In Times Gone by

by Tracie Peterson

  She jumped at the sound of someone behind her but relaxed when she saw that it was only Cousin George with the widowed Mrs. Andrews. Ever since Kenzie had brought George to the warehouse with her, Mrs. Andrews had made him her pet project. Surprisingly enough, Cousin George didn’t seem to mind her attention. Perhaps they would court and marry. Kenzie smiled. But at the thought of courtship and marriage, Micah wormed into her mind once again.

  “You are positively radiant when you smile,” Micah said. “Were you thinking of me?”

  She turned to find him at her side. A hint of a smile played on his lips. “Yes. I was just thinking of you going away—back to wherever you came from.”

  “Ah, but you were thinking about me.” His grin broadened.

  “You are impossible.” She hurried down the laundry line to put distance between them.

  Micah didn’t seem to mind, however. He followed her at a leisurely pace. “You did very nicely with Mr. Lawrence’s wound. It gave me an idea.”

  Kenzie refused to let him draw her into conversation. She continued to check the clothes, and when she found the third line was dry, she began to remove the pieces.

  “I could use a nurse to accompany me when I visit the relief camps this week,” Micah said. “We doctors are rotating responsibilities there, and it’s my turn. You could come with me. We’re very shorthanded.”

  “I’m not a nurse.” Kenzie bit her lip. She hadn’t meant to speak.

  “No, but with a little training, you will be quite competent.” He stepped up behind her and leaned close to her ear. “And I’m very good at training.”

  She couldn’t keep from shivering at his breath on her face. Why didn’t he just go away and leave her alone? Couldn’t he see how hard he was making this for her? Of course, he could. That was why he kept doing it. She frowned and tried again to set her resolve against him.

  “I need help, Kenzie, and you need to see that we could be good together. If you come and work with me, you’ll be able to get to know me, and then you won’t be so afraid of me.”

  Kenzie turned to face him, which was a mistake. It put them almost nose to nose, much too close for comfort. “You don’t frighten me.”

  “Then what?”

  She shook her head. “You . . . you confuse me, and I don’t want to be confused.”

  His blue eyes seemed to search the very depths of her soul. Kenzie wanted to turn away, but she couldn’t. She was completely under his spell.

  Micah reached up to cup her chin. “I would love to help you not be confused.” He stroked her cheek with his thumb. “Help me out at the camp, Kenzie. We can get to know each other in a completely nonthreatening way. You can assist me with the wounded and sick and get to know me better.”

  He leaned forward as if to kiss her, and Kenzie closed her eyes. When his kiss didn’t follow, she quickly opened them again to find Micah looking at her with a serious expression on his face. Kenzie couldn’t quite swallow the lump in her throat. Why did he have to have this kind of effect on her?

  “I need you, Kenzie.”

  She knew he meant something more than his request for nursing help, but she wasn’t about to acknowledge it. Instead she gave him a curt nod and pulled away from his touch. “I’ll help you with the relief camps, but only if Camri thinks she can spare me from my other duties.”

  He smiled. “I’ll go talk to her right now.”

  CHAPTER

  8

  By the middle of May, city officials deemed it safe for banks to open their vaults and safes. Most people had adhered to the recommendation that the vaults be allowed time to cool, especially after seeing the explosive results when some immediately tried to retrieve their funds. However, the delay created a sense of panic, and in a city where panic was already far too prevalent, people’s patience ran thin.

  The cleanup of debris was another source of irritation to the public. The army’s attitude was that people who didn’t work didn’t qualify for their accommodations and help. This brought protests from some and begrudging acceptance from others. But even with all the problems, the work continued, and headway was being made.

  Donations flooded in from all around the world to fund the rebuilding and see people adequately cared for. Liberal gifts of food, clothes, and other supplies were sent from as far away as Europe, and San Franciscans were grateful. Many citizens left the city and had no intention of returning, but those who stayed were determined to do what they could to make their town the beautiful gem it had once been.

  Kenzie found her work with Micah extremely satisfying. She had never considered nursing as a profession but the thought regularly crossed her mind these days. The more she learned about the body and the care involved, the more intrigued she was. She had to admit Micah was a good teacher. He was patient and deliberate in his methods, and it was easy to get caught up in his passion for healing. Their time together also helped her see him as something other than the man who was in love with her.

  “You’re a fast learner, Kenzie. I couldn’t ask for a better nurse,” he told her as they walked back to the warehouse.

  “Your training and instructions are easy to follow.” She hadn’t meant to say as much, but his comment caught her off guard.

  Micah chuckled. “Would that you’d listen to me regarding our relationship as easily.”

  Kenzie pretended to ignore him. The day was warm with clear skies, and for the first time in a long while, the burnt scent seemed to be gone. “It’s really a lovely day.”

  “Indeed it is. One of these days I’m going to take you sailing.”

  She looked at him. She hated to admit that she was more and more attracted to him. Micah was a handsome man. His black hair had just a hint of wave to it, and the way he combed it back from his face always seemed to allow for one or two strands to fall back over his brow. Those strands begged her touch, though Kenzie would never give in to that urge.

