“Yes, of course. Thank you, Mrs. Broadmoor.” He stood and nodded at Jonas. “Good day, Mr. Broadmoor.”
The moment Michael had exited the room and closed the door, Victoria wagged her finger at him. “Refrain from any further meddling in this wedding, Jonas. They will be married on Saturday, and we will be happy for them or you will suffer the consequences.”
His anger mounted, and Jonas tugged at the starched white collar that surrounded his thick neck. “I have tolerated your outbursts from time to time, Victoria, but I do not like being threatened.”
“And I do not like having my daughter forced to marry for other than love.” She stepped closer, her face contorted by pain. “Mr. Jackson may be a fine man, and indeed he has proven himself to be of the best manners and expression; however, Amanda should be allowed to choose her own husband, and I cannot abide that we are forcing her to do otherwise. If I can’t, I will at least see Fanny happily wed. And if you can’t wish her well in this marriage, you had best appear genuinely pleased to walk her down the aisle and offer her hand to Michael on Saturday. Otherwise you may not find the consequences to your liking.”
His wife didn’t present him with an opportunity to respond. Not that he had the words to put Victoria in her place without forcing her hand. He couldn’t risk the possibility that she would find some way to destroy the marriage arrangement with Ellert. Women! If only the world could exist without them. He leaned to the right and pulled open the bottom drawer of the desk. He needed a drink.
Fanny worried that it might rain but proceeded down the path nevertheless. She had received a note from Michael suggesting they meet in one of their favorite secluded spots. It was a place where they often enjoyed fishing and whiling away an afternoon, and Fanny thrilled at the thought of once again sharing it with her beloved.
“I thought you might not come.”
Fanny looked through the dark shadows of the trees but couldn’t see Michael. “Where are you?”
He laughed. “I’m right here.” He moved forward into the fading light.
Fanny rushed into his arms. “I can’t believe you’ve really come home. I’ve longed for this more than words can say.”
“I know,” he replied, combing back her unruly curls with his fingers. “There were so many times when I thought I might never see you again.”
She touched his cheek. “I tried to imagine you up in your frozen North. I read everything I could find about the area.
There really isn’t much to be had.”
He laughed. “I don’t doubt it. There weren’t many folks up that way prior to the rush—at least not folks who might want to write a book about it. There were some very interesting native people in the area. I found their culture and ways so different from ours.”
“Tell me about them,” Fanny urged.
“I’d rather talk about us—about you.”
He kissed her gently and then hugged her close. “Every time I lit a fire, I’d see your hair in the dancing flames.” He kissed her ear. “I thought of you every night before I went to sleep.” He kissed her neck, letting his lips linger for just a moment.
Fanny melted against him. She had no words for what she was experiencing, but at last her heart felt as though she’d truly come home.
“Every morning I woke up with thoughts of you. I could see your smiling face and very nearly hear your voice. It was all that got me through our time apart—that and the Lord. God gave me a comfort that compared to nothing else.”
“I know. He gave it to me, as well. All the times Uncle Jonas tried to marry me off to someone else, God was there to sustain me with memories of you.”
The light was gone from the sky, but overhead the stars glittered like diamonds. Michael took hold of Fanny’s hand and led her to a clearing. “Look, see there? It’s the North Star. Remember how we used to wish upon it when you were a little girl?”
Fanny nodded, but she wasn’t sure Michael could see her. “When you were gone, I’d find it and think of you. I imagined that it shone right over the place where you were living. I made so many wishes on that star.” She stopped and put her head on his shoulder. “And they’ve all come true.”
He held her close and sighed. “I love you, Fanny.”
She snuggled against him and smiled. “I love you, Michael. I will always love only you.”
Saturday, July 8, 1899
Although clouds had loomed overhead Friday evening, Saturday dawned without a hint of rain in the offing. Both Amanda and Sophie had come to assist Fanny with her gown and veil. Amanda fastened the final button on the gown. “You are an absolutely beautiful bride. Michael is fortunate to have you.”
