A Beauty Refined

by Tracie Peterson

  “I understand, Elizabeth.” Ian took a seat. “I clearly see the delicacy of the matter, but I don’t know what to do about it. That’s why I suggest you speak with the pastor. Perhaps you could arrange to meet your husband with witnesses and discuss the situation. Maybe the man has changed. Maybe he has regretted his actions of the past. Sometimes people do as they grow older. A change of heart and spirit is not impossible.”

  “Phoebe suggested the same thing, but I cannot gamble with Kenny’s future that way. The boy is not yet ten, and you know yourself he has such a sweet nature. Frederick’s anger and ugliness would destroy him.”

  Ian knew she was right when it came to the boy. Kenny was a generous and loving lad. He was tender toward wounded animals and kind to the elderly people at church. On more than one occasion he had spoken to Ian about the poor in Helena and what could be done to help them. There were deep thoughts in the heart of that child.

  “But if your husband has had a change of heart, the boy would benefit by knowing his father.”

  Elizabeth shook her head. “I just don’t believe him capable of change. Frederick despised God and perceived gentleness as weakness. He would have had to completely put aside all that he believed, and for Frederick there was never any reason to do so. My leaving didn’t even matter.” Tears formed in her eyes. “If he finds out about Kenny, he will take him from me. Even if he has to kill me.”

  Ian could hear the fear in her voice. He hated that she was so afraid—so distraught. “Let’s not worry about it tonight. Your husband is leaving very early in the morning. I think you should get a good night’s sleep. You and Kenny will both be safe here with us, and then we can work on this tomorrow.”

  “But Kenny will be awake tomorrow, and keeping him occupied will be difficult,” Elizabeth protested. “I know I’m quite emotional about all of this. However, I’m truly strong enough to bear it. I will speak to Pastor Clearwater tomorrow as you suggested, but would you please just keep Kenny with you until I can figure out what is to be done? I can’t have Phoebe knowing about him. Not just yet.”

  “Phoebe’s already met him, if you’ll recall.”

  “Yes, but he was with you. If she sees him again in your care, she won’t think anything of it. If she finds him with me, however, she’ll no doubt guess the truth.” Elizabeth’s expression was one of pleading, mixed with anguish. “Please just agree to this much.”

  Ian considered the matter for a moment. It surely wouldn’t hurt anything to give Elizabeth time to sort through the various complications. It was summer and school was out, so Kenny could stay there at the Harper house and Ian could even pay him to work in the shop. Kenny would love that.

  “All right, Elizabeth. Kenny can stay with me—with us.” He looked at his mother, who was nodding. “I’ll give him a job in the shop.” He smiled and hoped his solution would put Elizabeth at ease. “He loves hanging out there anyway, so he might as well get paid.”

  “Thank you.” She wiped at her tears with a well-worn handkerchief. “I know that God has an answer for all of this. I know it was never right to lie, but up until now it wasn’t really a lie. Frederick knew I was alive. He just didn’t know that I had given him another son.”

  “Omission of the truth can be just as deadly as a lie purposefully told.” Ian tried not to sound harsh, but the past haunted him. “I . . . well . . . there are things in my past where the omission of the truth proved deadly.”

  “With your wife?”

  The question was innocent enough, but Ian felt himself stiffen. “I don’t know what my mother has told you, but yes.”

  “I’ve said very little, Ian.” His mother joined Elizabeth on the couch. “I told Elizabeth it was your story to tell. She knows you were married many years ago and knows that there were difficulties.”

  “To say the least,” Ian replied with a bittersweet smile. “My marriage was built on lies. Nora lied to her parents and ran off to marry me. She lied to me about them being happy to have us wed, and she lied about so much else. I suppose you can understand why deception is a particularly sore subject for me. Lies ruined my life and proved deadly.”

