Whispers of Winter

by Tracie Peterson

  Leah loved to hear news—especially from loved ones far away. “I wish I could hear something from Last Chance. I probably won’t know how anyone is doing until spring, however. You know how impossible it is to send mail across the interior.”

  “Yes. There were so many times I would have loved to have sent you letters and packages during the long winter.”

  “Me too,” Leah said, easily remembering the isolation.

  “So how is Grace?” Grace had once been Karen’s charge when they both lived in Chicago. Karen had loved being a governess to the wealthy girl. They’d both come north to Alaska when Grace had been determined to escape an arranged marriage. Then while in Alaska, Grace and Karen had both found true love and married. Karen had stayed, but Grace had gone to San Francisco to live with her husband and his family.

  “They’re all very well. Grace is worried because her son talks continually about joining the army to fight in Europe.

  Grace is heartsick over the thought that he might sneak off in the night and do something rash.”

  “Hasn’t Peter tried to reason with him?”

  “What’s a father to do?” Karen shook her head. “I’m sure Peter and Grace have both done their best to convince him to remain at home, but you know how headstrong children can be. Andrew is almost eighteen, and he’s confident he knows more than his parents. At least to hear Grace tell it.” “I’m sure,” Leah said with a nod. “What about the other children?”

  “Well, let’s see. Jeremiah is fifteen and very much in love with the sea, just like his father. Belynn is twelve, and Grace says she plans to be married with six children by the time she’s twenty.”

  Leah laughed and tried to imagine what life would be like for the twelve-year-old Belynn. Why, there were automobiles and airplanes, not to mention all kinds of machinery that helped with the everyday chores of life. Leah’s children might never know such luxury if they remained in the wilds. “And what about Miranda? Where will she and Teddy spend this Christmas?”

  “Well, Teddy wanted to explore some islands off the coast of South America. They were actually in San Francisco with Peter and Grace when Miranda posted this letter, but she said they were southbound. It seems Teddy would like to write a book dealing with the flora and fauna of that area.”

  Leah nodded, remembering quite well that Teddy Davenport had a passion for botany that was only preceded by his love for Miranda. “And what did Miranda’s brother think of that?”

  “Peter was very happy to assist them. They will journey south on one of his ships, in fact. The Colton Shipping Company is quite expanded from what it used to be.”

  “It’s too bad Peter’s mother and father didn’t live to see what a successful businessman Peter has become. I’m sure they would have been proud,” Leah said thoughtfully. “So you’ve saved the best for last. What does Ashlie have to say? Oh, where are my manners? I have some hot tea. Would either of you care for a cup?”

  Helaina straightened and rubbed the small of her back through the thick parka. “I’d love some. I’m still a little chilled.”

  “Me too. Tea sounds perfect.” Karen pulled her coat off and went to hang it by the door. “I hope I haven’t dripped water all over your floor.”

  “It needed washing anyway. It’s very dirty you know,” Leah said, glancing down at the hard-packed dirt with a grin.

  Karen chuckled. “You’ll have floors before you know it.

  Adrik has been very concerned that you should be living without them, you know.”

  “We’re fine. We’ve certainly had to deal with worse.” Leah poured her guests tea and brought the steaming mugs to the table. “You’ll have to forgive the cups, my good china is otherwise engaged.”

  “Engaged where?” Helaina asked with a smile.

  Leah shrugged and gave a girlish giggle. “I’m sure I don’t know since I haven’t any good china. But wherever it is, I’m sure it’s otherwise engaged.”

  “You’ll remember I had some very pretty china when I first settled in Ketchikan with Adrik. He couldn’t even get his fingers around the cup handle. It was most amusing. What wasn’t as humorous was his penchant for dropping them. They were just too delicate and would slip right through his fingers. Mugs turned out to be much better for us.”

  “I suppose that’s why I’ve never worried about china,” Leah said, shrugging. “I’m sure you must miss such things, however.” She looked to Helaina, remembering the grandeur her life had once known.

