But she isn’t my responsibility.
Ian frowned. He cared about Phoebe. In the short time since meeting her, Ian found she was seldom far from his thoughts. At first he’d told himself that it was only because of knowing Elizabeth and Kenny. He worked hard to convince himself that while he was attracted to Phoebe and had come to care about her, he would never allow his heart to be entangled again. Especially in a situation where deception seemed to reign. But it hadn’t been long before he realized he couldn’t fight against his feelings.
She was beautiful. Of course, there were other beautiful women around him. There were several young ladies at church who had made it quite clear they wouldn’t mind having Ian’s attention. So any attempt to reason his feelings away based on infatuation with Phoebe’s beauty was ridiculous. His feelings were based on Phoebe—the person deep within—not the external. In fact, after seeing her battered and bruised, Ian’s feelings had only deepened. Her pain had become his own—especially the internal pain of suffering betrayal.
But what can I do? What should I do?
It was obvious his feelings for her were growing. He’d nearly kissed her in the pool and would have if Kenny hadn’t been there. At the time he wasn’t at all pleased for the interruption, but now he felt a sense of relief. The poor woman had a swollen lip and black eye. The last thing she needed was his advance.
But Ian knew his kiss would have been welcomed. It was clear that Phoebe felt the same way as he had. He’d seen it in her eyes. She’d wanted him to kiss her as much as he had wanted to give her that kiss.
“Do you think Phoebe will like living here in Montana?” Kenny asked. He’d been quietly reading a book while Ian tried to focus on working with the stones.
Ian set the dop stick aside and leaned back in the chair. “I think she will like it very much.”
“But we don’t have a big house. Phoebe used to live in a really big house—like a mansion. Remember, she told us about it with all those rooms and servants.”
“I remember. But you should remember that a place isn’t as important as the people in it. Phoebe will be happy, because she’ll be with people who love her.”
“Like you?”
Ian saw the boy’s mischievous smile. There was no sense in denying his feelings. Kenny already knew them. Maybe it was time Ian admitted them as well.
“What do you think about me loving your sister?”
“I’m glad. You and me are like brothers, and now I have a sister too. I think it’s good that we all love each other.”
Ian laughed. The boy made it all sound so simple. “Well, I suppose given all the bad things that have happened, it’s nice to have at least a few good things to balance it out.”
“Do you want to marry Phoebe?”
“I have to admit I’ve been thinking about that very thing.”
Kenny sobered and nodded. “Getting married is something you should think about a lot. You told me you needed to get to know a woman before you married her. Do you think you know Phoebe now?”
Ian paused. “I know her enough to know I’d like to spend the rest of my life with her.” Speaking the words aloud finally gave Ian a sense of peace. He truly did want to spend his life with Phoebe. He wanted to show her the love he felt, protect her, and care for her. He wanted to have a family with her.
A smile replaced the sternness of Kenny’s expression. “Well, that ought to be enough.”
“Well, she needs to know me too.” Ian’s past experience with love, and the pain caused by lies that strangled that love, made him more than a little cautious. He’d always told himself he would never again marry. Never again trust anyone. Now he felt differently. However, he also knew he would have to be open and honest with Phoebe about the past if they were to ever have a future together.
Phoebe remained hidden in her mother’s cottage for nearly three days before deciding to venture out. With the help of the hotel cleaning staff, Mutter had arranged for Phoebe’s things to be delivered to the cottage. They had also delivered a letter to Gerda and to Phoebe’s father. In Gerda’s case, Phoebe told her that her services were no longer needed. In Vater’s, Phoebe stated that she would not be returning with him to Germany, nor going further on the trip with him. She made it clear that if he ever attempted to hurt her or her mother again, she would bring about legal actions.
There had been no reply sent by either. Not that Phoebe had truly expected one. She did, however, live in fear that her father would show up on the doorstep. Her mother feared this too and arranged with Georgia and Ian Harper to keep Kenny with them just a little longer. She also asked the hotel manager to arrange for some of the male staff members to keep an eye on her cottage. They needed time, Mutter had explained. Time to see exactly what Phoebe’s father would do.
