Refining Fire

by Tracie Peterson

  15

  I don’t believe it.” Abrianna pulled on Militine’s apron. “Look who just arrived. No doubt he felt the need to see firsthand what we’ve been doing here.”

  Militine turned and saw Pastor Walker carefully walking among the men who were lining up to receive the noon meal. He looked very uncomfortable and shied away when one man reached out his hand.

  “He doesn’t seem too friendly, does he?”

  “Of course not. He’s probably afraid they’ll get dirt on his pretty new suit.” Abrianna muttered something Militine couldn’t quite make out. “Forgive me.” Abrianna patted Militine’s arm. “I’m afraid that man just gets my dander up.”

  Pastor Walker crossed the room, avoiding any entanglements with the patrons. He even went so far as to hold a handkerchief up to his nose as he passed by several particularly smelly fishermen.

  When he reached Militine and Abrianna, he lowered it. “I had to see for myself that the situation was just as bad as I had suspected.”

  “Yes, these people are truly without the common needs of life.” Abrianna moved to ladle some more soup into bowls.

  “That’s not what I meant.” Walker moved closer to where she was working. “I meant that this is just as bad a situation for you as I presumed it would be. I am certain your aunts have no idea of how exposed you are to foul language and ill tempers.”

  Abrianna lifted her head and smiled. Militine watched as her friend moved from behind the table to draw closer to the line of men. “What are my rules about eating here?”

  “No fightin’, no cussin’, no drinkin’ of liquor, or smokin’.” The man at the front of the line smiled, revealing several missing teeth. “And we offer grace for each meal.”

  Abrianna turned to the pastor. She had the look of a woman prepared for battle. “Any other concerns, Pastor Walker?”

  “Of course I have concerns. The biggest being that you are risking your reputation . . . dare I say your very soul by disregarding common sense and the wisdom of your pastor.”

  Militine bit her lip and did her best to focus on cutting the bread. Bossy, ill-tempered men were nothing new to her, and she knew from experience it was best to make herself as inconspicuous as possible. Thane and Wade had stepped outside for firewood, and there was no telling when they might return. If she said anything to encourage Abrianna, things might turn truly ugly. It wasn’t easy, however. She’d listened to Abrianna rant on and on the night she’d come home from dinner at the Booths’ home.

  “Pastor Walker”—Abrianna squared her shoulders—“if I felt that you had any wisdom to offer, I might be inclined to listen. However, all I’ve heard from you is criticism and belittling. This is the first time you’ve even seen this place. Why not take off your lovely new suit coat and roll up your sleeves to help. I believe the men might like to know more about you and our church.”

  He sputtered in protest. “I . . . I am not a . . . God did not call me to serve soup, my dear woman. I am a man of the cloth. Furthermore, when you insult me, you insult God.”

  “Now, hold on there a minute, Preacher.” Jay Bowes left the line to come to Abrianna’s defense. “You got no call to be treating her so rudely. Miss Abrianna has done nothing wrong. She’s shared the gospel with us and given of her heart and time. I’d say she’s a lot closer to God than you think.”

  “Stay out of this. If you knew anything about the Bible, you would know that women have no place in the pulpit or in teaching men.”

  Jay narrowed his eyes. “Seems to me that she was just doing what decent, God-fearing preachers like you wouldn’t do. She don’t just live by words—she lives by deeds.”

  “She is living in sin by disobeying. I try to have some sympathy for her, given she has never had a God-fearing man in her home to direct her life. However, she refuses counsel and direction, and you, sir, are only serving to encourage her behavior. I must demand that you stay out of this. You have no right to interject yourself in this affair.”

  “I have every right.” Jay stepped closer to the pastor. “We all do, as far as I’m concerned, but me more than the rest. I’m her pa.”

  Abrianna’s head snapped up at this. Militine watched the color drain from her face and hurried to Abrianna’s side. She put her arm around Abrianna’s waist. “Breathe,” she whispered.

  The pastor looked as shocked as Abrianna. “You would lie to a man of the cloth?”

