In Dreams Forgotten

by Tracie Peterson

  “We are not mutually anything. Now, why don’t you run along and find yourself a date for the ball? I have things to tend to.”

  “I know you’re afraid to trust me. Afraid to give your heart again, but I need your help. Most of the other young women I might ask are busy or would see it as something akin to a marriage proposal.” Again, his tone took on a tenderness that Kenzie was defenseless against. “Please help me out.”

  She could see this was getting her nowhere. She had absolutely no desire to attend the ball, but neither did she want him thinking her afraid or ungrateful. Perhaps if she did attend, he would see for himself that they didn’t belong together. Then he would leave her alone once and for all.

  “Please say yes,” he urged.

  She made the mistake of looking into his eyes. The sarcastic glint was gone. “Very well. I’ll go.” She shook her head. “Although, I shouldn’t, and perhaps—”

  “No, you can’t take it back now that you’ve given me your word.” Micah got to his feet. “I’ll be here tomorrow evening at six.” He headed for the door, then paused to throw her a smile over his shoulder. “Try to look happy.”

  Kenzie would have thrown something at him had anything been nearby. He was incorrigible. She sighed and headed upstairs, but just as she reached the top step, she realized what he had said.

  “Six tomorrow evening!” She felt a momentary sense of horror. Where was she to get a ball gown by then?

  Caleb had purposefully held off telling Judith about the appointment on Saturday. He didn’t want her to spend the week fretting, and besides, he wanted to further research the Whitleys. But now that it was Friday, he would have to let her know about their meeting and what he had learned.

  He heard when she returned from work. Camri was in the front room and called to Judith. Caleb had asked his sister earlier in the day to let Judith know he needed to speak with her that evening, just in case he wasn’t home.

  Getting up to go to her, Caleb was surprised when Judith quickly rushed into his study. “Camri said you needed to talk to me.”

  He smiled. She looked so pretty, despite being dressed in her simple work clothes. Just seeing her brightened his day. “I do. Please come in and sit a moment.” He caught a whiff of chocolate. “You smell like candy.”

  She was much too preoccupied to even hear what he’d said. Already she was making her way to the chairs by the fireplace. When she’d taken a seat, she looked up at him with an expression between fear and dread.

  “Don’t look so worried. It’s not all that bad.” He smiled. “I have some news for you. Some perhaps not exactly what you want to hear, but some good.”

  She looked up at him. “I’m listening.”

  He decided to remain standing and positioned himself in front of the fireplace. “I had a brief meeting this week with Ann Whitley. She is the mother-in-law of a woman named Edith Whitley.”

  “You found my aunt?”

  “No, I didn’t say that. I’m not sure if this Edith Whitley is your aunt or not. Mrs. Ann Whitley, however, has agreed to meet you tomorrow. We’ll go for tea in the afternoon at four, and hopefully we can ask our questions and learn if her daughter-in-law was your aunt.”

  “Was?”

  Caleb drew a deep breath. “That’s the bad part. Mrs. Whitley’s daughter-in-law died some years ago when she was abroad. The ship she was on with her husband and daughter sank off the coast of Italy, and they were drowned.”

  Judith looked momentarily stunned, but then tears formed in her eyes. “So even if she is my aunt, I won’t ever have a chance to know her.”

  Her sadness touched him in an unexpected way. Caleb knelt down beside her chair and took her hand. “I’m sorry, Judith. I should have figured out an easier way to tell you. Still, it’s very possible that this Edith Whitley isn’t your aunt at all.”

  “I don’t know which would be worse—having to start all over, or having it be true. I had really hoped to have family still living.”

  “And perhaps you do. Don’t let yourself be defeated by this. We’ll go and speak with Mrs. Whitley, and if Edith was your aunt, then perhaps she had other family—children who didn’t accompany her to Europe. You might have cousins. Mrs. Whitley should be able to tell us, if that is the case.”

  Judith wiped away a tear with her free hand. “If she’s my aunt, it’ll be like losing Mama all over again. I’ll be alone.”

  “Never.” Caleb stroked her hand. “You’ll never be alone. You have me and Camri and Kenzie. We might not be related by blood, but you are family just the same.”

