Undaunted Love (PART TWO): Banished Saga, Book 3.5

by Ramona Flightner

  “I’ve heard they’re pressuring him to plead guilty and spend his life in prison rather than risk being hanged for murder,” Sebastian said as he paused in his soft playing.

  “Why would one preclude the other?” I asked perplexed. “He killed the man. Why should pleading guilty prevent him from …” I blushed and couldn’t continue.

  “Swingin’ from a rope?” Mr. A.J. asked with a touch of glee.

  “Mr. A.J.” I shook my head in exasperation.

  “Justice would be served. That man seems to elude it with too much ease,” Ronan said.

  “Well, he’s in a cell here in Missoula, and, if he pleads guilty, he’ll be moved without much fuss to the state pen. Seems there are a few who’d relish doing him harm, and the authorities want little fanfare surrounding him,” Sebastian said.

  “Appears they’re not succeeding with the newspapers,” Ronan said. “Headlines like ‘East Coast Arsonist Returns for Reckoning’ keeps the story in people’s minds.”

  “It’s the best story they’ve had in years!” Mr. A.J. proclaimed. “For once it’s nothin’ to do with the goin’s-on with one of the Copper Kings or Butte. It’s a home-grown scoundral.”

  I corrected him. “Scandal.” Mr. Pickens didn’t even acknowledge I had spoken, he was so enthralled by the topic.

  He stomped his foot due to the absence of his cane. “Don’t seem right to me an upstandin’ man such as Mr. Carpin has to be forced away, due to those sisters.”

  I choked back a laugh. “Mr. Carlin, Mr. A.J.”

  He waved his hand at me. “However, maybe now you’ll get my Missy down to see the Bitter Roots. Have her in those mountains.”

  “Mr. A.J., areas where they’re clearing forest is no place for nontimber people,” Sebastian said.

  “The whole forest can’t be under a saw,” Mr. Pickens argued. “You’ll see, Missy. You’ll see.”

  “Once our child is born, I think we’ll be close to Missoula for a while,” Gabriel said with a frown.

  “Ain’t no easier time to travel than when the young’un is too little to walk. When they start walkin’ is when they start havin’ a mind of their own, and all peace is at an end. No, go early, when the baby’s swaddled tight.”

  “We’ll consider it, Mr. A.J.,” I murmured, gripping Gabriel’s hand to forestall any further argument.

  “When will you leave, Sebastian?” I asked.

  “I’m not certain,” Sebastian said. “I think it may be a few months, in April or so.”

  “Good,” I said as I watched Amelia relax imperceptibly.

  ***

  SCANT LIGHT ENTERED the windows by the desk even though the curtains were tied back. I peered out the window at the unrelenting gray clouds, with little hope for the sun to break through on this dreary late-January day. Picking up my sheet of paper, I blew on it in an attempt to dry a letter I’d just completed to Colin.

  “Rissa!” I heard Gabriel bellow from the workshop below. I rose, thankful for the reprieve, as I still had many other letters to write.

  I descended the stairs but came to a full stop at the base of them. “What is that?” I pointed to a large crate filling the previously empty space near the doorway. Ronan’s workspace was quiet today as he was at his apartment awaiting a home visit from the doctor.

  “I have no idea, but it was just delivered, and it comes from Colin.” Gabriel handed me a letter which came with the crate. He held up a crowbar with one hand and raised an eyebrow. I nodded absentmindedly as I ripped open the letter.

  I read aloud. “I found this at a shop selling secondhand furniture and thought you’d want it. I hope it arrives in one piece. The man in charge of packing it assured me that he would deliver it to you in as fine a condition as I purchased it. I’ll visit Sophie soon to see if she can provide any further insight. More to come. Colin.”

  I raised my gaze, perplexed, watching as Gabriel used his crowbar on the crate. I winced at the squeaking noise made as the nails fought being separated from the wood, until finally the wood lay scattered on the floor.

  I gasped, walking as though mesmerized toward the piece of furniture. I brushed away packing dust, scattering a fine sheen on the floor. “How can this be? This sat in my room.” I raised my confused gaze to Gabriel. “This was my mother’s. It was her vanity.”