  “There are times,” Helaina admitted, “when I miss some of the finery. But I love it here, and it’s senseless to have things that serve little or no purpose. Mugs are fine by me. What I miss is the convenience of things. Hot baths, large selections of scented soaps and such. It’s that kind of thing I miss.”

  “I can remember Seattle well enough to know exactly how pleasant it was to have a bath anytime I wanted one,” Leah agreed. Seattle spurred on memories of Ashlie. “All right, tell us about your daughter.”

  Helaina nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, please do. Is she happy? How’s school going?”

  “She is happy,” Karen said with a bit of regret in her tone. “It’s not that I wouldn’t wish her so, but there’s that part of me that wouldn’t mind if she were unhappy enough to return home to me. I miss her so much.”

  “I know you do,” Leah said, putting her hand on Karen’s arm. “I hope we might ease some of that longing by keeping you too preoccupied to miss her overly much.”

  “It has been a pleasant diversion to have you so close— both of you. The boys are poor companions at times; I’m convinced that neither of them needs me. They want to be off hunting or exploring the minute their studies are concluded. They are not exactly conversationalists.” The three ladies laughed at this statement.

  “Does Ashlie have plans to come home anytime soon?” Leah asked.

  “No. She’s busy with church activities and, of course, her studies. Cousin Myrtle has definitely enjoyed her company as well. Ashlie tells in her letter that they attend many plays and parties. Ashlie has brought new life to my cousin, and for that I’m grateful. Myrtle was never blessed with children of her own, and having Ashlie has given her a great deal of pleasure. I’d beg Ashlie to return to us, but I know it would break Myrtle’s heart. Not to mention Ashlie, who would like to attend college. She’s been quite smitten with school and learning.”

  There was a sad resignation in Karen’s voice that Leah couldn’t ignore. “It has been with no small amount of sacrifice on your part that Ashlie has enjoyed another kind of life. The world in Seattle is so very different from the one we know here.”

  “I know that’s true. It was no easy feat to adjust to life in Alaska. When I came north with Grace, it was exciting to try something new, but where life in the south might allow for mere existence, Alaska demands much more. There is no mere ‘getting by’ up here. You will die if you don’t put a definite effort into survival.”

  “That’s true,” Leah said, nodding, “but Ashlie knows about survival. She was born and raised here, and she’s nobody’s fool. Let her enjoy her time and see what life has to hold. She’s in good hands, and obviously she’s benefiting your cousin as well.”

  Karen nodded. “To be sure. Still, she’s almost eighteen. I’ve already noted comments in her letters that mention young men who would like to be her suitor. So far she’s kept them all at arm’s length. She tells me she’s not been overly impressed with any of them. But I don’t try to fool myself. The day will come when that one man … that perfect man … will sweep her away.”

  “Just like it happened to each of us,” Leah said with a smile. “Would you want anything less for her?”

  Karen shook her head. “Of course not. I just … well … I worry that she’ll never come back to Alaska after that.”

  “She’ll always come to wherever you are,” Leah encouraged. She gave Karen’s arm a squeeze and raised her gaze to see that the twins were still happily occupied with their toys.
“So did any of the letters offer news of the war in Europe?”

  “Only to say that things were continuing to drag on. It’s so sad. So many have died,” Karen spoke more quietly. It was almost as if she didn’t want the twins to overhear the bad news. “Things definitely do not look good for the Russian people. They’ve taken the czar and his family captive, and no one knows what will happen to them. And King George of England, who happens to be a relative—I believe a cousin perhaps to either the czar or his wife—refused to let the family come to England for asylum.”

  Leah shook her head. “How awful to reject your own family. What kind of man does that when he knows it will no doubt bode poorly for the czar? I read in one of the old papers that the new government is not inclined to be sympathetic toward royalty.”

  “I met a man who was closely affiliated with the czar and czarina,” Helaina joined in. “He was here seeking to find a place to hide the family should they be able to sneak out of Russia. He believes they will face death.”

