In Times Gone by

by Tracie Peterson

  She shook her head again. “Take them away. Give them to one of the hospitals, or better yet, the makeshift orphanages. Children need to see pretty flowers too.”

  The delivery man frowned, but when Caleb handed him a dollar, his countenance perked up. “Yes, ma’am.” He turned without another word and departed, taking the ostentatious arrangement with him.

  “You have to speak to him sooner or later,” Caleb said.

  Kenzie nodded. “I know. I just don’t know what to say to him.”

  “Tell him the truth. Tell him you aren’t in love with him anymore.”

  She looked at him, her eyes narrowing slightly as she frowned. “How do you know that?”

  Caleb’s black mood seemed to fade. “It isn’t that hard to see. I know you love Micah. You might have loved Arthur at one time, but I don’t think that’s the case anymore.”

  “But did I kill that love based on what happened? If so, and it was all lies and deception on the part of Arthur’s family, then maybe I was wrong to do so. I just don’t know.” She felt the same confusion rise up again.

  Caleb took her arm. His touch was light as a feather. “Kenzie, do you really think it’s possible to kill true love? Think about it for a minute.”

  “I’ve done nothing but think about it.” She shrugged. “I was so overwhelmed with grief after Arthur deserted me—or I thought he had. I wanted to die because I couldn’t believe he no longer loved me. It tainted everything in my life.”

  “I don’t doubt that you cared for him, Kenzie. You’re a good woman with a kind heart and loving nature. I’m just suggesting that if it were true love—love strong enough to overcome any and all obstacles—you’d still be sure of it. When Arthur showed up here, you would have left everything to be at his side when he declared himself innocent. The pain, the perceived wrongs—they would all have passed away in forgiveness and joy.”

  “Just like that?” She doubted that was even possible.

  “First Corinthians thirteen talks about love. It uses the word charity, but the original Greek was agape which means love. But not just any love—it’s a deep, abiding, overcoming love that isn’t based on anything the recipient deserves or earns. The best example is God’s love for us, but Paul writes about us having it for each other. The chapter says that this kind of charity—love—beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Do you feel that kind of love for Arthur Morgan? Did you ever?”

  Kenzie felt a glimmer of understanding. “If I had, then I wouldn’t have believed in his abandonment.” She looked at Caleb and smiled. “I would have gone to him and demanded an explanation. I wouldn’t have hidden from him and believed the worst.” She began to nod as the mist seemed to clear from her mind. “I would have stayed and fought for him . . . for us.”

  “Maybe you have your answers now.” Caleb looked past her and out the warehouse door. “And it would appear you have them just in time. Mr. Morgan is here.”

  Kenzie looked out the door to see Arthur stepping out of a taxi. “I suppose I do need to speak to him.”

  “I’ll be praying for you,” Caleb said.

  Arthur looked up and flashed her a smile. There was a time when that smile had made her feel happy and safe, but now it meant nothing. He meant nothing. She thought of the loneliness she’d felt back in Missouri. It was the desire to be loved as she saw others loved that made her give in to his persistence and court him. She hadn’t accepted him for anything more than a desire to escape her loneliness. She had known better, sensed deep within that their relationship would never work—that it would never be more than a temporary arrangement—but she had buried that thought in her desperation to find love.

  “I hope you will forgive me for showing up without warning,” Arthur said, tipping his hat to her as he entered the warehouse. “I know Mr. Coulter wanted me to stay away, but I had to see you.”

  “I suppose it was inevitable.” Kenzie pointed past him. “If you’ll follow me, I’d prefer to sit outside.” He stepped back and allowed her to pass. “It’s a nice day, so the fresh air will do us both good.”

  “But this is such a run-down, commercial area. Why don’t you let me get the taxi back, and we can take a drive?”

  She turned when she reached the farthest outdoor table. “Because I don’t wish to take a drive with you, Arthur.”

  He frowned. “That doesn’t bode well for me.”