  “It’s very fine,” Gabriel said, tracing his hand over the wood, helping to rub away the packing dust. He moved to a rear part of the shop and picked up a clean cloth, returning to swipe gently at the vanity. The wood shone after his gentle ministrations. His worried expression reflected mine. “Seems as though your stepmother hasn’t completed her fund-raising efforts.”

  “She’s already sold Colin’s birthright. Now she’s selling the fine furniture from our house. What more could she do?” My breath caught at the thought of all my parents’ beautiful furniture lost to me. “I knew something was wrong when we visited, and already pieces were missing.”

  “It’s only furniture, love,” Gabriel said, gripping my fingers. “I’ll make you whatever you want.”

  “I know. It’s just that I’ve lost my parents. And now I’m losing everything that was theirs. I’ll have nothing.”

  “You have your mother’s vanity.” He rubbed a thumb over my cheeks. “And they can never take away your memories of them, darling. No matter how hard they try, they can never do that.”

  I met his gaze, seeing understanding and concern. “I know,” I whispered. “It’s so hard to realize they’ll never see our home. Never meet …” I broke down on a sob, and Gabriel pulled me to him for a tight embrace.

  “Hush, my love,” he whispered in my ear.

  “I’m sorry, Gabriel,” I stammered. “Forgive me.”

  “There’s nothing to forgive. I want all there is of you, the happy and the sad.” He smiled with unspoken tenderness. “Come. Let me make you a cup of tea.”

  I smiled as I remembered him telling me how his mother believed most things could be made better with a cup of strong tea. He led me up the stairs and to my rocking chair. I sat, still shuddering out a few errant sobs. He knelt by my side, holding my hands. When the tears continued to fall, he leaned over me, laying his head on my lap. I ran my fingers through his hair, finding my distress eased while I comforted him.

  His deep sigh of contentment filled me with a tremendous sense of peace. “I’m better now, darling,” I whispered.

  “I’m glad,” he said. “I was just having a conversation with our little one. Asking her to be gentle with you. To let you sleep at night and not give you indigestion.”

  I smiled. “And what did she respond?”

  “That she’d enjoy her time as she saw fit but hopefully not give you too rough a go,” Gabriel raised his head and winked at me. “I love you, my darling.”

  “Gabe,” I whispered as another tear leaked out.

  “Thank you, Rissa, for sharing all of yourself with me, including the sadness. This is what I always dreamed of. A full life, shared with you.”

  “I’d think you’d be tired of the trials I’ve brought to it.” I continued to thread my fingers through his silky black hair.

  “Never.” He smiled as he leaned up for a kiss. “Whatever we share together is my greatest dream.”

  I sighed with contentment before my eyes clouded again. “What is occurring in Boston, Gabe?”

  CHAPTER 17

  Boston, December 1902

  SAVANNAH STOOD AT THE STOVE in the McLeods’ home in the North End, stirring a fragrant pot of mulled cider. She glanced at her watch and opened the oven, covering her hand with a cloth. She shook the cake, and it didn’t wiggle. The top was a light bronze color, and she knew it was time to remove it from the oven. After lifting it carefully out, she placed it on a rack by the side of the stove.

  “Mmm, that smells delicious,” Jeremy said as he entered the kitchen.

  “I hope you enjoy it,” Savannah said. “It needs to cool for a bit, and then it will be ready to be iced an
d eaten.”

  Florence sat at the table, setting plates and silverware around while she remained seated. “I wish I could help more.”

  “You’re helping plenty,” Savannah said. “And this is good practice for me to see that I’ve learned all I can from Sophronia’s cook.”

  “What are we eating for dinner?” Richard asked. His hair was damp, and he’d donned clean clothes after returning from the forge.

  “I thought we’d try something simple for tonight. A roast with vegetables and potatoes. Bread. And, for dessert, a spice cake with frosting.” Savannah turned toward the stove, stirring the pot of mulled cider.

  “I wanted to make dinner for tomorrow, but Sophie forbade it. She wants us all to eat at her place,” Savannah said.

  “I’d think she’d be with her family,” Florence said.

  “She’ll be with them tonight. She says she often spends Christmas Day alone, so this will be a nice change for her.”

