Steadfast Heart

by Tracie Peterson

  Kolbein didn’t find his financial state to be troublesome, but he didn’t attempt to set the young woman straight. He had long hidden the fact that he and Greta had inherited a vast sum upon their parents’ death. The only real sign of luxury he had allowed himself was to send Greta to boarding school, and he’d done that out of selfish desire.

  “I had never really thought of a reward, but you are right. We could post flyers about the town, and maybe someone who would otherwise not look for her would seek her for the money.”

  “It’s possible. It’s also possible that people might treat her better if she’s fallen in with the wrong crowd or taken a position . . . somewhere.” Abrianna put her hand to her mouth and then dropped it down again. “I’m sorry. I spoke amiss. Mrs. Madison said I’ve always been this way. One of my earliest entanglements was to berate a man at church. Mrs. Madison said I was only three and a half and didn’t like the man’s cologne, so I proceeded to tell him he smelled bad.” Abrianna sighed. “As you can see, I am always saying things that would be best left unsaid.”

  Kolbein had already worried about the positions his sister might have taken in order to care for her needs. He had made himself sick over the possibility. “I know you meant no harm. Believe me, you can’t possibly suggest a fate that I haven’t already considered.”

  Abrianna touched his coat sleeve. “I’ve been praying about it considerably. I want very much for you to find Greta. I find prayer to be the best way to ease the worried soul.”

  “I’ve not prayed in years,” Kolbein admitted. “I don’t imagine God would listen to me. After all, I’ve not been good to heed His promptings.”

  Before Abrianna could say another word, a gentleman approached Kolbein. “Mr. Booth, please excuse the interruption. I wondered if I might have a word.”

  Kolbein looked to Abrianna, but her gaze was fixed across the room and she shook her head. “Oh dear. I see Mr. Welby has appeared. I’m afraid I shall have to spend some time with him. Please excuse me.”

  Watching Abrianna make her way to where Welby stood was akin to watching a lamb be led to slaughter. The young woman’s displeasure seemed acute, and he couldn’t imagine why she’d throw herself into the man’s company if she hated it so. Kolbein didn’t have time to contemplate it for long, however. His companion seemed most eager to speak.

  “My name is Heatherstone. Cyrus Heatherstone. I was told by Mrs. Madison that you are a lawyer who works with corporate and government cases, among other types of law.”

  “I do,” Kolbein replied.

  “I wonder if you are considering a permanent arrangement here in Seattle? Mrs. Madison said you were from Chicago but are here seeking to find your sister.”

  “I am.” Kolbein eyed the man with serious intent. “What are you proposing, Mr. Heatherstone?”

  The man smiled. “My firm is Heatherstone, Heatherstone, and Blunt. My father and I started the firm, and Mr. Blunt joined us just last year. However, we find ourselves inundated with work. In particular, some problems for several of the larger businesses in town. We are in need of someone who understands the workings of patent issues, the abolition of protective taxes, fishing rights, and such. I would very much like to speak with you about the possibility of your coming to work for us. Mrs. Madison has spoken highly of your character, and I’m certain that should you be interested in accepting, we can retrieve letters of reference from your employer and can compensate you in accordance.”

  Kolbein considered the offer for a moment. “I am unable to say for certain at this time, but I would be open to discussing the possibility with you and your partners. I have considered a prolonged stay in the area, but there’s really no telling how long that might entail.”

  “No matter, Mr. Booth. Here’s my card. Come to this address on Thursday, if that is convenient to you.”

  Kolbein nodded. “I have no pressing appointments. What time would work well for you and the others?”

  “Shall we say eight o’clock in the morning? We have some court appointments in the late morning and afternoon.”

  “I will be there,” Kolbein said, giving the man a slight bow.