  “If you keep looking at me that way,” he said, “I’m going to kiss you right here on the street.”

  Kenzie frowned and turned her attention to the sidewalk. It only served to make Micah laugh. He seemed amused by her unwillingness to give in to his flirtations. Other men might have given up long ago, but not Micah Fisher.

  “So will you do it?”

  She didn’t even glance his way. “Do what?”

  “Go sailing with me.”

  “I know nothing about it and therefore would make a poor companion. I’m certain, however, that there must be any number of young ladies who would cherish such an outing.”

  For a moment he said nothing. Kenzie wondered if he was offended. If he was, then perhaps it was for the best.

  “I’m certain you’ll enjoy it. There’s nothing quite like it.”

  She decided it would be safer to change the subject. “I’ve been thinking that I might want to attend nursing school after things get back to normal. I enjoy helping people.”

  “I think you enjoy helping me even more.”

  She sighed. “You are probably your greatest fan, Dr. Fisher, but I am honestly intrigued more by the intricacies of medicine. Hmm, maybe I should become a doctor instead of a nurse.”

  “You’d make an excellent doctor. We could team up and open an office together. How easy that would be for a husband and wife. We could get a large house and turn part of it into examination rooms.”

  Her heart skipped a beat at the thought. Kenzie shook her head to regain control of herself. “Why did you become a doctor?”

  He shrugged. “I wanted to help the sick. From my youth, it was all I wanted to do.”

  “I’m sure your parents are proud.”

  “Mother and Father wanted only the best for their children, as most parents do. However, I think my father thought I might follow in his footsteps and become a preacher. We used to sit up late sometimes and talk about the Bible. He taught me Latin and Greek, which served me well in my medical training. We would discuss the Bible and the meaning of words. Words are ver
y important, I came to learn. Sometimes things get misinterpreted.”

  “Your father’s preaching is easy to understand. I was never enthusiastic about church before coming here. It seemed more of a gathering place for complaining and gossiping.”

  Micah nodded. “Every church has a bit of that, because the congregation is made up of fallible human beings. We all have our bad sides.”

  “Even you, Dr. Fisher?” She looked at him. “Surely not. I thought you were practically perfect—that is, I thought you think you are practically perfect.”

  He laughed. “No, I think you had it right the first time. You think I’m practically perfect, and I am . . . for you. But that’s because you love me.”

  “You’re impossible. I’ve never made such a declaration.” She picked up her pace, hoping to leave him behind, but he only lengthened his strides.

  I don’t love him. Kenzie bit her lower lip. He’s very nice—sometimes—and a good doctor. No, he’s an excellent doctor. I admire his abilities. Nothing more.

  She repeated these things over and over in her head. They were nearly back to the warehouse, and she needed to take her thoughts captive. If she didn’t, it wouldn’t bode well for her. Camri and Judith were merciless in demanding to know all the details of her time with Micah. They were constantly reminding her of how much he cared for her, and if Kenzie gave them the slightest reason to believe she returned his feelings, she would never hear the end of it.

  She was about to bid Micah good-bye when she spied Cousin George sitting at one of the tables outside the warehouse by himself.

  “I wonder what’s going on,” she murmured.

  “What?” Micah asked.

  “My cousin. I thought he was going to be tied up with business today.” She made her way to the table. “Cousin George is something wrong? Are you ill?”

  He looked up at her and seemed almost lost. “I am perplexed.”

  Kenzie sat down opposite him. “About what?”

  “Well, you know that I had meetings today regarding the business?”

  “Yes. You were going to speak with the insurance people and the bank.”

  George nodded. “But there was something more. Something I didn’t mention because I wasn’t even sure I would go.”

  She wasn’t sure if she should press him for more. “I see.”

  “No,” George said, shaking his head, “I don’t think you do. I was invited to come for a meeting at Ghirardelli.”

  This was surprising news. “And did you go?”

  For a moment, George Lake just sat silently, contemplating his hands. Finally, he looked up and nodded. “I did. Although even as I approached the building, I was arguing with myself to turn back.”

  “What happened?” She couldn’t believe her cousin would go to the men he deemed his enemy.

  “They were very gracious. They told me they were heartily sorry for my loss and commended me for my excellent candy.”

  Kenzie smiled. “So they weren’t seeking to destroy you after all?”

  George shook his head once again. “No. In fact they offered me a position.”

  “A position? At Ghirardelli? Doing what?”

  “They want my help developing new recipes. They want to buy some of my recipes while I develop additional ones. They will give me a contract for the next ten years with an option to renew if I desire.”

  Kenzie considered this news for a moment. “But if you work for them and sell them your recipes, then you wouldn’t be able to continue with Lake Boxed Candies.”

  “But I wouldn’t be able to anyway.” He looked at the table. “My insurance company isn’t going to pay anything. They’ve been completely ruined by this earthquake and fire. My meager savings isn’t enough to entice a bank to give me a loan to rebuild, so I am unable to move forward.”

  “I’m sorry, Cousin George. This must be a terrible blow.”

  “The worst of it is that I would actually consider their proposal if I thought it was trustworthy.”

  “Why do you suppose it’s not?” Micah asked. “The Ghirardellis are good people. They are known to be generous to their employees and customers.”

