Inherited

by Gabrielle Meyer

  “May I have the last waltz available?” Pierre LaForce asked Elizabeth.

  She looked around the lobby, but could not see Jude. Would he ask her for a dance? If he did, she wanted to make sure she had one available for him. “I’m sorry, but it’s reserved.”

  “For who?” Pierre puffed out his chest. “I will find him and wrestle him for the honor.”

  She smiled at his pompous statement and took the arm Ben offered. They walked into the ballroom, where members of the orchestra were tuning up their instruments. The room was full to capacity and hotter than she had imagined.

  Men and women stood in small groups, talking and laughing, waiting for the dancing to get underway. There had to be at least two hundred people in attendance. Elizabeth recognized a few she had met already, but the majority were strangers to her. Jude was not among them.

  “Hello, Miss Bell.” Charlotte Cooper walked over to Elizabeth with a genuine smile on her pretty face. “How is Rose doing?”

  “She’s back to her old self,” Elizabeth said. “Thank you, again, for your hospitality today.”

  “My pleasure. Any friend of Ben’s is a friend of ours.”

  Ben’s affection for Charlotte was evident in the kind smile he gave to her, and then he turned that same smile to Elizabeth.

  Jude walked into the ballroom and scanned the crowd, his gaze landing on Elizabeth. He came directly to her side, as if she had been the person he was looking for. He said hello to Charlotte and Ben, and then he turned to Elizabeth.

  “I was attending to some business and couldn’t get here until now,” he said. “Am I too late for a dance?”

  She didn’t want to let her excitement show, so she picked up her dance card and looked at it for a moment. “I do have a waltz left, if you’d like that.”

  He gave a slight bow. “If it’s all the lady has left, it’s what I’ll take.”

  The orchestra touched its strings, allowing the dancers to prepare for the first song. Elizabeth lifted the train of her ball gown and smiled up at Ben.

  They left Jude on the side of the dance floor and joined the others in the first dance of the night. Though she tried to give Ben her full attention, she couldn’t help noticing Jude from time to time mingling with their guests.

  As the revelry intensified, and the ballroom grew hotter, Elizabeth danced with one partner after the other. In between songs, she visited the refreshment table with Ben and tried to quench her thirst with Martha’s punch.

  Grace was just as busy as Elizabeth, dancing with many of the men, but she didn’t seem to settle on one in particular. She flitted from group to group, flirting outrageously. It troubled Elizabeth that she hadn’t found a nice young man to spend more time with. Why didn’t any of them seem to interest her?

  Elizabeth sighed and looked down at her dance card. The next dance was the waltz with Jude. She looked around the ballroom and saw him speaking with Abram Cooper and another man she hadn’t met. He must have sensed her gaze on him, because he looked her way and lifted his eyebrows, as if asking her a question.

  She nodded and pointed at her dance card.

  He excused himself from the gentlemen and made his way across the ballroom to her side. As he walked, she couldn’t stop from admiring the clean cut of his suit and the confident way he moved. He was a handsome man, yet there was so much more to him than his looks. He was well respected in the community, he took in young women who needed training and a place to work, but above all that, he was kind. Truly kind.

  The orchestra began the next song and Jude held out his arm. “Ready?”

  “Are you?”

  He grinned. “I’ve been looking forward to this dance all evening.”

  The other dancers were already twirling around the floor as Elizabeth put her hand on his shoulder and felt his rest on her waist.

  She tried not to let herself dwell on how different his touch felt than that of the others. He would be her business partner before long and she needed to think of him that way.

  Jude took a step, but then he paused and Elizabeth frowned. “Is something wrong?”

  He tilted his chin toward the doors and Elizabeth followed his gaze. “It looks like we have an unexpected guest.”

  The crowd moved aside and Rose stood on the dance floor in her nightgown, a grin on her cherubic face.

  “Lizzie!” Rose waved her hand as she ran around the other dancers and clung to Elizabeth’s skirt.

  Elizabeth looked down into her little face. “Where is Mrs. Fadling?”

  Rose’s wide-eyed stare took in the room. “She fell asleep.”

  Elizabeth sighed. “I told you to stay upstairs—”

  “But it’s no fun to stay in my room all night. The music sounds so pretty.”

  “I also told you it isn’t safe for you to be wandering around the hotel alone.”

  Rose’s face became crestfallen. “I just wanted to dance.”

  Elizabeth glanced at Jude and saw the compassion on his face.

  “May I dance with her?” he asked Elizabeth quietly.

  She studied him for a moment, her eyebrows furrowed. “You would do that?”

  “It would be my pleasure.”

  “Please, Lizzie!” Rose tugged on her skirt.

  She shouldn’t let Rose get her way, but what was the harm in one dance, especially if Jude was willing? It would be a memory Rose would hold forever. “All right.”

  Jude smiled and bent at the waist. “May I have this dance, Miss Rose?”

  Rose jumped up and down and nodded with enthusiasm.

  Jude lifted her and she wrapped her arms around his neck. “My first dance!”

  He grinned over Rose’s shoulder at Elizabeth and then showed Rose how to hold his left hand with her right one. After she did as he instructed, he began to waltz.

