Love Everlasting (21 page)

“Not this time. Flora said Abrianna cries herself to sleep almost every night. I'm pretty sure she knows this won't have an easy solution.”

“Tomorrow night we'll find a way for you to be alone with her.” Kolbein glanced toward the door. “I don't want Lenore to know all of this. She'll just fret, and she's still recovering.”

“I agree. Lenore doesn't need to know the details. However, I think she may be needed in order to get Abrianna separated from Welby.” Wade considered the matter a moment. “Maybe Lenore could be present at the party and then feign needing rest. She could ask Abrianna to help her upstairs.”

“No. Everyone would know I wouldn't leave Lenore to be helped by someone else.”

“Perhaps you could be busy elsewhere. Maybe not even in the room at the time. In fact, your leaving could be Lenore's signal.”

Kolbein nodded. “That's possible. But what's to keep Welby from offering to help, as well?”

“I suppose you're right. What else could we do to get Abrianna to a more isolated part of the house without Welby at her side?”

Kolbein sat down and smiled. “You know, we're looking at this all wrong. Lenore is about to go into her confinement from society. Perhaps the baby is the angle we need to look at. Maybe Lenore could ask Abrianna to come see the nursery. Welby might ask to go along, but then I could approach with someone of value to him and interrupt the moment. You know, there is someone in town I think Welby would be itching to know. He's an investor from Chicago and a friend. I could make certain Welby gets introduced and amply intrigued.”

Wade nodded. “That just might work. Welby might be concerned about letting the two women be alone, but if the value of staying with you is greater, then there's a good chance he'll let Abrianna go.”

Kolbein grinned. “I think we have a plan.”

I
expect you to stay at my side throughout the evening.” Priam Welby helped Abrianna from the carriage and studied their surroundings. Lights shown from nearly every window in the Booth house, giving it a cheery appeal. Carriages lined the drive, and groomsmen and liverymen were being entertained under a large tent on the lawn. The entire estate spoke of wealth and good taste. He looked back to Abrianna. “Shall we go?”

Abrianna took his arm, but with her free hand tightened her hold on the mantle she wore. “Don't you think folks will find it strange that you are unwilling for me to visit with the ladies? After all, the men are certain to separate off to discuss politics, and you said there was to be some important investor here from Chicago. I can't imagine he'll wish to speak with you about your business ideas if I'm hanging on your arm.”

Welby considered her words. She made a good point, but he feared leaving her alone. “And what's to keep you from saying something about our situation to your friend Lenore?”

“What's stopped me all along?” she snapped. “It's not that I haven't had opportunity to speak to her or my aunts or anyone
else.” She raised a hostile gaze and awaited his response. “You know me very well—at least you say you do. Had I wanted to, I could have managed to find where Wade went and talk to him, as well.”

He let a slow smile spread across his face. “I suppose you're right. The repercussions of your talking to the wrong person are quite sufficient. I tend to forget how much you care about the people you deem as loved ones. I've never felt that way about family or friends.”

“That doesn't surprise me,” Abrianna said as they began up the steps to the front door. “It's a wonder your family would even have anything to do with you.”

His grip on her arm tightened. “You would do well to keep your thoughts to yourself, Abrianna. My family is not a topic of discussion that I wish to share.”

“If you keep tightening your hold, I'm bound to be black and blue. Given that this gown is sleeveless, the entire party will see your abuse and question it.”

He loosened his hold. “Just remember what I'm capable of.”

“Grief, but it would be impossible to forget.”

The butler admitted them and announced their arrival. Kolbein Booth and his wife Lenore came forward in greeting.

“Abrianna . . . Welby,” Booth said with a nod, “we are so glad you could come this evening. Lenore and I wouldn't have felt right if we hadn't given you a party.”

“We are quite honored,” Welby replied. He looked to Abrianna. “Aren't we, my dear?”

“Yes.” Abrianna pasted on a smile. “Most honored.”

