Love Everlasting

by Tracie Peterson

  “Abrianna, did you hear me?”

  She looked up and met Aunt Miriam’s stern gaze. “No, ma’am.”

  Her aunt’s eyes narrowed momentarily then relaxed. “I asked if you would like us to baste part of the gown tonight so you might try it for a fitting in the morning?”

  “No, that’s all right. I’m sure we have plenty of time.” She rose abruptly. “If you don’t mind, I’m rather tired. I have a great deal on my mind to sort through, and I would just as soon make an early evening of it.” She didn’t wait for permission but hurried from the room, knowing that if she stayed there for even another minute, she would tell them everything.

  The bedroom she’d known for the last year or so offered little comfort. There were so few memories here, and while it was quite a lovely home, it had also come to them by way of Priam Welby.

  “Goodness, but that man is a millstone around my neck.” She sat down on her vanity chair and tried to force her mind into neatly organized thoughts.

  “If you don’t want me to stay, I’ll go,” Flora said.

  Abrianna hadn’t even heard the door open. She shook her head. “No, please do stay. You’re the only one I can talk to just now. I am afraid that things have taken a turn for the worse.”

  Flora quickly closed the door. “Is this about Mr. Welby?”

  “Yes.”

  Flora came and knelt beside her. “Tell me everything, and then we will figure out what to do.”

  “There isn’t much to figure,” Abrianna replied. “I have to marry him.”

  Wade stared in dumb silence at the announcement in the paper. He looked at Kolbein and then reread the piece again. “Abrianna and Welby? They’re going to get married?”

  “I don’t know what to say. Lenore and I were just as stunned by this, and Abrianna won’t talk to anyone. I spoke with Mrs. Madison, and she said Abrianna has all but dismissed the subject. She has stated plainly that she was mistaken in her agreement to marry you and that it was only her confusing feelings for Welby that made her hesitate to set a date with you in the first place.”

  Wade threw the paper across the room. “Get her down here. I want to talk to her. I’ve no doubt this is all some sort of game she’s playing. Maybe he’s promised her help to get me out of jail. Maybe he’s threatening her with something.”

  “I thought of that, too, but she won’t see me. She won’t see Lenore. Lenore has sent four different requests that Abrianna come to the house, but each was returned unopened.”

  He felt his anger deepen. “That story about her confusing feelings can’t be true. She couldn’t stand Priam Welby. She knew he was trouble even when he was pestering her to court him. There is no chance she would just up and marry him.”

  “But I checked. The church is reserved, and the minister assured me that October nineteenth is to be the day of their wedding.”

  Wade got up so fast it sent his chair flying backwards. It made a clatter when it hit the ground, causing the guard to unlock the door and peer into the room.

  “What’s going on in here?”

  “Mr. Ackerman simply got up too fast. Do leave us. I have important matters to discuss with my client.”

  The officer frowned but did as Kolbein instructed. Meanwhile, Wade began to pace. “That’s less than a month,” he said, as if there had been no interruption.

  “I know, Wade. I know. I’m trying to get to the bottom of this, but right now worrying over you and Jay has taken precedence. I don’t even know if I can get you out of here in a month.”

  “They aren’t going to hang me tomorrow, Kolbein. You need to find a way to get to her. You have to ask her what this is all about. Either she hates me and has been playing me for a fool all along, which I don’t believe, or something has happened to make her think that she has to do this. I know Abrianna. She would never marry Welby unless she were being forced to do so.”

  Kolbein nodded. “I agree. I’ll speak to her aunts and see what we can arrange.”

  Abrianna hadn’t had a chance to tell her aunts about the upcoming wedding to Priam Welby before they read the announcement in the paper. She had refused to leave her room or allow them entry for two days—something she had never done in all of her life. During that time she didn’t eat, not that she had much of an appetite. She told Flora to let everyone know she was fasting and praying. This was the only way she was certain to be left alone, but it was also true. If she turned this over to God in fasting and prayers, He would surely see her sincerity and give her guidance. But after the time was up, Abrianna felt no more certain of what she should do than when she began.

