Love Everlasting

by Tracie Peterson

  “That gown is rather . . . well . . . it isn’t what I expected you to wear,” Lenore said without warning.

  “It’s definitely not what I wanted to wear.” Abrianna spoke without meaning to. “However, it pleases Welby. So that’s what matters.” Hoping to get Lenore’s mind off her attire, Abrianna changed the subject. “So how are you feeling? I’ve been quite worried.”

  They reached the second floor, and Lenore hurried them down the hall. “I’m doing very well, thank you. The doctor said I am the picture of health and vitality.”

  She opened the door to the nursery and motioned Abrianna to enter ahead of her. Abrianna gazed around at the beautiful room. Lenore had impeccable taste, and the nursery benefited greatly from her tender care.

  “It’s lovely,” Abrianna admitted. The pale green of the walls was accented perfectly by the white sheers and darker green draperies. A beautiful hand-carved baby bed drew her attention, and Abrianna crossed the room to touch the light oak wood. “This is quite the piece. Is it an antique?”

  “Stop it this minute.”

  Abrianna turned. “What?”

  Lenore looked at her with an expression of exasperation. “Stop playing this game with me. I want to know what’s going on, and I want to know right now.”

  “I’m sorry.” Abrianna steeled herself as Lenore crossed the room and took hold of her shoulders. She hadn’t expected Lenore to be quite this forceful.

  “We both know you don’t love Priam Welby. And I want to know why you’re marrying him.”

  Abrianna knew she couldn’t fool Lenore. It was the biggest reason she’d avoided her friend. “I know that my choice seems strange, but I’m asking you to trust me.” She drew a deep breath. “Believe me when I say that I am deeply sorry that I’ve been so distant. I have missed you—greatly.”

  Lenore’s eyes filled with tears. “Oh, Abrianna. I do wish you’d talk to me and tell me what’s going on.”

  Abrianna nodded. “I know, but for now please try not to worry. I read the other day that worry is thought to cause great strain on the heart.”

  “Then yours should be about to break.” Lenore shook her head. “Wait here. I’ll be right back.”

  Abrianna nodded and turned back to gaze at the baby bed. She couldn’t help but wonder what it might have been like to bear Wade a child. Now, in light of everything that had happened to her, all the previous worries about ruining their friendship, their different ministries, and having children of their own no longer mattered. She had already ruined what they had.

  She swallowed back the lump in her throat. If only God would show her the way out of this mess. I never meant to make so many mistakes. I only wanted to see my loved ones out of danger, so why won’t you show me how to get myself out of danger, Lord?

  She heard the door open again and squared her shoulders. She would have to be strong. God would surely give her wisdom and show her what she needed to do.

  “Abrianna.”

  At the sound of Wade’s voice, Abrianna whirled around and all but found herself wrapped up in the train of her gown. She could see the determination in his eyes and knew that even if she could lie to the rest of the world, she could never keep Wade from realizing the truth.

  Folding his arms, he leaned back against the door and fixed her with a look that suggested he was ready to do battle. “I want answers. And I want them now.”

  21

  Where’s Lenore?” She tried to make her words sound cold and indifferent but knew she failed miserably. Her voice sounded shaky, even in her own ears.

  “She’s outside standing guard,” Wade replied. He stood completely still, just watching her. “We arranged this entire party around the hopes that I could finally get you alone. Do you have any idea how much you’ve hurt me? And not because of this farce of an engagement, but because you didn’t trust me enough to talk to me about whatever it is that’s going on.”

  Abrianna felt a wash of fear go over her. If Welby found them together, he would make her pay—make them both pay dearly. “I have to go. I have to go now.”

  “You aren’t going anywhere until I get some answers.” He narrowed his eyes as he watched her. “You at least owe me an explanation.”

  She fought back her emotions. A longing rose in her so strong that it was all Abrianna could do to keep from crossing the room to throw herself into his arms. She wanted nothing more than to feel him embrace her and hear him promise her that everything would be all right.