Lenore stepped forward and embraced Abrianna. “You look wonderful, and that mantle is beautiful. Is it new?”

Abrianna nodded. “It was a gift from Mr. Welby. He has
arranged an entire wardrobe for me, but most of it is still being made.”

“There were only so many seamstresses available,” he said with a chuckle. “But as I told those I could get my hands on, Mrs. Welby needs to be gowned according to her station.”

He took the high-collared mantle from Abrianna's shoulders, and Lenore gasped. Welby knew it was no doubt because of the lavish diamond and emerald necklace clasped around Abrianna's neck. Of course it could also have been the rather low cut of Abrianna's bodice. She hadn't been pleased with the immodest arrangement and had insisted on covering herself with some sort of netting, which Welby had quickly cast aside earlier that evening in order to present her with the necklace. Her aunts had been horrified, and he found it all rather amusing.

“Another gift?” she asked.

Abrianna nodded. “Mr. Welby is quite generous.”

“You'll put the rest of us to shame, Welby.” Kolbein Booth's tone was teasing, and Welby couldn't help but enjoy the attention.

“She is too beautiful to leave unadorned. I thought with that beautiful hair of hers, emeralds would be perfect, and I must say they are quite pleasing. Of course, sapphires would set off her eyes.” He gave Abrianna a hungry gaze. Her milky white skin seemed to glow against the glittering jewels and the stunning gown of ivory brocade and glistening gold tulle. To his surprise she produced a feathered fan and opened it to shield his eyes from the low neckline.

“Abrianna, you look stunning,” Booth replied. “Come and meet our guests.” He took hold of his wife. “I think there are some people here you will be very happy to see.” He led the way into a side room that stretched the full length of the house.

It was a grand room of beautiful paintings, plush furnishings, and numerous flower arrangements. Welby found it impressive, but even more so the people in attendance. The governor and several other well-known political figures stood near one of two fireplaces. Welby glanced around the room, wondering if anyone would have been foolish enough to invite Wade Ackerman. There was no sign of him anywhere in the city, but that didn't make Welby relax his guard. He'd continued having Abrianna and the school watched twenty-four hours a day.

“You have a beautiful home, Booth,” Welby offered.

“Thank you, Mr. Welby. As I mentioned earlier, I have a friend here from Chicago who would love to meet you and hear your ideas for Seattle.”

Welby nodded, quite pleased that someone was finally acknowledging his vision. Abrianna remained at his side in silence unless directly spoken to. She was all beauty and graciousness, and Welby felt a sense of pride in the way things were working out. It wouldn't be long at all until he could laugh in the face of his father, proving what a fool the man had been.

Abrianna knew the evening would be most difficult to endure. She was uncomfortable in the inappropriate gown and even more embarrassed at the gaudy necklace Welby forced her to wear. She'd tried to protest that the jewelry didn't go well with the color of her gown, but he'd hear nothing of it. The man was without a doubt the most depraved and irritating man she'd ever encountered.

Throughout the evening Abrianna kept her guard in place, fearful that at any given moment Lenore or Kolbein might see a chink in her armor. Lenore was no fool, and Abrianna knew
that keeping her from the truth would be difficult. For that reason, Abrianna was almost glad that Welby refused to let her from his sight.

They had been at the party for nearly an hour when Kolbein approached with a tall, distinguished-looking man at his side. He introduced the man as Samuel Albright, his friend and associate from Chicago.

“I must say I've looked forward to meeting you,” the man greeted Welby. “I believe we have much in common, and since I have come to Seattle looking for ways to invest my money, I would very much enjoy a moment or two of your time.”

“I'm happy to comply.” Welby looked like the cat who'd caught the mouse. He smiled and turned to Abrianna. “May I present my fiancée, Miss Cunningham.”

“I am pleased to meet you, Miss Cunningham. I understand that you and Mrs. Booth are good friends.”

She smiled at the blond-haired man. “Yes. Lenore and I have known each other since our girlhood.”

