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It was a perfectly normal day in downtown Seattle, the sky was overcast and threatening to rain, without actually raining, and business at the saloon was slow, because it wasn't quitting time yet. That was alright with the girls minding it; slow days were no skin off their back, and the stores were getting dangerously low anyway. It was a very good thing that Clancy was due back any day, since he'd be bringing back not just Lottie, but a new supply of liquor too.
But it was peaceful, and Candy and Biddie, taking their turn minding the counter, were mostly just working on projects of their own. It was a startling disruption, then, when Joshua stormed in through the saloon doors, sporting a bloody nose, followed closely by Jeremy.
Joshua went right up to the bar. “Give me a whiskey, please,” he said, angry but almost certainly not angry at the girls. Candy poured a drink, watching Jeremy to see if he'd signal to her what had happened.
Biddie went for the more direct approach.
“My goodness, Joshua. What happened to you?” she wondered out loud.
Joshua was glad to be asked. “Jason hit me,” he said shortly. The girls gasped.
Jeremy was embarrassed by both of his brothers, like usual. “He didn't mean to, Josh,” he said.
“Yeah, sure he didn't,” Joshua agreed sarcastically, taking the drink Candy had prepared and throwing it back.
“You just happened to be arguing at the time...” Jeremy continued, although he was pretty sure that Joshua wasn't listening.
“You just happened to be arguing?” Candy repeated, looking from brother to brother.
“It's camp business, that's all. Nothing, really,” Jeremy told Candy.
“Except that this time I'm right, and I can prove it. Numbers don't lie; we can't take on a new contract right now and Jason won't admit it. I swear, sometimes... it's like we don't belong to the same... I don't know. I feel like hitting him sometimes.”
“Only he hit you first,” Biddie supplied.
“That's not really what happened,” Jeremy felt compelled to explain. “They were arguing, sure, but Jason was getting ready to cook, for once in this life, so he was getting out the frying pan, and there was this loud noise outside and Jason turned to see what it was, and 'whack'!”
A voice came from the doorway. “I beg your pardon; I need some help.”
Everyone turned to look at the doorway. A beautiful, tall, blond woman stood there, wearing neat and proper traveling clothes, though they weren't fancy. She carried a bag with her, which she set down just inside the doorway, noticing Joshua's nose.
“But I see I'm not the only one,” she said quickly, and came over to them. “May I help?”
“Hmmm?” Joshua asked.
“Here,” the woman said, “you need to lean your head back.”
She took him by the arm and guided him to a seat at the nearest table, sitting him down in it, and helped him lean his head back on it.
“That will slow the bleeding,” she said.
“Thank you,” Joshua said, from his unorthodox angle.
Candy realized they were being rude. “Did you say you need some help, Miss...?”
“Travers,” said the woman, and then quickly she interrupted herself, “I mean, VanHoorst. I'm Gretchen VanHoorst. And I do need some help. I'm looking for someone.”
“Well, you've come to the right place!” exclaimed Biddie.
“Good!” said Gretchen.
“Oh, I'm Biddie,” said Biddie, “Biddie Clume. And this is Candy. And the boys here are Jeremy and Joshua.”
“Hello,” Gretchen said, nodding to each of them.
Joshua sat up. “Who are you looking for, Miss VanHoorst?” he asked earnestly.
“Keep your nose back!” Gretchen directed, and Joshua obeyed. “I'm looking for my brother.”
“What's his name?” asked Joshua, wondering if his nose hairs needed trimming. “We can probably help you find him.”
“Well, that's difficult to say,” said Gretchen. “When I last saw him, it was Ernest VanHoorst, but I'm almost certain it would be entirely different now.”
Joshua and Jeremy exchanged a look – it sounded fishy, like problems with the law would be involved.
“Um, what... what does he look like?” Jeremy asked.
“You see, I don't really know. I haven't seen him in nearly twenty years.”
“That's a long time to be missing a brother,” Biddie said.
“I'm afraid there's a bit of a story involved,” Gretchen said.
Candy shrugged. “Well, we have time.”
“Sure!” Jeremy said, pulling out a chair for her at the table she'd already seated Joshua at.
“Don't you have some business to take care of for Jason, Jeremy?” Joshua asked slyly.
“Oh, that,” Jeremy remembered. “Well.”
“Go on,” Joshua urged. “I'll stay and listen to the lady's story,” he smiled at her, “and see if I can help her.”
Jeremy nodded, feeling quite a lot like he was being left out. But there was nothing he could do. “Alright,” he said. “Nice to meet you, ma'am.” He nodded good-bye to Candy, too, and left.
“Now, tell us about your brother,” Joshua said.
“Yes, do!” said Biddie excitedly, as she and Candy took seats at the table.
“Well,” Gretchen sighed, taking the seat that Jeremy had pulled out for her, “I haven't seen him for so long because we were separated as children. My parents were immigrants from Germany. I was born in the east, right before they decided to come west, and we settled down in Oregon when we got here. But we didn't do well, and my father, along with a friend, decided to go north to Canada. My brother was born on the way, here in Seattle. But my father and mother both died – I don't know what disease it was, something terrible – soon after the baby was born. My father's friend's family kept me with them, but they couldn't take care of the baby, so they left him with a family here in Seattle. I have wanted to look for him all my life, but my adopted father wouldn't allow it. But he recently passed away, so, here I am.”
“What was the name of the family that took the baby in?” asked Joshua.
“I don't know. I was only four years old at the time.”
“Well, that's not much to go on,” Joshua said. “I can't think of anyone that has an adopted child. But we could ask around. Some of the older families are still here. Someone's got to remember something like that happening.”
“Your family was here,” Candy pointed out. “Would Jason remember this?”
Joshua shrugged. “I suppose he might,” he said thoughtfully. “He would have been about seven then. And, if not, we could go look at the city records over at Aaron's.”
“Maybe Aaron knows,” Biddie suggested.
“I kinda doubt it,” Joshua shook his head. “He's not that much older than Jason, and he wasn't born here like we were.”
“Not even Lottie was here then,” Candy said. “We might have real trouble finding anyone that knows anything.”
“Well, let me drive you up to camp, and we'll ask Jason about it,” Joshua said to Gretchen. “If he can't help you, we'll pay Aaron a visit. Alright?”
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
They drove out as soon as Joshua could hitch up the buggy – though Gretchen made him wait until his nose had stopped bleeding before he started working on it. She was duly impressed with most of the scenery he showed her, and listened with interest to everything he told her about the area. By the time they got to camp, he was very glad she'd come.
She looked a little overwhelmed by the bustle of camp, though. Joshua drove right up next to the open tent where Jason was working, to minimize how much she'd have to walk through camp, and jumped down and helped Gretchen alight.
Jason rose and came right over. “Joshua,” he said. “Are you alright?”
It took a moment for Joshua to remember that Jason was probably asking about his nose. “Sure,” he said. “Jason, this is Miss Gretchen VanHoorst,” he said. “She's down from Canada, looking for her brother.”
“Pleased to meet you, Ma'am,” Jason said grandly, taking her hand. “I'm sure we can help you find him. Who is he?”
“I've already explained to your brother,” Gretchen said, pleased to find courtesy even in a logging camp.
“They were separated when her brother was a baby,” Joshua explained. “They were orphans, and someone here in Seattle adopted the boy. Actually we came out here because we thought you might remember someone adopting an orphan.”
“I see,” said Jason, frowning in concentration. “I don't remember anything like that off-hand. When did you say this was?”
“About twenty years ago, now,” Gretchen said.