“If and when your father finds you again, he will most likely try to force your return,” she had told Phoebe.
Phoebe, however, had assured her that nothing would take her away. Now that she knew what her father was capable of, she would be on her guard. Together they would face and defeat him.
Behind her mother’s cottage was a little grotto where Phoebe could enjoy the sunshine without too much fear of being intruded upon. Even so, she didn’t venture out unless her mother knew where she’d be and most of the time was also nearby. Today, however, Phoebe felt that her strength had been restored and decided to take a short walk near the cottage. Word had come from the hotel manager that Phoebe’s father had taken one of the carriages and left for town. Phoebe saw this as the perfect opportunity to enjoy herself a bit.
The brilliance of the sun in the cloudless sky did much to lift Phoebe’s spirits. She still had no idea what the future held, but she had a definite sense of relief. She hadn’t realized just how oppressed her life had been. Father had a way of robbing everyone around him of their liberty and true happiness.
“I hope I’m not intruding.”
Phoebe glanced to the right and saw Ernst Eckhardt approaching. She gave a hesitant smile. “Good morning, Mr. Eckhardt.”
He studied her face for a moment. “It would seem you’ve met with some sort of accident.”
Phoebe saw no reason to lie about the matter. “My vater was rather angry with me.”
Eckhardt’s brows drew together as he frowned. “I am sorry. Violence of such a type is never acceptable.”
“Thank you.” Phoebe continued to walk. “It won’t happen again. I’m no longer staying with him.” She let the matter-of-fact statement speak for itself. “And how are you, Herr Eckhardt? Were you able to purchase land for . . . it was for a relative, wasn’t it?”
He fell into step beside her. “Yes, it was for a relative, but no, I haven’t found the perfect place just yet. I do believe Montana has a great deal to offer, however.”
“So do I. That’s why I’ve decided to stay here.”
“But with whom will you stay?”
“My mutter.” Phoebe looked at the man who now walked at her side. “It’s a long and complicated story, but my vater had once told me that my mutter was dead. As it turns out, she had left him because of his violence toward her. I learned she was here at the hotel and have now decided to remain with her.”
“And how did your vater take the news? Was that why he hit you?”
“It was all related, but as for how he took the news of my leaving him—I don’t know. Neither do I particularly care, although I am still afraid of what he might try. However, my mutter has shared her faith with me. Faith in God.”
“Faith in God is a good thing.” Eckhardt smiled. “My tante is a woman of faith. She and my mutter were sisters, and when my mutter died, my tante told me that if I put my trust in Jesus, I would one day see Mutter again.”
Phoebe nodded and slowed her pace. “My vater doesn’t believe in God, so he didn’t encourage his kinder to believe. However, in speaking with my mutter and others, I’ve come to believe.” She smiled. “In fact, I’m quite eager to know more about God. My mutter
is taking me with her to church on Sunday and has shared her morning devotions with me. I must admit it’s still all so new, but I can see that it is right and true.”
For several minutes they continued walking without speaking. Phoebe couldn’t help but feel that Eckhardt wanted to say something more. She hoped he wasn’t going to speak to her of feelings and love. The last thing she wanted was to have him declare a romantic interest in her.
“Has your vater . . . concluded his business here in Montana?” Eckhardt finally asked.
Phoebe let go a sigh of relief. “I have no idea. I still hardly understand the reason we came here to begin with. I know Vater is on a trip to purchase stones for a woman back home, and that Montana has some very beautiful sapphires. However, I also know that the sapphires he is to purchase for the woman are to be from Ceylon. Otherwise I know nothing. Vater has never been one to be open about his business.”
