Steadfast Heart

by Tracie Peterson

  Lenore’s mother perked up. “Oh, I do hope so. We have discussed a grand tour of Europe. I have wanted such a trip for a very long time, but Mr. Fulcher could not be parted from the business that long.”

  He smiled. Lenore’s mother was a lovely woman, and he could easily see where Lenore took her looks. Turning to Lenore, he raised another question. “And what of you, Miss Fulcher? Are you hoping to accompany them on the grand tour?”

  She met his gaze, and in her eyes Kolbein could see an impish twinkle. “That all depends, Mr. Kolbein.”

  “On what?” he teased, knowing that he was the reason she would stay.

  “On whether or not I’m free to join them.”

  “And do you desire such a trip in your future?”

  Lenore toyed with her fork. “I used to think I did.”

  “But of course she does,” Mrs. Fulcher interjected. “She would love such a trip, wouldn’t you, dear?”

  “I believe,” Lenore began thoughtfully, “that seeing the world would be a great pleasure. Abrianna has told me about many wonders that sound enticing.”

  “Goodness, child, a woman does not go to Europe for the enticing wonders. She goes to buy her wardrobe from Worth and to pick out the best china and crystal. And linens. Some of the most beautiful linens come from Ireland,” her mother remarked.

  Lenore rolled her eyes heavenward, which only served to endear her all the more to Kolbein.

  “Mother,” she said, “I believe seeing ancient castles, extensive gardens, and museums filled with artifacts and art would be preferable. Just imagine standing in the same place where Mozart created his music.”

  Her mother looked at her oddly for a moment and then smiled. “But of course, a person could purchase art and tapestries. I merely overlooked that thought.”

  Lenore met Kolbein’s gaze. “And what of you, Mr. Booth? Would you care to take the grand tour?”

  “I suppose it would be something to consider. My duties have not yet allowed me such a luxury.”

  “Lenore tells us that you are seeking to find your younger sister,” Mr. Fulcher stated with a note of concern. “What can you tell me about the situation? Is there anything we might do to help?”

  His offer surprised Kolbein. “I thank you for the offer. I’m not sure what is yet left undone. I have hired a man to search for her, and Abrianna—Miss Cunningham—put out word on the street amongst the shopkeepers and such.” He didn’t want to bring up the topic of Abrianna’s homeless orphans and indigent seamen. “The police have also been made aware. They took her photograph and had an artist render a likeness. I am also having it published in the newspaper. I hope we will have better results in the near future.”

  “And if you do not?” Lenore’s father asked.

  “Goodness, Father, look at the time. We rarely sit around the table so long. Would it be acceptable for us—Mr. Booth and I—to take a brief walk in the garden before you have your discussion with him? I know that the lamps have been lit, so we would have plenty of light to see by.”

  Kolbein appreciated her redirection. He had stewed many hours over what might happen if he couldn’t locate Greta. It troubled him more than he could bear to imagine she might have died before he could find her, or worse. Tonight, however, he wanted his full attention on Lenore.

  “I suppose, if you do not stay outside too long,” her father answered. “There is still a chill in the night air. I wouldn’t want you coming down sick. Your mother would never let me hear the end of it,” he mused with an affectionate glance toward his wife.

  “You must wear a shawl,” Mrs. Fulcher insisted. “And do keep the gown away from the damp ground.”

  Lenore scooted her chair back just a bit, and Kolbein jumped up to assist her. “I will see to it that we stay on the path.”

  He offered Lenore his hand and helped her to her feet. Her beauty put him in a state of awe. The lavender gown of costly silk chiffon draped her gracefully, and her beautiful cocoa-colored hair had been arranged in such a fashion to sweep all of the hair up and away from her face. He liked the effect. He liked it very much. But it was her eyes—the expression of contentment on her face—that truly captivated his attention.

  “If you’ll wait one moment, I’ll fetch my wrap,” she told him.

