“Thane would like to be my best man.” Wade tilted his head, then shrugged. “But they are leaving day after tomorrow, so that would be much too quick to plan a wedding.” He half hoped they might contradict his comment, but no one did.
Mrs. Madison rose. “You have a little time to think about it. We simply want to help in whatever way we can.”
“Goodness, yes.” Miss Poisie bobbed her head. “This is so very exciting. A wedding for our very own Abrianna. When I think of all the other brides we have helped to prepare, it positively inspires my senses to plan a wedding for her.”
“Have you any thoughts at all on what kind of a wedding you would like?” Mrs. Gibson asked.
Wade knew such questions were usually the bride’s responsibility, but he felt it only fair that he have a say. “I would like to be married before the year is out, so I suppose a simple wedding would be best.”
Abrianna remained silent. He hoped she wasn’t having second thoughts, what with all her fears. Surely having apprehensions about marriage was normal. He didn’t doubt her love for him, and he’d never known her to back away from a challenge, so he had no reason to suspect she would back away from marrying him. Still, she had her fears, and he wanted to be mindful of her needs. They caused him to want to protect her all the more.
“I believe a winter wedding could be quite lovely,” Mrs. Madison said after several moments.“Is that your desire, Abrianna?”
She looked startled, then nodded. “I think the end of December could be good. However, it’s also possible that Lenore will not be delivered by then.”
“It’s true,” Mrs. Gibson nodded. “Some babies are given to arriving late. Perhaps we should consider the end of January.”
“And then she could be married in an even-numbered year,” Miss Poisie said with a smile of satisfaction.
January seemed like forever to Wade, but he would do whatever the others decided. The last thing he wanted was to impose himself on the situation. This was a decision for the ladies to make—Abrianna in particular.
“We could have Mr. Cunningham build us a hothouse.” Mrs. Gibson looked to Mrs. Madison as if for approval. “That way we could still have a great many flowers.”
Miss Poisie clapped in delight. “Oh, I do like flowers at a wedding. Wouldn’t that be a perfect solution, Sister?”
“We have talked often enough about a greenhouse being added. I suppose it could suit this purpose quite nicely.”
Mrs. Gibson looked quite pleased that her suggestion was met with such approval. “And maybe by January the constant noise of all that new city construction will be diminished. I don’t know why such affairs have to be so noisy.”
“It’s true,” Miss Poisie said. “Yesterday there was a constant pounding that carried on the stillness of the day. I counted over one hundred strikes, although I have no idea what was being hit. It was most upsetting to my nerves, and I found it necessary to seek a tonic.”
Wade did his best not to smile. The ladies were always opinionated about one thing or another. No doubt Abrianna came to it by example.
“I had hoped that with the required use of bricks we might not have such noise,” Mrs. Madison added. “I suppose, however, there are wooden interiors to arrange.”
“You would think that perhaps there might be a way to cushion the blows so that the noise would be lessened, Sister.” Poisie looked momentarily thoughtful, as if trying to conjure a plan. Then she gave a little shrug. “But surely by January it will be better.”
Abrianna finally seemed to regain her ability to command the situation. “I think I would like to ponder the exact date for a short time. Wade and I have a great many things to consider, and it would be wise for us to discuss those issues prior to setting the day.” She looked at Wade. “I’m sure you understand. We haven’t had a chance to really discuss the future in detail.”
He could see a pleading in her eyes. “Of course.” He hoped she wouldn’t want to delay the wedding even more, but at this point he didn’t want to cause her any problems in front of her aunts. “I figure weddings are more for the bride than the groom, anyway. Most men would just as soon elope.” He smiled at the older women. “But fear not. I wouldn’t dream of depriving you the joy of wedding preparations for the one you have so long loved and cared for. Abrianna is worth waiting for.”
He felt Abrianna relax at his side. A part of him longed to reassure her that their marriage would be a good one, while another part wanted to shake the apprehension right out of her and tell her to stop acting like a scared schoolgirl. He sighed.
“I appreciate your agreeing to walk with me,” Eloise Snyder said in her soft alluring way.
Jay found himself completely besot with the young widow. He felt a small sense of guilt for having left his daughter’s side just after the big announcement. Still, Abrianna seemed as eager for him to be alone with Eloise as he. Eloise also appeared quite pleased. She was all smiles and charm and yet personable and full of information. Jay thought her a perfect companion and hoped he might yet persuade her to consider him the same.
“I was glad for the opportunity. I’m also glad that you can see the good things here at the school. I think the old ladies will surprise you.”
She nodded. “I think so, too. When I told Mrs. Madison that I would be leaving on the day after tomorrow, she encouraged me to return in several weeks to see for myself how things were going.”
“And will you return soon?”
“I would like to.”
He smiled. “I’d like that, too. You’re good company.”
“I fear I’ve done nothing but rattle on and on about myself.” She smiled and met his gaze. “But you have a way of putting me at ease. I feel I can speak to you about most anything. I haven’t known that freedom since losing my husband.”
