6

It’s always so nice to have you walk with us to church and back,” Mrs. Madison told Wade.

“Especially when you are clean-shaven,” Abrianna added with a grin.

Mrs. Madison looked confused for a moment, then continued to speak. “And what a beautiful day. Don’t you think so, ladies?” Everyone murmured an approval.

Wade glanced back at the line of young women who followed after them like ducklings following their mother. Mrs. Gibson and Miss Holmes walked behind the long line of ladies to ensure that no onlookers took liberties. The murmurs and giggles from the young women always amused Wade. Sometimes the ladies were captivated by someone who’d come to the Saturday receptions. Other times they chattered about upcoming events. Today they were concerned with what fashions and accessories they would need for Easter Sunday, which would fall on the first of April, just two weeks away.

Abrianna seemed to be the only one not caught up in the nonsense. She had come abreast of Wade and Mrs. Madison.

“Wade, have you seen Charlie lately?” she asked. She searched the sides of the streets.

“I saw him day before yesterday. Looked like he was getting along pretty well. Said his rheumatism wasn’t bothering him nearly so much.” Charlie was one of Abrianna’s “lost souls,” and on Sundays he usually met up with the ladies somewhere along the way home from church. Abrianna always brought a little paper-wrapped bundle of food to give him.

Wade admired her heart. She cared for the souls that no one else seemed to even notice. She met them on their level, despite the unconventional situation it created. She didn’t ask permission of anyone. She never had. She had been doing this since they’d been young and often convinced Wade to join her on her exploits. But today Charlie was absent.

Mrs. Madison pointed toward the Madison Building and smiled. “Don’t you think it looks beautiful on this bright day?”

“I do, Mrs. Madison. It looks very nice.” He knew she desired such a response, and Wade didn’t mind offering it. Indeed, today the edifice of brick and wood did look quite regal amidst the neighboring structures. They made their way across the street, careful to avoid a passing carriage.

This had become their Sunday routine. Wade would rise early, eat a light breakfast, dress in his best clothes, and arrive at the bridal school by eight-thirty. He would walk the ladies to church, sit apart from them in order to observe propriety, and then walk them home at noon.

Mrs. Madison insisted that for such gallantry, Wade should stay and partake of the Sunday meal. He couldn’t refuse the delicious food created not only by the young ladies training to be brides, but also by the older ladies themselves and Liang, who was becoming a good cook in her own right.

Most of the meal was prepared Saturday evening, but Liang would finish up on Sunday if there was anything left to do. Mrs. Madison kept the Chinese girl hidden behind the doors of the school, lest any Anti-Chinese League member tried to force Liang to leave Seattle. The ladies thought this choice their only wise one, but with Liang unable to attend church, they saw to her spiritual feeding. Abrianna had told him more than once that her aunts preached longer sermons than the pastor did at their church.

Wade couldn’t help but smile at the comparison. Abrianna was given to exaggeration, but this time he had a feeling she had merely related the facts as they were.

“I believe, ladies, that if it is this pleasant on Friday, we will set up our baked goods in the park and sell them to passersby.” This was one way Mrs. Madison funded the school. The young ladies were never charged to attend the school. They generally came and stayed a year. At the end of that year, the men who desired to marry them paid a bridal fee. Wade knew for a fact it wasn’t cheap. He’d heard many a man complain about it. However, as Mrs. Madison said, “Any man could save a goodly sum in a year’s time if he devoted himself to such a project.” And, of course, the men did just that.

Wade opened the door for the ladies but hesitated. An uneasy feeling fell over him, and the hairs on his neck tingled. He stiffened and stopped in midstep to cast a quick glance around the shadowed lobby and staircase. He felt the presence of another man before he actually saw him. Kolbein Booth stepped from the shadows and tipped his hat.

“Good day, ladies. I hope I’m not too early.”

“Your timing is perfect, Mr. Booth,” Mrs. Madison declared. “I’m so glad you could join us.”

Wade relaxed a bit. Abrianna had introduced him to Kolbein Booth in passing, but the two men had not had a chance to get acquainted.

“Ladies, to your places and don’t forget your aprons. I don’t want you staining your Sunday clothes while you set the table and help Liang bring the meal.” The older woman turned to seek out her sister.

“Poisie, please oversee the table preparations and see that we have enough places set.” Her sister nodded and left to quickly follow after the brides-to-be. Now only Wade, Mrs. Madison, Abrianna, and Mrs. Gibson remained to greet Mr. Booth.

“Mr. Booth, we are most happy to receive you today. I’m delighted you could join us for our luncheon. I want to hear all about your search for Miss Booth,” Mrs. Madison declared.

