Threads of Faith Read online

  She waved him into the back of the store. Daniel followed on a wave of amazement. However, when he stepped into the back room, he realized how much the general store had expanded. Now, instead of just a few guns, there were rifles and pistols displayed along one wall. Various ammunitions were advertised from inside a glass counter top. And there was farm equipment galore. Daniel couldn’t help thinking how much Poppa would have loved to see it here, all shining and new. But perhaps he had . . .

  In the far corner, opposite the collection of firearms, was a vast array of medical equipment—including three wheelchairs.

  Daniel inspected each of them and chose the one best suited for his father’s comfort. A caned back and padded seat.

  “You’re a good son,” Mrs. Grainger said as she wrote up the sale. “I know your mother will appreciate this.”

  Daniel wasn’t sure about anything that had to do with his mother, so he said nothing as he paid the bill. All he could think of was that his father couldn’t lie in darkness and linger. Getting him out of bed and outdoors into the fresh air and sunshine would help. Dr. Morrison had always said so.

  “I think your mother’s cupboards have been a little sparse these days.” Mrs. Grainger pretended to arrange some candy on the counter. “I brought over some rhubarb sauce that she can add to your father’s daily consumption of porridge. As you’re aware, I’m sure, rhubarb has some medicinal qualities.”

  “And with enough sugar, it’s actually edible.” Daniel chuckled inwardly and scanned the wall of various canned goods before gazing back to the more-than-helpful proprietress. “I could use some assistance, Mrs. Grainger, selecting items that might be useful for my family.”

  Her eyes sparked with enthusiasm. “It will be my pleasure.” She stepped out from behind the counter and wiped her hands on her tan apron. “And while I’m filling a crate or two, it may interest you to know that my son-in-law is the butcher next door.” She sent him an encouraging smile.

  “Well, then, I’ll load my father’s wheelchair into the wagon before returning for foodstuff.”

  “You’re not only generous, but you’re a smart man too, aren’t you?”

  “I certainly try.” This time Daniel actually laughed. The old woman was quite the sales person. “Thank you, Mrs. Grainger. I’ll be back shortly.”

  “And this is my workroom.” Mrs. Sundberg lifted an arm, indicating that Julianna should precede her into the room.

  “Goodness,” she breathed, feeling a bit awestruck. Bolts of all different colors and fabrics were neatly stacked on shelves against one wall. A black sewing machine, built right into its own cabinet, occupied some nearby floor space, and in the corner of the room was a spinning wheel surrounded by baskets of puffy wool.

  Julianna neared the spinning wheel for closer inspection.

  “That belonged to Danny’s bestemor—his grandmother.” Mrs. Sundberg came to stand beside her. “When I first met the Sundbergs, they allowed me to use it to spin. After I married Sam, my father-in-law gave it to me as a very special gift. I spin almost every day. It relieves my mind of our troubles for a time.”

  “That’s a good way to let out the tension.” Julianna wandered to the sewing machine and ran a finger along its sleek black top. “Me sister told me that my mother was a seamstress. I can sew too, but I’ve only done mending.”

  “Then I will have to show you how to use the machine.” Mrs. Sundberg smiled. “It has made my life so much easier. I purchased it a few years ago. Crops were plentiful then, and I was able to use the funds I earned from my knitting to buy it.”

  Agnes burst into the room.

  “What is it? A customer in the store?”

  “No, Momma. Daniel has returned, and he’s got a wagonload of goods for us and a wheelchair for Poppa. Quick. Come see!”

  Julianna glimpsed the frown puckering Mrs. Sundberg’s brow as she followed Agnes out of the workroom. “I’m afraid you’ll have to get used to Daniel’s generosity. He purchased a new wardrobe for me so I could have a chance at a nice start in America.”

  “He should not have done all this.” Mrs. Sundberg stopped at the front window and peered out while Agnes ran to greet Daniel.

  Julianna laughed softly when he lifted the girl off the ground and twirled her around in his arms. She noted Agnes’s expression of admiration as he set her back down on the walk.

  “Your son sees to the needs of others, Mrs. Sundberg, whether it’s his crew or a lowly housemaid who’d accidentally boarded his ship—or his family.”