  “I tell no lie. I’m her father. I’ve long been absent from her life, but that doesn’t change the fact. It also doesn’t change the fact that I’m escortin’ you from this place. I have plenty of help here to see the job done. Don’t I, boys?”

  “Yeah,” nearly the entire group of twenty-some men declared at once. Those who’d been sitting got to their feet, and those who were standing in line moved out to back up Jay.

  “Come along now, Preacher. I believe you’ve overstayed your welcome.” He took hold of the man’s coat. “Oh, sorry that my hands aren’t so clean as yours. I suppose a little dirt won’t hurt you none.” He pulled the shocked pastor down the aisle and out the door.

  Abrianna continued to stare at the door. Militine moved her to a chair and forced her to sit. Some of the men jumped into action. One brought a glass of water and another took up a newspaper and began to fan her.

  “Drink this.” Militine handed her the glass from Hairless Mike. She held it to Abrianna’s lips and waited until she’d obediently swallowed a sip.

  Just then Jay Bowes returned with Wade and Thane right behind him. They all had a look of concern on their faces, and Militine could clearly see that any gathering of wood for the stove had been temporarily forgotten.

  Jay came to kneel beside Abrianna. “I’m sorry for breakin’ the news to you in such a poor manner. I couldn’t bear the way that man was treating you.”

  Abrianna turned to look at him. “Is it true?”

  A smile broke across the man’s face. “It is. I wasn’t sure at first. God knows I’ve spent the last year searching.”

  “Just the last year?”

  “I’m afraid it’s a long story. See, when you were just a babe, I got caught up in one of those situations you warned me about. You know, hanging with the wrong folks. I was looking for work in California. There was some killing, and I was accused of murder. They sent me to jail, and I’d be there still had another man not confessed to the deed. I guess there was a lot of evidence, too.”

  “But you . . . Mama never knew.” Abrianna looked more confused than ever.

  “No, sweet girl. She didn’t know. I couldn’t shame her like that. I knew if word got back to her that her husband was jailed as a murderer, folks would most likely turn away from her. I figured if they just thought me dead or, even worse, that I’d abandoned the two of you, they might have more sympathy and lend a hand. I’m glad to see that my sacrifice did just that.”

  Wade came to where Abrianna sat, and Militine stepped back to let him have access to her. She moved back to the table, and Thane joined her there. He leaned down to whisper in her ear.

  “He just told us outside. We figured we’d better get in here.”

  Militine nodded. “I’m glad you did. You can see for herself she’s in a state of shock.” She looked at the growing number of men. With her most authoritative voice she called out, “If everybody will line up, we’ll begin serving as soon as someone offers grace.”

  No one moved. They were all transfixed. It was as if they were caught up in a theatrical production and didn’t want to so much as cough until the act ended and the curtain fell.

  Jay took hold of Abrianna’s hand. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t want to tell you like this. I wanted to find a way to make it easier for you.”

  “You told me your name was Jay Bowes.” She looked at him and shook her head. “Not Cunningham.”

  “My name is James Bowes Cunningham. I figured it best to go by Jay Bowes in case anyone had read about me in the California papers. My release was something of an affair d
own Stockton way. I know I’ve given you an awful shock, darling. That was never my intention. Not that it matters now.”

  “Why don’t you give Abrianna a little time to think,” Wade suggested. “I believe she’s had enough for one day.”

  Jay stood and smiled. “I’m sure you’re right.” He turned back to the rest of the men. “Soup smells mighty good. I believe I’ll offer grace.”

  The men bowed their heads, and Jay Bowes offered a simple prayer of thanks for the food and for finding his daughter. Militine could see the happiness in the old man’s face and knew without a doubt that he was telling the truth. She thought of all her fears that someone might show up who knew her. Funny how that had never bothered her here at the food house, yet if anyone from her past were to show up, it would most likely be someplace like this. Her throat went dry at the thought.

