A Surrendered Heart

by Tracie Peterson

  “Like hens scratching for feed.” Amanda giggled, then stopped short and clapped her hand to her lips. “I shouldn’t be making light of the situation, for this bit of news could upset Sophie. What if someone should read the news and mention it to her? I have been weighing whether to tell her since the day I picked up that newspaper. What do you think?”

  “I don’t believe it would serve any good purpose to tell her. And few people were acquainted with Wesley.”

  “Few people? Do you forget that Uncle Quincy announced at the Home for the Friendless fund-raising event that Wesley had pledged a huge donation? I would think those who attended would remember his name.”

  “You give the local gossips far too much credit, Amanda. They would have discovered more recent fodder long ago.” Fanny tapped her finger on the armrest. “On the other hand, a wealthy eligible man does stir up a great deal of interest. How long ago was the piece in the newspaper?”

  “I don’t remember the exact date, but all the out-of-town papers were at least three months old.”

  Fanny gave an affirmative nod. “You see? No one gave notice to the news. If anyone had remembered Wesley, we would have heard something by now. I don’t think we should mention any of this to Sophie. Wesley is but a bad memory in her life.”

  “I suppose you’re correct, but Uncle Quincy told me Mr. and Mrs. Oosterman have arrived at the islands. And you know Mrs. Oosterman doesn’t forget even the tiniest morsel of information. What if she’s heard something? I would rather Sophie hear the news from us than from someone such as Mrs. Oosterman.” Amanda scooted sideways in her seat. “And what if Sophie should discover we knew and didn’t tell her. Would she think we’d betrayed her?”

  “You worry overmuch about something that isn’t likely to occur. Even if she should find out, Sophie would understand our reticence to tell her. She would know our decision was made with her best interests in mind. Unlike others, the three of us would never intentionally hurt one another.” Fanny turned and stared out the train window.

  “I suppose you’re correct,” Amanda replied.

  Her cousin appeared lost in thought. Amanda studied Fanny and decided that she hadn’t been herself since they’d boarded the train. No. It was before that. Even back when Fanny had first arrived at the Home, she hadn’t had much to say. Not that she’d been rude. Fanny would never be impolite. But she’d barely entered into the conversation before their departure. Of course, Fanny had been polite to Blake during the carriage ride, but that was likely to offset her own ill-mannered behavior.

  Amanda tapped her cousin on the arm. “Are you feeling unwell, Fanny?”

  “I’m fine,” she said without turning away from the window.

  “We’ve been separated for weeks with only a few letters exchanged between us, yet you have nothing of interest to tell me? Come now, Cousin, what ails you?”

  “Truly, I am fine. Don’t worry yourself over me.”

  Amanda slapped her gloves on the leather seat. “You are not fooling me in the least. I know you as well as I know anyone in this world, and I can certainly tell when something is amiss. You may as well tell me, for I’ll not give you a minute’s peace until you do.”

  “Ever the persistent one, aren’t you! Sometimes it’s best to let sleeping dogs lie. I can’t talk about what is bothering me just yet.”

  “I knew it! You’re keeping a secret from me. We’ve never kept secrets, Fanny.”

  Fanny arched her brows. “We’re going to keep a secret from Sophie.”

  “Because it’s for her own good.”

  “Then you must consider this the same thing. If and when the time is right, I will tell you. For now, you must trust my decision to remain silent.” Fanny squeezed Amanda’s hand.

  Though she longed to know what bothered her cousin, Amanda said no more. They conversed little during the remainder of the journey. Fanny appeared lost in her own thoughts while Amanda contemplated whether Dr. Carstead might hire someone to help at the Home during her convalescence. Although she knew he needed help, the very thought annoyed her.

  “Wake up, we’re here.” Fanny’s words were followed by a gentle nudge.

  Amanda forced herself awake as the train hissed and jarred to a stop in the Clayton train station. “I didn’t realize I was so tired.”

  Fanny smiled. “Dr. Carstead would say that you’ve proved his point and that you’ve not fully recuperated.”

