Flora nodded. “I agree. He dresses nicely, however.”
“Oh yes. Mr. Welby is a most fashionable gentleman.” Abrianna tried to forget the scene that had just played out. Surely he wouldn’t go so far as to end his life over her. Perhaps she should consult her aunts on the matter.
“Mrs. Madison sent me away,” Flora said, as if Abrianna had asked about her sudden appearance. “She was annoyed with me, I think. I kept telling her about the way we did things in Montana. I don’t think she much cared about that.”
Abrianna motioned the younger woman to sit. “No. She is very fixed in how she believes things should go. You will do better to keep that in mind. I know from personal experience that even information obtained by books and magazines is of little interest to my aunts. They all have their opinions of how certain things should be managed, and that is that. I remember once when Godey’s, no, it was Peterson’s Ladies National Magazine gave a recipe on making mutton pie. It did not meet my aunts’ standards. It had something to do with an inordinate amount of rosemary in the recipe. But from that point on they avoided Peterson’s all together.”
“I hope I didn’t ruin my chances here.” Flora seemed quite contrite, and Abrianna felt sorry for her. “Even my roommate Elizabeth seems to despise my enthusiasm.”
“My aunts may be fixed in their ways, but they are also most generous with their forgiveness when it comes to students. As for Elizabeth, perhaps she just doesn’t appreciate your fire for living. If you like, I will have my aunt move you to share my room. I’d rather like having a roommate like you.”
“Oh, that would be so grand,” Flora said, holding her hands to her breast. “I cannot imagine anything that would make me happier. How can I repay you?”
“I would love to hear something of Montana. Tell me about your life there. I heard you say you grew up on a ranch.”
“Yes,” she replied, nodding with great enthusiasm. “My mother and father owned the ranch, and my older brother Dusty”—she leaned forward as if to share a great secret—“his real name is Zedekiah, but he won’t let anyone use it.”
“How odd. It’s a perfectly good Bible name,” Abrianna countered.
She nodded. “He wouldn’t even go by Zed. Mama told me that when Dusty was six years old, he came home from school with a blackened eye and bruised face. He declared then and there that he would no longer be Zedekiah Ledbetter, but Dusty Ledbetter.”
“That is most peculiar. Where do you suppose he got a name like that?”
“Mama thought it was something he dreamed up after riding herd with Papa. No matter the origin, he refused to answer to anything else.”
“Where is he now?”
“He has the ranch. When Papa died, Dusty was grown and took over the place. Mama was very grieved over losing Papa, and she stayed mostly to herself for a long time. In the meantime, I busied myself by going to school and doing some of the cooking chores. Dusty was gone a lot and I gave it no mind, but then one day he shows up with a bride—Mrs. Lorelei Ledbetter, formerly Miss Lorelei Vandercamp. She was a most tedious woman who resented having to live with her mother-in-law. I suppose she resented me as well, but her worst attitude was directed at Mama.”
“Goodness, that hardly seems right.”
“It was truly a nightmare. Lorelei didn’t like Mama and me. She used to nag Dusty something fierce to send us elsewhere. Why she figured she had the right to throw us out of our own home, I’ll never know. Just meanspirited, I guess.”
“It would appear so,” Abrianna replied, getting caught up in the story. “Do you suppose she was lacking in spiritual qualities? Or perhaps she had suffered an injury as a child and was unable to think clearly?”
“I don’t know what she suffered, but she sure made the rest of us suffer.” Flora shook her head. “Made Mama downright sick. She would take to her bed rather than have to deal with Lorelei. After a while she truly took sick, and the doctor said there was no hope of her recovery. That was when Mama made me pen a letter to Aunt Eloise. She knew Lorelei would be mean to me, and Dusty would never believe it, so she wanted my aunt to raise me. I was just fourteen when mama died.”
