A Beauty Refined
Page 23
“Not at all.” She put her hand on his arm. “Elizabeth and I can see the love you hold for her, but I doubt anyone else would be suspicious. Besides, even if they were, you haven’t acted the fool.”
“I do plan to marry her.”
She nodded. “And I’m delighted. You’ve been alone too long.”
“I was afraid.” He took a long drink.
“That other women would be like Nora?”
He let go a sigh. “Yes. Her deceptions were so hurtful. I thought I knew her character, and it really shook me up to realize I had been so deluded. I guess my pride was wounded. I hated losing her, but it hurt even more to realize I’d never really had her—I never really knew her. It caused me to doubt my own judgment.”
His mother put her arm around him. “I am sorry for all that happened back then. Nora’s lies hurt so many. I have often thought of her parents and how they moved away so quickly. I’m sure they needed to forget their pain, but I’m equally as sure that it accompanied them wherever they went. The pain of losing your brother is always with me.” She let go her hold and turned Ian to face her. “I’m sorry too for the lies I told so casually. I know I was wrong, thinking they weren’t anything important. I’m sorry the girls copied my behavior. I’ve long since told them it was wrong, but I also realize that my example caused them to believe it acceptable.”
“We both made mistakes. I chose to ignore the truth, which is just as bad. Lies are just so clear and present in the world’s thinking. No one considers it a problem to lie about things when it’s more convenient or it saves face.”
“Well, I want you to know that I appreciate your honesty, and I know too that you were right to insist Elizabeth be truthful and speak to her husband. It would have been simpler to avoid him altogether, but it would also be wrong. This way, she can get everything resolved and no longer have to live in fear.”
“I hope so. I’ve been worried about that. I definitely felt responsible for what happened with Phoebe and her father. If I hadn’t pushed for Elizabeth to speak to the pastor and arrange the meeting with Von Bergen, Phoebe wouldn’t have been beaten.”
“Von Bergen is to blame for that beating. Not you. Now, let us talk of something more pleasant. Have you proposed to Phoebe?”
Ian laughed. “Not exactly. We did declare our love, and I might have mentioned wanting to marry, but I didn’t ask her. I thought I’d wait until I had the ring. I have a beautiful sapphire I’ve been saving back for something special.” He laughed. “Although I never expected it to become a wedding ring.”
He went to a desk at the far end of the room. “It’s a Yogo, larger than most. Come, I’ll show you.” He pushed up the roll top and then opened a drawer. He took a small box from inside and opened it. His mother came to join him.
“I purchased this stone several years ago. I think I can get at least five carats out of the cut. I want to use it to make Phoebe’s ring.”
“It will mean all that much more to her—knowing that you’ve faceted the stone with her in mind.” Georgia smiled. “Your father did that for me. I’ve always cherished my ring.” She looked down at her hand and fingered the diamond-and-ruby-encrusted gold band. “It makes me feel as if a part of him is still with us.”
“Father will always be with us,” Ian said, putting his arm around her.
“Yes, he will,” she admitted. “In his son and daughters, as well as the work he’s done. He was always so proud of you and your brother. It meant so much to him that you followed in his footsteps, as he had with his father.”
“I hope one day I’ll teach my son. If I have a son. If not, maybe I’ll teach my daughter.”
His mother laughed. “I can’t help but believe Phoebe might enjoy learning as well.”
Ian nodded. “I have reason to believe you might be right.”
Throughout the week Elizabeth stopped by with Phoebe to see Kenny and discuss the future. Ian was relieved to hear that Von Bergen had agreed to cooperate with her. Apparently the information she had was enough to keep the man in line. For that Ian was grateful. He and Phoebe had no real time alone, thanks to Kenny, but nevertheless, Ian used the time to get to know her better. Often he asked questions that seemed to interest Kenny as well, and this allowed Phoebe to spend the time regaling them both with stories of her youth.