As if speaking her name drew her to their side, Lenore appeared. “Mr. Welby, I wonder if I might impose. I would very much like to show Abrianna the new nursery. Might I steal her away for a few minutes?”

Abrianna stiffened. She felt certain that Lenore was doing this to have a chance to speak privately. Welby looked momentarily uncomfortable, but it passed in a flash.

“Of course. I'm sure she would love to see it and perhaps even get ideas for our home.”

Heat flushed Abrianna's face, causing her to look away. She could only pray that the onlookers thought it from embarrassment and not disgust.

“Come, then.” Lenore took hold of Abrianna. “It's the room
just across the hall from our bedroom. I think you'll be pleased with the progress we've made. Of course, I've had to arrange the final stages with the help of our staff. Kolbein refuses to let me do anything, although the doctor says I am quite mended.”

“I'm glad to hear that.” Abrianna kept her thoughts closely guarded. “I've been most concerned and apologize for my absence. Welby keeps me quite busy with . . . well . . . with everything.” She gave a little laugh. “And I thought Aunt Miriam was good at busywork.”

“That gown is rather . . . well . . . it isn't what I expected you to wear,” Lenore said without warning.

“It's definitely not what I wanted to wear.” Abrianna spoke without meaning to. “However, it pleases Welby. So that's what matters.” Hoping to get Lenore's mind off her attire, Abrianna changed the subject. “So how are you feeling? I've been quite worried.”

They reached the second floor, and Lenore hurried them down the hall. “I'm doing very well, thank you. The doctor said I am the picture of health and vitality.”

She opened the door to the nursery and motioned Abrianna to enter ahead of her. Abrianna gazed around at the beautiful room. Lenore had impeccable taste, and the nursery benefited greatly from her tender care.

“It's lovely,” Abrianna admitted. The pale green of the walls was accented perfectly by the white sheers and darker green draperies. A beautiful hand-carved baby bed drew her attention, and Abrianna crossed the room to touch the light oak wood. “This is quite the piece. Is it an antique?”

“Stop it this minute.”

Abrianna turned. “What?”

Lenore looked at her with an expression of exasperation.
“Stop playing this game with me. I want to know what's going on, and I want to know right now.”

“I'm sorry.” Abrianna steeled herself as Lenore crossed the room and took hold of her shoulders. She hadn't expected Lenore to be quite this forceful.

“We both know you don't love Priam Welby. And I want to know why you're marrying him.”

Abrianna knew she couldn't fool Lenore. It was the biggest reason she'd avoided her friend. “I know that my choice seems strange, but I'm asking you to trust me.” She drew a deep breath. “Believe me when I say that I am deeply sorry that I've been so distant. I have missed you—greatly.”

Lenore's eyes filled with tears. “Oh, Abrianna. I do wish you'd talk to me and tell me what's going on.”

Abrianna nodded. “I know, but for now please try not to worry. I read the other day that worry is thought to cause great strain on the heart.”

“Then yours should be about to break.” Lenore shook her head. “Wait here. I'll be right back.”

Abrianna nodded and turned back to gaze at the baby bed. She couldn't help but wonder what it might have been like to bear Wade a child. Now, in light of everything that had happened to her, all the previous worries about ruining their friendship, their different ministries, and having children of their own no longer mattered. She had already ruined what they had.

She swallowed back the lump in her throat. If only God would show her the way out of this mess.
I never meant to make so many mistakes. I
only wanted to see my loved ones out of danger
, so why won't you show me how to get
myself out of danger, Lord?

She heard the door open again and squared her shoulders.
She would have to be strong. God would surely give her wisdom and show her what she needed to do.

“Abrianna.”

At the sound of Wade's voice, Abrianna whirled around and all but found herself wrapped up in the train of her gown. She could see the determination in his eyes and knew that even if she could lie to the rest of the world, she could never keep Wade from realizing the truth.

Folding his arms, he leaned back against the door and fixed her with a look that suggested he was ready to do battle. “I want answers. And I want them now.”