Love Everlasting (19 page)

As if to prove her point, Liang appeared. “Mr. Welby here with some ladies. You want me to tell him to go?”

Abrianna shook her head. “No. I will see what he wants.”

For once she was almost grateful that Welby had imposed himself on them. Abrianna made her way to the front foyer where Priam Welby stood with a half dozen women. Unfortunately, her aunts followed close on her heels.

“I wasn't expecting you,” she said as pleasantly as she could.

He smiled. “My darling, you are radiant. I believe our betrothal agrees with you.” He nodded to the older women. “I have come so that we could start immediate preparations for your wedding gown. These are the best seamstresses in all of Seattle. They will measure you and fit you for a dress to outmatch any other.”

Abrianna smiled. “That was quite considerate of you. However, I've already begun work on my gown.”

“Oh, do show us what you have in mind,” Welby insisted.

It wasn't a suggestion but rather a command, and Abrianna knew better than to choose this as one of her battles. “But of course. Although it is very unusual for the bridegroom to see the wedding gown before the day of the wedding. Bad luck, don't you know?”

He smiled and took hold of her arm. “We will never have bad luck.” He looked over his shoulder. “Join us, ladies.”

Seeing he wasn't to be dissuaded, Abrianna sighed. “Very well. I will lead you to the sewing room.”

She headed for the stairs, and Welby kept pace with her, holding tight to her arm, as though she might somehow escape. There was only one student working in the room when Abrianna entered. Elizabeth looked up and smiled. “I'm afraid I've made a mess of things.”

“No matter, Elizabeth,” Aunt Miriam replied. “Would you mind leaving us?”

Elizabeth got quickly to her feet. “Not at all.” She gave a nod and left the room.

Abrianna pulled away from Welby and went to a long table where basted pieces of her gown lay. She took up a picture of the pattern and presented it to her would-be husband.

“Oh no.” He shook his head. “This is much too simple. We must have a gown of great extravagance. I absolutely insist. I am, after all, paying for this wedding, and I want to show you off. All of Seattle must see you as the queen I intend you to be.”

Abrianna was glad her back was to her aunts. She couldn't hide her expression of anger. Welby would know how she felt but no one else would. Of this, she was quite determined.

“What exactly did you have in mind?” she asked sweetly.

Welby chuckled. “That's why we have these dear ladies with us. I will leave the choices of material and color and laces and such to you. However, they know what I expect.” Abrianna joined him in looking at the women. The team of seamstresses nodded.

“There you have it,” Welby said. “Now I must be off to arrange the shipment of flowers for the church. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at what I have in mind.”

“I'm sure I will be surprised,” Abrianna replied, purposefully leaving off any reference to it being pleasant.

“Do you mean to take over the entire wedding?” Aunt Miriam asked.

He turned to her and smiled. “I have so longed for this event that I told Abrianna I wanted to help in the arrangements. She graciously is allowing me to put it all into play.” He looked to Abrianna, as if daring her to discount what he'd said.

“I prefer it this way,” Abrianna replied. At least that much was true. She wanted nothing to do with this farce.

Welby seemed satisfied with her answer. Abrianna thought with that he might leave, but instead he fixed her with a determined glance. “One more thing. I will be picking you up for supper at six.”

“She will need a chaperone,” Aunt Miriam declared.

Welby shook his head. “I think not. After all, we will wed in less than a month. No one will think anything of it.”

“I will,” Aunt Miriam replied.

“Well, that is a pity. But I must insist,” Welby said firmly.

“We will be just fine, Aunt Miriam,” Abrianna said with a smile. “You mustn't worry. I'm certain that Priam will look after me with the greatest of convictions regarding my chastity and well-being.” She looked at the man and batted her eyelashes as she'd seen some of the coquettish women of the school do with their beaus. “Won't you?”

He was momentarily taken aback, and Abrianna wanted to gloat. Let that fix him for the moment. She would show him that there was fight left in her yet, but she would have to be very careful if she was to beat him at his own game.

“I will see to it that Abrianna is kept quite safe,” he replied, looking to the three women. “If you'll excuse me, I must attend to business.” He lifted Abrianna's hand to his lips and placed a kiss there. It took all of her strength, but Abrianna refrained from shuddering and instead smiled at him. “Until tonight,” he whispered.

