“Thank you, Tess. I will stay for a little while, but I want to go to school. I want to learn.”
The young woman’s eyes brightened. Tess could barely discern a trace of the waif from a remote logging camp in Upper Michigan who didn’t own a decent coat. Though sad, Waite’s death had freed his wife.
“That’s good, Echo. I’m so proud of you. Have you spoken to Talbot about your desire to further your education?”
“Many times, and he insists that he wants to fund my adventure, but I can’t let him.” She smiled. “I want to find work and pay my own way.”
Tess’s gaze returned to the mirror. This is not what she wanted. “Echo, I feel sick.”
“Wedding day jitters.” Echo fussed with the bride’s veil. “Talbot will be so proud of you.”
“Talbot deserves better than me.”
“That’s not true! He’s the luckiest man in the world to have you, and he knows it.”
A soft tap at the study door signaled that the ceremony was about to begin. Tess pressed her hand against her stomach. Could she do this? Echo stood back, peering at her with a knowing look. Her friend’s voice was soft when she spoke.
“Try to be happy, my friend. I know your heart still yearns for Big Say, and I ache for you, but Talbot loves you so very much… and he is such a good man. He will do his very best to make you happy.”
Tess was mildly surprised by Echo’s quiet declaration. She’d never dreamed the girl perceived the real reason for her heartache, but the young woman wasn’t stupid. Reaching out to touch the tip of Echo’s nose gently, she said softly, “Talbot would be far better off with someone like you.”
“But he doesn’t want me,” Echo said simply.
“And if he did?”
Her friend’s gaze softened. “Talbot is a wonderful man. You are most blessed that he loves you.”
The organ music swelled, and Echo went to open the door. Tess’s stomach tangled in a million knots.
“Hurry now… he’s waiting for you.”
Tess lifted the hem of her dress in her hand and stepped into the foyer. The dimly lit hallway was teeming with five giggling, breathless young women, all dressed in long flowing gowns in various hues of the rainbow and wearing matching wide-brimmed hats.
She felt worlds removed from women who had been close childhood friends. Smiling faintly, she moved to stand at the head of the sanctuary doorway. The five attendants reached to adjust the pool of silk and satin that tapered to a long train.
Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes. The massive sanctuary was filled to overflowing. All of Talbot’s family, friends, and business associates were gathered to witness the exchanging of vows between Miss Tess Wakefield and Mr. Talbot Wellington-Kent.
“Miss Wakefield?”
Tess glanced up to find one of Talbot’s manservants extending a yellow piece of paper to her. A wire?
“This just arrived for you.” His eyes met hers. “I know this isn’t an ideal time, but I thought it might be important.”
“Oh?” Debating whether to open the wire or not, she decided she should. Handing her bouquet to Echo, she unfolded the page, her eyes hurriedly scanning André’s brief message.
The first of her bridesmaids started down the aisle. Tess slowly lifted her gaze. The wire fluttered to the floor as the room started to spin.
The bridesmaids stepped out to walk with measured grace one behind the other, the gathered guests smiling as the procession of dresses moved down the aisle. Blue, yellow, pink, green, violet… Organ notes rang out, and Echo’s turquoise gown blurred in front of her as the woman moved to take her place at the doorway. She turned to look at Tess.
“Are you all right?” she whispered. “You look as though you’ve seen a ghost.”
Tess shook her head, unable to find her voice. A chord sounded—Echo’s clue to start her slow descent down the aisle. Tess saw her maid of honor step out hesitantly.
“Are you coming?”
The music switched tempo. The crowd swelled to their feet when the organ pealed out Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March.”
Staring sightlessly ahead of her, Tess woodenly started to move. One foot after the other. Left. Right. Left. Right. Down the polished floor leading to the massive altar, she walked with hot tears rolling beneath her kohl-darkened lashes.
