"Dawns Prelude" - читать интересную книгу автора (Peterson Tracie)

Chapter 9

On the twenty-seventh of July, the George S. Wright sailed into Sitka Sound with the mail. Lydia was anxious for word from Mr. Robinson. She hoped that the wills had been settled and that she could put the ordeal behind her. Especially now. Now that she was certain she carried Floyd's child.

Having a baby was the last thing Lydia had expected or planned for. She was still rather dumbfounded by the idea, but there was also a bit of pleasure and happiness at the thought that she would have a child of her own-a child Floyd and the rest of the Grays couldn't harm and influence.

She hadn't yet told Zerelda, but her aunt was a nurse and Lydia presumed she'd already suspected. Lydia figured to talk to her that night at dinner. After all, they would have to plan for the future. The baby would come sometime around Christmas, and Lydia wanted to be completely prepared.

"This what you're waiting for?" the postmaster asked. He extended a thick envelope to Lydia.

"Thank you, Mr. Fuller. I believe it is." She didn't wait to open it. Zerelda was next door at the bakery visiting with a friend, so Lydia found a place to sit not far away and began to read.

Mvv dear M,s. Gin;

I hope this missive finds you in good health. As I ant certain you are wondering about the resolution of your husband's and fist hers estates, I will get right to the heart of the subject.

Lydia read on to see that the court had ruled in her favor. Marston and Mitchell were appealing the ruling, of course, hut Robinson was unconcerned. He did, however, wish to know if Lydia still desired him to settle everything in the same way she had dictated upon her departure.

This gave Lydia pause to reconsider. Before, she hadn't known about the baby. This babe, after all, was entitled to the wealth as much as any of his half siblings. She shook her head, still finding it hard to imagine that she was actually carrying Floyd's baby in her womb. Because of her previous miscarriages, Lydia had feared she would be unable to have a baby of her own. Finding herself pregnant was somewhat like having the last laugh.

She continued reading, seeing that Robinson would await her final decision before proceeding. Perhaps it was time to give the entire matter another look. She had the money her father had left her in trust. She also had his estate and investments. And then there was the business her father and Floyd had built together. The casket business was producing an incredible profit, as Lydia could see by the statements issued from Robinson's office. Should she take that potential inheritance from her son or daughter?

Frowning, Lydia considered her options. To continue ties with the business would mean having to deal with Marston and Mitchell in some capacity. Or would it? She drew a deep breath and glanced out at the activity going on around her. What if she completely removed Marston and Mitchell from the business? Robinson was telling her that at this point everything belonged to her. What if she simply had Robinson dismiss them from any business dealings with the manufacturing company?

That would make them hate her more than they already did, but what of it? She honestly didn't care about their opinion. What she cared about was offering a fair and just life for her child.

"You seem deep in thought. I hope the news isn't had," Zerelda said as she joined Lydia. She carried a basket that was now heaped with goods from the bakery and held them up like some kind of prize bestowed upon her. "We will certainly eat well for lunch. We have fresh bread and some wonderful pastries."

Lydia nodded and tucked the letter back into the envelope. She said nothing but picked up the pace to follow Zerelda. Clouds were moving in, and in all likelihood it would be raining soon. Sitka often received more rain in a few days than Lydia had seen Kansas City welcome in weeks.

"So is the letter good news or had? I presume it's from your lawyer, since you said no one else knows of your being here."

"It is from Mr. Robinson. He says the courts have ruled in my favor."

"That's wonderful news," Zerelda said, smiling. You surely have nothing to fear anymore."

"I wouldn't say that. Mr. Robinson also says that Marston and Mitchell have appealed the decision. He wants to know how I want to handle things, as he hasn't yet moved on the distribution of properties that I left for him to see to."

"But why? Didn't you tell him exactly what you wanted to do?" Zerelda shook her head. "Won't the delay just cause further animosity between you and your dead husband's children?"

Lydia blurted out the news she'd been longing to share with Zerelda. "I'm going to have a baby"

"Well, I must admit I had wondered. I thought maybe you were already going through the change, since you hadn't had your monthly cycles since coming here. And while I've seen it happen before, you're much too young."

"It honestly didn't dawn on me until of late. I realized I'd missed my cycles for some time. I was almost too scared to believe it might be true."

