In Times Gone by

by Tracie Peterson

  The boys who’d attacked her on the way to the factory came to mind. Their choices had gotten them killed. Or maybe it was her choice that had caused their deaths. If that were true, how could she live with the guilt? She sighed.

  “Cousin George, why don’t you come to the warehouse with me? You can have a good lunch, and if you’ve nowhere else to stay, you’ll be welcome to make it your temporary home.”

  He put his glasses back on. “I’d like that. My house was utterly destroyed in the fires, and I’ve been sharing a tent at the relief camp with an annoying group of young men. A little peace and quiet would calm my nerves.”

  She smiled. “I won’t lie and suggest we have peace and quiet all the time, but we are fairly calm. Most of the folks staying with us are elderly and didn’t feel they would be cared for properly at the relief camps. We have three good meals a day and clean cots and bedding to sleep on. I think it should suit well enough.”

  He nodded. “Well, let us be about it then. There’s nothing here for me.”

  CHAPTER

  7

  It’s amazing,” Caleb said as he drove Judith in the wagon to find her grandmother’s lawyer. “Many men are setting up offices in the middle of their destroyed buildings so that people know where to find them. I doubt that will last once the reconstruction begins, but it does offer some semblance of normalcy. Not to mention that the restrictions are easing up and people are able to move around the city a little more.”

  “Is it safe?”

  Caleb looked at Judith. “I would never put you in danger, so that should answer your question.”

  “I know you wouldn’t.” Judith gazed around them. “I’ve just heard such horrible stories.”

  “There have been some very bad situations, to be sure, but also some exaggeration. I promise we’ll be just fine. We needn’t even worry about being forced into the cleanup because we have papers to show we are busy with other ways of lending aid. But if you find yourself frightened, you can always scoot closer to me.”

  Judith noted a group of men handing pieces of concrete down the line until the last man was able to toss the rubble into the bed of a wagon. “I have to admit, they’ve done a good job getting the streets cleared. Even if they’ve only managed to open a few. It’s still progress.”

  “Now that things are calmer, we should see more and more progress. Mayor Schmitz is determined to put this city back together before the end of summer. That doesn’t mean everything will be rebuilt, but he believes the debris will be cleared. They’re dumping it into the bay to create the foundation for additional acreage. Of course, it won’t make for a solid foundation, and everyone knows very well how that would be, should another big earthquake hit.”

  “Then why do it? It seems foolhardy.”

  “It is, just as the Bible warns about building your house on sand. But these are men of industry and commerce, and they are used to gambling on the future. Some are even confident that there will never be another earthquake like the one of April eighteenth.”

  “How can they suppose that?” Judith considered that kind of thinking very naïve.

  “Some people say events like this come only once every one hundred years. However, others are confident that it could happen again tomorrow. It has to do with the earth having a lot going on under the surface that we can’t begin to comprehend. Scientists are working to better understand earthquakes, but they have no way to predict them.”

  Caleb drew the horse to a stop in front of a small open tent that had been erected outside the building that once housed the Whitleys’ law firm. The sign outside read, Pettyjohn, Bridgestone, and Davis.

  “This looks to be it,” Caleb said. “I’ll go speak to the clerk.”

  Judith folded her gloved hands and whispered a prayer. She hoped it wouldn’t be difficult to get information regarding her cousin. She watched as Caleb and the clerk spoke. She couldn’t hear what was being said, but the clerk pointed off behind where she sat. It wasn’t long before Caleb climbed back up into the wagon and took the reins. He didn’t look happy.

  “Well there’s good news and bad. Obviously, the building was burned completely, but there was also a loss of life. Mr. Pettyjohn was killed in the earthquake.”

  “How awful. I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “As was I.” Caleb put the wagon in motion. “However, the good news is that the clerks and other lawyers were able to move the office records to Mr. Bridgestone’s residence ahead of the fire. They have set up business there temporarily. He gave me directions, so if you’re up to it, we might as well make our way there now.”