  “Well, he would be incorrect. I didn’t sleep well last night.” Amanda peered out the train window. “I suppose Father notified Mr. Atwell to come and meet us.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Or did you write to Michael’s parents?”

  “I believe your father sent our arrival information to the Clayton telegraph office. He said Mr. Broomfield would pass along the information.”

  Amanda didn’t doubt Mr. Broomfield would do exactly as her father wished. Years ago the old telegrapher had forgotten to deliver a message that her father had wired from Rochester for delivery to his father on Broadmoor Island. Mr. Broomfield had suffered the wrath of Jonas Broadmoor and had never again made the same mistake. She imagined if necessary, the poor man would row to the island to ensure that the message arrived.

  A stiff breeze greeted them when they stepped down from the train. Amanda grasped her hat with one hand and pointed to the DaisyBee with the other. “There’s the boat. Mr. Atwell must be inside.”

  Fanny locked arms with her cousin, and the two of them bowed their heads against the wind as they hurried inside the train station.

  “Fanny! Amanda!” Sophie rushed forward and grabbed them around the shoulders in a giant hug. “I am so excited to see you. Now that the two of you have arrived, it’s going to be just like old times.”

  Amanda took a backward step and glanced around the station. “Where’s the baby? I’m anxious to see how much she’s grown.”

  “Elizabeth is with her nanny. Aunt Victoria found a wonderful lady who lives here in Clayton, and she’s come to stay at the island to take care of Elizabeth. Both Veda and Minnie complained they had too many other chores to accomplish now that there are so many parties taking place.” Sophie glanced outside and then motioned to her cousins. “Mr. Atwell has your trunks loaded. You’re both going to think it’s the height of the summer season once you get settled at the island. It is absolutely amazing how many dinner parties and dances have taken place since shortly after we arrived.” She winked at Amanda. “There are several fine bachelors among the attendees, and all of them are capable dance partners.”

  Amanda shot a glance at Fanny. In the past Sophie had been unwilling to leave Elizabeth in the care of anyone but Paul or one of them. Now it appeared she’d relegated the baby’s care to a stranger. The change seemed inexplicable, but before Amanda could gauge Fanny’s reaction, Sophie stepped between them. She continued to regale them with the details of a dinner party she’d attended Saturday while they walked across the train tracks to the dock and boarded the DaisyBee.

  When Sophie finally stopped long enough to take a breath, Amanda leaned forward. “What do you hear from Paul?”

  “He says he’s busy helping several churches that are without preachers. He doesn’t know when he’ll be coming to the island for a visit.” Sophie shrugged. “I don’t mind in the least. There have been more than enough social gatherings to keep me occupied, and there are even more in the offing. Now that the two of you have arrived, it’s going to be completely grand.”

  “I brought only two gowns that would be appropriate for such festivities,” Amanda said. “And you were complaining before you departed Rochester that you hadn’t been able to fit into your gowns since Elizabeth’s birth. Exactly what have you been wearing to all of these galas?”

  “Your mother has been ever so kind in that regard. Once she realized the state of my wardrobe, she enlisted the help of a seamstress in Clayton. Thankfully, the woman has several others who work in the shop with her. Minnie and Veda have been called upon to lend occasional he
lp, as well.” Sophie’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she told them of the various fabrics she’d chosen for her dresses.

  “And with a nanny to care for Elizabeth, that leaves you free to attend as many parties as you desire,” Amanda remarked.

  Sophie’s smile disappeared. “You disapprove?”

  Amanda nodded. “I can’t comprehend the change that has taken place since I last saw you. Back in Rochester you were content with your life and found joy in your marriage to Paul and caring for Elizabeth. There was no mention of parties or fancy dresses. What has come over you?”

  Sophie glared at Amanda. “You’re always finding fault with me—isn’t she, Fanny?”

  “I don’t think that’s true. Unfortunately, what Amanda says is true. You do seem like a different person.”

  “I don’t want to talk about this anymore. You’ve only just arrived, and we shouldn’t have an argument before we even arrive at the island.”