  “I’m afraid that I have no explanation for you. I am . . . strong-willed, as you have often said.” She looked at the floor, trying desperately to remember if there was another way out of this room.

  “There’s no other exit, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

  She determined that she wouldn’t look him in the eye. He was all that she wanted—the only one she loved. Being this close to Wade left her feeling so conflicted in her determination that Abrianna couldn’t think clearly. Her strength melted into a puddle at her feet. “I am a woman of independent means now. And . . . I’ve reached my majority. I . . . uh . . . can make up my own mind about what I want.”

  “And what is it you want, Abrianna?”

  You. But she didn’t speak the word aloud. It had been dangerous to even allow the thought.

  The memory of stitching his initials in her wedding gown hem came back to haunt her. She bit her tongue to keep from blurting out how much she loved him, how terrified she was that Welby would see him dead. Tears flooded her eyes.

  “Abrianna, I know you don’t love him. I know you don’t want to marry him.”

  She kept her gaze on the floor. If she raised her face and he saw her tears, he would know that everything he said was true. She heard his boots on the floor and knew that if he touched her, she would fall apart, but for the life of her she couldn’t move.

  He took hold of her shoulder with one hand and raised her chin with the other. Abrianna closed her eyes tight, which only served to send the tears down her cheeks.

  “I love you, Abrianna, and I know you love me.” His voice no longer sounded demanding. Instead, it was like a whispered promise of hope. “I know that you would only agree to marry Welby if he threatened you with something.”

  A sob broke from her, and Abrianna collapsed against him. There was no use in fighting it. She couldn’t bear to go on hurting him. “I’m sorry, Wade. I’m so very sorry. Please forgive me.”

  He wrapped her in his arms and held her while she cried. Without saying a word, he gave her more tenderness and hope than she’d had in weeks. “Tell me what’s happened,” he whispered.

  She knew their time together wouldn’t be long. There was no sense in lying to him or putting him off. Abrianna raised her face but didn’t even try to break his embrace. “I’m afraid that I’ve rather made a mess of things—again.”

  He smiled in his lazy way. “I know. That’s why I’m here.”

  It was easy after that. Abrianna raced against the clock to give Wade a complete understanding. Wade didn’t condemn her or get angry. He simply listened and took it all into account before even speaking.

  “And now, any moment Welby will be up here looking for me, and you cannot be here, Wade. He’ll kill you, and I cannot bear the thought of your death.” She glanced to the closed door and back to Wade. “You have to go.”

  “I was afraid it was something like this,” he finally said. “It was the only sense I could make of it all. Your father and Kolbein both agreed that it would have to be something of monumental concern for you to act this way.”

  “I’m completely perplexed as to what I can do,” she admitted. “If I refuse him . . . refuse to marry him, he says he’ll arrange an accident for one of my aunts. Worse still, he has promised to end the lives of everyone I love if I do anything to stop this wedding.”

  “Nevermind what he says. You aren’t going to marry him. You’re going to marry me.” He drew out a handkerchief and wiped her cheeks. “Get a hold of yours
elf. We haven’t much more time. If Welby sees you like this, he’ll know that something’s amiss.”

  “But what am I to do? The man all but forces himself on me, as it is.”

  Wade’s expression darkened. “He hasn’t—”

  She shook her head. “Nothing’s happened. The only time he tried something, I took my knife to him.”

  Wade’s eyes widened. “You what?” A grin replaced the grim expression. “That’s priceless. I wish I could have seen his face.”

  “I told you I could defend myself,” she replied with a shrug.

  “Oh, Abrianna, I do love you.” He gave her a quick kiss on the forehead just as Lenore opened the door.

  “He’s coming up here. You have to go, Wade.” She hurried into the room. “I’ll be with her.”

  Wade gave Abrianna one last look. “Trust me, Abrianna. I’ll work out the details. If you find anything that can lend proof to his part in the murders, secure it and have one of your aunts get it to Kolbein.”

