A Surrendered Heart

by Tracie Peterson

  Obviously Amanda hadn’t been overly distressed by his disappearance. Otherwise Paul would have refused his request. Blake didn’t know whether to be pleased or displeased that Paul had so readily agreed, but there would be time enough for questions later.

  “Will your wife be joining us?” Paul asked.

  Blake shook his head. “Whatever gave you the idea that I was married?”

  “I suppose it was something Sophie said.”

  Blake let out an exasperated breath. Maybe that was the reason for Amanda’s sudden engagement. If she thought he’d left to marry Julia . . . “Come on, let’s hurry,” he said, pushing the thought aside.

  After a hasty carriage ride during which the carriage came far too close to colliding with several pedestrians, the two men stepped down, paid the cab driver, and hurried inside the train station. “That was exciting,” Paul called over his shoulder while racing toward the ticket counter.

  Determined to keep pace, Blake ran to catch up with him. The train was slowly chugging out of the station even before they’d arrived at their seats. “I’d say we didn’t have a minute to spare,” Blake said, settling into the upholstered seat of the Pullman car. “At least we’ll travel in comfort.”

  “Let’s hope the train remains on schedule. I’d rather not have an argument with Sophie the minute I set foot on the island.” He chuckled. “You don’t have to worry about such things, but one day . . .”

  Blake forced a smile. “Yes, one day.” He turned to look out the window. How had all of this happened so quickly? Amanda had never mentioned another man. She’d given every indication that she cared for him. He’d expected her to be angry over the incident with Julia and his sudden disappearance, but marriage to another man? The idea was beyond his comprehension. Perhaps it was a man she’d known for years.

  When Blake knew he could make no sense of it without help, he turned to Paul. “Who is this man that Amanda plans to marry?”

  Paul glanced up from his magazine. “Who? Oh, his name is Ellert Jackson. I can’t tell you much about him except that he seems an odd match for Amanda. He’s much older. From what I’ve gathered, Jonas is the only one who is well acquainted with the man. They had business dealings of some sort years ago when Mr. Jackson lived in Rochester.”

  “And this man suddenly appeared in Rochester and he’s already proposed to Amanda? How much older?”

  Paul shrugged. “I’d say he’s near Jonas’s age. Could be a few years younger.”

  Blake’s jaw went slack. He couldn’t believe his ears. “Did Amanda consent to this marriage?”

  “I imagine she agreed, don’t you? She is of legal age. I know her father can be overbearing, but Amanda is a strong-willed young lady. When I consider how she defied her father in order to learn medicine, I find it difficult to believe she would have accepted Mr. Jackson’s proposal unless she wanted to marry him.” Paul closed his magazine and placed it on the seat. “I hope you won’t think me intrusive, but I’d be interested in hearing about your hasty departure. Sophie told me you left town to marry someone named Julia.”

  “I don’t want to offend you, Paul, but I think I should first discuss that matter with Amanda. I assure you, it’s not what it might have seemed.”

  “Of late, nothing in this family is what it seems,” Paul said, shaking his head.

  “This engagement is a mistake, Amanda. I think you should march downstairs and tell your parents that you’ve decided you aren’t going to marry Ellert Jackson.” Sophie folded her arms and gave a single nod for emphasis. She and Fanny had been doing their best to prevent the party, but thus far they’d met with failure.

  “Sophie’s right. It’s clear that you don’t have anything in common.”

  “He’s not even as nice as he was at first” Sophie added. “He doesn’t seem to care what people think of him.”

  “You don’t understand, and I’m not at liberty to explain,” Amanda said, her expression clearly one of distress.

  “Why are you being so stubborn? You’ve made it quite clear to us that you love Dr. Carstead, so why are you permitting your parents to announce your engagement to someone else?”

  Fanny sat down on the bed beside Sophie. “She’s right, Amanda. You’re old enough to refuse your father’s demands in this matter. You can come and live with Michael and me. I know he would understand and welcome you.”

  Amanda sighed. “You and Michael won’t be living in Rochester. I want to continue with my medical training, and I can’t do that if I’m living out here on an island.”

