Lizzy pulled back and looked up into his worried expression. “You know he means nothing to me.”
“That doesn’t stop him from trying to entice you.”
“And you think I’ll give in to him?” She raised a brow as she studied his face. “Wesley DeShazer, are you that uncertain of my love?”
“Of course not.” He sighed and pushed back a strand of her brown hair. “But I am uncertain of him.” He frowned. “I know he’ll try anything to win your heart.”
“But he can’t, because you have possession of it.” She smiled. “It’s no longer mine to give.”
He looked down at her for a moment, and then the frustration left his expression and was replaced with the love Lizzy had come to expect. He lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her. Lizzy sighed, wrapped her arms around his neck, and held him tight.
Later at the pier, Wes kissed Lizzy again just before she and the rest of the troupe boarded the ship. He had a bad feeling about the entire situation but knew that to express his thoughts would only worry her.
“I love you, Wes. Never forget that,” she whispered as he pulled away.
“I won’t. Don’t forget that I love you—that you are mine.”
She smiled. “Never.”
He released her and watched her go up the gangplank with her uncle and Jason Adler. It was all he could do to remain in place. The heavy night air seemed to weigh him down, along with the discomfort of letting her go. For a moment, Wes felt as though he were being pulled to the bottom of the harbor.
“You heading out tonight, brother?” Phillip asked, coming alongside him.
“No. First thing in the morning.” Wes watched Lizzy turn as she reached the top. She gave him one final wave and blew him a kiss. Wes waved in return and fought the urge to tell her not to go.
“She’ll be all right, Wes. I’ll keep an eye on her.”
“You’d better.” Wes turned to face Phillip once Lizzy disappeared from sight. “I have a feeling Adler will take every advantage of my absence. He still intends to have her for his own.”
Phillip shook his head. “Lizzy loves you, Wes. She’s crazy about you. I wish Ella Fleming felt even half as much for me.” He grinned. “You don’t have to worry about Lizzy.”
“I’m not. I’m troubled by Adler.”
“I’ll stick to Lizzy like glue,” Phillip promised.
“And stay away from the liquor,” Wes demanded. “We’ve had this talk before, Phillip. You won’t be any good to anybody if you’re drinking.”
“Don’t you worry about it, brother. I’ll be just fine. I doubt those Englishmen have anything I’d want to drink.”
Wes knew better but didn’t want to end their farewell on a negative note. “I’ll be praying for you, Phillip. I know there are things that bother you, trouble you. I’m always here to talk. You know that, don’t you?”
For a moment, sadness crossed his little brother’s face, but it left just as quickly, and Phillip again laughed. “Of course I know that. You just get the ranch business settled and get back to us. It’s a pity the Brookstones don’t have a phone and you can’t just call Mrs. Brookstone up and settle things from here.”
“I doubt I could even get a call into Miles City. You know how unpredictable the lines are. We’re lucky the telegraph works. I wired back to let her know I’m coming, but unless someone from the ranch is in town or has the time to ride out, she won’t even know that much.” Wes shrugged. “I love the isolation there except for times like this.”
Phillip nodded. “Well, guess I’d better join the fellas and get myself onboard.” He gave Wes a hug. “Don’t waste any time.”
Wes shook his head. “You can be sure I won’t.”
Jason watched Lizzy as she stood at the rail, waving to Wesley. His chest tightened as jealousy washed over him. Why couldn’t she see that he was truly the better man?
A uniformed officer passed, and Jason called out to him. “I wonder, my good man, could you direct me to the radio office? I’d like to speak to the operator.”
“Of course. I’ll take you down right now, if you like.”
“That would be wonderful,” Jason said with a nod. With any luck, he’d manage to steer the operator to deliver all telegrams to him—no matter whom they were addressed to. Jason had a list of all the room numbers in his coat pocket, and soon the radio operator would as well. Any messages that made their way to the ship would pass through him first. If they were from Montana or Wesley, they would meet with a convenient demise. He couldn’t have something so trivial interfering with his plans.