Eckhardt nodded. “I suppose that is only right. You are far too lovely to waste your time pondering his business affairs.” He stopped, and Phoebe did likewise. “If you’ll excuse me now, I’m afraid I must be about my business. I very much enjoyed our stroll.” He clicked his heels together and gave her a bow. “Until another time.”
“Yes. I hope that your business dealings are successful.”
Phoebe watched him go. He was a very nice man, but he always left her feeling as though he was after something. She turned back toward her mother’s cottage and found Mutter instructing seven or eight hotel maids just outside the door.
“I will come and inspect the work in one hour,” she told the women. “At that time we will discuss what is next to be tackled.” She looked up to see Phoebe and smiled. “I see my daughter has returned.” The other women turned to acknowledge Phoebe.
The woman who had been responsible for cleaning Phoebe’s suite frowned. It was the first time she’d seen Phoebe after her father’s attack. The other women seemed just as concerned, but no one asked about the matter.
“Now, if you’ll excuse us,” Mutter told the ladies, “I need to speak with Phoebe.”
The women nodded and bid them both good day before slipping away. Phoebe could see that they were uneasy. Perhaps they had dealt with her father’s rage as well.
“I hope you had a nice walk,” Mutter said, putting her arm around Phoebe’s shoulders.
“I did. I ran into Ernst Eckhardt. Do you know him?”
Mutter shook her head. “I don’t believe so.”
Phoebe nodded. “He’s staying here at the hotel and seemed quite surprised to find travelers from Germany. He’s here to find land for a relative, as well as study the architecture in San Francisco.”
“Is he in business with your father?” Her mother’s tone suggested suspicion.
“No. Not that I know of. I know he was present at a party we hosted when we first arrived, but other than stating his interest in purchasing land and his plans for moving on to California, I’ve not known him to have other business.”
They entered the house, where the unmistakable aroma of food wafted in the air. Phoebe smiled. “It smells wonderful in here.”
“One of the girls brought us food from the kitchen. Our lunch.” Mutter smiled. “Are you hungry?”
“I am.” Phoebe smoothed down the sprigged muslin of her gown and smiled. “Walking in the fresh air always stirs my appetite.”
She followed her mother to the kitchen table. She waited as Mutter removed the dish towels covering two plates of food. Phoebe noted the feast with surprise. “Wiener schnitzel and spaetzle?”
“And gravy,” her mother declared and went to the counter to retrieve the gravy boat.
“I’ve never seen them serve food like this.” Phoebe nodded as her mother offered to pour gravy over the veal.
Mutter took her seat and offered grace before they sampled the fare. Phoebe thought it as good as anything she’d had at home.
“They’ve managed to crisp the veal to perfection,” her mother commented.
“Indeed. It’s a wonderful surprise. However did you manage it?”
“I had mentioned to Georgia that seeing you and Frederick made me rather homesick for German food.” She laughed and cut into her veal. “She mentioned it to the new chef, and here we are.”
“The Harpers are so kind.”
“They are.” Mutter glanced up and met Phoebe’s gaze. “I think you have a very definite fondness for one Harper in particular.”
Phoebe swallowed and nodded. “I must say it has come as a surprise to me. I’ve never lost my heart before.”
“And have you now?”
“I think so.” Phoebe stopped eating and grew quite serious. “I’m not at all sure what to do about the way I feel.”
“And how is it that you feel?”
“I think I’m in love.”
Mutter beamed a smile, obviously approving of Phoebe’s comment. “You couldn’t find a better man. Although, I will say he does have a rather sad past. I don’t know all of the details, but you do know he was married once before and his wife died in childbirth?”
Phoebe nodded. “I know little else. I suppose if we are to grow closer, Ian will need to tell me everything. At least everything relevant to our relationship.”
“Have you told Ian how you feel?”
“Goodness, no.” Phoebe began to eat again. She couldn’t imagine sharing her heart with Ian. What if he didn’t feel the same way? She knew he cared about her, but what if that was only because she was the daughter of Elizabeth Bergen and not because he was in love with Phoebe?
