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

by Ramona Flightner

  “For abandoning you,” Aidan said after a long pause. “I hope someday you’ll believe me, although I know it sounds a weak reason to a woman who’s spent years yearning for a father, that I didn’t know I was to be so blessed.” He smiled as Zylphia’s eyes flashed with emotion, and she blinked tears. “Yes, my daughter, blessed. For, if you believe nothing, I need you to understand you were created out of an abundance of love.”

  “Why did you leave? Why did you consign my mother to endless nights crying into her pillow?” She swiped at an errant tear and lifted her chin away to prevent Aidan from tapping at her wet cheeks with a handkerchief.

  “Your mother and I fought, said cruel things to each other, and I lost her. In my grief over the loss of my brother and his family, I lost your mother. I never knew I was losing you too.”

  “If you had known, would you have stayed?”

  Aidan’s expression softened, and he clasped her hand fiddling with the teaspoon. “Nothing could have caused me to leave.” His expression darkened. “But I can’t rewrite the past, Zylphia.”

  She sniffed, her gaze focused on the steamy windows for a moment. “I believe you.” She smiled ruefully as Aidan exhaled deeply. “I want to know you, but I think I’ll find it difficult to have another parent giving me instructions.”

  “We all must adjust,” Aidan murmured as he reached forward and brushed a hand over her dark hair before clasping her hand again. “I’ll only ever want what’s best for you, Zylphia, and will find joy even in our squabbles.”

  Zylphia blinked away tears. “It is almost too much to understand. I have a father,” Zylphia whispered.

  “Yes, and cousins. I’d like for you to meet them at a gathering to be held at their home here in the North End. Will you attend with your mother and me?”

  “Will you tell them who I am?”

  “Of course. I’m eager for my nephews to meet their cousin, my daughter.” He smiled tenderly at her. “I know it’s difficult, Zylphia, but I hope someday you find as much joy in discovering you have a father as I do in my discovery of you.”

  Zylphia bit her lip before whispering, “I have, Father. The joy I’ve felt at the prospect of truly having a father has terrified me.”

  Aidan’s eyes flashed, and he reached forward to grip her hand. “You won’t lose me, Zylphia. I can promise you that.”

  Zylphia nodded, turning her hand over to squeeze his.

  CHAPTER 26

  SAVANNAH STOOD ON THE FRONT STEPS to the McLeod house in the North End and took a deep, fortifying breath. Jeremy opened the door, pulling her in for a quick embrace before leading her down the hall.

  “Savannah,” Florence said as she rushed toward her, holding little Ian. “It’s wonderful to see you. Thank you for coming.”

  Savannah nodded, tracing Ian’s head before attempting a smile. “Hello, Florence, Richard.”

  Florence tugged her to the settee, shooing away the cat. “How are you?”

  Savannah cast a quick glance to Richard and Jeremy who appeared deep in conversation in the kitchen area. “Not very good,” Savannah whispered. “I wake at night, hearing Hope calling for me. It’s almost more than I can handle when I realize she’s gone.”

  Florence gripped Savannah’s hand. “I’m sadder than I can say, Savannah. I regret not being able to travel for the funeral.”

  “I wouldn’t have expected you to. Besides, I wasn’t aware of much that happened that day,” she admitted in a whisper. “It’s as though it all happened to someone else.”

  Savannah looked up as Colin, Lucas and her father walked in, with Colin carrying Melinda. “Lucas!” Savannah exclaimed. “I hadn’t expected you to come.” She rose and threw herself in his arms.

  “Sav,” Lucas said, holding her tight. “I’ve missed you these past few days and had to see for myself that you were doing all right.” He brushed a hand over her head, marring her simple chignon.

  She leaned in again for another embrace. “All I care about is that you are recovered.”

  “It’s going to take a few weeks before I feel like my old self,” he admitted. “I still don’t have much strength, and the doctors don’t want me to do much heavy lifting. Other than that, I’m fine.”

  Lucas reached out a hand to clasp Jeremy’s, keeping one arm around Savannah. “Thank you for keeping her safe,” Jeremy said with an emotion-laden voice.

  “Always,” Lucas said. “It’s something else we have in common.”

