Threads of Faith Read online

  “They’re getting ready to celebrate the Fourth of July.” Daniel took hold of Julianna’s elbow and guided her across the boardwalk. They waited until two men on saddled horses rode by before making their way to the other side of the street.

  Then they began their stroll to the Dunbar’s home. Daniel had somehow gotten himself invited to dinner, a fact that still held some amazement to Julianna. She’d said a prayer this morning, just to see if God would listen, and just after breakfast Daniel strolled into the shop, pulled her aside, and announced he’d been invited to dinner this evening too. Daniel hadn’t even asked.

  So God really hears prayers . . .

  “Are you aware of America’s war with England—”

  Julianna trained her thoughts to the present and to what Daniel said.

  “—how we fought for our independence—and won in 1776?”

  She glanced up at him. “Sort of. I always heard the Americans were rebels and disrespected British law.”

  “True, but separation from the Church of England is really what Americans initially sought. Then it became a question of our individual freedoms. Since we won, the country celebrates July Fourth as our Independence Day. Come next Wednesday, this entire street will be lined with tables of food.”

  Julianna liked the sound of celebrating with all sorts of food, especially since she felt so hungry at the moment.

  “The day will begin with a parade. Since my mother’s store is located on the corner of Main Street, we’ll have front-row seats.”

  “I love parades.” She smiled, recalling how she’d squeeze through the crowds, along with all the other ragamuffins, and seat herself on the curb so she could glimpse the clowns or wild animals in cages as they passed by.

  “Then there will be picnics by the lake, a pie-judging contest, followed by a pie-eating contest.” He grinned. “Later in the afternoon there’s a horse race, games for the children, and a baseball game for the ambitious young men.”

  “Baseball?”

  “Similar to the English game called rounders.”

  Julianna knew the game well, although she herself hadn’t ever played it. “The Fourth of July sounds like a fun-packed day.”

  “Oh, it is—at least that’s how I remember the holiday here in Manitowoc. I’m sure many things have changed since I last participated.”

  They turned the corner, and a large home appeared on a hill a short distance away. The sun glared down on them, and Julianna adjusted the white, frilly bonnet trimmed in sky-blue ribbons. The color matched her gown, the same one she’d worn the first day at the Ramseys’ home.

  She cast another look at Daniel. Beneath the brim of his fashionable hat he squinted as they made their westward trek, but obviously the summer sun didn’t bother him in the least. And Julianna felt especially proud of him today, proud that he’d been nicer to his poor, dear mum. She was dreadfully worried about her sick husband, that’s for sure, and it seemed Daniel had come to realize the fact. He’d been patient with her this morning when she threw a conniption as he rolled Mr. Sundberg outside into the backyard for some sunshine and fresh air. Later, when the man from the bank came to call, Daniel took care of the matter. Mrs. Sundberg dissolved into tears as she thanked him. Daniel replied by taking his mother into his arms and promising everything would be all right. The scene touched Julianna deeply. And it made him a hero in Agnes’s eyes.

  But then Captain Daniel Sundberg was a hero.

  “What are you staring at, Miss Wayland?”

  Hearing his curt tone, Julianna blinked and faced straight ahead. “Oh, nothing. The sun’s just in my eyes.”

  “Ah, well, my mistake.” He leaned closer. “I had read the discomfort on your face as adoration.”

  “Don’t flatter yourself,” Julianna quipped. But he hadn’t misread a thing.

  “Remember what we discussed yesterday—and our agreement.”

  “Yes, sir, Captain.”

  “And none of that sassiness. I expect you to be on your best behavior tonight.”

  “I know what you expect, and you needn’t speak to me like I’m a child. I know how to behave meself.” She swallowed. “Myself.”

  A hint of a grin played at the corners of his mouth, letting Julianna know he wasn’t all that upset with her.

  They reached a tall, wrought-iron black fence that encompassed the Dunbars’ home. Daniel opened the gate and allowed Julianna to pass through first. He closed it behind him, and they strolled to the front door.

  Mark opened it before Daniel could knock.

