Undaunted Love (PART TWO): Banished Saga, Book 3.5 (35 page)

Jeremy and Richard stood, studying Zylphia. They shared a long look, nodding to her and then furrowing their brows in confusion as they communicated silently. “Uncle,” Richard said. “There’s something we wanted to show you in the alley.”

“Not now, Richard,” Aidan said. “You can show me at a later time.”

Delia sat next to Savannah after Colin rose and joined Richard and Jeremy. Delia fidgeted with her dark blue dress, adorned only by a silver belt with its large buckle. “Florence, Savannah, I owe you both apologies.”

Florence raised an eyebrow, remaining silent, and Savannah followed her lead.

“I’m afraid I treated you both poorly once I realized you were in any way affiliated with a McLeod. As Aidan pointed out, I’d held my bitterness to me like a shield, and I attempted to maim you with my disappointment. It wasn’t fair of me, and I’m sorry.”

Florence watched her with keen interest, running her hand over Ian’s back as though she found the motion soothing. “Is what you said true about my parents? My family?”

“Everything I said was true, but I should have been much more tactful. I should never have imparted such information in a callous manner. I’m sorry.”

“Do you know of any way to locate them? My siblings sent on the orphan train?” Florence bit her lip as she fought hope.

“I believe it will be very difficult. The Children’s Aid Society keeps records. However, once your siblings were on the train, the recordkeeping wasn’t as good as it should have been. I will do what I can to help.”

“Thank you, Delia. If I could find them … You don’t know what it would mean,” Florence whispered as she bent to kiss Ian’s head. Delia nodded and tried to smile.

Savannah looked at Delia with grief-stricken eyes. “I believe I’ve already made my peace with you. You helped me find Hope, and I was able to hold her in my arms a few times. For that, I will always be thankful.”

Delia nodded, blinking away tears. “I’m terribly sorry, Savannah.”

Savannah nodded, cuddling Melinda. Lucas stroked Sav’s shoulder and gripped it gently in support. She looked for Jeremy, seeing him standing next to Richard with his arms crossed, a formidable frown on his face as he stared at his uncle. For the first time since Aidan had returned, Jeremy didn’t seem pleased at his uncle’s presence.

“Uncle, was there some reason you wanted us all together?” Jeremy asked.

“There were a few reasons. You and Savannah will travel soon, and I don’t know when I’ll see you again. I wanted to have this opportunity to have the family together.”

“You have a home in Missoula, Uncle. I’d think you’d visit it soon or why else own it?” Richard asked.

“It would please me greatly if you and Savannah would consider living in it in my stead during my prolonged absence. I have great faith in my housekeeper, Mrs. Egan, but I would feel better if one of us were also living in it. Gabriel refuses, due to an excess of McLeod pride, but I’d appreciate it if you would consider my request.”

“Savannah and I will discuss it,” Jeremy said. He continued to watch his uncle with a quizzical expression.

“I also wanted us all together because I have an announcement to make. I believe most here are aware that, at the time of the fire in November of 1886, I was romantically involved with Mrs. Maidstone. We separated due to grief-stricken, idiotic comments I made after the loss of what I understood at that time was my whole family. I believed my grief insurmountable.”

His solemn gaze moved to Savannah. “I’ve since learned that most grief subsides and takes up residence in a small portion of one’s heart, making itself known at inopportune moments, but not preventing one from living a fulfilled life.”

Savannah nodded as she wiped away tears.

“What I had not realized, back in ’86, when I had sailed away under a different crew, planning to never return to Boston, was that I was to be a father.” At this Jeremy and Richard nodded, nudging each other in the sides with their elbows. “I’ve only just discovered that Zylphia Maidstone is, in fact, my daughter.”

“Oh, how wonderful,” Florence enthused, rising from her chair to give one-armed hugs to Aidan and then Delia and Zylphia. “After all this time of believing you were alone, to now find you have your own family.”

Savannah handed Melinda to Lucas and rose, embracing Aidan. “I’m so happy for you, Aidan.”