Zerelda stopped and looked at her niece. "Then you are happy about this child?"

Lydia drew a deep breath. °I am." She turned to meet her aunt's intense brown eyes. "I've always wanted a child of my own. As you know, it's not my first time to carry a baby."

"Are you feeling movement?"

Lydia nodded and grinned. "Like butterfly wings fluttering inside me."

Zerelda shook her head in wonder. "I suppose that is something I shall never know, except through you. Are you feeling well?"

"I am. Now that I've recovered from my trip here, I honestly can say I've never felt better. I believe Sitka agrees with me."

"Good. Then this is a blessing. Children are a gift from God, you know. The Bible says so, and I believe it to he true."

Lydia didn't want the moment spoiled with reminders of God. She shrugged. "Well, I'm thinking there is much to be done before the babe arrives."

"And when will that be?"

"I can't be sure, but I think sometime around Christmas."

Zerelda started walking again and Lydia could see that her aunt was thinking over the logistics of the baby's arrival. No doubt Zerelda was focused on the medical aspects. There was a military hospital in Sitka with medical doctors, but given that Zerelda was a nurse, Lydia had figured to have her assist with the delivery.

"We have time to make things quite nice," Zerelda finally said. "We might want to consider adding on to the cabin, however. With Mr. Saberhagen selling the property before he leaves for Germany, we might have to move altogether."

"Would you ladies care for a ride home?"

Lydia looked over her shoulder to find Kjell reining back on his black draft horses. He grinned down at them. "It would be a tight fit, but I think we can squeeze three on the bench."

"That would be just fine," Zerelda said, not giving Lydia a chance to comment one way or another. She handed up her basket to Kjell, then climbed into the wagon as effortlessly as a younger woman. Lydia so admired her aunt. Many women of her age were already old worn from the duties of life. But not Zerelda.

Kjell reached down to Lydia as she carefully positioned her foot for the climb. She allowed him to take hold of her and nearly gasped as he hoisted her as effortlessly as a sack of flour. He unhanded her and took his seat between her and Zerelda.

"I'd say I'm getting the better end of this deal," he said, snapping the reins lightly The horses stepped into action, and the wagon lurched forward. "I get to ride with a beautiful lady on each side. Not many men around here can boast that."

"Just for that," Zerelda said with a grin, "I think I'll invite you to lunch with us. Would that be acceptable to you, Liddie?"

Lydia nodded. "I believe the ride home alone deserves some reward." The fact of the matter was, she enjoyed Kjell's company. He was gradually putting her at ease with his calming charm and sensitive understanding. Zerelda had been right when it came to him. Kjell Lindquist was unlike any other man Lydia had ever known.

"I'm sure you've heard by now that Dr. and Mrs. Ensign are planning to throw another ball," Kjell declared. "When they found out Lydia had missed the first one because of her illness after arriving, they were adamant that they should have another to welcome her to Sitka."

"I hadn't heard," Zerelda replied, looking past Kjell to Lydia.

"Neither had I."

"Good, since I am the first to share such happenings, I will expect you both to attend with me."

Zerelda laughed. "I'm much too old for a ball, and Lydia is-" She fell silent as Lydia 's eyes widened.

Kjell didn't seem to even notice. "Nonsense, Zee. You're one of the only eligible women available. You have to come. The date is set for two weeks from today."

A light rain began to fall as they approached the turn for the Saberhagen property. "Looks like your timing is perfect," Zerelda said as Kjell hurried the horses to the cabin. "Come along inside and we can further discuss this party."

Zerclda hopped down from the wagon and reached back up for her basket. "You two get a move on before the rain comes down in earnest."

Kjcll moved from the seat, leaving Lydia feeling strangely alone for the moment. She had liked the warmth of his body next to hers. Much more than she wanted to admit.

Lydia moved to the edge of the wagon and started to step down when Kjcll surprised her and took hold of her waist and lowered her to the ground. "I see Zee's food has put a bit of flesh on your bones," he commented as they sought the shelter of the porch.

Lydia stiffened. "Are you calling me fleshy,"

He laughed. "You came here skin and hones. You needed a little thickening up, and I'm glad to see you're doing so much better."

