Merrill knew the loss of her oldest brother and later another brother, Harlow, had been her mother’s greatest grief. She had once said that as long as she lived, she would never know a greater pain than that of losing a child.
“Like we’ve talked about, you should be married and have children of your own, Merrill Jean. You shouldn’t be here looking after me. I’m mighty glad that Olsson fella has asked you to the party. He seems a nice enough sort.”
Merrill knew then and there that no matter what, she wouldn’t attempt to get out of going with Nils. It would be a small sacrifice for her in order to make her father happy. He didn’t need to know that the matter would go no further. At least not yet.
“You know,” she said, “I made Mama a promise, too. I told her that I would take care of you and the boys. So, you see, you haven’t disappointed her at all. Instead, you’ve let me fulfill my promise, too.”
Her father looked at her and shook his head. “I still feel like I failed at mine. I told her I’d keep you safe, and in doing that I trained your brothers to keep an eye out for you. Unfortunately, they became rather possessive of you and have warded off would-be suitors. No one’s ever good enough for you. I suppose that’s the trouble when your brothers are good friends with those who might come courting. They know all about how ornery a fella could be.” Her father finally smiled again. “I know it, too.”
“Most of the time they were right,” Merrill said with a chuckle. “But, you know, you did keep me safe, and you raised me to be a young woman who sought God’s heart. Really, Father, Mama would be most pleased.”
“I hope she’ll look down from heaven and see what a beauty you’ve turned out to be. You look just like her, you know.”
“Only bigger? Granny once said that, you know. She said I was like a stretched-out version of my mother.”
“You did inherit my height rather than hers. Your mother always commented on how quickly the boys shot up. They were all taller than her by the time they were twelve.”
“I remember coming home from church one Sunday, and it had been raining so hard the wheels got stuck in the mud. Leo jumped down, and when he helped Mama from the wagon he simply hoisted her into his arms and carried her home. She kept telling him to put her down, but he wouldn’t listen. Instead he let Tobe have a go at the carrying. You brought me in right behind them. I felt like my papa could do anything.”
“I remember that. We all had a good laugh, as I recall.”
“We did,” Merrill said, remembering it fondly.
Her father reached out to take hold of her hands and grew serious again. “I can’t help but pray I haven’t interfered with God’s will for you. If I’d been less concerned about letting you go, losing you . . . well, things would be different.”
“Papa, you could never lose me.”
A silence fell over them both for a long while. “Time goes by so fast, and yet it seems like she’s been gone forever,” he finally murmured.
Memories of her mother were bittersweet to Merrill, and sharing them now with her father was a precious experience. She had no idea where her brothers were, but she was grateful for this time alone with her beloved papa.
Merrill finally spoke. “You mentioned God’s will for me. How will I know what that is, Father?”
He let go of her hands and leaned back in the chair. “I’ve always believed it to start with prayer. The Good Book says that if a man wants wisdom, he just has to ask. I would imagine it works the same way for womenfolk. If you want to know what God’s plan is—then I would ask Him. Couldn’t hurt to search the Scriptures, too. And listen to what He is telling you inside. Even when you don’t think you’re hearing anything, keep listening. And know I’ll be praying, as well.”
The winter party at the church was everything the community had come to expect. The local matrons provided tables full of refreshments in a blend of German, Swedish, Norwegian, and even Scottish recipes. Games and activities—everything from ice-skating to cakewalks—had been set up to amuse the participants. Winter could be a dreary time in the north with its heavy snows, cold temperatures, and limited daylight, and a party was just what was needed to boost spirits and bring the community together.
Even Merrill had to admit that she was glad to be there. The dress Granny and Corabeth created for her was far above her expectations. They had purchased a beautiful blue and green plaid and created a stylish gown with large puffed sleeves and a high lacy collar. The bodice flaunted rows of fluted ruffles, as did the sleeves. Granny had purchased a fluting machine just the summer before, and it was one of her fondest tools. How she had managed to create such a gown in so little time, however, was a mystery to Merrill.
