“Please keep me up-to-date on your love interest,” the dressmaker urged. “In the meantime, I shall see your lovely dress is delivered later this afternoon.”
Smiling with delight, Amanda left the dress shop and headed for home.
The night of the concert arrived, and with it came a light powdering of snow. Amanda smoothed down the soft skirt of her dress, then patted her light brown ringlets nervously as she waited for Will. She had spent all afternoon primping and curling her hair, and she prayed she hadn’t overdone it.
A knock on the door signaled Will’s arrival. Amanda pulled on the knob and greeted him with a smile. “Good evening.”
Will gaped while his brown eyes roved over her bare shoulders before he blinked and looked back into her face. “A–Amanda…”
She inwardly congratulated herself on a job well done. Will appeared positively enthralled.
“Do I look all right?” she hedged.
“Um…well…um…yes.”
“I hope you like the dress.”
Will swallowed convulsively, and Amanda had to swing around in an effort to hide her smile. She covered the action by grabbing her woolen wrapper off the peg and handing it to Will.
He seemed lost as to what to do next.
“Assist me with my cloak?” she prompted.
“Oh…y–yes, of course…”
With the task completed, Will stared down into her eyes wordlessly while Amanda carefully set her bonnet on top of her head, tying it under her chin.
“Shall we go?”
He nodded.
Amanda fairly propelled him to the awaiting hired hackney.
For the duration of the carriage ride, Will remained silent. Amanda did her best to engage him in polite conversation, but he appeared uncomfortable. Did he appreciate her taste in evening wear, or was he bothered by seeing her in something other than her daytime work dresses? Suddenly Amanda felt unsure of herself.
The driver pulled to a halt on North Milwaukee Street in front of the theatre, and Will nearly forgot to help Amanda alight from the buggy. They walked into the building and checked their overcoats before strolling into the lobby. Amanda felt grateful to happen upon some acquaintances from school, and she politely introduced them to Will, who still hadn’t found his tongue. After Amanda and her friends’ cordial exchange, she and Will moved on.
“Well, well, look who’s here, Jenny.”
There was no mistaking Cade Danfield’s booming voice, and turning slightly, Amanda watched him approach. His daughter walked beside him, lovely in her pristine white dress with a red satin sash around her trim waist. And the captain himself looked dapper in his black trousers, multicolored woven vest, and black frock coat.
“Hello, Captain.”
“Miss Lewis.” He gallantly bowed over her gloved hand. “You look especially lovely this evening. I believe green is your color.”
Amanda smiled, feeling her cheeks warm with a blush. “Thank you.” She chanced a peek at Will, wishing he could be even half as charming as the captain.
“Hello, Miss Amanda,” Jenny said, smiling up at her.
“Good evening, dear heart.”
“Papa and I came to hear the concert.”
“So I see.”
The girl looked at Will, then at her father, and finally back at Amanda. Confusion crossed her features, and Amanda could practically hear the question going through the child’s mind. If you’re not sweet on him, why are you all dressed up and accompanying him to the Christmas concert? But, of course, the captain knew the answer to that one.
Amanda directed her attention to Cade and found him regarding her intently. He recovered in a heartbeat and turned to Will.
“Mr. Trekman,” he said, sticking out his right hand, “it’s always a pleasure to see you.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Several uncomfortable moments passed.
“Well, I believe the concert is about to begin,” Cade announced, and Amanda found her hand being looped around his elbow. “Come along, Jenny. Mr. Trekman, let’s find some seats, shall we?”
“Yes…sir…,” came the halting reply.
Amanda glanced over her shoulder and viewed Will’s baffled countenance as he trailed them. She tried to disengage her hand, but Cade held it firmly in place. Jenny slipped her free hand into Amanda’s other one. She smiled at the darling girl but frowned at the child’s father.
“What do you think you’re doing?” she hissed.
Cade didn’t reply, instead lifting his clean-shaven chin and acting as though everything was as right as a December snowstorm.