  She sighed and took a seat on the bench. She motioned to the opposite side of the table. “Please sit.”

  He did and took off his hat. “I have so much I need to say.”

  “Arthur, please don’t speak of love to me. I’m not the same girl you knew back in Missouri.”

  “But I have to tell you how I feel. I have to convince you that I did nothing wrong.”

  She almost smiled at his pleading tone. As usual, he was far more worried about his own feelings and clearing his name than about concerning himself with her. He’d always been this way, but Kenzie had overlooked it, thinking it merely the way of men. She’d been confident that in his own way, he truly did think about her needs. But of course, he hadn’t.

  Her silence was all the encouragement he needed. “Kenzie, we were wronged, and if you refuse me now, then my father wins. He’s the one who sought to keep us apart. He doesn’t realize how much I truly love you. He thought that because I had a reputation for visiting my affections on many young ladies prior to meeting you, that I was no more committed to our love than I was my previous affairs. He was wrong, and once we are married, I will be able to prove it to him.”

  “And that’s important to you?”

  His brow furrowed. “Of course it’s important. He needs to realize that we belong together. It doesn’t matter that you have no money. It doesn’t matter that your family isn’t on the social register. Nothing matters but the fact that I love you.”

  “Not even my feelings?”

  Arthur shook his head. “I know your feelings. You love me. You may feel confused by Dr. Fisher, but that’s only because you thought I had betrayed you. You sought solace with him, but it was all based on a lie.”

  “I was worried that might be the case at one time,” Kenzie admitted, “but not now. I don’t feel the same for you that I feel for him.”

  “But if you would just come away from here with me, I know I could convince you that you still love me. No one writes the kind of letter you did, filled with emotion and passion, without feeling something.”

  “I do feel something.” She got up from the table. “I feel regret. Regret that I allowed my loneliness and desperation to overrule my common sense. When you first came to me and asked to court me, I told you no. I knew then that our relationship was a lost cause. I could never fit into your world. I can’t play those games—pretend I’m something I’m not. I tried, and for a time I convinced myself that I could manage it, but now I see how mistaken I was. I’m sorry, Arthur. I can’t marry you.”

  “But why, Kenzie? Why?”

  “Because I have feelings for someone else.”

  “Dr. Fisher?” He got to his feet and reached for her. “Those feelings will pass if you just give me a chance. Think of all the fun we had together, Kenzie. I was good for you, and you enjoyed our outings and time alone. You can enjoy it again.”

  She backed up a step before he could take hold of her. “Go back to Missouri, Arthur. I’m confident that you will find another bride before the year is out.”

  “But I love you. I truly do. I can’t go back without you by my side. We’ve both suffered so much, all because other people interfered in our lives. Don’t let that happen now.”

  She felt sorry for him. She’d never seen Arthur Morgan beg. Even when she first refused his attentions, he hadn’t begged her for anything. Rather, he had pursued her with relentless attention to detail. He had wooed and cajoled, but never begged.

  “I’m not letting anyone interfere.” She sighed. “And I certainly don’t wish to cause you
pain. The idea that your family could do such a heinous thing gives me a great deal of sympathy for you. We have to allow that this was neither your fault nor mine. It simply is what it is.”

  He moved closer. “But you pledged yourself to me. What about your word? I’ve always known you to be a woman of your word.”

  Kenzie frowned. She didn’t like being reminded that she was going back on her promise to marry him—to be faithful to him forever.

  “Kenzie, just give me a chance . . . just a few days to show you how much I care. Don’t punish me for the mistakes of others.”

  Her clarity and purpose began to fade. He made a good point. It wasn’t his fault that his family had interfered. Maybe she was wrong to dismiss him without even giving him a chance. But what about Micah? Her love for him wasn’t imaginary.

  “Please, Kenzie. It’s not fair to dismiss me without at least giving me a chance to win you back.”

  Her temples began to throb. Arthur had always had a way of convincing her that his way was right, but now she knew that wasn’t true.

