An Unexpected Love

by Tracie Peterson

  “You must continue to pray for Michael. His safety remains in God’s hands, and our prayers for him are important.” Amanda turned toward Sophie, who was rummaging through the clothing in the chest of drawers. “You, too, Sophie. Have you been praying for Michael’s safety?”

  Sophie glanced first at Fanny and then permitted her gaze to rest upon Amanda. “Yes, Amanda, I do pray for Michael, but I didn’t know you had taken charge of our prayers. If we don’t find you a man, you’re soon going to become as dour and rigid as my sister Beatrice.”

  Amanda tossed a scarf at her offending cousin. “How dare you say such a thing! I am not at all like Beatrice. I am planning a career to help the downtrodden, while Beatrice—”

  “Enjoys treading on them?” Sophie convulsed into a fit of laughter, and soon her cousins joined her. The maids continued to work as though the girls were not even present in the room with them. How did servants manage to do that, Sophie wondered while swiping at the tears on her cheeks. “You are sworn to secrecy. If you ever tell Beatrice what I said, she’ll never be kind to Wesley.”

  Suddenly serious, Fanny said, “I do hope I’ll find a letter from Michael awaiting me when we arrive home. I’ve read this one so many times, I have it memorized.” She removed the tattered envelope from her reticule and pressed it with her hand.

  “And I hope that I’ll have heard from the medical school to which I wrote.” Amanda folded a shirtwaist and placed it in the trunk.

  “What?” Sophie shook her head in disbelief. “You actually applied to a medical school? I don’t believe you. Does Uncle Jonas know you’re serious about this idea? You’ll never gain his permission.”

  “Father knows it’s my desire to attend medical school and help the underprivileged. Even though it is too late for me to attend medical school this year, I told Father that unless he gave me permission to begin next year, I wouldn’t make this trip to England. He finally relented.”

  Once again Sophie rocked back against the pillows. “Of course he did. But only because he believes you’ll no longer want to attend by next year. He probably plans to have you wed before you can attend college.”

  “And I’m not certain you’d enjoy medical training, Amanda. You’re the one who nearly fainted when I attempted to operate on an injured rabbit a few years ago,” Fanny remarked.

  “That was an entirely different matter. There was no possible way to save that rabbit. It had been mauled by . . .” Amanda briefly covered her mouth. “I don’t even want to discuss the rabbit. My work will be to lend aid and help relieve human suffering.”

  “What will you do if you come upon some small child who has been—”

  “Stop it, Sophie! You’re not going to dissuade me with this unpleasant talk of maimed rabbits or injured children. I plan to attend medical school, and Father has said he’ll not attempt to thwart my efforts.”

  “At least not in a manner by which you would become aware,” Sophie rebutted. There was little doubt her comments had angered Amanda. Though that had not been Sophie’s intent, it was time Amanda took stock of her future. She was simply deceiving herself if she thought her father would ever permit such a plan. “Besides, when the right man comes along, you’ll be just like me—delighted at the thought of marriage and a husband.”

  “If and when I ever decide to wed, you can be sure I’ll know the man far longer than you’ve known Mr. Hedrick,” Amanda replied. “And what of you, Fanny? What will you do when we return to Rochester? You must find something to occupy your time until Michael returns.”

  Fanny nodded. “We’ll all be busy until the holidays pass. After that, I’m uncertain. I’ll come into my inheritance in March when I turn eighteen, and if Michael hasn’t yet returned, I shall need to make some decisions. Michael and I discussed purchasing one of the Thousand Islands, but I wouldn’t make such a purchase without him. However, I might purchase a house in Rochester that we could live in for a portion of each year—like Grandfather and Grand-mère did.”

  “Oh, that’s an excellent idea,” Sophie agreed. “And we could come and visit you.”

  Amanda jumped to her feet. “Or perhaps the three of us could live together in Grandfather and Grand-mère’s house. That would be absolutely perfect.” She glanced at Sophie. “If you can put aside the thought of marriage for a time.”