“I’m sorry if this brings you pain, my darling niece,” Aidan said.

“I just hate that I’m envious,” she whispered, releasing him.

“I’m not. It means you’ll continue to fight the darkness.” He turned to accept slaps on the back from Jeremy and Richard, who then studied their cousin.

Richard watched Zylphia. “You’re a fair sight prettier than our other cousins.”

“And I hope nicer,” Jeremy said. At Zylphia’s confused stare, he said, “We were orphaned at a young age and raised by an aunt. She wasn’t very kind, and her sons took joy in tormenting us.”

Lucas smiled warmly. “I imagine it’s overwhelming to meet so much family so quickly.”

Zylphia nodded, moving closer to Delia.

“And there’s more in Montana!” Aidan said. “My eldest nephew, Gabriel, lives there with his wife.”

“Our cousin,” Savannah said, pointing to Lucas and herself.

Zylphia bit her lip as she tried to determine how everyone was related.

“Don’t worry. We can draw you a diagram later. For now let’s enjoy supper and get to know one another,” Richard said as he moved toward the large stew pot. “It’s stew tonight because of our number.”

He handed out bowls and mugs, with just enough to go around to everyone.

Jeremy approached Savannah’s father as they waited for their bowls of stew. “Sir, if I could speak with you for a moment?”

Martin nodded, stepping aside toward the rear door. He smiled encouragingly toward a seated Savannah who watched them with a frown. “What is it, Jeremy?”

“As you know, Savannah and I are planning our journey to Montana. I would like to ask your permission to marry her when we arrive there.”

“Why wait? Why not marry before you travel?”

“I’m aware that we may cause gossip traveling together when we are unmarried, but I know Savannah will want Clarissa with her at her wedding.”

Martin’s gaze became distant for a moment before focusing on Jeremy again. “You’re correct.” He studied Jeremy before sighing. “I know Savannah loves you. You’ve shown her tremendous loyalty and compassion throughout everything that has occurred.”

“I love her, sir.”

“I believe you do. I failed her once, and I dread failing her again.”

Jeremy’s shoulders stiffened at Martin’s words.

“However, she chose you this time. Not the family. I must trust her, as well as my instincts, that you will never harm her.”

Jeremy bristled. “Never, sir.”

Martin smiled sadly. “Then I give you my consent. Although I’ll never be more distraught than the day I receive the letter describing your nuptials, knowing I wasn’t there.” He clasped Jeremy’s shoulder before walking with him toward the kitchen area.

Jeremy smiled and winked at Savannah, and she relaxed in her chair.

In a conversational lull and after most everyone had eaten, Richard asked, “What does this mean for the orphanage?”

“For now, I’m continuing on,” Delia said.

“But I thought this meant …” Florence bit her lip before saying anything to offend Aidan.

“In time, Florence,” Aidan murmured.

“When does the train leave?” Lucas asked.

“In a little over a week,” Jeremy said.

“All is settled with Jonas’s estate?” Martin asked.

“I’ve spoken with the lawyer. There is no movement to press charges or to move forward with any legal action against me, thus everything will be out of probate soon.”

“Will you keep the workshop, Jeremy?” Martin asked.

“Yes. As it is uncertain we will remain permanently in Montana, I think it best to keep the space. I’d also hate to lose all those tools.”

“What about you and Jeremy?” Lucas asked Savannah.

Jeremy wandered to stand behind Savannah, resting a hand on her shoulder. She raised her hand, intertwining her fingers with his. “We’ll be married in Montana, with Clarissa and Gabe present. I don’t want another Boston society wedding,” Savannah said, sharing a long look with her father, who sighed in agreement.

“I can promise you, our wedding will be nothing like the first,” Jeremy said, kissing Savannah’s hand.

CHAPTER 27

Montana, April 1903

“THAT WAS A DELICIOUS MEAL, Amelia,” Ronan said as he stretched in his wheelchair. “Thank you.”

Gabriel played with his fork, crumbling the piecrust remains on his plate. “It was good to have reason to celebrate. It seemed as though the trial would never end.”