Mrs. Gibson couldn’t help but offer her comments. “And you must take time to speak to the young ladies. You never know, you might find a spark of interest, and it only takes a spark to start a fire.” She paused only momentarily for breath. “Mr. Gibson always said, ‘The relationship between a man and woman is a wondrous thing.’ He believed it was written somewhere in the stars; however, we know it’s all God’s arrangement.” She shook her head. “Poor man. I just pray he’s made it through the gates of heaven to seek God’s mercy.”

Wade said nothing, though he felt almost obligated to add Miss Poisie’s usual “God rest his soul.” Instead, he turned to Kolbein Booth. “Nice to see you again, Booth.”

The man seemed most preoccupied but managed to return the greeting. “Thank you. You’re Wade Ackerman, correct?”

“You’ve a good memory.”

“Years of legal training have required such.”

Wade couldn’t help but wonder about this man’s story. Was he who he said he was, or was all of this a confidence game to take advantage of the women? It was certain he dressed like a lawyer, and Abrianna said he held intellectual conversations without difficulty. Still, they knew nothing about the man, and it made Wade most uncomfortable that the old ladies and Abrianna had so quickly taken on his cause. It wasn’t at all like Mrs. Madison to allow a stranger such latitude.

The women climbed the stairs, allowing the men to follow. Wade grew more uncomfortable with each step they climbed. The other man could be an escaped murderer or a thug looking for something to steal. He could imagine the man being many things, and it bothered him that Booth had managed to get so close to the women, for whom Wade felt responsible.

“You work as a wainwright,” Booth said as they reached the landing and handed their hats to Abrianna.

“Please wait in the small sitting room, gentlemen. We will call you when luncheon is served.” She smiled at each man and leaned in as if to share a secret. “Don’t discuss President Cleveland. He’s a Democrat, you know, and he held a staunch disregard for President Lincoln, whom my aunts dearly loved. If you don’t want to stir their ire, you’ll avoid Mr. Cleveland altogether.”

“You have my word,” Kolbein said with a wink, to which Abrianna smiled.

“We’ll keep in mind all of the topics of discussion which trouble the ladies.” Wade wasn’t sure he liked the man winking at Abrianna. “Come. I’ll show you the way.”

“I already know it,” Kolbein replied. His tone made it clear that he wasn’t to be made second man to any.

Wade nodded and allowed him to lead the way. Once they were seated, Wade lost little time. “I am a wainwright. I learned at an early age to build wagons and make repairs to them. Abrianna tells me you’re a lawyer from Chicago.”

Kolbein Booth chuckled. “Yes, I am. I hope you don’t hold Chicago in the same contempt as the ladies.”

This made Wade smile. The women were very opinionated about a great many things besides the president. The safety and acceptability of various cities was something of which they often spoke, basing their opinions on newspaper articles and Sunday gossip. Chicago garnered no good thoughts from that trio.

“As I recall,” Wade replied, “they believe Chicago to be a den of no-good men who take advantage of women and children. Seems their opinion has something to do with the senselessness of a people who would allow a cow to set the town ablaze.”

“I’m not entirely certain that the cow alone bears blame,” Booth said good-naturedly. “I do not believe she brought the lantern which set the blaze.” He shrugged. “I also don’t imagine Chicago to be much worse than any large city. I know this place has dealt with fires of its own,” Booth countered. “What do you believe?”

“About cows setting fires?” Wade couldn’t help but smile. Against his will he was actually enjoying this man’s company.

“How do you feel about Chicago?”

Wade rubbed his thighs. “I don’t have an opinion one way or the other. I’ve never been to the place and don’t plan to visit there in the future. I like it here just fine.”

Booth nodded. “I can understand. Seattle is a fine city. It appears to rain a great deal, but the days of sun are quite pleasant. I am impressed that so many entertainments are available. I was afraid I’d be coming into uncivilized territory. However, reading the newspaper and walking about the town have opened my eyes. Even so, this city, like most, has its fair share of problems, from what I’ve read.”

“That’s true enough. We have ranching and mining, much like other western towns. We also have the sea. Earning a living off the water teaches one not to take things for granted. The sea is unforgiving and the men who sail her know that full well. Fishing is a big industry here, as well as logging and shipping. We are quite a complex city.”

“I can well imagine. You have a good harbor and good products to offer. I imagine that larger towns desire your lumber, since there’s quite a bit of building going on around America. Some have fully recovered from the crash of ’73 and are starting to invest in their comforts again. However, I don’t see our economy as stable yet. The rich are spending in abundance to further the railroads and financial systems, but in my mind extravagance and excess always lead to problems.”

“Gentlemen, we are ready to sit down to lunch,” Abrianna announced from the open doorway.