“I am the one who is fortunate. Had I searched the world, I know I could never have found a man who loves me any more than Michael does. He is a perfect match for me. We place importance on the same things.”
“Like what?” Sophie asked as she wound a strand of Fanny’s hair and tamed her curls.
“We both love the islands. Don’t tell anyone, but he’s purchased one of the islands for me as a wedding gift.” She grinned with excitement. “He didn’t want to wait to see if we’d be able to buy Broadmoor Island.”
“I’d be willing to sell you any share I might have in this place,” Sophie said. “Unfortunately, I don’t think I have any, but perhaps I can convince my father to sign over his share and then Amanda can talk to Uncle Jonas.”
“I doubt my father would listen to anything I’d ask. I have little sway over what he decides. If so, I wouldn’t be—” Amanda clamped her lips. No need to ruin Fanny’s wedding day with her own problems.
“I do hope that Ellert Jackson isn’t going to act as your escort,” Sophie said. “I don’t like him in the least. The way he clings to you and won’t let you out of his sight is most annoying. Why, he wouldn’t let any of us near you at the Fourth of July festivities. You need to tell your father that you want another suitor.”
“I don’t think that’s possible, Sophie. Father believes Ellert would be a perfect husband for me.”
Sophie clasped her bodice and dropped to the nearby rocking chair. “You jest! Surely you haven’t agreed to the match.”
“I have no say. It has been arranged. In fact, we will be wed very soon. Had it not been for Fanny’s wedding, I’d already be his wife. I managed to convince him we had to wait until after her marriage.” She locked eyes with Fanny. “Forgive me, Cousin, but I had hoped Michael wouldn’t return until August. I thought I might be able to convince Ellert that he didn’t want to marry me. He can be pleasant enough, but there is something quite demanding about him.”
Fanny swiveled around on the chair. “Oh, Amanda. You need not apologize. I understand how you must feel. When your father was trying to force me to wed Daniel or one of those other young men he thought to be perfect, I became panic-stricken. I understand your plight. There must be something Sophie and I can do to help.”
“It’s best neither of you interfere. Father and Ellert would be angered, and it would do no good. We won’t be making our home in Rochester, and my one hope is that I’ll be permitted to return and visit with both of you from time to time. If Ellert thinks you’ve done anything to hinder his plans, I fear he won’t allow me to come back to visit.”
Her mother entered the room before her cousins could respond, but Amanda didn’t fail to see the pity in their eyes. Even though Sophie hadn’t been in love with Paul when they married, his kindness and love had won her heart. Both of her cousins were in love with their husbands, but Amanda doubted she could ever love Ellert. Her heart had room for only one love, and that, unfortunately, was Blake Carstead. If only she could have realized it in time, she might have been willing to fight for his affection. She had considered telling Ellert about Blake, but something told her it wouldn’t change his mind. He wouldn’t care that she loved another.
“Do hurry along, Fanny. Few though they be, your guests are waiting.”
Fanny stood and twirled in front
of the mirror, examining her gown from all angles. “We wanted only close friends and family to attend. And Uncle Jonas seemed relieved when I told him I wouldn’t need a large sum to prepare for the wedding.”
Amanda stepped aside as her mother reached to smooth the folds of Fanny’s veil. “There, that’s perfect. I’m sure your uncle Jonas would have agreed to a large wedding at the church in Rochester if that’s what you’d asked for, dear. Personally, I would have preferred a church rather than sitting in chairs out on the lawn, but it’s your wedding.” She handed Fanny a lace handkerchief. “This is the handkerchief your grandmother carried at her wedding. I know she would be pleased to have you carry it. Now, come along. I’ll go down and take my seat. Listen to the music and come out on cue.”
Along with the help of two servants, Jefferson and George had managed to move the piano to the veranda earlier in the day. “I do wish you had contacted the pianist from the church in Clayton,” Fanny whispered to Amanda. “I hadn’t even planned to invite Mr. and Mrs. Oosterman, much less have her play the piano.”
