Snow Angel (23 page)

Ben scanned the message and passed it to Jane. “It's over a month old. Is this all you have?”

Margaret grinned, showing a missing tooth. “That's true, sir. But if I know Elizabeth, I know where she's at. This telegraph from Juneau proves it.”

Jane grasped the paper tight in her hands. “Where?”

Margaret cackled with glee. “To the goldfields in the Yukon. That girl gets gold fever worse than any man I ever saw. She always said she'd be rich someday. Well, I figure she's gone to make her fortune.”

Jane felt the paper slip through her fingers as she put her hand to her mouth. Ben interceded. “Is this it?” he thundered. “Are we supposed to search the whole Yukon Territory for her?”

Henry roused himself to answer. “She'll be somewhere between Juneau and Dawson City. A woman'll be easy enough to track in the goldfields.” Scorn curled his lip. “Even a couple of city folk like you should be able to find her.”

Margaret shot him a hard look and interjected, “We'd offer to come with you and help look, but Henry here ain't been feelin' too well lately, have you, Henry?”

Henry looked down at his hands and shook his head.

Ben rose and pulled some bills out of his pocket. Handing them to Margaret, he said, “Stay here if you want the reward. We'll be in touch.”

* * *

WHEN THE DOOR closed, Margaret waved the bills in glee. “We were real lucky to hear about that reward when we ran from the law in Utah. That little chit runnin' off worked to our good.”

When Henry started to reach for the bills, she jerked them back and crowed, “You ruined the chances of our last fortune by turnin' tail and runnin'. I'll not hand over this and let you do it again.”

Henry's eyes narrowed at the reminder. “We barely escaped with our lives after I killed that miner. We didn't have no choice, woman.”

Margaret sniffed. “You're lucky to still have your neck. It was an idiot thing to do.”

Henry moved closer to her to peer into her thin face. “You wouldn't 'ave said that had we got the gold. And anyhow, we can't keep that money. As much as I'd like to, we have to pay Billy the gold we borrowed to hire that investigator and clear this hotel bill.”

The two continued to argue as Ben and Jane went out the establishment's front door.

* * *

BEN LED JANE back to their hotel, both numb and unable to say a word. She couldn't talk about it—she couldn't think
about it—not out here on the street in front of the world. Once in their room, Jane turned and buried her face in Ben's shirt, gasping, “I hope it's her … and yet after meeting those horrid people, I hope it isn't.”

Ben kissed the top of her dark head. “I know, I know,” he agreed grimly. Leaning back, he tilted Jane's face up and wiped her tears away with his thumbs. “Jane, if it is her, you mustn't expect too much. A hard life could have changed her into someone you aren't expecting. Do you know what I mean?”

Jane nodded. “I know. I've tried not to have any expectations, but it's nearly impossible.” Turning from him, she walked to the washbasin and took up a cool cloth. Placing it on her eyes, she lay back on the bed and asked, “What do we do next?”

Ben sat down beside her, staring into the darkening room. “We go to Juneau, Alaska. I'll book passage aboard the first steamship I can, though it will probably be difficult with all the miners heading that way. In Juneau we will see what we can find out.” He sighed. “Pray we find her there, my dear. From what I hear, the Yukon Trail is not for the faint of heart.”

Jane lifted the cloth and stared at him. “If she's not in Juneau, we'll hire a dozen men to find her. I won't lose her again. Not this time.”

Elizabeth was so tired when their steamer floated into the Juneau wharf that she could hardly muster a smile in answer to Noah's obvious excitement. They had been on the water the entire journey back, in one kind of craft or another, mostly a crowded steamer. Elizabeth hoped to never see another boat for as long as she lived. Now, three weeks after she'd agreed to become Noah's wife, she was back in little Juneau.

So much had happened. Ross was dead. She'd given up her claim to the twins. She'd given up gold mining in the Yukon all together.
Ross was dead
. Noah had taken over the plans, convincing her a wedding in Juneau with Will and Cara present was better than a mining town filled with strangers.
Ross was dead
. Everyone would be so happy for them.
Ross was dead
.

