Threads of Faith Read online

  “You’re welcome. And I mean it about resting today.” Daniel knew that wound-up-tight feeling. “You know,” he began, “there were times on the sea when I would tie myself to the helm and battle a tempest for days without sleeping. Survival instincts took over. Adrenaline surged through my veins. Then, after the storm passed and an officer relieved me of my post, I’d try to sleep, but I couldn’t seem to cut off that continued flow of energy.” He gave her a gentle smile. “Maybe that’s how you feel—you’re still in survival mode.”

  His words had an obvious affect on Mor, and she inhaled a sob, nodding.

  A wave of compassion crashed over him. How broken and sad she seemed, and it pained him to see his strong-willed, brave, and determined mother this way. And, yes, she was all those things. Until now he hadn’t appreciated her qualities—or her.

  Setting the pan of fish on the grass, he crossed the lawn and lifted his mother into his arms. She sagged against him and cried into his shoulder.

  “He’s gone. My Sam is gone.”

  “Shh, Momma.” Sadness, as heavy as an anchor, pressed down on him. “Don’t cry.”

  Slowly she raised her head and stared at him. “What did you say?” An errant tear trickled down her cheek.

  Daniel brushed it away. “I said, don’t cry. It was a weak attempt at comforting you.”

  “No, not that.” Her countenance brightened. “You called me Momma.”

  He thought back on his verbiage and grinned. “So I did.” It had come out rather automatically.

  “You haven’t called me Momma since you left home at fifteen. I missed you so much. When you came back, you were all grown up. My boy was gone. He had turned into a man who called me Mor.”

  “It means the same thing . . . mother.”

  “Not to me. To me it signified a great wall between us.”

  “Because I’m a self-made man, not God-made, isn’t that correct?” Hardness gripped Daniel’s heart. He released his mother and stepped back.

  She looked perplexed.

  Daniel pushed out the truth. “Those were among Poppa’s last words to me, and they will be forever etched in my memory.”

  “I cannot undo what he said, nor can I apologize for him.” His mother wiped the wetness from her black cotton gown.

  She was right, of course. And she likely felt the same way, and it angered and hurt Daniel all the more. “Even with all my accomplishments, I am still a disappointment to my parents?”

  “We were never disappointed with your achievements.” Wearing a sad smile, she dropped back down into the chair, as if her legs wouldn’t support her a moment longer. “I moved past the fact that you did not want to inherit the farm many years ago. You chose your own way, not ours.”

  “But I’m not a God-made man.” Daniel still didn’t quite understand what his father meant by it. “I told Adeline yesterday that God is either in control or He isn’t. Later I wondered, if I’m so horrible, why doesn’t He take my life?”

  “You are not horrible, Daniel. I am proud of your accomplishments and thankful that you are here now to help me.” She smiled. “My son, the respected sea captain. If he had lived, my father, your namesake, would be so proud of you too.”

  He forced a smile then lifted the pan of fish and headed for the house. His mother had spoken the words he’d wanted to hear. But why hadn’t they assuaged the intense yearning within his soul?

  Songs of dozens of birds filled the morning air as Julianna traipsed behind Agnes, Mrs. Sundberg, and Miss Mary. They were all intent on a swim in the pond. The smell of dew-dampened vegetation reached Julianna’s nose as they passed through the apple orchard.

  She’d never taken such a picturesque stroll, and it reminded her of how she and Flora used to daydream about living in the country one day.

  “Momma, it’s the Fourth of July; couldn’t we head for home? If we leave now, we’d make tonight’s festivities.”

  Julianna turned and spied Mrs. Sundberg’s smile.

  “Only one so young,” the older woman said, “could travel for five long hours in the summer heat and still have energy for festivities.”

  Miss Mary laughed, and Julianna had to admit to feeling amused.

  “But it’s so sad here,” Agnes pouted. “I want to feel happy again, and there will be food and dancing right outside of our store! Then, later, the fireworks will light the sky over the lake.”

  Mrs. Sundberg halted and faced her youngest, causing Julianna to stop as well. Miss Mary continued walking up head.

  “And we should leave your aunt Mary alone so soon after she lost her dear brother?” Mrs. Sundberg’s voice was firm yet whisper-soft.