  “I’m perfectly fine. All of my cooking duties have been given over to the other ladies, and I have the rest of the day completely free of responsibilities.”

  He chuckled. “Perhaps I should take you out for dinner and a concert.”

  “If such things still existed, I would let you.”

  “Oh, but they do. There’s a band concert at Golden Gate Park tonight, and if you haven’t noticed, there are a multitude of tent restaurants all over this area. We can sit on wooden kegs at plankboard tables and enjoy sandwiches and coffee for outrageous prices.”

  “I think I’d prefer our little warehouse. Maybe we could take a walk later.” She offered him a sweet smile. “I might even be persuaded to share a kiss.”

  Caleb raised a brow. “Are you flirting with me, Miss Whitley?”

  “Trying to. I suppose I’m very bad at it. I haven’t had much experience.”

  He chuckled. “Well, with practice you’ll become quite good, and I believe I’ll take you up on your offer.”

  They drove in contented silence for several blocks. Both seemed too occupied by the destruction around them to do more than take it all in. On one street, Judith saw an entire row of houses all tilted to the right. They looked like dominos about to be knocked over. On the opposite side of the street, most of the houses looked to have collapsed, one floor on top of the other. Had people been inside them when it happened? Since the earthquake had taken place just after five in the morning, Judith imagined many had been crushed to death.

  “I don’t see how it can ever be made right,” she murmured. “There’s so much to do.”

  “True,” Caleb agreed, “but human beings are a resilient bunch, and when they are driven to accomplishment, they do great things. I think you’ll be surprised.”

  “I suppose, but so many are dealing with sorrow on top of the loss of property. Their loved ones have died. I know very well how that can discourage a soul.”

  He reached over and squeezed her hand. “You’re missing your grandmother, aren’t you?”

  Judith hadn’t really considered it, but now that Caleb had put it into words, she had to agree that she did long for the woman’s return. “I knew her for such a short time. I wish she could have been with me longer.”

  “You made the most of that time. You went to live with her even though she was a complete stranger.”

  “Yes, and how glad I am now that I did, even with all of the trouble I faced there. I might never have learned as much as I did about my family.” Judith was still trying to understand her past, which included being raised by a man and woman who weren’t really her parents, but rather her aunt and uncle. She couldn’t imagine the desperation of a woman stealing one of her sister’s twin daughters to raise as her own.

  “It’s good that you know about the past, Judith,” Caleb said, “but you mustn’t dwell on it. You have a future ahead of you, and we will create our own family and memories. I presume you do want a family?”

  She turned to him and saw his questioning look. “Of course I do. I hope we have a dozen children.”

  His expression changed to concern. “A dozen? Well, I hadn’t thought of that many, but I suppose if that’s what you desire, I will do my best to comply.”

  She felt her cheeks warm. “Oh, Caleb, I honestly don’t care how many children we have, so long as we’re together.”

  He no
dded. “I feel the same way, and it isn’t ours to decide anyway. Only God can create a life, and if He chooses to bless us with a dozen or just one child, I will be a happy man.”

  They arrived at the address Caleb had mentioned. Here the houses showed some signs of damage but overall looked to be in decent condition. Caleb helped Judith down from the wagon, and together they made their way up the stone walkway.

  The door was quickly answered by a housekeeper who ushered them inside without question. “The front rooms have been converted to offices,” she explained. “Just sit here, and I’m sure Mr. Bridgestone’s secretary will be with you directly.”

  She left them in a small room that had once no doubt been a family parlor. It wasn’t long before the pocket door across the room slid back and a man emerged. He took one look at Caleb and smiled.

  “Caleb Coulter, as I live and breathe.”

  Caleb stood, smiling. “Samuel Deter. I haven’t seen you since last year’s Bar Association charity dance.” The two men shook hands. “I didn’t realize you worked for this firm.”

  “I was just hired on. Mr. Bridgestone is a good friend of my father’s, and after Mr. Pettyjohn’s death, he was looking to add to the firm.”

