Dawn's Prelude (25 page)

Kjell followed the doctor’s gaze to his chest. He was drenched in rain and blood. “No. I’m fine. I wasn’t there when it happened.”

“And exactly what did happen?”

“I don’t know. I came home to find them both injured. Zee remembers some men coming in. They were after the baby.”

“The baby? Where is he?”

Kjell shook his head. He felt sick inside. “I don’t know. He’s been taken.”

Disbelief rang clear in the doctor’s voice. “Taken? You must be mistaken.”

“I’m not. Whoever did this took my son.” Water dripped down Kjell’s face and he wiped it away with the back of his sleeve.

“Orderly, get this man some dry clothes. Kjell, you need to change or you’ll catch pneumonia,” the doctor insisted.

“I won’t leave. I can change here.”

The doctor nodded at the orderly and turned back to Lydia.

Kjell had never felt so helpless in his life. He tried to pray but found that words escaped him. He tried to focus on anything but the sight of his wife.

The room was cold and sterile. It had been organized and arranged with all that the doctor would need for immediate care.

There was a glass-front case with bottles neatly arranged. The shelves to the far side were just as well ordered. The room was probably the cleanest of any in Sitka.

He looked back to Lydia and felt a sensation of hopelessness wash over him. “Will she . . . live?”

“I don’t know, Kjell. She’s lost a lot of blood. The freezing air helped to slow the flow, however.” He had removed her blouse and corset and was just cutting away the last of her chemise. “She’s been shot, you know.”

“I presumed as much, but I didn’t know for sure,” Kjell admitted. The orderly reappeared with a stack of dry clothes.

“Step behind the screen over there and get out of those things,” the doctor ordered.

Kjell quickly did as he was told. He stepped out with only the dry trousers on. Clutching the shirt in his hand, Kjell came back to the table and finished dressing at Lydia’s side.

“The wound on her shoulder isn’t that bad. The bullet only grazed her.” Dr. Ensign motioned to his assistant. “Hold this dressing in place while I assess her other injuries.”

Kjell could see that the neck wound had begun to bleed once again. Dr. Ensign worked quickly to clean the site and survey the damage. “The wound is thawing. Kjell, you’ll need to go. Wait outside.”

“I won’t leave her. If she’s going to die, then I’m going to be at her side.”

“Very well—just stay back over there.” He cocked his head toward the door.

There was a chair not far from the counter. Kjell took a seat and watched and waited while everyone else bustled around as a team. They all seemed to know their duties and attended to his wife without having to be instructed.

When the doctor set the scalpel to Lydia’s neck, Kjell nearly came up out of his seat. He calmed himself, however, realizing that the doctor knew what he was doing and only cared about saving Lydia’s life.

But what if he couldn’t? What if she died—died like Raisa? Kjell wasn’t sure he could take another blow like that. Then he thought of Dalton. There was no telling where the child was. He wanted to go and search for his son, but he couldn’t leave Lydia’s side. Whoever had taken the baby had done it on the orders of Marston Gray—of this, Kjell was certain. And if Marston had taken the child, at least he would not be harmed. So for the time, Kjell reasoned, it was better to stay with Lydia.

He hadn’t realized that Zerelda had come to join him until she touched his shoulder. The orderly set a chair for her beside Kjell, and she reached out to take hold of his hand. “We should pray,” she whispered.

He nodded but felt completely helpless. “I don’t have the words, Zee.”

Zerelda, now sporting a bandaged head, bowed. “I believe God hears your heart.”

Chapter 20

E
vie Gray Gadston looked across the room at her husband. The man was surrounded by his friends and business associates and had no interest whatsoever in his young wife. She kept her feelings carefully masked so that no one would realize how miserable she truly was. She had been married for nearly a year— the twentieth of February would mark her anniversary. Evie had hoped with time, her husband would show more interest in her. So far, that hadn’t proven true.

He was more married to his business dealings than to her. In fact, while he had consummated many new business arrangements over the last year, Thomas Gadston had failed to do the same for his marriage.