  “I can’t talk about this anymore, Arthur. I’m sorry that I can’t do what you ask. Please excuse me.”

  She hurried back into the warehouse, hoping for solace. Why was it so easy for Arthur to confuse her? Everything had seemed so clear, but now it was just as murky as it had been before.

  “Kenzie?” Caleb called as she hurried to her room.

  She paused only a moment. “I know what you said, Caleb, but I did promise him my love, my life. How do I remain an honorable person and take that back?”

  Caleb’s expression was sympathetic. “How can you not? You don’t love him anymore. How can you promise something that doesn’t exist?”

  She pressed her fingers against her head. “Never mind. I just need some time alone to think.”

  Victoria watched the performance from the warehouse’s open window. She heard Arthur plead his case and listened as Kenzie completely disregarded his feelings. She had heard Kenzie and her friends discuss Arthur at length earlier in the day. He was rich and very handsome. She wasn’t inclined to throw herself at him, but she felt certain they could help each other.

  Kenzie rushed into the warehouse, spoke for a moment with Caleb, then hurried for the private quarters. Meanwhile, Caleb went to his office. With a quick glance around, Victoria could see that everyone else was occupied or absent. She smiled and made her way outside. Arthur was still standing next to the table, as if trying to figure out what to do next.

  “Hello, you must be Arthur Morgan.”

  He turned and looked at her. Victoria was glad she’d dressed in her pink muslin with the rounded neckline. It wasn’t low enough to entice, but it did show off her figure.

  She sauntered closer. “I’m Victoria Whitley. You may have heard of my father, William Whitley.”

  He nodded. “Clark Whitley’s son?”

  “The same. I overheard your conversation. Not only that, but I’ve heard a great many other conversations, and I can’t help but believe we might be useful to each other.”

  “In what way?” Arthur asked. His expression told her he was intrigued.

  Victoria gave a seductive smile. “In the way that moneyed people are always useful to each other. The fact is, I need help getting my inheritance. My father and grandmother both died in the earthquake and now, unfortunately, my cousin Judith holds the purse strings. And you . . . well, you need help convincing Miss Gifford that she belongs with you.”

  “And how do you propose to do that?”

  She shrugged. “I’m not without my charms.”

  He looked her over from head to toe and smiled. “I can see that.”

  “I believe we should form an alliance.”

  He nodded. “Perhaps you’re right, Miss Whitley.”

  CHAPTER

  14

  Patrick will return every night, and we’ll be over to see to things during the day,” Caleb told Mrs. Andrews.

  Micah stood nearby, listening to his friend give last-minute instructions to the few remaining residents at the warehouse. He had come to help move Caleb and the others back into Caleb’s house, hoping he’d have the chance to speak to Kenzie about her desire to become a nurse. And if the opportunity arose to give her another kiss and remind her of what she felt for him, so much the better.

  “If you have any problems at all, just send word, and I’ll come right away,” Caleb finished.

  Mrs. Andrews chuckled. “Son, I’ve been taking care of myself since my husband passed on ten years ago. I’ll be just fine. We’ll be fine. Mr. Murdock is a good man, and my Mr. Lake will be around.”

  Caleb smiled. “Of course, but with the army pulling out by the end of June, I fear that the city’s more unsavory types might grow bolder.”

  Mrs. Andrews patted his hand. “You just stop your fretting. We’re in God’s hands. If nothing else, the earthquake and fires proved that to me.”

  He sighed. “I agree. We are in God’s hands, and I won’t accomplish a single thing by worrying.” He turned to Micah. “Have we loaded the last of the things we’re taking to the house?”

  “Yes. There wasn’t much left, since you took over some of the items yesterday.”

  “Then I suppose we should be on our way. I know the girls will want to put everything in order before nightfall.”

  They made their way outside, and Caleb climbed up into the wagon. Micah jumped aboard as well and took a seat beside him.