  “And still the King of England will not allow them refuge?” Leah questioned.

  “Ashlie said in her letter that it seemed the government of England advised the king that it would be best to stay out of the situation. Apparently they feel there is little to be gained, and perhaps it would damage relationships with the new government and cause them to turn from the side of those fighting the Germans.”

  “That’s so sad,” Leah said, shaking her head. “I hate war. I can’t imagine what the soldiers must have to endure. Just as bad, I can’t fathom what their families must have to bear here at home. The news is so long in coming and then you can only wonder at the accuracy.”

  “The news is coming regularly in the States,” Karen said, staring at her mug. “But it seems the news is always bad.”

  “Well, I for one have had enough sad talk,” Helaina said, putting her mug on the table. “I have some good news that I’d like to share. I was going to wait until later, but I want you both to be the first to know.” Leah and Karen both met her gaze. Helaina grinned. “I’m going to have a baby.”

  Leah could hardly believe the words. Her brother was finally going to be a father. “Helaina, that’s wonderful!” She reached over to embrace her sister-in-law. “What did Jacob say? Oh, I can imagine he’s beside himself.”

  “He doesn’t know yet,” she admitted. “I’ve been waiting to be certain and now I am.” She gave a little shudder of excitement. “I can hardly believe it’s happening.”

  “When is the baby due to arrive?” Karen asked.

  “By my best calculations, it will be in May.”

  “A wedding night baby,” Leah said after a quick mental calculation.

  Helaina blushed. “That’s the way I see it as well.”

  Karen laughed. “Jacob was never one for delaying things that he wanted done. That boy … well, hardly that … he’s wanted a wife and family for so long, he probably figured to just accomplish it all at once.”

  Leah sat back in her chair. “When will you tell him?”

  “Tonight, if possible. I knew they’d be busy today, and I just wanted to wait until there was plenty of time to enjoy the moment. Tonight will be soon enough.”

  “I won’t say a word to him,” Leah promised.

  “Neither will I,” Karen agreed.

  Helaina put her hand to her stomach and shook her head. “I can hardly believe this is happening to me. I’m so happy I could cry.”

  “Well, don’t do that, or Jacob will know that something’s going on.” Leah got to her feet. “I think it’s time for the twins to go take their nap.” She motioned to where Merry now sat groggily leaning against the log wall, while Wills yawned from where he sat on the rug.

  “I need to get home to finish supper.” Karen got to her feet. “Tomorrow we can make plans for our Christmas celebration. This is going to be such a merry occasion.” She drew “Around here things will be warm and beautiful. Last year there were flowers and nice warm days where it was a pleasure to be outside in the sun. You can never tell about Alaska weather, but chances are good that it will be a very nice time to bring a new life into the world.” on her parka. “May will be a perfect month for a new baby.”

  “I was thinking the same thing,” Leah said as she lifted Wills.

  ‘‘Around here things will be warm and beautiful. Last year there were flowers and nice warm days where it was a pleasure to be outside in the sun. You can never tell about Alaska weather, but chances are good that it will be a very nice time to bring a new life into the world.’’

  Helaina smiled. “It comforts me just to know you’ll both be here. You will stay with me, won’t you? I mean when the time comes?”

  “Of course we will.” Leah heard the apprehension in her voice. “You would be hard-pressed to be rid of us.”

  “That’s right,” Karen added. “I have helped with many births, as has Leah. We certainly wouldn’t want to miss this most important occasion. We’ll be there for you.”

  Jayce surprised Leah by showing up an hour later for lunch. “I hope you have something to eat. I’m starved,” he said as he bounded into the house. He was covered with snow from head to foot. “I think logging is much harder than just hunting for a living.”

  Leah looked at him and shook her head. “Could you please leave some of winter outside?”

  Jayce glanced down and shrugged. “It just seems to follow me wherever I go. I’ll do what I can.”