  Rose had never smiled so bright and Elizabeth couldn’t take her eyes off the pair. She stood on the edge of the dance floor, her heart full. Rose had never known the love of their father, as Elizabeth had. She’d never sat on his lap, laid her head against his chest to hear the strong beat of his heart or twirled in a pretty dress for him to admire. Rose had missed all those things, but as she giggled in Jude’s arms, she was able to taste a morsel of that experience.

  Jude’s eyes glowed as he watched Rose giggle. From time to time he would say something and she would laugh all over again. Around and around they went, and not once did Jude look away from Rose’s delighted face. Others stopped to watch, their smiles on the mismatched pair.

  When the song came to an end, Jude set her on her feet and bowed at the waist. Rose curtsied, just as Elizabeth had taught her, and then lifted her arms for Jude to pick her up again.

  Elizabeth tried to conceal the depth of her emotions as they came back to her and she held out her arms to Rose. “It’s time for bed.”

  Rose clung to him. “Can you put me to bed, Mr. Jude?”

  Lightning lit up the windows and a crack of thunder boomed outside the hotel, causing many people to jump. Rose squeezed Jude tighter, her eyes growing large.

  Soon rain was pounding against the siding.

  “I’ll take you, if Elizabeth comes,” Jude said.

  “Of course.” Elizabeth lifted the train of her gown and led the way out of the ballroom.

  The thunder continued to rumble, and each time it split the air, Rose squealed and hugged Jude tighter.

  They walked up the stairs and down the long hallway, which lit up as the lightning streaked across the sky. Elizabeth went ahead of Jude and opened their bedroom door.

  “Where is Mrs. Fadling?” Elizabeth asked Rose.

  Rose yawned and pointed to the sitting room. “In there.”

  Jude followed Elizabeth into their bedroom and walked to the bed, where he low
ered Rose.

  Thunder filled the air once again and Rose refused to let go of Jude, though he didn’t look like he minded being her protector.

  “It’s time for bed,” Elizabeth said to her sister.

  Rose shook her head. “I’m scared.”

  Jude gently pried Rose’s arms off his neck and pulled the bedcovers back. “You have nothing to be afraid of. Climb into bed and I’ll tell you a story.”

  Elizabeth stood by and watched as Rose got under the covers without a fuss.

  Jude pulled them up to her chin and sat beside her. “Once upon a time, there was a little girl who was afraid of storms.”

  “That’s me!” Rose said with glee.

  Jude laughed and continued to tell Rose the story about the little girl and how she had to climb a mountain to capture the thunder and lightning and place them in a bottle. For years, the people in the valley endured a drought because there was no rain. Their crops did not grow, their animals could not drink and the people were starving and thirsty. The little girl realized her fear was causing everyone to suffer, so she went back to the mountain and released the thunder and lightning. Immediately, it began to rain again, but she was no longer afraid. She was excited that everyone would have water. She finally understood that the storm was not something to fear, but something to embrace because it meant life for all of them.

  He told her the story in great detail, taking his time and answering her questions as he went. Elizabeth sat in the rocking chair in the corner, content to listen to the storm and let the dancers continue on without her.

  As Jude came to the end of the story, Rose’s eyes closed and she was soon fast asleep.

  “The end,” Jude said softly as he slowly stood from the bed.

  The storm had quieted to a gentle rain and the thunder had moved on.

  Jude went to the window and opened it to allow a cool breeze to blow in.

  Elizabeth closed her eyes and inhaled the fresh air. It felt wonderful against her warm skin. “Thank you,” she said as she opened her eyes.

  “Shall we go back to the dance?”

  “After I wake Mrs. Fadling and ask her to sit with Rose.”

  “I’ll wait in the hall.”

  Elizabeth stood and went into the sitting room, where Mrs. Fadling was asleep over her knitting needles. Elizabeth touched her shoulder. “Mrs. Fadling.”

  The woman opened her eyes, a bit confused.

  “Rose is asleep in the bedroom. Would you mind sitting with her in there?”

  “Oh, of course not.” The woman stood and followed Elizabeth back into the room. “Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

  “I will.” Elizabeth left the bedroom and closed the door.

  Jude stood at the back of the hallway, his hands in his pockets, looking out the window. There was something heavy about his countenance.

  “Is something wrong?”

  He turned from the window. “I’ve never done anything like that in my life.”

  “What?”

  “Put a child to bed.”

  She smiled. “You did a marvelous job.”

  He shook his head. “How do you do it?”

  “What?”

  “Say no to her.”

  Elizabeth laughed. “Believe me, it gets easier and easier the older she gets.”

  He joined in her laughter and then grew serious. “You’re doing a wonderful job raising her. She’s a sweet girl. Your parents would be proud.”

  His words pleased her. Raising a child was a thankless job, and knowing he had noticed her hard work meant a lot.

  “Are you ready to return?” she asked.

  “Not really.” He smiled and offered his arm. “But I’ll take you back so the others can enjoy a dance with you.”

  She had lost her opportunity to dance with him, but somehow she didn’t mind. Listening to him tell Rose a story had been more enjoyable than any dance she’d ever experienced.

