[Yukon Quest 01] - Treasures Of The North (5 page)
‘‘I see by your silence that you agree.’’
‘‘I do not!’’ Myrtle said, shaking her head. ‘‘What I agree with is that I have been mistaken. I have been cruel in my own fashion. I have worried over issues of society instead of working to draw our family closer. I have been a poor mother, indeed.’’
‘‘Nonsense. You have done your duty as I have done mine. There is no backing out now.’’
‘‘This is absurd. Of course you can back out.’’ She reached up to unfasten the multiple strands of pearls around her neck. The symbols of their wealth weighed heavy on her throat, almost as if a noose were tightening. ‘‘Start with these. We shall sell whatever we need to in order to pay back the debt, but Grace need not be a part of the bargain.’’
‘‘You pride yourself on your social standing in Chicago,’’ Frederick began. He sounded quite weary, as if the words themselves were exacting a great toll upon him. ‘‘Word would get around quickly. Our name would be ruined.’’
‘‘I don’t care,’’ Myrtle replied. For all her previous concerns about such things, she quickly realized that Grace’s safety and well-being were all that mattered. ‘‘Possessions are wonderful, charming creatures, but certainly no more so than the love of a child. Our daughter needs our protection.’’
‘‘I cannot give it,’’ Hawkins replied sadly. He hung his head. ‘‘We cannot go back on our word in this matter. You must understand.’’
‘‘I do
not
understand!’’ Myrtle said, getting to her feet. ‘‘Your child is in danger for her very life.’’
‘‘Now, Mrs. Hawkins, you know very well that many men are given to slapping their wives. Granted, I do not approve the practice, but perhaps in time—’’
‘‘I cannot believe you would even suggest such a thing. I will not stand here and listen to another word. If you will not protect our child and speak to that brute, then I will.’’
Frederick jumped up from his desk and crossed the room rather quickly. His portly frame did nothing to keep him from beating Myrtle to the door. ‘‘I forbid it! Do not put yourself in the position of going against my wishes. You cannot speak to Paxton on this matter. Do you understand me? If you care one whit for our own vows, you must agree to obey me in this one thing.’’
Myrtle felt floored by his appeal. Nodding her agreement seemed her only recourse. She reached out to touch her husband’s face.
‘‘I know you are keeping something from me. I don’t know why. We used to be able to face anything together. You cared about my opinion at one time. I fail to understand why now you withhold your heart and instead interject your demands.’’
Frederick’s expression softened. ‘‘I do not seek to wound you, my dearest wife. But this is a matter that I must see through for myself. Our welfare is at stake, just as you suggested, but it would be even more so should you go to this man and try to arrange your own terms.’’
Myrtle nodded. ‘‘Very well, then. I won’t speak of it to Paxton. But what do you wish for me to tell Grace? I will have to tell her that I appealed to you for help in the matter. Short of leaving her to believe you without feeling or concern, what am I to say?’’
Frederick shook his head. ‘‘Tell her nothing. Say only that her father knows best.’’
The finality of her husband’s words whispered over and over in her head, but still Myrtle knew no peace with his decision. She thought to go back on her own promise and telephone immediately for Paxton to return to the house. But instead she wearily made her way down the long hall, past the staircase, and down the wing where her daughter’s suite could be found.
She paused at the door when she heard voices coming from the sitting room.
‘‘I know it’s just a matter of time before you marry some man,’’ the governess was saying. ‘‘I really must consider what I am to do with my life now.’’
‘‘But I want you to stay with me. Couldn’t you be my personal maid? Oh, not as a maid, but as a companion?’’ Grace questioned. ‘‘You are my best and dearest friend. I cannot stand the thought of losing you to the northern wilderness.’’
‘‘I would not be lost,’’ Karen replied with a laugh. ‘‘At least I hope I would not be lost. I would, hopefully, be allowed to live with my father and help with the missions work. My aunt Doris would probably want to go as well. She’s retired from teaching school now, and I know she worries about my father. If I leave Chicago, there would be no further reason for her to remain here.’’
‘‘But you’re talking of such a great distance. Thousands and thousands of miles. I could never just come for a visit and spend time with you.’’
‘‘Then why not come with me now?’’ Karen suggested. ‘‘I would never want to be one to encourage you to go against your parents’ wishes, but if what Paxton said in regard to ruining your father is true, then perhaps your father’s decisions will be less than soundly based. Perhaps we should take matters in our own hands—after all, you will not turn twenty-one until December. If we can but delay any true decision until that time, you will have more legal right to refuse such a marriage.’’
