11

You are to wear your very best gown this evening,” Mother told Lenore. “The Montgomerys are a well-established family and respected for their influence in San Francisco.”

“Oh, Mother, I can’t imagine that it will matter to anyone what I’m wearing.”

Her mother looked at her aghast. “Of course it matters. It’s a reflection on your father and on me. Don’t you care what other people say?”

“I used to care. But honestly, over the years I’ve come to see life differently. I think I’ve been worried about the wrong things. Abrianna says—”

“If this is about her, then I’m certain it will not meet with my approval. I don’t mind that the two of you are friends. You have attempted to make her a better woman, and that’s an act of charity. However, I can hardly accept that she is guiding your choices. Now, please do as I say. This dinner is important.”

“Why must I go?” Lenore asked. She was more than a little homesick and felt her chances with Kolbein were slipping away by the minute. Why didn’t Abrianna write and let her know how things were progressing?

Mother looked confused. “Your father feels it is important, and that is enough. We must present ourselves as his support, and I believe it will also do us good to know the family a little better. After all, they are buying your father’s business and all holdings related to freighting.”

“I don’t know why Father has chosen now to sell. It doesn’t make any sense to me.” Lenore went to the wardrobe and pulled out the only dress she hadn’t yet worn. “Will this do?” She held up the magnificent creation, knowing that her mother would overwhelmingly approve. “It arrived just this afternoon.”

“Is that the gown you told me about?” Her mother came closer to feel the material. “Oh, how lavish.”

The burnt gold silk very nearly glowed in the electric lighting of the room. Trimmed with hundreds if not thousands of sequins and pearls, it was a gown fit for a queen. Lenore had fallen in love with it almost upon first glance and had begged the dressmaker to sell it to her. Lucky for her, the gown had recently been rejected by the woman who’d originally ordered it, and the dressmaker was more than happy, if not relieved, to fit it for Lenore.

“I’ve never seen anything so regal. You were quite right to purchase it without consulting me.” Mother seldom said such things, and Lenore was momentarily taken aback. “I must say for the price you quoted, this is more than worth the money paid.”

“I thought so, too,” Lenore replied, feeling a sense of pleasure in her mother’s approval.

“Do you have shoes that will work?”

Lenore nodded. “They were made to match the gown. I even bought the proper undergarments.”

“Wonderful. Your father likes to show us off, and this gown will please him.”

Frowning, Lenore got a worried thought. “He’s not going to try to marry me off to someone, is he?”

“Goodness, no. Mr. Montgomery’s sons are grown and married with families of their own. They don’t even live in the city. They handle Mr. Montgomery’s holdings in San Diego.” Mother headed for the door. “There’s so much to do in order to be ready in time. I’ll send that little Mexican maid up to do your hair and help you dress.”

Lenore said nothing. She knew it would do no good to offer further protest about going to the dinner.

Mother turned and gave her a smile. “If things go well tonight, we can head home the day after tomorrow.”

This brightened Lenore’s outlook considerably. “Oh, Mother, I’m so glad to hear it. I’ve grown so bored in this place.”

“Bored? With all the shopping and theatre, not to mention the incredible dining?” Mother shook her head. “I can’t believe you’re bored. I find this place so exhilarating. I told your father that if he was of a mind to spend out his old age anywhere but Seattle, I would want it to be here.”

Lenore couldn’t imagine her father would leave Seattle. At least not on a permanent basis. Mother exited without another word, and Lenore went immediately to place the gown on the bed. It was a beautiful dress, and it had seemed like providence that it should be such a perfect fit for her. The seamstress had to tighten the waist a bit and raise the hem a good deal, but otherwise it was as if the gown had been made for Lenore.

She tried to imagine what Kolbein might think of her in it. The absolute latest fashion, the gown made a beautiful contrast against her complexion and dark hair. The dressmaker had spared no expense in its creation. How awful it must have been to have the woman refuse to buy it, but how fortunate for Lenore that she had.

Pepita, the young Mexican maid, entered the room and immediately motioned for Lenore to take a seat. Lenore did as she was instructed. Pepita spoke only Spanish, which made conversation most taxing, as Lenore generally ended up failing to make her point. Tonight, however, when Lenore fashioned her hair atop her head to show the maid what she wanted, Pepita nodded with a smile and quickly went to work.

By the time her mother sent word for Lenore to join them for the carriage ride to the Montgomerys’, Pepita had mastered the coiffure perfectly. Lenore stared at her reflection for one last check. Her hair had been teased and brushed back to create fullness and then pulled back into a most fashionable bun. Bangs were the rage right now, but Lenore preferred her hair swept back and up. The maid had artfully accomplished this, leaving just enough hair free to curl around Lenore’s face and neck.

