Jewel of the Pacific

by Linda Lee Chaikin

  Ainsworth was on his feet. “By George if she does, Thurston and the Reformers will seek to have her step down from the throne. Mark my words.”

  “She did swear an oath to uphold the 1887 Constitution when she came to power after her brother’s death in San Francisco,” Rafe agreed.

  “We won’t go back to the ancient rule of the old arbitrary Hawaiian chief,” Ainsworth continued, pacing again. “We’ve built what we have; we didn’t steal it. In 1820 Hawaii was little more than some grass huts and unclothed people steeped in pagan worship practices. Why, the first missionaries nearly starved because there was no food. They tried farming and the land hardly produced! You can read these facts from the early missionaries themselves. Even Nora has written about it. We will not have Kea Lani or Hanalei or Hawaiiana or any of the plantations taxed into poverty or taken from us.

  “We Derringtons and Eastons have been good Hawaiians since we arrived a few years after the first dedicated missionaries. We’re not going to be robbed of our birthright here in Honolulu just to please a queen who wants to reign by ancient customs.”

  “You’re right,” Rafe said firmly. “We were born here. We’ve done our part to make the Islands prosper. We’re going to stay, and we’re going to be free.”

  After their honeymoon, Mr. and Mrs. Keno Hunnewell invited Rafe and Eden to dinner at Hawaiiana. Celestine had quietly moved into the hotel taking Kip with her before Candace and Keno returned as the new master and mistress of the Great House. Celestine’s presence at the hotel worked out well because Eden could easily bring Kip to their suite each afternoon for supper and playtime, while Celestine visited with Great-aunt Nora.

  Zachary was also invited to the Hawaiiana dinner—forgiven and back in Candace’s good graces. Much to his delight Claudia was there to comfort his woes, though most of Zach’s woes had taken flight recently, thanks to Rafe and Ambrose’s meeting with Grandfather Ainsworth.

  Ainsworth had decided if not to forgive Zachary’s article in the Gazette against the Derrington name, to at least turn his back to the “abysmal blunder.”

  “Truth doesn’t always give a man the right to blare it out for all to read,” he had lectured.

  Silas, too, was mildly embraced back into favor. “Ainsworth’s exuberant that Silas is spending time at the mission church with Ambrose and Jerome. And Zach’s sudden devotion to Claudia Hunnewell has Ainsworth whistling as he walks, thinking no one notices the new energy in his step.”

  Eden smiled. “Candace always did see through Grandfather’s vinegary ways, but I guess it took the rest of us a little longer. I’m still awed that he’s letting us adopt Kip.”

  “He prefers that we adopt him.”

  “That’s quite a compliment.”

  Perhaps it was the crumbling divide between Zach and Silas that amazed Eden the most.

  “They actually talk to each other,” she told Rafe one afternoon. “Candace says she saw them walking together down the road to Ambrose’s bungalow. She heard Silas say something, and Zachary laughed and put a hand on his shoulder.”

  Relationships did appear to be on the mend, at least in the extended family.

  “I wish Hawaii was that amenable to breaking down the barriers of conflict,” Eden said. “Instead, the bulwarks are going up. It’s been a year of repeated crises and clashes between the Legislature and the queen.”

  “Wishes rarely come true, darling,” Rafe responded. “Some things in this life are worth fighting for and dying for. Compromise is often for those who have no genuine convictions, and find it easier to withdraw from legitimate controversy.

  “I don’t want my life and property left to the fickle whims of a royal family. History bears out what happens when such people retain control of power for too long. The old sin nature is too corrupt to trust with so much power passing from one carnal monarch to the next. I want a republic with individual rights and personal freedoms protected by adequate checks and balances to limit power of any corrupt leader. Power in the hands of a king, a queen, or a president is only as secure as the ruler is both wise and trustworthy. When there is a dearth of wise leadership, that, according to Scripture, is a judgment from God upon a nation.

