Steadfast Heart

by Tracie Peterson

  “How is that hunt coming along?”

  Abrianna shrugged. “Like King Arthur’s search for the grail. A worthy cause that has become a most vexing trial.”

  “In other words like trying to find a needle in a haystack?”

  “Exactly so. But Kolbein won’t give up. He’s much too devoted for that. He dearly loves his sister, and whether it takes a year or ten, I believe he will endeavor to find her. Men like him tend to be that way.”

  “Men like him?”

  “Lawyers, solicitors, and such. They are driven to find the truth. That’s what Kolbein is doing, no matter how much it delays his own life and interests.”

  “But what about his position in Chicago? I wouldn’t think he could up and leave his law practice and clients.”

  “Well, he tells me that he’s part of a large firm. They dole out things to him and he handles them. It’s all very organized, so he doesn’t need to go drumming up business. Not that he wouldn’t have it if he wanted it,” Abrianna added. “He’s very intelligent, and I have to say he knows a great deal about the world. Not only that, but he and his sister lost their parents, just as I have. Although I must say the circumstances were quite different.”

  “And how was that?”

  “A train accident in the Northeast somewhere. Train went right off a bridge, and everyone was killed. I think Kolbein was twenty-two and his sister ten. He took on the role of man of the family and finished raising Greta. Wasn’t that admirable?”

  Wade didn’t care for the way Abrianna seemed to be taken in by Booth. There wasn’t time to say as much, however, because Abrianna was speaking again.

  “Aunt Miriam has invited the poor man to dine with us on Sundays whenever it fits his plans. Aunt Selma is still worried that he might be related to John Wilkes Booth,” she said with a grin, “but Aunt Poisie reminded her that we must extend charity rather than judgment.

  “Oh, look,” she interjected. “It’s time for the egg rolling. Aunt Miriam has a nice prize for the winner—it’s a basket of oranges. Isn’t that marvelous?” She started off in the direction of where the others were lining up.

  “Are you going to compete?” Wade called after her.

  “Not at all,” she replied. “I just want a better vantage point to watch.” She turned and threw him another smile. “Aren’t you coming? It’s so much fun to watch folks be silly.”

  Wade laughed. Her girlish charm amused and endeared. “I’m coming, only I’m not sure who I’ll be more compelled to watch. Them or you.”

  Lenore sat picking at her strawberry mousse. Easter Sunday had compelled her parents to spend the morning in church services before heading to one of the finest restaurants in San Francisco for a special luncheon.

  If we were in Seattle I might be able to enjoy the day with Abrianna. She knew they would celebrate as they did every year, weather permitting, with egg hunts and camaraderie. Here, away from her best friend, Lenore felt lonelier than she ever had before.

  “Are you unwell?” Mother asked.

  Lenore shook her head. “I just miss being home.”

  “Miss the rain and chill?” Father questioned. He pointed to her plate. “Do you plan to finish that?”

  She scooted the plate in his direction. “No. Please have it.” Father didn’t have to be asked twice.

  Mother sipped her tea and seemed unconcerned with Lenore’s desires for home. Mother loved California, and San Francisco appealed to her for its many diversions. But Lenore was consumed with other thoughts—in particular, thoughts of Kolbein Booth.

  Why does he haunt me so? As a test she had tried to force the images of Kolbein from her mind just to see if her feelings were true. Lenore found it impossible to let go of her growing desire to know Mr. Booth better.

  But it is impossible to know him better while I sit in San Francisco and he searches for his sister in Seattle.

  What if he’d already found her and returned to Chicago? What if he had someone he cared for at home? Perhaps her feelings were for naught and no matter how Abrianna promoted her, Mr. Booth would have no more interest in Lenore than he might for a distant relative.

  “I don’t believe you are paying any attention to your father,” Mother said, touching Lenore’s lacy sleeve.

  “I’m sorry. My thoughts have been elsewhere. I will try to do better.” Lenore straightened a bit in her chair. “What did you wish to say, Father?”