The gown picked up the light with every movement, and Lenore knew she had never looked so grand. If she had a chance to attend the bridal ball in June . . . with Kolbein . . . she would wear this gown for certain. Now, if she could just convince Kolbein that they belonged together.

A hired carriage took the Fulcher family to the Montgomerys’ palatial mansion. Father rambled on and on about how successful he had been in negotiating the sale of his business and how tonight he and Mr. Montgomery would sign the final papers.

“Once they are witnessed and the money delivered to the bank, I will be a free man,” he told the women.

Lenore had been quite concerned about how she would find excuses to visit with Abrianna once her father moved his business from the Madison Building. It seemed there were always hurdles to overcome in her life. Her surprise at finding out that her father had even intended such a move was almost more than Lenore could keep to herself. She wanted to ask a million questions, but her father was rarely around the hotel, and when he was, he wasn’t in any mood to soothe her worries.

“Women don’t need to bother themselves with such things,” he would often say. Lenore, however, thought otherwise.

A butler in his stately uniform met the Fulchers at the door of the house and ushered them inside. Two additional servants awaited his instructions as wraps and hats, gloves, and Mr. Fulcher’s outer coat were taken before the family was led into the drawing room.

“Glad you could come, Fulcher,” Mr. Montgomery declared, giving Lenore’s father a hearty slap on the back. “We’ve been quite anxious to conclude our business. Several of my associates are awaiting us in the billiards room.”

He motioned to one of the awaiting maids. “Please let Mrs. Montgomery know that our guests have arrived.” The woman curtsied and hurried to do her master’s bidding. “Ladies, if you’ll excuse us. Please make yourselves comfortable. I’m sure my wife and daughters will join you shortly.”

Inside the drawing room, Lenore found herself more than a little shocked by the gold trim on the opulent furnishings. The paintings—and it seemed there were hundreds—were trimmed with thick ornate gilded frames. The trim on the fireplace and hearth, as well as the lamps and lighting fixtures, reflected the wealth of these people. Even some of the chairs and side tables were touched with gold.

“Oh, do forgive our tardy appearance,” Mrs. Montgomery announced, coming into the room, followed by two younger women. “We were delayed by a mishap. However, that is behind us now. How very nice to see you again, Mrs. Fulcher.”

“It’s my pleasure, as well,” Lenore’s mother replied. “And this is my daughter, Lenore.”

Lenore smiled but said nothing. Mrs. Montgomery turned to introduce her daughters.

The Montgomerys had two daughters slightly Lenore’s junior. They seemed to look down their noses at her as they waved fans with bored expressions. Lenore hardly concerned herself with their behavior. The elder, Sabina Montgomery, was a striking beauty who bore her Spanish mother’s black hair and dark eyes. The younger, Olivia Montgomery, was also quite lovely, although she seemed to follow in her sister’s shadow, as if waiting for cues as to what she should do next. Despite being younger than Lenore, the Montgomery daughters appeared more sophisticated and experienced in socializing.

“Cook made us a special meal for this evening,” Mrs. Montgomery told Lenore’s mother. “We love to entertain.”

“It won’t be as grand as when we hosted the governor,” Sabina interjected with a smirk.

Her mother looked displeased, but her expression quickly changed when the butler came to announce dinner was served.

The gentlemen rejoined the ladies just before they entered the dining room. Mr. Montgomery offered his arm to Lenore’s mother, while her father graciously aided Mrs. Montgomery. The Montgomery girls were teamed up with two of their father’s associates, while Lenore found herself escorted by an older gentleman who smelled of strong cologne and body odor. She could only hope he wouldn’t be seated beside her at the table.

The dinner was laid out in a grand fashion at a huge table that could easily seat twenty, though there were only half that many tonight. In addition to the Fulchers, there were the three men who had been introduced as legal consultants for the sale of the business. Lenore’s escort assisted her into a chair and then plopped down beside her. Lenore coughed into her scented handkerchief for relief from the excessive odors. It would be a challenge to eat seated next to the smelly man, but Lenore was determined she would not shame her family.

Course after course was served. Lenore thought the fish too heavily seasoned, while the soup was rather bland. The beef was disguised beneath a heavy cream sauce, and the bread was stale. She couldn’t help but wonder if the governor had been served bread that was less than fresh.