  “I like that idea very much. We could have great fun, and you should wait at least a year before you decide if you will marry Mr. Hedrick anyway,” Fanny said.

  Sophie remained silent while her cousins continued to discuss their idea. Had Wesley not entered her life, she would think the idea superb. The cousins living on their own would permit her the freedom and independence she had previously longed for. But now, with Wesley in her life, neither freedom nor independence seemed important. Sophie wanted only to be in his presence. A proposal would soon be in the offing, and she didn’t intend to wait until the following fall to wed. No need to say so at the moment, for she’d surely receive another one of Amanda’s lengthy lectures.

  After bidding Lord and Lady Illiff farewell earlier in the morning, Wesley and Daniel escorted the ladies on board the ship for their return home. Jonas had arranged their passage on the Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse, a recently launched four-stacker that had made her maiden voyage in September. The ship was now being touted as the fastest and most elegant of all the steam liners crossing the Atlantic.

  Although the rest of their party had gone to their cabins, Wesley had remained by Sophie’s side until the ship was well underway. There had been no one on the docks to bid them farewell; nonetheless, the two of them had remained on deck and joined in the festivities. While Wesley discussed the dimensions of the ship with several other passengers, Sophie surveyed the latest fashions of the female passengers—at least those traveling in first class. There were, of course, those of lesser means who were scuttled off to steerage: emigrants traveling to America, each one hoping to find prosperity in their new homeland. She wondered how many would return disillusioned and brokenhearted.

  She pulled her cloak more tightly around her and grasped Wesley’s arm. “Let’s take a turn about the deck. I heard one of the women say the first-class dining room could seat over five hundred passengers at a single sitting. I do wonder how they manage to cook so much food at one time in such a small space.”

  “I doubt the galley is as small as you imagine, yet I agree it would be a great feat.” He patted her hand. “Fortunately, with your family’s wealth, you won’t ever be forced to work in a kitchen of any size.”

  “If my father had his way, I’d cook for the residents of his charity home back in Rochester. He’s discovered a few people who share his views but believes we should all carry a burden for the underprivileged.”

  “It’s good for the wealthy to aid the cause of the poor. After all, they can hardly do it for themselves.”

  Sophie nodded. “It’s true, and I do care about their plight. It’s just that sometimes I believe my father cares more about their needs than he does mine.”

  “Well, perhaps you won’t need to concern yourself with that much longer.”

  He didn’t elaborate, and Sophie was most vexed by the way he changed the subject.

  “Your aunt mentioned a young man named Paul Medford who works with your father. If I recall, she said Mr. Medford had accompanied you on your voyage to England.”

  Sophie quickly explained the circumstances of Paul’s visit. She certainly didn’t want Wesley to think she had any interest in Paul, and she had no idea what her aunt might have related to Wesley. “I believe Paul returned to New York last week, but his mother may still be in England.” Sophie couldn’t remember if that’s what her aunt had said or not, for she’d only half listened when Aunt Victoria had mentioned receiving a note from Paul’s mother. “I’m afraid the return voyage won’t be as pleasurable for my aunt. She found Mrs. Medford’s company quite enjoyable.” In truth, Sophie worried that her aunt would spend more time acting the proper chaper
one—the last thing Sophie desired.

  “In that case, we must invite her to join us from time to time. We don’t want her to become lonely,” Wesley said.

  They stepped into one of the sitting rooms, where several elderly passengers were settled on the tufted leather sofas reading newspapers or books. “You need not worry on that account. She has both Amanda and Fanny to keep her company. And she enjoys Daniel’s company, as well. I doubt she will feel isolated in the least.” Sophie silently chastised herself. She should never have mentioned Mrs. Medford or Aunt Victoria.

  Fanny leaned into the cushions of the couch and turned the page of the latest fashion magazine she’d purchased in London. At the click of the door, she glanced up to see her aunt entering the room and immediately returned to her reading.