  She gave him a weak smile. “I appreciate that. Truly I do. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful.”

  “And you don’t.” He smiled. “This is a trying situation, and I intend to be there for you every step of the way.”

  Something stirred in his heart that he didn’t quite understand. He wanted nothing more than to offer Judith comfort and protection just as he would give to Camri. But he felt something else for Judith that had nothing whatsoever to do with being a brother. Right now, more than anything, he wanted to hold her in his arms. Kiss away her tears.

  Shocked by his own feelings, Caleb dropped her hand and jumped to his feet. “We will go to Mrs. Whitley tomorrow. We’re to be there by four, so you should be ready to go by three thirty.” He began to pace. “Don’t worry about a thing. I’ll drive us there, and should things become uncomfortable, we’ll leave.”

  She looked at him oddly. Caleb wanted to ask her what she was thinking but figured it was better to let the matter drop.

  “What should I wear?” she asked.

  He stopped in midstep. “Ah . . . that’s entirely up to you. The Whitleys are very wealthy and no doubt expect everything prim and proper.” He didn’t know what else to tell her. She was hardly in a position to impress the old woman, no matter what she wore. “It promises to be warm, and I know your wardrobe is limited. You might check with the others and see if they can lend you something. I wouldn’t want you to faint.”

  Judith smiled at this and got to her feet. “I may be emotional about losing family, Caleb, but I’m not a weakling. I’ve never fainted and don’t plan to start.”

  He felt his sense of ease return. “I know you’re a very strong woman.”

  “I’m learning it’s not my strength, but God’s.” She looked away. “I’ll do my best not to embarrass you tomorrow.”

  Caleb frowned. “Why would you ever think I’d be embarrassed by you?”

  She shrugged. “I’m just a poor girl from Colorado. I don’t have the polish and style that Kenzie and Camri have.” He started to protest, but she shook her head. “It’s the truth, but it doesn’t trouble me. I’m learning all that I can. However, I wouldn’t want you to be uncomfortable or thought less of because you were with me.”

  Against his will, Caleb moved toward her. “I think you are an amazing woman—beautiful and sensible, with more than enough polish and style. You could never embarrass me. I’m honored to escort you.” He gazed deep into her eyes, and for a moment lost all reason. “I . . . you . . . are perfect just as you are.”

  He stepped back, knowing that if he didn’t, he might well try to kiss her after all.

  Turning his back on her, he walked to his desk. “I need to get back to work.” He glanced up and found her watching him with a look on her face that suggested she might have been receptive to his kiss. He sat down to keep from going back to her. “Tomorrow, then?”

  She nodded. “I’ll be ready at three thirty.”

  CHAPTER

  8

  Judith fussed with her hair for another minute before giving up. She had brushed and twirled every piece into submission, and although it looked good, she wasn’t sure it would be good enough.

  Standing, she checked her reflection one more time. She’d borrowed a beautiful salmon-colored tea dress from Camri, and it felt heavenly. The cotton eyelet material was lightweight, and the charmeuse lining was silky on her skin. Judith ran
her fingers along the darker pink braided trim that outlined the bodice, waist, and hem. She looked every bit as stylish as the women in the magazines.

  She drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. It was nearly three thirty, and she couldn’t delay any longer. Her nerves were stretched taut just at the thought of spending the afternoon with Caleb, much less meeting a woman who might or might not have information about her family.

  Taking up her gloves and purse, Judith whispered a prayer. “I don’t know what will happen today, Lord, but I pray You’ll be by my side.” She checked the purse to make sure her mother’s letter was inside. It was. She had no idea if she would need it, but it might be important to take.

  She tucked the purse under her arm and pulled on her gloves as she made her way downstairs. Camri was waiting for her with a large-brimmed hat.

  “I nearly forgot about this. Sit here, and I’ll pin it on for you,” Camri said.

  “I’m so nervous that I hadn’t even thought about a hat.”

  Camri fussed with it for a moment, then stood back. “There. You look perfect.”