Lenore received praise for her gown and questions from all three gentlemen as to how long her family intended to be in the area. Once she explained the possibility of going back to Seattle the day after next, they seemed disappointed. She couldn’t help but wonder if they had thought to capture her attention. Even the older man seemed particularly eager to suggest they remain at least another week so that he might invite them to some musical event he was hosting. Her father, thankfully, declined, explaining he was eager to return to his final duties and oversee the transfer of the business to Montgomery.

After dinner, Sabina and Olivia were instructed to show Lenore around the estate while the men saw to business. The older women were to entertain themselves with viewing the grand salon, where Mrs. Montgomery announced there were over two hundred paintings. Many of these, she assured, revealed a long line of Spanish ancestors from which she had descended. The girls told Lenore that their mother’s family had come from Spain in the early years before California became a part of the United States. Their holdings had been quite vast, but some had been stolen from them when America claimed the area. Sabina relayed the latter bit of information as though Lenore had personally had some hand in the matter.

Lenore found herself quite bored with the tour of the house. The Montgomery daughters were only concerned with what their family owned. Prized artifacts and antiques were all but worshiped by the young ladies, who appeared disappointed that Lenore was less than captivated. Trying her best to hide a yawn, Lenore hoped her father might conclude his business quickly and take them back to the hotel. There was packing to oversee.

“I’m to be married soon,” Sabina announced without warning. “Would you care to see my gown?”

Lenore perked up at this and nodded. “I would like that very much. I hope to marry soon myself.” At least that wasn’t a lie, but should she say much more, she knew it might well develop into one.

Sabina looked at her as if surprised. “When do you plan to marry?”

“We’ve not set a date, but I would very much like it to be in June.”

“June?” Sabina questioned in surprise. “But how will you arrange a wedding in such a short time? My gown alone has taken over a year to complete. First the fabrics had to be brought in from Spain and then the lace and beading had to be made—by hand, of course. It was just completed and delivered yesterday.” She paused at a set of double doors and shook her head. “I don’t know how you would ever marry in June.”

Olivia pushed open the doors. “Isn’t it grand?”

Ahead in a stately golden room a dressmaker’s dummy stood gowned in ivory satin and lace. The gown was exquisite, and Lenore saw no need to hide her approval. “It is most grand. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a wedding gown more lovely.”

“Oh, how stupid!” Sabina hurried into the room and crossed to where a young maid was dusting. Without warning she began to hit the girl. “You fool. You’ll get my dress dirty. Do you not know to cover it before dusting this room?”

Lenore watched in horror as Sabina beat the girl over and over about the head and shoulders. Had she not been so shocked she might have intervened. Instead, she stood frozen to the ground. Never in her life had she ever seen anyone treat someone, even a servant, so poorly.

The girl was kneeling on the floor sobbing before Sabina finally stopped. “Get out of here before I start in again. Don’t ever come in here to dust unless that gown is first covered.”

The girl nodded and gathered herself up. She hurried from the room, passing Lenore with a look of utter terror. Blood trickled from her lip, but there was no time to offer her assistance. The girl fled before Lenore could so much as offer a nod.

“You hurt her,” Lenore said, looking at Sabina. “How could you just beat her like that? She made a mistake, but you acted as though it were intentionally done.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Sabina said with a shrug. “She’s just a servant and she must learn her place.”

“She’s a human being,” Lenore insisted, ashamed that she hadn’t done something to stop Sabina.

“I say she’s nothing,” Sabina replied. “My father can hire a hundred others just like her. She was not trained properly, and I shall dismiss her tomorrow.”

“And your parents will have nothing to say about this?” Lenore asked.

Olivia spoke before Sabina could. “Mother says we must manage our staff if we’re to learn to run a productive household of our own.”

Lenore wanted to say much more but held her tongue. Obviously these young women had been brought up in ways that Lenore could not understand. Such cruelty for a mistake was abominable in her mind but evidently acceptable in the Montgomery household.

“Come get a closer look at my gown.” Sabina walked to the dressmaker’s dummy. “Do not touch the fabric lest you leave oil marks on the gown. Mama says that human fingers are always secreting oil, and it would stain the satin.”

Lenore hadn’t heard such a thing but nodded in agreement. She had no intention of touching the dress anyway, especially not after what she’d witnessed. Goodness only knew whether Sabina would start beating her about the head should she step out of line.

The wedding dress was beautiful. The bustled back flowed into a twenty-five-foot train that had been carefully stretched out to keep it from wrinkling. Beading had been sewn into the material to make the image of flowers. It must have cost a small fortune, Lenore surmised, feeling rather sick.