  Now she sat facing the trio of old ladies, much as she imagined the man responsible for the Great Seattle Fire had felt when facing his interrogators. The old women knew her—better than anyone, save Wade. They would badger an answer out of her if need be, so Abrianna did her best to take an authoritative upper hand. Something she’d never have dreamed to do prior to this moment.

  “What is the meaning of this?” Aunt Miriam demanded to know.

  Aunt Poisie bobbed her head, worry plastered across her face. Aunt Selma added her thoughts on the matter.

  “Have you gone completely daffy?” The raised tone of her voice sent the cats scrambling from the room.

  Abrianna might have laughed at her aunt’s use of slang, but the situation was far too serious. She had practiced what she would say to them, but now that the moment came, her mind went blank. She tried to steel herself to be firm but loving.

  “You are engaged to Wade. You cannot simply up and engage yourself to another man. Imagine what Wade must be thinking,” Aunt Miriam declared. “Furthermore, you clearly rejected Mr. Welby’s courtship. You cannot simply pick it back up like a dropped handkerchief.”

  “It’s true,” Aunt Poisie said. “You cannot.”

  Abrianna waited to say anything until they concluded with their initial comments, which went on for nearly twenty minutes. Finally they fell silent and looked at her for answers. Abrianna drew a very deep breath and folded her hands.

  “I realize that I have caused you grave concern, and that was not my intention. As you all know, I wrestled with the idea of marrying Wade from the beginning. I have certain trepidations about marrying a friend so dear. I would not wish to see our relationship ruined.”

  “Bah! This is the only thing that is going to ruin that relationship. You must see that,” Aunt Miriam replied. “I honestly fear you may have a fever or some other injury to your head. This isn’t rational thought at all.”

  Abrianna knew that nothing she said would ease their minds. She didn’t want to lie to them, either. So instead, she got to her feet. “I’m a grown woman,” she declared, sounding harsher than she’d ever been with them. “I do not need to explain myself to any of you.”

  She saw the hurt expression on Aunt Poisie’s face. She always had been the most sensitive of the trio. It was nearly her undoing, but then Abrianna imagined the woman laid out in a casket. Priam Welby wouldn’t care at all how much her aunts were hurt in this matter. He would only remind her that he would have them killed if she was less than convincing.

  “I am sorry that you cannot trust me to know what I’m doing. But even so, I will not be treated like a child.” She softened her tone and expression. “You are all so very dear to me, and it is my utmost desire that you will trust me in this matter. I love you all very much, but this is important to me.”

  “Do you love him?”

  Aunt Miriam’s matter-of-fact question left Abrianna uncertain how to answer. She couldn’t very well tell them that she was going along with this farce in the hopes that she could figure a way out, but neither could she convincingly lie about something so important.

  “Do you think I would marry someone if I didn’t?” Abrianna shook her head. “I don’t wish to discuss this any longer. I have a lot to accomplish in a very short amount of time.”

  As if to prove her point, Liang appeared. “Mr. Welby here with some ladies
. You want me to tell him to go?”

  Abrianna shook her head. “No. I will see what he wants.”

  For once she was almost grateful that Welby had imposed himself on them. Abrianna made her way to the front foyer where Priam Welby stood with a half dozen women. Unfortunately, her aunts followed close on her heels.

  “I wasn’t expecting you,” she said as pleasantly as she could.

  He smiled. “My darling, you are radiant. I believe our betrothal agrees with you.” He nodded to the older women. “I have come so that we could start immediate preparations for your wedding gown. These are the best seamstresses in all of Seattle. They will measure you and fit you for a dress to outmatch any other.”

  Abrianna smiled. “That was quite considerate of you. However, I’ve already begun work on my gown.”

  “Oh, do show us what you have in mind,” Welby insisted.

  It wasn’t a suggestion but rather a command, and Abrianna knew better than to choose this as one of her battles. “But of course. Although it is very unusual for the bridegroom to see the wedding gown before the day of the wedding. Bad luck, don’t you know?”