In the end, God bestowed a beautiful blessing on Abrianna. Welby was tied up with work and couldn't take her to supper, after all. She received the message from him shortly before five, along with a dozen long-stemmed roses. She left both on the front table for all to see. Then she secluded herself in her bedroom and prayed that everyone would leave her alone.

“Maybe they'll think you're heartbroken,” Flora suggested. “I can let them all know at supper that you were taken with a headache if you'd rather not come down.”

“That would be best,” Abrianna admitted. “I'd just as soon stay here.”

“I'll bring you something to eat,” Flora promised. “But before I go, have you thought of anything that will help you get out of this? I've been fretting since this latest development. I don't know how a man like that might be bested except to use his own words against him.”

“I know, but there's little possibility of getting him to recount what he told me regarding all his evil deeds.” Abrianna began undressing. She dropped the wool skirt to the floor. “He certainly wouldn't admit it to anyone else.”

Flora hurried to help her by unbuttoning the back of her blouse. “Maybe you could make him put it in writing. You know—that way you'd have something to use against him. You could demand it, telling him that it's only right that you have some control, as well.”

“I'm sure he would never be that foolish.” Abrianna felt the last button give way and pulled the blouse forward. Flora meanwhile began unlacing her corset. “Whatever you do, Flora, you must be careful to say nothing that will give us away. Welby would surely see to someone's death if he knew I'd shared everything with you.

“I suppose I should have better considered his temper before allowing you to know the details of his threats, but I couldn't help myself, and for that, I do apologize. I would never risk your life even to ease the woes heaped upon me. That would not be the actions of a good friend, and that is exactly what I hope to be to you.”

“Oh, but you are,” Flora assured. “You are most dear to me.” She finished with the laces and came to face Abrianna. “You must know that I cherish our friendship. I would have run away from here long ago if not for you.”

Abrianna gave her somber nod. “I do understand. I wish I could run away now. However, this situation is most grievous and will call for bravery and fortitude. We have no one but ourselves to count on.”

“And God,” Flora reminded.

“Of course. I know we have Him. I just hope He hasn't held my deception against me.” Abrianna shook her head. “I know He didn't hold Rahab's lies against her when she sought to protect the two Hebrew spies. Goodness, she was even of questionable repute, yet God blessed her by putting her in the lineage of Jesus. I would hope if He could forgive her all of that, He will forgive me, as well. After all, I am doing this for the betterment of many souls.”

“I can't help thinking He would,” Flora said thoughtfully. “As you say, it's not for yourself that you have done this. Yours is a most unselfish and sacrificial act. I believe God looks at your heart in these matters.”

Abrianna nodded. “I hope you're right. I suppose by the nineteenth we shall know.”

Flora looked confused. “How do you suppose that?”

“If this works out, and Welby is exposed, then I'll know all is forgiven. If not and I find myself wed to that monster, then I'll know that even God couldn't abide my choices.”

A
brianna stood gowned in one of Lenore's finest hand-me-downs. The extravagant evening dress was layered silk in a burnt pumpkin color that was overlaid with a buttery cream-colored lace. The neckline was cut quite low in a V-shape, but for modesty, the same cream lace was inset to the neck where a band of the pumpkin silk held it in place. It gave the appearance of a choker type necklace, especially after Abrianna pinned a cameo in the center. To finish off the outfit, there was a stylish hat and gloves that came to the elbow. She looked, as Flora had said earlier, finer than a twenty-dollar gold piece.

Welby demanded she accompany him to dinner that evening, and finding no excuse to do otherwise, Abrianna had readied herself for the event. When a knock sounded at the door, she was certain Welby had arrived early. Instead, it proved to be Brother Mitchell and the other elders of the church.

Liang admitted the three men and directed them to the main parlor before going in search of Abrianna's aunts. Abrianna acted momentarily as hostess, seeing to their comfort.

“Miss Abrianna, you look quite lovely,” Brother Mitchell declared. “I understand that you have changed your mind about marrying Mr. Ackerman.”

“Yes,” she replied but offered nothing further. “Would you care for refreshments? I can have tea brought, as well as cakes.” She moved toward the door in anticipation.

“No, we won't be here long. We came to speak to your aunts about Mr. Ackerman's situation.”

Abrianna immediately felt a pang of regret. She should offer Wade a defense and show her support. Even if they thought she had abandoned him. “I hope,” she began, “that you aren't being persuaded to think less of him. This entire matter with the arrest is nothing more than a misunderstanding. His lawyer, Kolbein Booth, believes it to be someone's underhanded plot to see Wade discredited. We anticipate that the charges will be dropped anytime now.”