  “But I know they wanted me out of business. They must have. There were far too many incidents that had to come at the hands of a saboteur.”

  “Cousin George, isn’t it possible that those incidents were just the normal things that happen in business dealings?” Kenzie gently asked. “Machinery breaks down. Parts wear out. People leave employment without warning. It doesn’t mean that anyone is seeking to harm you. Don’t you think maybe it’s time to put the past to rest? If these people are offering you a legitimate contract and you would like to take them up on it, then I think you should. And even if someone did try to hurt you in the past and ruin your business, that doesn’t mean you should mistrust everyone.”

  “Kenzie is quite right,” Micah said. “Sometimes people hurt us, but that’s no reason to believe everyone will do likewise. Sometimes you have to let go of your fears and step out in faith that something good can come of your trust.”

  Micah’s words cut Kenzie to the heart. Against her will, she met his gaze. His expression was void of emotion, but his eyes bore into hers. He was talking to her—she knew that full well. She also knew he was right. When was she going to heed her own advice?

  Victoria Whitley stared in silence as the schoolmistress explained the details of her situation. Her grandmother, father, and brother were dead. Well, good riddance. Equally good—wonderful, in fact—was the news that her engagement had ended. Piedmont Rosedale had dissolved their agreement due to his certainty that Victoria’s grief would be overwhelming and the time needed for mourning would interfere with his plans for marriage.

  Fool. She knew very well that he was concerned about whether or not she would inherit the Whitley fortune. Frankly, it was something she’d like to know the answer to herself.

  “I am sorry, my dear. This is difficult news to bear. However, you should not worry about your future. Your solicitor has assured us that your expenses will continue to be covered.”

  “I want to go home.” Victoria met the schoolmistress’s surprised expression. “I must go home.” She knew if she wanted to get anywhere, she would have to play up her devastation.

  “But, child, there’s nothing you can do there. Your home was destroyed. You wouldn’t even have a place to go to.”

  “I must see my papa’s grave. I must kiss his headstone.” Victoria squeezed a tear from her eye. “And my dear brother—oh, my heart is filled with grief. My sorrow is too great. Bill was my dearest friend in all the world.”

  “My poor child.” The headmistress touched a lacy handkerchief to her own eyes. “Of course you must return home, if that is your desire.”

  Victoria nodded. “I will never find comfort until I am there.”

  “I’ll prepare things immediately. You will need someone to accompany you. I’ll see if I can arrange that as well.”

  Victoria didn’t want to argue with the old woman that she was more than capable of traveling without a nursemaid. Better to remain silent and endure whatever the schoolmistress deemed necessary. Victoria knew very well she could finagle things to her liking later.

  “Why don’t you go ahead to your room? I’ll have your dinner brought there and speak to your roommates about what has happened.”

  “Thank you.” Victoria put her hand to her eyes and walked slowly from the office.

  It was difficult to keep her steps slow when she felt like running and shouting for joy. Ever since her engagement was announced, she had been plotting ways to rid herself of that fat toad, Piedmont Rosedale. Bill had suggested she could always kill him after they wed, and then she’d inherit his wealth and be set for life. Bill never had trouble considering the option of murder, but such things left a bad taste in Victoria’s mouth. She didn’t mind people dying. In fact, it was welcome news when the dead included those who had made her life miserable. However, she didn’t want t
o be the one responsible.

  Now, thanks to the earthquake, she didn’t have to worry about it. Her ridiculous father was dead, and her evil brother could no longer harm her with his schemes and nonsense. Better still, her overbearing grandmother was gone too. No longer could she order Victoria to wear obnoxiously childish fashions or dictate how she spent her days.

  Reaching the confines of her room, Victoria closed the door behind her and leaned back against it. A smile curved her lips, and she fought back the laughter that threatened to bubble over. She was free. Truly free. She would return to San Francisco, lay claim to her inheritance, and leave that cursed town and all her memories behind. She was young and beautiful, and although she wouldn’t inherit as much money as she might have prior to Judith Whitley’s appearance, she would still have a decent amount to live on. More than enough to entice a handsome man to make her his wife.

  “A handsome rich man. A man of my choosing.”

  CHAPTER

  9

  Micah sat in his father’s study, waiting to speak to him alone. With the arrival of summer, the parsonage was a private home again, but there were always people about, and today was no exception, given his mother was hosting a tea.

  The door finally opened, and his father stepped into the room. “Sorry. You know how hard it is to get away from your mother and the church ladies.”

  “I do.” Micah laughed. “I don’t know how you do it. They always seem to want your attention.”

  His father closed the door, then plopped down in the chair beside Micah. “I listen to their complaints and worries—something a great many husbands refuse to do. It’s important to a woman to listen to her, not merely talk to her. Sometimes we must put ourselves in their place but not be overtaken by their complaints or concerns. It’s the same for men, although their manner of complaining isn’t usually accompanied by tears.”

  Micah nodded. “It’s the same for my patients. I have to have compassion for what they’re feeling without getting overwhelmed by it. If I let myself get carried away, then I’m of no use to them as a doctor.”