At nearly eighteen, Evie didn’t know whether to be happy or sad about it. She hadn’t wanted to marry the man in the first place—he was twenty years her senior, and they shared no common interest. From the first night she’d moved into the Gadston house as his wife, Thomas had shown her little regard. He hadn’t even bothered to show her around the house—he’d left that to the housekeeper.

Her bedroom, appointed with everything a young woman could desire, had never been visited by her husband. Evie would spend many a long evening in the quiet confines of her suite while Thomas entertained businessmen in the rooms below. She had once approached him on the matter, only to be waved away with his reproach. “You are mine to do with as I wish,” he had said, “and if I wish to preserve your chastity and virtue, it is of no concern to you.”

“This is a wonderful party, don’t you think?” Jeannette declared as she approached Evie.

“I suppose so. The men seem to have no interest in discussing anything but politics and financial interests, while the women stand idly, gossiping about whose family scandal is greater.”

Jeannette frowned. “Honestly, I cannot understand you. You have everything. This glorious home—one of the finest in Kansas City. You’re married to a man who was known to be the best catch in six states.” She giggled as she looked over her shoulder at Thomas.

“And he is the most handsome by far.”

“Maybe you should marry him,” Evie said, rolling her eyes.

“As I said, I do not understand you. Look at you. You’re wearing the very latest fashions, in the finest silk money can buy. You’re positively dripping in jewels and—”

“And I’m miserable.” Evie fingered one of her rings. “Thomas never talks to me. He never shows me the slightest bit of attention or affection.”

“I wish I had it as good. Mr. Stone is already talking of wanting more children, and Jerrad is not but a year old. Goodness, but you would think two progeny would be more than enough for anyone.”

Evie turned away. “Enjoy the party, Jeannette.” She wasn’t about to let her sister see how deeply her words had cut. Evie would love to have children. She longed for them, in fact. Jeannette spoke as if they were a curse.

“Genevieve, I heard you were just back from Europe. How did you enjoy your tour?”

Looking up, Evie found herself suddenly surrounded by several of the businessmen’s wives. Mrs. Benedict, a particularly annoying woman, had posed the question.

“I found the Old World to be quite charming,” Evie said with practiced ease.

“Did you sail on the Rhine?” Mrs. DeHart asked. “We sailed the Rhine last spring, and it was divine.”

“We visited the Alps but did not sail the Rhine, I’m sorry to say.”

The women continued to ply her with questions, and even Jeannette joined in. “Mr. Stone says we will take the grand tour when the children are a little older.”

“Oh, it is so difficult to travel with young ones,” Mrs. Benedict admitted. “I find it much easier to leave them behind. A good nurse is all they need, anyway.”

Evie had taken all she could. She scanned the room to see where Thomas was but couldn’t find him. No doubt he had taken his cronies to another room for cigars and brandy. She sighed. It would be impossible to plead a headache and retire to her room if Thomas wasn’t available to host their party.

“If you’ll excuse me,” she told the women, “I should see to my other guests.”

She moved away before anyone could protest. Evie was glad when the small orchestra Thomas had hired began to play music once again. Several couples immediately began to waltz to the strains of “On the Beautiful Blue Danube.” It was a wonderful piece that Evie had first heard in Vienna. She had specifically requested it for the evening’s events. She had hoped to dance instead of stroll around the room, but at least she could enjoy the music.

“Might I have the honor?”

She looked up to find one of Thomas’s secretaries. Trayton Payne was a tall, sleek young man, not much older than Evie. She smiled. “I would love to dance. This song is one of my favorites.”

He took hold of her, careful to keep her a proper and very formal distance from himself. Evie stepped into the waltz as if she were a part of the music itself. She lost herself in its beauty for several moments.

“If I may be so bold, you look sad tonight. Are you all right?”

She looked up at Mr. Payne in surprise. “I’m fine, thank you for asking. I am surprised, however, that you aren’t in the library with the others, enjoying bawdy talk and more masculine refreshments.”

He smiled down at her, piercing her with his dark-eyed gaze.

“I’ve wanted to spend time with you since first coming here tonight.”

Evie couldn’t hide her surprise. “Why me? Thomas pays your salary.”

He chuckled and pulled Evie just a bit closer. “Why not you?

You are much more intriguing. In fact, I would venture to say you are the most beautiful woman here.”

