Grace patted her hand. “Don’t worry. I know that God has this completely in His care. I know Andy and I will be just fine. You go ahead and we’ll join you as soon as we can. Just trust Adrik to know what’s best. He’s a good man.”
Karen smiled. “You sound like the teacher now rather than the student.”
Grace shook her head. “No, I sound like a lonely wife.”
Karen took hold of her hand. “I’m so sorry, dear friend. I know you would much rather be with Peter, safe and warm in some distant home. I should never have brought you north. I should have insisted on having you return to California. I should have bought the ticket myself and put you on the ship.”
“No,” Grace replied. “I believe God had a purpose in allowing all of this.”
“Yes, but if it hadn’t been for Mr. Paxton and his unyielding desire to force you into marriage, you might never have had these problems with Peter.”
“But for Mr. Paxton, I might never have met Peter. We must remember that, as well.”
“I suppose you’re right,” Karen said, feeling overcome by a sense of defeat. “Sometimes I think this is all a dream and other times, a nightmare.”
“At least we have each other,” Grace whispered.
“For now. But Adrik will separate us on the morrow.”
“I’m confident of our reunion. Andrew and I will join you before you know it. We’ll be safe and sound and you may fuss over us as much as you like.”
“I hope you’re right,” Karen replied, looking across the tent at all their worldly possessions. Things weren’t nearly as important as the people in her life. They never had been, but now more than ever, Karen sensed the emptiness of their humble dwelling. Would things ever return to normal? At this point, Karen thought, I can’t even say that I know what normal is anymore.
—[CHAPTER NINE]—
“WESLEY TELLS ME it’s possible to get as far north as Lake Lindeman, even in the dead of winter,” Peter Colton told his mother and father as they concluded breakfast. He’d waited for just the right moment to break the news that he’d soon be headed to Alaska.
“Does Captain Oakes tell you how to go about doing this?” Ephraim Colton asked his son.
Peter pushed back from the table and nodded. “Wes says he can take me as far as Skagway. From there I’ll take the train as far north as I can and hike out from there. The biggest problem will be the cost of supplies, but I’m working on that.”
“I wish you didn’t have to go,” Ephraim stated. He pushed around the food on his plate before focusing on Peter. “I won’t rest as long as I know you’re in danger.”
“The danger should be minimal, Father. After all, there are far more settlements and conveniences now. The Mounties have worked hard to maintain law and order, so even the criminal problems have been reduced.”
“Still, it’s hard to know you’ll be so far away,” Ephraim murmured.
Peter knew that since his father had suffered a heart attack, he’d been far more concerned about Peter sticking close to home. It was as if the older man feared his death might yet come from the attack, leaving Amelia without someone at her side to help with the arrangements.
“I have to go,” Peter finally said. “If I leave right away, I can be there when the first thaw allows travel on the lakes.”
“If you leave now, when do you imagine you might find Miranda and bring her home?” Amelia questioned.
Peter looked to his mother and smiled. “I would guess late May at the earliest. If I can get to Dawson right away, say by early June, I can head home with Miranda by the end of the month. That should see us home by August at the latest.”
“My poor Miranda. I fear for her having to live these long cold months alone,” Peter’s mother sniffed.
Peter knew the separation had been hard on his parents. It had been only compounded by the knowledge that Grace was dead. They all mourned that loss and shared their sorrows daily. Peter knew it was impossible to wish or pray his wife back to life, but he couldn’t help but turn his eyes heavenward, hoping against hope that God might somehow reverse the order of the past. It seemed like only yesterday word had come from the Mountie station at Whitehorse. His wife was dead, one more victim of the Yukon gold rush. His sister was left alone, and it was his duty to bring her home safe and sound.
“We’ll soon have her home, Mother. I’ll see to it,” Peter promised.
“I had some good news from Mr. Hamilton,” Ephraim said, changing the subject.
“And what does our good lawyer tell us these days?”
