A Daughter's Inheritance (28 page)

“What?” He grasped her shoulders and looked into her eyes. “How could you ever think such a thing? I love you!” He shook his head. “Forgive me. I shouldn’t have said that.”

She touched her palm to his cheek. “I love you, too. If it is true, why should your words remain unspoken?”

“Because it only deepens my pain. We live in different worlds, Fanny. You know that as well as I do. Your uncle will never grant me permission to marry you.”

“And that’s why you’ve been avoiding me?”

He nodded toward the door. “Let’s take a walk.”

Together they strolled up the slope and then turned and walked toward a wooded area offering a magnificent view of the river. Her heart had soared at Michael’s declaration of love. Surely they could devise some reasonable method and overcome her uncle’s objections.

Michael held her hand while she sat down on one of the outcroppings that overlooked the river. He dropped down beside her and stared across the water. “Life seems so simple when we’re out here alone, doesn’t it?”

“But it can be, Michael. Once I’m of legal age, Uncle Jonas can’t prohibit our marriage. We need only wait until then.”

“You underestimate his power. He knows we care for each other—why do you think he’s been forcing me to spend time with Theresa?”

Her jaw went slack. “So that’s why you’ve been unwilling to go fishing or spend time with me. And all along I thought—”

“That you’d done something to anger me?” He shook his head. “You’ve done nothing. But your uncle insists I mustn’t spend time with you. I’m required to follow his orders, Fanny. If I disobey his wishes, it could be disastrous—not only for me, but for my parents, also. I’ve been praying for a solution, but I’m not certain whether what has recently come to mind is actually God’s answer or if I’m grasping at straws.” A branch crackled and Michael jumped to his feet.

Fanny giggled and pointed to a squirrel that skittered toward them and up a nearby tree. “It’s only a squirrel.”

“We had better return. You’ll be missed if you don’t appear at the breakfast table.”

He grasped her hand firmly and tugged her to her feet. Her heel caught in the hem of her skirt, and she lurched forward against Michael’s chest. He gathered her in his arms and held her close. She gazed up into his eyes. He lowered his head and their lips lightly touched.

Thick grass muffled the sound of approaching footsteps.

“What is the meaning of this!” Her uncle’s words reverberated through the early morning calm like a roaring clap of thunder.

20

“I object!”

“
You
object? You have no voice in this matter.” Jonas paced the library. Only hours ago he’d caught his niece in the arms of a servant. “I am your legal guardian. You will sit down and listen.” Jonas turned and glared at Michael. “I thought I had made myself perfectly clear. This situation that you’ve created must come to a halt.” He clenched his jaw. “Must I discharge your entire family in order to make you believe that I will not tolerate your behavior?”

“That’s not fair, Uncle Jonas,” Fanny challenged. “They’ve done nothing wrong. Are you so cruel that you would make others pay for something they didn’t have any say in?”

“I told you to listen,” Jonas said, glaring at his niece. “Unless you want to find yourself relieved of any future freedoms, I would suggest you obey me.”

“Please. I beg you,” Michael appealed. “My parents would be devastated if they were forced off the island. This is their home—and mine, too. They would be heartbroken.”

“If you’re truly concerned about your parents, why have you continued to disregard my orders?” Jonas drummed his fingers on his desk. “Well?”

“I’ve made every attempt, sir. What you saw this morning was innocent. Fanny tripped and I caught her in my arms.” He wiped his palm across his forehead. “The kiss and the words of endearment weren’t planned. And I did tell her we could never entertain thoughts of a future together.”

“You tell her you can’t have a future together and then you kiss her? What does that ungentlemanly behavior tell her—or me, for that matter?”

“What I wanted her to know is that I truly love her, but you do not consider me a possible suitor or marriage partner.”

Jonas chortled. “And do you consider yourself worthy of my niece, Michael?”

He shook his head. “Even if I had as much wealth as you, I would not consider myself worthy of someone so sweet and kind.”

“Oh, do stop with your gibberish. Love isn’t what’s important. Social standing and wealth must always be the first consideration when choosing a husband for any of the Broadmoor girls.” Jonas tucked his thumb into the pocket of his vest. “With the money that Fanny will inherit, I feel an even greater responsibility to protect her future with the proper man.”