“We have had our concerns. There are questions from the congregation, as you must realize.” Brother Mitchell looked most uncomfortable.

“There will always be someone questioning something,” Abrianna said with a smile. She tried to make light of the situation. “Goodness, but most of the congregation have issues they would rather not come to light. I would think in a situation like this, where the accusations are so evidently false, they would stand behind Wade in support.”

“I believe most will,” Brother Mitchell said.

“Indeed,” Brother Williams said, nodding. Brother Adams did likewise.

“I'm glad,” Abrianna said, feeling that she'd done all she could to support Wade's innocence. “I firmly believe that Wade and my father will soon be released. I am certain of it.”

“So you didn't change your mind about marrying him because you thought him guilty?” Brother Adams asked.

She frowned. “Is that what people are saying?”

“I haven't heard such,” the man admitted, “but it was something that did come to mind. Everyone knows that your aunts have nothing but the highest standards. I thought perhaps they had asked you to refuse him.”

“Not at all. They do not believe Wade guilty any more than I do. As I said, I'm certain the truth will come out very soon.”

“We are praying for just that,” Brother Mitchell replied. “We wanted to speak to your aunts on the matter.”

“Of course.” Abrianna noted the time as the mantel clock began to chime the hour. “I'm afraid I must excuse myself, gentlemen. I have a previous engagement.” She left them in the parlor just as her aunts came down the hall.

“Abrianna, I do not condone this arrangement of you going out to supper without a chaperone.” Aunt Miriam reached out to take hold of Abrianna's gloved arm. Aunt Selma and Aunt Poisie nodded but said nothing.

Hating the worry in their expression, Abrianna longed only to ease their mind. “You all have raised me to be a good woman of high morals. I promise you that I will not do anything to shame you. Please trust me in this matter.”

“It's not you I worry about.” Aunt Miriam's mouth was set in a grim line as she drew a deep breath and released Abrianna. “I wish I understood what was going on.”

Abrianna nodded. “I know. I am sorry.” She hurried on toward the front door, worried that if she remained even a minute more, she would break down and tell her aunt every detail of Welby's threat. She was glad Aunt Miriam didn't press further but instead murmured something to the other two before the trio made their way to the parlor. Abrianna breathed a sigh of relief.

She reached the front door just as the knocker sounded.
Opening the door, Abrianna found Priam Welby. He seemed surprised to see her.

“My dear Abrianna. May I say that you are clearly the most beautiful woman in all of Seattle?”

“Say what you will. You seem quite good at that.” She picked up her small reticule and moved past him. “Let's get this over with.”

He chuckled and followed her to the closed carriage. A liveried driver sat at attention in the driver's seat, while a groomsman stood by the open carriage door. Abrianna allowed the man to hand her up into the conveyance. She took a seat, only then remembering that she'd left her shawl behind. It was already chilly and no doubt would be even more so by the evening's conclusion. However, rather than deal with a delay, she decided to say nothing.

Welby joined her in the carriage, wedging himself into the seat beside her. She had hoped that her position in the middle would dissuade this, but the man was most demanding. Abrianna moved as far away as the seat would allow, which wasn't anywhere near far enough.

“If I didn't know better, I would think you were trying to escape me.”

“You know full well that's exactly what I'm trying to do.” Abrianna rearranged her silk and lace skirts, and the carriage began to move. “I may put on a show for the world around me, but here, inside of this far-too-private quarters, I want to make my feelings clear to you.”

“Yes, well, be that as it may”—he sounded most amused—“in time you will find yourself yielding to me in every way.”

“And what of my father and Wade? Why haven't they yet been released?” She looked at him hard. “Are you backing out of the arrangement?”

“Not at all. I have it on the best authority that they will be released tomorrow.”

She felt her heart skip a beat.
Please, God, let it be so.

“Are you certain?”

He looked at her with a leering grin. “Do you suppose I would risk losing you?”

Abrianna let go a sigh of relief. If he was telling the truth, half the battle was won. “How did you arrange it?”

“Like I said before, I wield a great deal of power in this town.”

“Threatening others like you did me?”

He laughed. “With whatever means I need to get the job done. Now let us change the subject to something more pleasant—our wedding.”

