Patrick shook his head. “I’m sure I don’t deserve such love.”
“Does anyone really deserve love? That’s the wonder of Jesus. He came and ministered to the folks around Him—loving the unlovable—healing those who did nothing to deserve His concern. Then He let some of those same folks nail Him to a cross. All because of love. Love we didn’t deserve.”
“Aye, for certain that’s true, but Jesus is Himself God and so it’s different than a fancy woman like Camrianne fallin’ in love with a poor Irishman.”
As they reached the front door, Caleb turned to Patrick and grinned. “Personally, I think she’s gone soft in the head.”
Patrick roared with laughter. “Aye. No doubt ye’re right.”
Mrs. Wong opened the door and looked at the two laughing men for a moment before smiling. “You happy to be home, Mr. Caleb?”
He nodded. “I am, Mrs. Wong. I truly am. However, I’m even happier that my sister has found such an agreeable man to wed. She’ll need a strong man like Mr. Murdock to keep her in line.”
The Chinese woman’s smile faded. “You keep Miss Camri in a line?”
Caleb shook his head. “No, I’ll explain it later.”
“What will you explain?” Camri asked, coming down the stairs.
Caleb looked at Patrick. “Ask your beloved. I’m sure he’ll be able to tell you better than I can.”
He left the two of them in the hall and, after handing Mrs. Wong his top coat and hat, headed to his study. He was still smiling as he took a seat behind his desk and picked up the newspaper to read the events of the day. It looked like S.N. Wood & Co. was having a sale on men’s suits and trousers. They were offering the latter for three dollars and fifty cents each. It might be a good idea to check into it. Caleb knew his wardrobe was getting well-worn. He supposed society would expect him to choose a higher-end company or even a private tailor for such things, but he had no pretenses of being someone he wasn’t. He flipped through the pages, glancing at stories related to happenings abroad. The Emporium had an ad selling their men’s suits for fifteen dollars. He had always liked their tailoring better, so perhaps he wouldn’t worry about going to Wood & Co. after all.
“Caleb?” Camri called from the door. “Patrick has something to ask you.”
Pushing back the paper, Caleb leaned his elbows on the desk. “Come on in. I was just contemplating the purchase of a new suit or two.”
“You could definitely use them,” Camri said. “Your old ones are so out of date and show considerable wear.”
“Perhaps you can go shopping with me tomorrow.”
“Well, tomorrow is what we’d be here to discuss. I forgot to tell ye,” Patrick said, holding up several pieces of paper. “I was given four tickets to the Sutro Baths. I thought bein’ as tomorrow is Saturday, we might all go and make a day of it.”
Caleb nodded. “I’ve heard it’s a wonderful place of amusement. Although I’ve never found the time to go.”
“I’ve been there, but it’s been some time,” Patrick admitted. They both turned to Camri, but it was Patrick who asked. “What about ye?”
She shook her head. “No. When we were here visiting before, there wasn’t time, and I certainly had no interest when you were missing,” she said, looking at her brother.
“So what of it? Why don’t we get Kenzie to go with us and make it a foursome?” Caleb could see that Camri was considering the proposition. He thought he’d push a little to convince her. “I could use a diversion, and I’ll even buy us lunch. You know they have all sorts of places offering food, and there’s entertainment and arcades. We could just make an entire day of it.”
“What of your shopping for suits?” Camri asked.
“It’ll wait until Monday.”
“All right, then,” she said, nodding. “Let me go ask Kenzie if she wants to join us.” She hurried from the room.
“Well, for sure that went over better than I’d figured. I thought it would probably be impossible to be gettin’ yer sister to have a little fun,” Patrick said, taking a seat in front of Caleb’s desk.
“Oh, Camri isn’t opposed to a little fun now and then. She is rather singularly focused at times. I suppose you know she’s applied to teach at one of the area colleges.”
“Aye. She told me about it. I figure it might well be in my best interests to encourage her, that way she’ll be occupied with something other than plannin’ our wedding and naggin’ me to set the date.”
“I have to admit, I thought the same thing. Apparently there are some classes in women’s studies, whatever that is, and she’s quite determined to be a part of it. I encouraged it, hoping you wouldn’t be against the idea.”
Camri returned. “She won’t go. She says she has promised her Cousin George to help him with some project. What if I give Judith a call?”
Caleb felt his breath catch. Before he could say anything, Patrick was nodding. “Go to it, then. I think it’d be a fine thing. She’s probably ready to get away from those strangers, and a day with ye would give her a chance to bare her soul and tell ye all the details.”
Camri didn’t need to be told twice. “I’m sure Caleb would enjoy having her along.”
Patrick turned to Caleb as Camri exited the room. “Oh, and why would that be?”
“Never mind. My sister is just up to her old tricks again. Trying to run the world and master everyone’s life for them.”
Judith was surprised when Ramsay came to call her to the telephone. Her grandmother kept the phone in one of the smaller drawing rooms, as she abhorred the thing and wanted it well out of view and away from her regularly inhabited rooms.
“This is Judith Whitley.”
“Judith, it’s Camri.”
A smile cut across Judith’s face. “I’m so glad to hear from you! I miss you all so much.”