  He came back in a few minutes later, parka in hand. He’d dusted himself off and had given the parka a good shake. Leah smiled over her shoulder at him. “You look better now. I’m warming up some of the stew from last night. I hope that’s good enough for now. I promise to have thick moose steak for you this evening.”

  “Sounds good. We’ve been cutting logs to deliver to the railroad later this afternoon, and then Adrik says we won’t go out again for quite a while. Winter weather has shut down most every aspect of the rail line. The officials are still intent on building up supplies and getting new houses up for some of their men, however.”

  “I don’t understand why they can’t continue to put in tracks during the winter. It’s not that cold right now.”

  “The ground is frozen, though, and there’s not a good way of telling how firm the ground will be come spring thaw. If we lay tracks in an area not knowing it needs to be reinforced or elevated, we could have a swamp train. It will probably save a good deal of money to just wait until May. Even if they have to rehire a new crew. I heard most of the men are heading back down to the States.”

  “If they’re not used to Alaska winter, then I can’t blame them. It’s probably best they go.” Leah stirred the contents of the black iron pot. “Oh, I have good news.” She put the spoon down and came to where Jayce had planted himself at the table.

  To her surprise, Jayce pulled her onto his lap and snuggled his bearded face against her neck. “Hmm, this is a wonderful way to warm up.”

  “Did you hear me? I have some wonderful news to tell you.”

  “Hmmm, I heard.”

  “I don’t think you’re even listening to me.” She playfully pushed him away, but Jayce only tightened his hold.

  He looked up at her and grinned. “What is it that’s so important?”

  “Well, you have to promise you won’t say a word about it, until the right time, of course.”

  He frowned and let her ease away. “Well, I suppose I can promise that much. Now tell me.”

  “Helaina and Jacob are going to have a baby. But Helaina hasn’t told Jacob yet.”

  A broad smile broke across Jayce’s face. “That is good news. I know Jacob will be excited.”

  “It’s the best news of all. I’m so happy for them.”

  Jayce pulled her back to him and cradled her tenderly. “Life is so different with a wife and children. Jacob will feel himself become complete. There’s nothing like looking into the face of your children and knowing that a part of you will go on, even afte
r you’re dead and gone.”

  An image of Chase flashed through her mind. Leah pushed the thought aside, but Jayce noted the difference in her. “What’s wrong?”

  She covered her reaction quickly. “The stew. It’s going to burn.” She got up quickly and walked to the stove. Dear Lord, how long will it be before the old thoughts stop tormenting me? She sighed. They came fewer and farther between, so that was good. Nevertheless, Leah couldn’t help but wonder what it would take to finally lay all of her demons to rest. There had to be an answer. There just had to be a way.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Jacob loaded the last of the peeled logs onto the wagon.

  “This is it.”

  Adrik nodded and made note in his ledger. “Not sure what they plan for all these logs, but at least they’ll have a stack to work with. There are plans to expand the lumber mill, and that will prove beneficial for everyone.”

  “Do you think they’ll start working on the railroad again before spring thaw?”

  Adrik shook his head. “They’d be foolhardy to try. There are so many issues at hand. Money is always the biggest, right along with conditions. The war is another. I’m not sure how things will come out in the wash.”

  Jacob grinned. “You sound like Karen now. I remember her using that phrase.”

  Adrik leaned closer and closed the green ledger. “I have some news. I’m just about beside myself to share it with someone.”

  “I’m your man,” Jacob said, glancing around. “You look as though it might be an issue of national security.”

  “Nah, just Ivankov security. I’ve made arrangements for Ashlie to come home for Christmas. Remember Karen’s nephew Timothy?”

  “Of course.”

  “Well, he’ll accompany Ashlie. They should arrive any day.”

  “Karen will definitely love you for that.” Jacob could only imagine her happiness.

  “I’ve been working on it for some time. I tried to get Myrtle to come too, but she didn’t feel up to making such a long trip. She’ll spend the holidays with some of Karen’s other family members, so she won’t be alone.”