Refining Fire (26 page)

A
couple of days later, Abrianna looked at the older man who sat beside her and pondered what it might have been like to grow up with a father in her life, rather than three old ladies. James Cunningham had had no place in her past life, except that of a name. Now as they shared a bit of time alone on the expansive porch of the bridal school, Abrianna found she wanted to know everything about this man.

“I still can't believe you are really here.” She met his gaze. “I used to dream this might happen, that you and Mama would come to me and tell me it had all been some horrible mistake. That you were both alive and well and loved me.”

“I've always loved you, Abrianna.” He looked across the yard toward the bay. “I loved your mama, too. I'm deeply ashamed that she died without me by her side. Maybe if I'd been there, she wouldn't have died at all.”

“Possibly.” She knew life was full of what if's, and few ever served a good purpose. “I know Aunt Miriam said Mama loved you and felt certain you had died, otherwise you would have returned to her.”

“I'm glad she knew I loved her and never lost faith in me,” her father replied. “All those years in prison, paying for something
I didn't do, nearly drove me mad. I worried about whether you two were safe. I knew there would be no income for her and fretted something fierce over what she would do to keep you both from starvation.”

“She sought help from God's people. The ladies who took her in were strong in the Lord. They still are. My aunts told me that they knew beyond a doubt that they were to see to us and, when Mama died, to go on caring for me. I've had a good life with them, and I love them as dearly as if they were my own blood.”

“They are good women,” he agreed. “Your mama used to say that God was able to meet our every need. She was the one who helped me see the truth. She was there on the Sunday when I went to the altar and prayed for forgiveness. How I wish I could have back all those years with her and with you.”

“We will have to make the best of the years to come instead. I have spent far too many moments lost in sorrow and longing for what could have been.” Abrianna smiled and put her hand atop his. “That is behind me now, and I have you. I shall look forward to getting to know what it is to have an earthly father.”

He took her hand in his. “I hope we have a good many years.”

A carriage came up the long drive, and several well-dressed men stepped from within. The driver sat ramrod straight, not moving from his perch as the men made their way up the stairs of the bridal school. Abrianna got to her feet to investigate, her father right behind her.

“May I help you gentlemen?”

“We are here to speak with Mrs. Madison,” one of the men declared. “Might she be in residence?” He handed Abrianna a calling card.

“‘Mayor Robert Moran,'” she read aloud.

“Yes, and this is Judge Junius Rochester and former governor Watson C. Squire.”

“I'm honored to meet you, gentlemen. I am Miss Abrianna Cunningham, and this is my father, James Cunningham. Mrs. Madison is my aunt. If you will follow me inside, I will announce you.”

She escorted them into the main parlor and asked if they would like to take tea. They declined, assuring her that their stay would be brief. Abrianna found her aunt in the kitchen teaching a group of young ladies how to make a proper salmon soufflé.

“Aunt Miriam, I am sorry to interrupt.” Abrianna handed her the calling card. “He is in the front parlor, along with a judge and former governor of the state. They said they would be brief.”

Her aunt looked appalled. “I suppose this fire has sent proper etiquette out the window when it comes to calling on people. Goodness, but it's not even ten.” She dusted flour from her hands and untied her apron. “Ladies, Abrianna will take over.”

Abrianna tried not to appear shocked as Aunt Miriam handed over her apron. “You know very well how to make a salmon soufflé.” She left Abrianna and the others to attend her company.

Abrianna looked back at the gathering of ladies and shrugged. Even the Chinese girls she'd helped to safety were watching and waiting. She donned the apron and smiled. “All right, let's see where Aunt Miriam left off.”

Militine and Thane shared a quick kiss before entering the large informal sitting room where the others were waiting. Mrs. Madison, Mrs. Gibson, and Miss Poisie sat together on the edge of the large sofa, while Abrianna, Wade, and Mr. Cunningham all sat separately.

“Now that we are all assembled,” Mrs. Madison said, “I have news to share that will affect each of you. The mayor came to meet with me and has made a request. It seems that he would
like us to hold our annual ball as usual. He asks, however, that we consider opening it to everyone as a way of encouraging the citizens of Seattle. He thought it might serve well if we were to hold it on the Fourth of July.”

“Although that is a Thursday, and the ball has always been held on Friday,” Miss Poisie interjected, as if this were an important point.

Mrs. Madison gave her a nod and continued. “He told me that he and several others who did not suffer loss are quite willing to put up the money to see the event held. I thought since we have only one couple who wish to wed that we refrain from this being a ball and perhaps call it a Fourth of July celebration. However, I wished to discuss it with all involved.”

“I think it sounds like a wonderful idea,” Mr. Cunningham said. “I'll happily do whatever I can to help with the affair.”