  Agnes’s chin dropped. “But Poppa was sick for so long, and he’s in a better place.”

  “But Mary and I—and Daniel—are not. We are mourning, so get the notion of celebrating out of her head.” Mrs. Sundberg squared her shoulders. “Besides, you heard your brother at breakfast say that we will stay a week. He means what he says—and so do I.”

  “Yes, Momma.”

  Their walk continued, and soon they reached a clearing, which sported a clear, lovely pond. Julianna couldn’t wait to shed her clothes and take a dip.

  As she undressed, she glanced in Agnes’s direction. Her heart went out to the lamb. Of course sadness abode in the Sundbergs’ hearts, but she was glad that Daniel made the decision to stay here at Miss Mary’s. The decision meant altering his plans to return to New York. She wondered how Mr. Ramsey would take the news of Daniel’s delay. After breakfast he’d left for Green Bay to meet the Dunbar men and inform them of the change in itinerary and to send a telegram to Mr. Ramsey. Talk about fireworks . . .

  “Too bad Julianna won’t find out how Americans celebrate their country’s birthday,” Agnes said.

  “Oh, it’s all right. I’m British anyhow.” She laughed at her own tart reply.

  “Are you sorry you left England?” Mrs. Sundberg hung her skirt over a tall-standing bush.

  “Not a bit sorry.” Except she did wonder how Flora fared.

  “What about the store, Kristin?” Mary’s gaze lit on Mrs. Sundberg. “Will you lose business?”

  “I know from the previous owners that sales are down over the holidays, so it is better that we stay here for a time where we can all be together. The store can wait.”

  Julianna thought she saw a shadow of worry creep across Mrs. Sundberg’s features just before the woman turned and strode toward the water.

  “Daniel said we’re not supposed to think about money problems,” Agnes said. “He’s going to take care of us.”

  “And it’s about time!” Mary Sundberg squared her shoulders. Her mouth was set in the same grim line that formed whenever Daniel was present or even mentioned. Clearly her anger toward her nephew hadn’t abated over the years.

  Julianna decided to change the subject as she followed Mrs. Sundberg into the pond. “It’s so lovely out here. You’re very fortunate, Miss Mary, to live surrounded by nature.” She dipped her toes into the water. It felt cool and promised to be thoroughly refreshing. “Back in London there are few, if any, wide open spaces.”

  “Yes, I know I am blessed.” Miss Mary came to stand alongside Julianna.

  Mrs. Sundberg spoke up. “Long ago my uncle Lars owned the land on the other side of the creek that runs through the orchard.” Mrs. Sundberg pointed to the place where the land came together, squeezing the pond’s end so only a small portion of water flowed out before she indicated to more trees.

  “After Kristin’s uncle decided to leave Green Bay,” Mary continued, “my father purchased the land. We planted pear trees there. Ma always wanted pear trees, and Pa loved her so much that he gave her whatever she asked for.” Mary’s brown eyes rounded with sorrow. “She only enjoyed the first year’s harvest before God took her home to heaven. I still miss her.”

  “I never knew my mum.” Julianna waded into the pond.

  “I’m sorry to hear it.” Compassion laced Mrs. Sundberg�
��s tone. “But even tragedies in life are part of God’s plan for our greater good.”

  “It’s hard to imagine.” Julianna worked her lower lip between her teeth, wondering how bad things could work out for one’s greater good. But there was so much about God she still had to learn.

  Once more her gaze roamed her surroundings. She breathed in, enjoying the way the air tasted so fresh and clean—another difference from London.

  Agnes tossed a square of soap at Julianna and laughed when Julianna missed catching it.

  “Now you have to dive for it,” the girl taunted.

  “I should say not. You’re the one who threw it.”

  “Can’t you swim?”

  “I can swim just fine.” Julianna narrowed her gaze. “But I can give you a dunking even better!”

  “What for?” Agnes pointed to the soap, bobbing to the pond’s surface. Her giggles ricocheted across. “The soap is right here!”

  “Lower your voice, Agnes.” Mrs. Sundberg wagged her head. “Young ladies should not be so boisterous.”

  “Yes, Momma.” Agnes held her nose and dunked under water.