It was all so hard to grasp hold of. She was free! And yet … she didn't feel free. She felt a tightness in her chest and panic in her breath—especially when she thought of the wedding.

They climbed into a small rowboat that was sent out to the steamer to fetch passengers. Noah's arms bulged as he took up oars and helped row, strong and steady, looking over at her now and then, brimming with anticipation. He looped a rope
over one of the posts of the dock and said softly, “We made it. Come, Elizabeth, let me help you out.”

His touch was gentle as he lifted her out of the canoe and set her on the dock. She tried to fight off the desperate need to run … run as far as freedom could take her. What was wrong with her? Any woman would want Noah. She wanted Noah, wanted him in ways she didn't even understand, and yet she was terrified. Now here they were, about to burst in on Will and Cara, and Elizabeth felt close to tears. She longed to see her old friends, but so much had happened. Would they still accept her? Be angry with her? Her brow creased with worry as they strapped on their packs and walked toward the post.

Her gaze swept over the town as they descended upon it. It seemed much the same and yet quiet, peaceful almost, after the noise and teeming humanity of the boomtowns.

Slowing her steps, she asked hesitantly, “Do you think they will be surprised to see us?”

Noah slanted her a look. “If you mean will they be surprised to see you, I don't think so. They knew what I was going after.”

Yes, of course they knew. Noah wasn't one to fail.

The post loomed up ahead of them, just as her future loomed ahead of her. Soft light flooded out of the windows, and Elizabeth momentarily forgot her apprehensions and braced herself for Will and Cara's reaction.

The door swung open at Noah's knock, revealing Will's startled face.

“Noah. And Elizabeth?” He opened the door wide and motioned them in. “You're back.” With a big grin he grasped Noah's arm. Turning to Elizabeth, he took both her hands in
his and said sincerely, “I'm glad to see you're all right, Elizabeth. You gave us a scare, but you look none the worse for it.” Turning his head he yelled, “Cara, come quick! You'll never believe who is here.”

It didn't take long for Cara to appear at the top of the stairs. When she saw Elizabeth she squealed like a schoolgirl, rushing down the steps and throwing her arms around her, hugging her tight. “Oh, my sweet girl, I can't believe it's you. Let me look at you.” Leaning back, she took Elizabeth's face between her hands and said, “A little thin, but nothing my cooking can't fix.” Looking over Elizabeth's head toward Noah, Cara raised her brows in silent question. When he didn't answer, she looked back down at Elizabeth and asked softly, “Did you find what you were looking for, dear?”

Elizabeth looked down and said, faltering, “I, um …”

Cara started to ask another question, but Noah cut her off. “I'll be glad to tell the whole story, but first, Cara, I sure could use a drink. Got any coffee?”

Cara smiled. “Of course. Please sit down and I'll put on some water.” Linking an arm through Elizabeth's, she said, “You come with me. I'm not letting you out of my sight for a while.”

Once in the kitchen, it didn't take Cara long to ask, “Elizabeth, I have to know, are you and Noah … ?”

She left it hanging, but Elizabeth knew what she wanted to know. She took a deep breath. “Yes, Cara. I've come back to marry him. We hope to have the ceremony here, as soon as possible.”

Cara's face lit up with joy. Then, as she looked into Elizabeth's eyes, her smile faded. “But that's wonderful …
what's wrong?” When Elizabeth didn't answer she continued, “I know I shouldn't pry, but Will and I care about the two of you so much. Tell me.”

Elizabeth toyed with the spoons in her hands and looked at the counter. “Nothing's wrong. I … I just hope he's not making a mistake.” The last came out in a rush and Elizabeth wished she could take it back. It sounded so pathetic.

Cara's laugh was a short
ha!
“A mistake in marrying you? He has known what he wanted the moment he laid eyes on you.” Squeezing her hand tight she said, “It's obvious he is in love with you. Is it that you're not sure you love him?”

“How could I not love him? But marriage … what if I can't?”

