Svea nodded. “He didn’t want you to know. He didn’t want there to be more trouble between you. He really does love you, Papa. He hates that he’s disappointed you, but it’s like a sickness with him. He tries . . . really he does.”
Her father looked straight into her face. “I want the truth, daughter. Did Rurik Jorgenson push you down the stairs?”
Svea looked away and shook her head. “No.” Her voice was barely audible. “I lost my balance. I was so upset, and I felt like Rurik wasn’t listening to me. I . . . well . . . I turned to confront him and lost my balance. When Rurik realized what was happening, he tried to grab me. That’s what the hotel clerk saw. When I landed I realized I wasn’t that hurt. Then the clerk started saying how Rurik pushed me down the stairs and . . . well . . . I thought I could use the situation to get Rurik to marry me.”
“Did you not think of the consequences to Rurik, daughter? He sits in a jail cell even now. How could you be so heartless toward him?”
It was only then Svea seemed to notice Merrill and Aron standing at the door. She looked at Merrill for a moment, then turned back to her father. “I love my brother. I wanted to help him. I knew Rurik would understand in time and . . . forgive me.”
Her father let go a heavy sigh. “You and your brother have caused a great deal of trouble. Where is he?”
“I don’t know, Papa. Truly. He told me he had to go out of town, but I don’t know where he went. I think he meant to take the train. He told me to get Rurik to marry me immediately or those men would . . . hurt him. I did what I thought I had to do. I’m so sorry.” The tears came again, but this time Merrill could see they were from regret, not fear.
“Since you have no real injuries, Miss Olsson,” the doctor interjected, “you are free to return to the hotel with your father. I’ll send for the police chief first, however, so you can tell him what you’ve told us.”
“I’ll go for him,” Merrill declared. Their gazes turned toward the door where she and Aron stood. She didn’t wait for their approval. “I’ll get him now.”
She hurried from the doctor’s office and all but ran down the street to the jail. She was panting when she burst through the door.
The police chief looked up from his desk in surprise. “Miss Krause, what’s wrong? Is it Miss Olsson?”
“Yes, but it’s good news. You are needed immediately at the doctor’s place. Please hurry.”
He got to his feet and pulled on his coat. “She’s all right?”
Merrill smiled and nodded, all the while trying to catch her breath. “She’s confessed the truth. Rurik isn’t to blame for the accident. She lost her balance and fell. Rurik actually tried to stop her fall.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” the lawman said and smiled. “I’ve always liked that young man.”
“Me too,” Merrill declared. “And, if you don’t mind, I’d like to go back to his cell and tell him the news.”
The man nodded. “I suppose that would be all right. I’m not used to having women around here, but I guess this time won’t hurt.”
Merrill hurried to find Rurik. She saw him lying on his cot, Bible open. “Svea’s told the truth,” she called.
Rurik jumped to his feet. Crossing the cell in two strides, he came to the bars of his jail door. “She did? When? What did she say?”
Laughing and crying at the same time, Merrill related the turn of events. “She seems quite contrite, Rurik,” she concluded. “Apparently Nils’s gambling has gotten him into trouble with the wrong men. He convinced her that she had to help him, so they came up with the idea of her being with child. Nils thought if you two married, Svea could convince you to give him some of your inheritance. When you showed up at the hotel to talk about meeting with the pastor, Svea realized how little time she had left. She was desperate and not at all mindful of the stairs. She lost her balance and said you actually were trying to stop her fall. The police chief has gone now to hear her official confession.” She reached through the bars to take hold of his hand. “Oh, Rurik, I’ve been so worried and full of grief for you—for us. I was so afraid . . .” She squeezed his hand as tears streamed down her face.
“Wait a minute here,” he said, brushing at her wet cheeks with his hand. “You just brought me wonderful news, and now you’ve gone all weepy on me. I’m looking for a smile.”
Merrill sniffed and managed a little smile. “All right, that’s over with. Now you’ll see how happy I am—” Both hands went to her mouth, and she gasped.