  “I was a bit boisterous meself.” Julianna felt guilty for egging the girl on. She peered at Miss Mary. “I hope we haven’t disturbed your neighbors.”

  Agnes’s head appeared above water not far off.

  Mrs. Sundberg said something in Norwegian and gave Julianna a speculative glance.

  “Now that’s not fair.” Julianna disliked it when the ladies reverted to their native tongue and she couldn’t understand them. “What did you just say? I suppose you think I’m too skinny. Well, it’s a problem I’ve had all me life. But I can say this much. I’ve eaten well since arriving in America.”

  “I would never speak ill of you in Norwegian or English. That would be most rude.” Mrs. Sundberg’s blue eyes searched Julianna’s face.

  She felt somewhat ashamed for accusing Daniel’s mother of such behavior. “But how would I know that?” She’d met Mrs. Sundberg less than a week ago.

  “You make a good point.” Understanding pooled in her eyes. “When you get to know us better, you’ll find that we are Christians who want to honor God with our speech. I spoke in Norwegian so I wouldn’t frighten you. You see, Indians roam freely on this property. Mary is half Oneida, which is a particular tribe in this region.”

  Julianna’s gaze sailed to Mary. “You’re part Indian then?” She looked back at Mrs. Sundberg. “Was Mr. Sundberg part Indian too?”

  She shook her head. “Mary is his half-sister, but they were very close.”

  “I adored my big brother, Sam.” Mary’s features fell.

  The sorrow in Mary’s voice crimped Julianna’s heart. She imagined her adoration for her big brother matched Agnes’s and Adeline’s for Daniel.

  “Prejudice against Indians is prevalent in Green Bay and elsewhere.” A challenging spark entered Mary’s cinnamon-colored eyes. “So I ask you, Julianna, how do you feel about being a guest of an Oneida woman?”

  Agnes stood still to hear Julianna’s answer.

  “I don’t hold your heritage against you, and I hope, Miss Mary, that you’re not offended by mine.”

  “No, I’m not.” Her features softened.

  Mrs. Sundberg smiled. “As for the Wisconsin natives, there is no need to be afraid, Julianna.”

  “Oh, I’m not afraid.” Could Indians be any worse than a drunken sailor intent upon having his way?

  “I am looking forward to getting to know you better.” Mrs. Sundberg smiled at Julianna. “You have been a great help to me. I am glad Daniel brought you here.”

  “I’m glad too.” She surveyed the countryside again. Glad couldn’t begin to describe how Julianna felt. Surely this life in America was a dream come true!

  “Bad news?”

  “Indeed.” Standing outside the telegraph office, Daniel looked up from the message he held.

  Jed Dunbar clamped his hand down on Daniel’s shoulder. “Anything my sons and I can do to help?”

  “Thank you, but I’m afraid not.” Daniel stared at the telegram again.

  He’d wired George to say he’d remain in Green Bay for the next week, perhaps longer if need be. His family needed the reprieve. While waiting on a reply, he’d eaten lunch with the Dunbars. Inadequate shipping was definitely one of their concerns, and the topic occupied the table talk. Daniel did his best to advise them. But now, here it was evening, and the reply from George didn’t have a happy ending.

  His investigator in London had located Flora and confirmed her story about being employed by Olson Tolbert. Flora had been located, but shortly after the interview with the investigator, she succumbed to an illness caused by heaving drinking. Daniel knew Julianna would be heartbroken to learn the news of her sister’s death. In the meantime George wanted him home post haste.

  “I’ve been ordered back to New York.” As he spoke the words, vexation welled in him. Couldn’t George understand that he needed to settle matters here? Of course he probably worried that Daniel would fall in love with Julianna. Too late for that!

  “A shame you’re leaving,” Jed replied. “We’re enjoying your company.” A wagon rattled noisily by, momentarily inhibiting conversation. “But if you must return to New York so soon, please stay in town tonight and be our guest for dinner.”

  “I think Adeline would appreciate it,” Will added, tucking his thumbs into his belt loops.

  “Thank you. I accept.” Facing Julianna wasn’t something Daniel relished at the moment, even at the expense of his youngest sister’s disappointment.

