A Beauty Refined

by Tracie Peterson

  Phoebe headed for the door but was still a foot away when her father grabbed hold of her and turned her in one fluid motion. He slammed her up against the door.

  “I told you to take your seat. You will not defy me. Not in this and not in marriage. If I have to, I will drag you to the civil ceremony by your hair.”

  He was only inches away, but Phoebe didn’t care. With the cool reserve she generally saved for unwanted suitors, she fixed her father with a look that would have made weaker men cower.

  “Take your hands off of me . . . Vater.” Her words were demanding and without fear.

  This seemed to startle the older man, and to her surprise he let her go and took a step back. “I can see I was wrong in leaving you to your own devices. Apparently the wild American frontier brings out the defiant child in you. I have no choice, therefore, but to arrange for you to be at my side constantly, or else under guard locked in your room.”

  Phoebe shook her head. “As I said, I will not be bullied by you. You may impose your will on everyone else—beat them into submission as you are known to do . . .”

  Smack! She hadn’t expected the hard slap across the face, and for a moment it took Phoebe’s breath. Tears instantly stung her eyes as she imagined her mother having endured this kind of treatment.

  For a moment they just stood staring at each other. Phoebe felt anger unlike any she had ever known. Years of sorrow for the loss of her mother blended with the confusion of learning she was alive. And coupled with her father’s violent behavior, Phoebe knew her rage might very well cause her to lose control and strike the man herself.

  She swallowed the lump in her throat and refused to let her tears fall. “If you ever lay a hand on me again, it will be the last time you see me.”

  Her father’s expression changed momentarily to one of surprise. He quickly covered his shock and moved away from the door. “You have never given me reason to strike you until now. If you don’t want me to hit you again, you will refrain from defying me. Now come and let us finish supper. We still have much to discuss.”

  As he walked back to the table, Phoebe turned and opened the door. She quickly exited the room and crossed to her own without bothering to close her father’s door. As she turned to shut her own door, she could see him standing at the table staring after her. Without a word, Phoebe closed him out and locked the door behind her. She needed time to think and figure out a plan.

  13

  I like working for you, Ian,” Kenny announced. He had been busy sweeping up the workshop, but he paused for this declaration with a smile.

  Ian laughed. “Well, I’m glad you do. Working for the wrong man isn’t worth the money you get paid. Say, that reminds me, I plan to ask Miss Phoebe to join us for another picnic, and I wondered if you wanted to come along.”

  “I would! I like Miss Phoebe—a lot.”

  “I like her too.” It was the first time Ian had admitted this aloud, and he couldn’t help grinning. “A lot.”

  Kenny nodded. “She’s really pretty, and she’s so nice. I think you should marry her.”

  Ian hadn’t been prepared for that. “I . . . ah . . . really, Kenny. I hardly know her.”

  The boy shrugged. “Well, if you marry her, you’ll get to know her real good.”

  Laughing, Ian tousled the boy’s hair. “Kenny, when you’re older you’ll understand what I’m about to say, but a man ought never to marry a woman unless he really knows who she is and what’s important to her. If you don’t believe in the same things, especially when it comes to faith issues, you’ll be in for a lifetime of hurt and sorrow.”

  Just then the front door opened, jingling the bell Ian had affixed overhead. He gave a quick glance into the front of the shop and stiffened as he spied Von Bergen and Lord Putnam. He took Kenny by the hand and led him to the back of the room. He knelt beside the boy.

  “Kenny, remember what your mama said about staying out of sight and not letting anyone know who you are?”

  The boy nodded. “Did a bad man come to the shop?” He craned his neck to look over Ian’s shoulder.

  “I don’t know if the men out there are bad or good, but I do know it wouldn’t help your ma for you to be seen by them. I need you to wait a couple of minutes until I am speaking with them; then I want you to run over to the house and stay in your room until I come for you. Can you do that, and keep out of trouble?”

  “Sure. I’ll read my book.”