  Before Fanny could respond, Mr. Atwell waved an envelope overhead and smiled. “Would you be interested in what arrived just yesterday, Fanny?” he called.

  Fanny clasped her hand over her heart. “A letter! From Michael?” She jumped to her feet and dropped back down as the boat lurched through the choppy water.

  “Stay there,” he called. “I’ll bring it to you.”

  With the ease of a practiced sea captain, Mr. Atwell arrived at her side and handed her the missive. “This one was tucked inside the letter he sent to us.” He pointed to the seal and grinned down at her. “As you can see, we didn’t open it.”

  Fanny nodded. “He’s doing well?”

  “I think you’ll be pleased to hear his news.” He tipped his hat and returned to his post.

  She slipped her finger beneath the seal and carefully opened the envelope. She was now sandwiched between her cousins, who were peering over her shoulders as she withdrew the pages. Fanny waved them away. “Do move back a little. I promise to tell you what he says, but I’d like to read it first.”

  Amanda leaned back, though she wasn’t certain Sophie paid heed to Fanny’s request. She waited what seemed an eternity before nudging her cousin. “Well, what does he say?”

  The pages crackled as she held them to her bodice. “He’s coming home in June, and he says to plan the wedding.” Her broad smile seemed to stretch from ear to ear. “Finally! Can you believe it?”

  Amanda shook her head. “No! He obviously doesn’t realize how long it takes to prepare for a wedding. We’ll need to begin immediately. I do think we should enlist Mother’s help, too.”

  “You must choose the perfect wedding gown, Fanny. With all your money you’ll be able to afford the finest wedding Rochester has ever seen,” Sophie said.

  “Michael and I plan to be married on Broadmoor Island,” Fanny told them. “Still, there will be much to accomplish before we are wed, and I will need help from both of you.”

  “You know you can depend upon us,” Amanda said. She extended her fingers and the three of them joined hands. “Together always.” “Together always,” the three repeated in unison.

  Jonas folded his hands atop his desk and did his best to remain calm. Ellert Jackson was a shrewd man, and he’d sniff out any hint of fear. Several days earlier Ellert had confirmed he would stop by and discuss the possibility of a loan. Jonas had expected him to appear that very day. When he hadn’t arrived by the next morning, Jonas had gone to the hotel and discovered Jackson had checked out. The news had rendered him despondent. But today his spirits had buoyed.

  He’d received word that Ellert had returned to Rochester. And when the man had entered Jonas’s office only a few minutes ago, his heart had pounded with renewed hope. Ellert could help him escape from his financial woes, but Jonas must play his hand with finesse.

  “I’m surprised to see you back in Rochester,” Jonas said.

  Ellert guffawed. “You’re relieved to see me. Isn’t that what you truly mean, Jonas?” He didn’t await a reply. “They tell me at the hotel that you came looking for me after I’d checked out the last time I was in town.”

  Jonas silently chided himself. He should have tipped the hotel clerk and told him to keep his mouth shut. Too late now. Ellert had gained first advantage in this game of cat and mouse. “Yes. I stopped by to extend an invitation to supper.”

  Ellert tapped his walking stick on the floor. “You came to the hotel because you were worried I had forgotten about your loan.” He stared across the desk, his eyes unwavering.

  There was no doubt Ellert expected Jonas to acknowledge his assessment was correct. Jonas could read it in his eyes. Though he longed to remain silent, Jonas didn’t hold the advantage. He gave a half nod. “Because I wanted to invite you to join me for supper and discuss the loan.”

  Like a cat preparing to pounce on its prey, Ellert leaned across the desk. “You are in no position to play games with me, Jonas. I know what you’ve been up to with your niece’s inheritance.”

  Jonas willed himself to remain calm, but perspiration covered his palms and a sudden weakness assailed him. He’d never fainted in his life. Was this how women felt when they swooned? He fought to bolster himself with a deep breath—and then another. How could Ellert possibly know what he’d done?