She felt her face grow hot. If only he knew the real reason for her extra weight. Lydia wondered what Kjell would say if she told him of the baby. She looked at him a moment longer, then smiled. "Aunt Zerelda is a good cook. I must say, she's teaching me a great deal."

That doesn't surprise me." Kjell ushered her through the open door. "Hmm, smells like stew."

Zerelda nodded. "I put it on when we walked to town this morning. I figured it would be just about ready when we returned." She pulled on an apron and motioned to Lydia. "Would you set the table? Kjell, how about bringing in some wood?"

"You betcha, Zee." He bounded back out the door before Lydia had a chance to even reply.

"Kjell said I'm getting fat," Lydia commented as she went to the cupboard for the bowls.

"He what?" Zerelda sounded shocked, and Lydia couldn't help but laugh.

"He said it in a nice way. Said it was good to see me getting some flesh on my hones."

"Did you mention the baby?"

Lydia cradled the bowls and shook her head. "I wasn't sure what to say. I'm still not. I mean, I realize everyone will know soon; I can hardly expect to keep it hidden for much longer."

"Well, you are a widow-there's no shame in expecting your husband's child." Zerelda's matter-of-fact statement was followed with a softening in her tone. "If you're worried about what people will think, you needn't. You've done nothing wrong."

"I know, but I can't help but wonder how this will change my life."

Zerelda brought the stew to the table. "That remains to be seen. It will change… but it would have anyway."

Lydia heard Kjell's hoot steps on the porch just outside the door. "Please don't say anything. I'm not ready to talk about it with… him."

"Here you go, Zee. And you were right. Its really coming down now." Kjcll made his way to the fireplace with an armload of wood. You want more than this? I have a feeling the night's going to turn chilly."

This will he fine. I can get more if we need it. Now come on and cat." Zerelda returned to the table with a loaf of bread and a crock of butter.

Kjcll and Lydia took their places at the table and waited for Zerclda to do likewise before Kjell offered a blessing. Lydia was uncomfortable with the prayer. She didn't bother to bow her head, but instead looked directly at Kjell as he spoke of his gratitude for the hands that had prepared the meal and for the food itself. He talked as casually to God as he did to her or Zerelda. When he concluded the prayer with amen, Lydia looked away and cleared her throat. She quickly busied herself by cutting the bread while Zerclda ladled soup into the howls.

"So what's the news, Kjell?"

He grinned and took the bowl Zerelda offered. "Well, there's going to he a census taken in October. Seems the government wants to know exactly how many folks are still here."

Zerelda leaned over and placed a bowl in front of Lydia. "And what will they do with that count',"

"Hard to say. Usually they use a census for the purpose of voting and such, but we don't have any voting rights up here. We're not even a territory yet. I suppose they might also want to judge whether they have enough military in place to keep the law. Maybe consider various taxes to pay for our keep."

Lydia quietly ate while her aunt and Kjell further discussed the census. She thought of her move to Sitka and how she would he counted among the citizens there. Her unborn child would not yet he numbered.

She thought again of Mr. Robinson's letter. Should she reply and tell him to hold off on doing anything more until after the birth of the baby? Marston had once commented that Gray money should he for Gray heirs, and now she carried just such a child.

There was a part of her that wanted nothing related to the Grays, however. What if she allowed Robinson to simply give it all back? She could walk away from the entire matter and never give those people another thought. Maybe that was the answer. Maybe real peace could be found in such an action.

"So what do you think, Lydia?"

She startled and looked up, realizing she hadn't heard a word of the conversation between Kjell and her aunt. "About… what?"

Kjell chuckled and gave her a wink. "Zee was just suggesting we might be able to convince you to give us a little concert one of these nights. Maybe have a few other folks in to enjoy the music, as well."

Lydia tried to imagine being the focus of the evening. "I… well… I don't know that I would be comfortable. I mean… my y…" She fell silent. How music has always been for my… for my…" could she explain to them that she had sought a lifetime of solace and companionship in an object of wood and strings?

"I'm sure that, like my guitar playing, its always been a rather private thing, ja?" Kjell asked.

She met his eyes and nodded. She found understanding there along with a gentleness that she could not begin to comprehend. This man had a way about him-away of seeing through her pain and suffering. It frightened and intrigued her.