Steadfast Heart by Tracie Peterson Page A

early.”
    â€œAre you sure you aren’t feeling ill?” Mother asked. “I do worry about you. You haven’t been yourself since we left Seattle.”
    Lenore thought it would be the perfect opportunity to reintroduce the subject of Kolbein Booth. Not by name, of course. “If you’ll recall, I did not wish to make this trip.” Her words were spoken respectfully but with emphasis. “I had hoped to further my relationship with . . . a certain gentleman.”
    â€œBah, that’s completely unimportant right now,” her father insisted. “We will be home soon enough. For now, there are other matters that need my attention.” He dabbed his mouth with a linen napkin, then signaled the waiter. When the man approached, he motioned to the table. “We’re finished here.”
    Lenore sighed. If only that were true of their trip to San Francisco.

    Abrianna had thought the day perfect until Priam Welby decided to join the affair. She stood alone to one side of the food tables and watched as couples skittered about looking forEaster eggs. One of the single young ladies had snagged Wade for her partner and was even now making him rustle through blackberry bushes to seek wayward eggs. Abrianna was hoping for a few quiet moments to herself, but it was not to be.
    â€œYou look quite beautiful today, Miss Cunningham.”
    She felt certain he was only trying to entice her for some personal benefit. “I didn’t recall Aunt Miriam saying anything about your coming today, Mr. Welby. Are you lost?”
    He chuckled. “Perhaps your aunt said nothing because she did not know.” His dark-eyed gaze traveled the full length of her and back in a flash. He smiled broadly, revealing perfect white teeth. Pity his ears were rather large, or he might have been handsome.
    â€œWell, I suppose she would tell you to enjoy yourself. There’s plenty of food. She and my aunts will be returning here as soon as the egg hunt is concluded.”
    â€œSurely they aren’t scouting for eggs themselves.”
    â€œNo, but they are overseeing the couples who are. You’d be amazed at how fast those couples can get lost.”
    Mr. Welby gave an uproarious laugh. “I can very well imagine. I was once young myself and quite adept at disappearing with a beautiful young lady at my side.”
    Abrianna said nothing and instead handed him a plate. “You might as well get started.”
    â€œI’d just as soon remain here and talk with you. You are a charming young woman. How did you come to be with Mrs. Madison and the others?”
    â€œIt’s a tale of great sadness. My folks died. At least my mother did. We were never sure about my father, but since he never showed back up, we’re pretty sure he died, too. Of course,” she said, growing thoughtful, “I’ve often wondered if he might havebeen struck with amnesia. Are you familiar with that term?” She didn’t wait for him to answer.
    â€œMy father was a man of many trades, and I think it is possible that he was wounded in a terrible accident and perhaps suffered a blow to the head, only to forget everything. I suppose we shall never know.” She shrugged and placed the plate back on the table.
    â€œAnd you came to live with the old ladies because he left?”
    â€œNo. My mother grew ill. She knew it wasn’t boding well for her, and she knew these ladies were good, godly women. They attended church together, you see. Before Mother died . . .” Abrianna giggled. “Of course it was before she died. It would be most impossible to do it afterwards. Honestly, I have a terrible habit of making such a statement, and yet I know it to be completely preposterous.” She shrugged and continued. “Anyway, my mother persuaded the ladies to care for me. Of course they had no idea what they were in for,” she said, shaking her head. “My hair should