Steadfast Heart (7 page)

Wade didn't like the idea of Abrianna going alone with Booth. They knew so little about him. For all Wade knew, the man might not even have a sister. What if this was just a huge scam—a means of getting into the middle of the school in order to cause problems. But to what purpose?

“We shouldn't be gone long,” Abrianna declared, “unless it starts raining or the streetcars stop running or there's some other sort of disaster.” She looked at Booth. “One Sunday there was a small fire near the dock, and the fire horses were spooked and ran away. It was quite the excitement, and we watched most of it from upstairs. Didn't we?” Abrianna looked to the other females. They all nodded and murmured comments about the excitement.

“Oh goodness, I do remember that. Thankfully no one was killed!” Poisie dabbed her neck with a lacy handkerchief.

“Well, there most likely won't be a repeat of that,” Mrs. Madison replied. “Abrianna, I shall want you back by four o'clock. No excuses or protests,” she added as the young woman opened her mouth.

“I wasn't going to offer either,” Abrianna said and crossed her arms. “I merely wanted to inquire as to whether you needed anything while we were out.”

“We do not shop on the Sabbath,” Mrs. Gibson declared. “And we would not, even if shops were open. It would be an affront to the Lord. I'm not even sure that searching for Mr. Booth's sister doesn't violate the law.”

“It's true,” Poisie added with a stern face. “Remember that all of Israel and Judah were taken captive for ignoring the seventh year Sabbath rest of the fields. How much more will He punish those who dishonor the weekly Sabbath.”

Abrianna shook her head. “I hardly think that the Good
Lord would condemn us to Hades should we happen to need something on the Sabbath. Even Jesus worked miracles on that day. And I wasn't suggesting a day of shopping, only that if you had need of an errand I could take care of it.”

“It's true, Selma,” Mrs. Madison said, looking to Mrs. Gibson. “Our Savior faced great condemnation from the teachers of the day when he drove out demons and healed the sick on the day of rest. I believe I can see the point Abrianna is making. A steadfast heart seeks God's desires, and if that is best served in helping someone, then who are we to say it's wrong?”

Before the conversation could reach a theological fervor, Wade stood. “Why don't I go along, too?” Not waiting for an answer, he looked Booth in the eye. “Show me the picture of your sister, and I'll help with the search. After all, three sets of eyes are better than two.”

“See, Kolbein?” Abrianna said. “I told you that Wade would be more than happy to help us. He's a good man and he cares a lot about people.” She looked to Wade. “I am so pleased that you would choose to help in this. There are so many people in the world who just walk by when seeing the needs of others and do nothing.”

Wade nodded. “Like those who ignore the plight of the Chinese?”

“Exactly so. I'm glad you understand.” Abrianna turned to Kolbein. “I'll be right back. Let me change my clothes. I have no desire to parade around like this. My friends out there might not even recognize me.”

Wade frowned. He liked the way Abrianna had dressed for church. She looked quite innocent and unspoiled in the pale lavender gown that had once belonged to Lenore. Frankly, he thought the color looked a lot better against Abrianna's red hair
and freckled fair skin than it had against Lenore's brown hair and olive complexion. Wade grimaced at the feminine thought. What man worried about the color of gowns and hair? Maybe he was spending too much time with the ladies.

True to her word, Abrianna was gone only a few minutes. She came back in a state of partial undress, tucking her blouse into the waistband of her dark blue skirt. She had left her hair pinned up, but Wade wouldn't be surprised at all if those pins came out as the trio made their way through the city. Seeing that he was watching her, Abrianna threw him a smile and glanced around.

“I'm glad my aunts are busy. I know it's unseemly for me to act this way, but gracious, you know what a rapscallion I can be, and I didn't want to waste more time. Furthermore, it's not like I'm showing my chemise or petticoats, although I will tell you that once Miss Poisie showed a fair amount of her pantalets when crossing Front Street in a downpour, but don't tell her I mentioned it.”

Wade laughed aloud as Booth led the way down the stairs and out the building. Thankfully, it wasn't raining, but Wade and Abrianna had taken up umbrellas just in case. Booth seemed unmindful of such matters. Should he choose to stay in the city for long, however, he'd soon learn the value of staying dry.

