Whispers of Winter

by Tracie Peterson

  Leah looked to Helaina and then to Ashlie. “It would probably do them all a great deal of good, but it’s such short notice. I don’t know that your father would even consider it.”

  “But I could try, couldn’t I?”

  Helaina pulled off her coat and crossed the room to hang it by the door while Leah continued to speak on the matter with Ashlie. She felt sorry for Babinovich, who looked rather uncomfortable with his own company.

  “I’m sorry we can’t sit and visit properly,” she said, smiling. “I’ll be happy to fix you a cup of tea if you would like.”

  “I would like that very much,” Babinovich responded. His accent sounded less thick as he relaxed.

  “I’ll have it ready in just a moment.” She took a step toward the kitchen, then stopped abruptly as she felt something strange in her abdomen. Helaina put her hand to her belly and gasped. “I felt the baby move.”

  “The quickening,” Leah said, coming to her side. “Isn’t it marvelous!”

  Helaina held her hand against her barely rounded stomach. “It’s miraculous.”

  “I did not realize you were with child,” Babinovich said. “Congratulations.”

  Helaina felt her cheeks grow hot. Such matters were generally not discussed with strangers—especially men. “Thank you.” She knew she should go about her business, but she hated to move. Even though the moment had passed and the flutters were gone, she hated to lose the essence of what had just occurred.

  “It will come again,” Leah assured her with a smile.

  Nearly an hour later, Adrik, Timothy, and the boys arrived. Supper was just being put on the table and Leah’s cake cooled on the counter.

  “Well, I see we have a visitor,” Adrik announced. His boys were on either side of him, like shadows that refused to leave.

  “Adrik, I hope you don’t mind, but I ran into Mr. Babinovich in town. We had met in Nome. He’s from Russia, and I thought you two might enjoy a chat.”

  “It’s always good to have a brother join us,” Adrik offered in their native tongue. “I’m glad you’ve made yourself welcome.”

  Babinovich shook his head—his expression one of great alarm. “Please do not speak so. I have vowed to speak only English.”

  “But why would you do this?” Adrik asked, again in Russian.

  Helaina spoke Russian proficiently along with several other languages. She put her hand on Babinovich’s arm and spoke also in his native language. “You have nothing to fear here. We want only to offer you hospitality and perhaps a bit of familiarity.”

  Babinovich seemed nearly panic-stricken. He looked at Helaina as if she’d suddenly sprouted horns. “I beg you both. Do not speak my mother tongue. It is not safe. There are spies everywhere. Men who would see us dead.”

  Adrik laughed and looked to his sons, who were wide-eyed. “He’s not serious, boys. There’s nothing to fear. Go wash up for supper.”

  Oliver looked warily at the visitor. Helaina could see there was some degree of fear in the boy’s expression as he reached for his brother. “Come on, Christopher.” They went to the kitchen washbasin, Oliver continuing to cast suspicious glances over his shoulders.

  Adrik lowered his voice. “Mr. Babinovich, I would ask you not to say such things in my house. My boys have just lost their mother, and they aren’t yet recovered from that horrific event. I don’t need to have you fill their head with stories that have no foundation or basis in truth. We are quite safe here. Safe to speak Russian or not.” He looked at the man oddly and added in Russian, “If you truly can speak the language.”

  “I cannot stay,” Babinovich said, taking up his coat. “I have too much at stake. My life would mean nothing if I were to remain here.” He headed for the door quickly and promptly ran into Jacob, Jayce, and the twins as they entered the cabin. Jayce turned away with the twins in his arms to avoid Babinovich crashing into either one.

  “Whoa, there. What’s the hurry, mister?” Jacob asked. “You’d think the house was on fire.”

  Helaina went to her husband’s side. “This is Mr. Babinovich. I had invited him to dine with us, but he is rather upset.”

  Jacob eyed him in a questioning manner, but Babinovich only pushed past him. “My apologies to everyone,” he called as he hurried away into the night.