Ephraim smiled. “He believes it will only be a short time before our assets are returned to us. With Martin’s death and the questionable legality of the contract between us, Hamilton feels confident Colton Shipping will soon be back in family hands.”
“That is good news,” Peter replied. He had missed being the captain of his own ship, Merry Maid. “Perhaps if the details are worked out soon enough I might sail myself to Skagway. Perhaps even take a load of goods and reap a profit.” But even as the thought crossed his mind, Peter couldn’t help but remember Wes’s prediction that the high-profit days of the Seattle-to-Skagway route were quickly coming to an end.
“It’s always possible,” Ephraim said thoughtfully. “You do realize the trade is slacking off.”
“I was just remembering that,” Peter said, smiling. “Funny that you should be on top of that, as well.”
“Not funny at all, considering it’s my business to know.” Ephraim then turned a loving look on his son. “I know I’ve not always been a wise businessman. I know my choices have often been made because of ease or even the liberty involved. That is in the past, however. In coming back to an understanding of what God would have of me as a man and provider, I realize that I must also be a good steward of that with which He has blessed me.”
Peter understood his father’s heart entirely. Following his own will had brought him nothing but misery. Turning his thoughts to God and leaning on His ways had brought about the only peace Peter had known since losing Grace.
Peter looked to his parents. “I thought I was doing a good thing when I took control of the family business. I figured it to be an act of love, but now I see it was a deception of selfishness. I wanted to be important—indispensable.”
“But, son, you already were,” Ephraim said, shaking his head. “You were all we could have hoped for in a child. As you grew into manhood, you were protective and loving with your sister, and you were astute and conscientious regarding the business. The fault is on my part, if there is any to be had. I tired of the burden. I’m tired even now, which is why I plan to sign the business over to you in full, once we resolve the legal circumstances, of course.”
Peter would have thrilled to hear those words only a year ago. But now they rang hollow. Grace was gone. So, too, was his chance for real happiness. He would never love another woman. Grace had made her way into his heart, and her memory refused to leave him in peace.
Peter tried hard to push aside the thoughts that Grace had died believing the worst of him. She had thought him to be a heartless cad—ruthless in his decisions and indifferent to her needs. At least, that’s what Peter imagined she thought. And that hurt him more than anything else, except her actual absence. It was difficult, if not impossible, to remember that he had purposefully caused her pain.
“ … that’s all I ask.”
Peter realized his father had been speaking, but he’d not heard a word. “I’m sorry. What did you just say? I’m afraid my mind was a million miles away.”
Ephraim reached over and gently touched his son’s shoulder. “I said, it is my desire that your mother and I be allowed to live here, comfortably with your sister. Otherwise, you may do as you choose with the business and its profits.”
“But of course you may live here. I would fight every court in the country to see to it that you remained in the home you love. Look, I don’t wish for us to discuss any more about the shipping bus
iness,” Peter said, getting to his feet. “I’m going to start putting together my plans for going north. I have a good understanding of what I need and how much money it will take. There’s one benefit that the north can offer, and that is the tired souls who are giving up their dreams of gold. They will have all the supplies and tools that I’ll need. And they’ll be willing to sell them at a much discounted price.”
Amelia dabbed her eyes and looked away. “But what if something happens to you? You could just as easily be lost on the same lake that claimed your wife.”
Peter went to his mother and hugged her close. “God is with me, Mother. No matter the outcome, I am His now. I am His and He will guide me. If and when He chooses to take me from this earth, please know that I am ready and willing to face Him.”
“I might know it in my heart, but I would still miss you—need you,” Amelia replied, lifting her gaze to meet Peter’s.
Peter leaned down and kissed his mother’s forehead. “Please don’t fret, for nothing will ever truly separate us.”
Just then a knock sounded at the front door. Peter exchanged a look of curiosity with his parents. “Who could that be?” He gave his mother’s arm a gentle pat before heading to the door.