  “You can’t do that if you’re married to Mr. Jackson, either. You’ll not be living in Rochester, where you can return to your work at the Home for the Friendless,” Sophie put in. “Even if you are able to locate a doctor who will agree to continue your training, do you think Ellert is going to tolerate such an idea?”

  “He said he would.”

  “And you believed him?” Sophie asked. “I can’t see that man allowing you to go to a party, much less become a doctor.”

  “I can’t, either. Amanda, he doesn’t at all seem the type to want a wife working for any reason. He’s much too controlling. Surely you see that.”

  “But if I prove to be a loving wife, perhaps he will allow me to do the things that are important to me.”

  Sophie clucked her tongue. “You don’t really believe that, do you? Men like Uncle Jonas and Ellert Jackson don’t change their attitudes when they take a wife. After you’re married, he’ll have no more respect for you than he does now.”

  “Probably less,” Fanny said. “Once you’re married, there will be no opportunity to refuse his decisions for you. He’ll make you miserable, and there will be no escape. You know you couldn’t divorce him.”

  Her cousin appeared to be wavering, and Sophie stepped closer. She knelt down beside Amanda and clasped her hand. “Don’t do this, Amanda. There are other choices available. I know you’re grieving the loss of Blake, but this man is no replacement for him. From my observations, the man has no admirable qualities. Save for your father, it seems no one I’ve talked to has anything good to say about the man.”

  Minnie knocked on the open door. She held Amanda’s freshly pressed gown draped across her arms. Ellert had purchased the dress, and although it had been a poor fit, he’d insisted she wear the gown. Minnie had devoted painstaking hours to ripping out seams and restitching the garment. “I hope it will please you, Miss Amanda,” she said.

  “Has my husband arrived, Minnie?” Sophie stepped to the window overlooking the lawn.

  “I haven’t seen him. Mr. Atwell picked up a number of guests at the train station two hours ago, but there haven’t been any arrivals since that time.”

  “Thank you, Minnie.” The party would begin at two, and Paul had promised to arrive by noon. Her father had conveyed the message when he’d arrived last evening. Had something happened at the Home or at one of the churches he was serving? Surely he would tell them he had a family commitment that required his attention. “When does the last train arrive?”

  The flounces of yellow taffeta rustled as Minnie walked across the room and placed the gown atop the bed. “I believe Mr. Atwell said he would make one final pickup in Clayton at one o’clock. Everyone should be here by then,” she said.

  “Paul will be here. Don’t fret,” Fanny said. “He probably lost track of time and had to rush to catch a later train.”

  “You’re right. He likely became preoccupied.”

  “You’ve done an excellent job, Minnie. Thank you for all your hard work. I know you’ve been stitching until very late each night to make certain the dress was ready. I appreciate your help,” Amanda said.

  A blush of color tinged Minnie’s cheeks. “Thank you, ma’am. I wish you every happiness in your future.”

  The moment the maid exited the room, Sophie jumped to her feet. “Did you see the look in Minnie’s eyes? Even she knows this isn’t a good idea.”

  “Oh, forevermore.” Amanda ga
zed heavenward. “Minnie didn’t appear any different than she normally does. You’re simply looking for evidence.”

  “Don’t fool yourself. The servants see and hear things, Amanda. You know that’s true. And they talk about us, too. They know as much about what’s going on in this house as we do—probably more.” Sophie paced back and forth. “Why don’t you go and ask Mrs. Atwell what she’s heard.” She stopped in her tracks. “Better yet, why don’t all three of us go downstairs and have a chat with her. She won’t lie to us.”

  “There isn’t time for a conversation with Mrs. Atwell.” Amanda picked up the gown and motioned to Fanny. She was thankful her cousin had delayed her wedding trip until after Amanda’s wedding. Even though Fanny disapproved of her marriage to Ellert, her presence remained a comfort. “Will you help me with my dress?”

  “So you’re going to ignore my suggestion? Sometimes I do know what’s best, even if the two of you don’t think so.”