“So I was about... seven,” Jason mused. “I remember being seven, but I don't remember anything about orphans being adopted by anyone.” He paused, thinking. “But that doesn't mean it didn't happen,” he said finally. He looked at Joshua. “Did you check the city records that Aaron keeps?”
“That was going to be our next stop,” said Joshua.
“Sorry I couldn't help, Ma'am,” Jason said. “Are you going to be staying in town long?”
“Long enough to see if my brother is still here,” Gretchen replied. “If I can find him, then, that depends on who he is – and whether he wants me to stay.”
“Josh, with Miss Lottie gone, you should see if the brides will let the lady stay in the dormitory.”
“Already done, Jason,” Joshua said.
“Good,” Jason said. “Let me know if I can be of any further help, Miss VanHoorst.”
“Certainly,” Gretchen agreed.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
On their way to Stempel's mill, Joshua gave Gretchen a brief history of his family's dealings with the mill owner – though he was very clear that the bet had expired long ago, and that Stempel was currently much more a friend than an enemy. Gretchen seemed to be vaguely amused by the story.
Stempel was hard at his books when they arrived, and didn't even look up when Joshua knocked on the door.
“Come in,” he called absently.
Joshua held the door open for Gretchen to enter first, and Stempel finally looked up. He seemed to be pleasantly surprised.
“Well, well,” he said. “Whom do I have the pleasure of addressing?”
“This is Miss Gretchen VanHoorst of Canada,” Joshua said. “Gretchen, Aaron Stempel.”
Stempel rose and took her hand. “Pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Van Hoorst,” he said graciously.
“Likewise,” said Gretchen.
“What brings you to Seattle, Ma'am?”
“A search for my brother, Mr. Stempel,” Gretchen replied.
“That's why we're here, Aaron,” Joshua supplied. “Her brother was adopted by a Seattle family as a baby, and we thought there might be some mention of it in the city records.”
“I see,” said Stempel. “Well, unless your brother is a lot younger than you, it's not particularly likely, though it would be worth a look.”
“He's four years my junior,” Gretchen said.
“Hmm,” said Stempel. “You see, even as late as ten years ago, city records were not well kept. There are a few maps and pretty good marriage records, but apart from that, not much was kept systematically. As I said, it's worth a look, but I wouldn't want to raise your hopes falsely.”
“I appreciate that, Mr. Stempel,” Gretchen said. “I'd still like to look.”
“Right this way, then,” he said, motioning towards one of the cabinets in the office.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
The three of them poured over records for several hours, creating a haphazard scattering of books and papers all over Stempel's office – but the normally fastidious mill owner seemed to be unaware of the mess. He was as much focused on the search as Joshua and Gretchen were. Each of them combed through a different stack of documents.
After nearly three hours at it, Gretchen stood up from her seat at Stempel's desk, walked to the door, and stretched discreetly. She returned to the desk.
“There really isn't much, is there?”
“Not to speak of,” said Joshua from his seat near the window.
Stempel, standing at a table near the cabinet, shut a large book. “And that's the last of the court records,” he said. “I'm sorry, Gretchen, but people just didn't keep records very well back then.”
“And I'm afraid that most of the settlers who were here then would have been unlikely to go to the bother of an official adoption,” Joshua added.
“I didn't want to say it, but I've had that thought as well,” Stempel agreed. “You might do better to just ask around.”
“There aren't many people left who've been here longer than Jason has,” said Joshua. “Of course we already asked him.”
Stempel frowned. “Jason was only a child then. Why would he even take notice of such a thing?” Joshua shrugged.
“I'm beginning to think that it will be impossible to find him,” Gretchen said.
“Come on, someone knows,” Joshua said encouragingly. “Babies don't just appear and disappear.”
“And you've had a long day – not a good time to give up. Do you have a place to stay?” asked Stempel.
“Yes,” Gretchen replied, “Candy and Biddie offered to let me stay in the brides' dormitory.”
“Maybe some rest will give us a fresh idea to start with in the morning,” Stempel said.
“Aaron's right, Gretchen,” Joshua said. “I'll take you back to the dormitory if you like.”
“You two have been awfully kind,” Gretchen said gratefully.
“Our pleasure, Gretchen,” Stempel said.
Joshua wasn't quite certain he liked the tone of Stempel's voice. He stood up, and offered Gretchen his arm. “Well, shall we?” he asked.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Gretchen found the company of the brides very comfortable. A bunch of them had collaborated, as usual, on a tasty and filling evening meal, and there was real camaraderie in the conversation. Besides, they were friendly, and asked for her input on many of the topics they discussed.
When the meal had been concluded, Gretchen got up with the others to help with cleanup, but Biddie stopped her and made her sit back down.
“Oh, no, no,” Biddie scolded. “You're our guest; you don't need to help with the dirty work.”
“But I really don't mind,” Gretchen explained.
“No, no,” Biddie insisted. “Why don't you go sit in the parlor? You've had a long hard day.”
“I'd much rather have some company,” Gretchen said. “It's been so long since I've had a really good gossip.”
“Oh, that,” Biddie said. “Well, we'll be along. It doesn't take but a few minutes when we're all pitching in, does it, girls?”
The table had been nearly completely cleared in the time Gretchen and Biddie had been discussing it, and the washing-up had begun. The girls chimed in with general agreement.
Gretchen didn't move from her seat at the table. “It looks like you're getting ready for a party,” she said.
“We are!” Biddie exclaimed. “Miss Lottie has been gone for over a month, visiting some relatives in San Francisco. We expect her back any day now, and when the boat comes, we'll have a party for her at the saloon!”
“That sounds nice. Who is Miss Lottie?”
“Oh, she owns the saloon. And she's a sort of mother to all us brides.”
There was a knock at the door, and Candy hurried to answer it, wiping her hands on her apron. “I'll get it,” she said. “I'm sure it's Jeremy.”
It was Jeremy – and Joshua.
“Hi, Jeremy,” Candy said. “What are you doing here, Josh?”
“I came to see if Gretchen wanted to go for a walk.”
Gretchen rose from her seat. “I'd like that,” she said softly, and came to the door.
When Candy had removed her apron, the four of them left. Biddie saw them out and shut the door behind them – and as she turned she noticed that Christine, one of the brides, had a dark look on her face. But Biddie didn't mention it. Who was she, she thought, to pry? Besides, Biddie knew exactly what Christine was thinking.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><>
In the morning, just after breakfast, there was a caller, which was highly unusual; most of the men had to be at work pretty early in the day. Candy was sweeping the kitchen floor, and carried the broom with her to the door.
Aaron Stempel stood waiting.
“Hello, Candy,” he said, before she had a chance to say anything. “Is Miss Gretchen here?”
“Yes, of course she is,” Candy said, in her no-nonsense way. She turned to the parlor, where Gretchen was straightening things. “Gretchen? Caller for you,” she said.
Gretchen came to the door. “Aaron, good morning,” she said, smiling when she saw him.
“Good morning,” he replied. “Have you had your breakfast?”
Gretchen nodded. “Good,” Stempel continued. “I had a thought last night. There's a family that homesteads to the north pretty far out from the city limits – it's an eight-mile drive. Now, it will take a while, but it might be worth the trip – they've been here as long as anyone I know can remember. Would you care to make the trip?”
“Oh, yes!” exclaimed Gretchen. “When should I be ready?”
“Well, I've got the buggy with me now,” he said, turning and gesturing at it behind him, “but if you need some time I can always come back later.”
Gretchen grinned widely. “Give me ten minutes to get ready!” she said.
