Steadfast Heart (22 page)

“First we will work in the kitchen,” Mrs. Madison declared as Abrianna joined them. “Come now. I will show you first and foremost how to organize and stock a well-planned kitchen. This is important if you are to manage meals in a consistent and easy manner. Remember, having things in their place and ready
at the hand will make all the difference in making a good meal and not feeling overstressed about the preparations.”

Lenore took up the apron Abrianna offered at the door to the kitchen. She could see the resigned expression on her friend's face and couldn't help but smile. Abrianna seemed to believe domestic duties were akin to medieval torture, but Lenore hoped that with time her friend might believe otherwise. All she wanted for Abrianna was to see her settled with a husband of her own. Lenore knew this would keep her friend from sneaking around the streets of Seattle.

Mrs. Madison took them through detailed lists of the proper spices needed for the kitchen and then moved on to the basic ingredients that no kitchen should be without. Lenore made a list with the pencil and paper Mrs. Madison had given her. Flour, sugar, salt, soda, vinegar, baking powder, cornstarch, lard, eggs, butter, cream, and milk. Mrs. Madison assured them both that with these simple things a young woman could make a wide variety of foods. Lenore wasn't at all certain how that might work, but she was anxious to learn.

Next came information on fruits and vegetables and finally meats. Lenore took special note of Mrs. Madison's grave warnings concerning the latter.

“Spoilage has left many a man ill . . . some even dead,” she declared. “Meat should be purchased sparingly. I do not allow for it to be bought more than a day before it is intended to be cooked. There are those who rely on ice to keep the meat fresh, but I know from experience that this is sometimes not as beneficial as one might think.”

Lenore felt armed with knowledge by the time the day came to a close. She also realized as Father arrived to take her home that she hadn't once given in to her fears that Kolbein might
never see her again. She was confident that he would think the matter through and realize his mistake. Not only that, but she and Abrianna had prayed about the entire situation and would continue to do so. With God on their side, there was nothing they couldn't accomplish. The only thing Lenore questioned was whether or not God was on their side. It was always possible that He didn't want Lenore and Kolbein to marry, but she found that most impractical. The Bible said in Psalms that God gave you the desires of your heart. If God indeed put the desire to marry Kolbein in her heart, then certainly He would see the marriage to completion.

Abrianna knew she had put Wade off long enough. She hadn't really intended her distance as a punishment—at least not at first. Now realizing that this was exactly her heart, Abrianna felt terrible. Wade had been her dearest friend for such a long time and to purposefully punish him for trying to keep her safe was not the heart of someone who cared as deeply for her friend as Abrianna did Wade.

She had never been one to balk at apologies, but trying to figure out what to say to Wade had been most difficult. She hadn't been sure he would feel much like forgiving her after Abrianna had kept him waiting. The clear snubbing might have caused him to forgo their friendship, and that grieved Abrianna in a way she couldn't bear.

When Aunt Miriam announced that Wade would be coming to the school on Friday evening to repair some loose spindles on the third-floor staircase, Abrianna felt confident it was God's way of telling her that the right time had come to apologize.

Wade arrived shortly before supper and enjoyed a meal with
the ladies and their students. Abrianna sat quietly in her regularly appointed place and focused on the food rather than the conversation. She knew her aunts would think her ill, but she felt her silence was a sort of penance for her heartless actions. Sharing in the discussion was one of Abrianna's favorite things, so fasting from this action seemed an appropriate way of proving her remorse.

After dinner she helped with the cleanup and then went in search of Wade. She found him working to glue a final spindle in place. The timing seemed given of God.

“Might I have a word with you?” she asked rather ceremonially.

Wade looked up and his expression was pained. Abrianna realized she'd caused him deep sorrow, and her heart grew heavy. “I want to apologize. I have been most grievously wrong and have caused you hurt. I know it was because of my own selfishness that I acted in such an abominable way. I assure you it was not my desire.” She paused, relieved to see that he'd halted in his work to sit down on one of the steps and give her his full attention.