  “Well, that was strange,” Jayce said, shaking his head. He put the twins down and laughed as they immediately ran to the door as if to see what had happened to the strange man. Jacob gently pulled them away and closed the door. Wills started to protest, but Leah quickly came to distract his attention. Merry happily followed.

  “Strange, indeed,” Adrik replied. “Helaina, where did you say you met him?”

  “In Nome, actually. He told me a strange tale of how he was related to the royal family in Russia. He said he was here trying to find a place for them to hide, as politics were not boding well for them.”

  “Rumor has it the entire family is held prisoner in one of their palaces,” Adrik said. “I read it some time ago in the newspaper.”

  Helaina nodded. “Yes, Babinovich said the same. He has always been one for secrets and queer concerns. He begged me to buy some of the royal jewels in order to help him finance his endeavors.”

  “And did you?”

  “At first I didn’t,” Helaina said remembering the time only too well. “The next time we met I could not help myself. I purchased several pieces. They were quite lovely, and I figured if they helped the man, it was of little consequence to me.”

  “Where are those pieces now?” Adrik asked.

  “In our cabin. Mr. Babinovich begged me not to show them to anyone or tell anyone about them. He said if word got back to those holding the czar and his family hostage, they might suffer more. After all, the jewels technically belong to the country, I suppose. I could show you the pieces, if you like.”

  “Yes, get them. I know a thing or two about jewels. You learn a lot during gold rushes when people are bartering anything and everything to get supplies. I was involved with quite a few trades in those days that included jewelry. I can tell you if the pieces are quality, but I wouldn’t know what the value would be.”

  “I’ll go get them right now.”

  “I’ll go with you,” Jacob said, taking hold of her arm. “It’s snowing again. I wouldn’t want you to fall.”

  Helaina relished the feel of his protective hold. They hurried to retrieve the pieces, with Jacob stopping only long enough to kiss her soundly as soon as they stepped inside the house. Helaina wrapped her arms around Jacob’s neck and pulled his face close for another kiss as soon as the first one ended.

  “I felt the baby move,” she whispered against his lips. “Just a little while ago. It was the most marvelous thing. I wish you’d been there.”

  He pulled away and looked into her eyes with wonder. “Truly?”

  Helaina giggled. “It was such a precious fluttering— almost too faint to know for sure, but it was clearly the baby.”

  Jacob hugged her close. “I wish we could just stay here and forget dinner.”

  Helaina kissed his neck and wished the same, but she pushed away, shaking her head. “This is Ashlie’s and Timothy’s last night here. We’re expected to celebrate with them.”

  “I know.” The disappointment was clear in his tone.

  Helaina winked. “It doesn’t mean we have to celebrate very long.”

  She went to her trunk and brought back a small bundled scarf. Arm and arm they made their way back to the Ivankov cabin, both smiling as if they knew a very special secret.

  Once she uncovered the pieces and spread them atop the scarf, Adrik sat down and gave each one consideration. A ruby necklace was the largest piece. There were some twenty-five gems of reputable size. The pieces were set into heavy gold that fell in a half circle from a thick, braided chain of gold. Within a few moments he looked up with a frown. “I hope you didn’t spend much to acquire these. They’re fake.”

  “What?” Helaina shook her hea
d. “Are you certain?”

  “Definitely. These are not real—not the gems nor the gold. They are quality costume pieces—the kind you might see in the theatre or for those who want to appear to be from the upper classes of society but can’t afford the price of the actual product.”

  “How odd. Why would Babinovich create such a story?”

  “My guess from the way he acted,” Adrik offered, “is that he’s faking more than the jewels. I don’t believe him to be Russian at all. My guess is that he’s a confidence man selling these fake jewels to finance his living.”

  “Why would he come to Alaska?” Leah wondered aloud. “It seems so far removed and of little consequence. It’s not like wealthy people linger on every corner.”

