Hearts Aglow

by Tracie Peterson

  He paused and reached out to lift her chin to meet his gaze. “There ain’t nothin’ I wouldn’t do for you, Miss Deborah. I know you love another, but maybe someday – if that love fades – you’ll remember that someone else cares for you, too.” He dropped his hand and stepped into the house.

  Deborah stared after him for a moment. “That love will never fade, Jake. I have no hope of loving another,” she barely whispered, knowing he couldn’t hear.

  In town, Arjan and Euphanel met with Zed Perkins at his house. Deborah had come along at her mother’s insistence. Euphanel had been firm. She knew her daughter needed to put her attention on something other than her pain.

  “You know Mr. Albright and Mr. Longstreet, of course,” Zed said as he escorted them into his formal parlor.

  Albright and Longstreet got to their feet at the sight of the ladies. They gave a brief bow of greeting but appeared otherwise disinterested. Euphanel thought Mr. Longstreet almost avoided her gaze altogether. Perhaps he was embarrassed now at the forward way he’d acted prior to her marriage to Arjan.

  “I’m glad you could be here,” Zed began. “I just wanted to make sure we could discuss any concerns or problems that needed to be addressed. Like I told Euphanel last evenin’, I know this situation greatly affects Vandermark Logging, since you were under contract to us to provide logs.” He motioned them to take their seats, then waited until everyone was settled before continuing. “I’ve no idea how long before we’re able to produce lumber.”

  “Euphanel says that you’re already working to get the mill back up and running,” Arjan said. “We’d like to help anyway we can.”

  Zed nodded. “I appreciate that. I’ll be usin’ the logs I have in the millpond to begin the reconstruction. There ain’t funds available just yet, but in due time, I hope to be able to receive your logs. I’m positive you’ll have no trouble selling your cuttings to another mill in the meanwhile.”

  “No, I don’t imagine so,” Arjan replied.

  “If I might interrupt,” Stuart Albright said, leaning forward in his chair. “Selling to another company is not an option at this time.”

  Zed’s puzzled look suggested he’d not expected this comment. Euphanel could see that Longstreet, however, was not surprised. He simply nodded and stroked his mustache a time or two.

  “Then you’ll need us to continue delivery?” Arjan questioned.

  Albright’s face took on a most menacing expression. “No. I have no interest in taking on additional wood at this time.”

  “Then what are you saying?” Zed asked before Arjan could get the words out.

  “I’m saying that you will simply have to stockpile your logs until we decide what is to be done with the mill,” Albright replied.

  “Stockpile? But there’s no reason for that,” Zed interjected. “It’ll be some time before we can start up production in earnest. They might as well make their livin’ elsewhere. They have employees and debts to pay as much as anyone else.”

  Euphanel saw Stuart give Mr. Longstreet a quick sidelong glance before continuing. “It would seem that you have forgotten the terms of the contract. Let me bring to mind the paragraph that states Vandermark Logging will sell their cut pine logs exclusively to Perkins Sawmill.”

  “Yes, but that was before the fire,” Zed countered. “They can hardly be expected to wait until the mill is once again running before they sell their wood. It could be months.”

  Mr. Longstreet spoke for the first time. “If not longer.”

  Euphanel looked to Arjan and then back to Zed. “What is this about?”

  Zed shook his head. “I don’t rightly know. What are you saying, gentlemen?”

  “Simply this,” Albright began. “We haven’t yet decided if we will rebuild.”

  “You can’t be serious,” Arjan interjected. “It would be pure waste not to rebuild.”

  “Not at all, Mr. Vandermark, and I assure you I am very serious. My partner and I own two-thirds of the mill. There are a great number of debts to be paid, and our debtors will not care that the place lies in charred remains – they will expect their money. We will have to consider the most advantageous plan for seeing our obligations fulfilled.”

  “Well, surely that includes having the mill up and running. You can hardly make money to pay your debts if the mill sits idle,” Deborah said, looking to her mother. “I’ve read that contract. You are under obligation to us, as well. You have pledged to take a certain number of logs and are required to pay us in a timely manner whether the market suffers or not.”