“For all the talking you’ve done, you haven’t said much about him.”
She looked away and seemed to consider that a moment. “Darius was a good Christian man. As a husband he was considerate and generous. As a physician he was compassionate and driven. I always blamed the latter for his having caught tuberculosis. He so longed to find a cure. I fear it caused him to spend more and more time at the sanitarium.” She paused and her countenance took on a sad expression.
“I suppose after losing our sons, Darius found home to be a painful place. I know I did. It was almost unbearable at times.”
“I am so sorry. I know something of losing those you love.”
“Yes, I know.” She paused in their walk to face him. “Your daughter told me about your false imprisonment. I find it abominable that such an error should rob a man of so many years. I am amazed that you aren’t bitter and angry.”
“Neither would change what happened. Besides, I’m quite content to be here now. I figure the past is dead and gone. Don’t do much good to dwell on it.”
“Yes,” she nodded. “I, too, look at it that way. I was married for ten mostly good years, but I can’t live in the grave. Flora helped me to see that. She’s a remarkable young woman. So very much like your daughter.”
“I’ve noticed that. Both lean a little to the unmanageable side, but both are smart as whips.”
“Yes. I fear Flora has always been much more adventurous than I ever was. I suppose growing up in the wilds of Montana on a ranch did much to encourage that.”
“Some folks are just spirited.” Jay wondered how he might turn the conversation back to her return without sounding obvious in his desire to see her again. “But I’m thinking that you’ll see a good change in her. These old ladies have a way about them. They are good teachers. I’m sure if you were to return in just a couple of weeks you’d find Flora a different girl.”
“Do you think just a few weeks would be time enough? I’ve tried for four years to tame that child.”
He chuckled. “I think Mrs. Madison can accomplish a great deal in a very short time. Why not make a plan to return and see for yourself?” He stopped walking. “I’m s
ure it would be worth your trouble.”
She smiled at him, and it took years off her worried face. “I suppose it bears consideration.”
Jay finally decided to just be honest with the woman. If she spurned him he would count the loss and move on. But if he said nothing and her feelings matched his own, then he would miss a most valuable opportunity.
“I’d like it very much if you would consider something else.” He swallowed the lump in his throat. “I think you know that I enjoy our conversations. The time I’ve had getting to know you has given me reason to think we might work well together. I know that sounds rather bold, but I’d like for you to think on that.”
She shook her head and for a moment he thought she would refuse him. “I don’t need to think on it, Mr. Cunningham. I’ve very much enjoyed our time together. I think you may be right. Perhaps we might work well together.”
He let out the breath he’d been holding and smiled. “Well, I’m glad that’s behind us.” He linked his arm with hers and turned back toward the school. “I’ve never been all that good with words. Guess I haven’t had much practice.”
“I thought your words were just fine, Mr. Cunningham.”
“Please don’t call me that. Just call me Jay or even James.”
“I will do so only if you will call me Eloise,” she replied.
“I’d be delighted, Eloise.”
She smiled up at him. “Thank you, Jay. You’ve given me a reason to look forward rather than behind.”
8
Abrianna hugged Militine close. “I feel positively desolate at your departure.” She pulled back. “Not that I want you to feel guilty. I know you aren’t truly abandoning me, although I shall suffer the loss greatly.”
“I will, as well,” Militine replied. “But, it’ll give me better peace of mind to be farther from my old life. Thane was the one to suggest it, and what a blessing it is to know he understands.”
Abrianna nodded. “It is. I know this is best for you, dear friend, but I will miss you so deeply. I was reading Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen just yesterday and came across something one of the characters said and thought of you leaving. She said, ‘There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature.’ That is how I feel. I cannot love by halves, and so knowing this is best for you, I can say good-bye. I can let you leave me with a glad spirit, realizing this is something of a gift that I can give back to you. I do pray, however, you will write to me.”
“You know I’m not very good at such things. My education was very limited, and my speech only improved because of Mrs. Madison’s efforts, as well as the others.”
“I know, but I also know that Thane will help you, should you need. Even the fewest of words will let me know you are doing well and haven’t forgotten me.”
Militine laughed. “Abrianna, after all we’ve been through, it would be impossible to forget you. Some of my fondest and most terrifying moments were spent in your company.” She sobered. “I do wish we could be here for your wedding. That is my biggest regret in leaving.”
“Well, maybe they can make a wedding trip to San Francisco to see us.” Thane put his arm around Militine’s shoulders.
Wade came alongside Abrianna and looked down at her. “That might be a fun adventure. I’ll see what I can do to put aside some money, but we have a great many other expenses just now.”
“Well, there is my . . .” Abrianna fell silent at the disapproving look that crossed Wade’s face. He was determined her money not be used for their needs. It frustrated Abrianna to no end, but she held her tongue—something that did not come easily.
“I hope you will try.” Militine seemed to notice the tension. She smiled at Abrianna and took hold of her hands once again. “Please tell your aunts that I said thank-you for taking a chance on me. I know they broke all of their rules when they allowed me to come without references or any letter of introduction. It was all God’s doing. I see that now. Thanks to you.”