They reached a row of six seats, and Cade deftly ushered Jenny in first, then Amanda, before he boldly took the wooden seat beside hers, leaving poor Will on the end with two seats left vacant next to him. Amanda felt the fury heating her face.
“I can tell you think this is most amusing, Cade Danfield,” she whispered. “I can see the smile beneath your mustache. However, there is nothing funny about this situation.”
“I am doing you a favor,” he whispered back. He sat so closely, Amanda could feel his spicy breath on her nose. “Now, relax and enjoy the concert.”
She wanted to scream. Of all the nerve! His name should be Cad, not Cade!
“What song do you think the orchestra will play first, Miss Amanda?” Jenny asked.
“I…I don’t know, honey,” Amanda said, trying desperately to calm her stormy emotions.
Cade moved his arm, and it overlapped hers. Amanda discreetly pulled away. Incorrigible man! Next she heard him engaging Will in talk of work at the Grain Exchange. The lout! She’d spent good money on a dress that would go unnoticed the rest of night. Perhaps Mrs. Zenkowski would allow her to return it.
The ornately decorated wall sconces were dimmed, and the orchestra began to play a set of lively Christmas favorites. At one point, the audience stood and everyone joined in singing “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” Listening to Cade’s deep but slightly off-pitch baritone voice somehow melted Amanda’s wrath. By intermission, she felt content to stand in the lobby and converse with Cade, Will, and a host of others while Jenny met up with a few of her new friends. After a time, Will excused himself to fetch several glasses of punch.
“I take it you haven’t discussed your, um, plans with Mr. Trekman yet.”
Amanda gazed at Cade skeptically. “I was hoping for a chance to speak with him tonight.”
“Yes, I thought as much.” It seemed Cade was seasoned at holding a private discussion in a public place. No one could read his lips since they were covered by his bushy mustache, and as he continued to hold Amanda’s elbow and speak softly into her ear, not another soul heard him.
But they saw him. Amanda felt sure of it. She blushed profusely and hoped he knew what he was doing. By this time tomorrow, half of Milwaukee City would have them labeled a couple.
“Have you prayed about a match between you and Will?” Cade asked.
She looked up at him, surprised by the light of sincerity in his blue eyes. “I told God I needed a husband.”
“Mmm…and are you sure this is the Almighty’s plan for your life, or are you running ahead of Him?”
“I…I want to keep my home.” She clenched her jaw to keep her chin from quivering.
“Home is where your heart is, Amanda. Haven’t you ever heard that expression before? The Kismet was my home for years. She was a faithful vessel and I’ll miss her. But my home is now on Newberry Boulevard. Jenny is there and my heart…well,” he chuckled lightly, “let’s just say my heart is at least in the same city.”
He gave her a long look and squeezed her elbow just as Will returned with the punch. Amanda thought she must have missed something. Cade’s heart was at least in the same city? Did he mean as opposed to being out on the water? At sea? She shrugged inwardly.
At last it came time to reclaim their seats, and the good captain was just as clever as before in situating himself beside Amanda. However, this time Jenny sat to his
right and to Amanda’s immediate left was Will. She felt as though she ought to say something to him, but no words took shape in her mind.
Once the lights were turned down low and the orchestra began to play again, Amanda timidly considered the two men on either side of her. She had to confess to admiring Cade’s commanding presence. Will, on the other hand, was obviously the passive sort. He hadn’t even voiced a complaint about the captain inserting himself into their evening plans— and he should have. Were their roles reversed, Cade Danfield wouldn’t have stood such nonsense for a moment.
Suddenly Amanda recalled the captain’s comment about bossy women. Would she really become one of them if she married Will? As if in reply, the remembrance of how she had initiated things earlier that evening frittered through her mind. She hadn’t exactly been bossy, but she’d had to fairly lead the young man along.
She realized in that moment Cade’s assessment had been correct. Will Trekman wasn’t the man for her, and a position as keeper of the North Point Light was not worth the misery they would likely suffer as husband and wife.