  Judith jumped up and went to the hallway mirror. The hat was straw, painted ivory and trimmed in feathers and ribbon rosettes dyed the same color as the dress. “Oh, this is so pretty. What if I damage it?” She turned to look at Camri. “Maybe this is a mistake.”

  “Calm yourself. It’s only a dress and hat. If something happens to it—well, that’s life. You mustn’t let it concern you for a moment.” Camri gave her a hug. “Now, come on. Caleb is already at the car, waiting.”

  The thought of seeing Caleb made her stomach flutter. She wondered if he would think her outfit pretty. She hoped so. She could never rival the looks of Florence Brighton, but she was determined not to embarrass Caleb at the Whitley mansion.

  Camri walked with her down the steps to the car. Caleb stood watching until the last couple of steps, when he moved forward to take Judith’s hand. “You look beautiful.”

  “Camri lent me the dress, and I think it’s wonderful.”

  “It isn’t just the dress,” Caleb said, patting her arm. “You are beautiful, Judith.”

  She felt her cheeks grow warm. “Thank you.”

  He helped her into the car, then waved to Camri. “Don’t worry about us if we’re not back right away.”

  Judith had no idea what he meant by that but decided against asking him. Perhaps he knew more about Mrs. Whitley than he was letting on. Perhaps there were other plans afoot. A part of her wanted to run for the safety of her room.

  Silly, this is the very reason you came to San Francisco.

  She watched as Caleb flipped a switch in the car, then went to crank life into the motor. What had started for her as love at first sight was growing deeper. She loved to watch the way he moved—the way he seemed completely oblivious to his effect on women. She loved his spirit, as well. He was gentle and kind to everyone he met, and even when people treated him with less than respect, he was always congenial.

  “There,” Caleb said, getting into the driver’s seat. “We’re set to go. Are you excited?” He glanced at her with a smile.

  Judith drew a deep breath. “I am, but I’m also terribly nervous.”

  He reached over and squeezed her gloved hand. “Don’t be. I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

  She lost herself for a moment in his dark brown eyes. They reminded her of the chocolate Mr. Lake made at his candy factory. “Thank you,” she barely managed to whisper. Why couldn’t he see the way he made her feel—the way she’d come to care for him?

  “All right then, hold on to your hat.”

  Judith did so, saying very little on the ride to the Whitley estate. The day was lovely and warm, just as Caleb had warned. It would have been a perfect day for a picnic or a walk along the beach. For a moment, Judith wished she might be doing either of those things rather than the task at hand. She knew it was silly to be so nervous. After all, this Mrs. Whitley might not be able to give her any information at all.

  Lord, I don’t know how to even pray about this, but please help me get through this meeting without making a fool of myself. If it’s not too selfish of me to ask, then please let me find my Aunt Edith.

  “You’re awfully quiet,” Caleb said.

  “I’ve just been praying.”

  He gave her a nod. “Prayer’s always the answer. I can’t tell you the number of times it has helped me face adversity and trials. Not that this meeting should be either, but I know you understand my meaning.”

  He couldn’t know just how much this felt like a trial. A testing, to be exact, for Judith felt certain she’d never faced anything quite so overwhelming. Even the trip to San Francisco hadn’t left her feeling so intimidated.

  As they made their way closer to the Whitley neighborhood, the wealth of the owners became apparent. Judith had seen these beautiful homes from a distance, but she hadn’t realized just how massive the houses were. Not only that, but the lawns and gardens were extensive and beautifully kept. Even the trees were carefully groomed.

  Before she knew it, Caleb was turning into one of the well-manicured drives and pulling to a stop in front of a large stone house. Judith tried to remain calm.

  “Are you all right?” Caleb asked before getting out of the car.

  “I think so. I hope so.” She tried to swallow the lump in her throat. “Oh, Caleb, what if I do something wrong? What if I make a fool of myself?”

  He smiled reassuringly. “Just be yourself and don’t worry about the rest. Mrs. Whitley makes a game out of trying to intimidate people. Just remember that, and then maybe it won’t seem so bad.”

  “All right.”

  She waited as he came around to help her from the car. In many ways, she dreaded what she would learn once they were inside, but at the same time, she felt like a moth drawn to the flame. It would have been impossible to turn back.