The music expanded and filled the room even as her tears came faster. She could barely make out Talbot’s tall figure waiting for her, looking so fine and handsome dressed in dark trousers and waistcoat. His best man and childhood friend was by his side, and beyond them stood five more groomsmen, their top hats tucked neatly beneath their arms. Through her tears Tess saw seven men smiling their admiration and encouragement as she walked toward them.
It seemed like hours before she reached the end of the incredibly long aisle. She was vaguely aware of Talbot extending his arm to her.
The music slowly died away, and the official, in his long white robe, began to pray. “Most heavenly and divine Father…”
The orchid bouquet in her hand trembled.
“We are gathered today to ask Your blessing on this man and woman…”
Her whole body began to shake, and her tears flowed like wine. Talbot glanced at her from the corner of his eye, and she felt him squeeze her hand reassuringly.
“This holy and sacred union is not to be entered into lightly, but…”
A loud sob tore from the depths of her soul, and she began to openly weep, long racking sobs that shook her frame and filtered softly to the gathered audience. The guests began to uneasily shuffle in the pews and whisper among themselves, clearly mystified by the strange outbreak she could do nothing to control.
The official glanced at Talbot, and he held up his hand to interrupt the service. Heaving a resigned sigh, he turned her, lifted her veil, and tipped her face up to meet his. His voice was almost hushed, but she heard his words clearly.
“It’s Jake Lannigan, isn’t it?”
Speechless, she nodded, her face wet with tears. Talbot calmly reached into his breast pocket and handed her a handkerchief, a gesture that had become almost habitual between them since her return.
“Are you that deeply in love with the man?”
She nodded again, realizing what an embarrassment she must be to him. His friends and family were looking on, completely mystified by what was taking place.
Her voice came out barely above a whisper with words that broke her heart. “He’s been gravely injured in a logging accident.”
Talbot’s eyes briefly closed. “I see.”
“He’s—he’s not a bad man, Talbot.”
“I gather not, but is he the man you want to share your life with?”
“Yes. Oh, Talbot, I love him more than anything or anyone in my life. I ache to be with him.”
“And does he return your love?”
The audience and official looked on as they all waited for her answer.
“It doesn’t seem so…but deep in my heart I believe he does. He knows I belong to you… and he knows he deceived and hurt me.”
“Yet you would give up everything I offer you to be with him?”
Tess’s tearful eyes met his. “I don’t care about things, Talbot. All I know is that my life is miserable without him. I would rather spend one hour living in squalor with him than live the rest of my life spending your money.” She caught herself, not wanting to hurt him. She glanced at the guests. “Please forgive me. I am aware that wasn’t put very diplomatically, but it’s true.”
“Then go to him, Tess,” Talbot urged softly.
A sob tore from her throat. She dabbed at her eyes again. “What about you? I love you in so many ways, but I don’t think—no, I am quite certain I could never make you completely happy. You deserve better.”
Talbot gazed at her affectionately, and in the depths of his eyes she recognized understanding. And complete forgiveness.
“I knew the day I brought you home this hour would come.”
&n
bsp; “Talbot—I am so sorry.”
“Go to the man you love, my dear. And may God bless your union.”
Smiling, she rose on her tiptoes and placed a kiss on his lips. “Thank you.” She turned away, and then she hurriedly whirled back and leaned close to whisper something in his ear, causing him to chuckle.
“Truthfully? I would be most honored.”
Nodding, she turned to smile at Echo, and then to face the sea of stunned faces in the crowd staring back at her. “I’m sorry, but if you’ll all keep your seats, the ceremony will continue in a few moments.”
Talbot calmly turned to the stunned bridesmaids and smiled when his eyes met Echo’s. Her face was pale when she stared back at him, wide-eyed and uncertain.
Clearing his throat, he said, “Echo, it has been brought to my attention that you would make a more suitable bride for me than Miss Wakefield.”
Echo’s jaw dropped. “Me…sir?”
He smiled and went on. “I know this is a bit out of the ordinary, but I must admit that the thought has occurred to me on more than one occasion recently. Even before Tess brought it to my attention a moment ago, I realized you are an exquisite creature…one with whom I would be extremely pleased to spend the rest of my life, if you will have me.”