“The train is completely removable so that I may wear the gown again after the wedding,” Sabina told her. “I think it would be most wonderful to wear it to the opera this fall.”

“When is your wedding?” Lenore asked, feeling sicker by the minute. She longed to get away from the company of these young women who held life so cheaply.

“The marriage will take place on the twentieth of May. It is to be held in a grand cathedral, and I will have ten attendants.”

“I am to be one of them,” Olivia offered, appearing excited. Her sister gave her a harsh glare, and immediately the girl quieted and lowered her head.

“How exciting for all of you,” Lenore said, smiling. For a moment she wondered what it would be like to have such a grand gown. However, as she looked around her and then back to the sisters, Lenore could think only of the young maid.

There had been a time when Lenore would have let the matter go. She hadn’t been raised to be cruel or physical with servants. However, she had been told that servants were not on the same social level as she was; therefore their feelings and concerns weren’t to be considered. Lenore was to be pampered and spoiled and to enjoy all the wealth her father’s good investments and business could afford.

She had heard her mother say at least a hundred times that they were among the privileged who could live well, with great beauty around them. Now her words seemed hollow. What really mattered were people, Lenore realized.

Abrianna had helped her to see that. Lenore sighed. Abrianna, with her heart of gold—solid gold, not just gilding. Abrianna had taught Lenore to see the poor and their needs with the intention of offering help. She knew her father and mother gave generously to various charities, but Lenore also knew they would never dirty their hands by stopping to share food or clothing with those people. And they definitely wouldn’t allow themselves to be found in some of the areas Abrianna visited.

Lenore looked down at her own gown and thought it all rather silly now. The gown’s cost could have bought bread for a hundred people. Lenore suddenly felt ashamed. She longed more than ever for home. Why had she allowed herself to become so selfish?

“How is your intended employed?” Sabina asked, bringing Lenore out of her thoughts.

“He’s a lawyer from Chicago, but presently he’s in Seattle attending to his sister’s needs,” she replied without thinking.

Sabina smirked. “My fiancé is a highly respected man of personal wealth inherited from his family. He doesn’t need to work.” She sounded quite pleased with this announcement.

Lenore met the younger woman’s expression. “He must get very bored.”

“Ha!” Sabina shook her head and laughed. “When you are rich, you do not bore easily. My Stephen has many interests—the arts, the opera, and always his investments and holdings. But rather than have to see to these things himself, he has several men who do his bidding.”

“How nice. You must be very proud.”

Sabina looked momentarily confused, as if unsure whether Lenore had just insulted her or offered praise.

Lenore had little patience for her. “Does your fiancé do anything to assist those less fortunate?”

“But of course,” Sabina replied, regaining her composure. “He donates to many foundations that help the poor and needy, but he also stresses that they must be willing to do for themselves. Too many are just lazy and refuse to help themselves. Stephen has made this a strong stand of his, and I am proud of him.”

Lenore smiled sadly. “But of course . . . you would be.”

The day that Wade and Thane came to install some much needed cabinets in the kitchen was also the day that a third man turned up dead. Aunt Miriam had ordered the cabinets to replace those damaged by the water leak, as well as to offer additional storage. Wade had made the cabinets in his spare time and now brought with him news of the murder. Again, the body was found in the alleyway behind the building, and once again Abrianna knew the man who’d been killed. At least this time she didn’t have to identify the body. The police were well familiar with the old man and his panhandling ways. His name was William Elliot—most of his friends just called him Billy Boy. Abrianna had called him Bill. He was very fond of Aunt Miriam’s bread pudding.

“The police say he was killed elsewhere and left here,” Wade told them. “Even so, it would seem most dangerous for any of you to be out alone.” He fixed his gaze on Abrianna. “Very dangerous.”

“We had determined to hire someone to run errands and bring in groceries,” Aunt Miriam admitted. “It seems a terrible thing to be a prisoner in our own home, but that is what we have become. Mr. Booth has agreed to help us, so along with your assistance, I’m sure we will not want.”

Abrianna wasn’t at all pleased with this turn of events. “I don’t see why we need worry. The killer has only taken helpless men. Not that I don’t miss them dearly and abhor what happened.” She paused for breath and continued. “Still, we needn’t be fretful. He hasn’t gone after any women. Aunt Selma has always told us that in times of testing and trial, our calm spirit and willingness to endeavor are signs of our faith in God. I know my faith is strong enough to continue walking out when shopping needs to be done.”

“I wouldn’t want you to be alone,” Wade said. “You may think you’re capable of fending for yourself. You may even have made friends with the entire population of the friendless, but you are just one young woman.”