  Caleb rang the bell, and almost immediately the front door opened to reveal a very formal-looking butler. He nodded at Caleb, then looked at Judith. She gave him a nervous smile that faded quickly at his frown.

  “Please come in,” he finally said.

  Judith tried to think of what she might have already done wrong. Why would he frown in such a manner?

  After taking Caleb’s hat, the butler led them into a large open room. Judith tried not to react in amazement at the opulence. She wanted to look everywhere at once but knew that would be the wrong thing to do. Somehow, she found the strength to keep her gaze straight ahead. Maybe later, on the way out, she would have a chance to take it all in.

  The butler moved to the far end of the room, turned right, and then knocked on a very large door. He opened it without waiting for a response and stepped into the room. Caleb patted Judith’s arm again. She fought back tears of fear and the urge to throw herself into his arms.

  “Mrs. Whitley, Mr. Coulter and . . .” The butler looked back at them.

  “Miss Gladstone,” Caleb filled in.

  “Mr. Coulter and Miss Gladstone.”

  He stepped aside, and Caleb led Judith forward. Mrs. Whitley had been sitting with her back to them, but at the announcement she rose and turned with a rather stern look. Her expression changed almost immediately, however, to one of astonishment as she looked at Judith.

  “Cora,” she whispered.

  Judith looked around, thinking perhaps someone had joined them, but there was no one else in the room.

  Mrs. Whitley quickly recovered. “Please be seated. Ramsay, bring the tea.” She sank back into her chair while Caleb guided Judith to a seat just across from the old woman.

  “Mrs. Whitley, I’d like to introduce Judith Gladstone. She is my client.”

  Judith waited for the older woman to say something. Anything. When Mrs. Whitley only stared at her, Judith wondered if she should speak. She fumbled with her purse and pulled out the letter.

  “What have you there, child?” Mrs. Whitley demanded.

  “A . . . letter. From m
y . . . mother.” Judith extended the envelope to the old woman.

  “Is this why you’re looking for Edith Whitley?”

  Judith nodded, continuing to hold out the letter. “My mother wrote it to a woman named Edith Whitley . . . her sister.”

  Mrs. Whitley finally took the letter from Judith. Without pause, she pulled it from the envelope then unfolded it to read. The silence in the room felt suffocating. Judith looked at Caleb. He gave her a hint of a nod and smile. Neither did anything to comfort her. Perhaps this had all been a big mistake.

  Finally, Mrs. Whitley lowered the letter. Her hands were shaking, but whether from age or something else, Judith couldn’t say. Again, all the old woman would do was stare at her. Judith was beginning to think they should just excuse themselves and go.

  “Miss . . . may I call you Judith?” Mrs. Whitley asked.

  “Of course.”

  “Judith, I am quite glad you came today.”

  Without giving it much thought, Judith found herself blurting out the question on her heart. “Have we come to the right place? Do you know if my mother and your daughter-in-law were related?”

  “Yes.” Mrs. Whitley’s tone was matter-of-fact as she gave a nod.

  Judith felt as if her throat might close. She could hardly draw breath. “Did you . . . did you know my mother?”

  Again Mrs. Whitley nodded. This time, however, she got to her feet. “I’d like to show you something.”

  Caleb rose and extended his hand to Judith. She stood, feeling her knees wobble. The old woman crossed to a set of pocket doors on the far side of the room. She pushed back the doors to reveal a smaller sitting room and entered without another word.

  Caleb gave Judith’s arm a tug. She walked with him to where Mrs. Whitley stood in the next room. When Caleb stopped, she glanced up. They stood in front of the fireplace. A large oil painting graced the wall above the mantel.

  “This is my son Nelson and his wife, Edith, and their daughter . . . Cora.”

  Judith looked at the faces of each person. She lingered on the face of Edith who looked very much like Judith’s mother. In fact, they looked so much alike that for a moment Judith felt that she was looking at a painting of her mother. But it was when she saw the face of the younger woman in the painting that Judith felt her mouth drop open. It was like looking at a painting of herself.