“Are you talking to me, sir?” Echo repeated. A gasp of disbelief came from the Wellington-Kent pew.
“Yes, you, madam.” He threw his head back, and his laugh was jovial. Tess knew she’d done the right thing for all of them. She saw happiness shine in Talbot’s eyes for the first time in a long while.
“But as my wife, you must stop calling me sir.”
Echo nodded. “Yes, sir.”
He laughed again and extended his arm. “If you would be so inclined?”
Tess’s heart sang. Everything would be okay in Philadelphia without her. She swiftly hugged her friend before turning and running down the long aisle that had seemed endless only minutes ago, her decision crystal clear.
She was going home.
31
Shadow Pine comin’ up!” the conductor sounded.
Tess sprang to her feet and ran to the back of the car to watch the train pull into the station. Stepping onto the back platform, she felt a warm, southerly breeze brush her cheeks as if to say, “Welcome home, little one.”
Drawing a long, appreciative breath, she luxuriated in the spicy smell of white pine. She had missed these sights and the scents.
Every morning while she’d been away, she had awakened before sunup. Long before the household servants rose, she’d lie beneath the rose-colored canopy above her bed and listen for the sound of the Gabriel horn to summon her to breakfast. At times she had longed so badly to hear the familiar call that she’d imagined she could make out quite clearly the long, doleful bale echoing across the frozen hillsides.
The engineer pulled a couple of loud toots on the whistle, and steam poured out of the engine’s smokestack. She ran back inside to gather her luggage. She wanted to be first in line when the locomotive finally ground to a halt in front of the depot.
After stepping down from the coach, she hurried across the street. She saw no familiar faces, but the town appeared to be nearly empty today. The spring thaw had melted away the mounds of snow, and the air was delightfully mild for April.
No one knew she was arriving, so she searched for a wagon to hire. One sat vacant, and her eyes fixed on the rig. She approached and carefully circled the conveyance, inspecting the workmanship. All four wheels appeared to be in good shape and the structure sound, so she paid the driver and climbed aboard. “Wakefield Timber camp, please.”
When the wagon rolled into camp, she spotted Bernice coming out of Menson’s store. Hoping to catch her attention, Tess stood and waved. The stout woman paused, shock registering on her features. Tess couldn’t help but grin. It was good to see the cantankerous ol’ schoolmarm wearing one of the bonnets Tess had made.
“Fedelia…uh, Miss Wakefield. What on earth has brought you back here?”
Moments later, Tess set her valises down on the planked sidewalk and tried to catch her breath. “Well, I own this land, Bernice.”
The woman cleared her throat. “Oh, yes, of course.”
“Where is everyone?”
Bernice glanced around expectantly. “Who?”
Tess smiled and reached to remove her hat—a simple straw one that wasn’t at all pretentious. She glanced up at the clear blue sky, unable to recall the sun ever being so welcome and warm. “The men. Where are they?”
“Most of the jacks are at the loading pens. The ones who aren’t are over in Shadow Pine drinking liquor that would grow horns on a horse and recklessly gambling their hard-earned money away. If they can’t accomplish that, they’ll be spending it on the loose women.” Bernice sniffed self-righteously. “Bunch of heathens.”
“Where’s Big Say?”
“Jake?” Bernice’s forehead drew into a frown, and she clucked her tongue sadly. “Poor man.”
Tess edged closer, her breath catching in her throat. “Where is he, Bernice? He isn’t worse, is he?” Her heart threatened to escape her chest. If he had died from his injuries before she could get to him—she couldn’t bear it. She just couldn’t.
Lord, You wouldn’t let this happen. You saved me from the river. Please save the man I love.
“He isn’t worse. Doc says he’s going to make it, but he’s in a pitiful state.”
“Is he in his quarters?”