  Jeremy sat at the end of the table so he could watch Savannah as she worked. “I’m thankful she is considerate enough to not want you to cook on Christmas. Or you, Flo.”

  “Any word from Clarissa and Gabriel?” Savannah asked. “I know Rissa was eager to return home and be with Gabriel for the holiday.”

  “We just received a letter yesterday, and we decided to wait to read it until we were all together,” Richard said as he sat next to Florence. He pulled it out of his pocket and began to read.

  Dear Richard, Florence, Jeremy and Savannah,

  I know by now you are preparing for Christmas, and I wish you a very happy holiday. I’m sorry I won’t be with you, but it’s wonderful to be home with Gabriel and preparing for another Christmas together.

  I arrived home before the winter storms struck, although the journey seemed endless at times. Even though this was my third journey, I still marveled at the miles and miles of prairie. Just as I felt as though I would forever be in a flat land with golden stalks shooting through the snow, I saw mountains in the distance, and I breathed a sigh of relief. As you can imagine, I was never so happy as to see Gabriel when I walked into the workshop. I surprised him with my arrival, and the homecoming was all I could hope for.

  Our exciting news is that you will be aunts and uncles by early summer. I feel well, although I battle a daily bout of nausea each morning. Gabriel is thrilled, although he reminds me of you, Richard. Excited and nervous at the same time.

  There are no holly trees here in Montana, so I will string up a piece of pine along our makeshift mantel and remember fondly all the Boston Christmas traditions. The stockings are strung, one on either side of the stove, and I’m trying to knit one for the baby for next year.

  I miss you all and wish you a very happy Christmas.

  Clarissa

  “Oh, isn’t that wonderful news!” Florence said as she held a hand to her belly. She wiped at her cheeks with her free hand.

  Savannah moved toward Jeremy, still seated at the table, and leaned against his side. He turned into her, stretching up to kiss the side of her neck. “I couldn’t be happier for them,” he said. He pulled Savannah until she sat on his lap, where she sniffed and nodded her agreement.

  “I just wish we’d be with her,” Savannah whispered. “I hate that we’re separated.”

  They all jerked at a loud knock on the front door. Richard rose and strode down the hallway. At his whoop of joy, Savannah, Florence and Jeremy shared curious glances.

  “Set another place at the table, Flo, Savannah,” Richard called as pairs of heavy footsteps approached.

  “Mr. McLeod,” Savannah said. She attempted to rise off Jeremy’s lap, but his strong arm across her midsection kept her in place. She turned until she could look into Jeremy’s eyes, and he whispered, “It’ll be all right, my love. You’ll see.” She kissed him softly on the cheek and then pushed against him once more to rise. He helped her up and stood behind her.

  “Uncle,” Richard said, “I’d like you to meet my wife, Florence.”

  Aidan nodded toward her as she remained seated. “Ma’am, I’m delighted to finally meet the woman who has brought such joy to my nephew Richard.”

  “And you must be Jeremy,” Aidan said as he turned toward Savannah and Jeremy, a fierce joy lighting his eyes. He moved forward past Savannah and clasped Jeremy’s hand before pulling him into his arms for a long embrace. “Oh, how I wish Ian could have lived to see his boys, all grown up. He’d be tremendously proud of you.”

  “Uncle,” Jeremy said, a dazed expression in his gaze.

  “Forgive me,” Aidan said, turning to Savannah. “It’s a delight to see you again, Mrs. Montgomery, although I had expected to see you at your home on Marlborough Street when I visited last week.”

  Savannah paled. “My circumstances have changed, sir.”

  Aidan gave an assessing look at the casual intimacy between Jeremy and Savannah, murmuring, “Apparently.”

  Savannah remained ashen but lifted her chin in defiance.

  “I can’t believe you’re really here. I thought I’d never see you again. That you’d always spend your time in California or Montana,” Jeremy said, ignoring the exchange between his uncle and Savannah.

  “Oh, no, I knew I needed to see you again. When my business drew me to Boston, I endeavored to return. However, I had meant to be here weeks ago. Delays in Washington and New York City prevented me from arriving until now.”

