“Well, once we figured out that she preferred goat’s milk, it made all the difference.”
He took hold of the baby’s tiny hand. “Precious child. Just precious. You’ve done some good work in taking care of her, Gloriana. You have fulfilled the Bible’s command about taking care of widows and orphans.”
“It’s been my pleasure. I’m sure when summer comes and Luke takes her back to Philadelphia, I may question my choice to help, but for now she gets me through the days.”
“Did Luke say he intends to return to Philadelphia? I’d heard nothing of it.”
“I just presume, since that’s where his home is, that he will probably want to. But no. He’s not said anything about it.” She jostled the baby as she began to fuss again. “Sally has been such a blessing to me and JT both. She helps us reflect on life rather than death.”
“It’s funny how God often does that. Sends us something to reclaim our focus in times of grief and pain.” He paused. “I know this hasn’t been easy for you, Gloriana. I know you may be struggling with questions of why God allowed this to happen.”
“You mean why God has left us without hope for our future, without the love of our good father? You see, JT and I are orphans too. Of course I would help the fatherless. I am one of them.”
“But you mustn’t allow it to divide you from the heavenly Father,” Pastor Sedgwick replied. “I know it seems like He has been cruel to you—heartless—and perhaps you’re thinking that He no longer cares. But, Gloriana, He does.”
“He has a strange way of showing it.” She frowned. “I have a little brother who often cries long into the night for his loss. I try to comfort him, but my tears are just as plentiful. We have each other, at least, I tell myself, but it serves little purpose.”
Another interruption sounded at the door. Gloriana was relieved. She opened the door to find Luke holding a small sack. “Sweets for JT,” he said, raising them aloft. “If that’s all right with you.”
She smiled and took the bag. “As long as I get my share. Come on in. Pastor Sedgwick just stopped by.”
“And I’m heading off again,” the pastor said. “I was just making my rounds. Gloriana, are you sure there’s nothing I can do for you?”
“Nothing,” she replied. She knew from his patient smile that he understood, but it offered little consolation. She drew a deep breath. “Thank you for coming by. It means a lot.” She didn’t really mean the words, but she saw their effect and knew saying them had been the right thing to do. Pastor Sedgwick felt reaffirmed, and that was all that mattered.
“Then I’ll bid you both good-bye for now. We hope to see all of you in church on Sunday.”
“Hopefully my new carriage will come on the next ship,” Luke declared. “I have a nice team of horses but no carriage to put them with.”
“And no decent road to drive them on,” Pastor replied.
“Yes, but I must protect my little family from the elements,” Luke replied.
Gloriana had never heard him refer to them as his little family. Of course, maybe he only meant Sally. It was impossible to tell.
“Well, I hope to see you all in church no matter how you get there. We miss you.” The pastor fixed his gaze on Gloriana. “Greta wanted me to make sure I expressed that.”
Gloriana was glad Luke took the initiative to show Pastor Sedgwick out. When he finally closed the door, Gloriana was already at the fireside with the baby.
“Is she dry and safe for handling?” Luke asked, joining them.
Gloriana laughed. “Well, for the moment. As you know, that can change at any time.” She handed him the baby, who immediately reached for his face. It would seem Sally knew her Uncle Luke very well. “I have a little coffee left. Would you like me to heat it up?”
“No, come and sit with me. I have some things we should discuss.”
Gloriana decided the time had come to tell him of her situation. “I’m happy to do that but must beg to be allowed to go first.”
His eyes narrowed. “Of course.” He looked momentarily troubled. “Is something wrong?”
“Well, yes and no.” She sighed. “It’s simply something that must be resolved.”
She took the rocking chair while Luke sat with Sally in Gloriana’s mother’s old chair. “Please tell me everything.”