  Savannah stepped out of her brother’s arms and turned toward her father. She was unable to battle her tears, and they poured forth as he pulled her into his strong arms.

  “Ah, my Savannah,” he whispered, blinking away tears. “I’m sorry you’ve suffered as you have.” He patted her back as Savannah attempted to control her tears.

  Lucas collapsed into a chair and accepted a glass of water from Florence.

  “Lucas, you shouldn’t be exerting yourself by coming here,” Savannah admonished, swiping at her tears.

  “I’m fine, Sav. We took a carriage here, and now I’ll spend the entire evening sitting down.”

  “As long as you continue to follow the doctor’s orders,” Savannah said, sitting next to him. He slung an arm over her shoulder, and she leaned into him a moment. Colin sat next to them, balancing Melinda on his knees. She reached out her arms to Savannah and squirmed on Colin’s lap.

  “Here, Sav, I think she’ll only settle once she’s with you.”

  Savannah stifled a sob as she held her small blonde cousin, fighting memories of her daughter. She nodded and sniffled her acknowledgment to Colin and Lucas that she was fine, cuddling Melinda on her lap as she settled. She smiled as Colin extracted a small doll from his pocket, and Melinda played with it silently.

  “You’ve become very attuned to the needs of a child,” Lucas teased Colin.

  Colin played with Melinda’s wispy curls. “She needs to know only love from now on,” Colin murmured. Lucas and Savannah mumbled their agreement, their focus on Melinda shifting at the sound of new arrivals.

  Aidan entered with Zylphia and Delia, and the small room felt as though it would burst with everyone in it. Although a cool day in mid-April, Jeremy leaned over to open the kitchen window.

  “Mrs. Maidstone, Delia, I believe you know most everyone present,” Aidan said as he quickly introduced those she didn’t know. “This is Zylphia, her daughter.”

  “Nice to meet you,” Martin said as he offered one of them his chair. The table now had six chairs around it but were still three short, even with Melinda and baby Ian sitting on two of the adults’ laps.

  Jeremy and Richard stood, studying Zylphia. They shared a long look, nodding to her and then furrowing their brows in confusion as they communicated silently. “Uncle,” Richard said. “There’s something we wanted to show you in the alley.”

  “Not now, Richard,” Aidan said. “You can show me at a later time.”

  Delia sat next to Savannah after Colin rose and joined Richard and Jeremy. Delia fidgeted with her dark blue dress, adorned only by a silver belt with its large buckle. “Florence, Savannah, I owe you both apologies.”

  Florence raised an eyebrow, remaining silent, and Savannah followed her lead.

  “I’m afraid I treated you both poorly once I realized you were in any way affiliated with a McLeod. As Aidan pointed out, I’d held my bitterness to me like a shield, and I attempted to maim you with my disappointment. It wasn’t fair of me, and I’m sorry.”

  Florence watched her with keen interest, running her hand over Ian’s back as though she found the motion soothing. “Is what you said true about my parents? My family?”

  “Everything I said was true, but I should have been much more tactful. I should never have imparted such information in a callous manner. I’m sorry.”

  “Do you know of any way to locate them? My siblings sent on the orphan train?” Florence bit her lip as she fought hope.

  “I believe it will be very difficult. The Childre
n’s Aid Society keeps records. However, once your siblings were on the train, the recordkeeping wasn’t as good as it should have been. I will do what I can to help.”

  “Thank you, Delia. If I could find them … You don’t know what it would mean,” Florence whispered as she bent to kiss Ian’s head. Delia nodded and tried to smile.

  Savannah looked at Delia with grief-stricken eyes. “I believe I’ve already made my peace with you. You helped me find Hope, and I was able to hold her in my arms a few times. For that, I will always be thankful.”

  Delia nodded, blinking away tears. “I’m terribly sorry, Savannah.”

  Savannah nodded, cuddling Melinda. Lucas stroked Sav’s shoulder and gripped it gently in support. She looked for Jeremy, seeing him standing next to Richard with his arms crossed, a formidable frown on his face as he stared at his uncle. For the first time since Aidan had returned, Jeremy didn’t seem pleased at his uncle’s presence.