“I didn’t do anything.”
“You never gave up on helping me to see that God truly loved me. No one else showed such concern. You dogged me about it every step of the way, and in looking back I can see that I needed that persistence. So while I know we had some difficult times over such matters, I thank you for being willing to remain strong in your faith and to love me enough to offer steady witness.”
Abrianna wiped away tears with the back of her hand. “Oh, Militine, I do love you so very much. I pray you will have a wonderful life.” She looked to Thane. “You, as well. You have been such a good friend both to Wade and to me. Farewells are never easy, and losing the two of you to such a great distance will definitely leave a void in our lives.”
“Yes, but we will all see each other again,” Wade said. “I feel certain of that.”
“I do, too,” Thane replied. “Now, we must go aboard our ship, or we will certainly be left behind.”
The two women exchanged kisses on the cheek. Abrianna turned to Thane and gave him a brief embrace. “Take care of her and yourself.”
Thane nodded as she stepped back. “I will.” He turned to Wade. “You going to be all right taking care of our Abrianna on your own?”
Wade laughed and gave his friend a slap on the back. “You know it will be a challenge, but I have great hope that God will aid me in the matter.”
“Oh, stuff and nonsense.” Abrianna rolled her eyes heavenward. “Must I forever bear up under such harsh judgment?”
The two men embraced, laughing. Thane shook his head and whispered something to Wade. It was no doubt further comments on dealing with her difficult nature. Abrianna might have said something had it not been the occasion of Militine and Thane’s departure. After all, she didn’t want to mar their good-byes with a reprimand.
Thane picked up the small valise at Militine’s feet. “Are you ready, my love?”
She smiled. “I am.”
Abrianna watched them walk up the gangplank and bit her lower lip to keep from crying. It was a good thing for Militine to leave Seattle. She knew the fear that her friend had suffered in worries as to whether her most abusive father might one day find her again. That, coupled by the dread that even if he didn’t, some of his cronies might, caused Militine no end of discomfort.
“They’ll be fine, you know.” Wade put his arm around her shoulder.
Abrianna was surprised at this public display but was grateful. She leaned against him, feeling so safe and comforted. He was truly the dearest friend of all. “What did Thane say to you just now?”
Wade chuckled. “He told me that he and Militine had left us a wedding present in their old room. A wooden mantel clock.”
“How kind. I do wish they could have been here for the wedding.”
“I do, too. However, since they are doing what’s best for them, I think we should do likewise. While we’re down here, I want to show you something.”
She looked at Wade, most curious as to what he had in mind. “I would like that very much. Anything to take my mind off this sorrowful moment. I’ve always found the best way to deal with sadness is to focus one’s thoughts elsewhere.”
He looped his arm with hers and drew her back away from the dock and the bustle of the men who were working to load last minute supplies on the ship. Abrianna looked out across the bay. The sky had a few wispy clouds, but otherwise remained a brilliant blue. Even so, there was a definite hint of change in the weather. The temperatures were lower now, and the rains were finally starting to come with some regularity. Before long, it would be autumn.
The noise and bustle of the area soon drew her attention away from thoughts of anything but the rebuilding of the city. The workers had made great strides in clearing away the rubble and resetting foundations. Basements were being dug for businesses where possible, and already the foundations had been set in place for others. Even so, there was still relatively little in the way of actual buildings.
“As you can see, most of the businesses down here are still operating out of tents.” Wade shook his head. “So many of the folks, myself included, didn’t have any kind of fire insurance, and rebuilding is difficult and riddled with expenses.”
“I’ve read much about it in the paper. I have wanted to speak to you about it several times, but there always seemed to be someone around.”
He led her to a small tent in the same area where his shop used to be. He untied the flaps and threw them back to allow the sunlight to filter in. “I have a small supply of wood and wagon materials here. I usually take my tools back and forth, so as to not encourage theft. Most won’t bother with the rest of the stuff.”
“They probably have no idea what to do with it. Not everyone is as brilliant as you are. I’ve always admired that about you. Still, this is a very small space, and you deserve more. Your old shop was so well organized and supplied.” Abrianna felt a sense of sorrow at the minimal workspace. Wade had always prided himself on his previous shop. He and his father had worked it together, and she knew there were a great many memories for Wade here.
“Part of the reason I wanted to bring you here was to say that I’m thinking perhaps this isn’t the place for me to rebuild. I had an offer on the land, and I think it might be wise to take it. It’ll give me a nice sum of money to use in getting us a little home, where I might also be able to work.”
“Wade,” she took hold of his arm, “can you not see yourself giving in to use at least a little of the money I inherited? I know you are a prideful man, and Lenore explained all about how men like to be in charge of providing for their families, although I will say that utilizing perfectly good money that is available to them seems like a sensible thing to do. Even so, I am trying my best to understand. God knows I have tried to bear up under your pride for years, but remember what the Bible says about pride going before a fall.”
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