Steadfast Heart by Tracie Peterson

intelligent, and I have to say he knows a great deal about the world. Not only that, but he and his sister lost their parents, just as I have. Although I must say the circumstances were quite different.”
    â€œAnd how was that?”
    â€œA train accident in the Northeast somewhere. Train went right off a bridge, and everyone was killed. I think Kolbein was twenty-two and his sister ten. He took on the role of man of the family and finished raising Greta. Wasn’t that admirable?”
    Wade didn’t care for the way Abrianna seemed to be taken in by Booth. There wasn’t time to say as much, however, because Abrianna was speaking again.
    â€œAunt Miriam has invited the poor man to dine with us on Sundays whenever it fits his plans. Aunt Selma is still worried that he might be related to John Wilkes Booth,” she said with a grin, “but Aunt Poisie reminded her that we must extend charity rather than judgment.
    â€œOh, look,” she interjected. “It’s time for the egg rolling. Aunt Miriam has a nice prize for the winner—it’s a basket of oranges. Isn’t that marvelous?” She started off in the direction of where the others were lining up.
    â€œAre you going to compete?” Wade called after her.
    â€œNot at all,” she replied. “I just want a better vantage point to watch.” She turned and threw him another smile. “Aren’t you coming? It’s so much fun to watch folks be silly.”
    Wade laughed. Her girlish charm amused and endeared. “I’m coming, only I’m not sure who I’ll be more compelled to watch. Them or you.”

    Lenore sat picking at her strawberry mousse. Easter Sunday had compelled her parents to spend the morning in church services before heading to one of the finest restaurants in San Francisco for a special luncheon.
    If we were in Seattle I might be able to enjoy the day with Abrianna. She knew they would celebrate as they did every year, weather permitting, with egg hunts and camaraderie. Here, away from her best friend, Lenore felt lonelier than she ever had before.
    â€œAre you unwell?” Mother asked.
    Lenore shook her head. “I just miss being home.”
    â€œMiss the rain and chill?” Father questioned. He pointed to her plate. “Do you plan to finish that?”
    She scooted the plate in his direction. “No. Please have it.” Father didn’t have to be asked twice.
    Mother sipped her tea and seemed unconcerned with Lenore’s desires for home. Mother loved California, and San Francisco appealed to her for its many diversions. But Lenore was consumed with other thoughts—in particular, thoughts of Kolbein Booth.
    Why does he haunt me so? As a test she had tried to force the images of Kolbein from her mind just to see if her feelings were true. Lenore found it impossible to let go of her growing desire to know Mr. Booth better.
    But it is impossible to know him better while I sit in San Francisco and he searches for his sister in Seattle.
    What if he’d already found her and returned to Chicago? What if he had someone he cared for at home? Perhaps her feelings were for naught and no matter how Abrianna promoted her, Mr. Booth would have no more interest in Lenore than he might for a distant relative.
    â€œI don’t believe you are paying any attention to your father,” Mother said, touching Lenore’s lacy sleeve.
    â€œI’m sorry. My thoughts have been elsewhere. I will try to do better.” Lenore straightened a bit in her chair. “What did you wish to say, Father?”
    â€œI was merely explaining that your mother and I have been asked to spend the evening with a business associate and his wife. I wanted to make certain that you would be comfortable remaining at the hotel alone.”
    â€œOh.” She thought for a moment and shrugged. “I am sure to be fine. I have a book I can read and perhaps I’ll even go to bed