She looked away to gaze out the small window. Her fingers toyed with the edge of the burgundy velvet curtain, uncertain what to say. She waited for him to continue, and when he didn't, Abrianna looked back to find him watching her.

“What about our wedding?”

“I have decided we will allow your aunts to host the wedding breakfast at the school. They seemed so disappointed in not being able to make your gown, and when I mentioned having the wedding breakfast handled elsewhere, they were positively downcast. I want them to know that I am not a heartless man.”

“More lies.” She shifted her reticule to her left wrist. “I don't know how you sleep at night.”

He leaned closer. “Sleep has never been my favorite thing to do at night.” His breath was warm and smelled of liquor. He ran his hand down her arm. “You truly are more beautiful than I ever gave you credit for. I suppose it was that dowdy and childish way you dressed yourself. From now on how you dress . . . or undress . . . is going to be up to me.”

Abrianna pulled away as best she could, but Welby would have none of it. He grabbed her to face him, almost pulling her off the carriage seat. Her arms were all but crushed together in his hold. He tried to kiss her, but Abrianna turned her face away, causing him to take hold of her face instead. It was the opportunity she'd hoped for.

“You will learn to endure, if not enjoy, my affections,” he said, his lips only inches away from hers.

“And you will learn to conduct yourself as a gentleman.” Abrianna pressed her point home with the tip of a boning knife atop his thigh.

Welby very carefully let her go and glanced down at his leg. She held the knife in position. He slowly held out his hands and grinned. “I suppose I should have expected such nonsense.”

Abrianna shook her head. “You will respect my virtue and my values until we are married. After that, I will do my wifely duty but nothing else. I will not shower you with affection nor even give pretense to liking you, Mr. Welby. God knows that in dealing with you, I've told enough falsehoods to last me a lifetime.”

“If I were Ackerman, you'd no doubt feel differently.”

She withdrew the knife and replaced it in her bag. “Wade would never take advantage of me in such a way. He has done nothing but respect me. We've shared a few kisses, but even those were innocent. You have in mind to dishonor me and take liberties with me that I will not allow.”

“I could force you. You realize that, don't you? It wouldn't be at all difficult to knock that little knife from your hands. Oh, I might suffer more than a nick in my trouser leg, but I would endure. You, on the other hand, would most certainly be less successful.”

“I'm not afraid of you, Mr. Welby.” She narrowed her eyes. “Keep that in mind. I hold great concern for my loved ones, as you well know, but for myself . . . well, let's just say that I'm no man's fool. Not yours or anyone else's. In spite of what you might think, I can take care of myself.”

The carriage drew to a halt, and Welby's man quickly opened the door. Abrianna drew a deep breath and forced a smile. “Just remember, Mr. Welby, you aren't the only one who has a friend in a powerful position. My hope is in the Lord.”

“Well, He doesn't seem overly concerned about your plight.”

She relaxed her tense muscles, and this time her smile was born out of confidence. “You'd be surprised, Mr. Welby. I have come to learn that God will not be mocked. He will deal with deceit in His own way and in His own time.”

Wade looked at the uniformed officer who unlocked his door and told him he was free to go. It was almost like a cruel joke. He'd had dreams like this, but they always ended up with the guards leading him to the gallows.

“Come on, Ackerman. I haven't got all day.”

Wade stepped from the room that had been his cell and saw Kolbein waiting for him down the hall.

“I'm really free to go?” he asked, approaching his friend.

“You are. All charges against you have been dropped.” Kolbein handed him a coat. “It's turned rather cold.”

Wade pulled the jacket on. “What about Jay?”

“He's waiting for us in the carriage. The judge was amazingly lenient. He gave him time served and a small fine for assault.” Kolbein shook his head. “The attempted murder charges were all but apologized for. None of it makes much sense to me, but
since it resulted in the charges being dismissed, I'm taking it as a gift from God.”

Wade climbed into the carriage while Kolbein had words with the driver. Jay sat against the far corner, looking considerably better than the last time Wade had seen him. “You still look like you went a few rounds with the local boxing champ.”

“Feel like it, too.” He moved with great difficulty. “Ribs still hurt like the dickens.”

Wade sat back and shook his head. “I don't know why this has happened to us, but I do intend to get to the bottom of one thing.”

“Abrianna?”

“Yes. I have no idea what she's up to.”

“I don't believe she loves Welby,” her father said.