Steadfast Heart (12 page)

“I don't know that anything could make railroad work easy, but I'm certain they were relieved to have their consciences clear before the Lord, just as I am.”

Abrianna nodded thoughtfully. “As am I.” She smiled at Kol
bein. “I'm so glad you have made peace with God. It will make things much easier for us now.”

“Why do you say that?”

She shrugged. “Now God will hear prayers from both of us. . . . Well, I know we won't be the only ones praying. Goodness, but Aunt Selma announced it at church the other day when the pastor asked for prayer requests. I imagine there are hundreds of people praying by now. But I digress.” She looked to his smiling face. “I just know that having you pray, as well, will make things easier.”

“Things?” Kolbein asked. “You sound like there is something we should be praying for besides Greta's return.”

“Well, there is Lenore's safe return.”

His expression looked as if he'd just realized the answer to a puzzle. “I will most assuredly pray for that. Have you heard anything more about their return?”

“No, but I expect they will arrive soon. Lenore's father has businesses to run. I wouldn't think it prudent to stay away.”

“No, it wouldn't be wise,” he admitted.

“You know, her parents want Lenore to marry soon.” Abrianna paused, wondering if she'd been too bold. “I suppose they worry about her being an old maid, but I hardly think that's possible.”

“Neither do I.” He looked both uncomfortable and yet somewhat eager to hear more.

Abrianna shrugged. “I think if the right man asks, Lenore would probably say yes.”
There,
she thought.
I've made her need
quite clear.

Priam Welby took the delicate china cup and saucer offered him and nodded approval at the coffee he was served. The old
women certainly knew how to make a good cup of coffee and how to cook. He had never eaten so well as when attending one of the receptions. Even though it wasn't a full meal by any means, there was every imaginable type of finger food available—all homemade by Mrs. Madison and her young ladies.

Abrianna Cunningham approached him looking quite wary. He would have laughed had she not been a serious part of his plan. She had dressed in a salmon-colored gown trimmed in a sheer white fabric. It was quite fetching on her and one of the latest styles.

“You look beautiful. That color suits you well.”

Abrianna nodded. “Thank you. Aunt Miriam said as much—regarding the color, of course.” She seemed nervous, and Priam knew it was important to put her at ease.

Abrianna stared off toward the other reception attendees. She seemed most determined to avoid his gaze. She was always quite opinionated, so perhaps he should speak his mind and clear the air between them. “You don't like me, do you?”

Her eyes widened at this. “I never said that.”

He chuckled and sipped his coffee. Putting the cup back on the saucer, he shook his head. “You don't have to. I can see it in your eyes.”

“Maybe you just see my frustration at having to be here, but it's not got much to do with you.” She frowned and seemed to reconsider her words. “I hope that didn't sound offensive. What I'm trying to say is that it wouldn't matter if it were you or someone else. I have no desire to be here.”

“Don't you plan to court and take a husband?”

“No. I have a calling on my life to do work amongst the poor. I doubt a husband would allow for that.”

Priam cocked his head to one side. “Why would you think
that? My heart is quite burdened for the indigent. I was once among their number until I managed to work my way out. Their needs are many, and Seattle has more than its fair share of the impoverished.”

“It's true,” Abrianna replied, “and I apologize, as I did not know your heart was burdened. Most people pass right by the poor and think nothing more of their plight.”

He nodded. “I have seen the same. I think I would very much admire a wife who wanted to see to the betterment of such folks.”

“Perhaps you would agree to have her sit in a committee formed to address the matter,” Abrianna replied. “Dressed in fine clothes and acting socially acceptable with other women who also felt burdened for the poor, but who wanted nothing to do with them physically.”

“I'm not sure I understand. Do you mean that you would want to work amongst the poor?”

“Yes. Why not? I'm not afraid of hard work nor of getting my hands dirty, if need be. I'm not all that good at sewing and cooking, as a wife ought to be, but I'm very good at soliciting donations for the poor and organizing their distribution.”

“And this is the kind of thing you, how did you say it, feel called to?”

“It is,” Abrianna replied. “They need someone to fight for them—someone to care. God has given me that job, and I take it seriously. So you see, Mr. Welby, it has nothing at all to do with you.”

“I suppose I should be relieved,” he said, grinning. “I feared I had lost my charm.”

She looked him in the eye at this comment. “No. You are a most charming man, and as Aunt Miriam pointed out, you are handsome and well tailored.”

He nearly burst out laughing. “You needed your aunt to point out that I was handsome. Do you not think me handsome?”