  Kolbein hardly heard her for the pounding of his heart. He could only nod and watch her glide from the room. He felt as though he were in a dream. He thought of Abrianna’s comment once about thanking God for his blessings, and Kolbein realized he was very blessed to have Lenore’s consideration and love.

  I do thank you, Father God. I thank you for this young woman.

  “Mr. Booth.” Lenore’s father interrupted his thoughts. “I hope that after your walk you will have the butler show you to my study. I believe we should talk in private.”

  Kolbein nodded. “I would like that very much.” He gave a quick glance at the ceiling as Fulcher walked away. And, Lord, if it’s not too selfish of me to ask, please let Mr. Fulcher have no reservations regarding my courtship of Lenore. You know that my heart toward her is honorable. Please let Mr. Fulcher see that for himself.

  Lenore wrapped the wispy white silk around her shoulders and hurried back to where Kolbein awaited her in the hall. He smiled at her, and Lenore felt a shiver of pleasure run down her spine. He was clearly the most handsome man in all the world, and he desired to court her. The thought pleased and terrified Lenore all at the same time. What if she did something to betray his trust? What if upon closer inspection and getting to know each other, Kolbein found her to be boring or insipid? After all, she had hated school and was nowhere near the scholar that Abrianna was. What if Kolbein expected a smart wife—a wife with an interest in the world and all its affairs?

  “You look troubled,” Kolbein said, offering her his arm.

  “No,” she said, shaking her head. “I’m fine.” She led the way to the French doors that opened onto the outdoor patio and gardens. “I hope you don’t mind that most of the flowers are not yet in bloom.”

  “I really didn’t come out here to see the flowers,” he said in a low husky voice. He led her farther from the house and then stopped. “I wanted time with you . . . alone.”

  “I wanted the same,” she replied. “I hope Father wasn’t too overbearing this evening. He worries about whether my husband will provide riches and luxury for me all of my life, without consulting me about my desires.”

  “And what are those desires?” he asked, turning her to face him.

  Lenore trembled. “You.” Her voice could barely be heard.

  “And you aren’t worried about having less than you have now?”

  She shook her head. “All of this used to be so important,” she said, waving back toward the house. “I thought it was all that mattered, because it was all that mattered to my mother. Oh, I will say it’s wonderful to have an easy life with servants and plenty, but I’ve had a change of heart regarding its importance.”

  “Because of me?”

  “No, because of Abrianna. When I met her for the first time at church, I realized that she had a spirit of genuine joy and love to share. Even as a young girl, I envied her natural ability with others and her obvious concern for those less fortunate. Do you know that one of my first memories of Abrianna is of her dropping everything in her arms to assist an older congregant whose shawl had slipped to the ground? She has such a servant’s heart and seems to find genuine joy in helping others. At first I didn’t understand this. I’d been raised much too self-focused. I even tried to change her, to turn her into my mother’s idea of a grand lady.”

  He chuckled. “I can’t imagine that went well, although I have seen Abrianna dressed in some of the gowns you’ve given her.”

  “Mother only allows me to wear them five times before passing them along. I think it a waste, but Mother says that’s what all ladies of society do.” She shook her head. “But Abrianna is different. She’s grand in her own way, but I failed to see that at first. I’m
afraid I was quite firm with her regarding what her future should look like. I now realize I was wrong.”

  “And what brought you to this understanding?”

  Lenore thought for a moment about the opulence of the Montgomery house. All the outward signs of beauty were there, but within the hearts of the people who lived there, Lenore saw only greed and haughtiness.

  “I suppose I’ve simply had my eyes opened to the way upper society can be. Abrianna cares for the needy, and while I don’t know if I would be able to do what she does, I don’t want the trappings of my parents unless I’m able to use that wealth for helping others.” She paused. “I hope that doesn’t lower your opinion of me. I know you very well may be driven to higher society one day, and if that is where life takes us, then I shall be happy to do my duty.”

  “So you plan to spend your life with me?” he asked in an amused tone.