  Elizabeth nodded and put aside her handkerchief. “I do understand. You don’t have to share the details of it with me. You are a very considerate young man. You have always treated me with kindness and respect. You’ve always been a big brother to Kenny, showing him how to do things and spending time with him. You have no idea what that means to me. I value your counsel, Ian. I know you are most uncomfortable with this, and I promise you I will seek out Pastor Clearwater and find a way to resolve this. Perhaps I could speak with a lawyer as well. Just in case.”

  “Just start with the pastor. Let’s see what he has to say first. The rest can come in time.”

  Elizabeth crept into the room where her son slept. For a moment all she could do was pray. She sank onto the edge of the bed and closed her eyes.

  Lord, help us. I don’t know what to do. I want to do what is right in your eyes, but I am so afraid. Please give me answers and show me the way.

  She opened her eyes to find her son looking at her. “Mama, is something bad going to happen?”

  Elizabeth reached out and touched his cheek. “Now, why would you ask something like that?”

  “You seemed really sad tonight and worried. It feels like something is going to happen. Something bad.”

  She forced a smile. “I’m sorry that I’ve made you uneasy. There are some things going on that worry me.” Elizabeth decided to be as honest as she could for the moment. “Kenny, there are people from long ago who might want to hurt me and you. Bad people. That’s why I sent you to stay with Ian.”

  “But I can protect you,” he said, sitting up in bed. “I won’t let anybody hurt you.”

  “I know you mean that, Kenny. But you need to understand that this situation is rather complicated. For now, I need you to trust me. Can you do that?”

  “Sure. But what else can I do?” He looked so concerned, and Elizabeth wanted only to shelter him from the painful truth.

  “Kenny, the one thing you can do for me is stay here a few days with Ian and Grandma Harper. That is the most important. I need to talk to some people about what to do, but first I must know that you are safe.”

  “But I want you to be safe too,” Kenny protested.

  Elizabeth nodded. “I will be. I promise you that. Right now, there is no danger. But, Kenny, it’s really important that you don’t let anyone know who you are. I know that’s hard to understand. But because there are people who might want to hurt us, I need for you to pretend for just a few days that . . . that . . . you don’t have a mother. Just pretend you live with Ian and Grandma Harper, and if anyone asks you about your mother, you can just tell them that she’s not with you and they can draw their own conclusions. If they press you for details or ask if I’ve died, tell them you don’t wish to discuss it.”

  Kenny jumped into her arms. “But I don’t want you to die!”

  She wrapped him in a tight hold. “I’m not going to die, but if we’re to get through this, I need time to work things out. And because I need time, I also need for you to remain safe and unknown. Stay with Ian and let people think you’re a part of his family. Grandma Harper and I will tell people at the hotel the same thing. They all seem to care about us, Kenny, so I think they’ll remain silent until I know what to do.” She pulled back and brushed his blond hair out of his eyes. “Kenny, it’s really important. Can you do that for me?”

  He pulled away but never took his gaze from her face. “You told me to never lie. That lying was a sin.”

  His words pierced her heart. “Yes, lying is a sin. I don’t want you to lie. I just don’t want you to give out any information—all right? If someone comes and asks you who your mother and father are—just don’t answer them. Tell them you don’t want to talk about it.”

  Kenny nodded, seeming to finally understand. “I’ll stay quiet and let Ian do the talking.”

&n
bsp; “That would be perfect. And it’s only for a short time. I plan to have it all figured out soon.”

  “And then we’ll be safe again?”

  Elizabeth nodded. “Yes. One way or another, we will be safe.” She hugged him again, glad that he couldn’t see the worry in her expression. Elizabeth had never been good at hiding her feelings, and she was certain that fear was clearly written on her face.

  “Well, I’d say that went off quite well, save some problems with the wine.” Frederick looked to his man Hubert and smiled. “I have made some very important connections, including ones with the governor and the mayor of Helena. There are some very wealthy men to be found in this town, and like most Americans, they are fascinated by European nobility and titles.”

  Hubert helped Frederick with his coat. “I am glad to hear that.” He put the coat aside and returned to assist Frederick with his tie.

  “I’ve even had a chance to rethink my initial thoughts on Mr. Thompson. The man may yet prove useful to me.”