“I sometimes hate being a woman, as you well know,” she continued. “I find it most difficult to do the things I feel God would have me do. It truly isn't to satisfy my own desires, I assure you. I want to be obedient to the tasks that He has given me. I know those tasks seem most unlikely for a woman, but I am not imagining that God has called me to help the indigent.”

“I don't doubt it, either, Abrianna. What I do doubt is that you're supposed to do it alone. You used to let me help you. You didn't seem to resent my assistance then, so why now?”

Abrianna sighed. “I don't resent your assistance. I resent that I need to have it.” She pursed her lips. “It isn't easy to be me.”

He chuckled. “I don't imagine it is. Grief, Abrianna, you are
more stubborn than anyone I know. Taking help from someone doesn't mean you are weak or a lesser person. I think God never intended for any of us to have to do things all alone.”

“Of course you're right, and I deserve that correction,” she said, humbling herself. She looked at him and smiled. “You are my best friend, and I do not wish to worry you or cause you concern. If you want to help me in my ministry, then why should I deny you?”

“I do want to help you. If only to keep you safe. You have no idea how desperate some men can be. When I saw you out there with the night watchman, I feared the worst. I can't bear the idea of anyone hurting you, Abrianna. You have been a part of my life for so long now that I can't imagine it without you.”

She nodded at this. “And I feel the same. You have been a dear friend. No, you are a dear friend and brother to me, and I have ignored the value of that. I was wrong, and I hope you will forgive me.” She extended her hand as if they were settling a contract.

Wade reached out and took hold of her hand. “Of course I forgive you. Will you forgive me for being so bossy and harsh?”

Abrianna squeezed his fingers. “Of course.” She smiled, finally feeling at peace. “How could I do anything else?”

L
enore hadn't been home long when a maid came to fetch her. “Mr. Booth has come to pay you a visit, Miss Lenore. Should I tell him you are indisposed?” She glanced to the dressing table where Lenore sat working to rearrange her hair and then back to meet her mistress's face.

“No!” Lenore all but yelled. She hurriedly replaced her hairpins. “Tell him I'll be right down. But first, please do up the buttons on the back of my gown.” Lenore turned to present the maid with her back.

The girl did as instructed, then headed for the door. Lenore stopped her. “Have him wait for me in the music room.”

“Yes, Miss Lenore.” With that, the girl curtsied and hurried from the room.

Lenore appraised her hair and gown. Her first desire upon returning home was to change from her rather soiled gown, and now she was very glad she hadn't taken the trouble to bathe first. The clock chimed four as Lenore made her way from the room and down the stairs. She could only pray that Kolbein had come to his senses and would offer her no further argument about her age.

“Please, God,” she whispered, “let him see that I am not a child but a woman quite capable of being a wife to him.” She paused, lifting a smile to the ceiling. “And please let me be a capable woman.”

She made her way to the music room, stopping only long enough to order tea and refreshments. Sweeping into the room as though she hadn't a care in the world, Lenore found a most repentant Kolbein.

He held out a bouquet of flowers first and then spoke. “I've come to apologize for my beastly behavior.”

She smiled and took the bouquet. Breathing in deeply of the various scents, she couldn't help but be pleased with his contrite spirit. God had surely answered her prayers.

“I knew you would,” she finally said with more confidence than she'd originally felt. “You are a man of reason, after all. I knew that given a little time, you would clearly understand that your fears were for naught.”

“Then you were much wiser than I,” he said, hands held out in apology. “I am so sorry for my reaction to your age. I'm afraid I was terribly caught up in my worry over Greta. Your line of reasoning, however, helped me to better see what a tyrant I had become to my sister. I have to admit—that was hard for me.”

“Why don't we sit and you can explain,” Lenore said, moving to the settee.

Kolbein very properly pulled up a chair and sat directly opposite her. “I couldn't bear thinking that I might lose you. I realized that your physical age wasn't at all important, at least not in our case. I know that you're a responsible young woman with a good head on your shoulders. Greta too. I'm afraid I never gave her credit for having grown up.”