“Thankfully Cameron received the justice he deserved,” Ronan said.

“There is no such thing as justice for a man like Cameron,” I said. “But we are all better off now that he’s in prison for the rest of his life.”

“The Bouchards seemed unaccustomed to eating crow,” Ronan said with a satisfied smile. “I’ve enjoyed watching them and some of the townsfolks’ effusive praise of Sebastian’s integrity and work ethic. It’s been a joy to watch them attempt to backpedal after all the vicious things they said.”

“I agree,” Sebastian said. “Especially after their rush to judgment.”

“Although I doubt they’ve truly learned any lessons. People like Mrs. Bouchard do not change overnight,” I said with a rueful shake of my head.

“I’m sad to see you depart tomorrow, Seb,” Gabriel said.

“As am I. However, I’m looking forward to the challenge of starting a mill almost from the ground up. Picking the men I want to work with. Ensuring I have the men in charge that I want, not ones who were inherited. And Darby isn’t that far away.”

“Isn’t it a small town?” I asked.

“Yes, much smaller than Missoula. Although it is supposed to be quite beautiful.” Sebastian took a sip of tepid coffee. “Your Mr. Pickens can never say enough good things about it, although I’m not sure he’s ever been that far south.”

“I know. You’ll have to write and tell us if you agree,” I said. “It always seemed a bit too wild.”

“It’s less than a hundred miles from here, Rissa,” Amelia said as she rose and entered the kitchen.

“Sorry,” I whispered, sharing a chagrined glance with Sebastian.

He raised an eyebrow and shook his head in resignation as we heard her go into one of the back rooms to check on the children.

“It’s not easy on her,” Sebastian said.

“Of course it isn’t. She’s survived the loss of one good man. She can’t relish the loss of another,” Ronan said as he frowned at Sebastian.

“Sebastian, Gabriel informed me that you no longer have your house here in Missoula,” I said as I bit my lip in concern.

“I was forced to sell rather than lose it to the bank. I’m hopeful to be able to find a similar home in Darby.”

“I’m sorry, Sebastian,” I said as I reached forward to clasp his hand for a moment. When I released his hand, I rubbed my open palm over my belly, silently marveling at the movement of the baby within.

“I was too, Clarissa. But I’ve found another dream, and it comforts me.” He smiled reassuringly and glanced toward the doorway to the kitchen.

Amelia reentered the dining room and cleared away one armload of plates. I moved to help her, but she waved me away. “No, Rissa. Rest. You’ll have little enough opportunity when the baby comes.” She continued her circuit back and forth between kitchen and dining room, her movements becoming more agitated with each trip.

I raised an eyebrow and tilted my head in the direction of the kitchen while looking at Sebastian. He nodded and rose when she came into the dining room for the last set of plates. He grabbed a few glasses and a bowl, ignoring Amelia’s frown.

I shared a smile with Gabriel as he winked at me. “Let’s go to the office,” I whispered, and Ronan and Gabriel nodded their agreement. Gabriel grabbed his coffee mug and I my water glass as we moved to grant Sebastian and Amelia some privacy.

***

“AMELIA, TALK TO ME,” Sebastian said as he followed her into the kitchen. He glanced through the doorway and saw Clarissa leading Gabriel and Ronan to the office, leaving him with Amelia, virtually alone on this side of the house.

“There’s so much to be done to ensure you are ready for your travels tomorrow, Sebastian,” Amelia said as she picked up a hearty loaf of oatmeal bread and began to slice thick slabs. She slathered on butter with jerky motions, her head lowered as she focused on her task.

Sebastian reached for her hand, stilling her movements. “Amelia, look at me.” The soft entreaty provoked a sniffle and a shake of her head. “I know you’re angry with me. There’s no need to deny it. But I’d rather talk with you about it now than have it between us when I’m away.”

Amelia wrenched her hand from under his and spun around. She dropped the knife in the sink and then gripped the edge of it, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs. “Forgive me.” Her reedy voice emerged above a whisper. “I’m thinking only of myself.”