After finally completing the sapphires for Von Bergen, Ian prayed that it would mean the man would pay him and leave without further trouble. Elizabeth had already talked to a lawyer about the legal procedures for ending the marriage. He didn’t like the idea of divorce, but in Elizabeth’s case Ian couldn’t see how there could be any other solution.
The good thing was that with Von Bergen’s cooperation the tension eased. Ian didn’t trust the man, but Elizabeth seemed to finally feel safe enough that she allowed Kenny to rejoin her at the hotel. Ian promised to resume Kenny’s swimming lessons as soon as possible, and now that all of the sapphires were cut, he could do exactly that.
“Are you still planning to go to the Broadwater?” his mother asked.
Ian had just finished locking up the shop and found his mother on her knees, weeding through some of her flowers that lined the walkway between the houses.
“I am. Did you change your mind and want to come with me?”
“No. I just thought I might send along some of the muffins I made this morning.” She started to get to her feet, and Ian reached down to help her.
“I’m sure they’ll enjoy the treat. You really should consider opening your own bakery, Mother. Your creations are better than any others I’ve had.”
She laughed and shook her head. “No, a bakery would take up far too much of my time. In fact, once you and Phoebe marry, I figure to put in my notice at the hotel.”
This took Ian by surprise. “Why?”
“Because I want plenty of time to get to know Phoebe, and then later to play with my grandbabies.”
Ian rolled his eyes. “I haven’t even proposed and already you have grandchildren.”
“Well, I figure it’s good to plan ahead.” She smiled and linked her arm through his. “I was even thinking that maybe we should encourage Elizabeth and Kenny to come live with us again. At least live with me. I figure you and Phoebe might want to move over to the small house for privacy.”
“But Elizabeth seems perfectly happy with her little cottage. Kenny too.”
His mother nodded. “But there are rumors going about that the Broadwater will close after the summer season. Close for good. I don’t want Elizabeth to be worried about a home.”
“Well, she need never worry about that.”
“Not only that, but I was also thinking that I could show Phoebe a few things. She’s grown up with servants all of her life. I doubt she knows anything about baking or tending a household. I hope to teach her—if she wants to learn.”
“I’m sure she will. Why don’t you get those muffins together, and I’ll go change my clothes.” He leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. “I love you, you know?”
“Of course I know that.” She laughed and gave his cheek a playful pinch. “Mothers always know.”
Ian changed in record time and all but ran to catch the trolley out to the Broadwater Hotel. He hummed a tune and felt better than he had in years. The past was finally laid to rest, and now he could honestly look forward to a happy future. A future he’d never figured would be possible.
Lord, I know I’ve been guilty of hardening my heart. For years I pushed people away for fear of getting hurt again. Then you sent Elizabeth and Kenny into our lives and brought joy back into our house. For that I thank you. I know it probably saved Mother’s life. I’m grateful too that you’ve given me the courage to love again. Phoebe is such a remarkable woman, and I know we can be happy together. I pray that you’ll bless our union—that you will give us children to love and grow old with. He smiled to himself and added, You know Mother would never be happy if she didn’t have some more grandchildren to spoil.
In her little house, Elizabeth found a note left by Phoebe. She and Kenny had gone for a walk. It offered no other information, but Elizabeth wasn’t concerned. She knew Phoebe had spent enough time on the grounds to know where she was going, and Kenny knew every rut and trail. She loved the way they had taken to each other. Learning about his father had troubled Kenny somewhat, but Phoebe had been able to speak to him as one sibling to another. Her viewpoint had given Kenny some of the answers he needed in order to understand.
He had asked Elizabeth, however, to let him at least meet his father. She told him she would consider the matter, and if the time presented itself and she was assured of his safety, she would arrange a meeting. Once Frederick agreed to all the legal matters, then and only then would Elizabeth feel safe in introducing the boy to his father.