  “Perhaps you can give me suggestions on how to better run my hotel in Manitowoc.” Mark gave him an eager smile as they crossed the busy thoroughfare. Strains from a nearby band, playing a lively march, wafted to Daniel’s ears on the hot July breeze. “I want to hear about the various establishments you’ve encountered during your travels.”

  “All right.” Perhaps the topic would keep Julianna from permeating his thoughts as usual.

  Nevertheless, the fact remained: he would have to tell her the truth, at least about her sister’s passing, some time between now and the day he left for New York.

  CHAPTER 23

  T HE FOLLOWING TUESDAY morning the luggage was loaded into the buggy, and Julianna was the last to hug Mary Sundberg good-bye.

  “You’re welcome here anytime.” The older woman smiled into her face. “I’d enjoy getting to know you better.”

  “Thank you.” Warmth and acceptance like she’d never known enveloped Julianna.

  The Sundbergs were already waiting in the vehicle, and Daniel helped her into the backseat beside Agnes. Within minutes they were off.

  The mood was lighter as the buggy rattled down the dusty road —all except for Daniel’s. He’d become more of a puzzlement these last four days than ever. He acted distant and kept his gaze averted. Julianna got the feeling he no longer cared for her at all.

  Well, all’s the better. He would soon take his leave, and Julianna would have to forget him. An impossibility. She resided with his family, and she’d always love him. It was an awkward situation to be sure, especially if Daniel ever decided to bring his countess to Wisconsin.

  They made the same two stops on the way home, once to stretch their legs and water the horses and another to eat. By the time they rolled into Manitowoc, evening had settled over the town.

  Daniel halted the buggy in front of Mrs. Sundberg’s shop. He helped her down and then swung Agnes from the vehicle. She giggled as her feet hit the dirt road.

  “Miss Wayland?” A familiar-sounding voice came from the opposite side of the buggy, and Julianna turned. “I’ve been watching for you.”

  “Why, as I live and breathe, it’s Jeremy Kidwell! What are you doing in Manitowoc?”

  “I came for you.” He lifted her from the buggy. “The captain said he was bringing you here, and I followed just as soon as I was able.”

  Despite his friendly smile, Julianna felt a measure of a
larm. He glanced at Daniel, who had already made his way around the buggy.

  “Kidwell.” He offered his right hand.

  “Hello, Captain.” Jeremy shook it with exuberance.

  Calm as can be, Daniel introduced his mother and sister while Julianna’s heart beat fast in her chest. He came for her? What was that supposed to mean?

  “I checked into the hotel, and Mr. Dunbar said I’d find you arriving shortly.” Peering down at Julianna, Jeremy smiled. The late sunshine caused his carrot-red hair to glow brighter.

  “How nice.” Her gaze flitted to Daniel, and for the first time in days he returned her stare.

  “Why don’t you ladies go on inside and get freshened up. Jeremy and I will be along soon. Perhaps he’ll assist me with the luggage.”

  “My pleasure.”

  Julianna followed the women into the apartment behind the shop.

  “Who is that man?” Mrs. Sundberg whispered.

  Agnes looked on with wide, curious blue eyes.

  “He was the cook on board the Allegiance, the ship that brought me to America. He asked me to travel farther west with him, but I didn’t want to go. That’s why Daniel offered to bring me here to work for you.” Julianna glanced out the window and saw the men set off for the apartment with their arms filled with baggage. She turned back to Mrs. Sundberg. “I don’t want to go with him.”

  “Then don’t,” Agnes said simply.

  Julianna couldn’t be sure it was that easy. Daniel hadn’t been himself lately. His mother mourned her recently deceased husband and had a shop to run. Would Julianna be more hindrance than help?

  “No one here will force you to do something you do not wish to do.” Mrs. Sundberg took Julianna’s hand. “You are welcome to continue staying here.”

  “Yes, stay, Julianna,” Agnes begged.

  She smiled. “Thank you.” She glanced from her back to Mrs. Sundberg. “Thank you, both.” The assurance gave Julianna a renewed sense of confidence.

  Unless, of course, Daniel had a shift in heart. Perhaps he’d prefer to be rid of her. After all, he’d been supporting her financially since the ship anchored in New York.