They had gone only a couple of blocks, talking about a variety of things, when Booth made Wade most uncomfortable by complimenting Abrianna's faithfulness to assist him. To his surprise, however, Abrianna changed the subject and began speaking in great detail about Lenore Fulcher.

“She is the most beautiful woman in Seattle,” Abrianna declared. “Of course, I don't usually make such generalities, but in this case I'm confident that my assessment is accurate. She looks very much like Lily Langtry, don't you think, Wade?” She
didn't wait for his reply but hurried on. “I suppose Lenore is shorter than Miss Langtry. I don't believe I've ever been told for sure how tall the actress is. However, Lenore is quite talented, even if she isn't very tall. I have never seen anyone with her gift of organization and consideration. I've seen her contemplate many a problem with me and not give up until she has the matter completely sorted. She's a wonder.”

“So are you, Abrianna,” Kolbein declared. “And you are just as beautiful.”

Abrianna laughed. “Nonsense. I have it on good authority that redheads can never be considered truly beautiful. Especially redheads with curly hair. We might be handsome or comely but not beautiful, and in most cases we are only passable.”

“I disagree,” Booth countered, stopping in midstep. “Your sources are very wrong. I personally have a great fondness for red hair. I like the difference it offers from blond hair and brown.”

“Well, appreciating is one thing. My hair has always gotten me into trouble,” Abrianna stated with absolute conviction. “Aunt Miriam says it's the temperament that goes along with red hair, but I'm certain to be troublesome no matter what.”

“I would never accuse a lady of lying or speaking lunacy, but you are stretching my limits,” Booth replied. “You mustn't let others tell you that you aren't beautiful just because of the color of your hair.”

“Oh goodness no,” Abrianna said. “It's not just because of my hair. I'm not beautiful for many reasons. I have freckles and dimples, my nose is a bit crooked, and I'm not dainty like Lenore.”

Wade shook his head and sighed. “You might as well give up, Booth. I've tried on many occasions to tell Abrianna she's a lovely girl—young woman,” he corrected. “She never believes me, and she won't believe you, either.”

Booth looked at Abrianna, and for just a moment Wade thought he appeared to be considering the matter as a challenge. Wade could almost see the cogs turning in Booth's mind. But instead of arguing or suggesting he could prove it, Booth fell silent.

“I'm glad you can see reason,” Abrianna said, giving Wade a playful nudge with her elbow. “Wade tells me such things because we've been the best of friends since childhood, but we both know the truth. Redheads are a strange lot, and we simply do not fit in.”

“Maybe not fitting into someone else's preconceived mold is a good thing,” Wade suggested and Booth agreed.

“It would be a very boring world if everyone were alike,” Booth said.

“You two are quite dear,” Abrianna said. “But we have a task before us. Let us focus on Kolbein's sister instead of me. I'm certain she is far more deserving and in need of our consideration.”

E
aster Sunday dawned bright and clear, much to the amazement of the citizens of Seattle. It seemed God had smiled upon them, and they were happy to take advantage of the moment. The ladies of Madison Bridal School had long planned an Easter celebration. It was to be held at a local park if the weather was pleasant and at the school should it be foul. The day was chilly but otherwise perfect, and Wade had talked his friend Thane into accompanying him with the ladies to church and then to the park. With the promise of food and the company of unmarried females, Wade didn't have to do a whole lot of convincing.

Wade and Thane ended up in charge of transporting the food. Wade brought his wagon, and together he and Thane managed to load up plates and bowls full of delightful treats. And, of course, there were dozens of colorful hard-boiled eggs, thanks to the ladies of the school and their charges. Plans were made for couples to hunt for the Easter eggs, with a prize to be given to the couple who found the most. Several very special eggs were also going to be hidden, and these, too, would bring a prize.

Once the party was in full swing, Wade and Thane made
their way through the crowd. There were still several girls who hadn't yet paired off with a suitor, and Thane asked Wade to make the introductions so he could meet them.

“I think that's something we should leave to Abrianna or one of the ladies,” Wade countered, spying his dear friend. “Abrianna, can you help us?”

She hadn't heard him, so they crossed the distance between them to find Abrianna quite intent on a book. “You are a strange one,” Wade declared. “Reading away when you might actually do some good.”

Abrianna looked at him in confusion. “Do some good? What are you talking about?”

“Thane would like very much to meet the girls, the young ladies who are yet without a suitor.”