  The men reluctantly lined up for their soup, and Thane stepped up beside Militine to help. Meanwhile, she could see that the men were still glancing toward Abrianna and Wade. He said something to her and Abrianna nodded. Militine couldn’t help but wonder at their exchange, but when Abrianna got to her feet she presumed Wade had encouraged her to leave.

  Abrianna took two faltering steps, however, and promptly sank to the ground in a faint. Militine watched as Wade scooped her up.

  “Thane, I’m going to take her home. Can you handle this?”

  “I can. Militine and I can take care of everything.”

  “We’ll see to it that things get taken care of, as well,” Jay told him. “Just see to her.” His expression darkened. No doubt he wanted to go along with Wade but knew it wasn’t the right time.

  But was there ever a right time for the past to return?

  Wade sensed Abrianna rousing and paused at the wagon. “Abrianna? Abrianna, open your eyes.”

  She did and looked at him as if she were in a dream. She glanced around and then shook her head. “Goodness. Why ever are you carrying me? I must be a terrible burden. Put me down.”

  “The way you burden a man comes in other forms. Are you sure you won’t faint again?”

  “I fainted?”

  “You did.”

  She let go a heavy sigh and then the event seemed to come back to her. “Mr. Bowes says he’s my father.”

  “Yes, I know.” He motioned his head to the wagon. “I’m taking you home for a rest. I don’t want to hear any of your protests about how you have to be here at the food house. Everything has been arranged. Now, I want you to get up on the seat.” He lowered her to the ground and then all but pushed her up the side of the wagon to take her place.

  Afraid she might bolt, Wade didn’t bother to walk around the wagon, but instead climbed up and maneuvered to take his place beside her. He picked up the reins and released the brake. “Move on, horse.” With a flick of the reins the horse began to walk.

  Much to his surprise, Abrianna remained silent. Wade couldn’t remember a time when anything had kept her without comment for such a long time. He smiled, and when they hit a hole, his smile deepened as she let herself lean against him.

  “You’ve had a pretty big shock today. Just rest. In no time at all we’ll be back at the house.”

  “I should be happy.”

  He waited for her to say something more, and when she didn’t, he felt compelled to offer his thoughts. “Give it time. News like this, coming all at once, is never easy.”

  She straightened and Wade immediately missed her presence. “Do you think he’s telling the truth, Wade?”

  “I don’t know. Not for sure. He didn’t seem like he was making it up. Besides, why would a man lie about something like that?”

  “I don’t know.” She shook her head. “I can boast knowledge about many things but not about the workings of a man’s mind.” She looked up and met his eyes. “To me, the way men think and the actions they put behind those thoughts make little or no sense at all.”

  He laughed heartily at her comment. “I know quite a few men who feel the same way about our female counterparts.”

  16

  Sorry to disturb you like this,” Wade announced, holding tight to Abrianna despite her protest, “but Abrianna has had a pretty big shock. She fainted back at the food house and I thought it best to bring her here.”

  Everyone at the bridal school had been enmeshed in chores, but the chaos came to a standstill at Wade’s announcement. Mrs. Madison dismissed the others girls who’d been cleaning the downstairs and ordered they gather the others upstairs and go to the ballroom to practice their dance steps for the upcoming bridal ball. Clara was instructed to play the organ to give the girls some music to dance by and Virginia, the most proficient of the students in dance, was appointed to assist any of the others in their steps.

  Miriam Madison wasted no time after the girls were gone. “Poisie, please fetch some tea. Selma, we need a cold, damp cloth.” She turned on her heel toward Wade and Abrianna. “Now, I think it’s best we get to the bottom of this situation.”

  Wade looked to Abrianna and nodded. He squeezed her hand. “Go on. It is best to get it all out.”

  Her gaze latched onto his and for a brief moment, Wade hoped she might one day feel love for him; after all he knew no one would ever care for her as much as he did.

  She broke eye contact and took a deep breath. In a matter of moments she had spilled out all the details of Pastor Walker’s visit to the food house. Wade watched Abrianna’s ire rise again as she recounted the man of the cloth’s words and then humble Jay’s surprising declaration.

