Refining Fire (15 page)

Even so, she wasn't a fool to be puffed up by his words of praise. Priam Welby was a man of purpose. She'd seen him in action too many times to suppose he'd come here with the sole purpose of complimenting her.

“So what else brought you here today? Surely not your sweet tooth.”

He eyed her momentarily then gave her a look that caused Abrianna to flush. He was such a cad and didn't care at all what anyone observing him might think. She took a step back and felt the trunk of the tree press against her. Unfortunately, Priam Welby took that opportunity to move closer, very nearly pinning her in place.

“I think you probably know that I am attracted to you, Miss Cunningham. I have asked before to court you, and I find that I cannot help but ask again. You see, I am quite besot. I find myself thinking about you at the most . . . interesting times. Sometimes I can't even get to sleep at night.”

His suggestive smirk made her shiver. “I am sorry that I am such a bother. Perhaps Aunt Miriam can teach you how to make a hot toddy. Apparently the entire purpose is to help you sleep. I wouldn't want to be the cause of your not getting your rest.”

This caused him to laugh. “You are so very charming. I love that you speak your mind. I'd love even more if you were the cause of me not getting enough rest every night. It's no wonder I think about you all the time.”

She tried to hide her shock. No man had ever spoken like that to her. “Then you shouldn't be surprised to know that I rarely ever think about you.” She lowered her gaze momentarily, almost afraid to look away lest he make some move upon her person. “I don't say that to offend but rather to be completely
honest. I've done nothing—at least knowingly—to encourage your thoughts of me.”

“Maybe that's why they are so intense. You are a challenge to me, Miss Cunningham, and I am convinced that if you would but give me a chance, I could make you fall passionately in love with me.”

Goodness, how did one respond to such a statement? The man was positively not discouraged no matter what Abrianna dreamed up to say. She had hoped her blunt honesty would dissuade him, but apparently it was not to be.

“I have a proposition for you.”

She put up her hand. “Wait. Please don't take offense, but I've already told you that I have no interest in courtship. I want to serve God as best I can, and I realize that is not your present goal.” She hoped he wouldn't be offended by her comment but pushed on in a hurry just in case. “You have your plans and goals in life, and I in turn have mine. I know that my interests have very little to do with yours, so I do not see a future in courtship with you.”

He was undaunted. “Miss Cunningham, Abrianna.” He paused and said her name again. “Such a beautiful name. It just rolls off the tongue. Anyway, as I started to say, I have a proposition. I realize you have no interest in me at the present. However, I believe I can change that. To entice you to give me the chance to do so, I am willing to make it worthwhile to you.”

“In what way?” She had to admit he had her attention.

“You have a great desire to see the poor degenerates and needy of our city helped. I remember from one of our first conversations that you said it was your calling from God. And you might recall that I applauded your efforts even then. The other day I heard you say that you were now concerned with finding them appropriate sleeping quarters before the cold weather once again sets in. I believe you said you were praying
about it. Well, that statement stuck with me. It humbled me to think that you cared so much for those people that you would spend time in prayer over it. I suppose it deepened my spiritual insight somewhat.”

His statement took her completely off guard. “I'm . . . well . . . if my words or actions caused you to grow in your faith, then God be praised.”

“Indeed.” He smiled and cocked his head slightly to one side. “Because of overhearing that desire, I wondered how I might help to answer your prayers. After all, God certainly uses people to work His plans. With that in mind, I propose to provide you with such a place and all its furnishings. A large place where you could move your dinner service and be completely contained under one roof. I would even go so far as to provide a couple of trustworthy men to act as guards to the facility. I only ask that you in return give me a chance to win your heart.”

She was stunned into silence. The very thing she had been praying God would provide was laid out before her like a Christmas gift. Just the other day Wade asked her if she didn't want to marry and have a family of her own. Was this also a nudge by God to consider such a plan for her life?

“I can see I've intrigued you.” He crossed his arms casually against his chest. He smiled as if pleased with himself and certain of her answer.