  Dropping the dress back onto the bed, Amanda turned to Sophie. “You’re correct. I don’t love him. But not everyone has the privilege of marrying for love. I’m truly happy that you and Fanny have married honorable men who love you. If circumstances were different, I’d refuse to marry Ellert. But this is something I must do. The future of my family hinges upon this decision.”

  Fanny slipped the dress over Amanda’s head. “Your father is the one who created all of this financial difficulty. Shouldn’t he be the one to find a resolution to his problem?”

  “He has found a solution; it’s me.”

  “That’s not what I meant,” Fanny said. “I know I can’t make your decision for you, but I think this idea is deplorable and you should refuse to go through with it.”

  Sophie peered out the window and shook her head. “Look at him down there. Puffed up like a rooster with the run of the barnyard.”

  “Who?” Fanny and Amanda asked in unison.

  “Mr. Jackson. He’s strutting around smoking his cigar.” She turned and shuddered. “How can you possibly think about marriage to that man?”

  “Do stop, Sophie. All this talk has become wearisome and changes nothing.”

  “Then let’s make a plan!” Unable to bridle her enthusiasm, Sophie hastened across the room and pulled a sheet of paper from Amanda’s writing desk. “I’ll write down our ideas.”

  Amanda followed her cousin across the room and removed the sheet of paper from her hand. “I’ve told you that I must marry Ellert. Please stop trying to find a way out for me.”

  Amanda gathered the taffeta skirt in her hand and descended the staircase. Sophie and Fanny followed. Even with all of Minnie’s hard work, they all three agreed the dress was ugly. Styles had changed, but evidently Ellert’s taste in women’s fashion had not. The color washed out Amanda’s complexion. Even with extra color on her cheeks, she looked far too pale. The topaz and diamond necklace and earrings Ellert insisted that she wear were gaudy. The color of the large topaz stones didn’t match the dress and made her appear garish. She’d mentioned the differing shades of yellow didn’t complement each other, but Ellert had been insistent.

  She stepped onto the porch and was immediately besieged by Mrs. Oosterman. The old woman frowned and tsked several times. She leaned close to Amanda’s ear. “What were you thinking when you chose that gown? This isn’t a costume party, is it?” She touched a bent finger to the necklace. “Although I’m certain this necklace was costly, it looks frightful with your gown. What’s come over you, my dear? You have impeccable taste.”

  “Oh, it’s not Amanda who has flawless taste, Mrs. Oosterman. It’s me.” Ellert had silently approached and obviously had heard only Mrs. Oosterman’s final statement. “I chose her gown and jewelry. I’m pleased to hear you approve. Amanda wasn’t quite so convinced.” There was reproach in his voice.

  “To be honest, Mr. Jackson, the ensemble doesn’t enhance Amanda’s beauty. It might work for someone else, but her complexion is far too pale for this color. She should be wearing a vivid color. I was, in fact, chiding her for this choice when you interrupted our conversation.”

  Ellert appeared momentarily taken aback but quickly regained his poise. “In the future I shall listen more closely to Amanda’s suggestions,” he said. He’d managed to keep an even tone, but his fingers were now digging into the folds of Amanda’s dress. There was little doubt the woman had angered him.

  “I do believe I see Mrs. Pullman across the way,” Mrs. Oosterman said. “If you two will excuse me, I want to say hello.”

  “By all means.” Ellert glared after the older woman. The moment she was out of earshot, he said, “I detest that old woman. She has a wagging tongue and an evil heart.”

  “Truly? I’m surprised then that you didn’t put her in her place.” Everything had changed between Amanda and Ellert after his attack on her. Amanda no longer even tried to pretend she was happy with their arrangement.

  “I was not born into wealth, Amanda. Therefore, I lie in wait for people who either take advantage or treat me with disdain. Eventually I have the pleasure of turning the tables, and it always gives me great satisfaction.” His eyes turned dark with hatred. “One day Mrs. Oosterman will be sorry. She doesn’t realize that through my silent partnership in many companies, I control many of her husband’s assets. If she isn’t careful, she may soon discover her husband isn’t nearly as wealthy as she thinks.”