She nodded. “I need to find work. The truth of the matter is that Papa didn’t leave us fixed all that well. We have the rental property, of course.” She paused, hoping Luke would think about the fact that he was living there rent-free. “And he had a little savings, but that’s mostly gone now from buying food and shoes for JT. I’m going to have to find a way to earn wages so I can continue to support my brother. That, of course, means I won’t be available to take care of Sally.”
Luke seemed confused, and then it was as if he suddenly found a secret stash of gold. “Oh, my goodness! I never thought. I’ve been so blind.”
Gloriana was taken aback. “What do you mean?”
“I am so dense. I’m sorry, Gloriana. Here you’ve been allowing me to stay in the cottage without paying my fair share. You’ve been feeding me and washing my clothes, and I’ve done nothing but bring an occasional treat to the house.” He shook his head and gazed toward the ceiling. “God forgive me.” He refocused on her. “Why didn’t you speak sooner?”
“I . . . well, everything had been all right, but when I ran out of coffee this morning and knew there wasn’t money for more . . . well, I guess I just realized I couldn’t put it off anymore.”
“Gloriana, this is all my fault. I’m so sorry. I’ll pay back rent on the cottage, and let’s discuss this situation of a job. You’ve been nursemaid to my niece for two months. I owe you wages at least for that, not to mention that you’ve acted as a housekeeper and cook for me. I owe you a great deal, and I’m sorry for not having been considerate enough to realize you couldn’t possibly have had the money to pay for all the food you’ve fed me.”
“I don’t expect you to pay me for anything, especially not for caring for Sally. I made her mother a promise. I just need to get a job so I can continue to pay for JT and myself.” Her heart beat a little faster at the compassionate look he was giving her. “I . . . it was my pleasure having you join us for meals. I just can’t make everything work without money.”
“Gloriana, if not you, I would have to pay someone else. Sally has known you from her birth. You are every bit a mother to her, and that comforts me greatly. You have loved her, not just cared for her as a nurse might. I don’t want her to leave your care. I will pay you back wages and rent, but I will also pay you going forward. Don’t consider it pay for caring for Sally—maybe just consider it pay for taking care of me.” He laughed. “As you know, I can be rather a mess.”
He propped the baby in the crook of one arm and reached into his coat. He pulled out a large leather wallet. Gloriana tried not to look surprised as he handed her more than fifty dollars.
“This should cover the last two months. I’ll set up accounts in any stores you ask me to so that you can just go there and shop for what you need. If I might continue to eat my meals with you in the morning and evening, that would greatly bless me.” He smiled.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way. JT would be angry at me if I sent you away. He’s come to see you as a big brother. You’ve been a blessing to our family, Luke. There’s no denying that.”
“I’m glad. I’m just sorry for the worry you must have felt over your future. Put it all aside now and worry no more. I will see that you’re paid fairly. What else should I arrange? I know the church men have provided firewood, but should I order more?”
“No, we’re fine. Papa and Scott had already cut some, and with the extra . . . well, I think we’ll be all right for a while.”
Gloriana allowed relief to wash over her. Luke was right. She had earned the money in her hand, but at the same time, she’d enjoyed having him with the family. He had helped her from growing too sad. He had regaled them with stories of the world
. He had been a good friend.
“Let’s speak no more of it. This money will take me far,” Gloriana admitted. “I’ll put it away to replace what Papa had set aside for emergencies.”
“I never thought to ask, Gloriana, but did your father have any life insurance or insurance on the boat?”
She shook her head. “I doubt it. Who had money for that kind of thing? Papa prided himself on owning the house and boat free and clear of financial obligations. He had once put a lien on the property when he built us this new house, but as soon as it was built, he rented out the cottage, and everything he made went to pay off that loan. I remember my folks celebrating when the bill was paid.”
“A simple joy, to be sure. Remaining free of debts is the only way to live without fear. Debts bring a kind of shame that no one wants to bear. It’s far wiser to save for those things we cannot afford and to learn patience in waiting for them.”
