by Diann Hunt
Adelaide nodded, her eyes carefully avoiding Ma’s.
Ma sat back up and brushed her hands together. “Well, that’s that.”
They both looked at her with a start. Adelaide felt sure they had a long talk coming to them.
Ma laughed. “What’s to say?” She shrugged. “Everything’s all right now, and that’s what matters.”
Relief rolled over Adelaide. “Thanks, Ma.”
“I just want the two of you to be happy.”
Adelaide reached for Josiah’s hand and looked at him. “We are, Ma. We are.” Josiah squeezed her hand.
Just then, Esther and Grace walked through the front door holding hands. “Auntie Esther showed me the chickens.” Grace ran over to Josiah. “She let me throw some feed on the floor, and they ran over to eat it. They make a funny sound. One almost bit me.”
The words tumbled out of her faster than chicken feed from a bag. They all chuckled. Josiah looked at Adelaide. “She certainly seems to have overcome her shyness.”
Adelaide agreed, muting a giggle behind her hand.
“Hey, I’ve got an idea,” Josiah piped up. “How about after church tomorrow, we have a picnic at the beach?”
Grace clapped her hands together and jumped up and down, causing her loose bonnet to tilt in an awkward fashion on her head.
Once again they laughed. Everyone agreed the picnic would be a good idea. “We’ve also got a wedding to plan,” Josiah said, his gaze never leaving Adelaide’s.
After church, old friends welcomed Adelaide and Josiah home with open arms. They’d had a good service, and now Adelaide looked forward to a picnic on the beach.
Ma fixed enough chicken to feed the church. They settled into place and ate a nice meal while Grace played in the sand.
“Esther, have you heard anything recently from Adam?” Josiah asked.
She shook her head, a pout on her lips.
Josiah laughed. “You’ll hear soon, I’m sure. He’s smitten with you, no doubt about that.”
Her pout turned to a smile. “It’s so hard not to have word.” She fingered the gold chain around her neck.
“That’s the tricky part of loving a seaman.” He turned to Adelaide and grabbed her hand. “I’m glad we didn’t have to go through that.”
“Papa, come look,” Grace shouted.
Josiah winked at Adelaide, and together they ran to Grace’s side. They marveled at her sand creation and sang her praises. Josiah scooped her into his arms. Grace giggled and squealed as he twirled her round and round. When he finally placed her on the ground, she took crooked steps before finally falling into a heap. Grace turned to Josiah. “Again, Papa?”
Josiah groaned. “Oh no, Grace. Papa’s too dizzy.”
“I’ll race you back to the blanket, Grace,” Adelaide called.
Josiah counted, “One, two, three.” They took off trudging through the sinking sand, leaving Grace behind with her pudgy legs to carry her. It suddenly became a real race for Josiah and Adelaide, though her skirts got in the way. By the time they reached the blanket, they fell together, laughing and gasping for breath. Adelaide looked at his blue eyes as he smiled only inches from her, wanting desperately to kiss him but not with her family around. She quickly straightened herself.
“Good to hear you so happy, Adelaide,” Ma said.
“I am happy, Ma.”
“I talked to the pastor this morning. The wedding is set for tomorrow,” Josiah said.
“So soon?” Ma asked.
“Why wait? We’re not inviting lots of people, just family, the Markles, a couple of witnesses, and, well … um … why wait?”
They all let out a laugh. Adelaide’s emotions rose to her face. She wished she weren’t so transparent.
A pleasant evening breeze caused a strand of hair to tickle Adelaide’s cheek as she made her way to the church. She felt glad they had decided on a church wedding. They wanted a different start this time.
Adelaide lifted her dress—the dress Josiah had bought her on the island—so that she could more easily climb the church steps. She adjusted the wreath of flowers that circled her head.
Having the matter of the store settled with the Markles made her feel a lot better. She and Josiah had already taken their things to the store and would move in after the wedding. The Markles left some furniture for them since Josiah and Adelaide hadn’t had time to set up housekeeping as of yet. Grace seemed all too happy to stay with Ma and Esther for a couple of days.