Peter’s heavy booted steps echoed in the empty hallway. The house seemed so quiet without Miranda and Grace. Sometimes he ached to hear their girlish chatter. Sometimes the silence of the house threatened to encase him like an empty tomb.
Opening the door, Peter met the gaze of a small, simplydressed woman. She looked to be in her fifties and there was a certain air of refinement about her. Gazing into her eyes, however, Peter saw a haunting reminder of his wife.
“I’m Myrtle Hawkins,” the woman announced. “Grace’s mother. Are you Peter?”
Peter felt the wind go out from him. “Yes,” he managed to say.
“I recognized you from Grace’s descriptions. You are a fine, handsome man,” Myrtle said with a sober smile.
“I … ah … I don’t know what to say,” Peter replied. He had written to Myrtle months ago to tell her of Grace’s death. He hadn’t told of their separation or of the problems they were having. He hadn’t even related the issues of Martin Paxton’s continued harangue. Peter had thought to save Grace’s mother from all of that, and because he had never figured to have to face her, he felt certain it was the right thing to do. Now, however, he felt like a fraud.
Myrtle reached out and took hold of his hand. “Peter, my daughter loved you very much. You needn’t say anything more.”
Her words only convicted him that much more. “I must say,” Peter began, “I never expected to meet you. Welcome to San Francisco.” He stepped back from the door and added, “Won’t you please come in?” He looked past her to where a hired carriage waited at the curb. “Do you have baggage?”
“Yes, but I needn’t impose on you,” Myrtle replied. “I had thought perhaps you could escort me to a decent hotel.”
“Nonsense. You’ll stay with us. I’ll get your things.”
Peter quickly retrieved the bags and paid the driver. A rush of thoughts consumed his attention. Why was she here? What could she possibly want with him? What could he possibly do to ease her suffering when his own was still so raw and fresh?
“Come inside,” Peter said as he climbed the steps. “I’ll introduce you to my mother and father.”
“Peter, before we join the others, I must tell you something. In private,” she added.
Peter put her things down inside the door and waited until she’d joined him in the entryway. Dreading what she might have to tell him, Peter braced himself as Myrtle Hawkins unfastened the buttons of her traveling coat.
“I’ve come because I received some news from my late husband’s lawyer,” Myrtle said as she paused to look Peter in the eye. “News that will profoundly change your life.”
—[CHAPTER TEN]—
TEDDY ARRANGED HIS office as best he could. Working and sleeping in the same room had reduced his level of comfort, but he felt confident that he had no other choice. The hotel was full and Miranda needed his help. He couldn’t just leave her to venture into the unknown.
It was strange how she’d managed to worm her way into his daily thoughts. Teddy had never been one given to daydreams, but of late, he found Miranda’s sweet face ever coming to mind.
Looking over the variety of specimen bottles and crates, Teddy knew he’d have to abandon thoughts of the brownhaired beauty or fall hopelessly behind in his work. This had never been a problem in the past—when little could distract him from his botanical research.
“Lord,” he prayed, “I cannot say I understand my state of mind. It seems an oddity to me at best and a fearful thing at worst. Please steady me to complete the work you’ve given me to do.”
Teddy looked to the door that adjoined his room to Miranda’s. He wondered if she was there just now. He wondered what she was doing and how she planned to go about searching for her friends. She was a delicate and lovely flower— petite and gentle, but with a fiery sting when angered. He didn’t like to think of her alone on the streets, for he knew full well how some would be inclined to take advantage of her.
Crossing to the window, Teddy noted the skies were clearing. A light snow still fell, but the winds had calmed. Perhaps Miranda would choose this time to go scouting for her friends. Perhaps he should offer to help. Once again, he looked to the tables of work behind him.
“I must stop this nonsense. I have become flighty.” He reached for his coat and pulled a list of needed supplies from the table. “I might as well occupy myself by attending to this first thing. Perhaps then my mind will be fixed for work.”