  “Ja.” Hubert pulled the tie and began to unfasten the collar and top buttons of his employer’s shirt.

  “We’ll be leaving early tomorrow. I’ll need you to make certain my clothes are packed. We’ll be in the wilds, as I understand it. Quite primitive in accommodations and such. As I’ve said before, we’ll need only the basics. Hopefully I’ll be able to secure the number of sapphires I need and bring them back with me. After that we’ll see about having them cut. I made the acquaintance of a skilled man who can facet the stones, but it remains to be seen whether or not we can agree upon a price and time schedule.”

  “Your packing has already been completed, gnädiger Herr. I saw to it earlier this evening.”

  “I knew I could count on you.” Frederick stood stock-still as Hubert removed his suspenders. “I do hope we can shorten the trip, but I have committed to at least two weeks. They intend to show me the workings of the mine and introduce me to the officials in charge. We are supposed to be able to inspect the rough stones as well. But I don’t see how that should take up all that much time. I suppose it shall all depend on the people there.”

  “Ja.”

  The evening had been filled with information and possibilities. The conversations had often taken him in the direction of investments and possible ways to make quick and easy money, but those things would have to be explored upon his return. Overall, however, Frederick was more than pleased with the way things had turned out, and now he felt like celebrating.

  As he slipped into the velvet robe Hubert held, he smiled with great satisfaction. “Go find Gerda. I want to instruct her about seeing after Phoebe.”

  Hubert again nodded. “I should imagine she and Fräulein Von Bergen have already prepared for bed.”

  “I’m sure you are right, but I need to speak with her, nevertheless.” He frowned at the man. Over the years he had allowed Hubert great leeway in their relationship. “It isn’t like you to question me. I hope you aren’t developing bad habits. Now do as you’re told.”

  “Ja.” The valet took his leave and exited the bedroom.

  Frederick heard him open and close the suite door. The man was generally compliant in all ways, but Frederick knew he disapproved of Gerda’s place on this trip. She hadn’t been a part of their household in Germany, and Hubert had his nose out of joint at her inclusion on the trip. However, she suited Frederick quite well. She was more than capable of seeing to Phoebe’s needs, as well as his own.

  Making his way into the sitting area of the suite, Frederick thought on the upcoming trip. Everything depended on his success at the sapphire mines. He went to pour himself a drink as Hubert and Gerda entered the room.

  “Hubert, I believe we are done for the evening.” He spoke in authoritative German. “You will need to see to your own packing and then get to bed. We’ll need to be ready to depart the hotel at six.”

  “I will see to it that all is readied.” He hesitated only a moment, then headed for the door to his bedchamber.

  Frederick waited until the door was closed before turning to Gerda. “And what have you to report to me regarding Phoebe?”

  Gerda smiled. “She has been most content. She takes long walks, and sometimes I accompany her. Other times she wants to be alone. She often reads for many hours, and we took the trolley to town, as you know.”

  “Good. Good. I’m glad to hear that she’s found ways to amuse herself. Do you think she’ll remain content while I’m gone? I wouldn’t want her to become lonely.”

  “Given the attention she’s received from the men here, I doubt she could ever be lonely.”

  He frowned. “Has anyone acted inappropriately toward her?”

  “No. Not at all. Your daughter knows quite well how to put men in their place. She could freeze the heart of any offender with a simple glance.”

  Frederick chuckled. “I have seen her do so on many occasions.” He tossed back his drink, then put the glass aside. “She will be under the care of a husband soon enough, and then such things will no longer be my concern.”

  “Have you heard from the duke, then?”

  “I sent a telegram to let him know how to reach me. We are finalizing the financial agreement. He is going to post an announcement regarding the engagement and make all of the legal arrangements. I sent him a message to suggest that his sister take on the preparations for the civil wedding, and also that the church wedding date be set for the fifteenth of December.”

  “Do you think she will agree?”

  “The duke’s sister? I suppose she’ll do whatever he asks of her.”