  Ian nodded. “Good.” He rose. “Now, don’t forget, wait just a minute for me to ask them what they want.”

  Feeling it was the best he could do to keep Kenny out of sight, Ian made his way to the front of the shop. “Good afternoon, Graf Von Bergen. Lord Putnam.”

  “Good afternoon, Mr. Harper,” Von Bergen said. “We’ve come on important business.”

  Ian nodded, and Von Bergen presented him with two small bags. “These contain uncut sapphires. I would first like your opinion as to their quality and then may commission you to facet them.”

  Ian opened the bag and poured out some of the stones into his hand. “What did you have in mind?”

  “They are all to be round cut in consistent size. The woman I work for has commissioned me to find stones for a necklace she is having made. This is just a portion.”

  Ian looked the stones over for a moment. “I see. And how soon do you need them?”

  “As soon as possible,” Von Bergen replied. “I still have to make my way to Ceylon for some of the larger stones needed. As I understand it, your Yogos are rarely ever larger than three or four carats.”

  “That’s true enough.” Ian continued to study the sapphires. “How many stones are you looking to have faceted?”

  “A total of five hundred.”

  Ian raised his brow, certain he’d heard wrong. “Five hundred?”

  Von Bergen nodded. “She is a wealthy and eccentric old woman who dresses herself in sapphires. She’s had some outrageous necklace designed that will fan out across her bosom. The jeweler has decided a minimum of five hundred stones will be needed.”

  “It would take many months to facet that many stones, and I would have to put all other work aside.” Ian shook his head. “Which I cannot do. I have agreements with others that cannot be broken.”

  The older man frowned. “I thought from our discussion at the party you would be able to help me.”

  “Help you, yes. I can facet some of the stones. Probably these two bags. However, you would need to have additional help to handle the rest.”

  The two older men exchanged a look. Von Bergen was none too happy. “You assured me we could get these stones cut in a timely fashion.”

  “Perhaps you should have it done in Ceylon,” Lord Putnam suggested. “I understand they have entire factories set up for this kind of thing.”

  Von Bergen drew a deep breath and looked back at Ian. “Very well. What is your opinion of the quality?”

  “They are very nice. The Yogos have few flaws and require no heat treatment to bring out the color.”

  “Very good. Well, despite your busy schedule, I would like for you to work with these immediately.”

  “You haven’t yet heard my price.” Ian carefully put the stones back into the bag.

  “Very well. What is your price?”

  “Ten dollars a stone.”

  The graf began sputtering in protest, but Ian held up his hand. “Once finished, these stones will be worth no less than fifty dollars a carat. I have no idea what you paid for them in the rough, but I’m quite certain the value will be raised times ten once finished. Perhaps more.”

  Lord Putnam reached out to Von Bergen and whispered something. The graf seemed to calm. Putnam said something else, and Von Bergen began nodding.

  “Very well. I accept your price. There are two hundred stones in these bags. I will want them as soon as possible.”

  Ian nodded. “You will need to give me a deposit of half the money now and the other half payable upon receipt of the stones
.”

  “One thousand dollars now,” the older man said, pinning Ian with a look of disdain. “Very well. I will arrange for the money at the bank and have it brought to you in the morning. How long will you need to complete the job?”

  Ian picked up the bags. “Let me see how quickly I can finish my other projects without jeopardizing the quality, and then I’ll better know how long it will take. Now, if you’ll wait a moment, I’ll write up a receipt for these stones.”

  Elizabeth Bergen sat in the front pew of the church she’d attended ever since coming to Helena. She knew the time for a decision was at hand. She’d already let a considerable amount of time pass, and no doubt Ian was nearing the end of his patience. Although given his nature, she was certain he’d never say as much.

  Pastor Clearwater came to sit beside her. “So have you given thought to what we discussed last time?”

  “You want me to meet with Frederick. Here.” She twisted her hands. “You want me to be honest with him about Kenny.”

  The older man gave her a sympathetic nod. “It would be for the best, Elizabeth. In the company of witnesses, your husband will be no threat to you.”