Abrianna wished she knew what that answer should be. Had he suggested anything else, she would have given him her regrets and refusal. “I don't know what to say.”

“Why not say yes?”

“Because I . . . because I don't want you to court me.”

“You don't know what you want, Abrianna. You've so long had old ladies directing your steps and everyone else dominating your thoughts that you've had no time to know what you
want out of life. I'm here to tell you that I believe we could be a good team. I'm not nearly so terrible as you think.”

“I did not say I thought you terrible, Mr. Welby. Goodness, but you needn't put words in my mouth. As you well know, I have plenty of my own. I can say that your actions have at times seemed most unreasonable. Your rudeness on occasion has been most intolerable and your aggressive nature gives one pause to wonder if you are a man of compromise.”

“Compromise?” He chuckled. “I can't say that I relish compromise, but only because I generally feel quite passionate about my desires. Just as I do now. However, I am willing to compromise when it is called for. Is that what you are suggesting now?”

She felt trapped by her own word. “Mr. Welby, I truly do not know what to say. You have taken me by surprise. However, you need to know my heart.”

“I'd like very much to know it,” he said in a low husky voice.

“At this time I do not intend to marry anyone, and courtship is done for the purpose of such an outcome.” Only then did she remember Militine's thoughts on the matter. To her friend, courtship could also be for the sole purpose of having fun with another. There needn't be any intention of marriage. But what Welby was dangling in front of her was too serious to pass up without further thought. She had prayed about this and begged God to provide for the men on the docks. Recently, women had also started coming for food, bringing their children, as well. It would be wonderful to offer a separate place for them to dine, and in a big enough facility Abrianna could do just that.

“So you won't even give me a chance to prove myself? That's rather unfair, don't you think? Not only that, but you would be denying those you claim to care so much about. Can you in good conscience leave them without for fear of falling in love with me?”

“I'm not afraid of falling in love with you, Mr. Welby.” That actually was the least of her concerns.

“Then what? What could possibly stand in the way of your agreement?”

She tried to think rationally. He made a very good argument. A thought came to mind. “Let's say that I agreed to your arrangement.” She held up her hand at his broad grin. “Just for the purpose of further understanding. You would provide this facility and all that is needed to house and feed the poor. But for how long? What if you could not accomplish what you believe and make me fall in love with you? After all, such feelings are rather precarious things to place wagers upon. I'm certain my aunts would say it was impossible. However, for the sake of this argument, let's say we courted, and I didn't fall in love with you. Would you then strip away the provision offered those needy souls?”

“Absolutely not. That would be cruel.”

“Yes, it would be, but how could I be assured that you would not?”

“I would have a contract prepared. I would purchase a building and the goods needed for your operation, and I would sign them all over to you as a gift of good faith. You would own them in full. That way I could never take them back and leave the poor without your help.”

He wasn't making this any easier. Abrianna felt herself being edged closer and closer to allowing for his request. She drew a deep breath. “Very well. I have another question. If on the remote chance that I did fall in love with you and we were to be married, then what? What would become of my ministry to the poor? Surely you could not have a wife performing such a service for the community. What would society say?”

“If you know me even a little, Abrianna, you know that I care very little about what society says or thinks. I'm a business
man. A rather wealthy one, and I find that allows me to move beyond the fetters that some create for themselves in this age of rules and regulations. I would allow you to continue serving the people in whatever way you felt necessary. I'm not a harsh taskmaster. I would be a most loving husband, supportive of your charitable endeavors.”

His answer was hard to believe and even harder to find fault with. “How could I be assured of that?”

“Again, I could put it into a contract. Many married people have contracts between them that have nothing to do with the wedding ceremony. Women come into marriages with vast fortunes that they wish to keep. Contracts are made. It's not unheard of, I assure you. Now, to my way of thinking, you are out of arguments.”

