A Surrendered Heart (18 page)

The band struck up a lively march, and the young children paraded across the grass, keeping time to the music. When Paul stood and started wending his way through the young marchers, Sophie scooted over to Fanny’s blanket.

“Can you believe the way he’s acting?” Sophie asked.

“I think I can.”

“What? You’re taking
his
side?” Anger flashed in Sophie’s dark eyes. “You know the night air doesn’t agree with Elizabeth.”

“I’m not taking sides. I think you are both wrong. Paul is jealous because you’ve been attracting a lot of interest from the single men. He believes you’ve sent Elizabeth back home so that you will have total freedom to do as you please without the hindrance of a baby or her nanny. And you, dear Cousin, still want to punish him for sending you to Broadmoor Island when you wanted to remain in Rochester.”

Sophie peeked from beneath the brim of her straw hat. “When did you become so wise?”

“I’m not wise. I can be objective because I’m not involved. I do think you’re both squandering time that could be put to better use.” Fanny looked toward the sun setting on the distant horizon. An edge of the orange globe touched the water and sent rays of light shimmering across the dark ripples. “You love each other. Why not replace your childish anger with joy and thankfulness that you have the pleasure of his company? I’m sure you’ll find that Paul will respond with the same spirit.”

Sophie appeared lost in thoughtful consideration for several moments. “You’re right,” she finally said, grinning. “But it’s difficult to be the first to extend the olive branch, don’t you think?”

“Yes, but it appears Paul is trying, too.”

Sophie followed Fanny’s gaze across the lawn, where she spotted Paul returning with two tall glasses of lemonade. “Thank you,” Sophie whispered as she brushed a quick kiss against Fanny’s cheek. “Why don’t you move your blanket and sit with us. You look far too lonely over here by yourself.”

“I’m quite content. You need to be alone with Paul. I think Amanda may join me a little later.”

Sophie wrinkled her nose. “If she can get away from Mr. Jackson. I can’t imagine why she accepted his invitation to escort her.”

“I’m uncertain, as well, but there isn’t enough time for us to discuss her reasons right now. You’d better return to your spot or Paul will think you’ve deserted him.”

As the sky began to darken, Fanny leaned against the trunk of a giant pine tree and waited for the first explosion of color in the sky. How she longed for Michael’s return. He’d promised a June return, but June had now turned to July. Each morning she and Mrs. Atwell prayed for Michael’s safe and speedy return. And when their spirits waned, they did their best to encourage each other. Now that the last day of June had passed, keeping faith that Michael would soon return proved increasingly difficult. This was the Fourth of July celebration that she and Michael should be attending together—at least that had been Fanny’s dream. Now she simply longed to know he would return before summer’s end.

Seeing the many couples happily settled on the blankets that dotted the grass did little to keep her jealousy in check. “Be happy for them,” she muttered in an effort to tamp down her feelings of envy. The first explosion boomed overhead, and a proliferation of color streaked the sky in a showy display. The crowd responded with thunderous applause and appreciative
ooh
s and
ah
s.

When the second blast exploded and the overhead illumination offered a silhouette of Paul and Sophie locked in a warm embrace, she could feel her resolve begin to vanish. “Why hasn’t he returned? I’m trying to trust, but . . .” Words failed her. She did want to believe all would be well. But how did one continue to cling to hope in spite of disappointment?

“May I join you?”

The grass had muffled the sound of approaching footsteps, and Fanny twisted around. She jumped to her feet, unable to believe her eyes. “Michael!” She was certain her squeal of delight could be heard above the sound of the fireworks, but she didn’t care in the least. “When did you arrive? Let me look at you! Have you been back to the island yet? Are you well? I can’t believe it’s you!” She clasped his face between her hands to assure herself he was truly standing before her.

He pulled her into a warm embrace and tipped her chin with his finger. “Before I have the strength to answer all of those questions, I believe I need a kiss.” He claimed her lips with a long and passionate kiss that set her heart racing. “I love you, Fanny, and I promise I’ll never leave you again. Tell me that the wedding plans have been made and we’ll be married soon.”

“We can be married in only a few days from now.” She breathed his name and returned his kiss with reckless abandon.

16

Wednesday, July 5, 1899

After removing a cigar from the humidor, Jonas settled into the leather chair situated behind the desk in the library of Broad-moor Castle. He was never quite comfortable at this desk—probably because the chair had been a better fit for his father’s lanky frame. Jonas was required to stuff his portly figure into the chair at an angle. “Most uncomfortable chair in the house,” he mumbled while he clipped the end from his cigar. Not a Cuban cigar, but a cheaper, less aromatic replacement.

Michael’s return during yesterday’s Fourth of July celebration had caught Jonas unaware. He first thought Fanny had withheld information regarding the young man’s return, but apparently she had been as surprised as the rest of the family. Now Jonas was eager to discover the profitability of Michael’s sojourn to the Yukon. He’d set up an appointment to meet with Michael at one o’clock, and the clock had struck the hour several minutes earlier. Jonas puffed on his cigar, growing more annoyed as each minute ticked by. Who did Michael Atwell think he was to exhibit such disrespect? His time in the North had apparently numbed his good manners.

