Love Everlasting (14 page)

Wade found Jay in the carriage house later that evening. The man looked no less worried than he had before. Wade pulled off his boots and went to the small stove where he found a warm plate covered by a dish towel.

“I see you brought my supper.”

“Abrianna did. She also came to check up on me.” Jay put aside the paper he'd been looking over.

“Looks like things stayed quiet.” Wade picked up the plate
and uncovered it. He could almost taste the roast beef and potatoes that awaited him.

“So far. Abrianna said if you want dessert, you'll find it in the kitchen.”

Wade picked up a fork and settled down at the table opposite Jay. “I swung by Kolbein's on the way home. He wasn't back from the hospital, but I told his butler to have him get in touch with us.” He ate several bites and savored the enticing flavor. He hadn't realized how hungry he'd been.

“You get church business settled?”

Wade swallowed and nodded. “I did. The elders said we needed to be thinking about the holidays to come. Thanksgiving time we usually have a church dinner. Christmas, there's Advent, a program the kids put on, and usually cookies and punch afterwards. Oh, and the church puts together sacks of goodies for the poor children and orphans. I guess there's a lot of planning to do.”

“I suppose so.” Jay yawned and pushed one boot off with the toe of the other. “Think I'll probably just go to bed early. Don't imagine Booth will come by tonight.”

“No, I suppose not. I was of a mind to talk to you a minute. If you're not too spent.”

Jay shook his head. “I'm always willing to lend an ear. What's on your mind?”

“Well, you know about Abrianna's inheritance.”

“I do. She's also told me that you won't allow for her to share it with you in regards to setting up house or restarting your business.”

Wade laughed. “I'm sure she did. Fact is, I'm getting a really good price for my land downtown. I have enough to turn around and buy a place outright. If I find the right place. Nothing too
fancy.” He took another mouthful of the roast and chewed it as he considered what he would say next.

Jay got up and poured two cups of coffee and brought one to Wade and took the other for himself. He sat down and waited with what seemed infinite patience for Wade to get to the point. The problem was, now that Wade had brought up the subject, he felt almost embarrassed to continue.

“Abrianna has it in her mind that I'm being pigheaded because I won't let her contribute the money to our life together, but I think it's important that she keep it in her control. However, she did get the idea to use it for a food house and ministry to the poor. I definitely commend her on that idea, and I've promised to help as much as I can.”

“So what's got you all worried?”

“It's not so much a worry,” Wade admitted. “I guess I'm just weighing my future with her. I want us to work together—especially in ministry. We both feel called to serve God, and I've always been open to whatever job God sends my way. Being a wainwright was always something I took pride in because my father taught the business to me and his father taught him. I like working with my hands.

“I like serving the church and leading folks in learning about the Bible, too,” Wade continued. “I believe Abrianna's love for the poor is a beautiful outpouring of God's love and the love she's capable of sharing. I've never known anyone to care so deeply or be so loyal.”

“I can see that for myself.” Jay scratched his chin. “Wish I could have been around for her growing up. But then, maybe she wouldn't be like this. Go on. What is it you're getting at?”

“I'm not exactly sure. After meeting tonight with the elders it got me to wondering if maybe the two ministries couldn't
be somehow combined. I'd like to see the church take a part in ministering to the poor. But I am just the temporary pastor. A new man might not feel that way, so I'd hate to suggest Abrianna go with me to the elders in regard to tying the two together when there might be a risk that the next pastor would put an end to it and use the money given for another purpose. That would never sit well with Abrianna.”

“Don't think it would probably sit well with God if the money were marked for one thing and the word of the elders was given. But I do see your point. I guess like you're always telling me, we ought to pray about it.”

Wade nodded. “I know. That's what my heart tells me, as well. I guess I just needed to talk it out with someone I respect.”

Jay looked at him oddly, then shook his head slowly. “I never had anyone say that they respected me. Not in all my years. Not many folks will respect a convict or a man who leaves his family high and dry to fend for themselves.”

“But you didn't do it on purpose. You had in mind to find work to support them. You were honorable in your intentions.”

“Yeah, but you know what they say about good intentions,” Jay said. “Hell's roads are paved with 'em.”

Wade heard regret in the older man's voice. There was no way to reclaim the years. He could only look to the present and the future. “Well, I for one admire what you did to try to put bread on the table for your family. I'm sure it wasn't easy to leave your wife and daughter to seek employment. It took courage, and that's admirable. No matter the result, your heart was right, and the Bible says that the heart is what God sees.”

Jay finished his coffee, then surprised Wade with a grin. “I hope God wasn't looking this afternoon. I'm afraid my heart wasn't all that pure when I punched old Mr. Greene in the eye.”

I
'm glad you're feeling better.” Abrianna sat beside Lenore's hospital bed and patted her hand. “I felt complete terror when you fell ill. I was quite beside myself.”

“I didn't mean to give everyone such a fright,” Lenore replied. “I was glad Kolbein didn't tell Mother or Father until after I was recovering. With Father's weak heart, the shock might have compromised him.”