  “Which is probably exactly why he chose the location. The railroad officials informed me that many wanted men are venturing north. The law seems less likely to catch them up here, and information is not as easily had regarding criminals. Even our legal system is sorely lacking, as you well know. My guess is Babinovich saw a chance to play upon the pity of goodhearted people. He probably created the story about helping the czar, realizing that word of his plight could easily be had from the newspapers, but checking it out in any depth would be impossible due to the distance and the war.”

  “Well, I suppose that’s the last of him that we’ll see,” Leah replied. “What a strange man.”

  A sense of rage washed over Helaina, and in that moment she made a silent pledge to investigate and find out the truth about Babinovich—or whoever he was. She, of course, would say nothing to Jacob or anyone else for that matter. No one would approve of a pregnant woman occupying herself with such things.

  “So, Papa, what do you think about my idea?” Ashlie asked as her brothers came to join her.

  Helaina tried to act natural—as if Adrik’s announcement meant little to her. Jacob sensed her frustration, however, and put his arm around her in a supportive manner.

  “You’ve only just mentioned the idea. I’ve hardly had time to consider it, Ashlie,” Adrik said.

  “Consider what?” Jacob asked.

  “Ashlie suggested that the boys and I join her in Seattle— at least for a short visit. However, I had already talked a similar idea over with Timothy, and I believe it would be better for us to visit in May.” He turned to Ashlie and added, “During your graduation. I hope you won’t be too sad or disappointed. It just seems that for now we should probably stay here.”

  Ashlie smiled. “It will give me something to look forward to. How special to have you there when I graduate. I can’t be sad.” She went to Adrik and hugged him tight.

  “I don’t know about the rest of you, but I am starving,” Jayce announced. “I think we need to get this party started.”

  Leah laughed. “I think Wills and Merry would agree with you,” she said, pointing to the table. The twins had already climbed onto the bench and were reaching for whatever food was closest.

  Adrik took up the pieces of jewelry and rewrapped them. He handed them to Helaina and offered a warning. “I’d be cautious of Mr. Babinovich in the future. He appears to be the kind of man who preys on gentlewomen. If he tries to approach you again, find one of us.”

  Helaina nodded and took the bundle. She would be cautious of Mr. Babinovich, but her kind of caution was probably different than what Adrik Ivankov had in mind.

  Chapter Twenty-one

  Winter passed into a muddy, wet spring. The railroad began work again, keeping the men busier than ever and leaving the women alone more than they liked. As the line moved north, the men were gone for longer and longer periods, and Leah hated the separation.

  When May developed into an unseasonably warm month, Leah decided to plant a little garden despite the possibility of losing it all to late frost and even snow. They would need the vegetables, and the risk seemed worth it. She also ordered several crates of chickens from Peter Colton’s shipping company. Her thought was to have fresh meat through the summer but also to keep a couple of laying hens. Perhaps she could get Jayce to build her a small attachment to the house so that they could keep them through the winter. It would be so nice to have eggs year round.

  Working the land around her cabin gave Leah a sense of permanency and belonging. The twins were nearly two years old and were happy to wander at will in the forested area around them. Leah, however, was not so enthused and worked constantly to keep track of them. She tied bells to them, attached rope leashes to them, and even tried to fence them in, but nothing worked. She was forced to keep them under her surveillance at all times.

  Glancing up to check the children for the fifth or sixth time, Leah was surprised to see her brother and husband walking toward her. She brushed the dirt from her hands and stood, while Wills and Merry ran for their father.

  “I wasn’t expecting you so soon,” Leah admitted. “Although I’m quite pleased.” She pressed her face between the laughing twins in order to kiss her husband.

  “I know. We caught the last ride down. Adrik stayed up north again. There are big plans for lines running up through the mountains, and he’s pretty interested to hear what the surveyors say about the area.”

  “I figured now that they were connected to the coal fields, Adrik might actually start thinking about staying home more or even heading back to Ketchikan.”

  Jayce put the twins down and shrugged. “I couldn’t tell you. You know he’s not been much of a talker since Karen’s death. I try sometimes to get him to just talk about the old days, but he works himself hard, then cleans up and goes to bed.”