Wade motioned Booth to go first, and the man didn’t have to be encouraged.

In one smooth movement the man joined Abrianna and offered her his arm. “Milady, might I escort you?”

Abrianna laughed. “But of course, my good sir.” She took his arm, and they led the way.

The large dining table had been arranged with the twelve bridal students placed six on one side and six on the other, with Miss Poisie taking up the end position.

At the opposite end of the table, Mrs. Madison took her place at the head with Mrs. Gibson at her right and Abrianna at her left. Booth quickly took the empty chair beside Abrianna, leaving Wade no choice but the seat to the right of Mrs. Gibson.

Wade watched them for a moment and became aware of something he’d hesitated to notice before. Abrianna had grown into a woman. No doubt some men would seek to take advantage of her. In a protective brotherly fashion, Wade began to plan how he might help to keep her safe. After all, this was a bridal school, and there would be plenty of men at the receptions. Abrianna might find herself in a difficult situation, and Wade wanted to make sure she didn’t make a mistake in running off with the first fellow who asked her. Perhaps he should speak to Mrs. Madison about the matter. One couldn’t be too safe in these situations, could they?

The meal was wonderful as usual, and Wade couldn’t help but enjoy the company of all the young ladies. At this time of the year, many of them had found interested suitors and were in the latter stages of their time with the school. They spoke of this man and that one, sharing what they did for a living and their plans for the future. In June, Mrs. Madison and her companions would stage their annual bridal ball, and many a bachelor turned out. The dance would go on until midnight, and by then many of the girls would be spoken for, if not married that very night, thanks to a special arrangement Mrs. Madison had with a local judge.

The only concern about his entire day had been the appearance of Kolbein Booth. Wade was surprised to see how Booth and Abrianna conversed with ease, and when Booth asked Abrianna to accompany him to a particular place where he’d heard rumors of a young woman matching his sister’s description, she agreed to help. Wade was even more surprised to find Abrianna’s aunts so receptive. Did they not see that Abrianna was no longer a child? Miss Poisie further stunned Wade by suggesting she and some of the other young ladies might accompany them, but then dismissed the idea when Mrs. Gibson reminded her of other plans they had for the afternoon.

Wade didn’t like the idea of Abrianna going alone with Booth. They knew so little about him. For all Wade knew, the man might not even have a sister. What if this was just a huge scam—a means of getting into the middle of the school in order to cause problems. But to what purpose?

“We shouldn’t be gone long,” Abrianna declared, “unless it starts raining or the streetcars stop running or there’s some other sort of disaster.” She looked at Booth. “One Sunday there was a small fire near the dock, and the fire horses were spooked and ran away. It was quite the excitement, and we watched most of it from upstairs. Didn’t we?” Abrianna looked to the other females. They all nodded and murmured comments about the excitement.

“Oh goodness, I do remember that. Thankfully no one was killed!” Poisie dabbed her neck with a lacy handkerchief.

“Well, there most likely won’t be a repeat of that,” Mrs. Madison replied. “Abrianna, I shall want you back by four o’clock. No excuses or protests,” she added as the young woman opened her mouth.

“I wasn’t going to offer either,” Abrianna said and crossed her arms. “I merely wanted to inquire as to whether you needed anything while we were out.”

“We do not shop on the Sabbath,” Mrs. Gibson declared. “And we would not, even if shops were open. It would be an affront to the Lord. I’m not even sure that searching for Mr. Booth’s sister doesn’t violate the law.”

“It’s true,” Poisie added with a stern face. “Remember that all of Israel and Judah were taken captive for ignoring the seventh year Sabbath rest of the fields. How much more will He punish those who dishonor the weekly Sabbath.”

Abrianna shook her head. “I hardly think that the Good Lord would condemn us to Hades should we happen to need something on the Sabbath. Even Jesus worked miracles on that day. And I wasn’t suggesting a day of shopping, only that if you had need of an errand I could take care of it.”

“It’s true, Selma,” Mrs. Madison said, looking to Mrs. Gibson. “Our Savior faced great condemnation from the teachers of the day when he drove out demons and healed the sick on the day of rest. I believe I can see the point Abrianna is making. A steadfast heart seeks God’s desires, and if that is best served in helping someone, then who are we to say it’s wrong?”

Before the conversation could reach a theological fervor, Wade stood. “Why don’t I go along, too?” Not waiting for an answer, he looked Booth in the eye. “Show me the picture of your sister, and I’ll help with the search. After all, three sets of eyes are better than two.”

“See, Kolbein?” Abrianna said. “I told you that Wade would be more than happy to help us. He’s a good man and he cares a lot about people.” She looked to Wade. “I am so pleased that you would choose to help in this. There are so many people in the world who just walk by when seeing the needs of others and do nothing.”

