In Dreams Forgotten

by Tracie Peterson

  She slowed her steps. “I didn’t think I could. Nobody cares what I want in this matter. You don’t understand what it means to me. What it would mean to any bride.”

  “Camrianne, that’s hardly fair. I do care, and for sure ye know that.”

  “Then why can’t you swallow your pride and accept my brother’s help?” She stopped again and fixed him with her most serious gaze. “I was perfectly willing to wait until fall so that we could better know each other. If you were to take Caleb’s offer, then we could set the date and be done with it.”

  “Don’t be goin’ down that path again. I’ve told ye my reasons. Why can’t ye care about what this means to me?”

  It was Camri’s turn to cross her arms. “I care as much about what you want as you care about what I want.”

  “Then we’re in agreement.” He had the audacity to grin.

  “Oh!” She waved her arms in exasperation. “You are impossible.”

  Again she started stalking off down the road, and just as she’d known he would, Patrick easily caught up to walk beside her.

  “If we’re goin’ to fight about this every time we’re alone, then I’m not goin’ to be alone with ye.”

  “Fine. Then we won’t be alone.” Now she was starting to get really mad.

  A car approached from behind, and Camri turned to see if it was Caleb. It was. Thank goodness. When he drew alongside them, Camri hardly waited for him to stop before she had the door open and was climbing into the back. She started to pull the door closed behind her, but Patrick took hold of it before she could and slid into the seat beside her.

  “Is something wrong?” Caleb asked.

  “Patrick is too pig-headed to see God’s blessing being offered to him.”

  “And Camri is used to bossin’ everyone around and can’t stand it when someone dares to defy her.”

  “Oh!” She shuddered. “You’re impossible. Maybe it’s a good thing you don’t want to set a wedding date.”

  “Maybe it is.”

  Caleb said nothing for a minute, and Camri felt a wave of guilt wash over her. She hadn’t meant for any of this to happen. She had agreed to support Patrick in his task of reclaiming his business. She had promised to be patient and endure whatever time it took. So why was she being so out of sorts now?

  “I think it’s a good thing you’re coming to this conclusion now,” Caleb finally said, glancing over his shoulder. “I’ve been thinking that perhaps the two of you aren’t suited for each other after all.”

  Camri hadn’t expected this. “What?”

  “It’s just that you both obviously have different goals in mind. Different things are more important to one than the other. I can’t see that being a good foundation for marriage. Maybe this is God’s way of showing you the truth before it’s too late.”

  “The truth?” Camri looked at Patrick and shook her head. “The truth is that I love him. I couldn’t bear to face life without him.”

  “And I love ye and feel the same way. I just wish ye could understand my heart when it comes to providin’ for ye. I want to be the one to take care of ye—not yer brother.”

  She leaned closer. “I know that, and I’m sorry. I was just chiding myself for losing my temper. I’m not at all sure why I did. I suppose because I want to be with you . . . to take care of you and not have to be parted each day.”

  He put his arm around her and pulled her close. “And I feel the same way. Honestly I do. Believe me when I say that I want there never to be another night when I have to walk away and leave ye.”

  Camri knew he was going to kiss her, and when his lips touched hers, she turned slightly and pressed closer. A sigh escaped her, which was followed by Caleb’s hearty laugh.

  She pulled away from Patrick. “What has gotten into you?”

  “It was so easy to manipulate you two out of your argument. If only it were that easy with a jury, I might have become a prosecuting attorney.”

  Camri realized then what he’d done and had to smile. “Stuff and nonsense. One day you’ll lose your heart to someone, and then you won’t find it nearly so amusing.” She leaned back against Patrick, comforted as he put his arm around her shoulder. “You’ll see.”

  “Hold still, Kenzie,” Micah commanded. “These scissors are razor sharp, and I’ll end up cutting your finger if you don’t stay still. Just let me get these last two stitches out, and then you’ll be free of me.”

  “Ha! That’s not very likely.” She wanted nothing more than to flee to her room, but Micah was insistent that she allow him to finish what he’d started.