  “Once he knows about our son, he will do whatever is necessary to punish me and take the boy.” She shook her head. “I cannot let that happen.”

  “Elizabeth, do you believe God is watching over you?” His face bore a fatherly concern. “Do you trust Him? Do you trust that He wants the very best for you?”

  Elizabeth considered his words for a moment. Did she truly believe that? Didn’t her actions and attitude suggest otherwise?

  “The Bible is full of verses about trusting God,” he said, not waiting for her response. He took hold of her hand and gave it a pat. “The Psalms especially are full of such verses. One of my favorites is Psalm fifty-six, eleven. ‘In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.’ Elizabeth, you have a great many friends who will stand beside you, in addition to the watchful eye of your heavenly Father. Trust Him to make this right.”

  “I want to trust.” Elizabeth felt the weariness of ten years’ hiding the truth. “I want this to be settled once and for all. I suppose I really have no choice.”

  “Of course you have a choice. You can continue to run. No one is stopping you.”

  Elizabeth knew he was right. Phoebe knew the truth and would now be able to confront her father with his lies. Her only real fear was for Kenny’s safety, but she did have one piece of knowledge that Frederick would not want anyone to know. Perhaps it would allow her some leverage. It was a risk, but it might be enough.

  “Very well, Pastor. Would you set up the meeting?”

  “I will. I will have a message sent to the hotel, and I won’t detail the reasons but merely ask your husband to come because of urgent business. Do you want your daughter to be there as well?”

  Elizabeth considered this for a moment. “No. It will be difficult enough with just you there as a witness. After that initial meeting, I will better know what to do and how to handle the situation.”

  Pastor Clearwater smiled. “You’re doing the right thing, Elizabeth. This will allow you to finally put the past behind you.”

  She wanted to believe that, but no one knew Frederick Von Bergen as she did. He was a hateful, vindictive man who would be angry when he learned the truth. Maybe angry enough to commit murder.

  Ian was all but ready to close the shop when the door jangled and he looked up to find Ernst Eckhardt entering. The tall, blond-headed man smiled.

  “I hope I am not intruding.”

  Ian shook his head. “Not at all. I was just finishing up for the day.”

  “Are you busy with many orders?” the man asked in a lighthearted manner.

  “I am now. I just took on a rather large project.”

  “Graf Von Bergen, ja? I heard he was buying a great many sapphires.”

  “I’m surprised you know about that. He tells me it’s all to be kept secret. I can’t say as I blame him. If someone learned he was carrying around valuable stones, they might be inclined to rob him.”

  “But his daughter wears jewelry worth thousands. If someone were to rob them, would that not be enticement enough?”

  “Most of those stones aren’t authentic, and anyone who knows gems would easily recognize that.” Ian hadn’t meant to offer up the information, but for all he knew, Eckhardt was up to no good.

  “Not authentic?”

  Ian shook his head. “No. Now, is there something I might help you with?”

  Eckhardt chuckled. “Oh, ja. I almost forgot. I remember that you said you grew up around here. I am in America on business, and one of the things I promised to do was investigate land for purchase. I have a relative who is most interested in buying an extensive piece of land, perhaps here in Montana.”

  “I see. Well, Montana is quite large, and I am sure you could find such acreage.” Ian untied his apron. “What type of land are you looking for? Ranchland? Farmland? Something else?”

  “Ranchland.” Eckhardt smiled. “I thought maybe you might have time to escort me to see some of the acreage available.”

  “I’m sorry, I don’t have that kind of time. Especially now that I have stones to facet for Graf Von Bergen. However, I do know of a man who handles land sales. I could direct you to him.”

  “That would be very kind of you.” Eckhardt paused to admire a few finished stones Ian had on display. “Are these for sale?”

  There was something about the man Ian couldn’t help but like. “They are. The darker red ones are garnets. The lighter ones are rubies. The yellow and green are, surprisingly enough, sapphires. All of the stones were found here in Montana.”