  Gerda shook her head. “Nein. I meant your daughter. Will she agree?”

  “She will do as she’s told. Phoebe has always been most obedient, unlike her mother.” He frowned and shook his head. “Never mind about that. I have no desire to focus further on Phoebe or the events of the evening. I have only a desire for you, my dear.” He reached out and pulled her tight against him. “Come, let us celebrate my successes.”

  9

  Phoebe Von Bergen awoke the next morning with two things on her mind. One was her strange attraction to Ian Harper—she’d dreamed about him all night long. At least it seemed that way. The other was the need to speak with her mother. Before her father returned she intended to know everything possible about her mother’s ten-year absence.

  Stretching, Phoebe pushed back the covers and got to her feet. Light filtered in around the edges of the drapes, teasing Phoebe with the promise of a beautiful day. She crossed to the window and pulled back the drapes just as Gerda entered the room.

  “I heard you moving about,” the maid told her. She came and assisted Phoebe in tying back the beautiful silk-velvet panels. When that was accomplished Gerda pulled something out of her pocket and extended it. “Your father left this money for you before leaving this morning.” She handed Phoebe an envelope. A yawn escaped Gerda.

  “You look so tired. Didn’t you sleep well last night?” Phoebe looked inside the envelope. There was a generous amount of money for her to spend as she desired. Her father was always most generous with her. But even as that thought came to mind, she couldn’t ward off the comments her mother had made about his violence.

  “I slept well enough.” Gerda went to the wardrobe. “What would you like to wear today?”

  Phoebe put the money aside. “I plan to spend a very quiet day reading and resting. I believe I’ll dress quite simply. The white sprigged gown will suit me just fine.” The lightweight cotton and muslin was very comfortable, and the skirt of the gown was quite full, where so many of her newer fashions weren’t.

  She let Gerda help her dress and then style her hair in an upswept but simple fashion. Satisfied, Phoebe went to where various pairs of shoes awaited her choice. She picked a pair of well-worn ivory boots. Phoebe sat while Gerda came with the hook and began to secure the buttons. She yawned again but attempted to keep it from her mistress.

  Phoebe couldn’t help but worry about her maid. “I pla
n to do nothing more exciting than have breakfast in the dining room and then read. Why don’t you take the rest of the day off? Get some rest, then maybe go swimming. They say the waters will cure most any ill.”

  The dark-haired woman smiled at this suggestion. “Danke. I am quite tired. I believe it would do me much good.”

  Phoebe smiled. Gerda had been most considerate on this trip, and it seemed only fair to reward her. “While Vater’s gone I don’t think I need to worry about formal dressing and such. We both might as well enjoy the time. In fact, this evening I’ll order my meal brought here, and that way neither of us need concern ourselves with my evening attire.”

  “You are a kindhearted woman, meine gnädige Fräulein. Your father is no doubt very proud of the young woman you’ve become.”

  The maid’s words should have pleased Phoebe, but instead they only served to remind her of her mother. Was Mutter proud of the woman she’d become?

  “Well, I know what it is to be weary.”

  “Your kindness serves you well. You will make a wonderful wife.”

  Phoebe frowned. Had her father said something to Gerda about his plans? She wanted to ask but, on the other hand, had no desire to delay her departure.

  “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to make my way to the dining room. I want very much to thank Chef Michel for the exquisite meal he prepared last night. The guests were quite impressed.” Phoebe headed for the door, taking with her a wide-brimmed straw hat. “After that I intend to walk about the grounds.”

  The halls were void of people, much to Phoebe’s surprise. Perhaps many of the guests had left for other venues. She spotted a couple of the hotel maids and again thought of her mother. What had possessed a woman of means and social standing to leave her husband and children to take on manual labor in America? Her mother’s stories must be true. She had, after all, quite openly shared the letters she’d written, as well as the one Phoebe’s father had sent. But even so, Phoebe could still not quite accept that her father was the brute her mother claimed him to be. How could she have lived with him all these years and not been a victim of his rage?