Cara smiled a little sadly. “If the alternative is letting him go, could you? Does marriage sound more terrible than a future without him?”

Put like that, Elizabeth shook her head. She couldn't deny that a part of her wanted to run, run to the safe comfort of independence. But another part wanted nothing more than to stay.

Cara laughed, not unkindly. “You look so miserable. What you need, my girl, is some good old Elizabeth determination. It's fear you're fighting here … you've fought that before and know how to beat it down, yes?”

Elizabeth could only nod. She didn't deserve such a good friend, but she was glad she had one.

“My sweet girl, you've climbed steeper mountains than this will prove to be. I have perfect confidence that once you get settled with him, in your own home and together, you'll be amazed that you fought this. Marriage is a gift. And with Noah, it will be a treasure.”

Elizabeth felt the first beginnings of hope. “Do you really think so?”

Cara clasped her hands together, eyes sparkling. “Yes, and I have just the gift for you. Follow me out with the coffee and then we'll go upstairs to my bedroom on the pretense of seeing Rebecca.”

She grasped Cara's arm. “Oh, the baby. I do want to see her. Thank you, Cara. I … I wasn't sure you and Will would ever want to see me again after I ran out like I did. And in your time of need, too. I'll never forgive myself for that.”

Cara shook her head. “There's nothing to forgive. It was your time of need more that it was mine. We did just fine.”

Taking up the tray of cheese, smoked sausage, little green pickles, and crackers, Elizabeth followed Cara with another tray of coffee, cups, and a fresh apple pie. Setting down the trays on the low round table, Cara made their excuses.

The cradle sat beside Will and Cara's bed, small and bright with a pink, ruffled calico blanket. Elizabeth leaned down and smiled at the sweetness. Rebecca was lying on her tummy with her face turned toward them. In the light from the candle that Cara was holding, Elizabeth could see her chubby cheeks pressed together making a rosebud of her mouth. Gently Elizabeth reached out and smoothed the back of her finger over the curve of the baby's cheek and whispered, “She's beautiful.”

“Yes, Will and I think so. She's good and sweet, too. You should see Will strut about with her.”

Elizabeth smiled up at Cara and then followed her over to the cedar chest on the other side of the room. Opening the lid, they knelt down in front of it. Cara carefully pulled out several items until she came to a small bundle wrapped in tissue paper.
“My mother gave this to me when I married Will. I wore it at our wedding.” Handing it to Elizabeth, she smiled.

Elizabeth slowly opened the wrapping and pulled out the most lavish dress she'd ever seen. Gasping, she held it up in the candlelight. Shimmers of light bounced off it, making it seem alive. It was of the palest blue, shot with silver threads—the most beautiful fabric. It had a round neckline edged in a shade of darker blue satin and a high gathered waistline with a wide satin ribbon that tied in the back.

“It's like nothing I've ever seen. I couldn't possibly …”

“Yes, you could,” Cara insisted. “You'll look like a princess in it.” Excited, she continued. “Tomorrow is Saturday. Pastor Sullivan may be available and perhaps we can even have the wedding in the afternoon.”

Elizabeth could only nod, letting herself be swept away on a tide with a life of its own.

* * *

NOAH STOOD WITH Will at the front of the church in somewhat of a state of shock that their wedding was finally here, now. Once Cara had heard, he had only to sit back and watch her enthusiastic planning in amazement. She had arranged everything from the ceremony, complete with church and flowers, to the dinner party afterward at the post.

Elizabeth had been kept out of sight since bedtime the night before. He had heard much running to and fro and some laughter upstairs, but he hadn't had even a moment to speak to her. He wanted to ask if she was OK, if she was sure, but then again, maybe it was better that he didn't have the opportunity.
If he was this nervous, it was hard telling what Elizabeth was feeling.

An organ began to play and Noah swallowed hard, trying to force down the knot in his throat.

And then he saw her … and all emotion was swept away except wonder.