  “Uncle, was there some reason you wanted us all together?” Jeremy asked.

  “There were a few reasons. You and Savannah will travel soon, and I don’t know when I’ll see you again. I wanted to have this opportunity to have the family together.”

  “You have a home in Missoula, Uncle. I’d think you’d visit it soon or why else own it?” Richard asked.

  “It would please me greatly if you and Savannah would consider living in it in my stead during my prolonged absence. I have great faith in my housekeeper, Mrs. Egan, but I would feel better if one of us were also living in it. Gabriel refuses, due to an excess of McLeod pride, but I’d appreciate it if you would consider my request.”

  “Savannah and I will discuss it,” Jeremy said. He continued to watch his uncle with a quizzical expression.

  “I also wanted us all together because I have an announcement to make. I believe most here are aware that, at the time of the fire in November of 1886, I was romantically involved with Mrs. Maidstone. We separated due to grief-stricken, idiotic comments I made after the loss of what I understood at that time was my whole family. I believed my grief insurmountable.”

  His solemn gaze moved to Savannah. “I’ve since learned that most grief subsides and takes up residence in a small portion of one’s heart, making itself known at inopportune moments, but not preventing one from living a fulfilled life.”

  Savannah nodded as she wiped away tears.

  “What I had not realized, back in ’86, when I had sailed away under a different crew, planning to never return to Boston, was that I was to be a father.” At this Jeremy and Richard nodded, nudging each other in the sides with their elbows. “I’ve only just discovered that Zylphia Maidstone is, in fact, my daughter.”

  “Oh, how wonderful,” Florence enthused, rising from her chair to give one-armed hugs to Aidan and then Delia and Zylphia. “After all this time of believing you were alone, to now find you have your own family.”

  Savannah handed Melinda to Lucas and rose, embracing Aidan. “I’m so happy for you, Aidan.”

  “I’m sorry if this brings you pain, my darling niece,” Aidan said.

  “I just hate that I’m envious,” she whispered, releasing him.

  “I’m not. It means you’ll continue to fight the darkness.” He turned to accept slaps on the back from Jeremy and Richard, who then studied their cousin.

  Richard watched Zylphia. “You’re a fair sight prettier than our other cousins.”

  “And I hope nicer,” Jeremy said. At Zylphia’s confused stare, he said, “We were orphaned at a young age and raised by an aunt. She wasn’t very kind, and her sons took joy in tormenting us.”

  Lucas smiled warmly. “I imagine it’s overwhelming to meet so much family so quickly.”

  Zylphia nodded, moving closer to Delia.

  “And there’s more in Montana!” Aidan said. “My eldest nephew, Gabriel, lives there with his wife.”

  “Our cousin,” Savannah said, pointing to Lucas and herself.

  Zylphia bit her lip as she tried to determine how everyone was related.

  “Don’t worry. We can draw you a diagram later. For now let’s enjoy supper and get to know one another,” Richard said as he moved toward the large stew pot. “It’s stew tonight because of our number.”

  He handed out bowls and mugs, with just enough to go around to everyone.

  Jeremy approached Savannah’s father as they waited for their bowls of stew. “Sir, if I could speak with you for a moment?”

  Martin nodded, stepping aside toward the rear door. He smiled encouragingly toward a seated Savannah who watched them with a frown. “What is it, Jeremy?”

  “As you know, Savannah and I are planning our journey to Montana. I would like to ask your permission to marry her when we arrive there.”

  “Why wait? Why not marry before you travel?”

  “I’m aware that we may cause gossip traveling together when we are unmarried, but I know Savannah will want Clarissa with her at her wedding.”

  Martin’s gaze became distant for a moment before focusing on Jeremy again. “You’re correct.” He studied Jeremy before sighing. “I know Savannah loves you. You’ve shown her tremendous loyalty and compassion throughout everything that has occurred.”

  “I love her, sir.”

  “I believe you do. I failed her once, and I dread failing her again.”

  Jeremy’s shoulders stiffened at Martin’s words.

  “However, she chose you this time. Not the family. I must trust her, as well as my instincts, that you will never harm her.”