“What a tragedy, and one I know well.” Sadness washed over Abrianna. She hadn’t wanted to stir thoughts of her mother, but it was impossible to change the conversation now. “I lost my mother when I was barely first walking. Had these three gracious ladies not cared for her and promised to care for me, I might have been thrown into the streets. Instead, I have lived a most beneficial life.”
“I’ve enjoyed living with Aunt Eloise, but she says I’m much too wild for her. I worry her into states of panic and excessive headaches. I think it’s because she’s old. Once a person grows older than thirty, they seem to lose their ability to enjoy life.” Flora shrugged. “I never gave Mama headaches.”
Abrianna drew a deep breath and dug her nails into the palms of her hands. Pain of the flesh was better than pain of the heart. “I felt you were a kindred spirit when you first arrived. I have always been too wild for my aunts. They would prefer I be demure and quiet, but no matter how I try, it just never seems I can be that way for long. Inevitably, I will see something that needs to be attended and no one else willing to take on the matter, so I jump in to see it through.”
“I am that way, as well,” Flora agreed. “When I saw the upstairs windows at Aunt Eloise’s house were in need of a good cleaning and the servants were much too fearful to climb out onto the roof and tend to the matter, I did so myself. It seemed perfectly logical to me. The windows were dirty, and I wasn’t afraid of heights.”
Abrianna felt the sorrow lift at the idea of Flora’s deeds. “I can definitely agree with your thinking. It would seem that older people are less capable of understanding our motives. They are always complicating matters with detailed planning. I would rather plunge straight ahead and get the thing done.”
“We are kindred spirits, you and I,” Flora agreed. “It is a shame we didn’t know each other sooner in life. Perhaps we might have helped each other.”
Abrianna nodded. She’d often wished for a friend who thought just as she did. She’d expressed that on one occasion to Wade, and he had merely laughed and said everyone was thankful that there weren’t two of her, otherwise the worries would be twice as many.
“Do you think you would want to return to Montana one day?”
A frown crossed Flora’s thoughtful expression. “No. I don’t think so. Montana isn’t big enough for Lorelei and me. I still hold her a grudge for what she did to Mama. I blame her for Mama getting sick and dying. After all, it was hard on her when Papa died, and had Lorelei been a friend, Mama might have gotten through it. Instead, Lorelei was cruel and manipulating. If I ever go back to Montana, it’ll be to punch Lorelei in the nose.”
Abrianna thought on that for a moment. “I can definitely understand why you would feel that way. I have felt that way myself.” She lifted her gaze to Flora. “Not regarding your sister-in-law, you understand. But there are folks here in Seattle who have given me cause to think that way. Although it’s not the fault of Seattle. I wouldn’t want to besmirch the good name of this city. I have quite enjoyed growing up here. There are a great many good people here, and I hope you come to enjoy Seattle as I have. I find there is always some diversion and someone in need of help.”
“Do you have opportunity to help very many people?”
“As many as I am able. Before the fire I ran a food house for the poor and friendless. Of course, I did not do this on my own. Wade and Thane were a part of that, as well as my dear friend Militine. They were very generous to donate much time in that noble task. There were about fifty men who came each day to eat there. They were mostly sailors and old loggers who could no longer work. Some were layabouts, but most were honorable, and layabouts can be just as hungry as those who attempt to work.” She sighed but hurried on to explain.
“The fire destroyed our building, but right now there are services available for all the
homeless. However, I heard that the shelters and food kitchens are soon to be dissolved, and my friends will once again need me. That has been uppermost on my mind, and I believe I shall have to buy land and build a place of my own if I’m to see those poor souls cared for.”
Flora gave a gasp. “I am completely in awe of your accomplishments. What a marvelous way to extend the love of God to your fellowman in need. Pardon me for asking, but however did you talk your aunts into letting you do this? They seem most strict.”