Unfortunately, adoption was unheard of by the inhabitants of the Edmonds homestead. Stempel and Gretchen were asked to stay to tea, and they did, which made the trip take more or less the whole day, and they drove back as the sun was going down, tired and disappointed. They didn't speak much; Gretchen was discouraged and Stempel could tell. He only spoke when they were nearing Seattle again. “Well, we're almost there,” he said. “I'm sorry the trip didn't turn up any news of him.”
“I'm beginning to think it's been too long. If only I'd come when I first wanted to.”
“When was that?”
Gretchen laughed lightly. “I wanted to try it when I was very little,” she said. “My first serious thought of actually coming here was when I was fourteen, though.”
Stempel grinned. “You would have been a little young to travel alone,” he agreed. “I assume your father wasn't interested in going with you.”
“Not at all,” Gretchen said. “But I thought I could do anything when I was fourteen.”
“I did too,” Stempel said wryly. He pulled up the horse. “Look at that,” he said, nodding off to his right.
The road they were on ran along rising ground, and they could see, through a place where the trees thinned, a fantastic view of the Seattle settlement, on the edge of Puget Sound, and the sun setting behind mountains in the distance. Gretchen gasped.
“There are a lot of places where one can live and earn a living,” Stempel said, looking at the view. “My family's from San Francisco, and by all accounts I should have stayed there. But this is why I chose Seattle.”
“It's beautiful,” Gretchen said softly.
“It's the most beautiful place I've ever seen,” said Stempel. “And it's not just beautiful. It's going to grow. It's going to be one of the biggest cities in the west, probably the biggest one in the Territory. Someday people are going to want to live here just because it's here – all the comforts of a big city in the most beautiful place you can imagine. And I'm going to help build it.”
After a moment Gretchen turned to him. “It must be wonderful to choose a home that you love,” she said.
Stempel grinned and nodded. He shook the reins and the horse moved on.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
When they reached the dormitory, they found themselves surrounded by people chaotically rushing towards the docks.
“What's going on?” Gretchen asked, holding on to her hat.
Stempel was amused. “Clancy's ship is back in port. That means Miss Lottie is home, too. And a new shipment of mail and supplies – that means liquor – so there's something for everyone to be excited about.”
“And you?” Gretchen asked, with eyebrows raised.
“I'm always glad to see Miss Lottie,” Stempel said, smiling to himself.
“Is the brides' party for Miss Lottie going to be tonight?” Gretchen asked.
“Probably tomorrow night,” Stempel said, determining that most of the stampede had passed by then, and getting out of the buggy to help Gretchen down.
“Oh, good,” Gretchen said, taking his hand and stepping down. “I don't think I have another late night in me right now.”
“Another?” Stempel frowned.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
When Gretchen had gone inside, Stempel joined the throng down at the dock, where Clancy and Miss Lottie were off-boarding. There was a wonderful reunion, which eventually moved to the saloon as it lost participants, and eventually it turned into Lottie, Clancy, the Bolt brothers, and Stempel, sitting at a table in the saloon, drinking and chatting.
“So, Darlin',” Clancy said to Lottie, “is it good to be home again?”
“Oh, you'd better believe it, Clancy,” she said, throwing her arm around him and Jason, who were sitting on either side of her.
“How is your niece, Lottie?” Jason asked.
“Oh, just fine, Jason,” Lottie beamed. “She's grown so fine!”
There was a pause as most of them took a drink.
“So, what's been happening while I've been away? The place looks fine!”
“Candy and Biddie have been working hard taking care of it,” Jeremy said proudly.
“There's not too much to report,” Stempel told her.
“Anyone interesting come through?” Lottie asked.
“Just yesterday, actually,” Jason said, “there was an interesting newcomer. She's still here, in fact; isn't that right, Joshua?” He regarded his younger brother with an amused half-grin.
“I couldn't find her all day, but the brides said her things were still there,” Joshua said.
“Yes, she's still in town,” Stempel said decisively, and Joshua frowned.
“Who is she?” Lottie asked.
“Her name...” Stempel began, but Joshua interrupted him.
“Her name is Gretchen VanHoorst,” he said.
Lottie was startled – but everyone was watching what was going on between Stempel and Joshua, and she squashed the reaction quickly.
“I took her up to the Edmonds homestead today,” said Stempel.
“Did they remember anything about her brother?” Jason asked, wanting to know even though he could tell that Stempel knowing anything about it was really bothering Joshua.
Stempel shook his head. “Not a thing,” he said. “It's really surprising – that kind of thing is so rare, I'm surprised that everyone doesn't remember it.”
“What kind of thing is that, now?” asked Clancy.
“Some family around here adopted Miss Gretchen's brother as an orphan,” Jason explained.
“Aye, adoptin's a sight rare,” Clancy agreed. “The only time I've heard of it meself is Miss Candy adoptin' her own brother and sister. In Seattle, that is.”
“Well, I think it's about time to call it a night, fellows,” Lottie interrupted the conversation.
“Yes, I think I'm going to get up pretty early tomorrow,” Joshua said, darkly.
He stood up, and everyone but Clancy followed. Soon only Clancy and Lottie were left at the table.
“Now that we're alone again, Darlin', do you mind tellin' this old sailor why the gossip don't exactly attract yer attention tonight?”
Lottie was practically bursting to talk. “Oh, Fishface, if only I could,” she exclaimed.
Clancy pretended not to understand. “Are you meanin' that you're just needin' some rest, then?”
“Oh, if you're going to be like that,” Lottie scolded, and scooted her chair closer to him, so she could speak quietly. “Alright, I'll tell you – what I can, without breaking a promise. If you promise not to breathe a word.”
“On the Blarney Stone, I promises,” Clancy swore, eyes sparkling.
Lottie dove right in. “I've never seen Miss VanHoorst but I recognize the name. The woman that took the baby, the girl's brother, told me of it on her deathbed. And she made me promise to keep it a secret. She said that she'd kept it quiet at first because she wasn't sure her husband would like it, but by the time she told me of it, she just thought it would be better for the boy – him having grown up as someone else, you know.”
“And why was she tellin' you, then?” Clancy asked.
Lottie looked wistfully into the distance. “Because of another little baby that needs remembering,” she said.
“That's not exactly clear to me old mind, Darlin',” Clancy said.
“Well, that's all I can say,” Lottie said, coming back to the present. “The long and the short of it is that I know who the baby brother is, and I can't tell anyone.”
“Well, that's clear enough,” said Clancy.
“Now, don't you go telling any tales,” Lottie insisted. “I don't want to have that poor girl begging me to tell her what I promised not to tell.”
“Do you think the mother would want it kept a secret, knowin' that she's keepin' that girl from findin' her family?”
Lottie sighed. “I don't know, Clancy. I really don't know. I guess it's easier just to not second-guess promises.”
Clancy swallowed the last of his drink. “Well, you do what you sees your way clear to do, Lottie. I'll not be tellin' you you're wrong either way.”
“But am I wrong, Clancy?” Lottie asked. Clancy shrugged. “Ooh,” Lottie breathed, “you don't know what it's been like, sitting on such a juicy piece of gossip like this for years and years. I'd got used to not saying anything, but now everyone's talking about it, and I'm just bursting to join in!”
“Ah, women,” Clancy said theatrically. “No sense tellin' a secret to a wagging tongue, is there?”
“And that just decided me,” Lottie said grandly, standing up. “I'm taking this secret to my grave and there's no use trying to get it out of me! You may lock the door on your way out!” She swept herself up the stairs, then stopped and turned back. “Thanks, Fishface,” she said sincerely.