  “I don’t know what you’re—”

  “Stop!” Ellert slapped his palm on the desk. “I will not play games with you. The only way you will receive a loan from me is on my terms. I know you are in dire financial straits. And my terms require a full disclosure of your finances and those of your niece.” He removed a sheet of paper from his pocket and pushed it across the desk. “This is only a small portion of what I know. If you want my help, you’ll tell me the rest—all of it.”

  Jonas scanned the page and felt the blood rush from his head. Ellert had been digging, and he’d excavated far more information than Jonas would have thought possible.

  “How did you come by this knowledge?”

  Ellert smiled and crossed his arms casually against his chest. “Come now, Jonas. You above all men should know what a well-placed dollar or two can do for a man. I have my sources— friends, if you will. Surely you wouldn’t expect me to divulge such information.”

  Jonas forced himself to concentrate. Who would have had access to the records? Possibly one of the clerks in Mortimer’s office had snooped in the files before his death. That had to be it. If only Mortimer would have done as instructed and kept no written documentation of their dealings. If only he would have realized the harm it could cause in the days to come.

  Jonas dropped back against his chair and stared into Ellert’s gleaming eyes. The man was taking great pleasure in seeing him squirm. “It appears I have little choice,” Jonas said.

  Ellert had won—at least this round.

  10

  Thursday, June 15, 1899

  Jonas sighed at the sight of his brother entering the outer office. He should have closed his door and told Mr. Fryer to send any visitors on their way. Though he truly couldn’t afford the services of an office clerk any longer, Jonas couldn’t imagine his office without Mr. Fryer. The man had worked for him for nearly twenty years and could be trusted to do Jonas’s bidding without question, a trait that had long ago endeared the man to Jonas.

  His brother nodded at Mr. Fryer but continued past the clerk’s desk and strode into Jonas’s office. “We need to talk.” He closed the door and dropped his hat atop Jonas’s massive desk before sitting down.

  Jonas straightened in his chair. Without the slightest show of manners or greeting, his brother had entered his office and made himself quite comfortable. “Good morning to you, too, Quincy.”

  “Good morning!” Quincy shot back.

  Jonas didn’t miss the irritation in Quincy’s voice. “Looks as though we’re going to have some nice weather today.”

  “I didn’t come here to discuss the weather. I came here to ask what you’ve done to aggrieve Fanny. I spoke with her shortly before she and Amanda departed for Broadmo
or Island, and she wasn’t herself.”

  “You know women. Their moods are as changeable as the weather—perhaps even more so.” He chuckled, though he gripped the arms of his chair in a fierce hold. What had Fanny been up to now? How much had she divulged to Quincy? His brother didn’t act as though he knew anything, but he’d not fall into a trap. “I have no idea why Fanny is upset. Did you not inquire yourself?”

  “Yes, of course, but she wasn’t as forthcoming as I had hoped. She simply said someone had betrayed her.”

  Jonas rubbed his jaw. “Probably that useless Michael Atwell. Let’s hope he’s found another woman and doesn’t plan to marry Fanny.”

  “No. I specifically asked her about Michael. She denied he was the cause of her despair. Naturally I could only think something had gone amiss in regard to her inheritance.” Quincy arched his brows and waited.

  Jonas shook his head and feigned ignorance for a moment before acting as though he’d had a sudden flash of genius. “She must be unhappy over the sale of Broadmoor Mansion—that must be what has caused her despondency.”

  “What are you talking about? You sold the mansion to Daniel Irwin long ago.” Quincy frowned. “I’m beginning to worry about your memory, Jonas.”

  “I did sell it to Daniel, but once Fanny refused to marry him, he no longer wanted the house. He petitioned the court to withdraw from the agreement and was granted permission.”

  “Why didn’t I know anything about this?”

  “If you’ll recall, you told me that unless the Home for the Friendless would be adversely impacted, you didn’t want to be bothered with matters related to the estate.”

  “That’s true,” Quincy mumbled. “So you’ve sold the mansion to another purchaser?”

  “Yes, but at a loss. The maintenance expense on the place was costing us more and more, so it was better to sell at a loss than continue the upkeep. The court agreed. Unfortunately, I think Fanny felt betrayed by my action.”