  When Mrs. Sundberg’s frown didn’t abate, she added, “Daniel’s a good man, and that’s thanks to you.”

  She gave a little snort, dismay or disbelief?

  “You gave birth to him and raised him until he was fifteen. I don’t know about Daniel, but when I was fifteen, I was grown and taking care of me sister who enjoyed tippin’ the bottle with her friends, if you know what I mean. I’d make sure she stayed safe while she was inebriated.”

  “That’s a lot of responsibility for a fifteen-year-old.” Slowly Mrs. Sundberg turned to Julianna. The woman tipped her head. “You said a housemaid accidently boarded Danny’s ship?”

  Dread ran down the length of Julianna’s body, from head to toes. She shouldn’t have said such a thing. She patted the knot of hair at her nape. “It’s a long story. Maybe for another time.”

  Mrs. Sundberg blinked.

  Then Daniel came through the door, carrying a wooden wheelchair with black leather padding on the seat. He set it down, and Agnes came around him.

  “Momma, look what Danny brought Poppa. Now we can take him on a walk outside.”

  “Your poppa cannot go outside.” She glared at Daniel. “The doctor ordered—”

  “I care very little what that senile old man sputtered. I just talked to him myself, and he wasn’t even sure what day it is.” Daniel wagged his head. “I’m going to have a specialist examine Poppa.”

  Mrs. Sundberg drew back. “But Dr. Harris is the only doctor in town.”

  “That ought to change too.”

  Julianna sucked in her lower lip as she watched the exchange. She thought Daniel was awfully hard on his mother. It was obvious that she’d been doing the best she could.

  “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a wagon to unload.”

  “Can I help, Danny?” Agnes looked up at him with an eager shine in her eyes.

  Daniel smiled. “I believe you can.” He reached for her hand, and she clasped his palm.

  Julianna tamped down feelings of jealousy. How she wished it could be her holding Daniel’s hand in such an affectionate way. Still, she couldn’t help but smile as brother and sister made their way outside.

  She turned to Mrs. Sundberg, noting the tears filling the older woman’s eyes. “Don’t be offended. Daniel only wants to help.”

  Mrs. Sundberg didn’t reply but whirled around and ran to the back of the shop, through the curtained doorway, disappearing into the cozy apartment she shared with her husband and Agnes.

  “It only makes sense that we each take a room at the hotel. Mor doesn’t have room for us here.”

  Julianna saw Daniel’s gaze darken in a way that let her know he was none too pleased with the situation. “I don’t mind sharing a room with Agnes.”

  Daniel shook his head and gazed across the street. Earlier he’d shed his jacket while unloading the groceries, and now he looked less formal as he leaned against the white, wooden outer wall of his mother’s shop.

  Julianna sat down on the bench beneath the front window. She’d trailed Daniel outside since his mother and sister refused to let her help, insisting that she was a guest. “I’m already indebted to you. I can’t let you pay for me stay at a hotel—my stay,” she quickly amended.

  “Nonsense, Julianna.” He folded his arms. “You owe me nothing. I’ve told you that before.”

  “And I thank you for that.” She sent him a smile. “But you can’t take care of me forever. Eventually I will have to make my ow
n way.” Gazing down the street and having a clear view, now that the morning crowd had thinned, she eyed the hotel. “Which reminds me . . . ” She gazed up at Daniel again. “Mr. Dunbar invited me to dinner tomorrow night so his father can meet me and decide if I’m worthy enough to hire.”

  Daniel’s auburn brows arched with interest. “To which you said . . . ?”

  “I agreed.” She grimaced. “But won’t you come along with me?”

  “What happened to making your own way?” He barely contained his grin.

  “I know it sounds contradictory.” Julianna felt a jab of chagrin. “However, after thinking over his offer, I realized that I don’t want to serve strong drinks because of what’s become of me sister in that line of work. How do I say such a thing eloquently? I don’t want to make a complete fool of meself.” She blinked. “Myself.”

  He narrowed his gaze, and Julianna recognized the look: the good captain was considering her request. She held her breath, hoping he’d consent.

  “All right,” he said after several long moments.