“And am I have to have no say on this subject?” Fanny asked.

Jonas saw the fire in her eyes. He thought to answer angrily but calmed himself and drew a couple of deep breaths. He needed to find a way to win Fanny’s cooperation—or at least her understanding.

“Fanny, long ago your father told me that he only wanted the very best for you. He felt you deserved to be well cared for and provided for. You were the reason he gave up his own home and moved in with our parents. You were the most important person in his life, and he wanted you safe.”

“I believe he also wanted me loved,” Fanny protested.

“Absolutely. And who better to love you than family. He always told me that if anything happened to him, he would want me to step in and be a father to you. Of course when he did pass on, your grandmother wanted to direct your schooling and such. I decided not to protest because it helped her through her grief over losing your father. Now there is no one else to challenge—now I can fulfill my promise to your father.”

“If you care about me,” Fanny said, meeting his gaze, “you’ll understand that I love Michael. It doesn’t matter to me that he’s not rich.”

“But in time it will, Fanny. In time you will resent that he cannot provide for you in this manner and style.”

“If I were wealthy, would you consider me a proper choice for Fanny?”

Jonas leaned back in his chair and studied Michael. The boy had courage and didn’t easily back down. He was a hard worker and a talented boatswain. But a suitable match for a Broadmoor? He knew his answer would hold little sway, since Michael would never accumulate any wealth.

“I would give you consideration,” he said.

“No. I would like your word as a gentleman that if I become wealthy, you will grant me permission to marry Fanny.”

Jonas frowned. “How do you propose to make this money? If you have no plan, I see no reason to continue this discussion.”

“The Yukon.”

“The Yukon?” Fanny questioned, her eyes wide in surprise.

“You want to go off in search of gold?” Jonas asked doubtfully. “It takes money to purchase the necessities to enter into such a venture.”

“I have money saved that I’m willing to use.”

Jonas could see the young man’s excitement mounting as he continued to talk about his plan to travel north. Though the idea hadn’t previously occurred to him, having Michael leave for the Yukon would be ideal. With him out of the way, Fanny would soon be more easily managed. And once Michael was in the Yukon, who could say if they’d ever see him again. After all, his nephew Dorian had taken off for Canada three years ago, and other than one letter shortly after his departure, they’d heard nothing from him.

If and when Michael returned to the Thousand Islands, Fanny would be married to a man of Jonas’s choosing, and her money would be controlled by her uncle. Indeed, Michael’s idea of a trek into the Yukon held promise. Jonas furrowed his brow, as though contemplating the matter. He didn’t want to appear overly excited by the proposal. “Have you discussed this with your parents? I’m certain they’d object to your plan. Your father has come to rely on you a great deal.”

“My parents would point out the possible pitfalls of such a decision, but they wouldn’t stop me from doing what I believe is an answer to prayer.”

“Prayer? You think God wants you to go into the goldfields, Michael?” Jonas chuckled.

“I prayed for you to grant me permission to marry Fanny. You’ve done that.”

Jonas held up his hand. “Not exactly. Here is my agreement. You go to the Yukon and search for gold. I will even agree to loan you enough money to purchase the necessary supplies for your venture. However, Fanny must agree to accept the invitations of other gentlemen during your absence. She is young and has experienced very little of life. She believes she loves you, but she is very young. I don’t want her to make a mistake.”

“But I don’t want to see other men. I’m willing to wait until Michael returns,” Fanny argued. “I know I won’t change my mind.”

Jonas tented his fingers beneath his chin. “You are too young to know anything with certainty. If you won’t agree to my terms . . .”

“Please, Fanny. It’s the only way,” Michael whispered.

She searched his face, a slight frown wrinkling her brow. “If you’re truly certain you want me to agree.”

He nodded.

“I’ll agree.” She fingered the pearl button at her neckline.

“But the invitations you accept on my behalf shall not outnumber those you accept for Amanda.” She settled back in her chair. “I believe that’s a fair agreement.”

Jonas slapped his hands on the desk. “I’m setting the terms of the agreement—not you. Amanda’s future is not under discussion.”