Adelaide wondered if she had stepped into a fairy tale. She couldn’t believe how their story had changed for the better. With a thankful heart, she entered the church. Josiah stood with his back to her, talking with Pastor Daugherty. Pastor looked up, and Josiah turned. The pleasure on his face made Adelaide’s heart skip. She made her way toward him. He stepped forward and grabbed her hand. “You look beautiful.” His breath tickled her ear as he whispered the words meant for her alone.
The pastor began the wedding service, and Adelaide’s heart soared. Surrounded by family and friends, standing by the man she loved with all her heart, and with a precious little girl whom they would raise together, Adelaide whispered a prayer of thanks deep in her soul.
When the ceremony ended, Josiah reached over and kissed his wife. Though he didn’t make a spectacle, this kiss was different from all the others. A kiss that said they belonged to one another, and nothing would ever change that.
The little group went to Ma’s house, ate a wonderful meal together, laughed, and shared stories. Finally, one by one, they trickled away, each going to their own homes.
“Mrs. Buchanan, are you ready to go home?”
Adelaide looked up to see Josiah’s blue eyes sparkling down at her, his extended hand ready to help her to her feet.
She smiled, the thrill of truly being his wife running through her. They said their good-byes and headed for the Markles’ General Store. Their new home.
The clip-clop of horses’ hooves echoed through the night sky. The sea murmured softly in the distance. Adelaide leaned into Josiah. He held her tightly with one arm and guided the horses with the other. She thought the night perfect.
“Do you miss the sea, Josiah?”
“I will always miss it some. It’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. But I have everything I want with you and Grace.” He turned to her. “I couldn’t be happier.” He kissed her long and hard. The team almost ran off the path. They laughed while Josiah snapped the reins to speed the horses along.
Josiah put the carriage away, and Adelaide noticed the lights were out upstairs, so the Markles had already gone to bed. She climbed the steps to the porch and waited as Josiah had requested. He soon joined her and stopped in front of her. “I’ve never done this before,” he said as he lifted her into his arms. Adelaide giggled. Josiah nuzzled his nose into her neck. “But then I’ve never been in love like this before.”
Adelaide shivered slightly. Josiah carried her through the doorway then pushed open the door to the bedroom, Adelaide still in his arms. He lowered her to the floor. “I would like to offer our marriage to the Lord.”
Adelaide nodded.
Together they knelt beside their bed.
“Father, we thank Thee for bringing us to this place. Thank Thee for providing us with an income through the Markles’ generosity. Adelaide’s right. Life is all about choices. Our choices affect not only ourselves but others around us. I thank Thee for helping me make the right choices this time. Thank Thee for bringing Adelaide into my life. And while I hadn’t planned on Grace, Thou didst know all about her, and I thank Thee for bringing her into our lives. May our family bring Thee the honor Thou dost deserve. May we be an extension of Thy love, grace, and mercy. And one day may we gather as a circle unbroken before Thy throne where we will hear Thee say, ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant.…’
“Now, Father, I pray Thy blessings on our family as we begin our lives together. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
A
delaide whispered, “Amen.”
They rose and stepped away from the bed. Josiah went and closed the bedroom door. He walked back toward Adelaide and looked her square in the face. “I will spend my life proving my love for you.”
“And I, you, Josiah. I love you.” She brushed the tears that pooled in her eyes and stretched her arms around his neck. He pulled her close to him and kissed her in the way of which she had always dreamed.
When they parted, Josiah looked at her. “You know, whaling has been good to me. Provided a substantial living, true, but most of all it brought me you.” Josiah grew silent and serious as his fingers reached for her hair. Slowly, tenderly, his hands pulled away tiny pins, one by one. Adelaide barely breathed. Josiah’s fingers caressed the honey brown curls that fell in heaps across her shoulders. He leaned into her, his voice brushing light against her ear as his hands continued to explore her hair. “I told you I’d like it down,” he said in a heavy whisper.