“Is that why she ran away?” Lenore asked gently.

“Yes. She saw herself as full grown and capable, and I did not.” He sighed. “Now she is lost to me. Maybe forever.”

“You don't believe that,” Lenore countered. “If you did, you wouldn't be here. I will not allow this apology to turn into a party of pity for all your regretful actions.” She softened her words with a coy smile. “Besides, there are far more interesting things to discuss.”

He returned her smile and leaned back into the chair. “Such as?”

“Such as . . .” She fell silent as the maid delivered the tea cart. Atop were several plates of cookies, cakes, and fruit. Cook had chosen her grandmother's Foley with its delicate floral pattern for the teapot and china. When the maid offered to pour, however, Lenore waved her away.

“I'll manage. Please leave us now and pull the doors closed.”

Lenore reached for the pot. “As I recall, you drink it with one lump of sugar.”

“I do. How very observant of you.”

“A good wife needs to be observant. That's what I started to tell you, but I didn't want to be overheard. You see”—she leaned in and lowered her voice as Kolbein bent forward slightly—“I am taking classes on how to run a household.”

“You?”

She poured the tea and laughed in a light lyrical manner. “Of course, me. I realized that you were right in the fact that I was immature when it came to running a household on my own. I have been trained to order servants around, but as far as being wife to a poorer man . . . well, there are a great many things I do not know.” She saw him frown and shook her head. “Don't be like that. You probably worry about taking me away from a life of ease, but I assure you I can handle whatever comes my way. Especially after my classes are complete.”

“Classes at Mrs. Madison's school?” he asked, taking the offered saucer and cup. He picked up the dainty silver spoon on the saucer and stirred the tea. “Are you now one of the bridal school students?”

“I am. Well, not exactly like the others,” she said, pouring a cup of tea for herself. “I will be there only during the day. My father is taking me on the pretense of visiting Abrianna, who, by the way, is training with me.”

“She must be overly excited about that,” he teased.

“You know her well. Of course she wasn't excited, but she agreed for my sake. We are to receive private instruction from one of the aunts while the others take care of the students elsewhere. We are keeping it all very private, lest Mother and Father be shamed by their peers.”

“I see. And when does this schooling begin?”

She offered him a plate with cakes, but he shook his head. Replacing it on the tray, Lenore picked up her cup and saucer. “It started today. I have learned all about stocking a proper kitchen. Tomorrow we are to learn about stoves—how to manage them, clean them, and build a perfect fire. I'm quite excited actually.”

He roared with laughter, taking her completely by surprise. “Oh, Lenore. You do give me great delight. You have done this all to impress upon me that you are able to keep house for me, and I am deeply touched.”

Shrugging, Lenore sipped the tea. What else could she do? After all, she would have to manage the house for herself on a lawyer's salary. Perhaps when she came into her trust, Kolbein would allow them to move to a bigger house and have a servant or two, but for now she was content to do what she could to serve him.

“I am hopeful that my studies will advance quickly, and by the time the bridal ball arrives, we can be married.”

He all but choked on his tea. Hurrying to use his napkin to dab at splotches that had escaped to his clothes, Kolbein looked up to find Lenore grinning. She was pleased to have shocked him.

“Does that seem too soon to you?”

“It's less than a month, is it not?”

Lenore nodded. “Yes. The ball will take place Friday the fifteenth of June, and I would like to be married on the sixteenth.”

“And you don't think it too soon to hold a wedding?”

“You do?”

Kolbein shook his head. “No. I would marry you today if I thought we could ever convince your parents.”

Realizing she had him exactly where she wanted him, Lenore continued. “I will manage Mother and Father. What I need to know is if you intend to take the matter of matrimony seriously? After all, there are several things I need to plan out, and since I will be very busy with my training, I must know what your intentions are.”

He put the cup down and stood. Without a word he joined her on the settee and took the tea from her hands and placed it on the table.

“I think you know what my intentions are,” he said, turning to pull her into his arms.