  Lenore shrugged, more relaxed now. “I realize you haven’t asked for my hand, but my heart tells me that it’s implied.”

  He pulled her close and Lenore felt the warmth of his hands on her arms through the fine silk wrap. “It’s more than implied. I want you for my wife, Lenore. I realize we’ve not had much time together, but my heart knows what it wants, and it wants you. Will you marry me?”

  She gazed up into his eyes and nodded. “I will.”

  He lowered his mouth to hers for a brief but thoroughly enjoyable kiss. Lenore thought she might well faint, but when he raised his face and met her gaze with a mischievous grin, she changed her mind.

  “You look rather proud of yourself, Mr. Booth,” she said, pulling away from his hold.

  He put his arm around her and drew her toward the house. “I am, actually. I have asked the love of my life to marry me, and I didn’t stammer or . . . lose my supper.”

  She couldn’t help but giggle. “Goodness, I didn’t know I had that kind of effect on you.”

  Kolbein paused at the French doors. “You affect me in every way and always will.” He straightened his tie. “But now I need to speak with your father. Otherwise we won’t be able to court, much less marry.”

  The next morning, Lenore shared tea with Abrianna and relayed the events of the previous evening. “I’m so happy, I might very well cry,” she declared.

  “Please don’t. I wouldn’t want Aunt Miriam to question what’s happening. She would never approve of your accepting Kolbein’s proposal so quickly, although I don’t know why not. Goodness, it seems to me if two people know that they’re destined for each other, they needn’t waste time with a set period of courtship. Although I will hate to see you go.”

  “What are you talking about? I’m not going anywhere.”

  “Kolbein is from Chicago, and while I know he’s taken a position here, he will no doubt consider returning, although I don’t know why anyone would choose to live there. The reports are always so negative. Not only that, but Chicago is so far away, and I would never see you again. Oh, that would be utter tragedy to our friendship.” She paused for a moment to stand and put her hand over her heart. “A devastation of the heart. I shall never recover losing your friendship. We shall be forever changed. You will be gone from me . . . never to return.”

  “Mercy sakes, Abrianna, you would think marriage and death were the same thing. I will still want to spend time with you. The only difference will be that now I will have a home of my own to invite you to. Perhaps I shall even have a carriage to send for you. I do not believe Kolbein wishes us to leave Seattle. From what he has said, I think he’s grown accustomed to the rain.” She couldn’t help but smile. “He says he now sees things in cloudy days that he never saw before. I think he has a rather artistic soul, because he talked about shadows and hues.” Lenore shrugged. “Nevertheless, my marriage won’t come between us.”

  Abrianna sat back down beside Lenore, looking quite displaced. Slowly she shook her head. “It will be different. You will see. No, I shall prepare my heart for what is to come.”

  Her heavy sigh made it clear to Lenore that she would not be otherwise convinced at the moment. “Well then, we should endeavor to enjoy what time we have,” Lenore said. “And I shall start by telling you that my days of trying to remake you are over. I no longer believe that you need to wear fine clothes and play the piano to be a good woman, Abrianna. I know that you are a better woman in your broadcloth and serge than I will ever be in my silks and velvets, and I hope you will forgive me.”

  Abrianna raised her hand. “Do not speak like that. You are the finest lady I have ever known. I will never be as charming or as lovely.” She touched her hand to her hair. “Just as I can never change the color of my hair. I’m afraid that what you see is very much what you get.”

  Lenore laughed and reached over to hug Abrianna close. “And that is exactly what I want. While I was away I learned a very good lesson about appearances. An apple can be beautiful on the outside and yet rotten within. I met some young women who were very much that way. They were beautifully gowned and fashionable in every way, but inside they were ugly and spoiled. I realized that with very little trouble I could be the same.”

  Abrianna shook her head. “No. I do not accept that. You may have wealth and beautiful things, but your heart is more beautiful than anything money could buy. If you were a shallow or vapid woman, I could not confide in you as I do.”