  “Welcome.” He smiled at Julianna before swinging his gaze to Daniel. The two men shook hands. “Please come in.”

  Entering the foyer, Julianna carefully removed her bonnet and smoothed her mussed hair. Her eyes soon adjusted to the dimmer light, and she took in the lovely, floral oil paintings on the walls.

  “Our intimate dinner party has grown considerably.” Mark took Julianna’s bonnet and shawl and waited patiently while she removed her gloves. He placed both accessories on the mirrored hallstand’s oak bench. Next he took Daniel’s hat and asked for his jacket. “Much too warm for formalities.”

  Daniel agreed.

  It was then that Julianna realized Mark wore only a white shirt and black waistcoat over dark trousers.

  Daniel handed over his jacket, and Mark hung it on a peg. “Will and Adeline will join us.” He looked at Daniel as he spoke. “And they’re, of course, bringing baby Jacob.”

  “It’ll be good to see my sister again, and I’m looking forward to meeting both Will and my first nephew.”

  Julianna wondered, and not for the first time since her arrival, why Daniel ever traded his own nice family for the Ramseys.

  Mark led them into the parlor, and Julianna admired all the nice furnishings. Then he indicated a set of double doors. “Would you care to sit on the terrace? It’s cooler out there.”

  “Sounds delightful.” Julianna could feel drops of perspiration forming along her hairline. She glanced at Daniel and saw his affable nod.

  “I always prefer the outdoors to sitting inside,” he added.

  “Good. Come this way.” Mark waved them onto a bricked area surrounded by tall evergreens. Comfortable-looking wooden furniture had been neatly arranged in a half-circle.

  Julianna arranged her skirts and sat down as gracefully as she could, given her fashionable bustle. It took some extra arranging, but she managed. She glimpsed Daniel’s dimpled grin and wondered what he found so amusing. Let him wear all these petticoats and try and be ladylike. He’d last five minutes.

  Mark took the chair beside hers. “Have you been able to see much of Manitowoc yet, Miss Wayland?”

  “Some of it. Agnes and I took a stroll up and down Main Street this afternoon so I could see all the shops and business. It’s quite rustic, if you ask me.”

  “Compared to London and New York, it is,” Daniel added.

  Mark pulled his chin back slightly.

  “Oh, but I don’t mean that as an insult. Merely an observation.”

  “The town is growing.” He gave Julianna a hopeful grin. “Immigrants arrive daily. We’re becoming quite diverse. Why, a new German family recently joined our church.”

  “How very interesting.” Julianna smiled politely.

  “Your family’s businesses must ship a lot of cargo.” Daniel sat back in his chair. “Lumber, I presume?”

  “A goodly amount, yes. And our manufacturing plant exports numerous products.”

  “What about imports?”

  “On the rise daily.”

  “How about the railroad as a mode of transportation?”

  Mark rolled a shoulder. “Shipping is our first choice. Our mills are west of here, on the river.”

  “Makes sense.”

  As the men continued discussing a topic that Julianna cared little about, she bided time by watching Daniel. She admired his commanding manner and how he knew so much about everything. She added brilliant to her list of his ma
ny attributes.

  His gaze slid to hers, and he widened his eyes. She blinked and caught his warning.

  “And how about you, Miss Wayland?”

  She felt her face flush with embarrassment as Mark stood to his feet.

  “Would you like a glass of berry punch?”

  “Punch?” Julianna grew instantly wary. “Is it a strong drink? I don’t imbibe.”

  “Oh, no.” Mark shook his head. “It’s made with ripe berries and fresh, cold water.” He shifted his stance. “My family and I don’t serve spirits.”

  “That’s a relief.” She smiled. “And, yes, I’d enjoy a glass. It sounds very refreshing.”

  He crossed the terrace and entered the house.

  “What am I going to do with you?” Daniel shook his head and sat forward. “I can’t very well marry you off,” he whispered, “when you’re giving me moon eyes.”

  She clucked her tongue, hoping she hid the fact that his remark stung, except she knew he spoke the truth—partially, anyway. “I told you, I’m not interested in marriage. I only want a job at the hotel, for pity’s sake.” She took to studying the landscape instead of the man she loved more and more each day.