Her gaze finally shifted to the captain. She found him watching her, and Amanda offered him a tiny smile. She saw his mustache twitch before he turned his attention back to the orchestra.
The concert ended, and Amanda found herself feeling quite subdued. Her well-laid plans had disintegrated before her very eyes. She followed Will out to the lobby with Cade’s hand around her elbow while Jenny babbled happily beside her about the Christmas concert.
Will fetched their winter coats, and he handed Amanda hers.
“It makes no sense for both of us to hire a hack,” Cade said, taking it upon himself to assist her with her cloak. “Let’s ride home together.”
Amanda smiled at Jenny, unwilling to involve herself in this particular decision. But, as she expected, Will complied without comment.
Inside the carriage, Amanda settled in beside Jenny while the captain and Will sat across from them. She listened as father and daughter discussed the concert at great length, although from time to time, Amanda briefly glanced at Will. If he felt disappointed with the night’s outcome, he didn’t look it. In a word, he seemed confused.
And so was she.
The carriage halted in front of the boardinghouse where Will currently resided. Amanda was only half surprised by their first stop. After an all-encompassing “good night,” Will hopped out, closed the buggy’s door behind him, and sauntered off. The carriage lurched forward.
“So, Amanda, did you have an enjoyable evening?” Cade asked in a tone that bordered on mockery.
“I…I’m not sure,” she hedged.
He chuckled lightly.
“Didn’t you adore the symphony tonight?” Jenny asked.
“Well, yes, but…”
She eyed the captain in suspicious wonder, trying to make out his features amidst the nighttime shadows. She could tell he stared back at her. What was he thinking?
“I had a splendid time tonight,” he announced at last. He sounded sincere.
Next to her, Jenny sidled up and rested her head against Amanda’s shoulder. “I did too, Papa, but now I’m sleepy.”
“Well, don’t doze off just yet. We have to see Miss Amanda safely back home.”
Jenny yawned. “I’ll do my best to stay awake.”
Cade chuckled, and Amanda had to stifle a yawn of her own. She’d have to brew a pot of coffee to keep herself awake through the night.
At last they reached the lighthouse, and Cade stepped out from the carriage before helping Amanda alight.
“You stay put, Jenny,” he instructed. “I’ll only be a few minutes.”
Amanda’s heart did an unusual flip.
“Yes, Papa. Good night, Miss Amanda.”
“Sweet dreams, and I’ll see you tomorrow after school.”
Jenny nodded vigorously before Cade closed the carriage door and escorted Amanda to the side entrance.
“I suppose I should apologize for my boorish behavior tonight,” the captain began as they stood on the porch.
“I’m sure Will Trekman would appreciate it,” she replied tartly.
Amanda saw him smile beneath the sliver of moonlight peeking out from under the overcast sky. “Are you saying you don’t require an apology from me, or does it mean you won’t forgive me?”
This time, she had to grin. “Nothing to forgive, Captain, although I must admit to feeling perturbed at the onset of this evening. But I soon realized what you said is true. Will is not the man for me, and I have no business trying to dupe him into marriage.” Feeling abashed, Amanda looked down at the snow-dusted porch floor.
Cade cupped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. “I don’t think you would have duped Will into anything, Amanda. He might be somewhat timid and naive, but he knows his own mind. On the other hand, I’m very glad to hear you’ve decided against marrying him in order to secure your position here.”
“You are?”
“Yes. I am.” Releasing her chin, Cade lifted her hand and pressed a kiss on her gloved fingers. “Good night, my dearest Amanda.”
She swallowed hard. “Good night.”
She watched him take his leave before entering the house. For some odd reason, she felt a bit giddy. If only Mother were here to advise her. Was the captain romantically interested in her? It seemed so, but why hadn’t he stated his intentions? Had he been merely looking out for her welfare tonight as an older brother might guard his little sister? His actions certainly weren’t those of a sibling.