  “Hawaii ultimately does not belong to the self-appointed royal family, but to the Sovereign of the universe who has the right to bless or to judge. How did Liliuokalani’s family get the Hawaiian throne? By conquering the smaller leaders of the other Islands. Royalty was seized by force. Absurd! There is one true royal family—the family of King David of Israel. Why? Because the Lord God chose David. Jesus came through that line. And one day the whole earth will bow the knee to the true King of kings.”

  “I love you,” Eden said with a smile. “Maybe you should think about becoming a king.”

  “Yes, and you’d make a beautiful queen.”

  Rafe pulled her into his arms.

  Christmas season was drawing near. Eden had completed “Rebecca’s Story” in the Gazette and as a result, she was asked to speak to ladies’ clubs. But Eden had not been feeling well and turned down the invitations.

  When Rafe asked about her lack of energy, she responded, “I’m fine. I just don’t care to travel to the other Islands alone and you’re too busy to come with me.”

  “You know, your story on your mother was so well received that maybe you should turn it into a book that could also circulate on the mainland.”

  “Yes, that is an idea. I’ll think and pray about it.”

  He walked over to her, held her, and kissed her several times.

  The next day Eden received her usual letter from Aunt Lana on Kalawao who wrote to her every six weeks. Dr. Bolton, surprisingly, had not progressed with his leprosy and was doing well running Dr. Jerome’s clinic.

  Eden always sent extra gifts of food, clothing, and private necessities by way of the steamer. She and Rafe had also set up a special “blessing” fund for Lotus, her mother’s faithful kokua at Bishop House. Eden slept better knowing Lotus was well provided for and enjoying treasures such as pretty dresses, shoes, and books to read.

  David, the young man running the printing press at Kalawao, was doing quite well, so Ambrose told her. He had printed the Scriptures in Hawaiian and was giving them out to all who could read.

  One day near Christmas Zachary burst into their Royal Hotel suite to tell Eden and Rafe that he was engaged.

  “And we’re not even waiting for the typical year’s engagement. Claudia’s afraid her father may come between us. Old Thaddeus isn’t too keen on having me as a son-in-law. He’ll come around, though. Grandfather says he’ll have a long talk with Thaddeus. We’re thinking of following in your footsteps. Just surprise everyone and go to Ambrose to get married.”

  “When you do,” Rafe said smoothly, a flicker of humor in his dark eyes, “we’ll be sure to give you and Claudia a big hullabaloo after your honeymoon.”

  “Whatever we call it,” Zach said, “is good enough for me. This is the happiest I’ve ever been. I think I’ve loved Claudia all along and didn’t even know it.”

  “Just as long as you know it now,” Rafe said.

  “And be sure she knows it, too,” Eden added. “Tell her so more than once. Words of love and well-chosen words of praise build a contented relationship.”

  When Christmas came around Rafe surprised Eden with red rubies that sparkled in candlelight. “You know what you can do with them, don’t you my love? What women always do with their fabulous jewels. Keep them locked up in a dark safe. Then, when you’re silver-haired and old you can unlock the safe and show them to your granddaughter. Then she can have them when she gets married and put them back into the dark safe with Amabel’s South African diamonds.”

  Eden laughed. “That’s where you’re wrong. I’m going to wear them whenever I want. Rafe, they’re so lovely. And I’ve a Christmas present for you, too. Actually, two presents. One you can see under the tree when we go to Kea Lani tonight. The other—” and she deliberately took his hand and rested
his palm against her womb.

  He drew in a light breath, his gaze holding hers.

  “You don’t mean what I think you do?”

  “A baby,” she said. “We’re going to have our own baby.”

  He held her tightly as their lips joined in celebration.

  “When?” he asked, sounding a bit uneasy.

  She lifted a brow. “Not worried about it?”

  “Actually, yes.”

  “June.”

  “June,” he repeated thoughtfully. “Hanalei is ready now. I suppose the trouble here will have settled by then. The situation will probably explode in January. I’d rather you were with Noelani on the Big Island. It will make me feel easier. Celestine can go with you, maybe Nora, too.”

  “Trouble?”

  “The revolution.” Rafe told her how Liliuokalani had called in the British Commissioner, James H. Wodehouse. “I believe she did this to try to frighten the Reformers. She needed British advice, she told him. The queen wonders if she should call all the representatives of other countries to Iolani Palace to be safe in case of violence!”