“I agree. Papa once told me that saving for something made it all the more precious in the receiving. And he was right.” She folded the money. “I must put this away lest I lose it.”
“Well, as soon as I get to the bank, I shall have more for you.” Luke smiled. “I intend to see you and Master JT properly cared for.”
For the next few weeks, Luke continued to berate himself for having been so stupid. How could he not have realized how difficult Gloriana had it? He’d lived in her cottage without paying a penny and had eaten her food—most of which had been provided by others in the small town. It had been so completely heartless of him—not at all the good Christian he wanted to be. When he thought of the sleepless nights she might have had, it bothered him all the more. He’d lived such a spoiled life of abundance. Never once had he needed to worry about whether there would be enough food for the next day.
“God forgive me.”
When Luke thought of Gloriana and JT’s home, he found himself wanting only to do more. He wanted to build them a bigger house. They could live in the better part of town and rent their current property out in full. There was always a new family coming to town to help with the railroad or one of the other new industries. It would give Gloriana a solid bit of money to live on in addition to what Luke intended to pay her for Sally’s care. If Luke worked it out right, they could all live close together as they did now.
Of course, other ideas for caring for Gloriana and JT, as well as Sally, constantly came to mind. Luke was finding himself rather enraptured by Gloriana. He hadn’t considered himself looking for a wife, but the more time he spent with her, the more he found himself pondering just that possibility. Maybe the house he built would be one for a bride?
“Here are those maps you asked for,” Theodore Sedgwick said, coming into Luke’s office. “I’m afraid the route along Moose Lake required some changes, and Mr. Rowland is overseeing those.”
“That’s not a problem.” Luke took the rolled maps and spread them out on his desk. “I will need a full report on the finished work prior to Christmas. Would you see to that? I figure you can go to St. Paul to deliver the updates and reports and see that they get forwarded to Mr. Cooke. Then, on your way back, you can get the updated information on where we’re halting the line work until spring.” He smiled. “You might even take an extra day on us and do some shopping for the holidays. I have a few things I’d like you to pick up for me as well.”
Sedgwick gave a nod. “I will do whatever you need me to do. When shall I leave?”
“Well, Christmas is less than two weeks away. I think you must go soon. Even tomorrow, if that is convenient.”
“Of course.”
Sedgwick had been nothing but cooperative and good to work with. Luke needed to put aside his uneasiness. He pulled some money from his wallet, then picked up a list from the desk. “Do you think you could obtain these things for me?”
Theodore looked at the list. “I do.”
“Do you believe this will be enough money?”
Theodore looked at the bills in his hand, his eyes rather wide. “More than enough.”
Luke smiled. “Good. Oh, and I have something for you.” He reached into his desk and pulled out an envelope. “A Christmas bonus for a job well done.”
Theodore’s surprised expression was more than enough to please Luke. Clearly his secretary had not expected such a gift.
“Merry Christmas.”
The older man took the envelope and nodded. “Merry Christmas to you. Thank . . . thank you.” Theodore put it in his pocket without bothering to look inside. He was a strange little man, but Luke wanted very much to work amicably with him.
“All right, then. Speak with Archie Rowland about your transportation. They will make every opportunity for you to travel quickly and return in time to share Christmas with your family.”
Sedgwick nodded again. “Thank you. I’ll return as soon as possible.”
He left, and Luke could only smile. Giving surprise gifts was something he enjoyed. It was going to be a lot of fun seeing how Gloriana and JT responded at Christmas. He had great surprises in store. But for now, he needed to make one more arrangement, and that was for a tree. He wanted very much to have an entire day of fun searching for a tree and perhaps eating at one of those Swedish bakery shops.
Then another thing came to mind. He’d been wrestling all day with how to tell his father about baby Sally. The baby was the last connection his father would have to Scott, but Luke worried about his father’s ideas for the child. He would never agree to let Gloriana and JT be a part of her life. Once he knew about the child, he would want her for his own, and that thought caused great trepidation. His father could be very cruel and demanding. He would want to raise Sally as a china doll—secret her away, change her name, and wipe away every memory of her mother being a scullery maid. Luke couldn’t allow that to happen. He’d been considering what to do ever since Sally had died. He had honestly considered lying and telling his father that the baby had died too, but he knew God would never honor that.