“Me too,” Wade declared. “Maybe we could get some fireworks. Thane and I could handle a display for the party.”

“Oh, that would be grand,” Mrs. Gibson said, clapping her pudgy hands together. “Just imagine how spectacular that would be.”

Mrs. Madison smiled, but her gaze was fixed on Militine and Thane. “I do want you two to know that this needn't interfere with your wedding plans. We have thoroughly discussed the situation, and if you are agreed, we would like to have your wedding here in the garden. It would be a private affair.”

Militine looked at Thane and nodded. “I would much prefer a small wedding to a large and formal ball.”

Thane smiled. “As long as she's happy, I'm happy.”

“We thought perhaps the twenty-ninth of this month. We could have a lovely morning wedding.”

“Oh yes, and then a wedding breakfast,” Miss Poisie said with great gusto. “I do love wedding breakfasts. They are always such grand affairs.”

“I do have one concern,” Thane said. “I have no home to take a bride to. Were it not for you, Mrs. Madison, as well as Mrs. Gibson and Miss Poisie putting me and Wade up in the carriage house with Mr. Cunningham, I would be living in the relief tent downtown.”

“We did consider that, as well.” Mrs. Madison looked to Wade and then Thane. “However, it will involve a little work on your part. Perhaps Wade's, as well.”

“What is it? What can I do?” Thane asked.

“Well, as you know, just off the third-floor ballroom there is a large open room that is currently housing our Chinese guests. Prior to this, it hadn't served any purpose other than storage, and we are of a mind that it would be better divided into rooms. I believe two large rooms and a bathroom could easily be fitted in that area. If you and Wade are willing to do the work, I will provide the money to purchase the materials. It seems the entire town is all about building, anyway, and I have it on the word of the mayor that he will personally arrange the supplies.” She paused and her expression softened from her usual stern look.

“I know what it is to find true love, and I am quite happy that you and Militine have found each other. Therefore, given the circumstances, I would like to invite you to stay here with us after you wed. Thane, you have been like family for some years, and we have grown fond of Militine. You could call this home for as long as needed.”

“Sounds like a pretty good deal,” Wade said, giving Thane a wink.

Militine felt herself blush at the thought that so many people were arranging for her to have a bedroom with her husband. It was quite a concession for Mrs. Madison. Never had men been allowed to stay in the house. The Bridal School had always been absolutely proper on that matter.

“I think we'd like that.” Thane looked to Militine. She nodded and squeezed his hand.

“Very well. Then we shall make arrangements for the materials, the wedding, and the Fourth of July celebration. Agreed?” Mrs. Madison asked.

“Agreed,” they declared in unison.

“And the wedding will be on the twenty-ninth.” Abrianna strolled the grounds with Priam Welby and chattered about most anything that came to mind. Although the man had proven to be kind and even pleasant company, she still had no feelings for him.

“Would that it could be our wedding,” he said, turning her to face him. “I apologize if that was inappropriate, but I find myself more and more anxious to make you fall in love with me.”

She shook her head. “Should a person ever be made to fall in love? I thought those things were to happen naturally, not to be forced.”

“Oh, Abrianna, you are so innocent of life. Many people marry without love and then develop it during their time together. I could teach you much.” He tried to pull her into an embrace, but Abrianna moved to the side.

“Mr. Welby, as I told you when this . . . courtship started, I do not love you, nor do I believe that I will fall in love with you. You were the one who drew up the contracts with Mr. Booth, and you know very well why I agreed to see you.”

His expression hardened for a moment, and then he looked quite remiss. “I am sorry. I never meant to push you. As an innocent young woman you have no idea the wonder of a love that blooms between a man and a woman.”

Wade came to mind. She tried to put his image from her head, but it remained even as Mr. Welby spoke of romance.
Thinking back to how Clara had flirted with Wade again over dinner the night before, Abrianna realized in a start that she was jealous. Jealous of Clara. But why? Was it because the girl interacted so easily with men?

But I have never had any trouble speaking to a man—
especially to Wade. I have shared my heart with him on many occasions
and have had great fun in his company
.

“I fear you are no longer listening,” Mr. Welby said. “I'm not convinced that you are truly giving me a chance.”

Abrianna cleared her mind. “I am sorry. It's just that there is so much to be done. The wedding is in less than two weeks, and we are busy not only with those preparations but also for the Fourth of July celebration.”

“Might I escort you to the wedding? Perhaps with me at your side in such a romantic setting, you will find yourself envious of your friend and reconsider marriage.”

“I'm sorry, but no. I am to stand up with Militine, and the entire affair is very private.” Seeing his look of disappointment, she added, “Of course you are invited to the Fourth of July party. Everyone is.”