“I suppose I can make the introductions,” Abrianna said, getting to her feet and putting the book aside. She smiled at them both. “After all, we redheads should stick together, isn't that true?”

Thane chuckled and touched his hand to his red hair. “Indeed. I'll come under any excuse if it gets me into the company of the young ladies.”

Wade shook his head and smiled. “Let us be about it, then.”

Abrianna introduced Thane to the four young women who were yet to find suitors. Wade allowed himself to greet each one, as well, but he had no interest in getting to know them. He moved away from the gathering as Thane began to regale the ladies with stories of his volunteer firefighting job.

“Don't you want to visit with the girls?” Abrianna asked.

“Not really. I thought I'd come and speak with you. Most of the time those girls don't have a clue as to what's going on in the world.”

“That's because their world is confined to the school,” Abrianna said. “They spend very little time in the world during their training. But it serves them well. Most can cook, clean, sew, and sing by this time, and from now on it's all down the hill, as they say.”

“Except for those four?” he questioned.

Abrianna glanced toward the ladies and nodded. “Those four are still struggling. Even so, they are much better at such things than I am.”

“I'm sure you are able,” Wade said. “God has given you talents, as well.”

“Not where the kitchen is concerned.” Abrianna's sorrow was evident in her tone. “I am a grave disappointment there. Aunt Miriam said yesterday that she sometimes doubts her ability to teach when she considers my inability to learn.”

“So what did you burn yesterday?” he teased.

“Eggs,” Abrianna replied. “I forgot I was boiling eggs and, well, the pan went dry and the scorching began. It wasn't pleasant. The smell was even worse. Did you know that burnt eggs have a tendency to explode?”

“I didn't realize boiled eggs could be burned.”

Abrianna gave a sad little nod. “If there's a way to burn something, I'm sure to figure it out. Apparently it comes quite naturally. On the positive side, I'm learning to be a most expert cleaning woman; otherwise I'm rather a challenge.”

“I would think after all these years of the ladies working to train you, something would have rubbed off,” Wade said.

She seemed to think about this a moment before answering. “Considering that for the first dozen years I was so intent on book studies and helping with various church charities, I was excused to a degree. Then as I approached these latter years . . .
well . . . it's my own fault that I've remained a failure. I have no interest in cooking or playing the piano. And don't get me started on dainty embroidering.” She looked most forlorn. “It's not the aunts' fault. God knows they have labored long to teach me. I suppose if I put my mind to it, I might do better.”

“So why don't you?”

Abrianna shrugged. “I'm just an obstinate burner of food.”

Wade laughed. “And none of the others ever burn anything?” he asked, looking back to where Thane continued to entertain the four suitorless women. “You have to look at the entire group, Abrianna.”

“Well, there is Militine. She doesn't burn as much as she damages. She tends to be rather awkward, or maladroit, as Aunt Selma says. Aunt Miriam says it's because her hands and feet are big, but I think she's wrong. I think Militine is just scared.”

“Scared of what?” Wade asked, curious at this insightful declaration.

“Of most everything. Look at the way she is around Thane.”

Wade noticed the young woman was standing away from the others. At one point she backed up when Thane spoke to her, and she would have fallen onto the ground had he not reached out to steady her. “I see what you mean.”

“If you watch her for long, you would swear she's making jest. I've never seen anyone stumble, bump into things, or otherwise break objects like Militine does. I believe it's all about her uneasiness with people.”

“You may very well be right, Abrianna. She certainly seems a likable enough young woman.”

“Oh, she is,” Abrianna declared. “I think she is more down to earth and less pretentious than just about anyone in the world. I've really enjoyed Militine's company, perhaps because we suf
fer some of the same woes in household duties. But her heart is good. If I were to pick out a dear friend among the ladies, it would be Militine.”

“Because she makes you feel less conspicuous?”

Abrianna thought for a moment. “I suppose that could be a part of it. We do tend to surround ourselves with people who make us feel better about ourselves, or at least safe. Yes, that's it. I feel very safe with Militine. I know she will not judge me with harsh condemnation.”

“I know I appreciate when someone does that for me,” Wade agreed. “It's why you and I have so long been friends. You never judge me unfairly, and that causes me to enjoy your company.”