“Well, that’s why I’m calling. Patrick got four tickets to the Sutro Baths. It’s a place for swimming and other amusements. We wondered if you would join us—Patrick and Caleb and I.”
“Oh, that sounds like great fun. When?”
“Saturday.”
“As in tomorrow?”
“Yes,” Camri replied. “Can you come? We’ll drive over to pick you up. The place opens at seven, so Caleb thought we should go early. Then, when things start getting overcrowded, we can go have some lunch. He’s going to buy.”
“Tomorrow sounds wonderful. I would love to come with you.”
“Judith.” Her grandmother’s stern voice sounded from the doorway. “What are you doing?”
“Camri, I’ll see you in the morning. I need to speak with my grandmother now.” Camri bid her good-bye, and Judith hung up the phone. She turned to see her grandmother frowning at her. “Camri called to see if I could join them tomorrow for an outing. I told her I would.”
“But I have plans for you tomorrow. Call back and give her your apologies.”
Judith had been doing her grandmother’s bidding all week and knew she needed to take a stand. “No, Grandmother. I’ve already arranged to go with them. I’m sorry that you made plans without consulting me first, but I want to go with my friends.”
“I won’t have it.” Grandmother swept into the room like a reigning queen. “You must call and give your regrets.”
“Could we sit and talk for a moment?” Judith asked, moving to a small chair by the fireplace. She sat without waiting for her grandmother to reply.
Ann Whitley was clearly uncomfortable being dictated to, but nevertheless she hesitated only a moment. “Very well.” She gave a sort of exasperated sigh and sat in the chair across from Judith. “What is it you wish to say?”
“I want you to know that I appreciate all you’ve done for me. However, I am not going to allow you to plan out my life as you have done with the others. That’s not how I was brought up, even if it was how I should have been brought up. I have friends whom I care a great deal about, and that isn’t going to change just because I now also have family.”
>
“I see.” Her grandmother raised her chin ever so slightly. “I suppose you do not care for us as you do for them.”
Judith shook her head. “That isn’t the point at all. I care about all of you, but I won’t be dictated to by either side. If you want me to be a part of this family and get to know you, then you must allow for my wishes as well.”
“I suppose my desires are of no concern.”
“I didn’t say that.” Judith could see how manipulative the old woman could be. She’d watched in silence all week as Grandmother had played the other members of the family like finely tuned instruments.
“Well, it seems it must be, or you wouldn’t hurt me this way.”
Judith got up. “I suppose then, that I must pack my things and return to the Coulter house.”
“What?” By the look on her face, it was clear Ann Whitley hadn’t expected this turn of events.
“Grandmother, I want very much to stay here and know you better—the others too. However, I must be allowed to make some of my own plans. I gave up working a job that I enjoyed because it grieved you. I’ve let you play with me like a doll, arranging my wardrobe and taking me to teas and other gatherings. However, I won’t give up my friends.”
She saw a moment of indecision in her grandmother’s expression. Then the old woman got to her feet and nodded. “Very well. I agree that you will be allowed to make some of your own plans so long as you agree to participate in mine as well.”
“I’m happy to. Didn’t I tell you I would go to the various parties your friends are having for Easter?”
“Yes. Yes, you did.” She nodded.
“And so I will. There is no reason I can’t go along with my friends tomorrow and still accompany you next week. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to change for dinner.”
Ann Whitley watched her granddaughter exit the room. She smiled to herself. She liked the girl’s spirit and willingness to stand up for herself. The others in the family bent easily to her will. They knew she held a vast fortune in her control, and each hoped to inherit their portion—if not someone else’s as well. If she despised anything about her son and grandchildren, it was this. Bill would stand up for himself from time to time, but of late, even he was more compliant. She’d even heard him mention being ready to consider marrying. Just last year, he’d taken the reins of their shipping industry. He was proving to be quite capable, although profits were still somewhat diminished. Ann had been at him recently to consider some of the young ladies she thought suitable. Perhaps she could plan a mate for him while she was also considering one for Judith.
Judith had declared she wouldn’t be arranged in marriage, but the child didn’t know her own mind. She didn’t understand that men would start to call on her with great frequency now that she was an heiress. Ann could allow for an outing or two with her friends, but she would not allow Judith to marry just anyone.
Ann walked to one of the windows and pulled back the drapes. The skies were growing dark. She thought of this property and house and how her husband had built it to please her. And it had pleased her. It was perfectly situated amidst other opulent homes and had perfectly groomed gardens. It was a clear indication of power and money, and Ann liked that she belonged to the elite Nob Hill society.
She let the drapes fall back into place and turned back to look at the small drawing room. She’d never cared for it. The fireplace always seemed to smoke, and in the summer the room was much too warm. Perhaps she’d have it redone. There were all sorts of new novelties that might be utilized to help make it more appealing. Perhaps she could even interest Judith in helping her. After all, she had to find a way to keep the girl occupied and under her control. At least until Judith learned what it was to be a Whitley.
“She’s more self-determined than I’d expected,” Ann mused aloud.