Then, once they were in England, he would see to it that all telegrams and letters that came to his father’s estate passed through his hands in a similar manner. That way, when Wesley realized he’d been duped and sent Lizzy a telegram or letter, as he would no doubt do, Jason would be able to get rid of that as well.
“Here we are, sir,” the officer declared.
Jason looked at the sign on the door. Radio Room. He smiled. “Thank you ever so much.”
eleven
Have you ever seen the likes, Lizzy?” Mary asked, looking in wonder at all the finery hanging in her wardrobe. “Jason must have felt we were all too poorly dressed to hobnob in his society.”
“I’m stunned,” Lizzy admitted. “He mentioned purchasing a few things for us, but I didn’t expect to find an entire new wardrobe.”
“It’s not just the clothes,” Ella threw in. “He’s purchased shoes and purses, as well as paste jewelry to go with our new outfits.”
“I hardly see how that’s saving the show money.” Mary fingered through the new outfits, shaking her head. “But the clothes are beautiful. I must admit he has good taste.”
“Still, it’s hardly proper for him to arrange all of this,” Lizzy stated.
“The rooms alone must have cost a fortune,” Ella mused. “I remember my father saying something similar when he took us abroad. Goodness, I can’t even imagine the money that has been spent for us to have such lovely staterooms.” She crossed the suite to one of the closed doors. Opening it, she peered inside. “It’s a bedroom, and there are two large beds.”
Lizzy walked to the opposite side of the suite and opened the door. “The same here,” she called.
“I imagine Debbie, Gertie, and Jessie’s cabin is like ours, and Jason mentioned Alice and Carson have a suite to themselves.” Ella ran her hand along the back of a chaise lounge.
“I heard my uncle say that the magazine arranged for Chris, while he, Jason, and Phillip are sharing something similar to what we have here. I suppose they meant for Wesley to be in the same suite.” She sighed. “I’m going to miss him so much. I can’t tell you what a disappointment it is that he won’t be with us.”
Ella’s expression saddened. “I was sorry about that too. I know how much you were looking forward to seeing London with him.”
“You can spend your time with us so as to avoid Jason.” Mary began to remove her costume jewelry. “No doubt Jason is delighted to have Wesley gone.”
“No doubt,” Ella replied. “I don’t understand the games men play. I would think chasing after someone who has no interest in you would be exhausting and self-defeating.”
“Still,” Lizzy countered, “the heart often desires what it shouldn’t. I fell in love with Wesley long before he fell in love with me. He was even married to someone else for part of that time. I did everything in my power to bury my feelings for him. I didn’t want to sin against God by being so desperately in love with a married man.”
“Yes, but your love for Wesley was there long before he married another. And furthermore, you handled yourself admirably. All the time I saw you two working together during his married years, you did nothing to be ashamed of.”
Lizzy plopped down on the lounge. “I used to pray and pray that God would take away my feelings for Wes. I’m certainly glad He didn’t.”
Mary yawned. “I don’t know about either of you, but I’m complete
ly worn out. We’ve been busy all day, and now it’s nearly midnight.”
A knock sounded on the door to the suite, and Lizzy went to answer it. When she opened the door, two uniformed maids curtsied. “Mr. Adler sent us.”
Lizzy shrugged. “For what purpose?”
The girls exchanged a look of confusion. “Why . . . for the purpose,” the taller one began, “of seeing to your needs. We’ll be your maids during the crossing.”
Ella and Mary joined Lizzy at the door. “It seems Jason has arranged for us to have two lady’s maids,” Lizzy explained.
“Somehow that doesn’t surprise me.” Mary looked at the two women. “I suppose we should let them come in and help us rather than keep them out in the hallway.”
Lizzy nodded and stepped back. “Come in.”
The two young women stepped inside. “We will ready you and your rooms and turn down the beds. The ship will sail soon, but you will no doubt be fast asleep before that happens,” the tall woman declared. “I’m Sarah, and this is Miriam.”
“I’m Elizabeth Brookstone, but you can call me Lizzy.”
“Oh, no. That wouldn’t be acceptable. We’ll call you Miss Brookstone,” Sarah replied, giving a curtsy that Miriam quickly mimicked. They looked to Mary.