“I never thought of it that way, but I see the truth in it. Even so, Militine is a fine person, and I believe if she can overcome her shyness, she'll do well. Her consideration of others is one of her best qualities. Why, she's even gone with Kolbein and me to look for his sister.”

“How is that hunt coming along?”

Abrianna shrugged. “Like King Arthur's search for the grail. A worthy cause that has become a most vexing trial.”

“In other words like trying to find a needle in a haystack?”

“Exactly so. But Kolbein won't give up. He's much too devoted for that. He dearly loves his sister, and whether it takes a year or ten, I believe he will endeavor to find her. Men like him tend to be that way.”

“Men like him?”

“Lawyers, solicitors, and such. They are driven to find the truth. That's what Kolbein is doing, no matter how much it delays his own life and interests.”

“But what about his position in Chicago? I wouldn't think he could up and leave his law practice and clients.”

“Well, he tells me that he's part of a large firm. They dole out things to him and he handles them. It's all very organized, so he doesn't need to go drumming up business. Not that he wouldn't have it if he wanted it,” Abrianna added. “He's very intelligent, and I have to say he knows a great deal about the world. Not only that, but he and his sister lost their parents, just as I have. Although I must say the circumstances were quite different.”

“And how was that?”

“A train accident in the Northeast somewhere. Train went right off a bridge, and everyone was killed. I think Kolbein was twenty-two and his sister ten. He took on the role of man of the family and finished raising Greta. Wasn't that admirable?”

Wade didn't care for the way Abrianna seemed to be taken in by Booth. There wasn't time to say as much, however, because Abrianna was speaking again.

“Aunt Miriam has invited the poor man to dine with us on Sundays whenever it fits his plans. Aunt Selma is still worried that he might be related to John Wilkes Booth,” she said with a grin, “but Aunt Poisie reminded her that we must extend charity rather than judgment.

“Oh, look,” she interjected. “It's time for the egg rolling. Aunt Miriam has a nice prize for the winner—it's a basket of oranges. Isn't that marvelous?” She started off in the direction of where the others were lining up.

“Are you going to compete?” Wade called after her.

“Not at all,” she replied. “I just want a better vantage point to watch.” She turned and threw him another smile. “Aren't you coming? It's so much fun to watch folks be silly.”

Wade laughed. Her girlish charm amused and endeared. “I'm coming, only I'm not sure who I'll be more compelled to watch. Them or you.”

Lenore sat picking at her strawberry mousse. Easter Sunday had compelled her parents to spend the morning in church services before heading to one of the finest restaurants in San Francisco for a special luncheon.

If we were in Seattle I might be
able to enjoy the day with Abrianna.
She knew they would celebrate as they did every year, weather permitting, with egg hunts and camaraderie. Here, away from her best friend, Lenore felt lonelier than she ever had before.

“Are you unwell?” Mother asked.

Lenore shook her head. “I just miss being home.”

“Miss the rain and chill?” Father questioned. He pointed to her plate. “Do you plan to finish that?”

She scooted the plate in his direction. “No. Please have it.” Father didn't have to be asked twice.

Mother sipped her tea and seemed unconcerned with Lenore's desires for home. Mother loved California, and San Francisco appealed to her for its many diversions. But Lenore was consumed with other thoughts—in particular, thoughts of Kolbein Booth.

Why
does he haunt me so?
As a test she had tried to force the images of Kolbein from her mind just to see if her feelings were true. Lenore found it impossible to let go of her growing desire to know Mr. Booth better.

But it is impossible to know
him better while I sit in San Francisco and he
searches for his sister in Seattle.

What if he'd already found her and returned to Chicago? What if he had someone he cared for at home? Perhaps her feelings were for naught and no matter how Abrianna promoted her, Mr. Booth would have no more interest in Lenore than he might for a distant relative.

“I don't believe you are paying any attention to your father,” Mother said, touching Lenore's lacy sleeve.

“I'm sorry. My thoughts have been elsewhere. I will try to do better.” Lenore straightened a bit in her chair. “What did you wish to say, Father?”

“I was merely explaining that your mother and I have been asked to spend the evening with a business associate and his wife. I wanted to make certain that you would be comfortable remaining at the hotel alone.”

“Oh.” She thought for a moment and shrugged. “I am sure to be fine. I have a book I can read and perhaps I'll even go to bed early.”