  “Fanny Broadmoor, why are you hiding in this cabin? Daniel has been looking for you. I gave him permission to explore the ship with you, but you were nowhere to be found. It is a lovely day, and you need to get out of this cabin and enjoy the fresh air. If nothing else, go and watch the other passengers while they play quoits or shuffleboard. You can cheer them on.”

  “I am perfectly content, Aunt Victoria. I don’t want to stroll the decks with Daniel or watch a game of quoits, either.”

  Victoria sat down at the end of the couch and removed her hat. “Why not, Fanny? He is a genuinely sweet and kind young man who appears to be smitten with you. And you seem quite amiable together.” Her aunt leaned close. “Daniel would make an excellent match.”

  “I have attempted over and over to explain to him that I am not interested in anyone other than Michael. I thought you understood that, yet you continue to speak of Daniel’s many attributes. If you think him a fine match, perhaps you should direct his attentions toward Amanda.”

  “That very thought has crossed my mind. However, Daniel has interest in no one but you. I attempted to send him off exploring with Amanda, but he’d have no part of it. Of course, Amanda was unhappy with me, too. She continues to talk about school, and you continue your talk of Michael.”

  Fanny detected the note of annoyance in her aunt’s voice. “You sound as though you disapprove of Michael. I thought you held the Atwells in high regard.”

  “They are a fine family—not of the same social class but good people. And I have always thought Michael a nice young man. But we are discussing marriage, Fanny. Though I believe a girl should marry for love, she must also seek a man who is a good match.”

  “I don’t—”

  Victoria wagged her finger. “Do not interrupt. While Michael is a nice man, he would never fit into our family. He doesn’t possess the social graces that are acquired throughout the formative years.”

  Fanny burst into laughter. “Oh, like the fine manners George and Jefferson possess or their ability to engage in eloquent conversation?”

  Her aunt frowned. “They may not act the part when they are around you or other family members, but they know how to conduct themselves when necessary. They have both the education and social mores to impress any critic.”

  Fanny wouldn’t argue the point with her aunt, though she didn’t believe either of her cousins could discuss a business venture if their very lives depended on it. “I believe Michael possesses every characteristic I desire in a husband. I have no interest in Daniel and have made every attempt to discourage his advances. I do not wish to hurt his feelings by giving him false hope.”

  “I think you must carefully consider Michael’s circumstances, Fanny. It isn’t my intent to cause you fear or distress, but you must be realistic. Many men have failed to return from the Yukon, and those who do are quick to speak of the dangers. Many who have gone in search of gold are unable to withstand the dire conditions in that frozen territory. And there are those who choose to remain. Never satisfied with the gold in their pocket, they continue to search for more and more. Who is to say if you will ever see Michael again?” Her aunt absently traced a finger along the lace edging of her collar. “Daniel presents a fine opportunity for you, whereas Michael will never be accepted socially, no matter his possible wealth.”

  Her aunt simply would not relent. Fanny had listened to these arguments from Daniel as well as other Broadmoor family members since the day Michael had left. They were always quick to point out every tidbit of bad news that flowed from the Yukon. She would never tell them, but she had worried over some of the issues they had steadfastly drawn to her attention. Though she pretended to read the pages of the magazine, her thoughts remained riveted upon Michael and his circumstances. Perhaps that was the reason Uncle Jonas had so readily agreed to Michael’s foray into the Yukon. A shiver coursed down her spine. Did her uncle have some private knowledge that Michael would never return?

  9

  Monday, November 22, 1897

  Rochester, New York

  Jonas had completed a hearty noonday meal of fricasseed chicken and buttered noodles at the men’s club before heading off for his final appointment of the day with William Snodgrass. If all went well, he would return home afterwards and relax for the evening. Mortimer’s assistance and insight had proved invaluable during the past weeks. He’d overseen the initial meeting with Judge Webster, and the lawyer’s predictions had proved to be correct. Once the judge had understood their plan, he’d been pleased to become a silent partner in the scheme.