“I know, but Mother asked her before I had an opportunity to go into Clayton. I believe Mother invited several other guests who weren’t on your list, too. She didn’t want me to tell you, but I think it’s better if you’re prepared.”
Fanny’s veil fluttered as she spun around to face Amanda. “Why would she do such a thing?”
“You know how Mother is. She didn’t want anyone to feel slighted or to do anything that might give rise to gossip.” The reply was Amanda’s best guess. She couldn’t be absolutely certain of her mother’s motivation. Perhaps it was her father who had insisted that the social set be invited. She could never be completely sure what prompted her parents’ decisions.
Fanny pulled aside the lace curtain and peeked outside. “This isn’t what I expected. Your mother said my few guests had arrived, when all the while she knew—”
A crescendo of three piano chords interrupted, and Amanda stepped to the door. “We can discuss this later. That’s my signal.”
Fanny shot her a look of frustration.
Amanda glanced over the crowd that had gathered to witness the couple’s nuptials. More than a verdant aisle separated the attendees. The Broadmoor guests were clothed in fine attire and bore looks of disdain for the guests who sat on the other side of the grassy division. This would be quite an afternoon and evening—an integration of social classes. She uttered a prayer that this day wouldn’t turn into a disaster for Fanny.
Throughout the ceremony Ellert’s gaze felt like a hot poker boring through to her soul. Amanda had hoped he wouldn’t appear, that some business or personal matter would keep him away from the wedding so that she could enjoy this time with her family. But he had arrived. And he’d taken possession of her from the very first moment he set foot on the island. He’d even voiced an objection when she’d excused herself to prepare for the ceremony. Amanda had prayed this day would create many happy memories for Fanny. However, Ellert’s presence affirmed that her own recollections of this day wouldn’t be so pleasant.
She knew he could be charming, but his lustful nature frightened her. He seemed to think it completely appropriate to discuss topics of a most intimate nature. He alluded to the things they would experience together—some appropriate subjects for discussion and others quite inappropriate.
But she really had no choice in the matter, Amanda realized. She had talked at length with her mother and father, and the situation was quite grave. Every idea for helping the family had failed to move her father toward a change of mind. All he would say was that this was the best solution to the situation if their family was to maintain its position in society. When they had been alone, her father had told her quite simply that it would kill her mother if they were to lose their home and standing. Amanda was starting to believe that he was right. Her mother had always loved her status among Rochester’s elite. To take that from her now would be cruel.
Once the ceremony ended, Ellert pulled her aside. “I’ve been lonely for your company,” he whispered. “Hearing your cousin repeat her vows pleased me, for I knew you would soon be promising to love and obey me. You can’t imagine how much I’m going to enjoy being loved and obeyed.”
She didn’t want to discuss Ellert’s marital expectations. The thought caused her stomach to lurch. “Why don’t we go and join the other guests? Fanny may need my help.”
“I need you far more than Fanny does. She has a husband who can assist her if she has need of help. I haven’t had a tour of the island, and this would be a perfect time for you to show me about.”
“You want me to escort you around the island? Now?”
“Now!”
“But the wedding guests—”
“If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were attempting to avoid me, my dear.” Ellert pulled her close. “Come along and show me the wonders of Broadmoor Island. Who knows? I may find that the seclusion of island living appeals to me.”
Amanda cast a glance toward the crowd. She had hoped to locate someone who would save her from Ellert, but no one came to her rescue. They walked to the rear of the house and continued along the path leading to the north side of the island. When they reached a small grove below the overhanging rocks, Amanda said, “The view of the water is excellent from this vantage point, but if you’d care to climb the rocks, you’ll need to continue on your own. My shoes won’t withstand the jagged rocks.”
“I find the view from here quite lovely,” he said, pulling her into his arms.