  Jeremy bristled. “Never, sir.”

  Martin smiled sadly. “Then I give you my consent. Although I’ll never be more distraught than the day I receive the letter describing your nuptials, knowing I wasn’t there.” He clasped Jeremy’s shoulder before walking with him toward the kitchen area.

  Jeremy smiled and winked at Savannah, and she relaxed in her chair.

  In a conversational lull and after most everyone had eaten, Richard asked, “What does this mean for the orphanage?”

  “For now, I’m continuing on,” Delia said.

  “But I thought this meant …” Florence bit her lip before saying anything to offend Aidan.

  “In time, Florence,” Aidan murmured.

  “When does the train leave?” Lucas asked.

  “In a little over a week,” Jeremy said.

  “All is settled with Jonas’s estate?” Martin asked.

  “I’ve spoken with the lawyer. There is no movement to press charges or to move forward with any legal action against me, thus everything will be out of probate soon.”

  “Will you keep the workshop, Jeremy?” Martin asked.

  “Yes. As it is uncertain we will remain permanently in Montana, I think it best to keep the space. I’d also hate to lose all those tools.”

  “What about you and Jeremy?” Lucas asked Savannah.

  Jeremy wandered to stand behind Savannah, resting a hand on her shoulder. She raised her hand, intertwining her fingers with his. “We’ll be married in Montana, with Clarissa and Gabe present. I don’t want another Boston society wedding,” Savannah said, sharing a long look with her father, who sighed in agreement.

  “I can promise you, our wedding will be nothing like the first,” Jeremy said, kissing Savannah’s hand.

  CHAPTER 27

  Montana, April 1903

  “THAT WAS A DELICIOUS MEAL, Amelia,” Ronan said as he stretched in his wheelchair. “Thank you.”

  Gabriel played with his fork, crumbling the piecrust remains on his plate. “It was good to have reason to celebrate. It seemed as though the trial would never end.”

  “Thankfully Cameron received the justice he deserved,” Ronan said.

  “There is no such thing as justice for a man like Cameron,” I said. “But we are all better off now that he’s in prison for the rest of his life.”

  “The Bouchards seemed unaccustomed to eating crow,” Ronan said with a satisfied smile. “I’ve enjoyed watching them and some of
the townsfolks’ effusive praise of Sebastian’s integrity and work ethic. It’s been a joy to watch them attempt to backpedal after all the vicious things they said.”

  “I agree,” Sebastian said. “Especially after their rush to judgment.”

  “Although I doubt they’ve truly learned any lessons. People like Mrs. Bouchard do not change overnight,” I said with a rueful shake of my head.

  “I’m sad to see you depart tomorrow, Seb,” Gabriel said.

  “As am I. However, I’m looking forward to the challenge of starting a mill almost from the ground up. Picking the men I want to work with. Ensuring I have the men in charge that I want, not ones who were inherited. And Darby isn’t that far away.”

  “Isn’t it a small town?” I asked.

  “Yes, much smaller than Missoula. Although it is supposed to be quite beautiful.” Sebastian took a sip of tepid coffee. “Your Mr. Pickens can never say enough good things about it, although I’m not sure he’s ever been that far south.”

  “I know. You’ll have to write and tell us if you agree,” I said. “It always seemed a bit too wild.”

  “It’s less than a hundred miles from here, Rissa,” Amelia said as she rose and entered the kitchen.

  “Sorry,” I whispered, sharing a chagrined glance with Sebastian.

  He raised an eyebrow and shook his head in resignation as we heard her go into one of the back rooms to check on the children.

  “It’s not easy on her,” Sebastian said.

  “Of course it isn’t. She’s survived the loss of one good man. She can’t relish the loss of another,” Ronan said as he frowned at Sebastian.

  “Sebastian, Gabriel informed me that you no longer have your house here in Missoula,” I said as I bit my lip in concern.

  “I was forced to sell rather than lose it to the bank. I’m hopeful to be able to find a similar home in Darby.”

  “I’m sorry, Sebastian,” I said as I reached forward to clasp his hand for a moment. When I released his hand, I rubbed my open palm over my belly, silently marveling at the movement of the baby within.