“Ah . . . I’m Mary Reichert.”
“Miss Reichert.” They both bobbed again.
“And I’m Ella Fleming,” the petite blonde declared.
“Miss Fleming.” They curtsied one final time. “We are very happy to make your acquaintance and will endeavor to see that your every need is met.” Again this came from Sarah, who was clearly in charge. “Would you care for a bath this evening before retiring?”
Lizzy shook her head. “No. I’d fall asleep in the tub. I’m happy just to wash up. If you can bring a basin of hot water and some soap, I’ll be just fine.”
Mary nodded. “That goes for me as well. A hot bath sounds wonderful, but perhaps tomorrow.”
“Very good.” Sarah turned to Ella. “And for you?”
“The same.” Ella covered her mouth to hide a yawn.
“We will return shortly with all that you need. Please feel free to relax until then. If you have no objection, we will use our own key to enter and exit.”
Lizzy spoke for the trio. “I’m sure that’s fine.” She looked to Mary and Ella for their approval. They nodded.
The two maids left the room, and Mary turned to Lizzy. “I didn’t expect to be waited on hand and foot. This has turned into quite a grand affair for this little ol’ Kansas farm girl.”
Ella giggled.
Lizzy shook her head. “It’s a bit overwhelming for this Montana ranch girl too. I’m going to bed as soon as possible, and I intend to sleep late.” She sighed. “I sure hope Wesley doesn’t have any trouble getting home.”
Mary hugged her. “I’m sure he’ll be just fine. Try not to worry.”
An hour later, Mary stretched out in the luxurious bed. She couldn’t remember ever having slept in such a sumptuous bed. The mattress seemed to wrap itself around her as if hugging her close. She sighed. They would be a week at sea, and she could get used to all this finery.
She thought back to her dinner with Chris. She felt they had gotten their relationship back to an even and comfortable place. She didn’t understand why he felt he couldn’t speak about his family and whatever it was that shamed him so deeply. Or worse still—what frightened him so much about having friends.
Lord, I know my faith in You is growing, because I feel Your peace about this. Please just give me wisdom to do the right thing.
She thought of Lizzy and how she was always saying that there was nothing too small or too great for God to care about. Mary also remembered many a time in Sunday school when her teachers had said that even the prayers of a child were heard by God.
A small sigh escaped her. Lord, I put my trust in You. I know that You love me and that You love Chris too. Please help him see that I care about him and want to help him in any way I can. Amen.
She felt she’d barely closed her eyes when a knock sounded on the bedroom door and Miriam appeared to bid her and Ella good morning. The shapely redhead went to the windows and pulled open the drapes.
“Mr. Brookstone and Mr. Adler ask that you ladies join them for breakfast. They will come for you in one hour.”
Mary yawned and sat up. She felt the rocking of the ship and wondered suddenly if she might be one of those unfortunate people who suffered from seasickness. Thankfully she felt perfectly fine. From the other bed, however, Ella gave a deep moan. Perhaps she wasn’t as lucky.
“Are you all right?” Mary got to her feet and moved to Ella’s side.
The blonde lay curled up on her side. “No. I’m absolutely green. Sea travel has never agreed with me, but I was hoping I’d outgrown it.”
“I’ll bring some broth for you, Miss Fleming,” Miriam promised. “You just stay in bed. You’ll be right as rain soon enough.”
“I’ll explain to Oliver and Jason what’s happened.” Mary gave her friend a sympathetic smile. “Just rest.”
Another moan was all that Ella managed.
“What would you care to wear today, Miss Reichert?” Miriam asked as Mary made her way into the sitting room.
“I hardly know. The wardrobe you will find is all new to me. You probably know better than I do. Pick out something appropriate, and I shall be content.”
Miriam went to the wardrobe and opened it. After a few moments she pulled out a suit that sported a dove-colored skirt and coat trimmed in dark lilac cording. “This should serve you well for the morning.” She hung the ensemble on a wardrobe stand, then fished through the drawers to find the appropriate undergarments.