Abrianna glanced heavenward and smiled. “I found in life that the best way to get my way was to move forward without seeking permission. I suppose that was wrong of me, however, as I said before, I am a woman who likes to get things done. I was already sneaking around, giving out food to this one and that. I think having an organized structure with Wade gave my aunts the assurance that I would be safer and better watched. And, as I mentioned, Thane and Militine were also there. They’re married now.”
“I met Militine,” Flora admitted. “She is quite a beauty. I envy her that dark hair. My blond hair seems much less dramatic, and I do so long for the dramatic in my life.”
“It is funny how we all wish our hair were something other than what the Good Lord gave us.” Abrianna pondered for only a moment whether hair color might be one of those things that the Devil had interfered with. The Bible said God had numbered the hairs on her head, but had He also colored them, or were mischievous spirits at work on those matters?
“The food house sounds wonderful. Do you suppose I might help you?”
Flora’s question brought Abrianna back to focus. “Well, as soon as I can figure out how to revive it. I was to get help for another place by means of Mr. Welby, but that is no longer possible. I have just come into an inheritance, so my thoughts are to speak with a property broker and purchase a place of my own.”
“How positively daring! Such modern thinking. I’m all for that.”
Her enthusiasm gave Abrianna reason to believe that the idea must be right. “I will see what I can come up with and keep you apprised. However, we should probably say nothing to the others.”
“Oh, but this will be exciting. We will plot and plan it all as our great conspiracy.” Flora clapped her hands. “I wish I had grown up with a sister like you. What fun we would have had. No doubt we could have sent Miss Lorelei Vandercamp packing before the nuptials were read.”
Abrianna laughed. The young woman made her spirits much lighter. “No doubt. Oh look. There’s my father and your aunt.” Abrianna looked at Flora with an impish grin. “Perhaps there is a wee bit we might conspire with there, as well.”
Flora looked off to the approaching carriage, then turned with a knowing look and a nod. “I do believe you might be right. I think I’m beginning to enjoy being forced to attend bridal training. At least so long as I don’t get married off. I really see no need to tie myself to yet another person who will just boss me around.”
“The trick”—Abrianna lowered her voice so that no one could overhear—“is to prove yourself very unskilled and slow to learn. That way, you needn’t worry about having to present yourself to potential suitors.”
Flora nodded in a most serious manner. “You shall be my most trusted advisor, and I your most ardent pupil.”
6
You look to have a great deal on your mind, Abrianna.” Wade watched her with growing apprehension. “When that happens, I usually find I’m required to rescue you from a burning building or help you down from a tall tree. What are you up to?”
“I’m not up to anything. Why must you always believe the worst of me?”
They had received permission to take a walk to the neighborhood park where a band concert was to be given that evening. Wade had taken special care with his grooming and clothes, as he intended to formally ask Abrianna for her hand in marriage. He even had his grandmother’s wedding ring to offer her as a seal to their engagement, but he found he couldn’t concentrate on that plan. She was plotting something or at the very least contemplating a plot. He could feel it.
He entwined his arm with hers. “I don’t believe the worst of you. I just know you, and when you are quiet, it means you’re up to something. That always turns out to be either very dangerous for you or more work for me.”
She stopped, and because he held tightly to her arm, it pulled him back. He raised a brow as he met her determined expression.
“Wade Ackerman, if you are going to insist on berating me for something I haven’t even done, then I am going back to the house.”
He grinned. “Abrianna, I’m hardly berating you. I just know you well enough to know that you’re contemplating something. You might as well just tell me what’s on your mind.”
A heavy sigh escaped her. “I want to find a place to set up another food house. I know that you are also trying to figure out where you should rebuild your business. Perhaps we could incorporate them together. I have plenty of money we could use, and surely you would worry less about my exploits if we were working in the same place.”
“First of all, you need to understand something right now. Your money is yours. I don’t intend to use it for our life together. I will make a good income and support the both of us and anyone else who comes along.”
“But the money will be ours if we marry.”
“If?” He looked at her a moment. “If we marry?”