  “And just like that,” Abrianna told them, “he said he was my father.”

  Miss Poisie bustled into the room. “Oh, do tell me I haven’t missed anything.”

  “It would seem a man has come to Abrianna declaring himself to be her father,” Mrs. Gibson replied before anyone else could.

  Miss Poisie’s eyes widened. “Her dead father?”

  Her sister shook her head and raised her chin. “Not so dead, apparently.”

  Miss Poisie brought a cup of tea to Abrianna. “I’m sorry, Mr. Ackerman, did you wish to have tea, as well? I’m afraid seeing Abrianna so upset caused me to forget my manners.”

  “No, I’m fine.”

  Miss Poisie brought him a cup of tea anyway. “I must say this has been such a month of shocking news from our Abrianna. I shall always remember May of 1889 as such. Goodness, but when Abrianna announced she was going to allow Mr. Welby to court her, I very nearly fell out of my chair. Just imagine it, our Abrianna courting and perhaps even married before the year is out.”

  Wade blinked several times. His ears must have deceived him. Miss Poisie didn’t just say . . . no . . . she couldn’t have. “What?” He looked to Abrianna. “Mr. Welby? Why?”

  She shrugged as if the matter were completely immaterial. “It’s a long story, but suffice it to say I thought hard about what you had said. I had been praying for answers and help for the poor, and it all just seemed to come together when he asked to court me.”

  “What could I have possibly said that suggested you should court that man?” His question came out much louder than he had intended.

  “There’s no need to raise your voice, Wade. You were the one who posed the questions about whether I wanted a husband and children. I had taken this subject to prayer, as I was sure God wanted me to serve Him, and I wasn’t at all certain I could do that and marry. And then there was the terrible burden of seeing those homeless people without a place to sleep. I knew we had to do something, especially before another winter set in.

  “I didn’t know for sure how God would provide, but then Mr. Welby approached me, and one thing led to another.”

  “But I never meant . . . not Priam Welby.” Wade ran his hand through his hair. What had he done? Could he even fathom losing Abrianna to that . . . that . . . snake? This day couldn’t get any worse. He opened his mouth to say his piece, but no words came out.

  “We are often surprised by God’s answers.” Apparently Mrs. Gi
bson didn’t have any trouble finding words. She sat down and shook her head. “I know in dealing with Mr. Gibson—”

  Miss Poisie perked up. “God rest his soul.”

  “Amen,” Mrs. Madison and Mrs. Gibson declared.

  “He had many misgivings about God. I prayed for God to make him see the truth, and Mr. Gibson suffered a stroke. Now, that didn’t look at all like I thought answered prayer would look, but it was clear that I could take the opportunity to spend my husband’s last days reading the Word of God to him. In doing so he would have the chance to make his soul right before God. At least that was my prayer.”

  “It’s true,” Miss Poisie said, bobbing her head. “I have had many answers to prayer look different from what I thought they would look like. Sometimes that makes it very sad, as in losing my dear Captain.”

  “God rest his soul,” Mrs. Gibson murmured.

  The other three women nodded. “Amen.”

  “That very well may be,” Wade interjected, “however I never meant to imply that Abrianna should court Mr. Welby. I think this needs greater consideration. The man is a scoundrel.”

  “You’ve experienced this firsthand?” Aunt Miriam questioned.

  He shook his head. “Not exactly.”

  Abrianna set aside the cloth and picked up her tea. “We can talk about all of this another time. It’s not like I’m in any hurry to spend time with him.” She looked to her aunts. “Do you think it’s really possible Mr. Bowes is my father? He says he is James Bowes Cunningham.”

  “That was indeed your father’s name,” Mrs. Madison said, giving a slow nod.

  “I always thought it a rather complicated name for a man of lesser means,” Mrs. Gibson added. “It seems that the poorer folk should have simpler names.”

  “I agree,” Miss Poisie said. “Ink costs good money, and if you had to write your name very often, a lengthy name would cost you a great deal in ink.”