Without further warning, he crushed her lips in a bruising kiss. She pushed against his chest, but her attempt to escape his hold only spurred him on. He pulled her to the ground, his hands now groping her body. Frightened, she clawed at his back, but his jacket offered him too much protection. His cruel laughter mocked her, and she yanked at his hair. “Stop or I shall refuse to honor the agreement you made with my father.”
His hands stilled and he stared into her eyes.
“I mean it, Mr. Jackson. If you take advantage before we wed, I will never be your wife. I am of legal age and care little if my father disowns me.”
His anger was evident for only a moment before his expression turned contrite. “I apologize, my dear Amanda. It’s just that your beauty—your very presence—is intoxicating. I could not help myself. I desire you more than anything else.”
Amanda thought his apology less than sincere, but she couldn’t for the life of her explain why. He helped her up and quickly let go his hold. She dusted off her dress, hoping there would be no grass or dirt stains to reveal her shame to others.
“You are so innocent of the power you have over a man,” he said, his voice seductive and low. “I promise you will enjoy our wedding night. I only insist that it come very soon. I cannot say that I will be able to control my desires for you much longer. Do you understand?”
Amanda swallowed the lump in her throat. “We can announce the engagement next week. If my parents’ reputation is to be protected, we must follow the rules of propriety.”
Ellert chuckled. “A few minutes ago, you didn’t care if your father disowned you, but now you worry over his reputation?” Wedging her chin between his thumb and forefinger, he tipped her head upward. “The wedding will take place before the end of August. Agreed?”
“You have my word.” Her voice quivered, and he smiled.
He traced his fingers down the nape of her neck and then leaned close as his fingers returned to her cheek. “You’ll soon learn not to refuse me anything.”
17
Saturday, July 15, 1899
Blake bounded up the steps of the Home for the Friendless, glad to be back in Rochester and the life he’d come to enjoy. The contentment and challenges he’d found in this community had come as a surprise to him, but he now felt at home in Rochester. He’d stopped at home only long enough to clean up after his journey. Now he was anxious to see his patients and visit with Quincy and Paul. He hoped all had gone wel
l during his absence.
He yanked open the door and nearly collided headlong with Paul. “Whoa! Sorry, Paul. I didn’t see you.” He grinned.
“No apology needed. I’m running late and wasn’t watching where I was going. It’s good to see you’ve returned, Blake. We were afraid you might not come back.”
Blake laughed. “You’ll not get rid of me quite so easily.” He cocked his head to one side. “Where are you rushing off to?”
“I have to catch the train. I was supposed to be at Broad-moor Island by noon. If I don’t board the next train, I’ll miss Amanda’s party, and Sophie will never forgive me.” He chuckled. “I’m certain she’s going to be unhappy when I don’t arrive by noon, so I had better be there by the time the festivities begin.”
Blake stood in the doorway, blocking Paul’s exit. “What kind of party are they having for Amanda? I know it’s not her birthday.”
“Oh, I forgot. You don’t know. While you were gone, Amanda was betrothed. The engagement party is this afternoon at Broadmoor Island. I fear you’ll need to find a new medical assistant. Amanda and her husband won’t be living in Rochester. Although I have heard it said he intends to send her to university for proper medical training.”
Blake leaned against the doorjamb to maintain his balance. He felt as though Paul had plunged a two-by-four into his midsection. “Did you say Amanda is engaged?”
“Exactly. Now, if you’ll step aside, I need to be on my way.”
Blake grabbed the sleeve of Paul’s dark suit jacket and jerked him to a halt. “Wait! Could I . . . Is there any way . . . What I’m trying to say is that Amanda and I are . . . were close friends. I’d like to go to the party if you think it wouldn’t be overstepping proper etiquette to show up.”
Paul smoothed his hair into place before donning his hat. “I don’t know why anyone would want to go to one of these things, but I imagine the family would be happy to have you attend.” He clapped Blake on the shoulder. “Having you there will be a nice surprise for Amanda.”
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