  “The finger has healed nicely,” he replied, ignoring her sarcastic tone. “You’ll have a little scar, but you seem to enjoy wearing those.”

  “What?” She pulled her hand away after he removed the last stitch.

  He shrugged. “You heard me. It seems to me that you don’t care nearly as much about healing and feeling better as you do about having your scars to prove you’ve been through battle.”

  “You are daft.” She shook her head. “You think that because I’m not swooning over you like every other woman in the city, that it’s because I feel sorry for myself and want everyone else to do the same?”

  He grinned. “I don’t quite have every woman swooning, but I think you put the matter into words well. I do think you enjoy feeling sorry for yourself.”

  “How dare you?”

  “I dare because I can hardly draw any other conclusion. You mope around and avoid anything that might make you even slightly happy, and then tell me I’m daft for recognizing the matter for what it is.”

  “You know nothing.”

  He put away his things and closed his black bag. “I know you got your heart broken by a cad who didn’t even bother to show up for the wedding. I know that must have been truly humiliating and devastating, but I also know that it’s time for you to move on.”

  “Who are you to judge when I should move on?” Kenzie got to her feet at the sound of the front door opening. She had no desire to argue in front of the others. “I don’t need advice from you on how to manage my heart.”

  “Well, it seems you need guidance from someone.” Micah arched his brow and fixed her with a knowing look, as if daring her to prove him wrong.

  Caleb entered the dining room and gave Micah a grin. “Well, it’s good to see you two are talking again.”

  Kenzie gave a huff and left the room as quickly as she could manage. She flew into the hall, almost knocking down Camri. She could hear Caleb and Micah chuckling, and it only served to frustrate her all the more. Perhaps it was time to consider moving out on her own.

  CHAPTER

  14

  Cousin George, please calm down,” Kenzie said, doing her best to keep up with him as he ran in circles from one area of the factory to another. He was in a frenzy because there had been a fire, and as usual, he was convinced it was the act of his rivals.

  “They want to ruin me. It’s just that simple. I’m sure of it.” The small balding man pushed up his glasses and turned on his heel. He shook a finger at Kenzie and Judith. “Mark my words. They will be the ruin of me.”

  “But, Mr. Lake, the fire is out, and the damage was minimal,” Judith said.

  He looked at her like she was crazy. Judith felt sorry for him, but his certainty of foes working toward his demise was so difficult to endure.

  “Cousin George, you were telling me just last week that the wiring was showing signs of wear. I’m sure it was that which sparked the fire and nothing more.” Kenzie usually had a way with her cousin, and Judith could only hope she would be able to calm him once again.

  “Yes. Yes. The wiring was frayed, but an arsonist could have used that to his advantage. I tell you, they won’t be happy until I’m destroyed.” He looked at the clock. “You girls go ahead and leave. I’ll tend to the cleanup and repairs myself. I need to think this through. There must be a way to ensure my protection.”

  Kenzie looked at Judith and nodded
. “Very well. We’ll be back bright and early tomorrow.” She tugged on Judith’s sleeve. “Come on. We might be able to catch the cable car after all.”

  The two girls raced to meet the crowded car, and only when they’d been dropped off a few blocks from home did they speak again of the situation at the Lake Boxed Candies Factory.

  “I fear he’ll go completely mad one day,” Kenzie said as they began their trudge uphill. “Mother assures me he’s always been like this, but I can’t help but think it will take its toll and completely destroy him.”

  “He’s always felt that someone was out to get him?” Judith couldn’t imagine living in such anxiety.

  “Yes. Apparently. No one really knows why.”

  “Does he . . . well, does he go to church? Does he have any faith in God?”

  Kenzie shook her head. “I don’t know. He is an extremely private person. Even when Mother wrote to tell him I was coming here, he telegrammed immediately to say I couldn’t live with him, but he would find me some sort of accommodation. It was all so typical, Mother said.”