“Have they come to see you?”

“Oh yes. They sent me flowers and then came to see me. The hospital nurse was quite put out at the size of the bouquet. It was very large. The nurse said flowers had no purpose in a hospital, given their ability to transport insects and such.” She gave a soft giggle. “Kolbein arrived an hour later, and she demanded he take them home. He asked why he should do that—they weren't his. Oh, but that only sent her into another round of complaints. I tell you, that husband of mine can be quite ornery when he wants to be. He did, however, take them to the house.”

“Kolbein has a great sense of humor, but most men are known to be capable of mischief. At least that's how I find them to be.
Did I tell you that my father came to blows with the property broker I went to see?”

“Yes, you did mention that.”

“I can't say that I blame him. I wanted to hit the man myself.” Abrianna sighed. “But let us not ponder such unpleasant things. I apologize for even bringing it up. I'm so glad to see your color has returned. And what of the baby?” Abrianna frowned. “I don't mean to inquire as to whether the baby's color has returned. Rather, is all well with the baby?”

“The doctor assures me that the baby is fine. I believe it's a boy and say so at every turn, but the doctor admonished me for that. I assured him I could love either equally, but given the amount of movement, I feel confident it's a boy.”

“Could be a girl like me.” Abrianna contemplated what that might be like. “I would not wish that on anyone. As we both know, I am given over to causing a great deal of consternation. And I would never wish red hair on anyone.”

“There are no redheads in my family, so I doubt the baby will have red hair. However, if this should prove to be a little girl and she is like you—I shall love her all the more. Of course I'll need to arrange round-the-clock nannies to keep an eye on her.”

“And have you picked out names?”

Lenore smoothed her bed covering. “Kolbein and I were just discussing that last night. If it's a girl we want to name her Rachel after his mother.”

“Rachel is a good biblical name. I think that would be most appropriate.”

“For a middle name we thought Abrianna would be appropriate. After all, were it not for you, Kolbein and I might never have met.”

Abrianna thought she might cry. She put her hand to her
heart. “I'm deeply touched. I cannot begin to tell you how thoughtful that is. I have known many kindnesses and compliments throughout my life, but this is by far and away the most precious. Now I find myself hoping it's a girl.”

“Well, if this is a boy, we will simply save the name for another time,” Lenore assured. “If it's a boy, we plan to name him Daniel after Kolbein's father. Daniel Kolbein Booth.”

“That's a perfectly inspiring name.” Abrianna leaned closer. “At least you didn't pick John. Aunt Selma would have been positively beside herself if you'd even hinted at a reminder of John Wilkes Booth. I swear for all the forgiving my aunts have taught me, apparently Mr. J. W. Booth is not deserving of such mercy.”

“Well, I have never given it much thought one way or the other. You and I are really too young to remember such things. I don't see it important to eliminate using a name, just because another misused it. And I do like the name John—it's strong and simple. But upon reflection, I would avoid it for the very reason you mentioned.”

“It's best that way.”

“Oh!” Lenore put her hand to her stomach. “He's kicking up a storm. Would you like to feel?” She took hold of Abrianna's hand without waiting for her answer.

Abrianna's mouth dropped open at the movement beneath her hand. “That's the baby?”

“It is. I believe he must surely be dancing a jig. Goodness.” Lenore let go Abrianna's hand and smiled. “I can hardly wait to hold him in my arms.”

Abrianna shook her head in awe. It was difficult to pull her hand away and settle back in her chair. “What a wonder.”

“It truly is,” Lenore agreed. “I marvel at it constantly. I do hope you and Wade will have children right away.”

“Your friend will have to leave,” a stern-faced nurse announced, coming from behind a framed partition. “Your parents are here to see you, and you cannot fill this ward with visitors. There are other sick folk who need peace and quiet.”

Abrianna got to her feet. “That's quite all right. My father is waiting for me downstairs.” She leaned over and kissed Lenore on the forehead. “I love you, my dear friend. I will look forward to your return home.”

Taking her leave, Abrianna found Lenore's parents waiting just outside in the hall. “Hello, Mr. Fulcher. Mrs. Fulcher. Lenore seems much improved, I'm happy to say.”

“We were so grateful that you were with her through this,” Mrs. Fulcher declared. “You have always been a most encouraging friend to her. I'm afraid I haven't always appreciated that.”

Abrianna couldn't help but smile at this compliment. The Fulchers had not always thought her influence a positive one. “I was glad to be there for her, and I will be more than happy to be at her side when she returns home.” She bid them farewell and made her way outside to where her father waited.

“How's Miss Lenore today?”

“She's much improved, I'm happy to say. I'm going to sit up on the driver's seat with you, if you don't mind.”

“Of course not.” he smiled. “I would be proud to have you there.” He helped Abrianna up. “'Course your aunts might not like it.”

“Oh, they will understand. I've done far worse things, and should any of their friends spy me, they will simply murmur to themselves that it's that rapscallion Cunningham girl.” She grinned and settled her skirts.