  Heatherstone walked away, leaving Kolbein curious about this turn of events. Abrianna had spoken of praying for answers, as had Mrs. Madison. Kolbein hadn’t been much involved with religious matters since he’d been a young man. The last time he had attended services in a church had been at the funeral rites given for his parents. Abrianna had suggested he pray to find his sister. She’d suggested this on many occasions, but Kolbein hadn’t really given it much consideration until now. With Heatherstone’s proposal, Kolbein found several of his concerns mastered. If he were to remain in Seattle and take up a position with their firm, it would expand his circle of acquaintances and friends. Having the ear of the public officials just might be the connection he needed. And once he found Greta, they could decide for themselves whether to remain in Seattle or return to Chicago.

  Just then another young woman’s image came to mind. Kolbein could almost see her there in the room with the others. Her brown eyes always seemed to take in everything at once, and her mind was quick. He’d experienced that in conversation with the young woman. But why should she come to mind just now?

  Kolbein frowned. I don’t want to return to Chicago. I want to find Greta and then win Miss Fulcher’s heart. The thought startled him. How could he feel something so deep—so permanent—for one whom he’d just met and knew very little about? It went against everything he stood for. His very nature demanded a detailed knowledge of the things in which he found interest. Of course, Abrianna had told him a good deal about Miss Fulcher, so perhaps he knew enough. Even so, he hadn’t thought himself the marrying type . . . until now.

  Lenore stood by the hotel window and sighed. How she longed for home and the company of Kolbein Booth. The longer they were separated, the more she thought of him. He even haunted her dreams, and now she felt more certain than ever that they were meant to be together.

  She could clearly see the future in her imagination. A grand house, beautiful furnishings, children, and servants. They would move among the socialites and be ever so devoted to Seattle’s betterment. She shook her head, knowing that none of it would matter one whit if Kolbein Booth wasn’t a part of it. James Rybus was a nice enough man, but her heart and thoughts were with Kolbein.

  She toyed with the drapery and watched the heavy flow of traffic on the street below. Was he thinking of her just as much as she was of him? She knew Abrianna would be doing her best to convince Kolbein of her virtues—at least Lenore hoped so. Her friend could be most inconveniently distracted at times.

  “What are you looking at?” Father asked as he came into the common area of the hotel suite.

  “Nothing in particular,” Lenore replied, turning to face him. “I was just contemplating several matters.”

  “Such as?” He fixed her with a look that let Lenore know he expected an answer.

  “I long for home.”

  “We won’t be detained too much longer. I’m sorry that my business here was complicated and extended our stay; however, my attention to the details was critical.”

  Lenore smiled and went to her father’s side. “I’m sure that it was, Father. I’m sorry if I troubled you with my desires.”

  He returned her smile. “Not at all.”

  “I suppose it does worry me as to how a man might ask to court me if we are not even in the city to receive him.”

  “Your young man, eh?”

  “Yes. You gave us only a month to work with, and for most of that time we’ve not even been in Seattle.”

  “Very well,” Father said. “If that has you vexed, I will reset the time to be one month from our return. I’m not, after all, an ogre who would see his only child miserable. James Rybus was only a suggestion because . . . well, because he’s been a loyal worker and good friend. I have to admit, I’ve been concerned that you marry well. I’m afraid a great many men will only be
interested in your fortune. Upon my death you’ll not only have the trust left to you by your grandparents, but you and your mother will also inherit my vast holdings.”

  “I know that, Father, but I’m not without my standards and values. I would never allow a man to form his opinion of me based on my financial situation. Mr. Booth isn’t like that at all. He makes a good living as a lawyer in Chicago.” She had no idea if he did or not, but Lenore assumed it to be true and figured it best to suggest that it was.

  “So you would break our hearts by leaving Seattle should this relationship grow serious and lead to marriage?”

  Lenore had never really considered that before now. “I can’t say. Perhaps Mr. Booth would enjoy living in Seattle. I believe anything is possible, and I am continuing to pray that God will give me wisdom in all things.”