  “What are your plans for this place and the future?” Micah asked.

  Caleb snapped the lines. “I was just speaking to your father about it last Sunday. We both still agree that it’ll make a good refuge for people who need a helping hand. Your father thinks that we should return to our original plan for it to house only women and children, however. It’s difficult to provide adequate privacy for both men and women, and we want everything to be above reproach. Judith wants to add on private quarters and live there ourselves. She’s amazing, the way she cares for people. God truly sent me a gem.”

  “I agree and feel the same where Kenzie is concerned.”

  “I’m praying that situation gets resolved soon. Morgan’s arrival has really taken a toll on Kenzie’s peace of mind.”

  Micah shrugged. “Better now than later. If there truly was a conspiracy to keep Morgan and Kenzie apart, then I want the details sorted out. I know she doesn’t love him. She loves me.”

  Caleb seemed to consider this a moment, and in his silence, Micah continued. “I’ve got a thought to add regarding the warehouse. I’d like to offer my assistance.”

  Caleb glanced over at him. “In what way?”

  “I’d like to be a daily presence for you at the warehouse as a doctor. I can set aside part of the warehouse for patients—an examination office, even a small area for the sick. I could receive patients there as well as take care of any residents who are sick. We could make it a hospital for the poor.”

  “I think that’s a marvelous idea. I would happily pay you to manage the facilities as well.”

  Micah grinned. “And I would let you, since many of the patients I treat can’t pay.”

  Caleb nodded. “I could provide some of the equipment and supplies you’d need as well. Judith would probably want to help. She’s been after me to find ways to use her inheritance to help the people of San Francisco.”

  “Well, you just said she wants to have private quarters in which to live on site. Perhaps we might buy the property next door as your sister once suggested and build on.” Micah grinned. “A little hospital and quarters for my family. But we can discuss that at a later date.”

  “Have you talked to Kenzie since Arthur came to speak to her today?”

  Micah frowned. “I was livid when I heard he was here. He definitely knows how to make her feel guilty. I want to punch him in his smug face. Honestly, he makes me forget my Christian charity and Hippocratic oath.”

  Caleb chuckled. “I completely understand. When I spoke with Morgan
, I got the sense he was hiding something. There’s something that just doesn’t figure where he’s concerned, and I intend to find out what it is.”

  “I agree, but what do you have in mind?”

  “I’m going to Kansas City. His family is established there. Kenzie’s father and mother live close by in a smaller town. I intend to seek out information.”

  “About what?”

  “About whatever I can learn regarding Morgan. I just can’t see a man like him being fooled by his family. He’s a willful person—used to getting his own way. I felt the entire time I was speaking with him at the hotel that he was giving a performance, but for what purpose, I’m not entirely certain.”

  “I feel the same way, but I figured it was just because I’m in love with Kenzie.” Micah felt his anger grow. “He’s done nothing but act out of selfishness, including coming here.”

  “That’s just what troubles me. Why is he really here? Why is he so determined to marry Kenzie? And not just marry her, but marry her immediately before he even heads back to Kansas City.”

  “What motive could he have but to impose his will? Kenzie isn’t wealthy. It’s not like he’ll gain a huge dowry or family connection.”

  “Yet there’s something there,” Caleb said, looking at Micah. “And that’s why I must go see Kenzie’s father, as well as learn what I can about Morgan’s family and what happened last year to make them put an end to the wedding.”

  “When will you go?”

  “I’m not sure. I need to see what’s happening with the committee to oust Ruef and talk to Camri and Judith about our living accommodations. With Victoria as an addition in our house, it gives me new issues and problems to deal with. I need to make sure everything else is in order before I leave San Francisco. I’ll be gone at least ten days, maybe longer.”

  “Well, I’ll certainly do whatever I can to help. You know that.”

  Caleb nodded. “Thank you. I appreciate being able to count on you and Patrick. Who knows what our ladies might get up to.”

  Micah laughed. “That’s for sure.”