‘‘I believe your idea to have merit,’’ Myrtle Hawkins said, coming into the room.
Karen and Grace both revealed stunned expressions. They had no idea anyone was overhearing their discussion.
‘‘I apologize if my words seem out of line,’’ Karen said, meeting Myrtle’s fixed gaze. ‘‘I didn’t mean to overly influence Grace’s thinking, but rather seek to protect her.’’
‘‘I realize that, my dear. You are not to receive an upbraiding by me.’’ Myrtle looked to her daughter. ‘‘Would you like to consider accompanying Karen north?’’
Grace seemed even more shocked by this question. She was speechless for a moment, so Myrtle continued. ‘‘If your aunt would act as chaperone,’’ she told Karen, ‘‘I would be willing to consider the matter. We, of course, cannot say anything to Mr. Hawkins. He has his reasons for being fixed in his opinions, but I will agree with you—his thinking is less than rational in regard to whatever debt he owes Mr. Paxton.’’
‘‘I would like to go with Karen,’’ Grace finally replied. ‘‘I would do anything to keep from marrying Martin Paxton . . . even risk Father’s disassociation.’’
Myrtle nodded. ‘‘We may both have exactly that by the time this ordeal is completed.’’
AFTER A WEEK of feigning ill in order to allow the bruising on her cheek to heal, Grace was surprised when her mother suggested they go en masse and visit with Karen’s aunt Doris.
‘‘I’m certain the woman can help us to figure out what should be done,’’ Myrtle said rather conspiratorially.
‘‘But, Mother,’’ Grace said as she adjusted her walking-out bonnet, ‘‘what would Father say if he knew you were doing this? I don’t wish to come between you two. If Karen and I arrange this on our own, you can honestly say that you had no knowledge of the circumstances.’’
Myrtle looked at her daughter with such sorrow that Grace nearly broke into tears. It wasn’t like her mother to have fears and regrets. Until now her mother’s only concerns had been their social status, and this sudden change in her left Grace confused.
‘‘I’ve been dealing with my heart, Grace. I know how consumed I’ve been by things that are unimportant.’’ She reached out and lovingly touched her grown daughter’s face. ‘‘I suppose seeing the way Mr. Paxton hurt you opened my eyes— rather like having the scales fall off. I think I was like the blind man in the Bible. Remember when the pastor spoke about the man whom Jesus touched? At first he only saw people as trees. Oh, God forgive me, but I think that is how I have been these long years.’’
‘‘No, Mother, you only did what you thought right. You wanted us to have good things.’’
Her mother nodded. ‘‘Yes, but I sacrificed a good relationship with you. We could have been great friends. Instead, Karen knows you better than I do.’’ She glanced to the governess and smiled. ‘‘How grateful I am that God sent you into our lives, Karen. I know He realized exactly what Grace needed. A big sister and mother all rolled into one. I’m glad she loves you so.’’
Grace reached out and embraced her mother. The tears were no longer held back. ‘‘But I love you as well.’’
Her mother held her tightly for several moments. ‘‘I know,’’ she whispered. ‘‘I love you too. I love you enough to take you away from this situation until I can find out what is causing your father such a lapse in good judgment.’’
Hours later Grace found herself seated between Karen and her mother, while Doris Pierce, a rather severe-looking spinster, considered their plight.
‘‘I do agree it’s well past time to do something about Wilmont. I cannot abide that he should be among the tribes of the frozen north and not know whether he lives or has gone on to glory.’’
‘‘I suggest that we might go north to Skagway, Aunt Doris,’’ Karen began. ‘‘The situation is most urgent, and I fear that my father might very well need me.’’
‘‘He may need us both, child. There is much to be done among primitive peoples.’’ She smiled, suddenly breaking the look of sternness, ‘‘And much to be done with the Indians as well.’’ She laughed at this, but it puzzled Grace as to what she was talking about.
‘‘I’ve heard tell that more and more folks are headed up that way. Fur trapping, outlaw dealings, gold . . . You know, it’s enough to cause a man to kill.’’ She sobered. ‘‘I suppose that would be my biggest concern. How can I possibly agree to take two young women into the unknown with nothing more than myself and my trusty Winchester for protection?’’