  Mother swept into the room, all but floating across the floor as she always did. Lenore had worked to mimic her grace since she was just a little girl. “You two look rather glum and serious.” She smiled. “I thought we were to go to the theatre tonight, and here neither of you are dressed for the occasion. Lenore, hurry and change. Get the maid to help you with your hair.”

  Without arguing, Lenore made her way to her bedroom suite. Her mother had insisted that they attend one affair or another night after night, and Lenore was exhausted and bored. It wasn’t that a play or concert, or even the occasional party, wasn’t to her liking, but her heart was elsewhere.

  How did I fall in love with this man? I hardly know him and he hardly knows me. What will I do if he doesn’t return my affections? Lenore frowned and began to unbutton her skirt. What if she returned home to find Kolbein gone? The thought troubled her greatly.

  Abrianna opened the envelope from Lenore. How she missed her friend!

  Dearest Abrianna,

  How I long for home. I pray you are well and that this letter will explain our delay in returning. Father has been quite busy with various business negotiations but assures me we won’t remain here much longer.

  I pray you have kept your promise to speak of me to Mr. Booth. I am counting on you to offer your very best efforts.

  “Goodness,” Abrianna said, setting the letter aside. “I have no idea if my efforts are my best or not. I haven’t been overly thoughtful of the matter lately.” She was speaking to no one but the empty room. She cringed a little at the thought. Had she been selfish and remiss in helping her friend?

  I find myself thinking of Mr. Booth—dare I say Kolbein?—so often. I suppose that might sound strange to some, given we’ve only met and have had little time to know each other. However, I believe my heart has assigned itself to this man. I have heard of such things—people falling in love upon the first glance. I don’t want to say for certain that this is the case, but I do feel a strange longing to know him better.

  I miss you dearly. Please pray that we will soon be on our way home.

  With great affection,

  Lenore

  “Oh, I have been far too focused on the dead rather than the living.” She put the letter aside. “But there must be time for both. Charlie was a good man and he deserves my help in finding his killer.”

  Grief over Charlie had taken a good deal of her attention. There had been a small service, and some of his former mates arranged a burial at sea. Of course Abrianna couldn’t attend either one, what with the funeral having been held in the worst section of the town—Skid Road. Efforts had been made on many occasions to clean up the Lava Bed, as some called it, but even Abrianna knew better than to venture there—even to honor Charlie. For the burial at sea she had climbed to the rooftop and looked out toward the harbor. She imagined the boat carrying Charlie maneuvering through the sound and making its way out and around the various islands to reach the open ocean. Charlie would be happy they were doing this for him, but Abrianna couldn’t help but feel a deep sadness. Charlie was only one of the many old and forgotten souls, yet his absence left Abrianna confused and angry.

  “Who would kill an innocent old man?” she murmured.

  Realizing she was focusing on the death of her friend and not the promotion of Lenore to Kolbein, Abrianna forced the thoughts from her mind. She must do better on Lenore’s behalf. She hurried to finish buttoning her boots and was nearly done when she heard a commotion outside her door.

  Without thought of her boots, Abrianna hurried to see what had caused the disturbance. Outside the door Aunt Poisie was racing down the hall with Aunt Selma close behind, carrying armfuls of towels toward the back staircase. What in the world was going on?

  Abrianna hurried after them. “Aunt Poisie, what has happened?”

  “Oh, it’s terrible,” Poisie replied. “Just terrible. A pipe in the kitchen has sprung a leak, and the spring rains and thaws of the mountain snows are sure to cause the sewers to back up. We need to work fast or the leaky pipe might overflow the kitchen with sewage.”

  “How could the sewage back up all the way to the kitchen? We’re on the second floor.” She knew there had been trouble with the sewers for as long as they’d been in the place, and while some of the backups had been quite extensive and smelly, they had faired the problem well enough until now.

  “I believe,” she said, continuing to follow her aunts, “that the pipe in the kitchen is part of the water system and not the sewer system. Although I can’t say for certain. Wade would know best.”