“You will outshine all the other women tonight,” Nils had told her when she arrived with Zadoc at the Lassiters for Corabeth’s pre-party gathering.
“You are kind to say so.” Merrill tried hard not to sound bored with his attentions, but she felt like the evening was going to turn out to be awfully long. And Father doesn’t even know I’m doing this for him. . . .
Across the room she couldn’t help but notice another couple. She wasn’t sure without staring, but Rurik seemed annoyed with Svea’s company. He all but ignored her, and the idea of him scorning the young woman after taking liberties with her angered Merrill.
“I see you have spotted Rurik and my sister,” Nils said at her elbow, where he had planted himself.
“They didn’t join us at Granny’s,” Merrill said. “I’m glad they could at least make it to the party. Have they set a wedding date yet?”
Nils gave a chuckle. “No, but I expect it will be soon. Now, why don’t we forget about them? I know there’s a lively game of Similes going on across the room. I’m quite good, and I believe we should join them for the next round. Unless, of course, you’d like to go outside and skate?”
“No, I spend enough time on the ice.” Merrill allowed him to lead her through several groups of attendees toward the far side of the room. As they reached the refreshment table, however, she halted. “I think I’d like some punch first. If you don’t mind.”
“Let me fetch it.” He hurried over to where an older woman was filling cups.
“That fella treating you right?”
Merrill’s youngest brother, Flynn, had taken a moment to check in with her. She couldn’t help but smile at his care for her. “He’s doing well enough. How in the world did you manage to slip away from your . . . well . . . that flock of young women over there?”
Flynn grinned. “I sent them on ahead to get their skates on. We’re headed out to the lake.”
“And you’re going to skate with all of them?”
“Sure am. Why just take one gal, when you can enjoy ’em all?” He laughed and strode off through the crowd.
Merrill scanned the room to locate Rurik and Svea. He was still looking stern, and Svea seemed to be in a pout. She was trying to say something to him, but Rurik gave no indication he heard. Just then Tobe went up to him. Rurik smiled and nodded, talking in what appeared to be a most amiable manner with Merrill’s brother.
Why should he be so cold and callous with his betrothed? The mother of his child?
“Ahem. Here you are.” Nils stood with a cup of punch in each hand.
Merrill turned to him and reached for her cup. “I . . . I’m sorry. I was caught up people watching. I enjoy doing that when I can. . . .” Flustered, she couldn’t think why she was feeling so defensive—and with Nils, of all people. She wondered if he knew where her gaze was fastened.
“I suppose I should be jealous that I cannot hold your attention in full,” he said wryly as he took a sip of his punch.
“I do apologize. I have more on my mind than the party. I will try to put my other thoughts aside.”
“Miss Olsson, I wonder if I might steal Rurik away from you for a moment,” Tobe Krause asked.
“I hardly see why—”
“Let me get you a cup of punch,” Rurik said, leading her
over to a chair. “Sit here, and I’ll be right back with it.” Not long before he’d spied Merrill at the refreshment table, and it would be the perfect excuse to get a chance to speak with her.
“Ask Nils to come speak with me,” she said in a rather commanding manner.
Rurik looked at her for a moment, then nodded. “I would be happy to.” But his mood was anything but happy.
“Merriment doesn’t seem to be on your mind tonight,” Tobe declared, throwing Rurik a glance.
Rurik shrugged. “I suppose not,” he answered. “I have a lot on my mind these days, including a great concern for my uncle’s health.”
“I understand,” Tobe said, nodding. “Here’s Merrill and Mr. Olsson.”
“Well, Tobe, don’t you look quite dapper,” Merrill declared as the two men joined her at the refreshment table. “I had no chance to see you before Zadoc and I left for the party. I thought perhaps you would have ridden with us.”