‘‘I’m hardly one to be worried over, Aunt,’’ Karen replied. ‘‘And we’ll be careful with Grace—we’ll dress her in unattractive clothes, bind her hair, and keep her head covered. As you have always told me, there is much a woman can do to refrain from bringing herself undo attention.’’
‘‘Oh goodness, yes,’’ Doris Pierce replied. ‘‘Why, we could even dress in breeches if the notion took us.’’ She laughed again and to Grace she seemed such a mixture of contrasting personalities. One minute she was stern and severe, relating nothing but the worst of agendas. The next, she was laughing and making humorous statements—downplaying the dangers.
‘‘The situation is most grievous to me,’’ Myrtle suddenly offered. ‘‘I worry that should Grace remain anywhere in close proximity, Mr. Paxton and her father would simply find her and bring her back to face a fate worse than death.’’
‘‘Well,’’ Doris answered, ‘‘death is very much a reality up north. Alaska killed my sister-in-law. It could well do the same to your child.’’
Myrtle nodded and seemed to contemplate the words. Grace felt as if she weren’t even in the room. They didn’t need her in order to continue the conversation.
‘‘Perhaps better to die at the hands of God’s creation than at the hands of a cruel man,’’ Myrtle finally replied. She reached out and squeezed Grace’s hand. ‘‘I feel confident that despite the defiance of my husband’s wishes, this is exactly the right thing to do. I cannot hope for you to understand, but I feel very much as if I am saving Grace’s life.’’
Grace felt her pulse quicken. She’d never heard her mother speak in such a fashion. Did her mother know something more than what she’d revealed? True, Paxton had cruelly hit her, but Grace hardly saw that as a suggestion of deadly intent. Still, she knew a growing worry that Paxton would hurt her in many ways beyond just the physical. She didn’t want to be wife to him, neither did she want to see her father ruined.
‘‘What about Father?’’ she questioned.
All three women turned to look at her rather intently. Grace felt the need to explain. ‘‘What will Mr. Paxton do to him?’’
‘‘Your father owes Mr. Paxton money,’’ Myrtle Hawkins replied. ‘‘I feel there is surely more to it than that, but if there is, he will not tell me. Part of my penance for this situation will be that I sell whatever is necessary for him to meet his debt to Paxton.’’
‘‘No!’’ Grace exclaimed. ‘‘I won’t allow you to suffer on my behalf.’’
‘‘Grace, should I allow you to marry Mr. Paxton, I will suffer dearly on your behalf.’’
‘‘Well, it sounds as if we have no choice,’’ Doris interjected.
‘‘We can make our way within a fortnight. We’ll take the train to Seattle, where Karen’s oldest sister lives with her husband and family. From there, we will secure passage on a steamer and go north to Skagway.’’
‘‘You will need money,’’ Myrtle declared. ‘‘I will provide enough to help with the journey for all three of you. I know it is the only way to keep Grace safe. Once Mr. Paxton and Frederick realize she has gone, I’m certain my husband will do whatever it takes to locate her. It could very well be possible that Mr. Paxton will initiate his own search.’’
‘‘If he is as determined as you suggest, what is to keep him from hiring someone to follow you and Grace even now?’’ Doris questioned.
Myrtle looked to Grace and then to Karen. ‘‘After encountering Mr. Paxton’s threats, it is very possible. I hadn’t even considered it. We should take every precaution.’’
‘‘Well, for all purposes, Mrs. Hawkins, this looks to be nothing more than a social visit. We have gone together to visit your friends on many occasions. This will look like nothing more than that,’’ Karen suggested.
Grace nodded, seeing how pale her mother had become. ‘‘Yes, I agree. We need to concern ourselves more with how to escape when the time comes to leave for good.’’
‘‘Perhaps we can work on ways to throw this Mr. Paxton off the trail,’’ Doris said, strumming her fingers lightly on the armrest of her chair. ‘‘I do believe there are some rather capable theater students who live just two blocks down. They were once students of mine when I taught secondary classes. I just might enlist their help. Perhaps we could have them pose as Karen and Grace and send them in one direction, while the girls join me to head in the other.’’
‘‘Do you think we stand a chance of making it work?’’ Myrtle asked quite seriously.
Doris smiled. ‘‘I have a reputation for making the impossible work. With God, all things are possible.’’
Karen laughed aloud at this. ‘‘And with Aunt Doris, God has extra help to see matters to completion.’’
‘‘Then can we count on you to aid us in our hour of need?’’ Myrtle asked hopefully.