  Amanda sucked in a breath of air. How could one man harbor such deep hatred and disdain? Instead of banning Sophie’s idea, perhaps they should have used that final half hour upstairs to formulate a plan to prevent her engagement and marriage to this despicable man.

  “I’ve frightened you. I can see it in your eyes.” He pulled her close. “I enjoy the look of fear. It arouses me,” he whispered in a hoarse voice.

  Her mother caught sight of them and crossed the lawn at a near sprint. She grasped Amanda’s hand. “The two of you are supposed to be over here to greet your guests,” she said. There was concern in her eyes, but she maintained a smile. “Come along.”

  “I’d rather have you to myself,” Ellert whispered. “I shouldn’t have agreed to this large party. None of these people like me.”

  “An astute observation,” Amanda murmured while weaving through the throng of guests.

  18

  While Amanda and Ellert greeted their guests, Sophie returned to the quiet of her upstairs bedroom. The window from her room would provide a good vantage point to watch for the return of the DaisyBee. Mr. Atwell had departed over an hour ago to pick up the final guests due to arrive at the Clayton depot. He should have returned before now. Sophie sat down in the floral upholstered chair beside the window. With no sign of the boat, a knot of fear formed in her stomach. Could something have happened? A train wreck or some other mishap back in Rochester before Paul departed? Perspiration formed on her palms, and she uttered a prayer for Paul’s safety. Observing Mr. Jackson’s behavior over the past days had served to deepen Sophie’s love for Paul and his gentle, caring manner.

  Only moments before returning upstairs, Sophie had stood in the shadows of the veranda and overheard Ellert issuing angry orders to Amanda. Sophie hadn’t heard the content of his commands, but from his tone of voice and contorted features, there had been little doubt he was enraged. She shivered at the thought of being married to such a man. Although she’d tested Paul’s patience on several occasions, he had never been cruel or unkind. He had steadfastly loved her and Elizabeth. From the moment the babe had been born, Paul had accepted her as his own.

  “Elizabeth is his child,” she murmured. “Perhaps not by blood, but in every other way. Wesley Hedrick was never Elizabeth’s father.” She removed the clipping she’d shoved inside the book on her bedside table. All of Wesley’s wealth could never make him a good man or a good father. Having a man like Paul was worth more than all the money Wesley Hedrick could ever offer.

  Shading her eyes against the bright afternoon sun that streamed through the window, Sophie r
ecognized the DaisyBee cutting across the water toward the dock. Her heart skipped a beat at the thought of seeing Paul. She dropped the newspaper clipping to the table and rushed down the stairs. “Paul has arrived,” she called to Fanny while running down the path leading to the dock. Her shoes thumped against the hard dirt, and she slowed her pace a modicum when she neared the steepest portion of the path.

  Paul waved his hat overhead as she reached the dock. The moment he stepped off the boat, she rushed to embrace him. “Oh, Paul, I have missed you so much.” She raised on tiptoe to kiss him.

  He chuckled and cocked his head to one side. “And here I expected you to be angry with me for my late arrival. What a wonderful greeting.” Pulling her close, he covered her lips with a warm kiss.

  “I’ve missed you, and I love you very much,” she replied. “I don’t tell you often enough.”

  “Thank you, my dear. Here I have been dreading this engagement party, but you’ve already made my journey worthwhile.”

  She took a backward step and stared at the boat. “Is that Blake Carstead?”

  “Yes. As a matter of fact it is.”

  “What’s he doing here?”

  Paul shrugged. “He appeared at the Home just as I was leaving. I told him about Amanda’s engagement party, and he asked if he could come along.”

  “Hello!” Blake called while stepping onto the dock.

  Sophie tapped her foot on the wood planks. “Now you return!” She glanced around to see if anyone was within earshot. “What’s wrong with you, taking off like that? And where’s that Julia woman? Did you marry her?” Her calm demeanor had evaporated at the sight of Dr. Carstead. “Don’t you realize Amanda is about to marry a man she doesn’t love, and it’s all because of you!” She wanted to shake him until his teeth fell out.