“I suppose I am.” She looked at the man and tried to imagine her life with him. He wasn't bad looking, although she could not call him handsome. Still, she couldn't fault him for that. He was, after all, just as God had made him. It was hardly his doing that his ears were rather large and his eyes were very dark. To his credit he shaved daily and smelled good. His clothes were always in good order, and he did attend church regularly, although she had no real understanding of his spiritual standing with the Lord. That thought brought to her another question.

“You do know that I am a woman of God. I will not be dallied with. Purity is important to me, and you would have to honor that, as well.”

He nodded. “Rest assured, Abrianna, I highly value purity. You can be assured I will not take liberties with you . . . until, of course, we marry.”

His smile caused a shiver to run down her spine. “
If
we marry.”

“Then you'll allow me to court you?”

She shrugged. “I suppose I have no choice. The poor have
their needs, and if I am to truly sacrifice myself for them, then so be it.”

He roared in laughter. She'd not expected such a reaction, but it gave her a chance to sidestep the man and the tree to put a bit of distance between them. She didn't know exactly what she'd gotten herself into, but she would definitely speak to Kolbein and have him draw up the details of any contract. Mr. Welby might believe he had the upper hand in this matter, but Abrianna would see that he held to his part of the bargain.

Sobering, Welby extended his arm to Abrianna. “Shall we go speak to your aunts? I want to make certain this is handled to their satisfaction. I would not wish to offend them, not now after I've worked so hard to get you to say yes.”

Hesitating for a moment, Abrianna reminded herself that this was for the poor and needy. And, after all, she had prayed God would send someone to help her accomplish more. Even Wade wanted her to be mindful of a future that might include a husband and children. With a sigh, she took hold of his arm. This wasn't at all the answer she'd presumed God would provide, but who was she to refuse if this was His way of providing? Aunt Miriam said that often God's answers looked nothing like you thought they should. Apparently this was one of those situations.

I
don't believe it.” Abrianna pulled on Militine's apron. “Look who just arrived. No doubt he felt the need to see firsthand what we've been doing here.”

Militine turned and saw Pastor Walker carefully walking among the men who were lining up to receive the noon meal. He looked very uncomfortable and shied away when one man reached out his hand.

“He doesn't seem too friendly, does he?”

“Of course not. He's probably afraid they'll get dirt on his pretty new suit.” Abrianna muttered something Militine couldn't quite make out. “Forgive me.” Abrianna patted Militine's arm. “I'm afraid that man just gets my dander up.”

Pastor Walker crossed the room, avoiding any entanglements with the patrons. He even went so far as to hold a handkerchief up to his nose as he passed by several particularly smelly fishermen.

When he reached Militine and Abrianna, he lowered it. “I had to see for myself that the situation was just as bad as I had suspected.”

“Yes, these people are truly without the common needs of life.” Abrianna moved to ladle some more soup into bowls.

“That's not what I meant.” Walker moved closer to where she was working. “I meant that this is just as bad a situation for you as I presumed it would be. I am certain your aunts have no idea of how exposed you are to foul language and ill tempers.”

Abrianna lifted her head and smiled. Militine watched as her friend moved from behind the table to draw closer to the line of men. “What are my rules about eating here?”

“No fightin', no cussin', no drinkin' of liquor, or smokin'.” The man at the front of the line smiled, revealing several missing teeth. “And we offer grace for each meal.”

Abrianna turned to the pastor. She had the look of a woman prepared for battle. “Any other concerns, Pastor Walker?”

“Of course I have concerns. The biggest being that you are risking your reputation . . . dare I say your very soul by disregarding common sense and the wisdom of your pastor.”

Militine bit her lip and did her best to focus on cutting the bread. Bossy, ill-tempered men were nothing new to her, and she knew from experience it was best to make herself as inconspicuous as possible. Thane and Wade had stepped outside for firewood, and there was no telling when they might return. If she said anything to encourage Abrianna, things might turn truly ugly. It wasn't easy, however. She'd listened to Abrianna rant on and on the night she'd come home from dinner at the Booths' home.