“Well, it’s not exactly like you’ve asked for my hand. Besides that, now that I know you plan to be so very pigheaded about money . . . well, it gives me some concern. Many a relationship has been dissolved over financial issues.”
He laughed. “I’m pigheaded? Abrianna, you have but to look in the mirror to see someone who epitomizes that title.”
She tried to pull away, but he was prepared for this and held her fast to his side. “As for proposing, well, I plan to do that tonight. I have the ring in my pocket and all the words memorized. I’ve thought of little else since asking your father for your hand. However, if you’re going to call me names . . .” He let the rest go unspoken just to see her reaction.
Abrianna met his gaze. “Sometimes I wonder if we’re suited at all. Even Mr. Welby pointed out that we may well be experiencing nothing more than a moment spurred on by the urgency of life, due to the fire.”
“Mr. Welby?” Wade dropped his hold. “When did you see him?”
“He stopped by the house earlier today. Apparently I’m tormenting his thoughts.”
“I’m going to torment him right in the nose if he doesn’t mind his manners.” Wade shook his head. “How dare he try to come between you and me?”
“I don’t think his actions were due to a desire to come between us. Not in the sense that he wanted to hurt you, but rather he was trying to assuage his own misery. I told him I had no interest in him. He said he would give me a week to think on it before he . . . well . . . he said he might be given over to do something rash to end his anguish.”
“He threatened to kill himself if you didn’t yield and allow him to pursue you?”
“Not in so many words, but that was implied.”
“Of all the low-down unreasonable things to do to someone. I hope you told him to leave.”
Abrianna looked away. “I told him I was uninterested. I pray he will not resort to anything desperate. I do not wish him harm, and selfishly, I’m not sure I could live with myself if he were to take his own life.” She turned back to meet Wade’s eyes. “Sometimes I really don’t like being of age or being a woman.”
Wade felt sorry for her. No doubt she truly believed Welby besot with her and willing to end his life at her refusal, but Wade felt confident it was nothing more than a game. Given all that he’d heard about Welby, especially his business deals after the fire, Wade believed the only person Priam Welby loved was Priam Welby. Even so, he didn’t want Abrianna dwelling on the man.
He reached out and took hold of her arm again to continue their walk. “I, for one, am very happy that you are a woman. Ho
wever, I know that sometimes it is hard to be grown up and face the ugliness of the world head on. That’s why marriage is good. Two can face it together. You and I have already faced a great deal over the years. Wouldn’t you agree that we are well-suited to deal with the trials of life together?”
She nodded, causing the ribbons of her summer hat to flutter across her face. She pushed them back in annoyance. “I cannot in all honesty imagine my life without you. I suppose that is why I am both worried about marrying you and equally troubled at the thought of losing you.”
“How can you even contemplate the latter?” he asked. “You will never lose me. I love you and you love me. I want you to be my wife.”
Again she stopped. “Sometimes . . . I know it’s silly, but I suppose . . . well, what if I’m not the wife you hope I’ll be? I mean, there’s so very little I know about being a wife, despite my aunts’ attempts to teach me. Grief, you would think growing up in a bridal school would prepare one for all the necessities of such a role, but honestly, Wade, I feel very worried that I’ll disappoint you.”
He chuckled, and despite the very public setting, he pulled her behind the nearest tree and drew her into his arms. “You will never disappoint me. And besides, I know very little about being a husband. We’re both bound to make mistakes, but we’ve made them before, and we’ll learn to work through them.”
“Do you really think so? I mean, will it be that simple?” She looked up at him with such hope in her expression.
“Abrianna, it’s been my experience that nothing with you is simple. But, that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth pursuing. My pa used to say that the best things in life were worth fighting for. I’m willing to do whatever I can to be a good mate to you. Don’t you think you could promise to do the same for me?”
She nodded. “I suppose I do. But I have to be honest, Wade, though I promise you I will try very hard to do so . . .” She paused a moment but kept her gaze on his face. “I’m afraid.”
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