  “Violence,” Eden repeated, “from the Reform Party?” She smiled ruefully. “I think you’re right. It was an act to intimidate men like Mr. Thurston. What did the British Commissioner tell her?”

  “He was cool and calm. He told her no, he didn’t think it was necessary. Did she expect danger? She told him there might be.”

  “Oh Rafe, I wish it didn’t need to come to this.”

  “There’s no stopping it now, honey. The differences are too great. History will bring us one way or the other, or perhaps I should say God’s providence will have the final vote.” He looked at her long and intently. “Our baby. Maybe I should send you and Nora and my mother to the mainland.”

  “Oh no you don’t, Rafe Easton. I appreciate your wish to wrap me in safety, but I’m staying where I belong. At your side. I’ll go to Hanalei and stay when you’re dismissed from the Legislature, but when the time is near for the baby to be born I want you with me. Promise?”

  His lips met hers tenderly. “A promise, darling Eden.”

  After Christmas nearly all of the Hunnewells and Derringtons celebrated Zachary and Claudia’s “elopement” to the mission church where they were married by Ambrose. Only Oliver was grim at the news of his younger sister’s wedding.

  “I cannot believe my good fortune,” Ainsworth cried, “Derrington-Easton-Hunnewell! Oh, Hawaii! What great things lie in store for you in the coming generations.”

  Rafe and Keno burst out laughing with the others joining in.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Stars and Stripes Forever

  In January of 1893 there was little to laugh about as a mood of anticipated trouble hung over Honolulu.

  The queen and her allies proved capable of ridding themselves of their last remaining obstacle: the Wilcox Reform cabinet. Rafe had expected it all along. Several men who had cooperated with Thurston’s party were not Reformers at heart. They had believed by cooperating they would receive even higher positions of authority. When this did not happen, they moved back across the aisle to vote in harmony with the Liberal and National parties.

  Then with the aid of some Hawaiian nationals, they all joined political forces against the Reformers. Holding a “no confidence” vote, they removed the Reform Party majority rule. This enabled the queen to appoint Samuel Parker as chief of her new cabinet.

  Samuel Parker was a likeable gentleman who supported Liliuokalani’s goals. Within days, the lottery and opium bills were again brought to the floor and passed. The queen now had what she believed was crucial to introduce her Constitution of 1893.

  When Saturday morning, January 14 arrived, all the preparations for the closing of the Legislature were in place. At 10 a.m., Liliuokalani called her new Samuel Parker cabinet together in the Blue Room. She told them she would abolish by sovereign authority the 1887 “Bayonet” Constitution and announce a new one.

  Meanwhile, outside Iolani Palace hundreds of native Hawaiians waited for the queen to come to the balcony and tell them the news they waited for, that supreme authority in the Islands was now back in her hands.

  Across the street at the Aliiolani Hale building Rafe watched the members of the political association Hui Kalai’aina out on the lawn, dressed in colorful garments.

  “Look, isn’t that Peterson and Colburn?” Zachary said to Rafe.

  The two men from the new cabinet came out of the palace and hurried toward Judd Street, as if late for an appointment.

  “Interesting,” Rafe mused, watching. “I’d expect them to be smiling victoriously.” He narrowed his gaze. “I don’t believe what I’m seeing—”

  “Neither do I. They’re headed straight for Thurston’s office. Everyone is there waiting for the queen’s announcement. Hunnewell, Ainsworth—”

  Rafe and Zach dashed off after the two cabinet members.

  When they caught up with the men, a crowd was gathering outside Thurston’s office. Within a short time, the news spread among the Reformers, and soon larger crowds began gathering trying to find out what was happening.

  Inside the small room, men packed against the walls and around the tables and chairs. Arthur Peterson, John Colburn, and Paul Neumann, the queen’s lawyer friend, looked out of place among the annexationists.