  “Sister has sent for Wade. He should be here shortly to lend us aid.”

  Aunt Selma nodded. “It is a severe testing to be certain.”

  In the kitchen, Liang was already mopping up water as fast as she could, and Aunt Miriam was down on her hands and knees trying to figure out something under the sink. Several of the students were hurriedly moving objects from one side of the kitchen to the other. It seemed there was no end to the activity.

  “Can I be of assistance?” a male voice sounded.

  Abrianna turned to find Kolbein Booth rather than Wade. “Apparently the pipe is leaking and we are in danger of another situation to match Noah and his ark.” Her voice was only loud enough for him to hear.

  He grinned. “Well, we cannot have that.” He strode across the kitchen and, in a matter of minutes, had the water turned off and the leak temporarily stopped.

  “All might have been lost had you not appeared,” Poisie declared.

  Abrianna suppressed a smile. She wasn’t sure how all could be lost because of one leaky pipe, but she wasn’t about to question her aunt.

  Wade walked in, toolbox in hand, as the last of the food items were moved from one countertop to another. “I see you managed to get here before I did,” Wade said to Kolbein.

  “We are most grateful that anyone would come in our hour of need,” Selma told the men. “It was a frightful thing to watch everything become soaked in water.”

  “I’ll do what I can to get it fixed up for you,” Wade said, going closer to see the problem. He tinkered with things for a few minutes, then opened his toolbox and went to work.

  Kolbein remained at his side, offering whatever help he could while Abrianna’s aunts guided the young ladies to another task. Within a matter of minutes, Wade had the job in hand. Apparently the leak was coming from a loose joint or some such thing. Abrianna wasn’t all that concerned. Already she was trying to formulate what she would say regarding her dear friend.

  When Kolbein stepped back to give Wade room to put away his tools, Abrianna decided to use the time to speak to Kolbein about Lenore.

  “I had a small note from Lenore. She wants very much to come home. She misses us.”

  Kolbein smiled. “And she is missed, as well. I can tell you are half beside yourself awaiting her return, and I shall be glad to hear her tales of San Francisco.”

  “I do miss her,” Abrianna admitted. “She’s a dear friend. I think you would be wise to note her grand qualities. She is quite an amazing find.”

  He laughed at this. “You sound as though she were a rare diamond found in the hear
t of darkest Africa.”

  “She’s more valuable than that,” Abrianna replied. “I’m sure even the angels are blessed by her example. She is a great beauty, and I know of none her equal.”

  Kolbein shrugged. “Well, it seems that I know of one. One particular red-headed creature whose loyalty to her friend knows no bounds. However, I must admit that you’ve caused me to be intrigued, and I find myself pondering the idea of knowing her better.”

  Abrianna put her hand to her breast. “I am so relieved to hear you say so. I know that would please Lenore.”

  “Oh? And why would that be?” he asked, his right brow arched.

  “Ah, well . . .” She couldn’t very well tell him the truth. “Lenore enjoys making friends. I’m certain she would cherish knowing you better, as well.”

  He seemed to consider this for a moment and smiled. “Then we must hope for Miss Fulcher’s swift return.”

  Feeling satisfied with his comment, Abrianna decided to let the matter rest for the time being. She had done her duty to Lenore, and now she could eat her breakfast with a clear conscience.

  10

  Days later as Kolbein walked along the wharfs, he spied Wade Ackerman’s wagon shop across the street. For reasons he didn’t completely understand, Kolbein decided to pay the man a visit. Maybe in talking to another man, Kolbein could sort through some of the thoughts that were going through his mind. Up until now, the influence had mostly been female, and God himself knew that men and women did not think alike.

  Arriving inside the small building, Kolbein let his eyes adjust to the dim lighting. The shop was full of woody scents and the sound of hammering. Kolbein followed the sounds and found Wade working to build what looked like a wooden box.

  “I hope I’m not intruding,” he said, announcing his presence.