As she rounded the corner of the house, she spotted a carriage that wasn’t theirs parked near the front door. She stopped in her tracks, then rushed to hide behind the salmonberry bushes. Surely, they didn’t have important visitors today? With a sigh, she peeked around the bush. No one seemed to be around.
She scurried to the side door.
“Madysen?”
Judas Reynolds’s shocked voice made her freeze.
Whit’s motherly tone was next. “What on earth happened to you?”
She didn’t dare look, just blurted out, “Sheep . . . manure . . . pond . . .” What was wrong with her? She couldn’t even string a sentence together.
Havyn came out the door at that very moment. Her eyes widened.
Madysen held up a hand. “Not a word. Please. I need a bath.”
“Of course.” Havyn kept her voice low and looked over Madysen’s shoulder. “We’ll meet you all in the parlor a little later.”
“That would be lovely.”
A voice she didn’t recognize.
Great. How many people were there to see her in this condition? Heat crept up her neck. She walked with her sister to the bathroom. “Do I even want to know who is here?”
“Judas brought Mr. Merrick out this morning. Apparently, the man was quite taken with our performance and, after meeting us, wanted to get to know us better.” Havyn started to fill the large tub with the pump and then set water on the stove in the corner to boil.
Madysen couldn’t have been more thankful that Granddad built this room especially for bathing. With four women in the house, it’d been imperative. Or so he said. She would never again take for granted the fact that she could so easily take a bath.
“While the timing of their arrival wasn’t the greatest, I had to at least offer refreshments, so I came in to fix tea and sandwiches. But Whitney stayed outside with them to show them around.” Havyn made a face. “Albeit reluctantly. You know how she gets when she’s focused on her dogs. But it was Judas, and she seems to have a soft spot for him.”
Madysen swiped a hand down her face. “I can’t believe they saw me like this. I’m so embarrassed.”
“Want to tell me what happened?”
“Not particularly. Maybe later. I’ll just say that you should be thankful you are in charge of chickens.”
“Hey, I helped you steal those sheep.” Her older sister winked as she poured steaming water into the tub.
Madysen pulled a face at her. “It wasn’t stealing. I prefer to think of it as saving their lives.”
They shared a look, and Madysen couldn’t resist laughing.
Havyn covered her nose and mouth. “You smell atrocious. Let’s get you in that tub.”
“I know. I can’t tell you how many times I gagged. But please, hurry. Help me get cleaned up.”
After more than an hour of soaking, scrubbing, and dousing herself with perfume, Madysen at least felt a little cleaner. But the smell seemed to be stuck in her nose.
“We better get to the parlor. You know Whit is not one to socialize for very long.” Havyn tugged her arm.
“All right. Can you still smell it?”
“No. We drenched you in rose water, so there’s no chance of that.”
“I wish I could smell the rose water, but it still smells like there’s manure up my nose.” She scrunched up her face.
Havyn took several steps ahead of her and entered the parlor. Madysen followed and took inventory of the room. Her brother-in-law sat with their guests, but Whit was nowhere to be seen. She must have had her fill of small talk.
“John, I’m so glad you could spend some time with our guests.” Havyn was back in hostess mode. Which was good because Madysen was weary from the struggle in the pit and the cleaning process.
“Of course. Whitney needed to get back to her dogs, so I took over the tour from there.” He smiled at the men.
John really was wonderful. Not just for Havyn either. He was amazing with Granddad and taking care of the farm. Madysen couldn’t have asked for a better husband for her sister. “Hello, everyone.” She lifted her chin and walked over to the men. “I apologize for my earlier appearance. There was an issue with my sheep.” Hopefully that explanation would suffice.
Mr. Merrick made a beeline for her. He stopped in front of her, grabbed her hand, and kissed it. “It is such a pleasure to see you again, Miss Powell.”
“It’s . . . ah . . . nice to see you too.” She’d never been greeted in such a manner. The feel of his lips on her hand, the way he looked at her . . .