  “Julianna . . . ”

  Despite the gentleness she heard in his tone, she refused to face him.

  “You’d be wise to cultivate all possibilities that fall in your path.”

  She didn’t answer, and silence settled between them. In the next moments Julianna heard the sound of happy voices greeting one another, followed by the rustling of skirts. She turned to see a young woman resembling Agnes and Mrs. Sundberg making her way onto the terrace. Julianna guessed it was Daniel’s other sister.

  He followed her line of vision.

  “Adeline! How good to see you again.”

  He embraced the buxom blonde, but Julianna noticed she didn’t share his enthusiasm.

  “My, but you’re all grown up now. Married and a mother.” Holding her at arm’s length, he shook his head as if in disbelief. “Has it been that long since I’ve seen you?”

  “Yes, it has.” She turned her slender nose up at him. “It’s been a lifetime, Daniel.”

  “My humble apologies.” Releasing her, he dipped his head.

  Julianna felt taken in once again by Daniel’s fluent charm.

  His sister, on the other hand, wasn’t taken quite so easily. “Your apologies are not accepted—although I’ve forgiven you for your neglect long ago.” There were no traces of amusement in her voice, and her blue eyes were hard set. “I’m surprised you came back again.”

  Daniel glanced down at his booted feet for several seconds before meeting his sister’s gaze. “I thought you would be pleased to see me.”

  “I thought I would be too.” Her sapphire gaze turned misty. “I’ve missed you so much over the years. There were so many times that I needed my big brother, and you were not here for me. I was eight when you first left home, and it broke my heart. Then you returned with those people.” Derisiveness flowed from her voice, and Julianna realized that Adeline hadn’t seen her sitting just behind them. “Those Ramseys, who looked down their noses at us and talked critically of our farm.” Adeline’s tone softened. “I was a bit younger than Agnes is now, and I adored you, Daniel. But again you hurt me by leaving without ever looking back. Adding insult to injury, you never returned my letters—or even those written by your own mother!”

  Daniel shifted, and his gaze bounced to Julianna. “I, um, don’t believe you’ve met Julianna Wayland.” He made the introductions.

  Julianna could see the horror drip over Adeline’s features.

  “I . . . I didn’t see you sitting there, Miss Wayland. Please forgive my outburst.”

  “Quite all right. Didn’t bother me in the least. But I must say that your brother wouldn’t intentionally hurt you. He’s a noble man, kind and caring—”

  “Julianna, you don’t have to defend me.”

  “Oh, I’m not. You’re able to defend yourself.” She glanced from him to Adeline again. “He’s quite brave, you know.”

  Daniel sighed audibly.

  “More than likely your brother never received your letters. Perhaps Mr. Ramsey never forwarded them.”

  “That’s quite enough, Julianna.” Daniel spoke her name through a clenched jaw, and his eyes narrowed.

  She knew she’d said enough.

  Adeline burst into a laugh. “Now, you, Miss Wayland, I like. But you—”

  She pierced Daniel with a glare and continued speaking in another language that Julianna guessed to be Norwegian. She had overheard Mrs. Sundberg and Agnes talking to each other last night with the same sing-songy inflection in their voices.

  Daniel replied in Norwegian, although his tone contained the magnetism that had captivated Julianna from the beginning.

  If only she weren’t so drawn to him, to a seafaring man who planned to marry a rich countess.

  The curse.

  He caught her stare and sent a glance heavenward.

  Julianna shook herself and decided not to even look at the man anymore.

  “Let’s begin again,” Adeline suggested. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Wayland.”

  “Likewise, Mrs. Dunbar.”

  “Adeline.”

  Julianna smiled. “Then you must call me Julianna.”

  “What a lovely name.” A sudden frown puckered her brow. “How did you ever become associated with my brother?”

  “Once you hear about it, you’ll understand what a fine man Daniel—I mean, Captain Sundberg—is.” She hoped she’d covered her blunder.