Abrianna looked stunned by his openness.
Good
, he thought,
let her take a
dose of her own medicine.
However, he wasn't prepared for her reply.

“I suppose there are those who would think that you're handsome,” she began. “Perhaps someone closer to your own age. I've never really cared for eyes as dark as yours, and they are set a little far apart, don't you think? Also, your ears are rather large. I suppose that could be good for hearing, but again, they don't appeal to me. Then there's your height. You're only a little taller than I am, and I always figured that if I were to marry, I would marry a tall man. That way he could get things down from the high cupboards for me.”

Priam barely kept his mouth from dropping open at her assessment. He'd never met anyone who so clearly spoke their mind.

“Are you two enjoying the social?” Aunt Miriam asked as she joined them.

“We were having quite an enlightening conversation,” Priam replied. “Abrianna was just pointing out a few things to me.” The young woman didn't even have the goodness to blush. Welby salved his wounded pride with thoughts of how he could even the score. He smiled at Mrs. Madison. “I don't suppose you have reconsidered my offer to buy your building.” He prepared himself for the woman's offense.

“As a matter of fact, I have been doing exactly that.”

Her words surprised him more than he could hide. “I . . . well . . . you haven't come to a conclusion, have you?”

“Not yet, but I am in discussion with Mr. Booth about it—he's a lawyer, you know.”

“No, I didn't know that,” Priam replied. He had hoped to avoid any legal entanglements. “I'm sure there's no need of a lawyer, however. I am a good businessman with perfectly legitimate contracts to offer. I would pay you far more than the building would garner on the regular real estate market, and I would move you to the house I mentioned without your having to lift a finger or disrupt your business. No lawyer could negotiate better for you.”

“Perhaps not, but it comforts me to know his thoughts on the matter.”

Priam nodded and forced a smile. “I am glad to know that you are even thinking on my request.”

“I hope you will enjoy the rest of the festivities. The ladies plan to recite some poetry in a few minutes.” Mrs. Madison took her leave and crossed the room to greet another couple.

Priam turned to ask Abrianna if she was to participate, but she was already gone. No doubt she had taken her aunt's appearance as an opportunity to slip away. Well, that was all right. If the old woman would sell him the building outright, he wouldn't need to tie himself up in a courtship and marriage just to inherit the place. Perhaps things were changing for the better.

He touched a hand to his ear. Big ears? No one before this redheaded hoyden had ever thought to say he had big ears.

Y
ou are to wear your very best gown this evening,” Mother told Lenore. “The Montgomerys are a well-established family and respected for their influence in San Francisco.”

“Oh, Mother, I can't imagine that it will matter to anyone what I'm wearing.”

Her mother looked at her aghast. “Of course it matters. It's a reflection on your father and on me. Don't you care what other people say?”

“I used to care. But honestly, over the years I've come to see life differently. I think I've been worried about the wrong things. Abrianna says—”

“If this is about her, then I'm certain it will not meet with my approval. I don't mind that the two of you are friends. You have attempted to make her a better woman, and that's an act of charity. However, I can hardly accept that she is guiding your choices. Now, please do as I say. This dinner is important.”

“Why must I go?” Lenore asked. She was more than a little homesick and felt her chances with Kolbein were slipping away by the minute. Why didn't Abrianna write and let her know how things were progressing?

Mother looked confused. “Your father feels it is important,
and that is enough. We must present ourselves as his support, and I believe it will also do us good to know the family a little better. After all, they are buying your father's business and all holdings related to freighting.”

“I don't know why Father has chosen now to sell. It doesn't make any sense to me.” Lenore went to the wardrobe and pulled out the only dress she hadn't yet worn. “Will this do?” She held up the magnificent creation, knowing that her mother would overwhelmingly approve. “It arrived just this afternoon.”

“Is that the gown you told me about?” Her mother came closer to feel the material. “Oh, how lavish.”

The burnt gold silk very nearly glowed in the electric lighting of the room. Trimmed with hundreds if not thousands of sequins and pearls, it was a gown fit for a queen. Lenore had fallen in love with it almost upon first glance and had begged the dressmaker to sell it to her. Lucky for her, the gown had recently been rejected by the woman who'd originally ordered it, and the dressmaker was more than happy, if not relieved, to fit it for Lenore.

“I've never seen anything so regal. You were quite right to purchase it without consulting me.” Mother seldom said such things, and Lenore was momentarily taken aback. “I must say for the price you quoted, this is more than worth the money paid.”