It made her feel fluttery.
Judas took his seat, leaned back in his chair, and crossed his legs. “Buddy here wanted a chance to tell you once again how much he enjoyed your performance. So as a friend of the family, I told him I could oblige. I hope that didn’t put you in too much of a bind.”
“Not at all.” Havyn took a seat next to her husband. “We’re glad that you were able to come visit us.”
Madysen took a seat as well and studied Mr. Merrick. He was a handsome man, even if he was a good deal older. She could still feel the kiss on the back of her hand, and it made her heart pick up a beat.
Mr. Merrick sat again and perched on the edge of his seat. “I have to say, Mr. Reynolds was gracious to bring me out here, but I had an ulterior motive. You three are the most talented group of musicians I’ve ever had the opportunity to hear. And I can tell you that I’ve heard my fair share of fine performers. You could make a fortune if you came with me to the States to perform.”
“Mr. Merrick, that is a high compliment.” Havyn smiled at their guest. “But our home is here. Besides, we aren’t performing to make money. We love it and love to help our friend Mr. Norris. He was there for us when times were challenging. That’s what neighbors do, they help each other out.”
Mr. Merrick put a hand to his chest. “I completely understand your loyalty and love your generous hearts, but I don’t think you understand the type of opportunity I’m offering here.”
The smile on Havyn’s face looked a bit more forced. “Oh, I think we understand. Again, it is a wonderful offer, but we aren’t interested. We could never leave Alaska or our grandfather.”
Madysen couldn’t believe her ears and watched the two volley words at each other, each getting a bit more intense as time went on. What was wrong with her sister? Didn’t she grasp what an honor this was?
Enough. “Would it have to be all three of us?”
“What?” The shocked look on Havyn’s face scared Madysen for a moment. Then she looked at Mr. Merrick.
“Of course not. Although the three of you together are incredible, even just one of you could become the next great star of the stage.” His grin widened. “Bigger than Jenny Lind or Evangeline Florence.”
“Madysen Powell!” Havyn switched into mother-hen mode. “You are not going to go traipsing around the country with a show that’s filled with half-dressed women and a juggler! What about Granddad? And your responsibilities here? And your family? You must be joking.”
Joking, was she? Wasn’t it enough that her sisters bossed her around? She would not put up with them trying to take on the role of their mother. Especially since Mama had been so supportive and encouraging of their music. What was Havyn thinking to embarrass her in front of their guest? A man, no less, who was offering her a dream come true.
She lifted her chin and gave her sister a pointed look. “Let’s not insult Mr. Merrick. And please remember that I’m twenty-one years old and can do whatever I want.” The second the words left her mouth, she realized how childish they sounded.
“Madysen!” Now John looked shocked.
She cringed. Had she gone too far?
The bell rang from Granddad’s room.
Havyn stared at Madysen for a moment. “I better go check on him. We’ll talk about this later. Privately.”
Why did her sister have to make such a big deal out of this?
Judas turned to John. “I’d really like to hear about the che
ese making you will be doing with the sheep. It sounds fascinating.”
John looked at Madysen. Then back to their guest. Several seconds passed, as if he was debating within himself about which conversation to address. “Of course, what would you like to know?”
Madysen let out her breath and glanced at Mr. Merrick. Would he think less of her because of what Havyn said?
He moved to a chair closer to her. “I would give you a contract on the spot if you agreed to join me.” His words were hushed and calm.
Her hand flew to her throat. “Mr. Merrick, while that’s very flattering, I’d need some time to think and pray on it. I just wanted you to know that I might be interested.”
“Then why don’t you tell me more about yourself?”
“I will, but I’d like to know exactly what you’re suggesting. I’m not willing to run around in my undergarments like those chorus girls.”
“Of course not.” He gave a shudder. “I would never suggest such a thing. Have you ever seen women singers perform?”
“Not exactly.”
“Well, it would be quite sophisticated. You would wear Worth gowns of considerable fortune. Surely you’ve heard of Worth?”