  “Why didn’t you contact us when you arrived?” Richard asked, motioning for Aidan to sit down at the dining table. “When do you have to leave?”

  “Thankfully this is a quiet time for business, and I have no set schedule.” He removed his coat, handing it to Richard—who tossed it onto the couch—and sat at the table. “I wanted to settle my business and then meet with all of you.”

  “I hope your business was concluded to your satisfaction,” Florence said.

  “Most of it was,” Aidan said as he glanced toward Savannah. “I’ve had a more difficult time than expected with my negotiations concerning Mr. Montgomery.”

  Savannah turned toward the stove and stirred the pot again in such an agitated manner that contents began to spill onto the stovetop. She took a deep breath and began to slow her movements.

  “He seemed much more unreasonable this visit than when I was here two years ago,” Aidan said.

  “That’s because you’re finally seeing the true man,” Jeremy said. He frowned as he glanced toward Savannah and watched as she virtually churned the cider in her distress. He moved toward her, placing a calming hand on her arm. She stilled, leaning into him for a moment.

  “I’ve become accustomed to bargaining for what I want, but he was most interested in bartering. He seemed to believe that my family had something he wanted, and he would negotiate favorable terms once his missing property had been returned to him.”

  “What exactly are you looking to acquire with Mr. Montgomery’s help?” Jeremy asked. He stood with his back to the counter, one hand linked with Savannah’s, her back to the room.

  “He has many contacts in New York City, including influential banker friends and investors, whom I’d like to meet. I’m looking to further expand my business, and I’m searching for financial investors.” Aidan studied Savannah’s rigid back for a moment. “When I was here a few years ago, I believed he would be a good business associate and partner.”

  “Are you saying you’re uncertain now?” Richard asked.

  Aidan stared from one person to the next in the room and shook his head in confusion. “I feel like I walked into the middle of a play, and I don’t know what happened in the first act. Would anyone care to explain to me what I should know?”

  Savannah turned to face Aidan, ashen faced. “I’m here because I will never again live with Jonas. I would be thankful if you would refrain from calling me Mrs. Montgomery ever again. It may be my legal name, but I refuse to think of myself in those terms.”

  “Are you divorced?” Aidan asked as he studied her. He
frowned as she gripped the back of a chair in an attempt to still her shaking.

  “No, and I’m not seeking one. Although I’ll be infamous, living away from my husband, loving another man, I cannot care about that.”

  “I’m afraid I do care,” Aidan said. “My brother and sister-in-law would want more for their son than a flighty woman who abandons her husband for no apparent reason.”

  “How dare you?” Savannah rasped. “I’ve marks all over my body proclaiming my husband’s esteem for me. I had my child stolen from me and given to strangers to raise because she was a girl rather than the coveted son. I’m not some object he misplaced and can barter with his business associates for its return. I’m worth more than any amount of money you might possess.”

  Aidan rose, a harshness lighting his eyes. Jeremy moved to stand between him and Savannah. “Please, Jeremy, let me speak with Savannah,” Aidan said. Jeremy nodded, moving to the side but remained standing next to Savannah.

  Aidan reached forward, touching Savannah gently on her shoulder. “Your husband beat you?”

  She nodded jerkily.

  “Took pleasure in tormenting you? Took your daughter from you?”

  “Yes,” Savannah rasped.

  His hand tightened for a moment on her shoulder before releasing it with a soft caress. “I’ll ensure to never undertake any business with him, and I’ll endeavor that no one with any association with me does either.”

  Savannah gasped, and a sob escaped before she turned away, covering her face with her hands. Aidan watched as she leaned into Jeremy, sobs racking her. He shared a solemn look with Jeremy and turned to face Richard and Florence.

  He took a deep breath and attempted a smile. “When will you make me a great-uncle?”

  “Soon,” Richard said with relief. “In a few weeks.”

  “A few days, if God be kind,” Florence said with another soft pat to her belly. She shared a rueful glance with Richard and Aidan. “I’m not looking forward to the birthing of the baby, but I’m excited at the prospect of no longer feeling like an overripe pumpkin.”

  Aidan laughed. “It’s a joy and a time of absolute terror.” His smile dimmed as his gaze became distant.