  “I did not realize sapphires could be anything but blue.” Eckhardt met Ian’s gaze. “It is most fascinating.”

  “Sapphires can be most any color. The stone is what we call corundum. When it is red we generally refer to the gem as a ruby. And when blue, a sapphire, and that blue can come in a wide variety of shades. There is a dark, almost black sapphire that comes from Australia, cobalt from Ceylon, and the cornflower blue of the Yogos, to name a few. However, there are other colors. We have found sapphires ranging from clear to pink to violet, as well as everything in between.

  “A veritable rainbow,” Eckhardt offered.

  “Exactly.”

  “It is all quite fascinating,” Eckhardt admitted. “Perhaps sometime you might show me how it is you cut the stones.”

  Ian smiled. “Stop by some morning and I would be happy to show you.”

  Eckhardt nodded. “In the meantime, I think I should enjoy purchasing the yellow and green sapphires. I believe they would look quite lovely in a tie pin.”

  After concluding business with Mr. Eckhardt, Ian locked up and pulled the shades. He had only one thought in mind and that was Phoebe. He had tried not to think about her too much, but with her little brother underfoot throughout the day and then her father’s visit to bring the stones, Ian found his thoughts full of her. He hadn’t seen her in a while, and every time he heard her name mentioned, he felt a growing need to be near her. He’d suggested to Kenny earlier in the day that they might take another horseback ride and invite Phoebe to join them. Kenny had heartily approved the idea, so Ian decided they would put a plan in action.

  But when Ian came through the back door of his house, he heard Elizabeth speaking to his mother and his own thoughts were put aside. The women glanced up as he entered the kitchen. Both looked quite solemn, and Kenny was not there.

  “I’ve agreed to the meeting,” Elizabeth told him. “Pastor Clearwater said he would send Frederick word to meet him at the church.”

  “Would you like for us to be there as well?” Ian thought it only right he offer, since he was the one who’d all but forced her into this arrangement.

  “No. Pastor Clearwater will stay with me. I will meet with Frederick and see what his attitude is toward me and whether or not he has changed. I had hoped to discuss the
matter with Phoebe, but she’s been under the weather for some days. I sent one of the hotel maids to deliver a message to her, and Phoebe’s maid told her that Phoebe was unwell and couldn’t be disturbed.”

  Ian frowned. He didn’t like to hear that Phoebe was sick. “So when is the meeting to be?”

  “I don’t yet know. Pastor Clearwater told me he’d get word to me. I’m to wait until then. He will arrange for a time that meets with Frederick’s approval.” She looked at Ian’s mother. “I am so afraid that all of this will only serve to cause problems worse than the ones I now face.”

  “The truth will set you free,” Ian said before his mother could speak.

  Elizabeth looked back at him and nodded. “I hope you’re right.” She glanced upward. “Soon I’ll have to explain it all to Kenny.”

  Ian nodded. “Yes. He needs to understand what’s happened and why. He also needs to know that Phoebe is his sister. He’s very fond of her, and it might very well help soften the shock of it all.”

  “I can’t tell him who she is or who his father is until I am certain Frederick will do nothing to take him from me. This first meeting will tell me a great deal. After that, well . . . after that the rest can be decided.”

  “Then perhaps,” Ian’s mother offered, “you needn’t say anything to the boy until after your first meeting.” She looked to Ian. “Surely that would not be any more damaging or deceptive than to tell him now.”

  Ian saw the abject fear on Elizabeth’s face and finally nodded. “I think she’s right. You should probably wait until after your first meeting. That way you’ll know better what you intend to do.”

  Elizabeth seemed to consider this for a moment. “Very well. I will wait. I’ve waited ten years; I can wait a few more days.”

  14

  Vater had posted a guard outside her door. A guard.

  Phoebe had never thought her father capable of such actions, but when she attempted to leave her room, the man refused to let her pass. For days now she’d been imprisoned there. Each morning she attempted to leave, only to be told no. She’d finally reached the end of her patience.