“Lord, I know I have to tell him, but what can I do to protect her?”
He thought again of that horrible night when his sister-in-law lay dying, her will to live gone. She had begged Gloriana and Luke to raise her child. There had been a witness to this deathbed request: Abigail Lindquist. The midwife had heard the entire matter. She could offer testimony. But for what purpose?
Adoption.
The thought came clearly, and Luke almost whooped for joy. Adoption. Of course. He could start the proceedings and adopt Sally Marie Carson before his father could alter the course. He would start the arrangement immediately. What was the name of that judge he’d met at church?
“It’s so cold out. Do you really think we ought to expose Sally?” Gloriana asked, her tone full of concern.
“I think she’ll be fine,” Luke replied. “You’ve buried her under five blankets. It’s a wonder she can breathe.”
“She’s breathing without any trouble,” Gloriana replied, but double-checked the child even as she spoke.
“Come on. I have the wagon ready. We’ll drop Sally off with Mrs. Sedgwick and then be on our way. Don’t disappoint me.”
“Or me,” JT said in an annoyed voice. “I’ve been looking forward to this all week, Glory.”
Luke gave her a grin. “What’s it going to be? Are you going to keep your word or not?”
“Of course I’m keeping my word. I just want to be sure Sally will be well cared for.”
When they reached the Sedgwicks’ place, they nearly had the entire conversation again. Finally Luke took the baby out of Gloriana’s arms and thrust her at the pastor’s wife. “We’ll be back by five. Is that good?”
“Very good.”
“She needs to be burped after she eats, and remember, only goat’s milk. And don’t forget to keep her dry,” Gloriana fussed. “She has a tendency toward rash if you don’t keep her dry.”
“Gloriana Womack, I raised four children without your help. I think I can master a day with little S
ally,” Mrs. Sedgwick declared, sounding firm, though her expression was amused.
“I’m sorry.” Gloriana looked forlorn and displaced.
Luke took that as his cue. He handed Pastor Sedgwick a basket. “There’s extra goat’s milk in bottles here. Should be plenty for the day. There are also lots of flannels for the other end.” He laughed and jumped up on the wagon.
“You all have fun. We’ll be just fine,” the pastor said.
Luke nodded and put the team in motion.
Gloriana was still not satisfied. “Do you think she’ll be all right? What if she thinks we’ve abandoned her?”
“I think that a two-month-old has too many other things to think about. After all, it’s nearly Christmas.”
“She’s three months old.”
“Three months or two, I seriously doubt she’s all that concerned with much more than eating and sleeping and the occasional bounce on the knee.” He nudged JT, who sat between them. “Unlike a certain boy I know who is always thinking about hundreds of things and so busy I can hardly keep up with him.”
JT snorted a laugh. “I’ve just got a lot to do.”
“Indeed.” Luke laughed with him. “Speaking of which, I understand there’s a Christmas program at the school. Am I invited?”
“You are most assuredly invited,” JT said in a very grown-up manner. “All of our family is supposed to come, and I consider you family now. You’re like my big brother.”
Luke’s gaze met Gloriana’s over the top of the boy’s head. He liked the way that sounded. He was a part of their family.
To his surprise, once they were away from the town proper and found a place to focus on getting their tree, Gloriana lost track of the time and became caught up in their objective.
“I like this one,” JT said, standing beside a tall pine. “But it’s too big.”
“Indeed it is,” Gloriana replied. “We couldn’t even get it through the front door.”
“What about this little one?” Luke asked, pointing out a much smaller tree.
JT frowned and shook his head. “It’s too little to put even a few ornaments on it.”
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