Clancy smiled kindly. “Sure an' I don't know what you're talkin' about, Darlin'.”
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Early the next morning, before many of the brides had even awakened, Joshua appeared on the dormitory porch and knocked. He knocked a lot before anyone came to the door. Finally, Candy opened the door, dressed in a housecoat over her nightdress, her hair still undone.
“Joshua!” she exclaimed in a whisper. “What are you doing here at this hour? We're only just barely starting to get up!”
“I came to see Gretchen,” he said. “Is she awake?”
“I think so,” said Candy critically. “If you wait here, I'll go check.”
She shut the door on him, and went up the stairs, finding Gretchen awake but no more prepared to receive callers than Candy was herself. When Candy told her, she was both amused and annoyed, and followed Candy down the stairs, wrapping herself in a robe.
“This is getting a little bit ridiculous,” she commented.
Candy grinned sympathetically. “Well, at least you know you're popular,” she said, and Gretchen grinned.
They opened the door. “Joshua,” Gretchen said. “Good morning.”
“Morning, Gretchen,” Joshua said. “I came to see if you'd go to the party this evening with me.”
“You came at this hour, to ask that?”
“Well, I came by right after breakfast yesterday, to see if you wanted to drive out to visit some of the homesteaders south of here, and you were already gone,” he said.
Gretchen grinned. “Oh,” she said. “Sure, I'd love to go with you.”
“Fine!” Joshua smiled. “I'll call at seven, okay?”
“Okay,” Gretchen said. Joshua was still standing there.
“You wouldn't want to drive out to some of the other homesteads today, would you?” he asked.
Gretchen sighed. “As much as I'd like to,” she said, “I really think I should help the brides with party preparations today.”
“That means you'd probably like to go tomorrow, then?”
Gretchen half-laughed. “That's really very nice of you. I don't know how to thank you for all your help – yes, I'd like that very much.”
Joshua smiled softly. “It's no problem. None at all.”
“I'd probably better go,” Gretchen suggested.
“Yeah, I suppose,” Joshua said. “Until tonight?”
Gretchen nodded. “Bye,” she said, shutting the door.
Outside, Joshua stepped down off the porch, whistling, and saw Stempel coming. What a relief, he thought; he'd been just in time! He smiled a big smile at Stempel.
“Morning, Aaron!” he exclaimed.
Stempel nodded, seeming not too pleased to see him. “Joshua,” he said politely.
“Looks like it's going to be a beautiful day, doesn't it?”
“Yes,” Stempel said, looking at the sky for what was apparently the first time that day, “yes, it does.” He slipped around Joshua and stepped up onto the brides' porch.
Joshua walked on, congratulating himself on a narrow-margined win.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
The party was a good one; practically everybody came, and most everyone was happy, and in the mood to have a good time. There was food and drinks, and music, and a bunch of people were dancing. Jeremy and Candy danced a little. Joshua and Gretchen danced most of the night – Joshua knew it would set people talking, but he didn't care.
Neither Jason nor Stempel danced. Jason was more or less above it, though he was willing to step in if someone was to need him; Stempel spent the evening sitting next to Jason, and frowning at Jason's younger brother.
At a break between dances, Joshua came to the bar where Lottie was serving punch.
“Are you having a good time?” she asked him, over the noise of the party.
“Yup!” he answered, looking over to where Gretchen was waiting, and then smiling back at Lottie.
“Josh,” Lottie said, “are you planning to dance only with the new girl tonight?”
“Yeah,” he grinned, “why?”
“Why don't you dance with another girl a little – what about Christine? Haven't you walked out with her once or twice?”
“She's a great girl,” Joshua said. “But Gretchen is special. I've never felt, I don't know, such connection with a girl. It's like we're two peas in a pod.”
Lottie grinned sympathetically. “Look at Aaron,” she said, gesturing. “He looks positively miserable, poor man. Why don't you give him half a chance with her?”
Joshua glanced over at Aaron, and laughed. “He does look a bit like a sad puppy, doesn't he?”
“So you'll give him a chance?”
“Nope. That's how losers lose, Lottie, and I have no intention of losing this girl!” He gave her a big smile, and went back to Gretchen's side, handing her a cup of punch. “Here you are,” he said, and sat down beside her. After she'd taken a sip, he asked, “What would you say about going for a walk? It's pretty crowded in here.”
“That would be nice, I think,” Gretchen decided.
“Come on, then,” he said, rising and taking her hand.
They went outside and walked along the sidewalk towards the pier, silently. When they got out near the water, they stopped; Gretchen looked out across the water, and Joshua looked at Gretchen.
“I like Seattle more than I expected to,” Gretchen said, breaking a long silence. “Everyone's been so kind, especially you and Aaron.”
“Aaron's a good man,” agreed Joshua.
“But...?” Gretchen began, grinning.
“But that's all I want you to think of him. Just a good man. Helpful. A big brother type.”
“I see. And what about you?”
“What about me?”
Gretchen thought of what Stempel had said to her the evening before, on the way home from visiting the Edmonds'. “What...” she began, “...what is most important to you?”
“That's an easy one,” Joshua smiled. “Family. Right now, it's just me and my brothers... although I think we all think of Lottie and Clancy as family too... but one day it will include our wives and our children.”
“Family,” Gretchen sighed. “The one thing I wish I had.”
Joshua took her gently by the shoulders and turned her so she was facing him. “You can have family right now, if you want; all you have to do is say the word,” he said, looking into her eyes.
Gretchen looked back at him for several moments. “Not now, Josh,” she finally said, very quietly. “After I find my brother, maybe then. But I have to find him first.”
Joshua looked down at the ground, nodding. “I understand,” he said. “If one of my brothers was missing, I'd drop everything, and look for him until we found him or died trying.”
“I think...” Gretchen said, “...I think that you and I are more alike than any other two people I know.”
“I will help you find him, Gretchen. I promise.”
“I know you will,” she said, and she let him fold her into his arms.
“We'll start again tomorrow,” he said, still holding her. “I'll pick you up around noon – I have to go over the books with Jason in the morning, but we'll still have plenty of time left to visit the homesteads down around the south end of the lake. Okay?”
She nodded, still leaning against him.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Mill business kept Stempel occupied until well after noon, but he happened to know that the Bolts were going over their books, and so he was able to devote his full mind to business, not needing to worry about whether Joshua was usurping his place at Gretchen's side or not. Business concluded, he went right to the dormitory. He found Biddie knitting in a rocking chair on the front porch.
“Biddie,” he greeted her. “Is Gretchen in?”
“Oh, goodness, no,” Biddie said. “Joshua came for her already. They're long gone.”
To himself, Stempel cursed the Bolts, their books, and the business that had kept him. Outwardly, though, he showed no temper. “Exactly how long gone?” he inquired.
“At least twenty minutes,” Biddie said.
“Twenty – minutes?” Stempel repeated, relieved – the day wasn't lost after all. “What direction did they go, do you know?”
“Gretchen said something this morning about the south end of the lake, I believe,” she replied.
“Biddie, what would I do without you?” Stempel asked rhetorically, and hurried off.
Biddie, giggling, didn't hear him go. “Well, Aaron...” she began, and looked up to find him off already. She sighed. It was nothing new.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Combining pleasure with business, Joshua and Gretchen had brought a picnic lunch with them, rather than eating separately at home before they left. They stopped in a shady clearing along the road about a mile outside of town. Joshua laid out a blanket to sit on, and Gretchen unpacked the lunch.