When a knock sounded at the library door, Jonas first looked at the clock before calling, “Come in.” The moment the door cracked open, Jonas leaned across the desk. “You’re late, Michael.”

“Yes, I know. Fanny and I were discussing our wedding plans.”

Jonas couldn’t believe his ears. No apology or request to be forgiven for his breach of etiquette? Not only had Michael forgotten his manners, he’d also forgotten his place in this household. “I’m accustomed to servants following orders.”

Michael met his gaze with an air of indifference. “So you are, but I am no longer your servant, Mr. Broadmoor. I have been providing for myself since my departure to the Klondike.”

“Technically that’s correct. But let’s don’t forget that your parents are dependent upon me for their positions in my household.” The comment didn’t have the desired effect, for the young man had developed an air of confidence he’d lacked prior to his departure. “Sit down, Michael. We need to talk.” Jonas took a long draw on the cigar. “I’m sure you recall we had an agreement before you departed.”

“How could I forget.”

The statement dripped with sarcasm, and Jonas arched his brows. Michael had best watch his tongue or he’d find himself off the island and out of Fanny’s life before nightfall. “Since you’ve already made yourself comfortable, why don’t you tell me about your travels. I’m anxious to learn of your success—or failure, whichever the case may be.”

“I suppose you could say I experienced some of both. I was blessed with the friendship of two men and joined with them in prospecting. I think Zeb and Sherman were the greatest blessing I received. Their friendship and what I learned from them are more valuable than the gold we discovered.”

Jonas perked to attention. “What could be more valuable than gold? What is it they told you about? If you’ve come upon some other discovery, you must permit me the opportunity to invest.”

Michael laughed and shook his head. “What they taught me is free, Mr. Broadmoor. While I was with them, I experienced the love that Jesus taught about. They shared with me as though I were their brother, and they willingly made me a partner in their claim. Best of all, they taught me what it means to be a true follower of Christ.”

Jonas pushed away from the desk and flicked his ashes into the fireplace. “I don’t want a Bible lesson, boy. I want an accounting of your finances. We had an agreement that if you attained enough wealth that I could be certain you weren’t after Fanny’s inheritance, I’d permit the two of you to wed.”

“You can demand whatever you wish, but Fanny and I intend to be married in three days. I doubt I could ever offer an accounting that would convince you Fanny’s wealth isn’t of importance to me.”

Jonas narrowed his eyes, convinced Michael was toying with him. The younger man didn’t want to divulge the depth of his fortune, or lack thereof, and Jonas wasn’t enjoying their game of cat and mouse. “You owe me repayment of the funds that I advanced for your journey. Are you able to pay me?”

Michael withdrew a leather pouch from his pocket and dropped it in front of Jonas. “I believe this will cover my obligation to you.”

“There’s interest due on the loan.”

Michael nodded. “If you look inside, you’ll find that your interest has been included with my payment.”

Jonas picked up the bag and arched his brows. He’d expected the bag to be heavy with gold nuggets. Instead, it felt empty. He tossed the bag at Michael. “Is this a joke?”

With a swipe of his hand, Michael grabbed the bag and yanked open the top. He withdrew a bank draft and pushed it across the desk to Jonas. “I believe a bank draft is still considered negotiable tender.”

Jonas lifted the draft and examined the amount. “This will do, but there’s still the issue of how well you fared financially while you were gone. You have a responsibility to convince me, as Fanny’s guardian, that you can care for her in a proper fashion.”

“I’m not required to convince you of anything, Mr. Broad-moor. You’re no longer Fanny’s legal guardian, and we intend to be married—with or without your blessing.”

“Don’t you raise your voice at me, Michael! You’re nothing but—”

“Jonas! What is going on in here?” Victoria pushed open the library door and stepped inside. “I could hear the two of you the moment I entered the hallway.” She continued to stare at him. “Well? What seems to be the problem?”

“Michael is unwilling or unable to fulfill an agreement we made before he went to the Yukon. Therefore, I’ve told him it will be impossible for him to marry Fanny.”

“Oh, pshaw! Cease your nonsense, Jonas. Fanny and Michael will be married on Saturday. The plans are made.” She smiled at Michael. “You and Fanny have our blessing, Michael. We will be pleased to welcome you into the family.” She patted the young man’s hand. “Now, if you will excuse us, I need to speak with my husband privately for a few moments.”

“Yes, of course. Thank you, Mrs. Broadmoor.” He stood and nodded at Jonas. “Good day, Mr. Broadmoor.”

The moment Michael had exited the room and closed the door, Victoria wagged her finger at him. “Refrain from any further meddling in this wedding, Jonas. They will be married on Saturday, and we will be happy for them or you will suffer the consequences.”

His anger mounted, and Jonas tugged at the starched white collar that surrounded his thick neck. “I have tolerated your outbursts from time to time, Victoria, but I do not like being threatened.”