  Chapter Ten

  Four days later, Jude stood in the barn of the Northern Hotel, running the currycomb down Lady’s flank. He’d just returned from Duluth and had ridden Lady hard to get back to Little Falls. He hated being away from the hotel for such a long period of time, especially with Hugh’s threat still hanging over his head. He hoped the ladies hadn’t had any difficulties while he was away.

  Dust motes floated on the air and the smell of musty hay filled the barn. Two other horses stood in their stalls, twitching their tails and stomping their feet, mildly curious about Jude’s activities.

  He’d gone after Sally, but her employer must have caught on to her plan to leave, because when Jude arrived at Reed’s brothel, she was nowhere to be found. He had spent two sleepless nights searching for her, but to no avail. If she’d been forced to a lumber camp, or moved farther west, he would never find her. The helplessness of it all made his stomach clench with anger and his fingers itch to let his emotions play out on the piano.

  The midafternoon sky was overcast and a pall lay over the land. Jude finished currying Lady and filled her bin with oats.

  The barn door creaked and Jude looked up to find Elizabeth standing in the doorway. The sight of her made him forget all the trouble of the past few days in one heartbeat.

  She came to a sudden stop, as if she’d run out to meet him, and color filled her cheeks. “Grace said she saw you ride up. I—I thought I’d check to see if it was you and if you needed anything.”

  She looked fresh and pure after countless hours of searching through brothels and taverns for Sally. It was good to see that she was safe and sound—and much prettier than he remembered.

  He, on the other hand, was a disheveled mess. It had been days since he’d shaved, and his clothes were wrinkled and covered with trail dust. But he was happy to see her. Happier than he could let on—especially because she’d sought him out. “Hello, Elizabeth.”

  She studied him for a moment and then crossed the barn, concern deepening the lines in her brow. “Is everything all right?”

  He started to gather his things, not wanting her to see his weary emotions. “Everything is fine.”

  She came closer. “What happened? Where did you go?”

  Jude exited the stall, closing the gate behind him. “I had some business to attend to, but I’m done now.” Hopefully she wouldn’t ask any more questions, because he was afraid his raw emotions would encourage him to give away too much. He hung up the currycomb and saddle blanket, grabbed his travel bag and ducked out of the barn. “Is everything all right with the hotel?”

  Elizabeth followed and he closed the door behind her.

  “Everything is fine.”

  They stood in the narrow alley as a dark cloud began to blot out the sunshine. Were they in for a storm? It didn’t feel like rain was in the air.

  “Was there something you needed?” he asked.

  She shook her head.

  He couldn’t help but smile. “You just came out to welcome me home?”

  She ducked her head. “I was actually eager to bring this list to you.” She held up a piece of paper he hadn’t noticed until now. “But I can see you’re tired, so I’ll wait to discuss it with you.”

  Despite his exhaustion and disappointment, something as mundane as a list was a welcome diversion. He tried not to smile. “I haven’t even started on the other list. What is this one about?”

  She put it behind her back. “It’s nothing.”

  “What is it?”

  She moved away, a smile on her lips. “It’s really not that important.”

  He laughed. “Just tell me.”

  She took another step back, her cheeks filling with more color, a telltale sign that she was embarrassed. What could she have written that would embarrass her? “It’s a list of gentlemen w
ho have caught my eye.”

  Jude paused, his smile disappearing. “Caught your eye?”

  “For Grace,” she said quickly. “I’ve narrowed it down to five men.”

  Sweet relief washed over him, but he didn’t want to take the time to analyze why he would be relieved that the list was only for Grace. “Only five?”

  “Is there reason for more?” She smiled. “It only takes one, after all.”

  He sobered. “You’re right—as long as it’s the right one.”

  She looked down at the list and didn’t meet his gaze. “Like I said, we can discuss it later. I just wanted your opinion. There have been so many men here this week, it would have been nice to have you here to help me weed them out.”

  The thought of all those men vying for her attention left a bad taste in his mouth and he suddenly wanted to see that list. Who had caught her eye? “Did Ben stop by?”

  She shook her head. “I don’t believe so.”

  What was Ben’s problem? Didn’t he realize he was racing against a ticking clock?

  “What about Hugh Jones?”

  “No. Thankfully.”

  The sky grew darker and Jude glanced up. “We should probably go inside. Looks like we’re in for another storm.”

  Elizabeth looked up, as well, and frowned. “It’s coming on fast. The sky was clear until about thirty minutes ago.”

  Jude walked to the end of the alley and Elizabeth followed. They stopped on Broadway and looked toward the west. A strange cloud filled the horizon. It didn’t look like a normal storm cloud; it somehow shimmered and swarmed as it advanced and turned the sky a darker gray.

  “I don’t like the looks of it,” Jude said.

  From a distance, it appeared as if large drops of rain were falling from the sky.

  “What in the world?” Elizabeth asked just as a locust fell near her foot. “Jude, look.”

  He studied the strange creature. It was large—much bigger than a normal grasshopper, with big eyes and long legs. The moment it landed, it started to march toward the east.