“The first of the homesteads out this road is only about a half-hour's drive from here,” he said, “but they're new to the area, relatively speaking – I remember when they built. Past that, though, there's the old Hoffman place. Old Lady Hoffman has been here since anyone can remember – if she's still alive, that is. They don't come into town much.”
“No wonder, since they're so far off,” Gretchen said. “It would be quite a trip to do regularly.” She paused. “Do you hear a horse?” she asked.
Joshua listened. “Yes, I think I do,” he said.
They both looked in the direction from which the sounds were coming, and soon saw Stempel ride into the clearing.
“Well, well, look who's here,” he said to Gretchen, rolling his eyes. He raised his voice. “Aaron,” he called. “Imagine seeing you out here.”
“Joshua,” Stempel nodded politely, pulling his horse up. “Gretchen,” he said, “I need to speak with you.”
“Joshua and I are on our way out to several more homesteads,” Gretchen said. “Do you want to come along and help us ask around?”
Joshua groaned to himself; Stempel looked pleased, and dismounted.
“I'd love to,” Stempel said. “But I'd also like to talk to you. Can you walk with me a little ways?”
Joshua was not about to allow that. “I don't think it's a good idea to go walking off into the woods around here. Wild animals this time of year, you know.”
“I can protect us,” Stempel said, patting the revolver in a holster on his thigh. “Gretchen, will you come for a few minutes?”
Gretchen turned to Joshua. “Well, I don't see any harm in it,” she said. “We're not even finished with lunch yet. I'll be right back.”
Joshua looked like thunder, but he didn't stop her. Stempel took Gretchen's hand and they walked away. When they were out of Joshua's earshot, Stempel began.
“I tried all night to talk to you, but I couldn't get near you.”
Amused, Gretchen smiled to herself. “I think Joshua had it planned that way,” she said.
“So I suspected,” Stempel said. He stopped, and turned so that he was facing her, and she looked up at him. “Gretchen,” he began, “it's not easy for me to speak this way, but I'm compelled to tell you how I feel. I... I care more for you than you might suspect.”
Gretchen sighed, and turned away, walking closer to the trees. Stempel followed her.
“You don't like it,” he said. “Do I make you uncomfortable?”
“It isn't that,” said Gretchen, shaking her head. “I like you; I like you a lot. It's that... I don't feel free to form attachments right now. I have something to do first.”
“Your brother,” Stempel said. “Of course. It wouldn't be fair of me to expect anything else. But I will help you find him.”
Smiling, Gretchen began to speak, but she was interrupted.
“Aaron!” Joshua called. “Don't take her off into the woods! That's far enough – I mean it!”
Stempel turned. “Joshua, you're out of line,” he called back.
“Don't take her in there,” Joshua reiterated. “The mountain lions and bears are aggressive this time of year.”
“Don't talk to me like I'm a child, Bolt,” Stempel warned.
Joshua came closer. “I'm not going to allow her to get hurt, and I don't care what I have to do to make sure she isn't,” he threatened.
“Joshua,” Gretchen began, trying to calm them both down.
They both ignored her.
“Are you going to fight me?” Stempel asked.
“If I have to,” Joshua replied.
They glared at each other for a moment.
“Alright,” Stempel said finally, “if that's the way you want it.”
Stempel took off his coat and threw it to the ground, and they both took a fighting stance several yards apart.
“Please don't, you two,” Gretchen said. “Really. I like you both very much, but I'm not in love with either one of you, and don't intend to be, for some time.”
“This is between him and me, Gretchen,” Stempel said.
The two men continued to stare each other down, until Stempel noticed, behind Joshua, a mountain lion crouched, statue-like, on a rocky outcropping. Stempel held up his left hand.
“Joshua,” he said softly, “hold still.”
Joshua was not inclined to take directions at the moment. “What?” he demanded.
Stempel started to pull out his revolver, thinking carefully about the shot he was going to have to take, and didn't answer, except to say, “...hold ...very ...still...”
Joshua and Gretchen, neither having seen the mountain lion, both saw the revolver coming out at the same time.
“No, Aaron!” Gretchen yelled, while Joshua, hardly believing that Stempel could be such a fiend as to pull a gun in a fistfight, charged at him with an outraged cry. The cougar leaped.
Stempel got off a shot, but it just glanced off the mountain lion's back, serving only to make it angry. It landed on Joshua with fury. Stempel had no choice but to take another shot, hoping that it would hit the mountain lion, and not Joshua.
The shot hit the mountain lion squarely in the head, killing it instantly.
Stempel, feeling a little weak-kneed, though he'd never dream of admitting it, ran and knelt at Joshua's side. Joshua was lying face down in the dirt, and his back was a bloody mess, but he was still alive, and Stempel thought him very lucky to have had his back to the thing instead of his front.
“Help me,” Stempel turned to Gretchen, who was frozen in place. “It's bad. We have to get him back.”
Stempel picked Joshua up under the arms, and Gretchen stirred herself into motion and picked up his feet, and they carried him to the buggy that way. “Try to hold him still,” Stempel said to Gretchen as he helped her up. He mounted his own horse, took the rein of the horse hitched to the buggy, and kicked his horse into a run.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
The ride felt like it was ten times as long as it had been coming out, but at last they reached the Bolt cabin and Stempel pulled up. He leaped off his horse and, not bothering to tie either of the horses, grabbed Joshua under the arms again, and carried him into the cabin. Gretchen followed.
“I'll be back,” Stempel said as he lumped Joshua onto the bed, and hurried for the door again.
“What are you going to do?” Gretchen asked, hurrying after him to the door.
“Going for help; stay here and do what you can,” Stempel said. He climbed back onto his horse and rode off at full speed.
He went to the saloon first, bursting in on a quiet mid-afternoon there. “Lottie,” he said, as people gasped at the blood all over his front, “get some of the brides to help you and get over to the Bolt cabin. Joshua's been badly hurt. I'm going to get his brothers.” He was out the door just as quickly as he'd come in, leaving Lottie to stand for a moment, and then bustle into action.
He rode into the Bolt camp about as carefully as a whirlwind, dodging people on the road and even jumping his horse over a log being dragged by a pair of workhorses. Jeremy was right by the tent that they used as a headquarters, and Stempel pulled his blowing horse up short right beside him. He didn't even dismount.
“Jeremy!” Stempel said. “Get into town right away! Joshua's been hurt, badly. He's at the cabin.”
Jeremy was frozen for a moment. “Well, well, sh-sh-should I t-t-t-tell J-J-Jason?” Jeremy stuttered.
Stempel wasn't sure exactly how bad it was. “You go right now!” he exclaimed. “I'll find Jason and send him along.”
Jeremy still stood stock still for a moment, then suddenly rushed for his horse, leaped on, and rode away at top speed.
“Where is Jason working?” Stempel asked the loggers who standing around staring at him.
Corky spoke up. “He's up over the next ridge,” he motioned, “picking out which trees to fell next. Mr. Stempel, is there anything we can do?”
Stempel sighed. “Just keep things running, Corky,” he said. He kicked his horse into a run one more time.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
When Jeremy reached the cabin, he found Lottie already there taking care of Joshua. Joshua's back was a mess, and, though the women were trying to clean the wounds, Joshua was fighting them.
“Good, you're here,” Lottie said, taking him by the shoulders and shoving him into a chair by the side of the bed. “Keep his hands down, so we can take care of him.”
Jeremy took Joshua's hands in both of his own.
“Josh,” he said, not knowing what else to say. “What happened?”
“Jeremy?” Joshua called frantically, but in a tiny, tiny voice. “He shot me, Jeremy.”