  She nodded and Lenore put her arm around Abrianna’s shoulders as Wade slipped from the room.

  “You’ve been crying, Abrianna. He’ll be here any moment so just say nothing. I’ll do the talking.”

  Abrianna nodded and let Lenore turn her toward the baby bed. She heard footsteps behind her but didn’t attempt to turn back around to see who it was.

  “Oh, Abrianna, I’m so glad that everything is all right. I was worried that you didn’t truly love Mr. Welby, but now I see by your tears of joy that you do. Now we can be ever so happy and raise our children together. I know you will be a wonderful mother.”

  “I think she will be, too.”

  Welby’s words caused Abrianna to stiffen, but Lenore gave her shoulder a squeeze. “There, see? And you were worried that he wouldn’t want children right away.” Lenore turned them to face him. “I told her I was certain every man would want children to carry on his legacy.”

  Abrianna sniffed and smiled, hoping Welby would accept her friend’s words as an explanation for her tears. Much to her displeasure Welby crossed the room and put his arm around her. Drawing her near, he held her most possessively.

  “I do want children, and I intend to see that we have them . . . as soon as possible.” He gave a crude little laugh that left Abrianna sickened at the thought. “Now come along, my dear. We should rejoin the party. After all, it is in our honor.”

  Abrianna nodded. “Thank you for your encouraging words, Lenore.”

  “That must have been quite the performance. I must say, I was very impressed with you tonight. Not only did you manage to act the doting bride-to-be, you completely convinced your dearest friends that I am the man of your choosing.” Welby’s smug expression was almost more than Abrianna could bear.

  “I told you I would do what I could.” She leaned back against the carriage seat in absolute exhaustion. “I find it’s easier to fool people when they trust you.”

  He chuckled. “Having never had anyone who trusted me, I’ve found force and threats to be far more promising.”

  Abrianna shifted uncomfortably. She’d gotten into the carriage and plopped onto the seat without making much provision for her bustle and train. Now she found herself trapped against his imposing frame without any give in her skirts.

  “You smell like flowers.” He buried his face against her hair. “When we are married, I shall buy you every imaginable scent for your bath.” He drew in another deep breath. “You truly do something to me, Abrianna.”

  “Oh, stuff and nonsense. Don’t even try to sound like this is anything but an arrangement of you imposing your will on me. There’s no love between us, as you well know, and I would appreciate it if we could at least be honest about that fact when we are alone.”

  He straightened and looked at her oddly. For a moment Abrianna thought he almost looked hurt. Then he shook his head. “Your girlish notion of love and romance will quickly be forgotten when you come to realize what real passion and desire are all about. I’m going to enjoy educating you to that reality.”

  The carriage stopped, but this time there was no groomsman to quickly open the door. Abrianna hoped that Welby would remember the last time he tried to get too familiar in the carriage. The problem was, this time she didn’t have her knife.

  Much to her relief, however, Welby simply pulled back and opened the door.

  “I would have taken you to my house for some more intimate conversation, but I promised to meet with someone at my club.”

  Without another word he climbed down and held out this hand to assist her like any proper gentleman might. Abrianna pulled her mantle close with one hand and reached out to take his hand with the other. To her surprise, however, he put both hands on her waist and lifted her from the carriage. He lowered her very slowly, keeping her pressed against him. Then, just as her feet touched the ground, Welby buried his hand in her hair and forced her head back. Her mantle fell to the ground, and the cold rush of air caused Abrianna to gasp. His lips crushed hers in a demanding kiss, leaving Abrianna certain she was going to be sick. But instead of fight, she stood completely still, refusing to show any reaction whatsoever.

  When Welby pulled away, he looked confused and stepped back, assessing her without a word. Abrianna waited for him to say something. Instead he bent down and retrieved the mantle. Taking hold of her elbow he led her up the porch steps and deposited her at the door.