  “Then he chose well.” Caleb turned and drew Judith to her feet. “This is my fiancée, Miss Judith Whitley. Judith, this is Sam, an old friend.”

  Judith smiled. “I’m pleased to meet you.”

  “Likewise. I’ve heard all about you. Goodness, you were all the firm could talk about until the earthquake. Quite an amazing story you have.”

  “It is,” Caleb said, “and it’s the reason we’re here today.”

  Sam looked at Caleb. “Regarding the will?”

  “Regarding Victoria Whitley. We’ve realized we have no way of knowing whether she’s been informed of her father and brother’s death.”

  “Grandmother’s as well,” Judith added. “Although she knew Grandmother was most likely going to pass.”

  “Of course. Let me explain the situation to Mr. Bridgestone. I’m sure he will want to discuss the particulars with you. Would you care for something to drink?” Sam glanced around. “I think the secretary is sorting records, but I don’t mind getting it for you. We have coffee and tea.”

  Caleb looked at Judith, who shook her head. “No, we’re fine.”

  Sam disappeared back down the hall for a moment, then returned just as quickly. “Mr. Bridgestone will see you. Follow me.”

  They were taken to a large office at the back of the house. Mr. Bridgestone was a man in his late fifties with salt-and-pepper hair and a mustache. He rose from the chair behind his desk and extended his hand as Caleb and Judith entered the room.

  “I’m glad to be of service to you, Miss Whitley,” he said, coming to stand directly in front of her. “Mr. Coulter.” He gave a nod.

  Judith took his hand. “Thank you for seeing us. We’re concerned about my cousin Victoria.”

  Bridgestone nodded. “Yes, Sam mentioned that. Won’t you have a seat? Sam has gone to find my secretary and have him retrieve the files related to your estate. Mr. Pettyjohn was in the process of readying them to be given over to Mr. Coulter when the earthquake struck.”

  “Has my cousin been notified of her father and brother’s death?” Judith asked as she sat.

  “No. We hoped to speak to you first. We felt that such news should come from you.”

  “We have no idea how to reach her,” Caleb said, taking the seat beside Judith. “I’m sure you must have the name of her finishing school in Switzerland.”

  Bridgestone reclaimed the chair behind his desk. “Of course. We are the ones who issue the checks for the school. I have all of that information and can make sure you have it as well. Especially now.”

  “Why especially now?” Judith asked.

  “Well, given the situation and your responsibility for Miss Whitley.”

  “My responsibility?” Judith looked at Caleb. “What is he talking about?”

  Caleb shook his head. “I’m not sure.” He looked at Bridgestone. “Maybe you should explain.”

  “Well, the matter is very simple. Miss Victoria Whitley has not yet reached her majority. She is nineteen and unmarried. You, Miss Whitley, are her only living relative, and as such, and because you are of age, you have become her guardian and she your ward.”

  Judith had never imagined that such a thing could happen. Victoria already hated her, and now that hatred would be fueled by the realization that Judith was in charge of her estate.

  “But I don’t want that responsibility. My cousin hates me.” She hadn’t meant to blurt it out, but now that she had, Judith felt it important to continue. “She resented my arrival and that our grandmother arranged for my father’s money to come to me.”

  “You don’t really have a choice in the matter,” Bridgestone declared. “Although you could appoint someone in your stead. A trustee could be put in charge, but he would still need your approval on matters of wealth distribution.”

  Judith sank back in her chair. This news was not what she wanted to hear. She couldn’t imagine what Victoria would do or say when she found out.

  “First things first,” Caleb said. “We need to let the school know what has happened and have someone there break the news to Victoria. Judith could write a letter, but as she said, Victoria hates her, and it might be better if your firm were the ones to get in touch with the school.”

  “We’re happy to do so,” Bridgestone assured them.

  Sam returned with several thick folders. Judith felt her eyes widen at the sight of the papers. Sam only chuckled. “This is only a portion.”