“And I do not like having my daughter forced to marry for other than love.” She stepped closer, her face contorted by pain. “Mr. Jackson may be a fine man, and indeed he has proven himself to be of the best manners and expression; however, Amanda should be allowed to choose her own husband, and I cannot abide that we are forcing her to do otherwise. If I can’t, I will at least see Fanny happily wed. And if you can’t wish her well in this marriage, you had best appear genuinely pleased to walk her down the aisle and offer her hand to Michael on Saturday. Otherwise you may not find the consequences to your liking.”

His wife didn’t present him with an opportunity to respond. Not that he had the words to put Victoria in her place without forcing her hand. He couldn’t risk the possibility that she would find some way to destroy the marriage arrangement with Ellert. Women! If only the world could exist without them. He leaned to the right and pulled open the bottom drawer of the desk. He needed a drink.

Fanny worried that it might rain but proceeded down the path nevertheless. She had received a note from Michael suggesting they meet in one of their favorite secluded spots. It was a place where they often enjoyed fishing and whiling away an afternoon, and Fanny thrilled at the thought of once again sharing it with her beloved.

“I thought you might not come.”

Fanny looked through the dark shadows of the trees but couldn’t see Michael. “Where are you?”

He laughed. “I’m right here.” He moved forward into the fading light.

Fanny rushed into his arms. “I can’t believe you’ve really come home. I’ve longed for this more than words can say.”

“I know,” he replied, combing back her unruly curls with his fingers. “There were so many times when I thought I might never see you again.”

She touched his cheek. “I tried to imagine you up in your frozen North. I read everything I could find about the area.

There really isn’t much to be had.”

He laughed. “I don’t doubt it. There weren’t many folks up that way prior to the rush—at least not folks who might want to write a book about it. There were some very interesting native people in the area. I found their culture and ways so different from ours.”

“Tell me about them,” Fanny urged.

“I’d rather talk about us—about you.”

He kissed her gently and then hugged her close. “Every time I lit a fire, I’d see your hair in the dancing flames.” He kissed her ear. “I thought of you every night before I went to sleep.” He kissed her neck, letting his lips linger for just a moment.

Fanny melted against him. She had no words for what she was experiencing, but at last her heart felt as though she’d truly come home.

“Every morning I woke up with thoughts of you. I could see your smiling face and very nearly hear your voice. It was all that got me through our time apart—that and the Lord. God gave me a comfort that compared to nothing else.”

“I know. He gave it to me, as well. All the times Uncle Jonas tried to marry me off to someone else, God was there to sustain me with memories of you.”

The light was gone from the sky, but overhead the stars glittered like diamonds. Michael took hold of Fanny’s hand and led her to a clearing. “Look, see there? It’s the North Star. Remember how we used to wish upon it when you were a little girl?”

Fanny nodded, but she wasn’t sure Michael could see her. “When you were gone, I’d find it and think of you. I imagined that it shone right over the place where you were living. I made so many wishes on that star.” She stopped and put her head on his shoulder. “And they’ve all come true.”

He held her close and sighed. “I love you, Fanny.”

She snuggled against him and smiled. “I love you, Michael. I will always love only you.”

Saturday, July 8, 1899

Although clouds had loomed overhead Friday evening, Saturday dawned without a hint of rain in the offing. Both Amanda and Sophie had come to assist Fanny with her gown and veil. Amanda fastened the final button on the gown. “You are an absolutely beautiful bride. Michael is fortunate to have you.”

“I am the one who is fortunate. Had I searched the world, I know I could never have found a man who loves me any more than Michael does. He is a perfect match for me. We place importance on the same things.”

“Like what?” Sophie asked as she wound a strand of Fanny’s hair and tamed her curls.

“We both love the islands. Don’t tell anyone, but he’s purchased one of the islands for me as a wedding gift.” She grinned with excitement. “He didn’t want to wait to see if we’d be able to buy Broadmoor Island.”

“I’d be willing to sell you any share I might have in this place,” Sophie said. “Unfortunately, I don’t think I have any, but perhaps I can convince my father to sign over his share and then Amanda can talk to Uncle Jonas.”

“I doubt my father would listen to anything I’d ask. I have little sway over what he decides. If so, I wouldn’t be—” Amanda clamped her lips. No need to ruin Fanny’s wedding day with her own problems.

“I do hope that Ellert Jackson isn’t going to act as your escort,” Sophie said. “I don’t like him in the least. The way he clings to you and won’t let you out of his sight is most annoying. Why, he wouldn’t let any of us near you at the Fourth of July festivities. You need to tell your father that you want another suitor.”

“I don’t think that’s possible, Sophie. Father believes Ellert would be a perfect husband for me.”

Sophie clasped her bodice and dropped to the nearby rocking chair. “You jest! Surely you haven’t agreed to the match.”

“I have no say. It has been arranged. In fact, we will be wed very soon. Had it not been for Fanny’s wedding, I’d already be his wife. I managed to convince him we had to wait until after her marriage.” She locked eyes with Fanny. “Forgive me, Cousin, but I had hoped Michael wouldn’t return until August. I thought I might be able to convince Ellert that he didn’t want to marry me. He can be pleasant enough, but there is something quite demanding about him.”