A Song of Joy

by Lauraine Snelling

  “All right. I’ll send Nilda back to the hotel after we close.”

  “No need, we won’t be long.”

  When they convened again, Gertrude rose. “Now, if we can all stay awake after such a fine dinner . . .” The others chuckled. “I would like to discuss something that has been on my mind more lately.” She looked at each person around the table. “I know that my position in this company as chairman is little more than that of a figurehead, but I also see myself as the conscience of this corporation. To refresh your memories, I will read the pertinent clause from our father’s will.” She picked up a piece of paper and read the clause that specified a percentage of profits to go toward charitable donations and foundations. “Now, my question is, how are we living up to that?”

  Pandemonium ensued, the chief argument being that the will had been written years ago, before the company expanded into such great size. Surely she did not expect them to give away so much money in today’s world.

  She waited for them to settle down. “You know, I am not stupid, and neither was our father. I believe any effort is better than no effort, so in order to stay within the tenets of our father’s will, we must return to thinking of benevolence as part of our company policy.”

  “Our companies provide jobs for who knows how many thousands of people. Surely that can be considered a form of benevolence,” Heinrik said.

  “True. But we receive a return. It is not charity.”

  Nilda felt like ducking at the glares sent their way.

  “I suppose you have a plan to offer?” Jacob had always been deft at sarcasm.

  “Not really. But awareness is the first step to change. And as head of this company, I see it as important that we all become aware. Benevolence starts within.”

  “Who made you judge?” Jacob snarled.

  “There is a difference between judging and recommending. I am not judging when I read you the clause. I am simply pointing out that we have not been honoring it.”

  Nilda saw heads shaking and heard sighs and grumbling. Gertrude was digging herself a deep hole.

  “I challenge that by the next board meeting, we will all be able to report on our efforts and the results thereof. Are there any questions?” At the silence that screamed disgust, she rapped her gavel. “Then we are dismissed for today. I hope we can all think on this overnight and tomorrow morning discuss some possibilities.”

  “What a joke,” Nilda heard someone say. “She is out of her mind,” said another. “What a waste of time.” She gathered her things and put everything in her briefcase.

  “Gertrude, we’ll meet in my office,” Heinrik ordered.

  Gertrude rolled her eyes at Nilda and followed her brother out of the room. Nilda didn’t have long to wait before Gertrude rejoined her. Nilda’s questioning look earned a shrug.

  “We’ll talk back in our suite. Here’s our driver.”

  After ordering a light supper to be served in an hour, Gertrude chose to lie down until supper arrived, leaving Nilda wondering.

  She shrugged and picked up the telephone to call Jeffrey in answer to a message he had left for her. “May I speak with Jeffrey, please?”

  “I’m sorry but he’s gone for the evening. May I tell him who called?”

  “This is Miss Carlson answering his message.”

  “And he has your number?”

  “Yes, thank you.” Nilda hung up and stared at the telephone. “Obviously he has my number or how could he have left a message?” She shook her head and decided to emulate Gertrude. Closing her door, she picked up a throw and pulled it over her legs as she lay down on the bed. And fell asleep.

  She woke to a tapping on her shoulder.

  It was the maid. “Miss, let me help you get ready for bed. Gertrude said she will see you in the morning.”

  “Oh, thank you.”

  A few minutes later, Nilda was properly tucked into bed and drifted right back to sleep. To wake at a tapping at the door. “Yes?”

  “I am here to help you dress.” The maid again.

  Nilda stared at the clock. Morning. She should be up and dressed by now and eating breakfast with Gertrude. How could she have slept so long?

  “Yes, please help me. I have to hurry.” She threw back the covers and was halfway to the bathroom when the maid came in. “The blue serge business suit.”

  Thanks to the maid, she was ready in less than half an hour, and after blowing out a breath, she joined Gertrude at the white-clothed table. “Good thing I’m not hungry.” Just then her stomach growled, making her out a liar.