Everything around Adelaide seemed surreal. Was it really happening? If she breathed, would the magic end? She wanted to stay in the moment forever.
Holding onto her hand, Josiah took three steps, stopped at the stand beside their bed, and in one puff of air, blew out their candle.
Into the darkness he whispered, “I choose you, Adelaide Buchanan. I choose you.”
BASKET OF
SECRETS
Chapter 1
Abigail O’Connor watched as the dark carriage rattled toward the train station, taking away the only man she’d ever loved. Her chance for happiness had rushed in like the waters of Lake Michigan to the Chicago shoreline then seemed to flee like an ebbing tide.
“Abigail, come down and eat something,” her mother encouraged from the stairwell.
Wiping away the last tear, the twenty-six-year-old dropped the lace curtain from her window, muting the afternoon sun to dull shadows in her bedroom. She walked to the washstand. The cool splash of water against her face erased the tears but still left behind the stain on her heart. A towel lay nearby. She picked up the soft cloth and dried her skin with it, all the while struggling to find relief from the pain that plagued her.
With reluctance, she stepped in front of the looking glass. One glance and she pulled in a sharp breath. Crying did little good for her appearance. Her fingers probed gently around the puffy area of her eyes.
“How could you do this to me, Jonathan?” Her words, a mixture of anger and sorrow, echoed within the confines of her room. Once more, she dabbed the towel on her face with more force than necessary, stinging her delicate skin. Frustrated, she turned and threw the towel on her bed. She thought a moment, then lifted her chin. “Well, if that’s what you want, Jonathan Clark, go back east. Build a new life for yourself. I’ll get along fine without you.” She gulped back a fresh wave of tears.
The dress hanging on a peg on the wall caught her attention. A dress designed by her best friend, Sophia Hill.
Sophia and Clayton Hill. If only Abigail could find happiness with someone as they had found in one another. She couldn’t imagine Clayton and Sophia would soon celebrate their first anniversary. Almost a year since the fire.
Almost a year since Jonathan had walked into her life and stolen her heart.
She remembered the day well. She had gone to the Thread Bearer to discuss the Christmas ball with Sophia. Jonathan had arrived shortly after to help Sophia with her ledger books. Catching the fancy of the handsome bookkeeper, Abigail had left with a promise of an escort to the ball. They had been a couple since that time. Until a week ago. When he told her he took another position. Back east. He couldn’t pass it up, he had said.
Obviously, he didn’t love her. She’d have to move on with her life. But how?
Abigail sighed and fell onto the bed. She sank into the thick blankets and plump pillows. Their comfort did little to ease her misery. Why did Jonathan feel the need for a bigger, better job back east? Despite her anger, she felt a twinge of understanding. He no doubt wanted to go home. She couldn’t blame him for that. She wanted to stay near family, too. But would she have given up family for him? Her back stiffened. Without a doubt, she would have given up everything for him. She felt almost sure she would have.
Almost.
Rising to her feet, she brushed down the front and sides of her skirt with her hands, smoothing out wrinkles. She would not wallow in self-pity one moment longer. Quickly, she returned to the looking glass, took a brush through her red curls, and with a sigh watched them spring back into place. Considering it useless to fight her stubborn hair, she placed her brush on the dresser and grabbed her bag. She walked across the hall and stepped down the brown wooden staircase and past the family portraits and colorful tapestries from her parents’ travels in Europe.
“Oh Abigail, I’m so glad to see you. Are you feeling better?”
“I’m fine, Mother. I would like to go see Sophia, if you don’t mind.”
“Well, of course, dear. I’m afraid you’ll have to drive yourself in the carriage. Your father is having a guest for dinner, and I have things to do. Can you manage?”
Abigail nodded. “Who’s the guest?”
Her mother shook her head. “I don’t know. Your father said he was going to town to employ a chauffeur and would invite him to dinner tonight.”
Abigail smiled. “He will probably do it, too.”
