“I don’t know if I can do this,” she whispered.
He watched her with steadfast love, softly tracing her cheeks and the errant tears that trickled from her eyes.
She took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. “I can, if you are beside me.”
“Always, my love.” He brushed a wisp of hair behind her ear and then clasped her hand, entering the room together. They sat near their children, and Gabriel gave them kisses on their heads before he sat down.
The meal consisted of roast beef, peas swimming in butter, steaming rolls, a casserole of creamed potatoes, raw carrots—because Rory hated them cooked—and creamed corn.
Clarissa took small portions of food, having little appetite. She smiled her encouragement to Myrtle and Geraldine, eating more as an example. Billy posed no concern as he ate two portions’ worth of food.
“Do you think Montana women will be successful next year in finally obtaining the vote?” Ronan asked. He earned a nod of approval from Gabriel, as it was a topic of conversation that would engage Clarissa’s interest.
“We will if men have any sense and support us,” Savannah retorted, earning a chuckle from Mr. A.J.
“Ye’ve my vote,” he said with a grin. “I want my Missy to vote.”
“I think convincing the men at this table isn’t the concern. It’s the rest of the Montana men,” Clarissa said with a smile, thankful the topic wasn’t Rory.
“I’m surprised you’re so fervently for suffrage,” Hester said. It was as though everyone in the room froze, even the children.
“What do ye mean, Pester?” A.J. asked. “’Course we are.”
“I’m uncertain it is the best course for women. It seems a radicalization, similar to what the IWW espouses.”
Clarissa sputtered, unable to speak through her indignation.
Savannah laughed. “You are full of surprises, Miss Loken. To compare our upcoming suffrage campaign to the progressive radicals.”
“When you read what the suffragettes are doing in England, I don’t believe it is too great a leap to be concerned about your methods,” Hester said.
“Well, first of all, no suffragist in the United States has ever espoused their English counterpart’s violent tactics.” Clarissa held up a hand to forestall Hester from interrupting her. “I know, as well as you, that Alice Paul learned their tactics and likely met the Pankhursts. However, she is a Quaker. I highly doubt she’ll become violent and turn her back on her nonviolent antecedents.” Clarissa took in a deep breath to calm her rising anger. “Do you believe that women should forever be denied the right to determine their own futures? That women should forever be dependent on men, hoping that they will remain benevolent and espouse causes that are important to women?”
“I merely believe you have no idea how the simple act of voting will alter our society.”
“Alter it!” Jeremy roared, slamming his hand onto the table. “If it means that a man can no longer treat his wife as my Savannah was treated, then I will support it. If it means that I will know my Melinda will be protected under laws that are meant to protect all, not just men, then I will support it. If it means that my granddaughters have a future where they can choose what they want, independent of the need to marry due to economic gain, I will support it,” Jeremy said.
“We already do much more than we did in the past,” Hester argued.
“Do you think, if men had to work in the same conditions that women do, that the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory tragedy in New York City two years ago would have happened?” Savannah argued. “That doors would have been barred and escape routes locked shut so that women were left to either jump or burn to their deaths?”
“The men in power aren’t voting to change our reality,” Clarissa said. “Look how Congress failed to act, even after hundreds of women were brutally attacked in our march. We need to have a voice. Right now we don’t have one.”
“And the voice you have is seen as radical and discredited due to that,” Ronan said.
“Exactly,” Clarissa said.
Hester leaned against her chair, and Clarissa saw her quiver. “Forgive us, Hester. We’re forceful in our beliefs,” Clarissa said, then frowned when she found Hester’s eyes filled with sorrow and tears.
“You don’t know what it is to have your family torn apart by strife.” She rose, fleeing the room, and they heard the front door slam shut.
Colin jumped up and ran after her, calling her name as he opened the front door. He reentered the dining room with a shake of his head. “I wasn’t fast enough to catch her. Seems she was determined to escape to her home.”
Clarissa glanced around the dining room table, staring at her family. “Mr. Pickens? You invited her and know her best. What was that all about?”