  As they neared the house, Judith spied an elaborate carriage parked outside. There were two beautifully matched black horses harnessed to it and a uniformed driver standing beside the carriage. She felt a heavy weight settle in her stomach. No doubt this had something to do with her grandmother.

  “Oh dear,” she murmured.

  “Is that your grandmother’s carriage?”

  “I’m guessing so. I’ve half expected her to come here since I accidentally mentioned that I lived here. How I wish I’d said nothing.”

  “Well, it has been nearly two weeks since she saw you last. I expected her sooner.”

  “So did I.” Judith shook her head and bit her lower lip.

  Kenzie touched her arm. “You needn’t let her bully you. Just remember, we are here for you, and we won’t let anyone force you to make decisions that go against what you desire.”

  “I’ve tried to figure out what’s best. I’ve even asked God for a sign. I just don’t know which way to go. A part of me thinks it would serve everyone best if I did as she asked.”

  “But it has to be right for you as well as them.” Kenzie turned Judith to face her. “Listen to me, Judith. No one can make you do what you don’t want to do. I know Caleb and Camri will not allow that woman to force you into anything.”

  Judith let out a long breath. “I know, but it’s time I figured this out. I’ve avoided making a decision because it was easier to do nothing. I’ve thought about it every day at work and dreamed about it in my sleep.” She straightened and lifted her chin in a determined fashion. “I need to settle this now.”

  “Just make sure it’s what you want and not what you think you owe someone else.”

  Judith nodded and started up the stairs. “A part of me has never wanted anything more than this. It’s not that I don’t want to know her. I do. I’ve always dreamed of having grandparents. I used to dream that one day we’d have a big family—lots of brothers and sisters and cousins and such. If dreaming could have made it so, I would have been awash with relatives.”

  “I had a lot of dreams myself,” Kenzie said, shaking her head. “Sometimes dreams are best forgotten.”

  “But what if we aren’t supposed to forget them?” Judith turned on the final landing. She paused before climbing the remaining steps. “What if we find our life—our calling—in those dreams? I can’t believe wishing and dreaming is a bad thing.”

  Kenzie shook her head again. “People say it costs nothing to dream, but I beg to differ. I dreamed of romance and happily ever after, and it cost me everything.”

  Judith hugged her friend. “I’m so very sorry.”

  The redhead gave a hint of a smile. “That’s why I know some dreams should be forgotten.”

  Glancing up at the door, Judith let out a long breath. “I suppose I might as well face this head on. Come on, Kenzie.”

  Entering, Judith heard voices in the main sitting room. The tiny foyer allowed her a place of momentary privacy. With great resolve, she unpinned her hat and set it atop the receiving table. She glanced down at her white shirtwaist and blue navy skirt. Thankfully the apron she’d worn at the factory had kept them fairly clean. There were, however, unmistakable smudges of soot on the cuffs of her blouse.

  “Judith, is that you?” Camri called out.

  Judith squared her shoulders and gave Kenzie a final glance. “Yes.” She stepped into the room with a smile.

  Just as she’d suspected. Ann Whitley sat by the fire. She was regal—queenly in her appearance. She wore an intricately designed walking-out suit of forest green. The large hat that crowned her white hair was designed from the same material and trimmed with pale yellow feathers that matched her blouse. Between her gloved hands, she held an ornate ebony cane with a gold handle. Judith found herself wondering if it were really gold or just made to look the part.

  “I began to think you were never coming home,” Camri said, smiling. “Your grandmother has come for a visit.”

  “Good afternoon. Or perhaps I should say evening.” Judith smiled. “As you can see, I’ve just come from working at the candy factory.” She toyed with the soot smudge on her cuff. “We had a fire, and that’s why we’re late.”

  Kenzie still stood in the doorway. “Cousin George was upset, so we stayed to calm him.”

  Camri shook her head. “What caused the fire?”

  “Some frayed wires sparked when one of the machines was turned on or off. I don’t know, really. Of course, Cousin George believes the worst.”