She came in the back door, brilliant in a pale, bluish-silver gown. Her dark hair was elaborately curled and sat in a rich pile on the top of her head. Her face was radiant, creamy skin, eyes bright and sparkling in their darkness. His body responded to her, straining for the moment to touch her. His soul ached, anticipating the moment when his other half would be one with him. His spirit rejoiced, a rising ripple of joy expanding and overcoming him.

When she reached him, her head was down. He watched her lift her eyes slowly to his, uncertainty and something else in them, something he had never seen in them before now. Was it hope? He wanted to reach out and touch her, to ascertain she was real, that he wasn't dreaming, but he couldn't seem to move at all. It was all he could do to breathe.

In a daze, he heard the ceremony begin. Clearly and solemnly the pastor spoke of the vows and the covenant they were about to enter into. Noah tried to concentrate on the words, but all he could do was drown himself in the fullness of her eyes. They had made their covenant weeks before, on the shore of their brokenness. This was just a formality.

“I do.”

He heard her say the soft words and cherished them. They had been so hard won. His own “I do” was triumphant, jubilant even. He felt a war had been won and he was now being
crowned the victor. And then he was told to kiss her. It wasn't the kiss he wanted to give her, this chaste peck. That kiss would wait a little while longer and would last the rest of their lives.

* * *

WITH MIXED EXCITEMENT and dread, Elizabeth slipped out of her wedding clothes and gave herself a quick sponge bath from the pitcher of water on the bedside stand. She had just pulled the nightdress over her head and had begun buttoning the row of tiny buttons when there was a faint knock on the door.
Oh, no. Not yet!
Standing frozen, she heard a voice say, “Elizabeth, open up. It's me, Cara.”

Relief pooled through her as she rushed to open the door. “What are you doing? He could be here any minute.” The wedding party had ended a half hour ago, and Noah was down talking to Will and giving her time to get ready.

Cara sidled through the crack and whispered, “We have a few minutes, and I wanted to help you.” She began working the buttons as she talked. “Now hold still.”

Elizabeth's stomach was a mass of quivering nerves.

“You're shaking like a leaf. Now relax, it will go better that way.”

Elizabeth gave a nervous laugh. “Oh Cara, must I go through with it?”

Cara's mouth formed a rueful line. “You'll wonder why you ever said that in the morning.”

Cara's confidence helped boost her spirits. Once the gown was buttoned, they pulled the pins from her hair. Cara quickly
took down Elizabeth's hair and brushed it. It was long now and hung in rich, dark waves around her slim shoulders.

Turning Elizabeth to face her, Cara laid the brush on the dressing table and smiled. “Don't look so worried dear. Everything will be fine.”

“I hope you're right, Cara. I really do.”

“You hope she's right about what?” came a deep voice from the doorway.

Startled, they both froze. Cara regained her composure first and silently walked toward him. Noah and Cara exchanged glances at the door, Cara handing Noah the brush, but Elizabeth couldn't make out his face in the shadows. She stood like a statue and waited.

Noah walked into the room and shut the door behind him without taking his eyes off her. After what seemed like an eternity, he walked over to her until he was very close. She could feel his breath in her hair. “What are you doing, Elizabeth?”

His voice sounded strained. Tilting her head back, she closed her eyes and said in a husky voice, “I'm not doing anything.”

The seconds ticked by, seemingly endless, but she wouldn't, couldn't open her eyes.

Finally, she felt his hand cup her cheek and she turned into it. When she heard him expel his breath in a rush, she let her eyelids flutter open. He looked deep into her eyes, saying heatedly, “I want to kiss you.”

She felt the battle within her, fear versus love, and knew she had to make a decision. Noah was not Ross. Noah was not any of the others who had hurt her. Noah was her husband, a man who loved her more than she had ever imagined being
loved. How could she give him anything less than her whole heart? Elizabeth lifted her hands, placed her flat palms against his chest, felt the steady rhythm of his quickened heartbeat, slid them up to his shoulders, her gaze rising to his neck, feeling the rush of his breath across her face, and then she bravely lifted her gaze to his.