“Don’t know, Missy. She’s alone in this world, no family that I know of.” He shook his head, clamping his jaw as though chomping on his pipe.
“She might choose to spend less time with us,” Colin said. He frowned as he glanced first at Patrick before watching Araminta. “Which would be unfair. I was reminded recently that I don’t know what it is to be alone in this world. I’d like to think she would no longer have to feel such abject loneliness.”
Patrick nodded his agreement. “You should visit her soon, Rissa, and ensure she understands that she is welcome among you.”
Clarissa nodded. “I will. I promise.”
Patrick smiled at Savannah. “When does Lucas arrive? I thought it was today.”
“He was delayed. He should be here tomorrow,” Savannah said, unable to hide her joy at the thought of her brother coming to Missoula for the first time.
“Here’s to family reunions,” Jeremy said. “It’s been far too long since the cousins have all been together.” The room filled with a resounding chorus of cheers as they clinked glasses.
18
A warm wind blew on the late October afternoon as Gabriel and his family walked the short distance to Jeremy and Savannah’s house. Gabriel held Billy’s hand as Clarissa gripped their daughters’ hands, playing games with the shadows and cracks in the sidewalk, jumping and hopping and shrieking their joy.
“I’m glad Lucas chose to visit us now,” Gabriel said. “He’s fortunate we’re having a warm spell rather than early snow.”
“With Patrick here too,” Clarissa said, unable to hide her joy, “it will be the first time we’re all together in almost fourteen years.”
Gabriel grunted as he picked up Billy and transferred him to his other arm, tickling him as he moved him. He smiled at his son’s giggles. “Why would a friend of his visit now from Butte?”
“Colin mentioned something about it being his boss, and he wasn’t given a choice.” Clarissa shared a long look with Gabriel. “We’ll be gracious and welcoming as usual.”
Gabriel smiled and winked his agreement.
After saying their hellos to Araminta and freeing their children to play with Melly in a small room set up solely for them, they moved into the living room. Clarissa and Gabriel turned toward the doorway at the loud footsteps.
“Lucas!” Clarissa shrieked, throwing herself in his arms.
He lifted her up and then swayed side to side with her.
“It’s wonderful to have you in Missoula at last.”
“I can’t believe it’s been six months since I saw you in Butte,” he said. He set her down and stared deeply into her eyes. “You look better, Rissa.”
She smiled and squeezed his arm. “I am.”
Lucas nodded and reached forward to clasp Gabriel’s hand and then clapped him on one shoulder with his free hand. “I’m sorry to have missed yesterday’s gathering. A problem with the train delayed me in Spokane.”
Clarissa waved away his apology, content he’d finally arrived.
“I would have thought you’d be busy this time of year,” Gabriel said as he smiled his thanks to Araminta when she handed out glasses of apple cider. “Why did you travel here now?”
�
�Thankfully I’m always busy if I desire to be. However, I wanted to be here for you and Rissa. It was important to me to be here this fall.” He ran a hand down Clarissa’s arm. “Don’t worry though. I’ll be back. Sav mentioned a fund-raiser for the vote sometime next year, so I’m sure I’ll return to help raise money.”
“Thank you for wanting to be with us. My Uncle and Aunt were unable to prolong their stay with us and had to start their return journey to Boston last week,” Gabriel said. “Fall can be a fickle time to visit. You should plan to come in the summer and take time off from touring. This would be a good place for you to compose. There wouldn’t be as many distractions for you.” He settled on the settee with Clarissa next to him, his arm over her shoulder.
Lucas smiled his agreement, turning expectantly to the door as footsteps were heard behind him.
“How are things in Boston?” Clarissa asked, smiling a hello to Savannah and Jeremy who entered the living room.
“My music is going well. I’ve given quite a few successful performances.” Lucas took a sip of his coffee.
“That wasn’t what I meant, and you know it,” Clarissa said with a frown. “How are Aunt Matilda and Uncle Martin?”
Lucas grimaced. “Father is well. He’s considering selling the shop as he has no children who are interested in running it. I think he dreams of a life where his time is not dictated by the shop nor the current fashions and cut of cloth.”