She tried to contain her giddiness and not sound like a child. “Everyone’s heard of Worth.”
“Since Mr. Worth’s passing in 1895, his sons have taken charge, and in many ways, I believe they have improved the line.” Mr. Merrick smiled. “But just imagine it. You gowned in Worth—I’m envisioning a lavender silk creation with a beautiful hat of tulle and feathers—perhaps tiny roses. Or maybe you’d wear a tiara in your hair, which would be beautifully arranged. You’d have long, white gloves and jewelry—diamonds and pearls.”
Madysen closed her eyes and did indeed imagine it. Wouldn’t it be a wonder to dress in such a fashion? “It’s a lovely picture to be sure, but I can’t very well play the cello with gloves.”
“You are right, of course, my dear. The gloves could be removed for that portion of the program. Anyway, as I was saying, you would glide onto the stage, where an audience of thousands waited to pay you homage. The orchestra would start up, and you would begin to sing an aria that would leave them all in awe. Then after another number or two, you’d play your cello. The audience would go wild.”
Madysen could see it clearly. Hadn’t she dreamed it a thousand times? So what if she was usually with her sisters in those imagined performances? She had a good enough voice to sing solo and had done so on more than one occasion.
She opened her eyes and met his gaze.
His expression turned soft. Almost . . . intimate. “I’m quite good at figuring these things, Miss Powell. I believe you would be an overnight sensation, and I’m quite willing to put up the money to make that happen.”
This man—this handsome and wealthy man—actually believed in her. In her talent. It did funny things to her. “You would do that for me?”
“It’s my job to find talent and introduce it to the world.”
She took a calming breath. She needed to be level-headed about all this. Ask good questions. As if she’d thought it through already. “Where would I perform?”
“Where wouldn’t you perform?” He chuckled. “Miss Powell, I don’t think you fully understand. I’ve traveled the world, and as I go about my business, men and women always approach me to be discovered. Some are quite good. Others should reserve their singing for Sunday services—or worse still, the outhouse.”
Madysen put her hand to her mouth, and he laughed again. “You are such a sweet dear. But as I was saying, I know this business well, and I know true talent when I hear it. You and your sisters are quite amazing. I could give you an incredible career. You would make thousands upon thousands of dollars.”
While the thought of fame and fortune was enticing, Mama’s face took over her memory. “The money isn’t nearly as important as being able to travel and use my music to honor our mother. She’s the one who developed our gifts. She gave us each a quality education in music, and I want the world to know it.”
“See there, you’ve already made my job easier. I’ll be able to advertise you as ‘Mother’s Little Darling,’ the girl who learned at her mother’s knee only to lose her tragically at a young age.”
She held up a hand. “Let’s not lie, Mr. Merrick. She passed away only this summer.”
“It’s not a lie. I wouldn’t stoop to such things. You are still quite young. People will be moved by that kind of thing, for everyone has a mother.”
Madysen considered his words. He seemed like an honest man. Genuine in his love of music. “It’s quite a lot to consider.”
“Well, please do. I would love for you to come with us when we leave Alaska.” He beamed her a smile. “Now, tell me more about your life here.”
They sat and chatted for the good part of a quarter of an hour while John and Judas talked about cheese. How incredible to have a man show such attention to her. And he was a gentleman. He held her gaze and paid her compliments. The more they talked, the more impressive he became.
“I know this might seem silly.” His voice had lowered again, and he darted a quick glance at the other men. “But you have completely mesmerized me. I think I’ve quite lost my heart to you.”
“Mr. Merrick . . . I . . . I . . .” Had he really just said what she thought he said?
He reached over and patted her hand. “If I can feel this way, then I know thousands of others will feel the same. I would give up all the others in my show if you would come with me. I could make you a star.”
A blush rose up in her cheeks. Could he?
“Mr. Merrick, are you ready?” Judas stood with John over by the door.
“Yes. Thank you.” Mr. Merrick got to his feet and nodded at Madysen. “It was lovely. Until next time.”