  “I was merely explaining that your mother and I have been asked to spend the evening with a business associate and his wife. I wanted to make certain that you would be comfortable remaining at the hotel alone.”

  “Oh.” She thought for a moment and shrugged. “I am sure to be fine. I have a book I can read and perhaps I’ll even go to bed early.”

  “Are you sure you aren’t feeling ill?” Mother asked. “I do worry about you. You haven’t been yourself since we left Seattle.”

  Lenore thought it would be the perfect opportunity to reintroduce the subject of Kolbein Booth. Not by name, of course. “If you’ll recall, I did not wish to make this trip.” Her words were spoken respectfully but with emphasis. “I had hoped to further my relationship with . . . a certain gentleman.”

  “Bah, that’s completely unimportant right now,” her father insisted. “We will be home soon enough. For now, there are other matters that need my attention.” He dabbed his mouth with a linen napkin, then signaled the waiter. When the man approached, he motioned to the table. “We’re finished here.”

  Lenore sighed. If only that were true of their trip to San Francisco.

  Abrianna had thought the day perfect until Priam Welby decided to join the affair. She stood alone to one side of the food tables and watched as couples skittered about looking for Easter eggs. One of the single young ladies had snagged Wade for her partner and was even now making him rustle through blackberry bushes to seek wayward eggs. Abrianna was hoping for a few quiet moments to herself, but it was not to be.

  “You look quite beautiful today, Miss Cunningham.”

  She felt certain he was only trying to entice her for some personal benefit. “I didn’t recall Aunt Miriam saying anything about your coming today, Mr. Welby. Are you lost?”

  He chuckled. “Perhaps your aunt said nothing because she did not know.” His dark-eyed gaze traveled the full length of her and back in a flash. He smiled broadly, revealing perfect white teeth. Pity his ears were rather large, or he might have been handsome.

  “Well, I suppose she would tell you to enjoy yourself. There’s plenty of food. She and my aunts will be returning here as soon as the egg hunt is concluded.”

  “Surely they aren’t scouting for eggs themselves.”

  “No, but they are overseeing the couples who are. You’d be amazed at how fast those couples can get lost.”

  Mr. Welby gave an uproarious laugh. “I can very well imagine. I was once young myself and quite adept at disappearing with a beautiful young lady at my side.”

  Abrianna said nothing and instead handed him a plate. “You might as well get started.”

  “I’d just as soon remain here and talk with you. You are a charming young woman. How did you come to be with Mrs. Madison and the others?”

  “It’s a tale of great sadness. My folks died. At least my mother did. We were never sure about my father, but since he never showed back up, we’re pretty sure he died, too. Of course,” she said, growing thoughtful, “I’ve often wondered if he might have been struck with amnesia. Are you familiar with that term?” She didn’t wait for him to answer.

  “My father was a man of many trades, and I think it is possible that he was wounded in a terrible accident and perhaps suffered a blow to the head, only to forget everything. I suppose we shall never know.” She shrugged and placed the plate back on the table.

  “And you came to live with the old ladies because he left?”

  “No. My mother grew ill. She knew it wasn’t boding well for her, and she knew these ladies were good, godly wom
en. They attended church together, you see. Before Mother died . . .” Abrianna giggled. “Of course it was before she died. It would be most impossible to do it afterwards. Honestly, I have a terrible habit of making such a statement, and yet I know it to be completely preposterous.” She shrugged and continued. “Anyway, my mother persuaded the ladies to care for me. Of course they had no idea what they were in for,” she said, shaking her head. “My hair should have warned them, for even then it was red.”

  “And a lovely shade it is. Like burnt copper or perhaps cinnamon.”

  “Be that as it may, it’s not exactly a color that most women desire.”

  “I can’t imagine why not,” Mr. Welby said in his appealing manner. “It suits you well. The freckles, too.”

  Abrianna wasn’t sure why, but her hand went automatically to the bridge of her nose. She’d never liked her freckles. Other young ladies had beautiful milky skin. Even Lenore’s olive coloring was free from such blemishes, and she often brought Abrianna jars of cream that were designed to bleach out just such marring features.