“What’s wrong now, Merrill?”
She laughed shakily. “I just remembered. I promised Uncle Carl strudel for supper. I need to get to work.”
Rurik and Merrill laughed together. What a relief and a joy it was. Reaching through the bars once more, Merrill took hold of his hand. “God heard our prayers, Rurik.”
“Indeed He did.” He kissed her hand and looked into her eyes. “In so many ways.”
Merrill still felt her heart leap at the memory of Rurik’s gaze and kiss. She hurried to put together a welcome-home supper complete with Carl’s cherry strudel. Granny was happy to help and offered a jar of garlic dilled pickles, canned cherries, and flour when Merrill found the Jorgenson house to be short on food supplies. She and Corabeth followed Merrill back to the house to assist with the preparations.
“So she finally admitted it was all just lies?” Granny said, tasting the gravy that would soon cover the beef rouladen Merrill had made and adding a pinch of salt.
“She did. She said it was all because of Nils.” Merrill sidestepped Granny to check the strudel in the oven. The kitchen was hardly big enough for all three women, but they were managing. Merrill shut the oven door. “I can’t say too much more about the details.” Granny nodded, and Merrill knew she understood.
“But why would she risk so much, including her reputation?” Corabeth asked. “I would never do something like that. To lie like that in order to help someone else seems doubly wrong.”
“She and Nils have been close all of their lives,” she explained. “She wanted to help her brother. I know how much I love my own brothers. There isn’t much I wouldn’t do for them. Of course, I wouldn’t go so far as Svea Olsson did, but I think now I can at least understand some of her thinking and actions.” She inspected the various pots on the stove. “Would you set the table, Corabeth? Supper is nearly ready.”
Merrill went into the front room and smiled at the men seated there, the scene warming her heart. Uncle Carl had his family around him and looked content. And with Rurik safely back . . . she couldn’t express how happy she felt.
She invited them to the table, and Aron immediately helped Carl to his feet. “You and Rurik have done nothing but praise this young woman’s ability to cook, so I’m anxious to sample whatever she has prepared.”
Rurik laughed and went to where Merrill stood. “You won’t be sorry, and if I have anything to say about it—this won’t be the only time you get the opportunity.”
Aron assisted Carl to the kitchen while Rurik remained behind. “Thank you, my Merrill,” he said, putting his arm around Merrill’s waist. “I think I shall reward you with a kiss.”
She felt a shiver of delight flow through her and her cheeks grew warm. She looked up at him and shivered again at the intensity of his gaze. “I think I shall let you reward me.”
He kissed her gently, his hands holding her face with great tenderness. Merrill wanted the moment to go on forever, but knew the others were waiting. She pulled away reluctantly. “Come, your supper will get cold.”
“I hope you won’t mind if my first order of business tomorrow is to speak to your father. I’d like to get his permission to call on you, Miss Krause. That is . . . if you are willing.”
Merrill smiled and quipped, “I’ll need to give that some thought.” They both chuckled, but she quickly turned serious. “You already know I’m most willing, Rurik. I just hope you also know what you’re getting yourself into. I’m not—well, I’ll never be dainty
and frilly. It’s best you know that right now.”
He laughed and pulled her with him toward the kitchen. “I’m willing to take my chances on you, Merrill Jean. I’m willing to take my chances.”
Chapter 25
Merrill lost no time in getting word to her father and brothers regarding Rurik’s innocence. She prayed that the truth might circulate as quickly as the lies had so that Rurik’s name and reputation would be set to rights. Granny and Corabeth had both assured her that they would discreetly help to set the record straight.
“People love to spread gossip,” Granny had told her, “but they’re usually in less of a rush to tell the truth.”
Merrill supposed it was the nature of the human race to focus on the bad and believe the worst of a person. The negative, it seemed, was far more enticing than the good, positive, noble things of life. Maybe that was why people needed the Bible’s reminder to dwell on the latter things.