“Pastor Walker”—Abrianna squared her shoulders—“if I felt that you had any wisdom to offer, I might be inclined to listen. However, all I've heard from you is criticism and belittling. This is the first time you've even seen this place. Why not take off your lovely new suit coat and roll up your sleeves to help. I believe the men might like to know more about you and our church.”

He sputtered in protest. “I . . . I am not a . . . God did not
call me to serve soup, my dear woman. I am a man of the cloth. Furthermore, when you insult me, you insult God.”

“Now, hold on there a minute, Preacher.” Jay Bowes left the line to come to Abrianna's defense. “You got no call to be treating her so rudely. Miss Abrianna has done nothing wrong. She's shared the gospel with us and given of her heart and time. I'd say she's a lot closer to God than you think.”

“Stay out of this. If you knew anything about the Bible, you would know that women have no place in the pulpit or in teaching men.”

Jay narrowed his eyes. “Seems to me that she was just doing what decent, God-fearing preachers like you wouldn't do. She don't just live by words—she lives by deeds.”

“She is living in sin by disobeying. I try to have some sympathy for her, given she has never had a God-fearing man in her home to direct her life. However, she refuses counsel and direction, and you, sir, are only serving to encourage her behavior. I must demand that you stay out of this. You have no right to interject yourself in this affair.”

“I have every right.” Jay stepped closer to the pastor. “We all do, as far as I'm concerned, but me more than the rest. I'm her pa.”

Abrianna's head snapped up at this. Militine watched the color drain from her face and hurried to Abrianna's side. She put her arm around Abrianna's waist. “Breathe,” she whispered.

The pastor looked as shocked as Abrianna. “You would lie to a man of the cloth?”

“I tell no lie. I'm her father. I've long been absent from her life, but that doesn't change the fact. It also doesn't change the fact that I'm escortin' you from this place. I have plenty of help here to see the job done. Don't I, boys?”

“Yeah,” nearly the entire group of twenty-some men declared
at once. Those who'd been sitting got to their feet, and those who were standing in line moved out to back up Jay.

“Come along now, Preacher. I believe you've overstayed your welcome.” He took hold of the man's coat. “Oh, sorry that my hands aren't so clean as yours. I suppose a little dirt won't hurt you none.” He pulled the shocked pastor down the aisle and out the door.

Abrianna continued to stare at the door. Militine moved her to a chair and forced her to sit. Some of the men jumped into action. One brought a glass of water and another took up a newspaper and began to fan her.

“Drink this.” Militine handed her the glass from Hairless Mike. She held it to Abrianna's lips and waited until she'd obediently swallowed a sip.

Just then Jay Bowes returned with Wade and Thane right behind him. They all had a look of concern on their faces, and Militine could clearly see that any gathering of wood for the stove had been temporarily forgotten.

Jay came to kneel beside Abrianna. “I'm sorry for breakin' the news to you in such a poor manner. I couldn't bear the way that man was treating you.”

Abrianna turned to look at him. “Is it true?”

A smile broke across the man's face. “It is. I wasn't sure at first. God knows I've spent the last year searching.”

“Just the last year?”

“I'm afraid it's a long story. See, when you were just a babe, I got caught up in one of those situations you warned me about. You know, hanging with the wrong folks. I was looking for work in California. There was some killing, and I was accused of murder. They sent me to jail, and I'd be there still had another man not confessed to the deed. I guess there was a lot of evidence, too.”

“But you . . . Mama never knew.” Abrianna looked more confused than ever.

“No, sweet girl. She didn't know. I couldn't shame her like that. I knew if word got back to her that her husband was jailed as a murderer, folks would most likely turn away from her. I figured if they just thought me dead or, even worse, that I'd abandoned the two of you, they might have more sympathy and lend a hand. I'm glad to see that my sacrifice did just that.”

Wade came to where Abrianna sat, and Militine stepped back to let him have access to her. She moved back to the table, and Thane joined her there. He leaned down to whisper in her ear.

“He just told us outside. We figured we'd better get in here.”