Jeremy just barely heard him. “It doesn't look like a gunshot, Josh,” Jeremy said. “Just hold still – we're taking care of you.”
“Is... Jason here?” Joshua said, a little more frantically.
“He's on his way,” said Jeremy.
“I need... to tell him...” Joshua trailed off.
Lottie felt his forehead. “There's a fever,” she said. “Gretchen, hand me a wet cloth.”
When she had, Lottie gave it to Jeremy. “Keep it on his forehead,” she directed.
Jason appeared in the doorway. “What happened?” he demanded, clearly not having waited to hear the story from Stempel.
“It was a mountain lion,” said Gretchen. “We were on our way out to visit some homesteaders, and we stopped for lunch...”
“He knows better than to let a mountain lion sneak up on him!” Jason said, worry in his face. He knelt by Jeremy next to the bed. “Josh?” he called. He didn't get an answer, and took one of Joshua's hands, frowning.
“Aaron happened along, and we were talking,” Gretchen continued. “Joshua tried to warn us of the danger, and one just appeared behind him!”
Stempel appeared in the doorway, obviously exhausted, perhaps a little sick, and still covered with blood. “I shot the thing off his back, but I was too late. The first shot missed.”
“Jason?” Joshua spoke.
“I'm here, Josh,” his older brother said.
Joshua saw Stempel in the doorway, and his eyes widened. “He shot me, Jason! Don't let him kill me! Please!”
Jason shook his head. “There was a mountain lion, Josh. Aaron shot the mountain lion.”
“I was telling them...” Joshua stopped. “A mountain lion?”
“Aaron saved your life,” Jason said.
“You're going to be alright, Josh,” Jeremy put in.
Lottie rested a hand on Jason's shoulder. “I think we should let him rest,” she said. “He knows you're here. Why don't you men go sit in the room and let us take care of him?” she suggested.
Jason nodded and stood up reluctantly. When Stempel and Jeremy had gone, he took Lottie aside. “Tell me how bad it is,” he whispered. “Is he really going to be alright?”
Lottie shrugged sadly. “I don't know,” she said. “We'll do our best, Jason.”
Jason nodded again, and took her by the arm. “I know you will,” he said.
He returned to the main room, and Stempel went back to the bedroom doorway. “Gretchen?” he called, and she looked up. “I'm going to get out from underfoot – and change these clothes – but if there's something I can do – anything – come and get me, alright? I'll be back later tonight, but, if you need me before that...”
“Alright,” Gretchen smiled. “I will.”
“He's going to be okay, I'm sure of it,” Stempel added, and she nodded.
“I hope so,” Gretchen said softly.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
When Stempel returned that night, there was no real change, except that the fever had grown a little stronger. He and Jason, waiting for anything to do, played a half-hearted game of checkers. Jeremy simply paced up and down.
Candy came in from the bedroom, and looked at the three of them. “Are you fellows sure you don't want me to make you something to eat?” she asked.
“I couldn't eat,” Jason said.
“I want something to do!” Jeremy exclaimed. “I can't stand just sitting around here waiting for him to die!”
“Shh!” Candy frowned. “Don't say that kind of thing!”
“There's a pile of firewood to chop if you insist on doing something,” Jason said drily.
“Very funny, Jason; it's dark out,” Jeremy shot back.
There was a knock at the door, and it opened before permission could be given. Clancy, a little tipsy, but not much past the usual, entered.
“Ahoy, me buckos,” he said. “I came as soon as I heard. How is the lad?”
Neither Jason nor Jeremy answered; Stempel could see that they couldn't bear to. “Not good, Clancy,” he said.
“Our Miss Lottie has it in hand, though?” Clancy asked.
“Yes, she's with Joshua,” Candy answered.
“Is it alright if I looks in quick-like?”
“I think so,” Candy nodded.
Hat in hand, Clancy went to the bedroom doorway. He saw Christine and Gretchen trying to change the dressing on Joshua's back, while Lottie tried to hold him down.
“Lottie. How is your patient, Darlin'?” Clancy asked.
Lottie looked up. “Clancy,” she said. “You finally pulled yourself out of the bottle.”
“No need to snap at me, lass. How goes it?”
“See for yourself,” Lottie said.
Joshua called deliriously for Gretchen, and she went to him. “What is it, Joshua?” she asked.
“I had an idea,” he said. “Gretchen, maybe... maybe your brother's family moved out of Seattle, and that's why we can't find him. We could look up north, in Everett, maybe Bellingham. Or maybe they went south. Portland. Or... or...”
“Okay, okay,” Gretchen said, trying to hold a wet cloth to his forehead. “As soon as you're feeling better, you can take me there. Alright?”
“No, we can't wait!” Joshua exclaimed. “Who knows where he might be going? We have to catch up to him. Help me, and we can go right now!”
“It's night now,” said Gretchen. “You have to rest. If you rest you'll get better, and then we can go.”
“No!” Joshua exclaimed, trying to get up. “It can't wait; don't you see?”
Gretchen and Christine held him down. “It can wait,” Gretchen said. “It's waited twenty years; it can wait another couple of days!”
“No!” repeated Joshua.
“He's reopening the wounds,” Christine told Lottie.
“He'll bleed to death if he keeps on like this. Gretchen, you've got to get him to calm down,” Lottie said.
“I'm trying. I don't know how,” Gretchen was near tears.
“Tell him you found your brother,” Lottie said.
Gretchen looked up at her. “You think I should lie?”
Lottie turned away and walked to the window, looking out through it as if it wasn't shuttered.
“What's a little white lie at a time like this?” Clancy asked, trying to help Lottie out of a jam.
“No, Clancy,” Lottie said, “I think it's time for the truth.”
Clancy went close to her. Quietly, he asked, “Lottie, are you sure, lass?”
Lottie looked past him to Gretchen. “Just tell him you found your brother. After he's calm, come out into the other room. I know who your brother is. I'll tell you.”
Lottie left the room quickly, as Gretchen watched her with wide eyes.
“Please help me up, Gretchen,” Joshua said weakly.
Gretchen turned back to him. “No, Joshua. There's no need. I found him, Joshua – I found my brother.”
“You did?” Joshua asked, his voice light.
Gretchen nodded. “Yes, he's really nice. I have a family now. It all worked out.”
“That's great,” Joshua smiled. “I'm happy for you.”
“Will you rest now?” she asked.
“Yes. Gretchen, I'm so happy for you,” he repeated.
She grinned, squeezing his hand. “Thanks,” she said.
When he closed his eyes, she got up.
“Gretchen?” he spoke immediately.
“Yes?”
“You're not going away, are you?”
“Just into the next room for a few minutes.” She sniffed. “I'm going to meet my brother! And then I'll be right back. Please rest.”
“Alright,” he said, closing his eyes again.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Clancy followed Lottie through the main room into the kitchen.
“But are you sure?” he asked her.
“Well, it's too late now, Fishface; I've told her that I know,” Lottie said.
“You still don't have to say. You promised the boy's mother and that should mean something to her, even though she wants to know so bad.”
“I think the boy's mother would want me to say something now. She certainly wouldn't want what might happen if I don't,” Lottie said.
“I have to admit I'm relieved to hear it,” said Clancy. “I've developed a certain curiosity of me own.”
Lottie grinned.
Gretchen came out into the main room, and said, loudly enough for everyone to hear, “Alright, he's quiet and resting. Now, Lottie, you said you can tell me where my brother is?”
Everyone looked up, startled, and watched the two of them.
Stempel spoke first. “Lottie, do you mean you've been letting us run all over creation looking for someone and you know where he is?”