  “Oh?” A curious expression wafted across Adeline’s circular-shaped 181 face. “I think I am beginning to understand.”

  Daniel jumped into the conversation. “No, no, you’re not, Adeline. I merely sponsored Miss Wayland so she could come to America and begin a new life like many other immigrants have done before her.”

  “Like our own parents,” Adeline said, looking somewhat wistful.

  Mark returned with a tray containing glasses of berry punch. Three more people stepped onto the terrace, and Mark made introductions—his father, Mr. Jedidiah Dunbar; his brother, Will; and his mother, Eunice, who carried a baby wrapped in a beautifully stitched, blue blanket. Mrs. Sundberg’s handiwork was written all over it.

  “Welcome to our home.” Mrs. Dunbar’s smile lit her entire face. She looked at Julianna then Daniel. “I’m so glad you could join us for dinner.”

  He politely inclined his head. “The pleasure is ours, right, Miss Wayland?”

  “Right.” She smiled.

  “And how is Sam?” Mrs. Dunbar looked at Daniel. “Any better?”

  “About the same, I’m afraid.”

  Julianna saw Adeline’s expression crumble.

  “But I’ve requested a specialist come and examine him. I received a telegram today stating a man named Dr. Grant Ellsworth will arrive Monday.”

  Julianna had heard the news already and knew that George Ramsey had made all the arrangements. Mrs. Sundberg, while grateful for Daniel’s help, hated to be indebted to the Ramseys for anything. She’d made it clear her husband wouldn’t be happy to learn the news either. Daniel said his poppa didn’t have to know.

  “Do you believe a specialist can help your father?” Will put his meaty arm around Adeline’s round shoulders. “We were told nothing more can be done.”

  “I heard the same, but I refuse to believe it, and I plan to do everything in my power to prove old Dr. Harris wrong—again.”

  “You never did like Dr. Harris,” Adeline said.

  “No, I never did. And, this time, in Poppa’s case, he’s made a great misdiagnosis.”

  Adeline stared at her husband while Julianna admired Daniel’s confidence. She hoped he was right and that Mr. Sundberg’s condition would improve soon.

  “Have you seen my precious grandson?” Mrs. Dunbar moved her willowy frame closer to Julianna. With nimble fingers she brushed the blanket from the little
one’s face. “Jacob William Dunbar. He’ll be eight weeks old on the sixth of July.”

  “He’s beautiful.” Julianna touched the child’s tiny hand as he snoozed and noticed the folds of skin around his neck. “A healthy little one to be sure.”

  “I’ll say.” Adeline blushed. “I can barely keep up with him.”

  Will tightened his hold around her shoulders, and Julianna thought they made a sweet pair.

  Just then baby Jacob awoke. He blinked and then stretched in his grandmother’s arms. Once his eyes focused, he stared at Julianna before doing the most incredible thing—smiling, and directly at her, no less!

  Julianna felt dazed and awed as she peered into the tiny face. The baby cooed and smiled again.

  “He likes you,” Mrs. Dunbar said.

  “I like him too.”

  “You’ll have to hold him after dinner.” Adeline crossed the terrace and stepped in beside Julianna.

  “I’d enjoy that.”

  Julianna touched the baby’s hand, and he clutched her finger. “You’re a charmer, all right.” The boy had those sea-blue Sundberg eyes. She’d dreamed about those eyes. And in that moment she knew she’d fallen for another male—this one barely two months old.

  CHAPTER 17

  D ANIEL STOOD ON the edge of the terrace, breathing deeply of the humid summer air. Dusk had fallen. In the distance he heard the jangling of rigging as ships bobbed in the harbor, and he felt a sort of homesickness fall over him. He would sorely miss the days of mastering the Allegiance on the wide, open sea. Reagan, however, had made it clear she’d not abide a traveling husband.

  “I’m satisfactorily filled.” Jed Dunbar walked outside and stood beside Daniel. He patted his slightly rounded belly. “I ate far too much.”

  “Your wife is an excellent cook.”

  “Thank you. I’ll pass on the compliment to her.”