“Nah, Flynn and I rode our horses. I wasn’t sure I’d be staying all that long. If I manage to catch the eye of a certain young lady, I might hang around. Otherwise, I told Father I’d check in on Carl and play a game of chess.”
Rurik nodded toward Nils. “Your sister asked if you would join her for a moment.”
Nils seemed hesitant. “I wouldn’t wish to leave Miss Krause. I did ask her to the party, after all.”
“That’s quite all right, Mr. Olsson,” Merrill quickly put in. “I’m sure your sister must need you or she wouldn’t be of a mind to interrupt your evening.”
Nils nodded. “I suppose you’re right. I’ll be gone only a moment.” He looked to Rurik as if he might speak, then seemed to think better of it and hurried away.
“Doesn’t seem like there are as many people here this year,” Tobe said, looking around the room.
“Well, if you’re looking for the womenfolk,” Merrill said, nodding over her shoulder, “most are outside ice-skating with Flynn.”
Tobe rolled his eyes. “It figures. He needs as much looking out for as you do.” Merrill gave him a friendly little swat on the arm.
“Might I offer you a compliment, Miss Krause?” Rurik asked without waiting for an answer. “I have never seen you look prettier. The green in your gown really draws out the color of your eyes and the blue flatters your complexion.”
Merrill flushed and lowered her gaze. “Thank you.”
“I guess every other businessman here tonight will be just as green with envy that you work for Jorgenson Furniture and not for them.” He could see that his compliments made her uncomfortable, but Rurik hoped she would also know he greatly appreciated her and her beauty.
“I need to talk to Rurik about helping with the ice next week,” Tobe interjected. He looked toward Rurik and drew him aside slightly. “Pa was hoping you’d have some time to come out on Thursday. We need another hand.”
“I’d be glad to help. After all, it’s hard to pass up Miss Krause’s cooking,” Rurik replied with a little grin. “I’m sure I can get Granny Lassiter to look in on Uncle Carl. He’s doing much better right now.”
“Good. Pa got word from one of his buyers that they’d like to have double the regular order of ice. We’ll have plenty of help on Wednesday, but Thursday was looking lean.”
Rurik heard someone clear their voice and found Nils had rejoined them. “Svea said you were bringing her punch.”
“Yes, that’s right,” Rurik replied. He turned back to Tobe. “I’ll see you on Thursday. I must be about my duties.” His tone was less than enthusiastic, he knew. Nils eyed him with a rather critical look. He said nothing, but Rurik could sense his anger.
He ignored his friend and went to the table for Svea’s punch, knowing that if he stayed, he might well say something he’d regret. This evening he intended to have a long talk with Svea about her return home. It was the only reason he’d agreed to come to the party in the first place. They would sit and talk, and in public she would be less likely to make a scene. With any luck at all, Rurik would convince her that her child deserved to grow up with his or her rightful father.
Merrill found herself praying for the party to end and for Zadoc to announce it was time to head home. Nils was making a nuisance of himself, refusing to allow her out of his sight for any reason. He rambled on and on about how charming she was and how he knew his mother would love her. He talked about Merrill’s cooking, mentioning that he’d sampled some delicious bratwurst and spaetzle she’d made for Carl.
Merrill took up the fan Granny had insisted she carry and waved it rather furiously.
“Why don’t we slip out for some air? It is rather stuffy in here,” Nils declared, and before Merrill could protest he’d caught her by the arm and swept her from the room.
They stepped outside into the cold night air. Not far from the church a huge bonfire burned down by the lake where dozens of people were skating. Merrill immediately drew in a deep breath of the chill air and felt a sense of relief—like her soul was being cleansed. She decided to thank Nils for the evening and be done with him. Turning to face him, however, she found herself pulled into his arms.
Her mind froze, as well as her body. Nils lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her quite boldly. For a moment, Merrill’s senses left her frozen with shock. Then her anger stirred. This was her first kiss, and she certainly had no desire for it to come from Nils Olsson. When she stiffened and pushed away, he finally let her go.