“I thought so, too,” Lenore replied, feeling a sense of pleasure in her mother's approval.

“Do you have shoes that will work?”

Lenore nodded. “They were made to match the gown. I even bought the proper undergarments.”

“Wonderful. Your father likes to show us off, and this gown will please him.”

Frowning, Lenore got a worried thought. “He's not going to try to marry me off to someone, is he?”

“Goodness, no. Mr. Montgomery's sons are grown and married with families of their own. They don't even live in the city. They handle Mr. Montgomery's holdings in San Diego.” Mother headed for the door. “There's so much to do in order to be ready in time. I'll send that little Mexican maid up to do your hair and help you dress.”

Lenore said nothing. She knew it would do no good to offer further protest about going to the dinner.

Mother turned and gave her a smile. “If things go well tonight, we can head home the day after tomorrow.”

This brightened Lenore's outlook considerably. “Oh, Mother, I'm so glad to hear it. I've grown so bored in this place.”

“Bored? With all the shopping and theatre, not to mention the incredible dining?” Mother shook her head. “I can't believe you're bored. I find this place so exhilarating. I told your father that if he was of a mind to spend out his old age anywhere but Seattle, I would want it to be here.”

Lenore couldn't imagine her father would leave Seattle. At least not on a permanent basis. Mother exited without another word, and Lenore went immediately to place the gown on the bed. It was a beautiful dress, and it had seemed like providence that it should be such a perfect fit for her. The seamstress had to tighten the waist a bit and raise the hem a good deal, but otherwise it was as if the gown had been made for Lenore.

She tried to imagine what Kolbein might think of her in it. The absolute latest fashion, the gown made a beautiful contrast against her complexion and dark hair. The dressmaker had spared no expense in its creation. How awful it must have been to have the woman refuse to buy it, but how fortunate for Lenore that she had.

Pepita, the young Mexican maid, entered the room and im
mediately motioned for Lenore to take a seat. Lenore did as she was instructed. Pepita spoke only Spanish, which made conversation most taxing, as Lenore generally ended up failing to make her point. Tonight, however, when Lenore fashioned her hair atop her head to show the maid what she wanted, Pepita nodded with a smile and quickly went to work.

By the time her mother sent word for Lenore to join them for the carriage ride to the Montgomerys', Pepita had mastered the coiffure perfectly. Lenore stared at her reflection for one last check. Her hair had been teased and brushed back to create fullness and then pulled back into a most fashionable bun. Bangs were the rage right now, but Lenore preferred her hair swept back and up. The maid had artfully accomplished this, leaving just enough hair free to curl around Lenore's face and neck.

The gown picked up the light with every movement, and Lenore knew she had never looked so grand. If she had a chance to attend the bridal ball in June . . . with Kolbein . . . she would wear this gown for certain. Now, if she could just convince Kolbein that they belonged together.

A hired carriage took the Fulcher family to the Montgomerys' palatial mansion. Father rambled on and on about how successful he had been in negotiating the sale of his business and how tonight he and Mr. Montgomery would sign the final papers.

“Once they are witnessed and the money delivered to the bank, I will be a free man,” he told the women.

Lenore had been quite concerned about how she would find excuses to visit with Abrianna once her father moved his business from the Madison Building. It seemed there were always hurdles to overcome in her life. Her surprise at finding out that
her father had even intended such a move was almost more than Lenore could keep to herself. She wanted to ask a million questions, but her father was rarely around the hotel, and when he was, he wasn't in any mood to soothe her worries.

“Women don't
need to bother themselves with such things,”
he would often say. Lenore, however, thought otherwise.

A butler in his stately uniform met the Fulchers at the door of the house and ushered them inside. Two additional servants awaited his instructions as wraps and hats, gloves, and Mr. Fulcher's outer coat were taken before the family was led into the drawing room.

“Glad you could come, Fulcher,” Mr. Montgomery declared, giving Lenore's father a hearty slap on the back. “We've been quite anxious to conclude our business. Several of my associates are awaiting us in the billiards room.”

He motioned to one of the awaiting maids. “Please let Mrs. Montgomery know that our guests have arrived.” The woman curtsied and hurried to do her master's bidding. “Ladies, if you'll excuse us. Please make yourselves comfortable. I'm sure my wife and daughters will join you shortly.”