Clarissa waited a moment, but he remained quiet. “And Aunt Matilda?”
“Remains as she ever was.” Lucas attempted a smile, which emerged regretful and tinged with bitterness. “I’m a disappointment because I refuse to take the mantle of shopkeeping from my father. I waste my life, tinkering away with music, loitering with those of questionable antecedents.”
“Oh, Lucas,” Clarissa said, reaching forward to grasp his hand.
“It’s of no consequence.” He smiled fully. “I’ve discovered what joy there is in doing what I love.”
Clarissa settled more comfortably on the settee with Gabriel as Araminta entered the room to join them. She sat for a moment before pacing to the front window. “It’s not like Colin to be late,” Araminta said.
“Minta, he’s fine. He probably was busy with a last-minute item at the shop,” Gabriel said.
She nodded and moved into the room to refill their glasses. Lucas watched her intently, and Clarissa shook her head at the question in his eyes.
In a moment, Colin burst through the front door, his laughter infectious as he motioned for the men with him to enter the living room. “Sorry we’re late,” Colin said. “It took me longer to finish a project than usual at the shop.” He scooped up Billy, who’d run for the door at the entrance of his uncle, swinging him high over his head and earning a giggle as he tickled his belly. “What’s for dinner?” He winked at Araminta’s exasperated expression at his concern for dinner and his stomach.
He stopped short as Gabriel, who had risen at his entrance, and Jeremy stood side by side, their shoulders back and posture rigid. They wore impenetrable expressions, making it impossible to discern their feelings. “Jer? Gabe?” Colin asked in confusion as he studied the room, setting Billy down to run to play with his sisters and cousin. “I know I’m late, but that shouldn’t make you this upset.”
“Why are you here?” Gabriel asked in a glacial tone that evoked a shiver in Clarissa. He glared at the man past Colin’s shoulder.
Clarissa forced herself to face Patrick’s guest, and she squinted as though trying to place the memory of him. She rose and walked toward Gabriel, clasping his hand. “Gabe?” She hadn’t seen him like this since Cameron.
“Dammit, why are you here?” Gabriel demanded again, anger now lacing his tone.
“I was invited,” the brown-haired man with pale brown eyes said. His voice held a hint of upper-crust Boston.
“We met him in Butte, at Lucas’s concert in April,” Clarissa said to diffuse the tension. “It’s nice to see you again, Mr. Sanders.” She laid a hand on Gabriel’s arm, but, rather than soothing him, he appeared more tightly strung by her words.
“You’ve met him? You and Savannah?” Gabriel asked.
Clarissa frowned as he looked at her with a hint of betrayal. Clarissa nodded.
Gabriel and Jeremy stiffened, as though readying for battle.
“Did you think it a game, toying with our wives who didn’t know who you were?” Jeremy asked. He clenched and unclenched his hands, either preparing for a fight or attempting to relax himself.
Patrick looked from his boss to his brothers-in-law in confusion. “I know this isn’t the ideal time for a visit from someone who isn’t family, but I know I spoke with you about my boss visiting Missoula and his desire to meet my family. I’d hoped you’d welcome him as you do all guests.”
“You think he’s not family?” Gabriel asked, shaking his head in bitter wonder and disillusionment. “He’s more family to me than you are.”
Savannah edged away from the group and stood next to Lucas against the wall near the dining room door. Lucas clasped her hand, although it failed to soothe the subtle trembling coursing through her. “Who are you? Why are you upsetting our husbands?” she asked.
Their guest brushed a hand down his finely tailored brown suit. “Imagine my surprise when I realized Patrick Sullivan was related to the likes of you.” His eyes glowed with a mixture of triumph and animosity as he looked at Gabriel. “Cousin.”
Clarissa gasped as her racing memory finally placed him. “You. You from the coffee shop all those years ago.”
“Yes, all those years ago. I can see I was correct in his fascination with you. I’m just surprised he was content to accept damaged goods.” He grinned as his barb hit its mark, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction as she flinched.