  “My goodness, I’m glad you’re a lawyer, Caleb. I should never be able to understand it all without your help,” she said.

  “That is the purpose of lawyers,” Bridgestone said. He took the folders from Sam and dismissed him. Once Caleb’s friend had gone, Bridgestone opened the top folder. “Mr. Coulter, I think you’ll find everything in order. The files will show a complete accounting of each business and industry owned by your fiancée. The companies will all be notified that you are managing the legal affairs of Miss Whitley in the future.”

  “Thank you.”

  Caleb’s assured tone helped Judith relax a bit. She was still overwhelmed by the thought that she was Victoria’s guardian. That was a matter that needed to be changed immediately.

  “Can Caleb be appointed guardian—I mean, trustee for Victoria? We are soon to marry anyway, and I will gladly let him manage all of my affairs. Could we go ahead and appoint him to be in charge of her now?”

  “If that’s what you want, Mr. Coulter can arrange it.”

  Caleb looked at Judith. “Are you sure that’s how you’d like to set things up?”

  “Do you mind?”

  “No. Not at all.” He smiled. “If it puts your mind at ease. However, I’m very busy at present, so would you allow Mr. Bridgestone to arrange it?”

  Judith looked at the older man. “Would you?”

  “Of course. I can get my staff on it immediately. I will also have a letter sent to the school. I presume you wish for us to continue payments for her needs there?”

  “Yes. Absolutely. Give her whatever she needs.”

  “Within reason, of course,” Mr. Bridgestone replied. “Payment for the school and her clothing allowance and personal needs as set up by your grandmother should be sufficient.”

  “That sounds fine for now.” Judith couldn’t imagine that her grandmother had been overly generous, but that could all be figured out later. “As long as Caleb is the one to handle Victoria, I believe I’ll rest better.”

  Kenzie sat down beside Mr. Lawrence and began to unwrap the bandage around his lower leg.

  “I never ’spected to have somebody like you takin’ care of me,” the old man said, chuckling.

  “Well, we all do what we must,” Kenzie replied. “I’m not very good at tending to my own wounds, but I have little trouble when it comes to othe
r people.”

  She pulled back the dressing and surveyed the damage. The old man had been injured during the earthquake when he’d been struck by falling debris.

  “How is it feeling?”

  “Good,” he answered. “Ain’t givin’ me no trouble.”

  She nodded and began to gently clean the wound. “Well, Dr. Fisher says that keeping it clean is the most important thing.”

  “And Dr. Fisher is happy to learn that you’ve heeded his advice.”

  Kenzie turned abruptly to find Micah watching her. She swallowed hard and turned back to Mr. Lawrence. “He’s occasionally right in his thinking.”

  Micah laughed and joined her. He examined the wound and nodded. “You’ve done a good job with it, Mr. Lawrence. You should be right as rain in another week or so.”

  “I ain’t done nothin’ but let this purdy gal take care of me.”

  “She is very pretty, I agree,” Micah said in a conspiratorial manner. “I would very much like having her take care of me.”

  Mr. Lawrence roared with laughter. He elbowed Micah. “You ought to marry her before she gets away.”

  Micah took the cleaning cloth from Kenzie and finished what she had started. “I have plans to do just that, but she’s kind of strong-willed.”

  Kenzie rolled her eyes and started to leave.

  “Miss Kenzie,” Mr. Lawrence called out.

  She turned back. “What is it, Mr. Lawrence?”

  “You could just marry me instead.”

  Kenzie couldn’t help but smile. “I’ll keep that in mind.” She hurried to get away before Micah could say or do anything to stop her. Let him rebandage the old man.

  She thought maybe she’d escaped Micah’s attention when he still hadn’t found her fifteen minutes later. She felt an odd sense of disappointment and chided herself.

  You know he only confuses you. Stay away from him, and you’ll be much happier.

  She told herself this over and over as she checked to see if the laundry was dry. She needed to keep herself safe and free of emotional entanglements.