Father laughed and joined her on the seat. “No doubt.”

“Lenore gave me the most pleasant news. She said that if she
has a baby girl, they have decided to call her Rachel Abrianna Booth. Isn't that marvelous? I was quite honored and thought I might cry. But then, these days I often seem given to tears. I've never known such an upheaval of emotions. I do hope it won't go on this way all of my adult years.”

“Oh, daughter, you are a wonder to be sure. The things you worry about are amazing to me.”

“I can't help it,” Abrianna replied. “I have a great many things on my mind. It seems to be my lot in life. I ponder and ponder, and yet there always seems to be more to consider, whether it's regarding the plight of the Chinese or how to make a proper loaf of bread when your talents don't lie in that direction.”

He fixed her with a smile as he snapped the reins. “That's probably why everyone loves you so much. You take the worry for us.”

She nodded, weighing the matter seriously. “I do try.”

Priam Welby hadn't wanted to attend tonight's dinner party, but given the fact the councilman hosting it was to play a vital role in one of Priam's new schemes, he didn't want to miss an opportunity to make his presence known.

The meal had been good but nothing overly extravagant. Now the men were congregated in the library, sharing brandy and cigars while the ladies were off visiting elsewhere. Priam watched each man with decided interest. Most had secrets that Priam used to his advantage. None seemed overly glad to have him present, but they were all too afraid to act on that feeling. He determined to keep it that way.

Edging through the gathering, Priam overheard the mention of the name Cunningham. He integrated himself into the group
of men who were discussing some mishap that had befallen one of their friends.

“He would have been here tonight, but Cunningham beat him. The poor man's eye is black and swollen,” his host said in a hushed tone.

“Did Mr. Greene say why this brute hit him?” another asked.

Welby took a sip of brandy as the host answered. “The conflict had something to do with the man's daughter.”

He all but choked on the fiery liquid and would have laughed out loud had he not had his wits about him. No doubt the Cunningham they discussed had to be Abrianna's father.

“I've heard about her,” one of the men said, then glanced up at Priam. “Weren't you two something of an item for a time?”

Welby smiled in an indulgent manner. “If you are referring to Miss Abrianna Cunningham, then yes. She is quite dear to me. In fact, we have an understanding of sorts.”

The councilman looked surprised. “I presume by understanding you mean that you two intend to wed. If that is the case, I find it surprising that you would allow your betrothed to venture out to run her own affairs. Guyland said that she had actually come there to buy property to build some sort of charity.”

Priam nodded. “She wishes to set up a permanent charity to help the poor and needy. It is something I fully support.”

The men fell silent for a moment, nursing their brandy. Priam could tell they were uncertain how much to say or whether he would take offense at what they'd already mentioned. He shook his head. There wasn't a strong man among them. He waited for them to comment further, but instead, the group broke apart, and most of the men ventured elsewhere. The imbeciles bored him, but they could also be useful. A thought came to mind, and he took hold of his host's arm.

“So do I understand that Mr. Cunningham, Abrianna's father, took umbrage with Mr. Greene and the results were a physical altercation?”

“You do,” his host replied. “I was appalled.”

“Will Greene press charges?” Welby could already see a great plan coming together.

“I don't know. He did mention the possibility of speaking to the police.”

“He should,” Welby replied. “Abrianna, Miss Cunningham, has long been humiliated by her father. It was the reason he was so long out of her life. That and the fact that he was serving time for murder.”

“Murder?” his host exclaimed.

“Do say!” another man declared, coming to join them. He'd apparently overheard enough to be intrigued. “Are you certain?” he asked, as if Welby had addressed his comments directly toward the man.

“It's all quite true.” Welby remained as nonchalant as if he'd just told them it was raining outside. “He is not a man to be trifled with. He belongs back in jail, if you ask me. I believe Mr. Greene should press charges immediately.”

“I will instruct him to do so,” the councilman replied.

“I wouldn't wait long. Cunningham has a way about getting back at people who offend him.”

“I will send him a letter this very moment.”

Welby noted another man joined them. This one was another of the councilmen. Rather than dwell on the topic of Abrianna's father, Welby changed the subject. “I understand the railroad has agreed to some additional free freighting as a means to aid the city.”

The conversation turned to the rebuilding and generosity of
many from all over the country. Money had poured in immediately after the fire, with additional pledges of free goods and other helps. It was the perfect topic with which to busy these men. Priam listened for a time, then excused himself and made his way across the room to speak for a moment with one of the local bank owners. By the time the ladies rejoined them, Welby was more than satisfied with the turn of events. The evening hadn't been wasted after all.

Reaching his home, Welby wasn't surprised to find Carl there waiting to speak with him. He gave his report about Abrianna's activities that day.

“It would seem”—Welby poured himself a scotch and offered Carl one, as well—“that Abrianna's father has been up to a little fighting. Apparently her visit to the property agent did not go well. The man managed to do something that upset the dear girl. Her father apparently beat the man.”