  Julianna exhaled.

  “I’ll accompany you tomorrow night. I’m sure I can extract another invitation. But I can guarantee Mr. Mark Dunbar won’t like it.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Daniel moved to sit beside her, and Julianna scooted over to make more room for him.

  “I’m sure you realize that you’ve caught the man’s interest.” The bench dipped slightly beneath his weight, and his shoulder brushed against hers. “Perhaps he’ll want to court you.”

  “Yes, I’ve noted his interest, but I don’t return it—and I’ve very politely told your mother and Agnes why.”

  “Excuse me?” He bent his head forward and fixed his gaze on her.

  “I didn’t mention any names.” Julianna looked away, although she knew Mrs. Sundberg had guessed the truth. If Agnes had also, she had not made it known.

  “Julianna, you would do well to marry Mark Dunbar. While I was in town, I discovered his family is quite wealthy. I’m sure my sister will never have to worry where her next meal is coming from.”

  “If I ever marry, it’ll be because you asked me.”

  “Stop that talk right now.” There was an unmistakable edge to his voice.

  Julianna pressed her lips together.

  “This isn’t funny, Julianna.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I don’t find it funny at all. I’m just being honest.”

  “I’m not the only man in the world with principles.” He kept his voice low, but she heard sternness enough for a shout.

  “So you’ve said.” Except Julianna hadn’t met anyone even close to Daniel’s caliber. Jeremy had been nice enough, but he wasn’t noble and brave, and those blue eyes—

  “Julianna, I mean it.” His gaze bore into hers.

  “I know,” she whispered, trying desperately to quell the deep sadness within her. “I never imagine a future together. I know better than that.”

  His features softened, and for a fleeting second she thought he’d span the inches between them and kiss her.

  Instead he stood to his feet and strode to the end of the boardwalk. With his back to her he leaned against the corner of the store. Men on horseback rode by, stirring up dust on the street. A buggy passed, followed by two rattling wagons. Manitowoc’s main thoroughfare certainly differed from London’s.

  Several minutes passed before Daniel turned and came toward her. He sat back down. “We’re not isolated on a ship that I command any longer, Julianna. This is the town in which you might choose to reside for the rest of your life. Don’t risk your reputation— and I’m not referring to anything concerning your past,” he added quickly. “I mean your present. No one knows you here, and if they judge you by your clothing, they’ll think you’re from a good family. They needn’t know anything else unless you tell them or show your feelings for me. If that happens, your name might be irreparably marred.”

  Julianna knew what he meant. “Like the woman in that story called The Scarlet Letter?”

  Daniel pulled his head back and his brow furrowed.

  “But I thought she rather deserved it. After all, she’d taken up with a married man.”

  “But you see? That was the author’s point. Jesus Himself said, ‘He that is without sin among you, let him cast a stone.’” Daniel sagged against the wall. He stretched one leg out in front of him. “It’s not our job to condemn others. It’s God’s authoritative right.”

  Julianna’s jaw slacked. “You know more about God than I imagined.”

  “No, not really. I just remember that bit of teaching from my boyhood.” He arched a brow. “And you know more about literature than I imagined.” With a smile he added, “How do you know about Nathaniel Hawthorne’s book?”

  “The Pigeon Lady read it to me, although I took a turn here and there for practice.”

  Daniel shook his head. “Now, there, you see, that’s what I mean, Julianna. Don’t mention that pigeon person, drunken sailors, your ever-inebriated sister, Olson Tolbert, or any other shady people from your past. Pretend they never existed.”

  She mulled it over. “But to pretend they never existed is to pretend I never existed.” She laced her fingers and stared into her lap. A hot, thick breeze licked her hairline. “Which, perhaps, wouldn’t be a bad thing.” She’d often wondered why God allowed her to live when Mum had died. At the moment she felt quite useless.

  “I suggest you refrain from any self-abasement, Julianna. You’re an intelligent, determined, and beautiful young woman.” He inhaled audibly and tucked his hands behind his head. “Granted, you’re far too sassy and outspoken for your own good. Nevertheless, I have every confidence that you were put here on this earth to make a difference.”

  “Do you really think so?” No one had ever told her such a thing.