“Why not?” Mutter asked after a few moments of silence.
Phoebe paused her fork midway to her lips. “Because he might not feel the same way.”
“But if you don’t let him know, how will you ever find out? I think you should speak to him about how you have come to care—love him.”
“What if I’m wrong? What if all I’m feeling is gratitude for his kindness?”
Mutter laughed. “Do you honestly think that’s the foundation for your sentiment toward him?”
Phoebe put the fork down. “That’s the problem. I’m quite perplexed by all of it. I’ve never felt this way about anyone else. Not with any of the suitors Vater has paraded in front of me over the years. When I was away at boarding school there were only girls around me. When I would come home from school, Vater kept me very secluded. I never went anywhere without him and Dieter at my side, so meeting anyone and forming an attachment wasn’t possible.”
“That doesn’t surprise me.” Mutter focused on her plate and pushed the food around as she considered the matter. “I still believe you should speak to Ian. I’ve watched him with you, and I believe he cares for you.”
“I suppose talking to him would serve to let me know one way or another.” Phoebe tried to imagine the intimacy of such a moment. What if he laughed? What if he told her she was just being childish?
She ate for a few minutes and let the memories of all that had passed between her and Ian go through her mind like a collection of photographs. “When we were at the pool he almost kissed me.” She hadn’t really meant to speak the words aloud, but once she did, Phoebe looked to her mother for comment.
Mutter smiled. “Why didn’t he?”
“I don’t know,” Phoebe replied. She had thought about it long after the event and came up with two conclusions. One, he realized what he was about to do and felt it would be wrong. Or two, he realized he didn’t want to kiss her after all.
“Perhaps he didn’t feel the time was right what with your lip being cut and your jaw swollen.”
Phoebe sat back against the wooden chair. “I don’t suppose I thought of that.” She chuckled. “That seems quite a logical answer.”
Mutter forked a piece of the meat and nodded. “I think you should have a talk with Ian. Maybe wait until you know your father is occupied elsewhere and then go see him at his shop. I know. You could go with me to the Harpers’ this evening. I want to see Kenny,
and I know he would want to see you. I’ll go speak with Georgia and see if she’s of a mind to have company, but I’m certain it will be fine.”
Phoebe nodded. She felt her stomach do a flip. She wasn’t very good at praying just yet, but she couldn’t help but glance heavenward.
If you’re listening, God, I could certainly use some wisdom.
20
Frederick Von Bergen cursed as the driver seemed to hit every bump and hole in the road on their return to the Broadwater Hotel. The day hadn’t gone well at all, and now he was tired and angry—not to mention sore. When the driver hit yet another rough spot, Von Bergen let go a string of curses.
“Are you trying to kill me?”
“Sorry, sir,” the driver replied, “this road is pretty bad. You should have let me take the long way back.”
“I don’t need your excuses. Just keep your eyes on the road and avoid those holes.” Frederick settled back in the leather seat and shook his head. It seemed servants everywhere were mouthy these days.
There was still plenty of light in the sky when they arrived at the hotel just past eight. Von Bergen climbed down from the carriage and glared up at the hotel. Coming to Helena and the Broadwater had caused him serious distress. Not only was he risking a great deal by purchasing Yogo sapphires instead of Ceylon stones, but now he faced this situation with his wife and daughter. Not to mention a son he hadn’t known anything about until a few days ago. No doubt the boy would have to be broken of every bad habit taught him by Elizabeth before he’d be of any use to Frederick, but he would see that the boy returned with him to Germany.
Hubert met him at the hotel room’s door. He ushered his master into the suite and immediately began to help rid him of his hat and coat.
“Would you like to have dinner brought up, or have you already dined?” he asked in German.
Frederick all but ripped the buttons off his vest as he tried to undress. “I ate in town. What I want now is a hot bath and a glass of brandy.”
“Very good, gnädiger Herr. I’ll start the bath and then return to pour your drink.”
A Beauty Refined Page 20