She began to work on their evening meal, planning a nice chicken-and-vegetable pie. Georgia had taught her to make this when they’d first come to Helena. Georgia had commented at the time that making pie crust was very nearly as easy as breathing, and the rest was just a matter of boiling or retrieving leftovers. Elizabeth had taken quickly to the task. Since then Georgia had taught her a great many recipes and skills.
The chicken was on the stove boiling and Elizabeth was cutting potatoes when she heard the front door open. She smiled. “I’m in the kitchen.”
She heard the door close and was just about to reach for an onion when a large man filled the doorway to the kitchen.
“Who are you?” A shudder went through her. “What do you want?”
The man laughed. “I’m here on business, Mrs. Von Bergen.”
Elizabeth felt a chill run down her spine. People here at the hotel and at church knew her as Bergen, not Von Bergen. To have the man call her by that name left her little doubt that Frederick was behind this visitation.
She still held the paring knife in her hand and let it remain hidden in the folds of her apron. “I suppose my husband sent you.”
“Well, ain’t you the smart one?” He stood watching her for a moment. “Not smart enough, though.”
Thoughts raced through her mind about Kenny and Phoebe. Were they safe, or had Frederick arranged for someone to interrupt their afternoon as well?
“Well, what does he want?”
The man laughed. “He wants you out of his life. Apparently you have caused a lot of trouble.”
“You won’t get away with this. Too many people know what’s going on.” Elizabeth did her best to sound firm. She didn’t want the man to know how terrified she truly felt.
“Ain’t nobody gonna know until long after we’re gone from here. See, my brothers have taken care of your son and daughter. I think you’ll cooperate with me, or else you’ll never see them again.” He stepped toward her, his arms reaching out to take her.
Elizabeth screamed, raised the knife, and slashed at the man’s arm. He howled in pain, but it didn’t keep him from knocking the knife from her hand. Without warning he had his hands around Elizabeth’s throat.
“That was a stupid move on your part.” His hands tightened. “But you won’t be saying or doing anything more.”
Phoebe laughed at Kenny’s antics. The boy was a pure delight, and Phoebe liked to imagine that Dieter might have been just as happy and carefree had their father not ruined him with threats and beatings.
“I’m so happy that you’re my sister—schwester,” Kenny said, trying the German. He plopped down on the grassy bank beside the creek where Phoebe sat.
“I am too,” she said, reaching over to ruffle his hair.
“I like learning German and hearing your stories about Germany and the river and the big house where you and Mama used to live. I wish I could see it.”
Phoebe frowned. “I don’t know if that will ever be possible, Kenny. Our vater is a harsh and difficult man. He won’t be happy that he can’t have you. Mutter won’t risk anything that might put you in jeopardy.”
Kenny gave a sober nod. “I know. Mama told me about him. I always wanted a father. I used to ask Mama about him, but she wouldn’t say very much, and when I saw how sad it made her I stopped asking. She did tell me that when I was grown, she would explain.”
“I’m sure she will, Kenny, and if she doesn’t, I promise I will.”
Kenny plucked a blade of grass and fingered it lightly. “Do you love Ian?”
Phoebe hadn’t expected the question to follow so close on the heels of their previous topic. She met her brother’s questioning gaze and smiled. “Ja. I do.”
“He loves you.” Kenny tossed the grass aside. “I thought he loved you for a real long time, but he wouldn’t say so. But one day he asked me how I felt about him loving you.”
“He did, did he?” Phoebe couldn’t help laughing. “And what did you say?”
Kenny shrugged and grinned. “I don’t remember the exact words, but I was happy about it. I’m pretty sure he’s going to marry you.”
Phoebe started to reply, but she heard something move in the brush and froze. There was still some concern about whether or not her father would try to take Kenny. She hadn’t thought it dangerous to come here, since Ian told her few people knew of this place. Getting to her feet, Phoebe glanced around cautiously and let out a squeal when a rabbit skittered out from the bushes. The rabbit paused and looked at her as if he were just as surprised to find her there as she was to see him. Finally he hopped away, and Phoebe tried to calm her racing heart.