His comment was entirely out of line for a man of his position, but Evie couldn’t be angry with him. His flattery was like food to a starving man—or woman, in this case. She lowered her gaze and smiled. What could it hurt to flirt with him a bit?

“I watch you all of the time, at any of the gatherings where you are both in attendance, and I can see how he neglects you.”

“My husband is a very busy man,” Evie replied. “And I’m quite capable of seeking my own entertainment.”

“And might I be a part of that entertainment? At least tonight?”

“We are waltzing, are we not?” She felt a shiver run down her spine at the way he looked at her. His gaze was a mixture of appreciation and desire. It caused her heart to beat faster. Or was it just the pace of the dance?

When the last strains of the music faded and the couples were forced to separate and bow to each other, Evie found herself weak in the knees. She knew she’d put herself in a dangerous situation but didn’t care. She was having fun, and for once, she felt desired.

“Come. Let me get you some refreshment. You seem rather . . . well . . . breathless.” He grinned.

Evie knew she should tell him no, but seeing that no one else seemed to be watching, she could only nod. The man led her to a small alcove and bid her to sit.

“I’ll be right back,” he assured.

She stared after him as he walked away. He cut a dashing figure, to be sure. Thomas might have been considered one of the most eligible bachelors before their marriage, but this man carried a charm and essence of strength that Thomas could never hope to have.

When he returned, Evie had convinced herself that she would share one drink with him, and after that she would dismiss him and attend to her guests. Half an hour later, she was still trying to dismiss him.

“Why are you afraid to be with me?”

Evie shook her head. “I am not afraid. I am simply mindful of the fact that I am the hostess of this party. People will begin to talk if I allow you to take up any more time.”

He laughed softly. “Let them talk. In fact, if you are the spirited and brave young woman I believe you to be, you would take a walk with me and give them something to really talk about.”

She loved the way he looked at her. It made her feel truly pretty and wanted. Thomas had never made her feel that way.

“I . . . uh . . . I can’t,” she said, trying to think clearly.

“Can’t or won’t?” He reached out and gently touched her cheek.

“Maybe it’s better to say I shouldn’t,” Evie said, trembling as his fingers trailed down to touch her neck.

His eyes seemed to darken with amusement, and his knowing smile only served to intensify her desire to yield to his request.

“There are a lot of things we shouldn’t do,” he whispered against her ear, “but I find that most things have a way of working themselves out. Now, why don’t we slip away for some air? I happen to know you have a lovely sitting room on the second floor. A very private sitting room.”

Evie spotted her husband across the room. He had just emerged from the library and was completely engrossed in a conversation with one of his business associates. He didn’t so much as cast a glance around the room for her. Anger coursed through her. Why did her own husband offer her no affection?

She returned her focus to Mr. Payne and nodded. “Maybe for just a little while.”

Chapter 21

K
jell awoke slowly to find that Lydia was still unconscious. The doctor had done everything possible and had put her to bed in one of the hospital’s empty wards, with Zerelda only a few beds away. Kjell had spent the night sleeping in the chair beside his wife, praying whenever he awoke that God would somehow set things right.

He reached over to gently stroke her hair. “Good morning, my darling.” He was comforted that she continued to breathe steadily. The doctor had not held much hope for her recovery. Frankly, he hadn’t thought she would make it through the night, but here she was.

Taking hold of her cold hand, Kjell rubbed it lightly. “Zee’s doing very well. Her injuries weren’t too bad. She was knocked unconscious for a time, but the doctor said she will recover. She’s sleeping just across the room.” He kept his voice low so as not to wake Zerelda. He glanced over to see that she was undisturbed before continuing.

“It’s been a long night.” He realized that the sun had already risen and reached for his watch. He had enough light to see that it was nearly eight. He should have already been at work. The army lumber order was expected today.

He needed to get word to Joshua at the mill. The poor man wouldn’t have a clue as to why Kjell wasn’t there. Getting to his feet, Kjell stretched and found his neck and back ached from his long hours in the chair. Dr. Ensign said he could take one of the empty beds, but Kjell had been afraid to leave Lydia’s side. If she had called out, he might not have heard her.