Abrianna clenched her hands into fists but kept them hidden in the folds of her skirt. “I may be just one woman, but I am a woman of God, and as such, I must do what He would have me do.”

Wade narrowed his eyes. “He would have you respect your elders and yield to their authority, as the Bible says we should.”

“Yes, but Jesus separated from His parents when He was twelve and was later found in the temple. He told His authority that He had to be about His Father’s business.”

“Last time I checked . . . you weren’t Jesus,” Wade said seriously. He picked up several nails and went to where Thane was lining up a wood strip to hold the cabinets.

Abrianna wasn’t about to let him get away with this. She was full of fight, and no one was going to lock her up in this building. “There were others who defied authority to serve God,” she said, going after Wade.

Aunt Miriam took hold of her arm before she could cross the kitchen. Abrianna came to an abrupt stop, surprised at the old woman’s strength. “You will not go out without an escort,” Aunt Miriam declared. “I won’t have it.”

“I won’t either,” Aunt Selma threw in.

“Nor me,” Aunt Poisie said, not to be left out.

“If I have to,” Wade said, crossing to where Abrianna stood, “I’ll nail your door and windows shut and lock you in your room.”

Abrianna stomped her foot, something she had rarely done since her early teens. “You don’t care at all about what’s important to me. No one cares.” She pulled away from her aunt’s hold, embarrassed that tears were coming to her eyes.

“Without my help, many will go hungry or cold. Some might even die,” she said, shaking her head. “And their blood will be on your hands, Wade Ackerman. All because you do not care.”

“I care,” Wade told her. “But I care more about your well-being than theirs. They survived life on the streets before you came, and I’m sure they will continue to do so when you are gone. But I would like to see that end not come for a very, very long time.”

Abrianna looked to the others. Would no one champion her cause? Her shoulders slumped slightly, and her breath came out in a sigh. “I shall take the subject up with the Lord. He will show me what I am to do.”

“Well, if He disagrees with me and your aunts,” Wade said with a grin, “then I guess we’ll have to have words.”

Kolbein sat toying with his pencil and glancing up from time to time to check the clock. It seemed impossible to keep his mind on work. He had heard nothing more about Greta, and he feared the worst. She was naïve and unable to take care of herself. She needed him, and yet she had run away from home.

He leaned back in the leather chair. It was as if his sister had disappeared into thin air. No one had seen her. No one knew her. Since finding her gown at that secondhand store, Kolbein hadn’t been able to find anything that would even hint at Greta still being in Seattle.

The clerk came to his door and knocked lightly before entering. “I have those papers you asked for, Mr. Booth.”

Kobein sat up. “Just put them there.” He pointed to the right side of his desk. “Thank you.”

Once the young man was gone, Kolbein got to his feet and walked to the window. He looked out on the busy city street and wondered if his sister was among the pedestrians. She could be that close, he thought, and yet he’d never know it.

He caught sight of a redheaded woman and immediately thought of Abrianna Cunningham. A smile touched his lips. She was quite a rambunctious soul, but she had a heart of gold. Of course, thinking of Abrianna led his thoughts to the one place he’d avoided. Lenore.

Her image flooded his mind. It was really quite uncalled for. They didn’t know each other at all, and yet Kolbein found himself longing for her as if they’d spent a lifetime together. He ached for her return. How could it be that he could have lost his heart to a woman he didn’t even know? Worse yet, how could he put aside his true mission of finding Greta and allow Lenore to consume his time?

Abrianna had been good to tell him of Lenore’s interests and even something of her past. Apparently the two had been longtime friends. Lenore, Abrianna had told him, was determined to make a proper lady out of her. He’d laughingly asked Abrianna what she did for Lenore in return.

“I doubt I do much for her at all, unless it’s to encourage her to seek the Lord. Of course, I also encourage her to sneak out with me from time to time, which might suggest that my endeavors where the Lord are concerned are less than sincere.”

Kolbein smiled and returned to his desk. He gathered his papers together and locked them in his desk. It was nearly five and he had no desire to give legal matters another thought. He had been invited to partake of supper with the Madison Bridal School residents, and that was what he intended to do. At least in being there, he could hear any news of Lenore. There might even be some talk of his sister—after all, Abrianna had friends searching the city for her.

He grabbed his hat and headed for the stairs with the trio of women vying for attention in his mind. He was most determined where each woman was concerned. He would find his sister. There was no other possibility. He would get Abrianna to relate all she knew about Lenore. And he would get Lenore to fall as deeply in love with him as he had done with her.