  “Never fear. You have fifteen minutes before we have to leave. Help yourself.”

  “Thank you. I—I’m sorry.”

  “Just eat and relax. You were so sleepy last night, I did not have the heart to wake you up for supper. Besides, we will be there in plenty of time. And if we are late, they will have another cup of coffee, swap some more gossip, and begin when we get there.”

  Nilda forced herself to concentrate during both the morning and afternoon meetings. She thought that with all the sleep she’d had, she should be at her best, but it didn’t seem that way. Anytime there was a lull in the discussion, she wondered what in the world had been so important that Heinrik had requested a private meeting with his sister. Perhaps it wasn’t for her to know.

  Back at their hotel, they ordered tea and relaxed in comfortable chairs. “Good tea,” Gertrude said. “I believe you are dying to know about the conversation.”

  “Well, yes.” Nilda picked up a thin cracker and nibbled on it.

  “Heinrik extolled Jeffrey’s good traits and declared how life will be so much better for you when the two of you are married.”

  Nilda stared at her. “That’s it? And what did you say?”

  “I told him that this would be your decision, and I had nothing to do with your response.”

  Nilda sensed there was more. “And?”

  “And we are looking forward to the ball.” She paused. “But then I slipped in that you and Jeffrey did not seem suited, in my opinion.”

  “I see. So that is why he seemed a bit cool today. To you, that is. He mentioned to me that he is looking forward to the ball and watching Jeffrey and me dancing together. I just nodded.”

  “Good for you. You need to keep your wits about you tomorrow night.”

  “I would like to go to the bookstore tomorrow morning if possible.”

  “Of course. And then we’ll come back here and relax and maybe even read some of our new books.”

  “And perhaps decide not to go at all?” Nilda said, hoping.

  “Don’t I wish.”

  Chapter

  25

  Nilda stared at the piles of books they had purchased. “I believe we are in need of a box, if not more than one.”

  “See if I let you loose in a real bookstore again.” Gertrude studied Nilda, her smile widening. “Watching you was so delightful.”

  “You seem to have purchased a few yourself.” Nilda looked outside the carriage to see people bustling along and electric trolley cars having the right of way. “One of these times when we come here, I would like to go on a tour of these cities where so much is going on. I’d like to see the Carnegie library and the mills and where people live.”

  “We will make arrangements for that to happen, although a spring tour sounds more inviting to me than a fall or winter one.” Gertrude thought a moment. “Regarding the books, the hotel will pack them for us to go along with our other luggage.”

  They had left the store in time to have a light dinner back in their suite and enjoy a nap and time to read. Two maids came in to assist them in dressing for the ball, making sure Nilda’s hair was studded with sparkling hairpins and shining in the lamplight.

  “You look beautiful, miss.” The maid stepped forward and adjusted the neckline on the royal blue ball gown.

  Nilda stared into the mirror, shaking her head. “Is that really me?”

  “It is. I hope the shoes are co
mfortable for dancing, because your dance card will fill up faster than you can believe.” Gertrude stood behind her, both of them smiling into the floor-length mirror. Her plum dress, of a more simple design, set off the blue, which set off Nilda’s eyes. “And our coach is ready, Your Highness.”

  Nilda rolled her eyes. “We shall see.”

  Gertrude was right. When they entered the ballroom at the hotel where the event was being held, Jeffrey stopped, stunned at the shimmery young woman before him.

  “Nilda, you are so beautiful.” He held out his arm. “Shall we dance?” He twirled her around on the dance floor and took her in his arms for her first waltz. “I was afraid you wouldn’t come. I kept trying to get ahold of you but . . .”

  She tipped her head to the side. “I’ve been very busy, and I did return your first message.” They swung in a circle and continued around the huge ballroom.

  “I should have presented you to my mother. Silly of me.”