  “I know. Even when he’s here he doesn’t do much else. The boys aren’t doing well either. Christopher has horrible nightmares. He wakes up screaming at least two or three times a week. Oliver will talk to me on occasion, but he’s always filled with worry about his father and brother. He just wants to go home.”

  “Home? To Ketchikan?”

  “Yes. But I think it’s more that he just wants things to feel like they used to,” Leah admitted. “I don’t think it would really matter where he lived, so long as he could have his mother back and his father and brother happy. He’s such a deep little guy.”

  “He’s not that little. Adrik said he was asking about working with him.”

  “He’s not yet fourteen. He needs an education, not a job.”

  “I agree,” Jayce said, holding up his hands. “You don’t need to convince me.”

  Leah watched as Wills tried to ride Champion. The dog patiently let the boy climb all over him, but when Wills climbed on Champion’s back, the dog merely crumpled to the ground and let out a howl of protest. Leah smiled and shook her head. How she wished Adrik’s boys could find such simple contentment.

  “Well, if Adrik comes back soon,” Leah began, “I’m going to insist he sit down and talk to me. I need for him to understand what’s going on.”

  “Don’t be too hard on him, Leah. I can’t imagine how I’d be if I lost you.” He put his arm around her. “I know I’d never be myself again.”

  “But those boys need him. Even though we’ve moved into their house to see to their needs, it’s not easy on them. They resent their father’s absence and my presence. I know it, although they have never said as much.”

  “Give them time. They all need time. It’s the only thing that will help,” Jayce said.

  Leah knew his counsel was true; she’d said the same thing over and over herself. She also wrote letters of encouragement to Ashlie, who penned long letters about her loneliness and sorrow regarding her mother.

  “When do they leave for Seattle?” Jayce asked.

  “Next week. Unless Adrik has changed his plans, they’ll head out on the twenty-second.”

  “The trip will help. It will be something fresh and different. It will see them removed from Alaska and all that is familiar, and they will be forced to come out of their cocoons and talk to each other. It’s going to be all right. You’ll see.”

  Leah hoped her husband was righ
t. She’d watched Adrik withdraw little by little throughout the winter, and when the railroad called the men back to work, it seemed the perfect excuse for him to completely lock himself away. Leah knew that everyone had to grieve in their own way, but this had been going on now for months, and it wasn’t helping anyone.

  The next few days brought even more trouble, however. Newspapers reported a hideous round of influenza in the Nome and Teller areas of Alaska. They called it Spanish influenza but said little more about where it had come from or what its symptoms were. It seemed that the deadly sickness took hold in the winter months and rendered entire villages dead.

  Leah was desperate for some word from her friends. She had waited patiently through the winter but now felt anxious for some good news to arrive soon. She wanted to know about Emma and the children, as well as how John and Oopick were doing. There were so many people she cared about, and she longed to hear from them.

  A letter arrived from Grace with the sad announcement that her son Andrew had joined the army. Grace also wrote of her desire to come north and see Adrik and the boys. She felt a need to see them without Karen in order to make the woman’s death seem real. Her letter stated, From so many miles away, it’s easy to pretend she is still with us.

  Leah didn’t have that advantage. Every day she felt Karen’s absence. She supposed part of it was living in Karen’s house. The arrangement had just seemed easier for everyone, given that the men were gone for longer and longer periods of time. Leah and the twins took up residence in the room Adrik had intended for Ashlie. When he’d built the house, he’d made sure there was space for his daughter, just so she wouldn’t feel any excuse to stay away.

  At first, whenever Adrik returned, Leah and the twins would head home to their own cabin, but after a time it just seemed stressful for all concerned and Leah and Jayce moved in with Adrik and the boys. But when everyone was gone or asleep, Leah would find it particularly lonely. She could almost hear Karen’s voice and envision her working in the kitchen or at the table. Due to the frozen earth and heavy snow, they had only recently been able to bury Karen. The funeral had only served to reopen the wounds of loss.