“What’s wrong, Phoebe?” Kenny asked. He jumped up and smiled. “Did that rabbit scare you?”
She nodded, putting her hand to her throat. “I’m afraid so. I know I shouldn’t worry. Mutter says that worry is a sin, but I guess I can’t help it. I don’t want to see anything happen to you.”
“Well, just keep that thought in mind, missy, and we’ll get along just fine,” a man said as he emerged from the brush.
The man was big and needed a shave. He narrowed his eyes at her—eyes that reminded her of a tiger she’d once seen. Dangerous. Deadly. Phoebe shoved Kenny behind her. She took a stance, hoping the man might see her determination. He laughed at her effort and shook his head.
“You ain’t gonna win this fight. My brother is right behind you.”
The trolley slowed and finally stopped as they approached the hotel. Ian jumped off the platform with the bundle of muffins in hand and made his way across the grounds. He intended not only to visit with Elizabeth and Phoebe but to find Ernst Eckhardt and let him know the stones were ready for Von Bergen.
Overhead the skies were dotted with white clouds. From the wispiness of them, Ian figured rain was probably on its way. They could use the moisture. For every little bit of rain, the chances of fires in the forests were lessened.
He turned down the path to Elizabeth’s cottage only to see her and Ernst Eckhardt standing outside. Eckhardt had his arm around Elizabeth’s shoulder, and it looked like she was crying. Ian picked up his pace.
“What’s going on? Is something wrong?”
Eckhardt looked up and nodded. “There’s been an attack. I just shot a man as he tried to kill Elizabeth. He’s dead.”
“What!” Ian looked around. “Where’s Phoebe and Kenny?”
“They went for a walk,” Eckhardt replied. “Unfortunately, we don’t know where.”
Elizabeth pulled away from Eckhardt. “You have to find them. That man—that man said his brothers had them.” The look on her face was one of pure horror.
Ian thrust the muffins into her arms. “Where’s the dead man?”
“Inside,” Eckhardt answered.
“Elizabeth, go get help. Get the manager and have him send for the police. Eckhardt, you and
I will go in the direction of the lake. If they aren’t there, we’ll head to the fishing hole where Kenny likes to go. It’s shaded and pretty, and Phoebe liked it too.”
Eckhardt nodded. He turned to Elizabeth. “We’ll find them. Try not to worry.” He pulled a revolver from his coat pocket and looked to Ian. “Let’s go.”
Ian’s mounting fear did nothing to aid in their search. When they found no one near the lake, Ian moved off toward Ten Mile Creek and the place where Kenny loved to fish. He prayed as they tore through the brush and trees. Prayed the same words over and over.
Lord, please let them be safe.
23
Phoebe knew she would have to fight if she and Kenny were to make it out alive. She surprised the big man by rushing at him. She threw herself against him, launching him backward. They both might have fallen but for a stand of trees directly behind the man. Nevertheless, the action bought her a moment’s time.
Pushing off the man’s chest, Phoebe whirled around in time to see a younger but equally scruffy-looking man take hold of Kenny. Kenny, however, had no desire to be held captive and bit the man’s arm as it closed around him.
“Yeow! You little animal!”
“Run, Kenny!” Phoebe ordered, putting herself between him and his attacker. “Get help.” Thankfully he did exactly as she told him and disappeared into the brush.
“Tie her up. I’ll get the boy,” the older man declared, thrusting her toward the younger man. He took off after Kenny, but by then the boy had several yards’ head start.
Phoebe fought against the younger man, hoping she could throw him off balance as easily as she had his brother, but it wasn’t to be. This man was smaller and moved more quickly than his larger brother. He pushed her to the ground and then put his foot on her back.
“Hold still or I’ll hit you in the head with my gun and then you won’t be a problem anymore.”
Deciding it best to at least give the appearance of cooperation, Phoebe stopped fighting. “You won’t get away with this,” she said as he yanked her arms behind her.