“Perhaps not, but won’t it appear strange and hurtful if I’m living in your home and you are more involved in my future than that of your own daughter?” She leaned forward as if to press home her point.

Though he was loath to admit it, Fanny was likely correct. Victoria had already expressed her displeasure over arranged marriages. If he was going to maintain control of Fanny’s future, he must show the same care regarding his own daughter. Otherwise, there would be far too many of Victoria’s incessant questions and bothersome discussions.

“Since Amanda is older than you, I’m certain you won’t be surprised to hear that I am planning a full social calendar when the family returns to Rochester.” He folded his hands across his midsection. Fanny may have thought she’d outwitted him, but he’d bargained with some of the most powerful men in the country. This girl had no idea what lay in store for her.

Michael edged forward on his chair. “If there’s nothing further, Mr. Broadmoor, I believe we have reached a final agreement.”

“One more thing, Michael. I don’t know when you plan to depart for the Yukon, but the clandestine meetings at the boathouse and out in the woods must cease immediately. I don’t want Fanny’s reputation ruined.”

“Nor do I, Mr. Broadmoor. I can assure you that I would never take advantage of—”

Jonas waved his hand. “I, too, was a young man, Michael. Most young men intend to conduct themselves in an honorable manner with young ladies, but—well, we need not say any more regarding this topic, especially when a woman is present in the room.”

Anger clouded Fanny’s eyes. “You are insinuating that we . . . that Michael and I . . . that . . .”

“Exactly. You say you are in love and have asked that I believe you. I know passions run deep when young people are in love. Consequently, I must insist the two of you adhere to my decision.”

Michael’s agreement was enough to please Jonas. With a final admonition for them to heed his restrictions, he dismissed them.

Fanny tugged on Michael’s sleeve once they stepped outside. “We need to talk.” She pointed to the far end of the veranda.

“You heard your uncle. We’re not supposed to be alone. Do you want him to withdraw his agreement so soon, Fanny?”

“We are standing in full view of anyone who might pass by the open windows or walk outdoors. I hardly see how he could object.” Fanny ignored his protest. Keeping an ear attuned for the sound of his footfalls, she strolled toward the cluster of wicker chairs.

She nodded toward one of the chairs, but Michael remained standing. “Please, Fanny.”

“I do wish you would have mentioned your thoughts about the Yukon to me prior to striking an agreement with Uncle Jonas.” When she reached for his hand, he took a backward step. “I don’t believe that your going off in search of gold is the answer to our dilemma. And who can even guess the dangers you’ll encounter or how long you’ll be gone.”

He squatted down and leaned against the stone rail that circled the porch. “We’ll have to trust God to keep me safe. I truly believe this is our answer. I’ll write to you every chance I get.”

Fanny’s gaze settled on his scuffed work boots. “We both know letters will be scarce. And what about the mail service in a place such as the Yukon?”

“In the end, I believe our gain will be worth the sacrifice. Not the money, but the fact that I will have received your uncle’s blessing. I don’t want to come between you and your family or make any decisions that either of us will later regret.” Michael bowed his head until he looked into her eyes. “I do love you, so don’t you fall in love with one of those dandies that come knocking on your uncle’s door.”

She attempted a smile, but a tear trickled down her cheek. “I don’t want to spend time with any man but you. How soon will you plan to leave?”

“Please don’t cry.” He wiped away her tear with his thumb. “I should head out as soon as possible. If arrangements can be made, probably within a week.”

She gasped. “So soon? I thought you would at least wait until the family departed at the end of summer.”

He shook his head. “The sooner I leave, the sooner I’ll return. My father can look after the boats and pick up supplies in Clayton for the few remaining weeks your family will be here. And if I can’t spend time with you on the island, there’s no need for me to stick around, is there?”

She didn’t want to offer an affirmative answer, for she had already contrived a plan to have Sophie help her arrange secret meetings with Michael. Yet she wondered if he would agree. He seemed determined to abide by his agreement with her uncle.

“You would never leave without telling me good-bye, would you?” She met his gaze and saw the love in his eyes. He didn’t need to say a word. His answer was as clear as the blue sky overhead.