  He handed her the cloak and turned to walk away. “Good night, Abrianna,” he called over his shoulder. “Driver, take me to my club.”

  She hurried to get inside and put the closed door between her and Welby. She was thoroughly disgusted by his kiss and touch. She shuddered and hurried up the stairs, hoping that if her aunts were still awake, they wouldn’t attempt to stop her and ask questions.

  Flora awaited her like a faithful sentry. She looked at Abrianna and shook her head. “I saw what he did. I heard the carriage pull up and looked outside. It was all I could do to keep from throwing a rock at him.”

  Abrianna closed the door and leaned against it with a sigh. “I wish you would have.” She pushed off the door and crossed to her vanity. Taking up a bottle of perfume, she pulled out the stopper.

  “What are you doing?” Flora looked as confused as she sounded.

  “I’m removing Mr. Welby from my lips.” With that she took a healthy swig of the perfume, swished it around her mouth, and then spit into the washbasin. Abrianna gave a shudder again. One tasted just about as bad as the other.

  “I’ve never seen anyone do that.” Flora’s tone was one of awe.

  She shrugged and replaced the stopper on the perfume. “I was desperate.” She pulled the pins from her already messy hair. “Now, then, there has been a most advantageous turn of events.” Abrianna kicked off her shoes.

  Flora sat down on her bed. “Tell me everything. Will it alter the future for you?”

  “I think it will. Wade surprised me with a visit tonight.”

  “At the party?” Her eyes grew wide. “What did Mr. Welby do?”

  “He didn’t know Wade was there. Lenore took me upstairs to see her nursery, even though I knew it was for the purpose of pestering me for the truth.” Abrianna let her hair tumble down her back. “Please come release me from this awful gown.”

  Flora was immediately at her back working the fasteners. “Do go on. I’m dying of curiosity. I have sat here all night—well, except for when I was at the window or pacing. Anyway, I was worrying all night about you.”

  “As only the dearest of friends would,” Abrianna replied. “It was a great trial to be sure, but I played my part quite well. I believe even Mr. Welby thought I might be having a change of heart toward him.”

  “No!”

  Abrianna laughed. “Perhaps I should speak to Kolbein’s sister about going into the theatre. She’s an actress, you know. Or maybe you didn’t. When Kolbein first came to Seattle, it was in search of her. I’ll tell you all about it one day.” Abrianna dropped the gown to
the floor and stepped out of it. “I wonder if you are up for an adventure.”

  Flora looked at her with great interest in her expression. “Such as?”

  Abrianna’s lips curved upward. “Such as breaking into Mr. Welby’s house.”

  22

  Abrianna was relieved to find that one of Mr. Welby’s windows was unlocked. Without making a sound, she and Flora gained quick entrance and then stood in the silence of the darkened house to let their eyes adjust to the dark.

  “Do you know what room this is?” Flora whispered.

  “I have no idea. I’m not at all familiar with this house, but I know that Welby’s office faces the front, so I presume it might be just down the hall.”

  Abrianna felt her way around the room until she reached what she hoped was the hall door. She opened it just a crack, and light slanted across the dark room. “This is the way.” She waited, listening for any sound of someone nearby. “Come on.”

  She slipped around the door. “Close it behind you.” Flora nodded and did as instructed.

  With the stealth of a cat, Abrianna tiptoed down the hallway. Fortunately, there was only one door on the side of the house that faced the city. She tried it and smiled when it yielded. “This is it.” She looked back over her shoulder. “This is his office.”

  They hurried to get inside and closed the door. Abrianna let out a long breath. On the far side of the room a fire had been lit in the hearth. It kept the room warm and at least marginally lit. “We’ll have to work by firelight. We absolutely cannot risk any other light.”

  “What exactly are we looking for?” Flora asked in a barely audible voice.

  Abrianna moved to the desk. The hair on the back of her neck bristled, and she froze. In the hallway came the sounds of footsteps. “Quick, hide behind that chair.” She motioned to Flora and then dove under the desk.