  The jurist’s quick agreement had given Jonas pause. He wondered if this was a common practice among the local judges, for all of them appeared to live well beyond their means. Of course, Judge Webster had married a woman of substantial wealth, but rumor had it that the judge’s wife closely guarded the family coffers. Jonas absently wondered if frequent conspiracy was how the judge financed his love of fine horses and his gambling habit.

  After a return to his office to complete the requisite paper work, Jonas gathered the documents into his case. The weather was brisk, yet the bank wasn’t far, and the walk would do him good. Once outside, Jonas inhaled deeply, invigorated by the slight sting of cold air as it filtered into his lungs. There was little doubt Victoria would vent her anger at him when she returned, but he’d accomplished much during her absence. He’d never really planned to join her in England, but convincing her to go without promising to meet them abroad would have proved futile. Considering the inroads he’d made over the past month, he was quite willing to endure a few days of Victoria’s wrath. Besides, she’d soon warm to him when he presented her with a diamond bracelet that would rival anything she’d ever seen on the arm of Elizabeth Oosterman or Hattie Pullman.

  When he arrived at the bank, one of the clerks escorted him to William’s office. He banged loudly. “I’m sorry to knock so loud, but he has trouble . . .” The clerk pointed to one of his own ears.

  Jonas nodded. “Yes, I know.”

  The clerk tried again and then opened the door a crack when they received no response from within. The movement of the door obviously captured William’s attention, for he immediately yelled, “Who’s there?”

  “Your clerk, Mr. Young, sir. And I’ve brought Mr. Broadmoor. He’s here for his scheduled appointment.”

  The old man waved them forward, his liver-spotted hand trembling overhead. “You should have knocked.”

  The clerk grinned at Jonas.

  “He did knock, William!” Jonas shouted. “Where’s your ear trumpet?” The old man appeared befuddled by the inquiry. Jonas grabbed the instrument and handed it to the banker. “You should use this!” he hollered.

  William grunted. “I can do without it. Most of the time nobody has anything to say that’s worth listening to anyway.”

  Jonas agreed, but today he needed to be certain William understood what he was saying, for he wanted no difficulty with this transaction. The old banker dismissed his clerk and then shuffled through the papers piled atop his desk. “I don’t seem to have anything here with your name on it, Jonas. Was I supposed to have some paper work prepared for you?”

  “No.” Jonas pointed to the ear
trumpet and waited until William held the bugle-shaped device to his ear. “I scheduled the appointment because I wanted to go over a confidential matter with you. It will soon become public knowledge, but for the present I’d prefer privacy.”

  William nodded. “You know you can depend upon me. What is it you need?”

  “I’m planning to sell Broadmoor Mansion,” Jonas whispered into the ear trumpet.

  The old man’s jaw went slack, and the metal ear horn dropped to his desk with a clang. “How could you, Jonas? That house was your father’s pride and joy.”

  Once again Jonas handed William the ear trumpet. “My father’s will called for liquidation of assets as deemed necessary by the executor. I believe it’s for the best, and if the family is upset, I will simply tell them what I’ve told you—except I won’t tell them it was at my discretion. If they believe my father intended for the house to be sold, they’ll say nothing.”

  “Wasn’t the will read to the family shortly after his death? Don’t you think they’ll remember whether there was a stipulation to sell the house?”

  Jonas shook his head. “There was chaos at the will reading. Besides, the sale affects only Quincy and me. My brother has no more interest in retaining the mansion here in Rochester than I do.”

  “In case you’ve forgotten, the sale of the family home affects Fanny, also,” William added. “I believe she will vehemently object.”

  “What’s done is done. I am in charge, not Fanny. That fact aside, she hasn’t the wherewithal to maintain the place and can certainly not live there on her own.”

  “And what of the servants? Have you made arrangements for them? Your parents always employed a fine staff, and I believe they’d want you to look out for their future.”

  Jonas sighed. He’d come to set up a special account and secure the paper work regarding the house sale. Thus far, he’d done nothing but defend himself to the banker. “I don’t think you need worry over the staff members. They will all locate positions without difficulty. I’ll send them off with excellent references.”