keeping track of the take for the show’s admission price and number of performances. It wouldn’t take long to make that back.

  Buddy seemed surprised that he was so agreeable but said nothing. He extended his hand. “Then let us shake on it, as gentlemen do.”

  Judas shook his hand. “Oh, I wanted to thank you again for helping me with my little presentation tonight. Whitney may be going to Seattle with you, but Mr. Sinclair’s apology will send her off with her reputation restored.”

  “I think it’s a brilliant plan to make the man apologize at the Follies.”

  “He’ll do so at the Roadhouse, as well as at church tomorrow morning. By the time he finishes, there won’t be a soul in a hundred-mile radius who doesn’t know what he did and that Whitney was innocent.”

  Buddy angled a look at him. “Why are you doing that?”

  Judas frowned and looked down his nose at the fool. “Why wouldn’t I? A young woman has her reputation to recommend her, nothing more. I won’t see those girls abused this way. So now you have what you want, and I have what I want.”

  Judas let his cold smile tell Merrick which of those two facts actually mattered to him.

  Good. The Powell girls and other family members were in the audience of Merrick’s Follies and Frolics. Judas had gone to Chris Powell and explained exactly what he had planned, and Chris had assured him they would be there for the Follies, as well as at the Roadhouse and, of course, church.

  Where he’d found aggression and strong arming to be a means of controlling others, the Powell ladies had remained loyal because of his kindness. Now, however, two of them were going with Buddy Merrick. Judas didn’t really care for that idea and hoped that by having the very public apologies, Whitney would change her mind.

  If that didn’t work, he’d think of something else to convince her to stay. Because he’d had a revelation. There was a way for him to get in on the profits made by the farm. It was surprising he hadn’t thought of it before.

  Marriage.

  That was the answer.

  And since Whitney would be the only daughter left to woo, he needed her to stay. How else could he become her hero . . . her savior . . .

  Her debtor.

  He smiled. He really was clever, if he did say so himself.

  Whitney wasn’t happy about making a public appearance, but her sisters had convinced her this was important. She might as well brave the crowd and hear the apology Sinclair was supposed to give, and then she’d be done with Nome. It was almost a relief that the ship was leaving so soon. When Madysen left to marry Buddy Merrick, Whitney would be at her side and would never have to face these people again.

  Madysen reached over and took Whitney’s right hand, and Havyn did likewise with her left. It was only them and John. Everyone else had opted to stay home and take care of Granddad.

  And save Whitney further embarrassment. She had no wish to subject Eli and Bethany to the horrors of whatever Sinclair might say.

  Mr. Merrick came out to open the show and asked everyone to quiet down. “It has come to my attention that a great injustice has been done to one of the most beloved families in Nome. To one family member, in particular. It’s a terrible thing when rumors are allowed to rule the day and ruin the lives of such precious people.”

  Whispers echoed around her. Whitney kept her head low to hide the red that was surely creeping up her cheeks.

  Could it get any worse?

  “So without further ado, I invite Mr. Garrett Sinclair to come forward and make right the wrongs he has done this very honorable and beautiful young lady, Whitney Powell. Mr. Sinclair.”

  She didn’t want to see him! But with her sisters holding her hands so tight, she couldn’t get up and leave. Whitney forced herself to sit straight, lift her chin, and look at the man walking onto the stage.

  Sinclair had trimmed his beard and mustache and cleaned up. Had Judas lent him the suit and tie he wore?

  Sinclair cleared his throat. “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m here to tell you that anything you’ve heard about Whitney Powell being a woman without moral values is wrong.” His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed and lifted his chin. “The fact is, I tried to force my attention on her. She did not invite or accept my attempts and did, in fact, protect her virtue with the help of her dogs and a rifle.” There were several hoots of laughter from a group of men at the very back of the audience.

  Sinclair fixed the men with a glare. “It’s not a laughing matter. I was wrong, and the young lady put me in my place. I admit being refused made me angry, so I spread lies about her. I am here tonight to set the record straight. Whitney Powell is innocent. All this gossip being said about her, the wrong actions that day, it was and remains my fault.”

  Heat filled every inch of her body. Had he really said that? Would anyone believe him? She wanted to cry and cheer all at the same time.

  He walked from the stage, and Buddy returned clapp
ing. The audience began to clap in turn, and soon it was a thunderous response.

  Whitney was grateful that no one had pointed her out, and once the chorus girls came out to get the show started, she was even more grateful that her family ushered her away without a word.

  Only once they were all back in the sleigh and headed to the Roadhouse did anyone speak up.

  “I thought he did a good job of taking responsibility,” Havyn declared from where she sat beside her husband. “Hopefully people will take to heart what he said tonight.”

  “I have to admit, I’m shocked that he told the truth. But will it even matter to most of them, I wonder?” Whitney pulled her scarf around her neck as the horses started down the road.

  “It matters to us. You’ve been vindicated and needn’t be ashamed. You never did anything wrong.” Havyn looked over her shoulder to where Whitney and Madysen sat. “I’m so thankful Judas was able to put the fear of God in that man.”

  Madysen linked her arm with Whitney’s. “Yes, we need to thank him once again for his kindness. And now those rowdies also know your dogs will attack and you carry a rifle.”

  “Not that it will matter for much longer.”

  “Speaking of which”—John scratched his neck and tilted his head toward Whit—“since you’re leaving with Madysen, what are you going to do about your dogs? None of the rest of us handles them much.”

  “I have buyers for the various teams.” Whitney couldn’t keep the sadness from her voice. “Except for my personal team. I’m going to teach you how to take them over. I’ll need you to spend a lot of time with them before I go.” John would be great with the team, and when she returned for a visit, Whitney would be able to see them again. Especially Pepper. “If that works for you.”

  “I’d be honored,” John replied. “I just wish you’d reconsider leaving—”

  “The boat leaves day after tomorrow.”

  At Madysen’s low voice, everyone turned to look at her.

  Whitney’s heart thundered in her chest. “What?”

  Madysen was not leaving Nome.

  Daniel would do whatever it took to keep her there.