Amanda sighed as she mounted the steps to her bedroom. She pushed her tumultuous thoughts of Cade Danfield aside. For now she needed to change her clothes and tend the light. It still burned as brightly as when she’d left for the concert, but the lamp was sure to require a spot cleaning and wick trimming, not to mention a good dose of oil.
But try as she might, she couldn’t seem to rid her memory of a pair of startling blue eyes above a twitching, blond mustache.
Chapter 9
Amanda glanced at the letter in her hand once more. It stated that she had been granted a hearing. The superintendent of the Great Lakes district agreed to hear her arguments as to why she felt she qualified to take over her mother’s commission as keeper of the North Point Light.
She swallowed hard. David would be furious if he found out. Still, she knew in her heart that she had to try for the position. But she still felt incredibly anxious over this meeting. She wished she had someone to accompany her, and there was only one man she could think of asking. He would be objective, had a good business sense about him, wouldn’t treat her like a child, and wasn’t intimidated by the Sloans.
Captain Danfield.
However, after last night’s concert and with her own befuddled sensibilities, Amanda felt almost too timid to make the appeal.
A knock sounded at the door, and Jenny looked up from the book she’d been reading. “Is it Papa?”
Amanda stood, smoothed the skirt of her simple brown wool dress, and glanced out the window. “Yes. He’s early tonight.”
“Oh, good!” the child cried, jumping up from the settee. “I can’t wait to tell him my score on my arithmetic exam.”
Smiling, Amanda followed Jenny to the entryway, where they bid the captain welcome. Then as Jenny returned to the parlor to gather her belongings, Amanda decided to broach the subject of her impending hearing.
“I, um, received this today,” she said, handing Cade the letter.
After giving her a curious frown, he read it over. “Hmm…day after tomorrow.”
“Yes, and I wondered if I might ask you a favor. But let me preface it by saying, I understand you’re a busy man and can’t be bothered with trivial matters…”
Cade lifted an inquiring brow. “What do you need, Amanda? You know I’ll help you if I can.” His voice sounded so kind and gentle that it somehow spurred her on.
“I wondered if you might attend the hearing with me. I’m…well, I hate to admit it, b
ut I’m more than a little apprehensive about the whole thing.”
“Quite understandable, and I’m happy to escort you to the meeting. I’ll even act as your advisor if you’d like.”
Amanda tried to appear grateful rather than surprised, but by the way Cade chuckled, she knew she hadn’t fooled him.
“Thank you, Captain,” she managed.
He inclined his head slightly in reply. “And now I have a question for you.”
“Yes?” She wished her heart wouldn’t beat so fiercely whenever the captain gave her such an intent look.
“I wondered if you might dine with Jenny and me tonight in our home.”
“Tonight?” Amanda didn’t think she was dressed for such an occasion. It would take her hours to get ready.
“It’s very informal,” he said, as if sensing the reason behind her hesitation. “Just the three of us…and Mrs. Parsons, my housekeeper, of course. She’s agreed to cook for us.”
“Well…”
“It will all be quite proper, I assure you.”
Amanda grinned. “In that case, Captain, I accept your invitation.” Then more seriously she added, “But I need to tend the light before I go.”
“Fine. Jenny and I can wait in the parlor for you,” he said, just as his daughter reappeared, looking set to leave. Cade explained their delay, while Amanda pulled on her cloak and headed for the tower.
Up in the lamp room, she performed her regular routine of cleaning the lens and surrounding glass panes. Next she trimmed the lamps’ wicks. All the while she wondered over the captain’s invitation. She wished once again her mother were alive to tell her what it all meant. Was Cade Danfield kindly repaying her for tutoring Jenny, or was there more? She couldn’t be sure.
Amanda released a long, frustrated sigh and descended the winding stairwell. Men were extremely difficult to understand. But at least the captain had agreed to accompany her to the hearing. She felt as though a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
Reentering the parlor, she found him and Jenny waiting. Within the next few minutes, they were riding off in his buggy, heading for his house on Newberry Boulevard.
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