As soon as she had the breakfast dishes cleaned up and put away, Merrill made a list of items she would need for future meals. She surveyed the cupboards and wrote down the things that were standards in her kitchen. She was nearly finished when Rurik joined her there.
“Merrill, I’m heading out to your house and wondered if you wanted to accompany me. Aron said he’d stay here with Uncle Carl until our return.”
Merrill could see that Rurik had prepared himself as if he were to attend church. His blond-brown hair was washed and neatly combed into place, and his face was freshly shaved. She could see by his expression that Rurik was quite pleased with himself. “You look like a man who’s up to something,” she said with a little smile.
“I am. I’m up to speaking to your father.”
She cocked her head to one side. “And I suppose I am the topic of that discussion?”
One side of his mouth rose. “Shouldn’t that be between your father and me?”
“Maybe.” She put her hands on her hips. “But if it does involve me, perhaps I’d better come along and make certain I’m properly represented. There’s no telling where things might lead otherwise.”
“Why do you suppose I invited you? I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Rurik moved toward the door. “If you don’t mind, I’ll bring your wagon around in ten minutes. Will that give you enough time?”
“Certainly.” She grabbed her list and tucked it in her pocket. “Let me just make certain your brother knows what he needs to tend to while I’m gone. Oh, and we’ll need to pick up some supplies if you want me to keep cooking here.”
“Of course we want you to keep cooking. I told Uncle Carl that he should just pretend to need a nurse for a good long while so that we could have you with us all the time.”
Merrill laughed as Rurik gave her a wink and disappeared down the hall. She sought out Aron and explained what he needed to do for lunch and then gathered her things. As a last thought she went back to the kitchen and took up a rather sad-looking apple and cut it into pieces for the horses. She stood waiting and ready for Rurik when he brought the wagon around. The Belgian team seemed happy to be out again.
“There you are,” she said to the horses. “Did you think I’d forgotten you?” She gave Jack some apple first and then turned to Jill. “I brought you gifts so you won’t be slighted by my absence.” She rubbed Jill’s soft muzzle and laughed when Jack nudged her for another piece of fruit. She fed him quickly before moving to climb into the wagon.
“I hope Jack and Jill behaved for you,” she said as Rurik helped her onto the seat beside him.
“They were perfect. We have a good understanding between us,” he said, grinning.
The roads, though deeply rutted, appeared dry. The cloudless blue skies overhead indicated they would remain so at least for the day. Everything in creation seemed perfectly arranged for this day. Merrill couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement.
They arrived at the farm shortly before nine thirty, and Merrill was surprised to find her father and brothers busy at work on the roof of the house.
“What in the world are you doing up there?” she called. Her father gave a wave, but her brothers were busy pounding nails and didn’t seem to notice her for the moment.
“Figured we’d best take advantage of the weather and get the roof patched up before it rains again,” her father called down. “Got your message, but sure wasn’t expecting to see you yet.” He went to the ladder and started down. “Is Carl doing all right?”
“He’s resting at the house,” Rurik replied. “My brother Aron is seeing to him until we can get back.”
Merrill’s father reached the ground and turned with a nod. “I’m glad things worked out for you, Rurik.” He extended his hand.
Rurik shook hands with her father and got right to business. “I was hoping we could talk.”
“What about?”
Merrill couldn’t help but smile. Her father no doubt knew exactly what Rurik wanted to talk about. Bogart Krause had never been known as a slow-witted man.
“I thought we might talk in private . . . about . . . Merrill and me.” The pounding had stopped, and Merrill’s brothers seemed to be all ears.
“What’s going on down there?” Tobe asked, stretching toward the sky. “Rurik, did you come to help us with the roof?”
Her father chuckled. “Boys, you get that patching done. I’m going to go inside and have some coffee with Rurik and your sister.”
“Oh sure. Take yourself a good, long break,” Leo called down in a jesting tone. “Merrill Jean, did you bring us any of your pastries?”