Inside the drawing room, Lenore found herself more than a little shocked by the gold trim on the opulent furnishings. The paintings—and it seemed there were hundreds—were trimmed with thick ornate gilded frames. The trim on the fireplace and hearth, as well as the lamps and lighting fixtures, reflected the wealth of these people. Even some of the chairs and side tables were touched with gold.

“Oh, do forgive our tardy appearance,” Mrs. Montgomery announced, coming into the room, followed by two younger women. “We were delayed by a mishap. However, that is behind us now. How very nice to see you again, Mrs. Fulcher.”

“It's my pleasure, as well,” Lenore's mother replied. “And this is my daughter, Lenore.”

Lenore smiled but said nothing. Mrs. Montgomery turned to introduce her daughters.

The Montgomerys had two daughters slightly Lenore's junior. They seemed to look down their noses at her as they waved fans with bored expressions. Lenore hardly concerned herself with their behavior. The elder, Sabina Montgomery, was a striking beauty who bore her Spanish mother's black hair and dark eyes. The younger, Olivia Montgomery, was also quite lovely, although she seemed to follow in her sister's shadow, as if waiting for cues as to what she should do next. Despite being younger than Lenore, the Montgomery daughters appeared more sophisticated and experienced in socializing.

“Cook made us a special meal for this evening,” Mrs. Montgomery told Lenore's mother. “We love to entertain.”

“It won't be as grand as when we hosted the governor,” Sabina interjected with a smirk.

Her mother looked displeased, but her expression quickly changed when the butler came to announce dinner was served.

The gentlemen rejoined the ladies just before they entered the dining room. Mr. Montgomery offered his arm to Lenore's mother, while her father graciously aided Mrs. Montgomery. The Montgomery girls were teamed up with two of their father's associates, while Lenore found herself escorted by an older gentleman who smelled of strong cologne and body odor. She could only hope he wouldn't be seated beside her at the table.

The dinner was laid out in a grand fashion at a huge table that could easily seat twenty, though there were only half that many tonight. In addition to the Fulchers, there were the three
men who had been introduced as legal consultants for the sale of the business. Lenore's escort assisted her into a chair and then plopped down beside her. Lenore coughed into her scented handkerchief for relief from the excessive odors. It would be a challenge to eat seated next to the smelly man, but Lenore was determined she would not shame her family.

Course after course was served. Lenore thought the fish too heavily seasoned, while the soup was rather bland. The beef was disguised beneath a heavy cream sauce, and the bread was stale. She couldn't help but wonder if the governor had been served bread that was less than fresh.

Lenore received praise for her gown and questions from all three gentlemen as to how long her family intended to be in the area. Once she explained the possibility of going back to Seattle the day after next, they seemed disappointed. She couldn't help but wonder if they had thought to capture her attention. Even the older man seemed particularly eager to suggest they remain at least another week so that he might invite them to some musical event he was hosting. Her father, thankfully, declined, explaining he was eager to return to his final duties and oversee the transfer of the business to Montgomery.

After dinner, Sabina and Olivia were instructed to show Lenore around the estate while the men saw to business. The older women were to entertain themselves with viewing the grand salon, where Mrs. Montgomery announced there were over two hundred paintings. Many of these, she assured, revealed a long line of Spanish ancestors from which she had descended. The girls told Lenore that their mother's family had come from Spain in the early years before California became a part of the United States. Their holdings had been quite vast, but some had been stolen from them when America claimed the area. Sabina relayed
the latter bit of information as though Lenore had personally had some hand in the matter.

Lenore found herself quite bored with the tour of the house. The Montgomery daughters were only concerned with what their family owned. Prized artifacts and antiques were all but worshiped by the young ladies, who appeared disappointed that Lenore was less than captivated. Trying her best to hide a yawn, Lenore hoped her father might conclude his business quickly and take them back to the hotel. There was packing to oversee.

“I'm to be married soon,” Sabina announced without warning. “Would you care to see my gown?”

Lenore perked up at this and nodded. “I would like that very much. I hope to marry soon myself.” At least that wasn't a lie, but should she say much more, she knew it might well develop into one.

Sabina looked at her as if surprised. “When do you plan to marry?”

“We've not set a date, but I would very much like it to be in June.”

“June?” Sabina questioned in surprise. “But how will you arrange a wedding in such a short time? My gown alone has taken over a year to complete. First the fabrics had to be brought in from Spain and then the lace and beading had to be made—by hand, of course. It was just completed and delivered yesterday.” She paused at a set of double doors and shook her head. “I don't know how you would ever marry in June.”

Olivia pushed open the doors. “Isn't it grand?”