“Yes.” Flustered was too tame a word for how she felt at the moment. Before she could say anything else, their two guests left.
John stared at her, his brow crinkled and eyes concerned. Was he worried about her still?
No matter. It had been a lovely afternoon. Buddy Merrick had made her feel alive and cherished. And she liked it.
TWELVE
Judas strolled over to the new doctor’s office. All of the other docs were in his pocket. He just needed to get this one on board with how things were done in Nome. A couple of the docs did their best to avoid Judas, but they couldn’t very well do that since his freighting service was the only reliable one. Of course, that was because he’d bought off anyone else who tried to start a freighting business. But that was beside the point.
Judas approached just as the new man was hanging a shingle outside his door. He raised his voice to be heard above the din. “Good evening, Dr. Cameron.” Nome’s streets were always chaotic nowadays. Day and night.
The man stepped down from a ladder. “Good evening to you as well. How may I help you?”
“Judas Reynolds.” He stuck out his hand.
“Ah yes. The owner of the shipping company. I’ve heard lots about you. I’m Dr. Peter Cameron.” The man offered a smile. Seemed genuine enough. “Would you like to join me inside?”
“Thank you.” He followed the doctor into the small building that had once been that sniveling Herbert Winthrop’s office. It really was too bad that a patient’s father had shot the man dead in the street. But it saved Judas from having to clean up the mess the man had made. “I wanted to offer you a catalogue of medicines and supplies that I can provide you. You’ll find that I choose the best to ensure we are well taken care of here in our fine city.” Judas held out the catalogue. He studied the man. Perhaps Cameron could take over pawning the fake medicines. He looked trustworthy enough—and those were the best kind for con men.
But the doc didn’t take it. He glanced down and looked back to Judas with a nod. “While I greatly appreciate the offer, Mr. Reynolds, I brought all the equipment that I needed with me. And I won’t be using a lot of stock medicines. I’m a naturalist and have found her
bs to be much more useful in curing my patients over time.”
Maybe the man was testing him. Surely he wouldn’t say no so quickly. “Oh, then perhaps I can provide you with a catalogue for the items you desire. I’ll just need to contact my suppliers.”
“Again, thank you very much, but I’ve already connected with Mr. Beaufort at the mercantile, as well as the natives in the nearby village. I will acquire herbs and other items through them. And I’ll have a hothouse where I will be able to grow almost everything I need.” He pointed to the crates in the corner. “As you can see, I have enough to get me through this next year, but I’m much obliged to you for coming by. It was nice to meet you.” The doctor shook his hand again. “Should you ever need my skills, I would be proud to act as your doctor.” He held out a hand, showing Judas the door.
Dismissed. Just like that. Not what he was accustomed to.
“That’s quite kind.” He pasted on a smile and changed his tone so it was tinged with warning. “I think you’ll find that I’m a good man to call friend.” The doctor needed to learn the chain of command.
“I believe it’s good to call all men friends until they prove otherwise.” Cameron walked Judas to the door this time. His actions making an emphatic statement. “Good evening, Mr. Reynolds.”
“Good evening.” So the man thought he could tell Judas no and be done with it. That wasn’t how things worked around here. The good doctor just needed some coaxing to get into Judas’s corner. If he knew what was good for him, he wouldn’t take too long.
Never mind. The new doctor could wait. There were more pressing matters on his mind. Like what he was going to do about the Bundrant farm.
The visit today hadn’t born any fruit, sadly. While he pretended the visit was about showing Merrick the farm, his real objective had been to check things out for himself. How had Roselli come in with all that gold and paid off the debts? He would have preferred the family stay beholden to him. Like almost every other person in Nome.
Did Chuck have that much gold lying around? Or were they finding more? Perhaps on Chuck’s large acreage?
He’d teased John when he’d brought in the bag and asked if he’d been panning for gold. But the young man had simply laughed. “When would we have time for that?”
Endless Mercy Page 11