  He smiled and took hold of her arm. “We will never have bad luck.” He looked over his shoulder. “Join us, ladies.”

  Seeing he wasn’t to be dissuaded, Abrianna sighed. “Very well. I will lead you to the sewing room.”

  She headed for the stairs, and Welby kept pace with her, holding tight to her arm, as though she might somehow escape. There was only one student working in the room when Abrianna entered. Elizabeth looked up and smiled. “I’m afraid I’ve made a mess of things.”

  “No matter, Elizabeth,” Aunt Miriam replied. “Would you mind leaving us?”

  Elizabeth got quickly to her feet. “Not at all.” She gave a nod and left the room.

  Abrianna pulled away from Welby and went to a long table where basted pieces of her gown lay. She took up a picture of the pattern and presented it to her would-be husband.

  “Oh no.” He shook his head. “This is much too simple. We must have a gown of great extravagance. I absolutely insist. I am, after all, paying for this wedding, and I want to show you off. All of Seattle must see you as the queen I intend you to be.”

  Abrianna was glad her back was to her aunts. She couldn’t hide her expression of anger. Welby would know how she felt but no one else would. Of this, she was quite determined.

  “What exactly did you have in mind?” she asked sweetly.

  Welby chuckled. “That’s why we have these dear ladies with us. I will leave the choices of material and color and laces and such to you. However, they know what I expect.” Abrianna joined him in looking at the women. The team of seamstresses nodded.

  “There you have it,” Welby said. “Now I must be off to arrange the shipment of flowers for the church. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what I have in mind.”

  “I’m sure I will be surprised,” Abrianna replied, purposefully leaving off any reference to it being pleasant.

  “Do you mean to take over the entire wedding?” Aunt Miriam asked.

  He turned to her and smiled. “I have so longed for this event that I told Abrianna I wanted to help in the arrangements. She graciously is allowing me to put it all into play.” He looked to Abrianna, as if daring her to discount what he’d said.

  “I prefer it this way,” Abrianna replied. At least that much was true. She wanted nothing to do with this farce.

  Welby seemed satisfied with her answer. Abrianna thought with that he might leave, but instead he fixed her with a determined glance. “One more thing. I will be picking you up for supper at six.”

  “She will need a chaperone,” Aunt Miriam declared.

  Welby shook his head. “I think not. After all, we will wed in less than a month. No one will think anything of it.”

  “I will,” Aunt Miriam replied.

  “Well, that is a pity. But I must insist,” Welby said firmly.

  “We will be just fine, Aunt Miriam,” Abrianna said with a smile. “You mustn’t worry. I’m certain that Priam will look after me with the greatest of convictions regarding my chastity and well-being.” She looked at the man and batted her eyelashes as she’d seen some of the coquettish women of the school do with their beaus. “Won’t you?”

  He was momentarily taken aback, and Abrianna wanted to gloat. Let that fix him for the moment. She would show him that there was fight left in her yet, but she would have to be very careful if she was to beat him at his own game.

  “I will see to it that Abrianna is kept quite safe,” he replied, looking to the three women. “If you’ll excuse me, I must attend to business.” He lifted Abrianna’s hand to his lips and placed a kiss there. It took all of her strength, but Abrianna refrained from shuddering and instead smiled at him. “Until tonight,” he whispered.

  In the end, God bestowed a beautiful blessing on Abrianna. Welby was tied up with work and couldn’t take her to supper, after all. She received the message from him shortly before five, along with a dozen long-stemmed roses. She left both on the front table for all to see. Then she secluded herself in her bedroom and prayed that everyone would leave her alone.

  “Maybe they’ll think you’re heartbroken,” Flora suggested. “I can let them all know at supper that you were taken with a headache if you’d rather not come down.”

  “That would be best,” Abrianna admitted. “I’d just as soon stay here.”

  “I’ll bring you something to eat,” Flora promised. “But before I go, have you thought of anything that will help you get out of this? I’ve been fretting since this latest development. I don’t know how a man like that might be bested except to use his own words against him.”