Her mother laughed then said, “Oh, I do hope we find a chauffeur soon. I suppose we should have known Mr. Wickers would leave a great hole when he left.”
“I miss him.”
“I know you do, dear.”
“Well, I’d better go hitch up the horses. I’ll see you in a while.” Abigail reached over and dropped a kiss on her mother’s cheek.
Mother stretched her arms around her daughter. “I know you’re in pain now,” she whispered, “but it will fade with time. I promise.” With a light pat on Abigail’s back, her mother pulled away.
Abigail nodded, not wanting to think about it for fear she would cry again.
“Are you sure you don’t want to eat first? You hardly touched your breakfast, Abigail.” Mother’s brows pushed together, scrunching a worry line between them.
Abigail touched her mother’s arm. “I’m fine, really. I just wanted to talk a little with Sophia.”
Though a worrisome frown still etched her face, her mother gave up with a sigh. “All right, you go and have a nice time. Give Sophia and her family our love. Oh, one more thing, Abigail.”
Abigail turned back.
“If you happen by the mercantile, could you stop and pick up some coffee?”
Abigail smiled, nodded, and slipped through the door. With some effort, she hitched the horses to the carriage. Both horses.
Funny how things worked better in twos.
She did miss Mr. Wickers, but not only because he took them where they needed to go. He had been with the family for ten years and was practically like a grandpa to Abigail. Family had called him out west. Abigail wondered why people didn’t stay in one place.
With a click of her tongue, she set the horses in motion. The Thread Bearer was situated a ways north of her home, so Abigail settled in and tried to relax for the ride.
Summer’s sun had yet to give way to the call of autumn, though the intensity of its warmth had subsided somewhat. Green leaves waved from assorted trees located in a small city park. Abigail felt the need to turn in and meander through the winding lane. With a slight tug, she steered the horses through a path bordered with thick foliage and the season’s last burst of blooms sprouting from plentiful plants.
The heady scent of roses followed her. She took a deep breath of the fresh, sweet air and allowed the peaceful surroundings to envelop her. Mothers sat along the few wooden benches, watching their children run and play in the expansive grasses. Abigail’s eyes blurred. Would she ever know motherhood? She shook her head. Spurned by love once could happen to anyone. Only a fool would let it happen twice.
Her back straightened.
She’d learned her lesson well. No need to go through it again. From this day forward, she would be on her guard. No other man would come close to her heart again. She’d see to that.
As she made her way through the edge of town, Abigail still marveled that last year’s fire had left such devastation. People had rallied from all over the United States to lend a helping hand to Chicago. The railroad spilled immigrants into the city on a daily basis: people needing work, knowing Chicago was rebuilding. “The land of opportunity.” Too bad Jonathan didn’t feel that way.
Though it would take time to rebuild, being the hub of importing and exporting goods, Chicago would survive. Already new structures stood taller and boasted brick faces, evidence of stricter building codes. Property values soared. The city throbbed with the excitement of new adventure.
Abigail figured if Chicago could move on after such devastation, so could she. Maybe she would put her teaching certificate to use and go to work somewhere. One thing she knew: She needed to leave her problems with her Savior. Only He had the answers anyway.
Lord, please, grant me direction. Show me what Thy will is for me.
The horses snorted and neighed. Their harnesses jangled slightly as they plodded along the streets of Chicago. Though she loved the thrill of big city life, Abigail couldn’t deny her longing for the quiet nights on the front porch of their family home, where crickets called from manicured bushes and fireflies flickered about on distant grassy meadows.
Seeing Manford’s Mercantile, Abigail decided to stop and pick up coffee for her mother. Tying the horses to a hitching post, she made her way into the mercantile. Coffee and leather scents reached her the moment she entered. As she meandered through the aisles, the aroma of apples lifted from a nearby bin. Her footsteps left the scent behind and soon carried her to the sharp smell of pickles hovering around a barrel. She spotted the coffee and picked up a bag.
A slight temptation to dig into the jar of penny candy on the counter tickled her fancy, but with reluctance, she turned from it.