Militine nodded. “I'm glad you did. You can see for herself she's in a state of shock.” She looked at the growing number of men. With her most authoritative voice she called out, “If everybody will line up, we'll begin serving as soon as someone offers grace.”

No one moved. They were all transfixed. It was as if they were caught up in a theatrical production and didn't want to so much as cough until the act ended and the curtain fell.

Jay took hold of Abrianna's hand. “I'm so sorry. I didn't want to tell you like this. I wanted to find a way to make it easier for you.”

“You told me your name was Jay Bowes.” She looked at him and shook her head. “Not Cunningham.”

“My name is James Bowes Cunningham. I figured it best to go by Jay Bowes in case anyone had read about me in the California papers. My release was something of an affair down Stockton way. I know I've given you an awful shock, darling. That was never my intention. Not that it matters now.”

“Why don't you give Abrianna a little time to think,” Wade suggested. “I believe she's had enough for one day.”

Jay stood and smiled. “I'm sure you're right.” He turned back to the rest of the men. “Soup smells mighty good. I believe I'll offer grace.”

The men bowed their heads, and Jay Bowes offered a simple prayer of thanks for the food and for finding his daughter. Militine could see the happiness in the old man's face and knew without a doubt that he was telling the truth. She thought of all her fears that someone might show up who knew her. Funny how that had never bothered her here at the food house, yet if anyone from her past were to show up, it would most likely be someplace like this. Her throat went dry at the thought.

The men reluctantly lined up for their soup, and Thane stepped up beside Militine to help. Meanwhile, she could see that the men were still glancing toward Abrianna and Wade. He said something to her and Abrianna nodded. Militine couldn't help but wonder at their exchange, but when Abrianna got to her feet she presumed Wade had encouraged her to leave.

Abrianna took two faltering steps, however, and promptly sank to the ground in a faint. Militine watched as Wade scooped her up.

“Thane, I'm going to take her home. Can you handle this?”

“I can. Militine and I can take care of everything.”

“We'll see to it that things get taken care of, as well,” Jay told him. “Just see to her.” His expression darkened. No doubt he wanted to go along with Wade but knew it wasn't the right time.

But was there ever a right time for the past to return?

Wade sensed Abrianna rousing and paused at the wagon. “Abrianna? Abrianna, open your eyes.”

She did and looked at him as if she were in a dream. She glanced around and then shook her head. “Goodness. Why ever are you carrying me? I must be a terrible burden. Put me down.”

“The way you burden a man comes in other forms. Are you sure you won't faint again?”

“I fainted?”

“You did.”

She let go a heavy sigh and then the event seemed to come back to her. “Mr. Bowes says he's my father.”

“Yes, I know.” He motioned his head to the wagon. “I'm taking you home for a rest. I don't want to hear any of your protests about how you have to be here at the food house. Everything has been arranged. Now, I want you to get up on the seat.” He lowered her to the ground and then all but pushed her up the side of the wagon to take her place.

Afraid she might bolt, Wade didn't bother to walk around the wagon, but instead climbed up and maneuvered to take his place beside her. He picked up the reins and released the brake. “Move on, horse.” With a flick of the reins the horse began to walk.

Much to his surprise, Abrianna remained silent. Wade couldn't remember a time when anything had kept her without comment for such a long time. He smiled, and when they hit a hole, his smile deepened as she let herself lean against him.

“You've had a pretty big shock today. Just rest. In no time at all we'll be back at the house.”

“I should be happy.”

He waited for her to say something more, and when she didn't, he felt compelled to offer his thoughts. “Give it time. News like this, coming all at once, is never easy.”

She straightened and Wade immediately missed her presence. “Do you think he's telling the truth, Wade?”

“I don't know. Not for sure. He didn't seem like he was making it up. Besides, why would a man lie about something like that?”

“I don't know.” She shook her head. “I can boast knowledge about many things but not about the workings of a man's
mind.” She looked up and met his eyes. “To me, the way men think and the actions they put behind those thoughts make little or no sense at all.”

He laughed heartily at her comment. “I know quite a few men who feel the same way about our female counterparts.”