  “Ah, but this has nothing to do with the market,” Stuart countered. “The mill is unable to manufacture lumber. We have not yet come to terms on the costs or ability to rebuild the mill. Until that decision is agreed upon, Vandermark Logging will be forced to stockpile their logs. I’ve already checked with a lawyer on this matter – a judge, as well. You may feel free to contact one or both. I can give you the information on how to locate them when we conclude this meeting.”

  “Just how long before you are able to decide about fixin’ up the mill?” Arjan asked.

  Euphanel could tell by the tone of his voice that he was barely containing his anger. She started to reach out to take hold of his hand, then thought better of it. Rutger never liked to be touched when he was mad. It was probably the same for his brother.

  Albright and Longstreet looked at each other and shrugged before turning back to the others. “It is difficult to say. I intend to thoroughly establish the cause for the fire before rebuilding. You see, there is the matter of insurance coverage. The inspectors will want to take a full account of the situation.”

  “Insurance?” Zed asked. “But I don’t have any fire insurance.”

  “No, you don’t, but Mr. Longstreet and I took out our own policy. We had to protect our interests, you understand.”

  “So you have insurance that will provide for you to rebuild?” Arjan asked.

  Again Stuart shrugged as though he were discussing nothing more important than what would be served for supper. “The insurance inspectors will have to decide that matter. They will be delayed, no doubt, due to the storm. A great many fires have arisen in areas damaged by the hurricane. When the inspectors are able to come to Perkinsville and see for themselves what happened, then and only then can we consider rebuilding.”

  Arjan leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. “So you want us to sit and do nothing while you wait for your inspection.”

  “Not at all, Mr. Vandermark. As I said, I expect for you to stockpile your logs for future use.”

  “But that means we will have to continue paying wages and keeping men employed, even though we won’t be bringing in any money.”

  Albright looked at his fingernails as if something had magically appeared there. “The day-to-day running of your company is hardly my concern.” He lifted his gaze to Deborah. “Wouldn’t you agree, Miss Vandermark?”

  Euphanel saw her daughter stiffen. Deborah returned the man’s gaze without difficulty. She opened her mouth to speak, but Euphanel decided it might serve them better to remain silent. She jumped to her feet and held up her hand.

  “I’m sorry, but I must put an end to this meeting. I’m afraid we need to see the constable before heading back to the house. We found ourselves vandalized last evening, and it is important we contact the law officials in order to see if they can figure out who might be responsible.” She looked to Deborah, hoping she would remain silent. She did.

  Stuart and Mr. Longstreet got to their feet, and with this, the others followed suit. Deborah took hold of Euphanel’s arm and gave her a light squeeze as if to reassure her.

  Arjan looked to Albright and Longstreet. “I reckon the best thing for me is to have a lawyer of our own look into matters.” He turned to Zed. “I’ll be in touch. You let me know if you need anything.”

  Zed seemed overwhelmed by the turn the discussion had taken. “I’m sure sorry about this Arjan – Euphanel. I’ll do what I c
an to get the matter straightened out.”

  Euphanel reached out with her free hand and patted Zed’s arm. “I know you will. You’ve always been a good friend to my family. I know we can trust you to do what’s right.”

  Once they’d spoken to the constable about the attack on their home, the Vandermarks climbed into the wagon and headed out of town. Deborah was furious with the actions of Stuart Albright.

  “He’s only doing this to punish G.W. and Lizzie. He’s punishing me, as well, because he knows that I encouraged Lizzie to leave him at the altar. I suppose this is really all my fault.”

  “Nonsense,” Arjan said. “Ain’t nobody’s fault but Mr. Albright’s and Mr. Longstreet’s. Zed isn’t a part of this. You saw how upset he was.”

  “Poor man.” Mother met Uncle Arjan’s gaze. “I feel so bad for him – for Rachel, too. They are going to suffer tremendously from this.”