Gabriel growled and leapt forward, only held back by Jeremy and Colin from landing a crushing blow.
Patrick stood watching the milieu with frowning confusion.
“You’ve filled out some,” Jeremy hissed. “You were a scrawny bastard, barely able to stand without your mother’s support the last time I saw you.”
“Ah, the war veteran who nearly went mad. Terrible to see they didn’t have the common decency to put you down like the rabid animal you are to save us from your presence.”
Jeremy released Gabriel and clenched his fist. He moved toward Samuel, only stopping when he saw Savannah flinch from the corner of his eye. He stilled, holding himself rigid, his green eyes lit with a virulent hatred.
“How fitting the man who fought in the war butchering innocents has married a murderess. I wonder how you sleep at night,” Samuel said. His smile broadened as he watched Savannah shake next to Lucas.
However, it didn’t take long for Savannah to find her resolve as she firmed her shoulders and moved from the wall. “I’ve survived worse than mean-spirited words from a man who hides behind his own false sense of importance.” Although she fought subtle trembling, she no longer cowered in the corner.
Mr. Sanders’s appreciative gaze roamed over her before homing in on Gabriel. “I was informed these few days were to be days of remembrance. For the son you cared so little about, you let him die. Pity you couldn’t have died with him.”
Clarissa gasped. “You vile, hateful man. You have no right to speak to my husband in such a manner.” She reached forward and slapped him hard across his face.
His head jerked to the side, but his hand reached up reflexively and clasped her wrist. He gripped it until he saw her eyes fill with trepidation. “That was very foolish,” he said.
Clarissa stomped on his foot with the heel of her shoe, smiling with satisfaction at his grunt of pain as he released her. She massaged her wrist, backing away from him toward Gabriel.
“Enough!” Colin roared, grunting with exertion as he held onto Gabriel, still straining to leap at the man. He watched as Patrick held back Jeremy. “Who are you and why are you acting like this to men I consider brothers? To my sister an
d cousin?”
“I’m Henry Masterson. Their cousin,” he said with a touch of triumph as he pointed at Jeremy and Gabriel. “Imagine the joy I’ll have in writing mother that I’ve discovered the McLeod brothers living such inconsequential lives in this backwater town with their second-rate wives. She’ll be delighted.”
“How could you?” Clarissa asked, glaring at Patrick as she stroked a hand down Gabriel’s back to soothe him, his muscles rippling as he fought against Colin’s hold. “How could you bring him here?”
“I had no idea,” Patrick said, staring with dawning horror at the man he’d known as Samuel Sanders.
“You remember her, Mrs. Masterson, from that horrible day when Gabriel was forced away from me.” Clarissa stared at her brother with a deep disappointment.
“Of course I do,” Patrick said, shock replacing confusion. “But he calls himself Samuel Sanders. He’s my boss. He was my friend.”
“You’d lie about your identity?” Jeremy growled, rolling his shoulders to free himself from Patrick’s hold.
“When you survive a financial crash like I did in ’07, it is frequently beneficial to reinvent oneself. Even in such a minor way. For who would take advice from Henry Masterson, the man who lost millions?” He smiled. “But Samuel Sanders, there’s a man who can be trusted.”
“You snake,” Gabriel rasped.
“No, I’m like the phoenix, able to rise again,” he murmured as he strolled toward Araminta, standing as though transfixed in the corner as she watched the scene unfold.
She hastened away from him, her limp more obvious due to her rush to evade him, moving to stand beside Colin.
“It seems all the men in this pathetic family have a penchant for those considered second-best, if that.”
“This is my house, and you are not welcome in it. You will never be welcomed here,” Jeremy said in a low voice.
“You are no longer welcome at my home, either,” Colin said, aligning himself with Jeremy and Gabriel. “You will need to find some other lodging for your stay.”
Henry turned a speculative glance at Patrick. “I would think you’d reconsider any such hasty actions, as I’d hate for it to have negative repercussions on your dear Patrick. His position is quite precarious, dependent upon my generosity.”
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