Lenore didn't try to stop him. She rather liked that he was embracing her in such a possessive manner. She knew her heart and mind belonged to him, and one day soon her body would, as well.

He kissed her quite passionately. The depth of his devotion and adoration was completely conveyed in that kiss, and Lenore did indeed feel confident of his intentions.

Pulling away, Kolbein reached up to touch her cheek. “I hope I've made myself understood.”

“Completely.” She met his gaze—his face only inches from hers. His eyes seemed to pierce her heart. How easily she had fallen in love with this man.

“Then I will ask for your hand,” Kolbein said, getting to his feet. “Where is your father?”

“In his study. It's the room just down the hall to the right.” She smiled and picked up the tea cozy that had been placed on the tray. “I'll just wait here and keep the tea warm.”

Kolbein grinned. “I doubt I'll care much about tea when I return.”

Wade had just completed sanding the piece of lumber that would become a wagon seat when his shop door opened and to his surprise Priam Welby entered.

“Good day, Mr. Ackerman,” Welby said, coming to where Wade worked.

“Mr. Welby,” Wade replied with a nod. “What can I do for you today?”

“I need to order two wagons to be built.”

Wade raised a brow in surprise. “Two?”

“Yes. You see, my import business is expanding. As you might also know, Mrs. Madison has finally agreed to allow me the purchase of her building.”

“Yes, I knew that,” Wade replied. “I'm actually glad she did. Those ladies need to be out of the area. It's just not safe this close to the wharf.”

“I completely agree,” Welby said, dusting his suit sleeve. “It took more work and negotiation than I've ever faced before. I
swear, dealing with a woman is far more difficult than a man. With a man you know where you stand, and you aren't afraid to let him know what you want. With a lady you must be much more delicate and . . . creative.”

“I can't see Mrs. Madison being all that delicate in negotiating much of anything,” Wade said with a laugh. “That woman could run the city and make a profit.”

“Indeed. Well, that's behind me now. I have agreed to allow the occupation of the building until after the annual ball. She said it would be too difficult to stage a ball at the new house so quickly after moving.”

“And where is the new house?” Wade had been curious about this little detail since Mrs. Madison first mentioned it.

“In Lower Queen Anne. I purchased one of the grander homes some time back with the thought that it might one day be my residence. However, while I began immediate repairs and improvements, this opportunity was much too important to pass up. Since Mrs. Madison felt the house met all of their needs, including a third-floor ballroom and extensive outdoor lawns and gardens, I am quite content that it belong to her.”

“Especially since it gets you what you want.”

Welby nodded. “Exactly so, and isn't that what the art of negotiation is all about?”

“I suppose so,” Wade replied. “It surprises me that you are so intent on that particular building.”

“Well, if you've been keeping apprised of the real estate market, then you'll know that there is little available in this area. It suits my needs perfectly, since I already have space purchased near the docks.”

“I'm just glad to see the women away from such a dangerous
location. Kolbein Booth arranged twenty-four-hour guard service, but I was never certain it would be enough.”

“Yes, well, Mr. Booth is a man of many surprises,” Welby replied, sounding none too happy. “I suppose he did as he felt necessary, but truly, if he would have just encouraged the ladies to move sooner, he wouldn't have had to bother.”

“I don't think it was a bother to him.” Wade wiped his hands on the leather apron. Walking over to a work desk, he took up a pad of paper and a pencil. “Now, why don't we get down to business. What kind of wagon do you have in mind?”

“I want two wagons, both with false bottoms like before. They must be large enough to hold valuable art but small enough not to attract attention. I believe the hidden enclosure should be a foot deep. I want the door in the wagon bed rather than on the end.”

It seemed a strange order for a man who would soon have warehousing at the Madison Building. “I guess it's none of my business, but since you are buying Mrs. Madison's place, why are you so worried about hiding your pieces of art?” Wade couldn't help but think back to the night he'd seen Welby on the dock. “Are you up to something illegal?” he asked in a blunt fashion.