  “I should have known Stuart would try something like this,” Deborah muttered. “He said he would punish Lizzie, and now he has.”

  “I suppose we must tell Lizzie and G.W. what’s happened. This certainly will be upsetting to them.”

  “Now, Nell, you can’t hardly keep this from ’em. G.W. is handling the books, and Lizzie knows the kind of man Albright is. They may both expect somethin’ like this.”

  Deborah eased back in the leather carriage seat and frowned. “What if Stuart also had something to do with the attack last night?” The question hung in the air for several moments before her mother turned.

  “We can’t know that for sure. Like Ralph said – if we didn’t see anyone, there’s little hope of figuring out who was responsible.”

  “I can’t help but think this is all related,” Deborah replied. “Stuart hates us and would stop at nothing to see us pay for what he perceives as our wrongdoings.”

  “But he wasn’t even in town until this morning,” Mother reminded.

  “She’s right,” Uncle Arjan threw out. “Can’t say he did it when he wasn’t even here.”

  “He didn’t have to be here to pay others to do his dirty work. Same with the mill.”

  “Now be careful what you say, little gal,” Arjan replied with a glance over his shoulder. “You can’t go accusin’ a man without proof.”

  “Why not? Folks around here weren’t at all shy about accusing me of inappropriate behavior. They gossiped and told stories each time Christopher and I worked together. They didn’t think it was proper for me to be a doctor; then they didn’t feel it was proper for us to court if I was going to insist on being a doctor. It’s not right that townfolk can accuse me in such a way, then refuse to listen when we know that Stuart only wishes us ill for what happened with G.W. and Lizzie.”

  Arjan seemed to understand her anger and gave her a sympathetic nod. “I can see what you mean, but Albright and Longstreet would have no reason to burn their own mill down. They’re sufferin’ in this, too.”

  “Not if they have insurance,” Deborah replied. “The policy is between the two of them. They will make money whether Mr. Perkins does or not. They can easily take their profits from the insurance and never look back.”

  “Oh, Arjan, you don’t suppose she’s right?”

  Deborah could see her uncle’s face darken. “If she is right,” he said, fixing his gaze on the road ahead, “then we’re dealin’ with men of much worse character than I figured.”

  “I can’t speak for Jael’s father,” Deborah said, shaking her head, “but Stuart is a demanding man who would have forced a woman into marriage purely to keep from losing his inheritance. He’s the very kind of man who would cut his nose off to spite his face . . . or burn his mill in order to make us pay.”

  CHAPTER 28

  Deborah pored over the contract once again. She chided herself for not having been more thorough in her examination. Especially since she was the one to encourage her family to accept it. Had she been less prideful – less focused on what she perceived as her intelligence in business dealings – then perhaps she would have suggested they go to a lawyer.

  “This contract is vague enough that I suppose they can manipulate it however they want,” Deborah said, pushing away from the desk.

  “It’s not like we were used to havin’ a contract,” Arjan said. “I never wanted one in the first place, but Zed needed it for the bank.” Her uncle shook his head. “That wood can’t sit on the ground forever – it’ll rot. Which may be exactly what Albright wants.”

  Deborah looked at the office door. “Where are G.W. and Lizzie now?”

  “They’re helping Sissy bring in the laundry,” Mother replied. “Why?”

  She drew a deep breath. “I think we need to tell them the truth now. Stuart isn’t the kind of man who will keep this a secret. I say we call them in here and simply explain the situation for what it is. But it will be hard on Lizzie. She’ll blame herself.”

  “I don’t want her to feel responsible,” Mother said.

  “Then we need to tell ’em the truth, Euphanel.”

  Deborah was surprised by her uncle’s declaration. Mother looked at him oddly and he continued. “If we try to hide it, they’re goin’ to feel that we were lyin’ to them – even if it was to protect them. To my way of thinkin’, that would only serve to make them feel it was their fault.”

  “How so?” Mother asked.

  “Well, I’d figure that if I had nothin’ to do with it, folks wouldn’t be afraid to discuss it with me.”