“Don't talk to me like that, Aaron,” Lottie said. “I promised someone a long time ago that I wouldn't tell, and, if I'm not mistaken, you're not too disappointed in the company you've been keeping during the search.”
Stempel looked chastised, and Gretchen blushed a bit.
“If you promised not to tell anyone, Lottie, you shouldn't,” Jason said, getting a look or a glare of some degree or other from everyone else in the room.
“It's alright, Jason. Back then, she thought the boy would be better off if his background wasn't known, but I think that's changed.”
“Would you like those of us not concerned to leave?” Jason asked.
“Just stay, Jason,” said Lottie. She looked at Gretchen kindly. “I know where your brother is, Gretchen,” she said. She turned to the others. “I also know who that baby is that's buried in the unmarked plot in the corner of the church graveyard.”
“The city's been wanting to know that for years, Lottie. Just how many secrets are you sitting on?” Stempel asked.
“Enough of them,” Lottie sighed.
“But what does the mystery baby have to do with Gretchen's brother?” Jeremy asked.
“Everything. Just everything, Jeremy,” Lottie said.
Gretchen had a horrible thought. “That dead baby isn't my brother, is it?” she asked.
“No!” exclaimed Lottie.
Clancy broke in. “Let's just let the lady tell her story, and if she leaves anything out ye be wantin' to know, ye can pepper her with yer questions when the tellin's over.”
“Of course this all happened long years before I came to Seattle,” Lottie began. “I only know the story because I attended the deathbed of the woman that had adopted the boy. She wanted the story kept a secret, for the boy's good, but she needed to tell someone, so someone would remember her other baby, buried in the churchyard under no name at all. It was a little girl. She died only a few hours after she was born. Now, the midwife attending the mother knew of your brother, Gretchen. I'm not sure how many details you know, since you were so young – the boy was just a couple of weeks old, born right before your parents came down with the fever and died of it. The people taking care of you, your adoptive parents, were trying to keep the baby alive on cow's milk, but it wasn't working and he was starving to death. So the midwife convinced the baby girl's mother that your brother needed her as much as she needed him, and brought the baby to her in secret that very night. You see, the woman's husband was away, and she didn't know if he'd be willing to take in an orphan, or raise it the same as the other children, so she passed the baby off as her own. It was easy to do because your new parents had left for Canada before the husband returned. The midwife buried the baby girl in the middle of the night, no one noticed for about a week, and the mother had her baby boy in her arms, so no one ever suspected the truth. That's why no one remembers – no one ever knew.”
Lottie had grown a little weepy, and Clancy put an arm around her.
“It's been a lonely job, taking care of that sweet baby's grave,” she said.
“The story makes a lot of sense, but I still don't know who my brother is,” said Gretchen, clasping her hands to her chest with impatience.
“And,” Stempel added, “I think it would make sense to put the little girl's name on the gravesite, now that it won't affect her family.”
“Won't it?” Lottie said. She smiled sadly. “The baby girl's name was Jennifer – Jennifer Bolt.”
This turn of events was unforeseen, and there was a general noise.
“But... but which one of us...” began Jeremy.
“Joshua!” Gretchen exclaimed, and Lottie nodded.
Jeremy was overwhelmed, and sat down. Candy put her arm around him, still listening to what was being said.
“But that can't be!” Jason exclaimed. “I was here – I remember when he was born!”
“You remember falling asleep in this very room during the birth and being shown your baby brother in the morning, that's all,” Lottie said.
While these details were being ironed out, Gretchen had disappeared into the bedroom, and the rest of them, with the exception of Jeremy and Candy, followed her there.
They found her kneeling beside Joshua, holding his hands, and crying.
“After all these years,” she said, “I've found him and lost him in the same day.”
Lottie sniffed back tears of her own. “You haven't lost him yet, Gretchen, and you're not going to if we have anything to do with it.”
“If I hadn't insisted on driving out anywhere... or if I'd just stayed in clearing like he said... then he wouldn't be dying,” she sobbed.
“It's not your fault,” said Stempel glumly, even though he felt better than he had all week, partly because he was pretty sure that Joshua was going to pull through, and partly because his second shot had missed Joshua – he could still work up a cold sweat about having to take that shot, if he thought about it too much – but mostly because of what Lottie had just revealed. “If I hadn't followed you two, you'd have been out to those homesteads and back by now, both of you in one piece.”
“Well,” Jason said, “if I hadn't allowed Josh to go gallivanting around with a girl instead of insisting on his coming to work like I wanted to, he would have been angry with me for a week and a day. Don't play what-ifs, you two. Nobody intends for this kind of thing to happen. Sometimes they just happen. We'll take care of him best we can, and hope for the best. Right, Lottie?”
“Right,” Lottie said. She took Gretchen by the shoulders. “Come on, now, chin up. And, on that note, I think it's time for all of you to go get some rest.” Gretchen and Christine both protested. “Now, girls,” Lottie said. “You need your rest too. You can replace me in the morning, but for now, I want you to go back to the dorm and get a good night's sleep.” She shooed them, still protesting, out of the room, and stood blocking their way back in. Stempel followed them.
Lottie turned back to the room to hustle Jason out, too, but stopped. He'd dropped the bravado he'd been showing just moments before, and stood by Joshua's side, looking like he was fully aware that his brother might not live. Lottie took him gently by the arm.
“He's my little brother, Lottie,” Jason said, hoarsely.
“Take care of him best we can, you said,” Lottie told him. “Our best is awful good, Jason.”
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
The girls walked slowly back to the dorm, all three of them noticing how quiet and cool it was. They were all exhausted, more by worry than by exertion, and didn't speak at all on the way home.
Inside the dorm, they found Biddie at one of the dining room tables, dressed in a housecoat and sipping tea out of a teacup, clearly waiting up for them. She popped up as they entered.
“There you are!” she exclaimed. “I was beginning to wonder about you. It was hard enough to mind Lottie's saloon all day without knowing what was going on. I've been hearing rumors all day – you can't imagine what it was like to not be outside spreading them, instead of stuck inside just trying to catch them as they flew past! So, what's been happening?”
“Oh, Biddie, did you miss out,” Candy said, taking off her hat.
“What?” Biddie was nearly beside herself with curiosity. “How is Joshua?”
“We don't know if... well, Lottie said we can come back in the morning,” said Christine.
“I heard it was a mountain lion attack. Actually I heard a lot of things, but what I heard the most was that it was a mountain lion. My, my. I've heard those things are killers. I've never actually seen one, though.”
Gretchen shuddered, and Candy frowned. “Biddie!” she exclaimed.
“Oh, but of course Joshua will be okay. He is a Bolt, after all.”
“Then it hasn't got around yet,” Candy said.
“What hasn't?” asked Biddie.
Dully, as if she'd cried all her feelings out, Gretchen said, “Joshua is my missing brother, Biddie.”
“What? How can that be?”
“Poor Jeremy,” said Candy. “All he said after Lottie told us was, 'one way or the other, we're going to lose him'.”
“Oh!” Biddie exclaimed.
“That's not fair,” Gretchen said. “I can't imagine Joshua leaving them just because of me.”
“I tried to tell him that, but he wasn't having it,” Candy said. “I think he's determined to be as bleak as possible until Joshua starts looking better. I hope Jason talks some sense into him.”
“Oh, please tell me everything!” Biddie begged desperately.
Candy, Christine, and Gretchen all yawned.
“It's a long story,” said Candy. “We'll tell you in the morning.”