  She just smiled. And felt like she was floating on the music in the strength of his arms. He did indeed dance well. And lead well, so she could enjoy the music and not worry about tripping. When the dance ended, they strolled over to greet his parents.

  “Good evening, Miss Carlson,” Mr. Schmitz wore the widest smile she had ever seen on his face.

  Beside him, Mrs. Schmitz took Nilda’s hand in both of hers. “Welcome to our harvest ball. I have been hearing so much about you lately.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Excuse us, please. I don’t want to miss out on a single dance tonight.” Jeffrey had kept ahold of Nilda’s other hand.

  “You go right ahead. There will be time to talk later when supper is served.” Mrs. Schmitz smiled and nodded.

  They had danced halfway around the floor when a young man tapped Jeffrey’s shoulder. “Move over, brother. You cannot monopolize this lovely young woman all evening.”

  Jeffrey glared at him but relinquished Nilda with a grumbled introduction. “My brother, Jeremy.”

  “Really? Well, I’m delighted to meet you.”

  Jeremy grinned. “I believe you are the best kept secret in our family.”

  She shrugged. “I have no idea. Besides, Jeffrey has not mentioned you.”

  Jeremy pulled her into his arms and swept her over the floor. “You live up in the Northwoods with my aunt Gertrude?”

  “Yes.” And I only come down here for company meetings, she didn’t add.

  “No wonder Jeffrey wanted to go visit. I have not been there since we were boys, but I do have good memories.”

  “Where do you live now?”

  “I travel for the company. I just returned from an extended stay in New York.”

  “And your wife?”

  “Oh, I’m not married. But now that I’ve met you, that could be remedied.”

  Nilda laughed. “You’re as bad as Jeffrey.”

  “Really? And how is that?” He swung her around, making her skirts swirl. As the music came to a close, he turned his head as another young man tapped his shoulder and cut in. “I will return, Miss Carlson, you can count on that.” He bowed and winked at her.

  “I’m sorry but we have not met before,” she said to her new dance partner. The young man said his name, but it got lost in the music, so Nilda just smiled and kept on dancing. Her new partner was not as smooth as the other two, so they danced without the dips and whirls. Which was fine with her.

  By the fifth dance, Jeffrey was waiting and took her hand possessively. “I was beginning to think you were ignoring me.”

  “How could I do that? I just keep on dancing, but I am counting on you to escort me off the floor before this song is finished and to the ladies’ room.”

  He started to grumble, but then his face cleared. “Of course. Perhaps we should ask Mother to accompany you, beat off other . . .”

  She didn’t hear the rest, but when halfway through the number he led her off the floor and toward the ladies’ room, she was extremely grateful. “Thank you.” Once inside, she sank down on the curved-back, tufted sofa, unfolded her fan, and breathed in the cooler air.

  “Are you all right, miss?” the attendant asked.

  “Yes, I just needed to catch my breath.”

  “Can I bring you something to drink?”

  “Cold water would be wonderful.”

  She sipped the water, used the facilities, and checked in the mirror to make sure her gown was proper again.

  “You look lovely, miss.” The attendant straightened the back of the dress. “There now, all is well.”

  “Thank you.” She left the ladies’ room and found Jeffrey waiting for her. He led her back to the dance floor.

  “I was about to send someone in to make sure you were all right.” He stopped. “Just in case I can’t get another dance with you, I want you to myself for supper.”

  “Oh, really?” There he was, back to his not-so-pleasant imperious habits.

  “Let me rephrase that. Will you please join me for supper?”

  She nodded. “Yes, I will. Thank you.” She knew her words were a bit clipped but doubted he would pick up on that.

  He was the best dance partner of the evening, though Jeremy managed to claim her for another dance before supper. “Will you please do me the honor of having supper with me?” He half bowed.

  “I’m sorry, Jeffrey has already asked me.”

  “Well, beat out again by my little brother.” He smiled. “Perhaps I will join you.” He danced her over to where his father and mother were standing. “Here you go, Father, as you requested.”