Wade nodded. “Like those who ignore the plight of the Chinese?”

“Exactly so. I’m glad you understand.” Abrianna turned to Kolbein. “I’ll be right back. Let me change my clothes. I have no desire to parade around like this. My friends out there might not even recognize me.”

Wade frowned. He liked the way Abrianna had dressed for church. She looked quite innocent and unspoiled in the pale lavender gown that had once belonged to Lenore. Frankly, he thought the color looked a lot better against Abrianna’s red hair and freckled fair skin than it had against Lenore’s brown hair and olive complexion. Wade grimaced at the feminine thought. What man worried about the color of gowns and hair? Maybe he was spending too much time with the ladies.

True to her word, Abrianna was gone only a few minutes. She came back in a state of partial undress, tucking her blouse into the waistband of her dark blue skirt. She had left her hair pinned up, but Wade wouldn’t be surprised at all if those pins came out as the trio made their way through the city. Seeing that he was watching her, Abrianna threw him a smile and glanced around.

“I’m glad my aunts are busy. I know it’s unseemly for me to act this way, but gracious, you know what a rapscallion I can be, and I didn’t want to waste more time. Furthermore, it’s not like I’m showing my chemise or petticoats, although I will tell you that once Miss Poisie showed a fair amount of her pantalets when crossing Front Street in a downpour, but don’t tell her I mentioned it.”

Wade laughed aloud as Booth led the way down the stairs and out the building. Thankfully, it wasn’t raining, but Wade and Abrianna had taken up umbrellas just in case. Booth seemed unmindful of such matters. Should he choose to stay in the city for long, however, he’d soon learn the value of staying dry.

They had gone only a couple of blocks, talking about a variety of things, when Booth made Wade most uncomfortable by complimenting Abrianna’s faithfulness to assist him. To his surprise, however, Abrianna changed the subject and began speaking in great detail about Lenore Fulcher.

“She is the most beautiful woman in Seattle,” Abrianna declared. “Of course, I don’t usually make such generalities, but in this case I’m confident that my assessment is accurate. She looks very much like Lily Langtry, don’t you think, Wade?” She didn’t wait for his reply but hurried on. “I suppose Lenore is shorter than Miss Langtry. I don’t believe I’ve ever been told for sure how tall the actress is. However, Lenore is quite talented, even if she isn’t very tall. I have never seen anyone with her gift of organization and consideration. I’ve seen her contemplate many a problem with me and not give up until she has the matter completely sorted. She’s a wonder.”

“So are you, Abrianna,” Kolbein declared. “And you are just as beautiful.”

Abrianna laughed. “Nonsense. I have it on good authority that redheads can never be considered truly beautiful. Especially redheads with curly hair. We might be handsome or comely but not beautiful, and in most cases we are only passable.”

“I disagree,” Booth countered, stopping in midstep. “Your sources are very wrong. I personally have a great fondness for red hair. I like the difference it offers from blond hair and brown.”

“Well, appreciating is one thing. My hair has always gotten me into trouble,” Abrianna stated with absolute conviction. “Aunt Miriam says it’s the temperament that goes along with red hair, but I’m certain to be troublesome no matter what.”

“I would never accuse a lady of lying or speaking lunacy, but you are stretching my limits,” Booth replied. “You mustn’t let others tell you that you aren’t beautiful just because of the color of your hair.”

“Oh goodness no,” Abrianna said. “It’s not just because of my hair. I’m not beautiful for many reasons. I have freckles and dimples, my nose is a bit crooked, and I’m not dainty like Lenore.”

Wade shook his head and sighed. “You might as well give up, Booth. I’ve tried on many occasions to tell Abrianna she’s a lovely girl—young woman,” he corrected. “She never believes me, and she won’t believe you, either.”

Booth looked at Abrianna, and for just a moment Wade thought he appeared to be considering the matter as a challenge. Wade could almost see the cogs turning in Booth’s mind. But instead of arguing or suggesting he could prove it, Booth fell silent.

“I’m glad you can see reason,” Abrianna said, giving Wade a playful nudge with her elbow. “Wade tells me such things because we’ve been the best of friends since childhood, but we both know the truth. Redheads are a strange lot, and we simply do not fit in.”

“Maybe not fitting into someone else’s preconceived mold is a good thing,” Wade suggested and Booth agreed.

“It would be a very boring world if everyone were alike,” Booth said.

“You two are quite dear,” Abrianna said. “But we have a task before us. Let us focus on Kolbein’s sister instead of me. I’m certain she is far more deserving and in need of our consideration.”