  Rafe and Zach pushed through to where Lorrin Thurston, Thaddeus Hunnewell, Ainsworth, and other leaders gathered around a table talking. The two cabinet members and even the queen’s attorney, Paul Neumann, explained to Thurston and the others what had happened in the meeting. In the Blue Room, the queen had stated she was going to introduce her new Constitution on the balcony before the native Hawaiians. The trouble came when the Samuel Parker cabinet become cautious of the political consequences, and even though they had supported the lottery and opium bills, they had respectfully but firmly refused to endorse her Constitution!

  At first Rafe was as surprised as Liliuokalani must have been.

  “Are you telling us the Samuel Parker Cabinet is not endorsing her Constitution as now written?” Rafe asked.

  “We are not. We have politely declined. What do we do now?” they repeated to Thurston, their faces strained with worry. “You know her temperament, gentlemen. She is a determined woman.”

  Rafe could hardly believe his ears. This was almost ironic, he thought. For the long 172-day legislative session, Thurston’s Reform Party had fought the lottery bill and the Samuel Parker cabinet from coming to power! And now that very board had opposed the queen’s Constitution!

  Peterson and Colburn told their audience how they had argued in the meeting to let the present Legislature terminate without having the Constitution bomb thrown in their faces. If she were patient, there would be a period of time after the lottery was enacted and money coming in, for a stronger chance of getting her new Constitution. She would do better now to support men who shared her desire to abrogate the ’87 Constitution, and work to see them compete against the seats now held by Thurston’s party.

  “She threatened to denounce us before the native Hawaiians on the lawn. Shall we resign?” they asked.

  “No!” Thurston said. “We will stand with you in this, even if we must declare her in revolution and work to unseat her.”

  Zach had crawled upon a ledge looking down on the crowded room and was scribbling notes furiously.

  Just then, Silas pushed his way through the outside crowd and squeezed into the room. He shook a folded paper at Zach and then pointed at Rafe.

  Zach snatched the paper and passed it to Rafe.

  Rafe read the warning and passed it to Thurston, who read it to the group: “Big trouble. Marshal Wilson urging queen to arrest all of you. He has been gathering extra policemen. Also, queen may ask British warship to land men on shore for her aid.”

  “I put nothing past Wilson,” Hunnewell snapped.

  “Nor do I,” Rafe warned. “If the street fills with people it will be the perfect excus
e for old Charlie to follow through. If he’s already gathered policemen, you know this action of the Constitution was secretly planned well before today. Silas Derrington has turned out to be a worthy spy.”

  “Indeed!” Ainsworth said, and Hunnewell nodded. “Well, men?” he said.

  “If the plan is to hold us somewhere, they’ll win the day,” Rafe warned. “We need to act at once. Maybe we should split up.”

  “I think we’d better form a Committee of Safety,” Thurston said firmly. “Quick. Get a message to Stevens,” he said of the American Minister. “He’s already promised to land soldiers from the U.S.S. Boston, if necessary, to protect Americans.”

  By afternoon the Committee of Safety was organized at Thurston’s house and controlled by responsible members of the Annexation Club.

  “Gentlemen,” Ainsworth stated gravely, looking older and weary. “We of this committee have decided it’s time for the monarchy to come to its inevitable end. We will seek annexation negotiations with the United States. We desire liberty, personal freedom, and laws of fairness and justice to protect our property and lives.”

  There was applause. Someone called out warily, “On what grounds do we overthrow the monarchy?” Hunnewell stood up. “By determining to overthrow the bona fide Constitution of 1887, signed into law by King Kalakaua, and upheld by our supreme court. By planning to restore supreme rights to the throne at the expense of citizens who have been Hawaiians for three generations. When she came to the throne in 1891 she swore to uphold the present Constitution. So now she wants to throw it in the wastebasket and declare herself supreme? We, too, are Hawaiians, and we say it shall not be!”

  Thurston said firmly, “The solution for the present is annexation by the United States.”

  Rafe thoroughly agreed.

  Meanwhile, the native Hawaiians who gathered on the palace lawn wondered why their queen had not yet come out on the balcony with the expected news. Liliuokalani appeared later that afternoon to their cheers. Looking calm and as determined as ever, she spoke to them in Hawaiian, telling them not to be disheartened but to return home “with good hope.”