  Nilda almost stopped in surprise. “Good evening, again.”

  Heinrik took her in his arms, and they fell in with the other dancers. “Seems you are indeed the belle of the ball here. Have you noticed the daggers many young women are throwing at you?”

  “No, sir, I did not.”

  “You dance well for someone of the working class.”

  She looked at him out of the side of her eye. “Excuse me?”

  “Pardon me, that didn’t come out right. With your background.”

  No, it certainly hadn’t. And on top of that, he did not dance as well as either of his sons. Smile, Nilda, smile. Do not give him any idea that what he is saying is belittling you. He probably doesn’t even realize it.

  Just to break the silence, she commented, “This is a lovely ball. Everyone seems to be having a delightful time.”

  “Thank you. My wife is very good at organizing events like this. She accomplishes a great deal in the way of raising money for charities.” He paused. “We are both looking forward to becoming better acquainted, since Jeffrey speaks so highly of you.”

  Keep your mouth closed, do not say what you are thinking. “That’s nice.” I told you to keep your mouth closed. Sorry, that slipped out. Will this song never end?

  “In fact, everyone who has worked with you has been singing your praises. Especially my sister.” He paused and turned her in a circle. “Even your banker up there in your little town, and the haberdasher.”

  Nilda stumbled. “Sorry.” So he had been what, investigating her? Apparently. This was beyond irritating. It was insulting.

  The musicians played the final chords of the song, and a terrible thought struck her. What if his investigation revealed that Crawford Galt was also investigating her? In relation to a death! Apparently if it had, it didn’t matter. They were all so unctuous, another word Gertrude had taught her.

  “Thank you for the pleasure of this dance, Miss Carlson. I see my older son is coming this way. I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay here.”

  Why was Jeremy’s smile more welcoming than his brother’s? Or was she just being critical of Jeffrey?

  “Did Father do his welcome-to-the-family spiel?” he asked.

  “Well, no. Whatever do you mean?” She felt like walking off the floor. Were all the men of the Schmitz family having trouble with their mouths this evening? She’d noticed them all at the bar or carrying a glass more th
an once.

  “Oops, sorry. I know he can seem rather, ah, forthright is a good word, I believe. Will you be remaining in town tomorrow?”

  “No, we are leaving in the morning. I know the mail is piling up on my desk, and I promised Mr. Amundson, head of our bank, that I would meet with him Monday morning. We have an ongoing housing project you might have heard of.”

  “No, I haven’t. What is it you are doing?”

  She stared at him. He was the first of the Schmitz men to show any interest in what she did. Her smile blossomed.

  “Oh, my word, you are stunning when you smile like that.”

  “Mr. Schmitz! You are a rogue.” She tapped his shoulder with her closed fan.

  “Ah, I’ve not been called that for some time. You are not only beautiful, but you can carry on a meaningful conversation.” They swirled again. “Now, what is it you are doing?”

  “We and the town of Blackduck are building houses on some donated land to help immigrants. In our case, the families of loggers who work in the woods all winter.”

  “This is all being done with donations? How many houses are you building?”

  “We have completed three. One is now occupied, and the second will be shortly. Two more are in the finishing stages, and the next four are waiting for more donations. We have all agreed we will not start construction on a house until the money is in the bank for building materials and supplies.”

  “And that comes to . . . ?”

  The music drew to a close. Another young man tapped on Jeremy’s shoulder.

  “Sorry, but she is taken for this one.” He led her back to the center of the floor. “I know that was rude, but I’m not sure I’ll get a chance to talk with you again.”

  “You are welcome to visit us and see what we are doing.”

  “Perhaps one of these days. Right now I have to leave again on Tuesday. I get sent various places to solve difficulties.” The music began again. “Now, what are the numbers?”

  She told him, all the while wondering where this was going.

  “Are you sure that is enough?”

  “We do things very economically in our town. Most of the work being done is on a volunteer basis.”