“No, I’ve been far too busy to worry about you,” she said, giving her brothers a wave. “Besides, I’m sure Margaret has taken good care of you all.” She followed her father and Rurik into the house.
Merrill went to the stove for the morning’s leftover coffee and poured some for each of the men. Father leaned against the kitchen counter while Rurik twisted his cap in his hands, looking surprisingly ill at ease.
“I’ll just go and get a few of my things,” she said, handing them their mugs.
“No, Merrill Jean, I want you to stay,” her father declared. “I figure this has to do with you, so you should be here, as well.” He looked at Rurik and smiled. “Let’s sit at the table,” he suggested. The three pulled out chairs and sat.
“So what have you got to say for yourself, son?” He looked at Rurik over the rim of his mug.
Rurik cast a quick glance at Merrill and seemed to regain his confidence. “Sir, I would like your permission to court Merrill.”
“I see. And she’s in agreement to this?” He looked at Merrill and raised a brow.
Merrill met her father’s searching gaze. “I am.”
He nodded and rubbed his jaw. “And what is your intention in courting my daughter?”
Rurik, who hadn’t taken his gaze from Merrill, now gave her a look that revealed all that was within his heart. She couldn’t help but smile and lean toward him. He finally turned to her father. “Well, I haven’t actually said the words to her yet, but I’d like to marry her.”
Merrill wanted to shout in her excitement, but she held herself in check. Her father gave a serious nod and seemed to consider the statement. His silence started to make Merrill uncomfortable, but she knew better than to interrupt his contemplation.
Finally he looked to Rurik.
“You know, there’s been many a fella who showed interest in my daughter. Her brothers have been good to keep most of the less reliable at bay.” He smiled and winked at Merrill. “Unfortunately, the thought of dealing with them has also caused some of the better men to keep their distance, as well.”
“I’m sure her brothers only wanted to keep her safe,” Rurik said, adding, “Just like I want to do. I promise you, Mr. Krause, I will guard her and love her for all my life.”
“I know you will. You’ve proven yourself to me on more than one occasion. I sure am sorry for all the troubles you’ve been through, but you have handled yourself in an honorable way
. I never once heard it said that you’d spoken ill of Miss Olsson. In fact, it seems you attempted to guard her reputation, saying very little. That took a great deal of integrity and strength of character, especially since your own good name was at stake. I’d be proud to have you court my daughter and join this family.”
Rurik let out a long sigh. “Thank you.”
Merrill hugged her father, though she knew such displays usually made him uncomfortable. This time, however, he held on to her for just a moment. “Thank you, Father,” she whispered against his ear. “I love you.”
She turned to Rurik and held out her hands, palms upward. He quickly placed his hands over hers.
“Well,” said Mr. Krause, clearing his throat with a grin, “better get myself back to the roof.”
“It was kind of you to invite us for supper,” Mr. Olsson said, taking off his hat.
Granny Lassiter took the hat and led him and Svea into the front room. Merrill joined them. “Mr. Olsson, Miss Olsson, we’re so glad you could join us.” She turned and waved toward Rurik, who was talking to Aron and Corabeth. “We were just waiting for you to arrive. Supper is ready.”
“Thank you for having us,” Mr. Olsson reiterated.
Merrill was determined to show Svea kindness. She smiled at her in welcome, but Svea remained sober-faced, looking apprehensive and nervous.
“Granny was kind enough to open her house up for this gathering since Uncle Carl’s house would have been too cramped,” Merrill explained. “The Lassiter house can definitely accommodate us all. Of course, Uncle Carl was less than pleased to be wheeled over, certain he could make it on his own. The doctor lent us a wheeled chair, however, and told Uncle Carl he couldn’t attend unless he remained seated and refrained from exerting himself.”
Svea gave a slight nod and fussed with her shawl. Merrill was sure the young woman was very uncomfortable after all that had happened. “Would you like to help me in the kitchen?”
Icecutter's Daughter, The Page 23