Mary was impressed by how efficient Miriam was in her work. In no time at all, the redhead had brushed Mary’s long brown tresses into a fashionable coiffure suitable for a princess. She was just securing the final touch—a cameo at the base of Mary’s throat, when Lizzy emerged from her room fully dressed and ready for the day.
“Just look at you,” Lizzy declared. “Aren’t you beautiful.”
“I could say the same for you. That is a lovely shade of blue—almost robin’s egg.” Mary stood once Miriam completed pinning the cameo in place. She gave a whirl. “And this fits like it was made for me.”
“It probably was. Knowing how much attention Jason gives to detail, he probably got all the measurements from Agnes before sending her home.” Lizzy went to view herself in the cheval mirror. “Goodness, but I can’t imagine what Mother or Wes would say if they saw me like this.”
“They’d say you were beautiful.” Mary came to stand beside her. “We’re both quite elegant.”
Lizzy frowned. “A bit overdressed for breakfast, wouldn’t you say?”
“Not at all, Miss Brookstone,” Miriam declared. “You will be quite content when you view the other dining room passengers.”
“That’s exactly what Sarah told me,” Lizzy replied. She smoothed the lace inset of the bodice. A knock sounded at the door to the cabin, and Lizzy shrugged. “I suppose we shall soon see for ourselves.”
Miriam answered the door and gave a curtsy. Jason Adler and Oliver Brookstone stood smiling in the hallway.
“Come in, Uncle,” Lizzy said, giving a twirl. “Come see what your money has bought us.”
He chuckled and looked from Lizzy to Mary. “Jason assured me this was money well spent, and I can’t agree more.” He went to Lizzy and kissed her cheek. “You look like one of those dainty cakes we had with tea the other day.”
Lizzy laughed and gave him a hug. “I thought as much myself.”
“You’re both lovely,” Jason said with a smile. “You should always be dressed so beautifully.”
Mary watched him as he kept his gaze on Lizzy. She wondered how far he would go to win Lizzy away from Wes. She didn’t trust him. Not because he was a bad person, but because his interest in Lizzy clearly blinded him to much of anything else.
“Where’s Ella?” Oliver asked, glancing around the room. “Surely she’s not going to keep us waiting.”
“She’s ill,” Mary offered. She hadn’t had a chance to tell Lizzy yet. “Seasick,” she added at Lizzy’s questioning look.
“Pity. Well, I daresay they know how to deal with such matters on the ship,” Jason assured them. “I’ll make certain they take good care of her. Now, however, we should head to our private dining room.”
“Are the others joining us?” Lizzy asked.
“Mr. Williams will be, but otherwise we thought a more intimate meal would be nice,” Jason replied. “The rest of your troupe will be cared for in the main dining room. Now, why don’t you let me escort you?”
Mary slipped in front of Lizzy and took Jason’s arm. “I’m happy to let you lead the way. We wouldn’t want to keep Mr. Williams waiting, and I, for one, am famished.” She smiled up at him. They both knew what she was doing.
Lizzy took her uncle’s arm. “That leaves us,” she said sweetly. “I hope you don’t mind.”
“Mind having one of the prettiest gals on my arm for all the world to see?” her uncle replied. “Why, I’m honored.” They led the way from the cabin.
Mary looked to Jason. “Well?”
He nodded, but Mary could see he wasn’t pleased. She hoped he wouldn’t be further insulted, but she felt it necessary to state her thoughts. “You know, I am making it one of my tasks to look after Lizzy for Wes. I don’t intend to be parted from her.”
For several long moments, Jason said nothing. Mary thought about adding on to what she’d already declared, but it seemed unneeded. Jason was smart.
“I find your devotion both charming and unnecessary. You will all be well looked after on this journey. I assure you my father wants only the best for each of you and was willing to pay out of his own pocket in order to see to each person’s comfort and well-being on the ship.”
They arrived at a private saloon and were ushered in with great formality. Two uniformed stewards seated Mary and Lizzy while Chris joined the other gentlemen.
Wherever You Go Page 11