  Smiling, Lenore patted Abrianna’s hand. “And you, Abrianna, are the grandest lady I have ever known . . . or ever will. God has given you an incredible heart, a heart that is able to love in a far greater capacity than anyone I’ve ever known. I was wrong to try to keep you from your calling, and I pray you can forgive me.”

  Abrianna’s brows came together as if she were thinking hard on the matter. “Upon reflection,” she finally said, “I see nothing for which you need ask forgiveness. Nevertheless, I give it freely.”

  Lenore smiled. She had already known Abrianna would say as much.

  17

  Abrianna knew that Aunt Miriam would be horrified by her actions, but she couldn’t help herself. There was a man lingering outside their building. She could see him in the dusky evening light, and more clearly each time he neared one of the streetlights. He seemed to be circling their building, because Abrianna observed that he would move down the alleyway and then turn to the right. After this he was gone for several minutes and finally would show up on the left reentering the alley.

  Who was he and did he mean harm to them or others? She picked up the fireplace poker and gripped the cold iron in her hand. What should she do? If he was of a good nature, Abrianna felt it would be her duty to warn him about the murders that had taken place. If he was the murderer, however, she might put the fear of God into his soul. Maybe he would even confess and turn himself in to the police once she finished with him.

  She took off her shoes to sneak down the stairs, hoping that no one would hear her exit. At the street entrance she slipped her feet back into the soft leather and reassessed her weapons. The boning knife was strapped to her right calf, and in her hands she held the rather intimidating fireplace poker. At least she hoped it would be intimidating. Otherwise, all she had was her wits and her ability to run very fast.

  The air still bore the dampness of an earlier rain. Abrianna quietly picked her way between mud puddles and prayed that God would send legions of angels to protect her. She pondered only a moment whether He would give such an order to His heavenly host when Abrianna was clearly defying her authority, but she decided it was worth the risk. After all, she wasn’t seeking to benefit herself so much as protect those she loved.

  Drawing a deep breath, she waited as the man rounded the corner once again and headed into the alley. With only a moderate amount of fear, Abrianna jumped into the alleyway and held up the poker in confrontation. “Halt, in the name of the law.”

  The suit-clad man whirled around to face her. The lighting was poor, but Abrianna could see that he had an amused look on his face. “Ya hardly look like the law.” His
brogue was clearly Irish.

  “I’m not, but I figured that would get your attention. I want to know who you are and why you are loitering here. Three men have died on this site, and if you are responsible, you should know that I intend to put a stop to your deeds. And if you aren’t responsible, you should know what has happened here so that you can save yourself from possible harm.”

  The man snorted in seeming delight. Abrianna wasn’t at all sure why he should act in such a manner. She meant business. “You are quite rude to laugh when I am completely devoted to seeing this through. Two of the dead were good friends of mine, and I will avenge their death if possible.”

  “Aye, I’ve no doubt ya’d be doin’ just that. However, I’m not yar murderer. I was hired by a lawyer named Mr. Kolbein Booth to act as a night watchman for this building.”

  Abrianna lowered the poker and took a step forward. “Are you being truthful with me?”

  He again chuckled. “Well, if I wasn’t I wouldn’t be admittin’ it, now, would I?”

  She nodded, pursing her lips together. He was, of course, right to point this out. She considered the man for a moment longer, then realized that a stranger would have no way of knowing about Kolbein Booth.

  “You must be who you say you are,” she said, relaxing a bit. “A murderer would have no knowledge of our good friend and lawyer. I must say it is a relief to have someone watching over us besides the Good Lord. Not that He doesn’t have it well in His power.”

  “It looks to me,” the older man said, stepping closer, “that ya had the situation completely under control.”

  “I couldn’t help but be concerned.” She extended her hand. “I’m Abrianna Cunningham and I live here. I do not like murders taking place near my home.”

  “I can well imagine that ya should feel that way. I would be feelin’ the same about it happenin’ near my home.” He smiled and pushed back his hat. “Yar quite the woman to come out here and confront me yarself.”