Nils stepped back with a smug look of satisfaction on his face. “I’ve wanted to do that all night.”
Merrill doubled her fist and punched him square in the mouth. “And I’ve wanted to do that.” She whirled away in an instant, not waiting to see how badly she’d hurt him or how he reacted. Spotting Zadoc and Corabeth, Merrill hurried to join them.
“Something wrong?” Zadoc asked.
“I have a headache.” Merrill rubbed her head for emphasis. “Corabeth, do you suppose Granny would mind if I go back to your house and rest until Zadoc can take me home?”
“I’ll take you home right now,” Zadoc told her. “Corabeth and I were just saying the party is nearly over anyway. Come on. I’ll get the coats, and we can leave.”
Merrill knew Corabeth was most likely disappointed. She would have to find a way to make it up to her friend. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I can’t explain.”
Corabeth seemed to understand and nodded. “It’s all right. I know it must be a fierce pain or you wouldn’t even bother.”
Merrill nodded. “You are so right. It’s perhaps the biggest pain I’ve ever had to deal with.”
Chapter 15
The next afternoon, Rurik took some time during his lunch break to read a letter that had just arrived. His brother Aron shared news of the family as well as a bit of mystery. Apparently, there were rumors of a scandal going on around town, and it had something to do with Nils and his father. Aron stated that the two had argued publicly, and then without warning Nils and his sister had disappeared in the dead of night. No one knew what had happened to either one of them. They had simply vanished.
It made no sense to Rurik. Why would Nils and Svea leave without telling their family? He read on.
Some have suspected that part of the problem had to do with Svea Olsson and her flirtatious behavior. After you left and it became common knowledge that the engagement had been dissolved, suitors started vying for Svea’s attention. It has been said that there were several uncalled-for public displays. It is also rumored that the minister made a visit to the Olssons, who were beside themselves over the matter. They were quite concerned, and apparently there was talk of Svea going to live with her older sister. Then, as I mentioned before, she and Nils left Lindsborg without telling anyone. Naturally the Olssons are very worried.
The rest of the letter reported on the family and asked after Carl and Rurik, but all of that didn’t matter much right now. The only thing Rurik could concentrate on was the part about Nils and Svea. He glanced at his watch. He knew Carl w
as getting ready to walk over to the office, wanting to work with Nils on one of the ledgers. Knowing he wouldn’t have much time, Rurik quickly took up a pen and paper.
Dear Aron,
I must say that your letter took me by surprise. Please tell the Olssons not to fret. Nils and Svea are safe. They came here to Waseca where Svea has tried to convince me to reinstate our engagement.
He went on to explain that he had no intention of doing so, but that Carl’s condition had made it necessary to take Nils on as an employee. He asked Aron if he would try to find out what problems had taken place between Nils and his father. Perhaps in doing so they could help Nils to repair the relationship, and he and Svea could return to Lindsborg without worry. Finding a replacement for Nils in the furniture business didn’t seem nearly so daunting as dealing with the two siblings and their plans for him.
“I had a good rest. Are you ready to go?” Carl asked, entering the kitchen. His boots were warming by the stove, and he went to fetch them.
Rurik nodded. “I’ll help you over to the office, but first I need to finish this letter to Aron.”
“Trouble?”
He didn’t want to unduly worry his uncle. “I don’t know for sure. Aron wrote that apparently Nils had some sort of falling-out with his father that led to him coming here. I plan to ask him about it when the time is right, so I’d rather you not say anything.”
“Ja, sure.” Carl nodded. “I’ll put on my boots while you write.”
Rurik hurriedly finished the letter, deciding at the last minute against mentioning Svea’s condition. He tucked the missive in his pocket and hurried to where Carl waited by the front door.
“I’m ready.”
“I feel stronger every day,” Carl declared as they walked to the workshop. “Maybe that doctor knows more than I give him credit for. Taking a nap seems to help.”
Icecutter's Daughter, The Page 14