  “I know, but there’s little possibility of getting him to recount what he told me regarding all his evil deeds.” Abrianna began undressing. She dropped the wool skirt to the floor. “He certainly wouldn’t admit it to anyone else.”

  Flora hurried to help her by unbuttoning the back of her blouse. “Maybe you could make him put it in writing. You know—that way you’d have something to use against him. You could demand it, telling him that it’s only right that you have some control, as well.”

  “I’m sure he would never be that foolish.” Abrianna felt the last button give way and pulled the blouse forward. Flora meanwhile began unlacing her corset. “Whatever you do, Flora, you must be careful to say nothing that will give us away. Welby would surely see to someone’s death if he knew I’d shared everything with you.

  “I suppose I should have better considered his temper before allowing you to know the details of his threats, but I couldn’t help myself, and for that, I do apologize. I would never risk your life even to ease the woes heaped upon me. That would not be the actions of a good friend, and that is exactly what I hope to be to you.”

  “Oh, but you are,” Flora assured. “You are most dear to me.” She finished with the laces and came to face Abrianna. “You must know that I cherish our friendship. I would have run away from here long ago if not for you.”

  Abrianna gave her somber nod. “I do understand. I wish I could run away now. However, this situation is most grievous and will call for bravery and fortitude. We have no one but ourselves to count on.”

  “And God,” Flora reminded.

  “Of course. I know we have Him. I just hope He hasn’t held my deception against me.” Abrianna shook her head. “I know He didn’t hold Rahab’s lies against her when she sought to protect the two Hebrew spies. Goodness, she was even of questionable repute, yet God blessed her by putting her in the lineage of Jesus. I would hope if He could forgive her all of that, He will forgive me, as well. After all, I am doing this for the betterment of many souls.”

  “I can’t help thinking He would,” Flora said thoughtfully. “As you say, it’s not for yourself that you have done this. Yours is a most unselfish and sacrificial act. I believe God looks at your heart in these matters.”

  Abrianna nodded. “I ho
pe you’re right. I suppose by the nineteenth we shall know.”

  Flora looked confused. “How do you suppose that?”

  “If this works out, and Welby is exposed, then I’ll know all is forgiven. If not and I find myself wed to that monster, then I’ll know that even God couldn’t abide my choices.”

  18

  Abrianna stood gowned in one of Lenore’s finest hand-me-downs. The extravagant evening dress was layered silk in a burnt pumpkin color that was overlaid with a buttery cream-colored lace. The neckline was cut quite low in a V-shape, but for modesty, the same cream lace was inset to the neck where a band of the pumpkin silk held it in place. It gave the appearance of a choker type necklace, especially after Abrianna pinned a cameo in the center. To finish off the outfit, there was a stylish hat and gloves that came to the elbow. She looked, as Flora had said earlier, finer than a twenty-dollar gold piece.

  Welby demanded she accompany him to dinner that evening, and finding no excuse to do otherwise, Abrianna had readied herself for the event. When a knock sounded at the door, she was certain Welby had arrived early. Instead, it proved to be Brother Mitchell and the other elders of the church.

  Liang admitted the three men and directed them to the main parlor before going in search of Abrianna’s aunts. Abrianna acted momentarily as hostess, seeing to their comfort.

  “Miss Abrianna, you look quite lovely,” Brother Mitchell declared. “I understand that you have changed your mind about marrying Mr. Ackerman.”

  “Yes,” she replied but offered nothing further. “Would you care for refreshments? I can have tea brought, as well as cakes.” She moved toward the door in anticipation.

  “No, we won’t be here long. We came to speak to your aunts about Mr. Ackerman’s situation.”

  Abrianna immediately felt a pang of regret. She should offer Wade a defense and show her support. Even if they thought she had abandoned him. “I hope,” she began, “that you aren’t being persuaded to think less of him. This entire matter with the arrest is nothing more than a misunderstanding. His lawyer, Kolbein Booth, believes it to be someone’s underhanded plot to see Wade discredited. We anticipate that the charges will be dropped anytime now.”