But even as he rechecked his list, he found himself adding things for Miranda—a dress, new boots, stockings, and other such things that might be pleasing to her. She had told him not to worry about her, but Teddy didn’t want her going about looking like a street urchin.
“Maybe something red,” he murmured. “Something the color of the mountain ash berries.”
Heading to the hardware store, Teddy tried to bring his thoughts into order. He knew it would do more harm than good to continue focusing on Miss Colton. She was a pleasant enough woman, but he had work to do. I must stop this nonsense and turn my attention to the task at hand, he told himself.
Squaring his shoulders, Teddy was determined to purchase the things he needed, and then return to the hotel and spend the day buried in his work. Maybe he wouldn’t worry about getting Miranda a dress. After all, he didn’t even know her size. And maybe she didn’t like red. Tucking his face down into his coat, he put Miranda from his mind.
The ring of the bell on the door of MacCarthy’s Hardware seemed to jolt Teddy’s senses. He looked up, but not in time to avoid stepping headlong into the chest of a broadshouldered man.
“Oh, please pardon me,” Teddy said, stepping back.
“No problem, friend.”
Teddy sized up the large man and smiled. “I’m afraid my mind was elsewhere.”
The big man laughed. “Mine’s somewhere to the south where the winds blow warmer and the fishing is easy. Unfortunately, that’s a long way from this place.”
Teddy returned his thoughts to his list just as a young man joined them. “Adrik, they don’t have any sleds they can sell.”
Teddy looked up. “Sleds? Did you say you were looking for a sled?”
The big man nodded. “That’s right. Do you know where we might buy one?”
“I have one,” Teddy replied. “Oh, where are my manners, the name is Davenport. Thomas Davenport.”
“Adrik Ivankov is my name,” the big man said, extending his hand. “And this here is Jacob Barringer.”
Teddy nodded. “I have a sled, and since I’ll be staying throughout the winter, I’ll have no need of it. You’re welcome to purchase it.”
“What kind of price are you asking?”
Teddy looked around the small confines of the hardware store. “Well, I’d not considere
d the price.” He chuckled. “But then again, I hadn’t considered selling the sled until just now.”
“Well, we aren’t wealthy by any means. Fact is, I’m taking part of my party out to a friend’s claim and leaving part of it here. My wife’s friend just had a baby, and there’s no sense in risking their lives until things warm up a bit. Still, I need two sleds. I can work in a trade—chop wood or build just about anything you need.”
Teddy shook his head. “I’m afraid I have little need of either of those things. I’m staying at the hotel across the street.”
“We have a lot of extra meat,” the young man offered. “We shot us an elk and a moose not too long ago.”
“Fresh meat could be a real bonus. I would imagine the hotel might well be glad to get it,” Teddy said rather absentmindedly. “All right, I’ll trade you meat for the sled.”
“How much do you reckon would be a fair amount for the sled?” The big man asked.
Again Teddy felt perplexed. He’d never dealt in such matters and the consideration of a fair trade was completely beyond his interest. “Why don’t you give me what you believe to be fair. I’ll trust the good Lord to watch over my end of the deal,” Teddy finally said.
“Well, He watches over every deal I make.” The big man smiled. “I’ll tell you what. The boy and I will go load up the meat and bring it around within the hour. We’re in a bit of a hurry, so why don’t you show us where you’d like to meet.”
Teddy motioned them to follow. “As I said, I’m just there across the street. Come along and I’ll show you the sled. That way you can better judge for yourself a fair trade.”
The men followed Teddy down the walk and across the frozen snow and mud of Second Avenue. Teddy heard them commenting on the blessing of running across this stranger, but thought little of himself as their rescuer. He was glad to unload the sled. It was of little use to him. Come spring he’d simply hire someone to pack him out to the cabin on horseback.
“We’re heading out to Hunker Creek,” the big man told him. “Have a friend with a claim there. This is certainly going to be an answer to prayer.”
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