  Mr. Welby reached out and took hold of her hand and lowered her arm. “You needn’t be ashamed of them. They only serve to enhance your beauty.”

  Abrianna wasn’t used to such flattery. She felt her cheeks flush hot and turned away. “If you aren’t hungry, we have cider and tea to drink. Aunt Miriam tried to get in her regular shipment of lemons, but something happened to delay them.”

  Welby stepped closer, still holding her hand. “Miss Cunningham, I find you to be an absolute delight. Nay, I would venture to say I find you to be the most appealing woman I’ve yet to meet. You speak freely and are of obvious intelligence and great imagination. No doubt you are well-read and educated.”

  “No doubt,” she agreed, pulling her hand from his grasp. “My aunts schooled me at home, and it was like having three taskmasters. Even so, I had a great love of learning and took to books and issues of faith quite easily. I’m afraid it’s other things like cooking and sewing that I’m not so good at.”

  “Well, that is easily remedied.”

  Abrianna fought to regain her composure. She tried to appear disinterested, but it was possible he had a secret to success that she knew nothing about. “And how is that?”

  “By marrying well and having servants, of course.” He grinned and gave her a wink.

  Goodness, but he is a most forward man. If Aunt Miriam saw his performance, she’d force his exit sooner rather than later. Desiring nothing more than to escape, Abrianna pointed to her approaching aunts.

  “It would appear the egg search is over.” Abrianna stepped forward. “Mr. Welby decided to join us,” she told the three women. “I believe he wishes to speak with you.” She took that moment to hurry off in the direction of Wade’s wagon. At least there she might be able to escape notice.

  Priam Welby watched the animated redhead make her departure. She had a fine figure, and the seed of an idea planted itself in his brain. He had originally hoped to catch her off guard at the party and trick her into giving him answers related to the old ladies. But now, a different plan formed.

  “Mr. Welby, I’m surprised to see you here today,” Mrs. Madison commented. “You haven’t come to speak to me about selling my building again, have you?”

  “Not at all.” He smiled. “I am here on more amorous endeavors.”

  Mrs. Gibson perked up at this. “Oh, you’ve come to meet the young ladies.”

  “Not exactly,” Priam said, looking back in the direction Abrianna had gone. “I’ve come to discuss the possibility of courting one particular young lady.”

  Miriam Madison met his gaze without blinking. “And who might that be?”

  “Why, your ward, Miss Cunningham. I find her delightful. In fact, I have been able to think of little else since making her acquaintance. If she is not otherwise promised to someone, I should very much like to woo her.”

  “I see.” Mrs. Madison considered his proposal, but Priam could tell she wasn’t enthusiastic to agree. She continued to study him for several moments. “You are a man of how many years?”

  “Eight and thirty,” he replied.

  “And how is it that you are employed?”

  “I built an import business from very little. I have nurtured the business over the years and now boast a sizable annual profit. I have a good standing in the community and donate regularly to the charities.”

  “I see.” Mrs. Madison seemed to be thinking of what else to ask him when her sister chimed in.

  “And what of your faith, Mr. Welby? Are you a man of God?”

  “Are we not all of God?” he challenged. “Did God not create each of us?”

  “Indeed,” Miss Holmes replied. “But how is it with your soul and God?”

  Priam thought to continue toying with the woman but decided against it. If he could convince the ladies to let him court and possibly propose marriage to their ward, he would have a much easier time securing the Madison Building for himself. After all, he had it on good authority that Mrs. Madison’s ward was to one day inherit her estate.

  “It is well with my soul and God,” he lied. “Very well. I was raised in a Christian home and heard the Scriptures read to me daily as a young man.” At least that much was true. “As I grew into adulthood, my parents encouraged me to attend seminary back east. I did so and soon realized that God was not calling me to the ministry, but rather to business. For you see, God needs businessmen on His side as well as preachers.”