The three girls went upstairs, leaving Biddie antsy with curiosity.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Biddie lay awake, wondering, long after she heard Candy next to her fall into the rhythmic breathing of sleep. Biddie knew she wasn't going to get a bit of sleep until she'd heard every detail of the whole story. She felt like dragging Candy out of bed and forcing her to talk – but she knew whatever had happened, it had been really hard, and the poor dear was looking forward to another day of it coming up. Maybe one of the other girls would watch Lottie's for her, she thought, and then she could go help Candy and Christine and Gretchen – that would be a sure way of hearing all the details.
That idea made her feel better, and she snuggled back to try to get sleepy. As she did, she realized she heard crying. It wasn't loud, but it was definitely crying... Biddie sat up in bed, to get a better sense of the direction it was coming from, and she got up, and followed it to Christine's bunk.
Biddie sat down on the side of Christine's bed. “Christine!” she whispered. “What's the matter, dearie?” She rubbed Christine's back.
Christine looked up at her. “Sorry,” she whispered. “I thought everyone was asleep.”
“What's wrong?” Biddie asked again.
“I'm afraid, Biddie. Joshua is so sick, and I'm afraid he's going to die.”
“Poor dear,” Biddie said.
“Is it terrible of me, Biddie, to be so glad that Gretchen is his sister?”
“Well, if it is, you're no worse than Aaron Stempel, I just bet,” Biddie said.
Christine laughed despite her tears. “He's so obvious. I mean, you can tell he feels terribly about what's happened to Joshua, but he brightened up so much when Lottie told the story!”
“I'm just dying to hear it myself!” Biddie hinted brightly.
“Well, I guess I can tell you,” Christine said, sniffing, “since I don't seem to be sleeping anyway. Shall we go downstairs and make some tea?”
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Lottie sat up with Joshua through the night, though she was able to doze off quite a lot, because he slept through. When she heard the birds start to sing outside, she got out of the chair and changed the dressing on Joshua's back, and went to the kitchen to start a simple breakfast of oatmeal for the boys – Jason and Jeremy, at least, would have to eat something.
She was back in the bedroom, straightening things in preparation for the girls to take over, when Joshua woke up.
“Lottie?” he called, his voice weak but clear, which Lottie was glad to hear.
She came over to him right away, and felt his forehead. “Joshua. How do you feel, Sweetie?” she asked.
“Like my back is on fire,” he said.
“I just changed the dressing,” Lottie told him. “It should feel a little better soon.”
“Are Jason and Jeremy here?” he asked, wincing.
“Do you think I could have got them to leave if I tried?”
Joshua grinned, despite the pain. “I want... I want to see them,” he said.
“Sure,” Lottie said, giving him a motherly kiss on the forehead. “I'll go wake them up.”
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
When they were awake enough to understand what Lottie was telling them, Jason and Jeremy bounced out of the chairs they were sleeping in and hurried to Joshua's side. He'd fallen asleep again, but they pulled chairs over near the bed.
“Now, whatever you say to him, don't say anything about his being Gretchen's brother,” Lottie warned. “That's got to wait until he's stronger.” She left them alone, needing to see to the oatmeal.
“Jason?” Jeremy asked. “Knowing that he's not really our brother... I don't love him any less.”
Jason put his arm around Jeremy's shoulders. “He's still our brother, Jeremy. Nothing will ever change that.”
Jeremy buried his face in his hands.
Joshua heard the voices and woke up, and reached for them. “Jason, tell me straight out,” he said. “Am I dying?”
Jason took one of his hands. Like Lottie had been, he was glad to hear Joshua talking so clearly. “You know, Josh, really, you look better to me, today.”
Jeremy looked up. “Do you think so, Jason? Really?”
“I sure don't feel any better,” Joshua said.
“You're talking better,” Jeremy said.
“Pain's always worse the second day,” Jason said. “It doesn't mean you're getting sicker.”
“I thought the third day was supposed to be the worst, for pain,” Jeremy said.
Joshua groaned and pinched his eyes shut.
“I wasn't going to say it,” Jason said.
Lottie entered the room.
“What about you, Lottie?” Jason asked. “Does he look better to you?”
“He sure does,” Lottie smiled. “Joshua, there's breakfast cooking on the stove. If you want any, it'll be ready in a few minutes. And I'll be heading home soon for some rest; Gretchen and Christine, at least, will be here to take care of you.” She looked at Jason and Jeremy. “Why don't you two go up to your camp and check on things?”
“I thought we'd stay today, in case Josh needs us,” Jason said.
“He won't,” said Lottie decidedly. She was confident, now, that as long as the wounds stayed clean, he was going to get better. “And if he does, you're only a few minutes away. Go on now.”
“You heard the lady,” Joshua said. “No slacking on my account.”
Jason and Jeremy grinned, feeling a lot better about Joshua's chances themselves, and got up to obey.
“Get some breakfast before you go!” Lottie told them.
“Lottie,” Joshua said as his brothers went to the kitchen, “do I remember Gretchen telling me she's found her brother?”
Lottie smiled. “Yes, she found him,” she said.
“How?” Joshua asked. “Have you met him? Will he be a good brother for her?”
“I've known him for a long time,” Lottie said, “and he'll be a wonderful brother to her.”
“Good,” said Joshua. “I'm looking forward to meeting him myself.” He realized what she'd said. “You've known him for a long time? Do I know him? Is he local?”
“We'll tell you everything when you're a little stronger,” Lottie said.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
He didn't let it rest very long. He practically insisted on being told that night, and since he proved that he could sit up in bed, Lottie agreed that it was okay to tell him – even though he was lying propped up, more than sitting. His brothers were there, and so was Gretchen, and so was Stempel, who'd been in and out all day long, making sure Gretchen had everything she needed. Lottie and Gretchen sat on opposites sides of his bed as Lottie told the story, and Jason and Jeremy stood close; Stempel stood in the doorway.
When Lottie had told the story, Gretchen and Joshua clasped hands.
“It's me?” Joshua repeated. “I'm your brother, Gretchen?”
She smiled and nodded.
“I don't know what to say,” he said. “I guess that's why we're so alike.”
Gretchen hugged him as tightly as she dared, careful not to touch his back. “I can't believe my luck,” she said. “I've been waiting for you for so long.”
She sat back and Joshua grinned. “I've always thought it would be wonderful to have a sister,” he said.
Stempel came into the room further, and coughed. “And, Joshua, I find myself in the somewhat awkward position of needing to ask your permission to court your sister,” he said.
Joshua found this amusing. He grinned. “Well, I don't know, Aaron,” he said. “Just exactly what are your intentions?”
Jason got in on the teasing too. “Well, I forbid it,” he said, stepping forward.
“Jason, she's my sister,” Joshua said.
“And you're my brother,” Jason turned to him, mockingly severe. “Any sister of my brother is a sister of mine.”
“Why don't we let Gretchen decide?” Jeremy put in.
Gretchen laughed and got up, taking Stempel's arm. “I'll be back in a few minutes,” she said, mostly to Joshua.
“Minutes?” Stempel wondered.
“Joshua still needs me,” she said.
“Oh,” Stempel said, realizing, without too much pain, considering, that he was tangling up his own interests with those of the Bolts inexorably, and to an unprecedented degree.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
When they were outside, Stempel cleared his throat. “Gretchen?” he asked.
She turned to him with a questioning look.
“If Joshua hadn't turned out to be your brother,” he asked slowly, “would you still be walking out with me?”
Gretchen grinned, and just looked at him for a moment or two. “I don't think I'm going to answer that,” she said, smiling mysteriously.
Stempel laughed wryly, and they went on their way.