  “He’s right, Mother. You know that G.W. would rather be dealt with openly.”

  Mother nodded. “I’ll go get them.” She rose slowly and hesitated. “I know that God will give us direction. I’m not going to let Mr. Albright’s underhanded actions take my sight from God’s faithfulness.”

  With that, she walked from the office. Deborah looked to her uncle. “She’s right, you know.” She smiled ever so slightly. “I’m sure the devil uses these kinds of matters to steal our hope. Perhaps we just need to look at this in a different way.”

  “What do you mean?” her uncle asked.

  Deborah picked up the ledger. “First, we need to cut our costs.”

  “My first suggestion would be to get rid of the workers, but I can’t very well produce logs without loggers.”

  “What if we speak to the employees? If we explain the situation, maybe some sort of arrangement can be made.”

  “Possibly,” Arjan agreed.

  Mother returned with G.W. and Lizzie. Their expressions told Deborah that they knew the news wasn’t going to be good. Deborah got up from behind the desk and motioned G.W. to take his regular place. She moved quietly to the side of the room and remained standing. Lizzie crossed to stand beside her.

  “What is this about?” she whispered.

  “Trouble with the business.”

  Lizzie frowned but said nothing more as Uncle Arjan began. “We called you here to let you know what we learned in the meeting with Mr. Perkins.” He paused and seemed to think about what to say next. “Mr. Albright and Mr. Longstreet have returned.”

  “I should have come with you,” G.W. said, looking apprehensive. “I can tell this isn’t going to be what I want to hear.”

  “Well, it’s not exactly what any of us wanted, but facts being what they are – it can’t be helped. The mill may not rebuild for a time. There was some sort of insurance policy held by Longstreet and Albright, and until the company can come out and assess the details of the fire, apparently nothing can be done.”

  “So we cease production or find another buyer – is that it?” G.W. asked.

  Arjan glanced at Mother and then to Deborah before he answered. “It’s not that simple. Apparently our contract requires that we stay in production, and that we can only sell to the Perkinsville mill. Since that mill is temporarily out of operation, we must stockpile our logs.”

  “For how long?” G.W. asked.

  “For as long as it takes them to make a decision,” Uncle Arjan answered.

  �
�I don’t understand.” G.W. fixed his gaze on Deborah. “There’s something you aren’t telling us.”

  “Not at all,” Mother said. “That’s why you’re here. The business arrangements have been complicated not only by the fire, but by the arrival of Mr. Albright and Mr. Longstreet.”

  He frowned. “What have they got to do with this?”

  Deborah took hold of Lizzie’s hand. “They now own the majority of the company. They have say over whether the mill gets rebuilt. They have the only insurance on the property and will obviously be the ones who hold the responsibility of paying the debts against the mill.”

  “And Stuart warned us that he would get back at us,” Lizzie murmured.

  For a moment, the room went silent. G.W.’s expression changed to one of anger. He looked to his uncle. “This is Albright’s idea?”

  Arjan nodded. “He says they’ve had a lawyer look into it – a judge, too. They can force us to continue working in order to have the log quota available if and when they need them. We can’t sell to anyone else.”

  “That’s hardly fair,” Lizzie said, shaking her head. “If they can’t take the logs, then they are breaking their part of the contract.”

  “That’s what I presumed,” Deborah declared, “but apparently the wording leaves it open to question.”

  “We can’t keep paying our workers if we aren’t getting paid,” G.W. said. “How are we supposed to run a business if we don’t have money coming in?”

  Lizzie was growing more upset by the minute. Deborah turned to her sister-in-law and smiled. “We have some ideas. Why don’t you go sit beside Mother?”

  Lizzie hesitated only a moment, then did exactly as Deborah suggested. Mother took hold of her hand and patted it reassuringly. “Please don’t fret.”

  “This is outrageous. I’m gonna go give Albright a piece of my mind,” G.W. said, getting to his feet.

  Deborah stepped forward. “Not until you hear me out.”

  Everyone looked at her in surprise. Deborah looked to Uncle Arjan, who nodded.