  “No doubt.” Camri glanced at Judith’s grandmother. “If you’ll excuse us, I have something I need to discuss with Kenzie. It was very nice to see you again.” She walked to the door and turned back. “Are you certain you wouldn’t like some tea? Mrs. Wong makes the most amazing jasmine tea.”

  “No, thank you. I won’t be staying all that long,” the older woman assured.

  Judith took a seat on the sofa opposite her grandmother. “I must say, this is a surprise.”

  “I apologize for coming without invitation, or even sending a card. It is ill-mannered, but I felt an urgency to do so.”

  “Urgency?” Judith leaned back.

  “Yes. I know you are still trying to understand all that has happened, but I wanted to come and implore you to leave this place and your job and live with me.” Mrs. Whitley held up her gloved hand as Judith started to speak. “Please, just hear me out.”

  “Very well.” Judith folded her hands. “Continue.”

  Her grandmother glanced toward the opening to the hall. “Are we quite alone?”

  “Yes. Camri and Kenzi went upstairs. I heard them on the steps.” Judith frowned. “What is this all about?”

  Her grandmother’s expression relaxed a bit. “What I am about to share with you, no one else knows . . . save my doctor.” She waited a moment, as if to let that sink in, then continued. “I must ask for your promise to say nothing.”

  “Unless my silence might cause harm to someone.”

  “No, it wouldn’t.” Her grandmother’s expression seemed pensive. “It can only harm me.”

  “Very well.” Judith had no idea what she was agreeing to, but decided it was best to give her pledge. “I promise.”

  Ann Whitley smiled. “Thank you. As you know, I’m not a young woman, and the years have taken their toll. That alone suggests urgency, but there is something more. My constitution is weak. There are issues with my body that . . . well, it’s all very scientific, and I couldn’t possibly begin to explain it all, but he called it diabetes. It has something to do with the sugar in my body. Sometimes there’s not enough and sometimes too much. The doctor had me eat a diet of almost all potatoes for a time, thinking it might help, but it didn’t. Then he advised me to eat large amounts of meat and sugar, yet I’m still having spells and wasting away. He says my time is limited because it has damaged my vital organs. I’ve said nothing to anyone until now.”

&
nbsp; “But why not? Surely your family should know.”

  The older woman shook her head. “They would only count the days until my demise—as if they aren’t already.”

  “That’s a terrible thing to say.” Judith couldn’t imagine anyone being so cold and indifferent to the old woman’s plight.

  “Perhaps, but true nonetheless. William is a simpleton when it comes to business. He ran through nearly his entire inheritance and only managed to maintain hold on a brief portion because I stepped in and demanded he accept help from my financial people. He lives off of my benefits, although his children do not know this. Bill is a strong individual, more like your father than his own. He’s determined and self-sufficient, but he has much to learn. Even so, I know he has a taste for the best that money can buy. His sister, Victoria, is spoiled and indifferent as to how money comes her way so long as there is a never-ending source of it. She has her father wrapped around her finger and makes constant demands. They all love their money and crave more. That is why I know they look forward to the day I die. Therefore, I don’t want them to know anything about my condition.”

  “I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine them being so callous.”

  “Well, it is exactly that, and no doubt I have no one to blame for it but myself. However, the reason I’m here is because with my condition growing worse, I feel most desperate to plead my case.”

  “What case?”

  “My case for having you move into Whitley House. You see, I lost you once so many years ago, and now that you are back in our lives, I don’t want to waste another moment. I want to tell you stories about your parents and about our family history. I want, I suppose, to give you twenty-four years of information in whatever little time I have left.” She smiled in that same way Judith had seen before. There was something that seemed forced, edging on insincere. It made Judith nervous. “Not only that, but I want to educate you in the ways of managing your money and knowing who you can trust.”

  “But I’m not interested in that. I came here solely to find the woman I thought was my aunt. Now that I know differently, I’m perplexed as to what to do. Moving into your house is a big decision—one that merits a great deal of thought.” Judith brushed a piece of lint from her skirt and tried to put aside her fears. What if she said no and her grandmother died without Judith ever having a chance to know her? What if hesitation cost her everything?