Judith’s strength reminded Ann of herself. She had never tolerated anyone dictating terms to her, and it would seem Judith was cut from the same cloth. It pleased Ann to no small degree to see this trait in her granddaughter. Still, it would have to be carefully molded in order to be useful to Ann.
She smiled again. “Perhaps there’s hope for this family after all.”
CHAPTER
18
The Sutro Baths were unlike anything Judith had ever seen before. There were seven saltwater pools with toboggan slides and overhead rings and trapezes. A band played music to entertain and enliven the mood, while hundreds of people gathered to enjoy the waters or watch others from overhead.
Judith’s fascination for swimming in an indoor pool had gotten the best of her. Growing up, she’d not had a lot of opportunities to swim, but when she had, it had been in a pond, with only her mother and father for company. Coming here had seemed like a good idea—something fun to do with the day, but now that she was here, she wasn’t so sure.
Holding up the navy blue bathing suit, she frowned. “I don’t think I can do this.”
Camri held up hers too. “I was thinking the same thing. For all my progressive thinking, I’m not sure I can give myself over to running around half-naked in front of the entire city.”
Judith breathed a sigh of relief and lowered the suit. “I’m so glad you feel the same. I didn’t want to spoil everyone’s fun. I’ve never been one to dress at all daringly.” She smiled. “I doubt I’ll ever be one of those women who wears trousers either.”
Camri looked over the suit again. “It’s so thin, and you can’t very well wear undergarments with it.” She gave a little shudder. “I truly can’t imagine Patrick or even Caleb would want to see us like that in public.” She put her suit down on the bench. “I’ll go find them and explain.”
“We might as well go together.” Judith left her suit atop Camri’s. “I wouldn’t want them to think I wasn’t willing to face them, nor that this was just your idea.”
Camri laughed. “I think they both know you’re of strong character. After all, you went to live with complete strangers.”
“Not once, but twice.” Judith shrugged. “I don’t know if that shows strength or a bit of the ridiculous.”
Camri looped her arm through Judith’s. “Well, never mind what it is, I’m proud of you. You must have had misgivings, and yet you’ve overcome them all to learn about your family. I admire that. Perhaps now that you don’t have to worry about working, you might even want to go to college.”
Judith had heard this from Camri on more than one occasion. She was convinced that an advanced education was critical for women. Judith didn’t have the heart to tell Camri that the idea of going to college made her stomach churn.
They left the dressing room and found the guys standing in their swimming attire, deep in conversation. Judith was embarrassed to look at Caleb’s well-muscled physique and lowered her gaze to the floor as Camri boldly approached the men.
“What’s this?” Caleb asked. “You’re neither one dressed.”
“It would be more appropriate to say we’re neither one undressed,” Camri began. “Judith and I don’t feel at all comfortable wearing what little they provide for swimming.”
Caleb chuckled. “Patrick and I were just discussing that. We’re not very comfortable with it either. We noticed several young women who were less bashful, and frankly . . . well, suffice it to say we were trying to figure out how to forego swimming without disappointing the two of you. It would seem God already made provision for that.”
Judith glanced up, careful to look only into Caleb’s eyes. “Thank you for understanding.”
“We’ll go change, and then we can tour some of the exhibits upstairs. There’s far more than just swimming available. Why don’t you wait for us on the promenade near the elevator?”
While Judith and Camri waited for the men, they looked down on the pools of swimmers, marveling at some of the acrobatics being performed.
“I would never have imagined such tricks,” Judith said, watching a man dangling from a trapeze. “I’m just as content to watch from a
far.”
“Me too. I do love to swim. Chicago sits right on Lake Michigan. It’s one of the Great Lakes.”
“I think I remember that. Those are the big lakes up north—five of them, right?”
Camri nodded. “Yes, and the first letter of each spells out HOMES.”
“Yes. I do recall that. My mother told me she’d seen each of them.” Sorrow washed over Judith as she thought of the woman she’d known as her mother. It was impossible to think of her as anything but her mother. Lila Gladstone was the woman who had comforted Judith in the night when a bad dream made sleep difficult. Lila and Homer Gladstone were the parents who had taught her most everything she knew. They didn’t cease to be her mother and father just because they’d stolen her away. Yet she couldn’t seem to forgive the lie.
“Are you all right?” Camri asked, touching Judith’s sleeve.
“I think so. I was just thinking about my folks. What they did was so wrong, yet they’re the only parents I’ll ever have.”
Camri offered her a sympathetic smile. “It can’t be easy. You came here searching for an aunt and found your entire world turned upside down.”
“I don’t know what I would have done without you and Kenzie. Caleb too. I’ve sometimes regretted leaving your company.”
“Well, you’re always welcome to return. You know that. We miss you. Some of us more than others,” Camri said in a teasing tone.
Judith frowned. “What do you mean?”
“It isn’t important.” Camri squeezed Judith’s arm. “Just know that you are missed. Oh, look. There are our fellows.”
Caleb and Patrick approached, still buttoning their suit coats. “We got dressed as quickly as we could,” Patrick said, shaking his head. “’Tis sorry I am for suggestin’ this bit of fun.”
“Don’t be.” Camri took his arm. “It wasn’t your fault. None of us thought it through.”
In Dreams Forgotten Page 17