  “I wouldn’t have said it just to be kind.”

  “Yes, you would have.” She turned her head to catch the warning glint in his eyes. “But I suppose I sassed you just now.”

  “I suppose.” He arched a meaningful brow.

  She swallowed a laugh. Moments later she decided that now seemed like the perfect time to broach a subject that had been weighing on her mind for some time.

  “Speaking of kindness, Daniel . . . and about God being the one who condemns, not us . . . ”

  “Yes?”

  “Well . . . ” She wetted her lips. “Do you think you’ve been a bit terse with your mother?”

  “Terse?” He straightened his spine. “How can you ask me such a thing after I filled her cupboards with groceries?” His jaw muscle worked. “I purchased a wheelchair for my father, and it will make her life easier. I’m also calling a specialist to examine him. How is that terse?”

  Julianna blinked. “Captain Sundberg, if you were a shark right now, I imagine you’d have bitten me head clear off! That’s what I mean about terse.”

  He blew out a breath as if tamping down his irritation. Seconds later his gaze darkened with contrition. “I’m sorry, Julianna.” His shoulders relaxed, as did his features. He lazed back again, and she enjoyed his nearness once more. “I’ve told you what’s gone on in the past.”

  “Yes.” She realized once again that they shared a lot of each other’s secrets. “But your mum has no say over your future now. You’re a grown man—and one who’s quite successful.”

  A rueful-looking smile curved his lips.

  “And, besides, the farm is gone, so you never have to worry about her pestering you about it again.”

  He seemed to give the matter a moment’s thought. “I know what you’re saying is true, and yet there’s a part of me that’s very angry with Mor for letting things get this way.”

  “You think it’s her fault?”

  “Of course it’s her fault. Had Poppa become the politician God wanted him to be, then he wouldn’t be lying in that bed, weak and helpless . . . maybe dying.”

  “You mean politicians never suffer with apoplexy?�
��

  “I’m sure they do, but . . . ” Daniel brought himself forward and rested his forearms on his thighs. He clasped his hands. “There’s a lot you don’t understand.”

  “I understand that you’re breaking your mum’s heart. All she sees is your kindness to me and your charm toward Agnes. But toward her, you’re stiff and cold. You rarely make eye contact, and you speak harshly when addressing her.”

  “You collected all that information in the span of four or five hours?”

  She nodded. “I had to judge people by their actions in London if I wanted to survive.”

  He sent her a curious glance.

  “If I didn’t know you better, I’d swear you hated your mother.”

  Daniel threw a glance heavenward. “That is not true. What sort of man hates his own mother?”

  “I don’t know.” Julianna saw the pensive light in his eyes and figured she’d said enough on the subject. Looking down, she ran her hand along the soft fabric of her colorful skirt. She felt cooler, now that she’d taken something of a break. “Well, I suppose I’ll go tell your little sister that she’ll be sharing her bedroom with me.”

  He looked up at her. “I still say you’ll be more comfortable in your own room at the hotel.”

  Julianna gave her head a shake. “I’ve been alone all me life. It’s nice to be around your mum and sister.” She headed for the door. “Besides, your mum said she’d show me how to sew on that black machine of hers. And Agnes said she’ll show me how she spins wool on a wheel that once belonged to your grandmother.”

  “I know the very spinning wheel you’re referring to. As a boy I used to watch that wheel go round and round, and I’d daydream of being a sea captain at the helm of a whaling ship, like in the book Moby Dick.”

  “And you got your wish.”

  “Hmm . . . ” Daniel’s smile looked somewhat wistful, but it didn’t last long. “You’re sure you don’t want me to book a room for you at the hotel?”

  “Positive.”

  “All right.” He got to his feet. “I’ll carry your trunk inside.”

  CHAPTER 16

  T HE NEXT DAY Julianna stepped onto the walk and squinted into the late afternoon sunshine. “What in the world are they doing over there?” Several men were on top of the hotel’s roof, and three ladies in bonnets were standing in the street directing them. All at once a large red, white, and blue flag was dropped over the front of the building. A collective sound of appreciation emanated from the ladies before they clapped their gloved hands.