“Oh my, no. He’s not up to that yet. He’s still at Doc’s—”
Bernice’s voice faded behind her as Tess bolted in the direction of Doc Medifer’s house.
“Miss Wakefield, your luggage!”
“I’ll get it later!”
“Thank you muchly for my hat! I shore like it!”
“You’re welcome, Bernice!”
It took only moments to cover the ground to Doc Medifer’s house. Tess bounded up the front steps and pounded on the door, trying to catch her breath. Panic seized her and she pounded harder. What was taking so long? Why didn’t someone answer the door?
She banged loud enough to wake the dead, and the door was opened abruptly by an irate Doc Medifer. “What in tarnation is goin’ on out here?”
Rushing past him, she nearly knocked the elderly gentleman off his feet. “Good morning, Doctor. I’m here to see Jake, please.”
The doctor took a startled step backward. “Miss Yard—Miss Wakefield?”
“Please… Jake? Is he improving? Will he live? I’m here to help.”
Closing the door, Doc fixed on her flushed features with open amusement. “My goodness, young lady, did you run all the way from Philadelphia?”
With her hat in her hand, she self-consciously smoothed her hair. She knew she must look a fright—she could feel tendrils hanging down both sides of her face. She tucked them quickly behind her ears. “I’m sorry. It’s just that I’ve traveled a very long way to see him.” Her eyes brimmed with unexpected tears. “It’s very important that I be with him.”
Medifer’s smile was so kind, it made it even harder for her to control her urge to break down with exhaustion and weep.
“My dear, the whole town had been thinking that you would be very good for Jake right now. Follow me. I’ll take you to your young man.”
He turned and she followed him down a short, familiar hallway to the small room that she had occupied only a few months earlier.
André was closing the door behind him as they approached, and she broke into fresh tears when she saw the tall, handsome Frenchman. With a smile he held out his arms, and she gratefully went into them.
“I came as soon as I heard,” she said, sobbing quietly.
“I am most grateful, ma chère.”
“Is he worse?”
“He is…not so good. The man’s heart is very sad.”
Tess pulled from his embrace. “I want to see him.”
André gently restrained her, his eyes troubled. “I do not k
now if he will let you.”
“Why not? I love him. He needs me.”
“It will come as a great shock to him to see you here,” André confessed. “He believes you are on your honeymoon with your new husband.”
Tess searched André’s eyes for some sign of hope. “He doesn’t know about the wire you sent?”
André shrugged. “He will not be surprised when he learns what I have done. I felt certain you would want to know.”
Her frown softened into a smile. “I would have wrung your neck like a chicken if I had found out he’d been injured and you hadn’t contacted me. But now I must go to him and tell him how very much I love him.”
“But your husband?”
“I didn’t marry Talbot, André.”
André closed his eyes. “This is very good news. But Jake is a stubborn man, ma chère. I fear he will resist your help now…but perhaps the sight of you will give him the will to heal.”
“What do you mean? Once he hears that I’m not married, why would he hesitate to accept my help?” Nothing could keep her from Jake Lannigan—certainly not Jake.
“One of his legs was injured in the accident and infection has set in. It’s possible the leg will have to be removed. Doc isn’t sure. You know Big Say. He is proud, and he feels that if his leg is taken, he will be less of a man,” André said gently.
“Less of a man—Jake Lannigan? That’s nonsense!”
“We have tried everything we know to encourage him,” Doc interjected. “But he is a willful man.”
“Is he strong enough to go home yet?”
“He has the strength of ten men, but the uncertainty about his leg has defeated him,” Doc admitted. “I’m afraid he thinks his life is over. He refuses to eat or wash or even get out of bed. Nothing we say has helped. He’s made up his mind that he wants to die.”
Her back stiffened with resolve. “I’ll get him out of that bed!”
“Ma chère, it will take a firm hand to pull him out of it.”
She was up to the job, even if it didn’t sound as though it would be easy. She knew if it meant otherwise losing him, she’d have Goliath strength. “You just let me handle him from now on.”
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