  Although his remark might be perceived as flippant, Priam didn’t expect them to question him. These ladies weren’t the quickest of mind nor the most knowledgeable despite their schooling of Abrianna. No, they were women, and as such were weak and inconsistent. They would be easily swayed once he convinced Abrianna that he loved her and that she loved him. It would take some work on his part, but it would be a pleasant enough task. Abrianna might even make a very enticing companion. Who could say?

  “Mr. Welby, we will discuss this matter, and of course we’ll consult with Abrianna. We will pray on your proposal and let you know whether we can approve your request.”

  “And when might you have an answer for me?”

  “After we speak to Abrianna and pray,” Mrs. Madison said in a tone that suggested he should have known from her earlier statement.

  “Very well. I will check back with you.” He gave a low sweeping bow. “Until then, my dear ladies.”

  8

  Abrianna couldn’t imagine where Charlie might have disappeared to. She had searched the regular places, but the old man was nowhere to be found. Worry flooded her that he might have found someone to fund his drinking. Charlie was fond of the bottle, and there was no telling how low he might stoop to satisfy his need for drink.

  “Oh, Charlie, please don’t be drinking.” She looked up to the rain clouds and worried that despite the warm days they’d enjoyed, perhaps Charlie was sick. Of course! That was a greater possibility than the drinking, for Abrianna knew that Charlie was trying his best to stay away from the bottle.

  She slipped down the alleyway and hurried to Wade’s wagon shop. It was always possible he might know something. After all, she and Wade had befriended Charlie together. Nearly five years earlier they had come across Charlie drunk and sick, lying in the gutter. Liquor had all but done the man in. Wade had taken him home and, with Abrianna’s help, had nursed the old man back to health. But it hadn’t been easy.

  “Wade?” Abrianna called as she entered the back door of the shop.

  It took only a second for her friend to appear. He beamed at her, but Abrianna did not return the smile. “Wade, have you seen Charlie?”

  “No, I guess I haven’t seen him for two weeks at least. Why?”

  “He hasn’t been around at all. I keep hoping he’ll stop by the school, but I haven’t seen him.” She tried not to betray her fear, but it was impossible. Charlie was just as precious to her as anyone else in her life. The old sailor had shown her nothing but
kindness since his recovery and had become something of a grandfather figure to Abrianna.

  “Do you suppose he’s in some kind of trouble? Perhaps sick?” she asked.

  “It’s always possible.” Wade gave her a compassionate smile. “Did you pray about this?”

  “I did, but I fear what with the various days of focus on our Lord for Easter, maybe our Father in heaven is just a bit busy. You know folks always seem to pray more around religious holidays.”

  Wade laughed. “Oh, Abrianna, do you really suppose that God is too inundated with prayer and unable to handle the onslaught? He’s God and capable of all things.”

  She nodded. “I suppose you are right. I needed that correction to my thinking. Even so, why doesn’t God show me where Charlie is? So if he’s sick we can attend him, and if he’s in trouble we can assist him.”

  “I’m certain that God knows what Charlie needs and will provide. Even so, I will ask around the docks and see if anyone has seen him.”

  “Thank you, Wade.” She gave him a hurried hug. “I have to get back to the school. My aunts have informed me that we are to have a private discussion before lunch. If I’m not quick about it, I will be late. And you know how that always bodes ill for me.”

  “Be careful, Abrianna. You know traveling this area is a questionable thing for you to do by yourself. There are those out there who would seek to take liberties or harm you.”

  She threw him a smile over her shoulder. “Ever the loving and worried brother. I often wish my aunts would adopt you, as well. Then we might sit together in the evening and talk about things long into the night. I’m certain you would come up with many deep thoughts at late hours.”

  With that she left the shop and picked up speed. She hiked her skirts, noting that this caused her to reveal a good portion of her black wool stockings. It really didn’t matter. Time was what was important, and her aunts hated for her to be late.

  Abrianna made it back to the school with only a few minutes to spare. She hurried up the back stairs and paused long enough in the kitchen to look at her reflection in the beveled glass of one of the cupboards.