Tracie Peterson: Dawns Prelude

That gives us very little time," Lydia replied. Her sense of adventure and excitement mounted with each new announcement.

"Indeed, that is true. You will have to leave tomorrow in order to get to Omaha to catch your train."

"Tomorrow?" Lydia looked up in shock. She had been expecting at least a few weeks to set things in order.

"I know it is sooner than you had expected, but it was the best I could do. There really isn't that much in the way of transportation; the area has only belonged to the United States for a few short years, and the government is still uncertain what to do with it. Most people believe it an example of the poorest judgment that we even purchased it."

"My aunt says it's the most beautiful country in the world," Lydia countered, remembering incredible descriptions in Zerelda's letters. "I'm sure the purchase will prove to be wise in time."

"I seriously doubt it," Robinson said and then seemed to realize he'd spoken out of turn. "I only hope that you will he happy there. It seems harsh and isolated."

"But my aunt is there, and that will make me quite content."

"Very well. My man will be here to pick you up at ten tomorrow morning. Can you be ready?"

Lydia thought of the things she had yet to arrange and suddenly realized that nothing was as important as slipping away from the Gray children and leaving this awful place. "I'll he ready." She glanced at the clock. "But you must excuse me. I'll need to get my shopping done in all haste."

"Might I make a suggestion?"

Lydia nodded, wondering what Robinson could possibly say. "I'm happy for any advice."

The older man smiled. " San Francisco is a large city. You can purchase anything you might need for your journey there. I would travel as freely as possible across the country and arrange for your necessities once you are there."

Lydia considered his words. "I have already ordered several outfits."

"Perhaps my wife could settle the account when they are complete, and I could have them shipped to you in Sitka."

"I suppose that would work. I could purchase a couple of ready-made suits instead."

"1 think you'll be better off for it. Now, one of my clerks, Mr. Lytle, will arrive in the morning to accompany you. He will have a sufficient amount of money for your needs. I will also arrange for money to be available for you at a bank in San Francisco. You might wish to take additional supplies toAlaska. I believe the ship can accommodate you in this."

"I hadn't really thought about taking supplies, but I am sure you are right. I should probably purchase food and other items that will ease the burden of my arrival." Lydia considered the various things she might need. She would also enjoy taking some gifts to her aunt. It had been years since she'd seen the woman, but they had been faithful correspondents.

"Well, if that is all," Robinson said, "I will be on my way. Be assured: I will take care of all legal matters. I will send any correspondence to you in Sitka in care of your aunt, and I expect to have the review of the will resolved in a few weeks. There is little reason to believe it will be settled in any other way than in your favor."

"Thank you… for everything." Lydia lowered her head slightly. "I know that I offended you in the office the other day with my comment about God. For that I hope you will forgive me and put aside any ill feelings toward me. I had no desire to upset you."

"My dear Mrs. Gray, all is forgiven."

She looked up and smiled. "Thank you. I am afraid the past has made me quite bitter at times. But my hope… my hope is in the future now."

When Lydia returned from her shopping trip, she was stunned to find the Gray children rather formally assembled in her parlor for tea. The servants stood at the ready, and the family was already enjoying refreshments when Lydia entered the room.

"Where have you been?" Marston asked, getting to his feet.

Lydia found all faces had turned her way. "I didn't realize I needed to check my appointments with you."

Marston's eyes narrowed, then his expression changed. "You needn't take that tone with me; we were merely concerned for your safety. We have business to discuss." He waved away the servants and waited until they had departed before continuing. His tone was more congenial than Lydia could ever remember. "We would very much like to know your plans for the future. Are there areas in which we might lend assistance?"

Lydia thought of her plans to go live in Alaska but said nothing, confused by Marston's gentleness. She understood their anger and resentment, but when one of the Grays attempted kindness, it was reason enough to he on her guard.

Instead of taking a seat to join them, Lydia stood at the hack of the nearest chair. She clutched the ornate frame for strength and met each person's eyes before speaking.

"I can't think of any way in which you could assist me. However, you should know that I have no intention of keeping your mother's things," she said, looking directly at Jeannette. "The jewelry and furs are of no interest to me. Some time hack, my father set up a trust for me, and I am quite comfortable. So whatever the outcome of having the will set aside and reviewed"-she now turned her attention to Marston and Mitchell "I want you to take the contents of this house, and the house itself. I have already spoken to my lawyer, and he will make the arrangements once the will is settled."

Marston took his seat and reached for his coffee. "And what of the rest of the fortune-the businesses, stocks, and hank accounts

"My lawyer has advised that those are issues for the court to determine, and he will see to the matter."

And what do you intend to do in the meanwhile,… Mitchell asked.

Lydia chose her words carefully. "My lawyer is arranging new living quarters for me. I hope to be gone from this house very soon. I desire to take only my violin and the few personal items I brought into the marriage."

"You aren't taking your clothes?" Jeannette asked in surprise.

"No, you are welcome to them," Lydia replied, knowing full well that Jeannette's stockier frame would never fit into any of the garish fashions.

Evic looked at her for a moment and smiled. Lydia could see that the young woman clearly understood. She wanted nothing of this life to serve as a reminder of the past. No trinket. No memento of her twelve years of fear and pain.

"I'm glad to see that you are being reasonable about this. It will be much easier on everyone. We will want to divide up the goods and sell the place as soon as possible," Marston stated in a businesslike manner. As for the other, we want to discuss your plans. Mitchell and I both hold stocken Rockford and Gray's Casket Company. We have a vested interest in the future of that company and of the furniture business, as well."

"I can appreciate that, but I am honestly uncertain how the lawyer will handle the businesses. You may feel free, however, to discuss it with him at any time."

Marston put down his cup. "But can we not discuss it with you?" He surprised Lydia once again by softening his tone. " Lydia, you know we have worked hard to grow this business. Rockford and Gray makes the finest caskets in the country. We have a reputation to uphold. It's to your benefit, as well as ours."

"My father invested heavily in the business, as well. As I recall, when I married your father a great deal of money changed hands. My father was already making caskets on the side, as many furniture makers did. Your father saw his own business struggling. The arrangement benefited both sides. Unfortunately, I was forced to be in the middle of that affair."

You benefited, as well-" Mitchell began.

Lydia held up her hand. "I will not discuss this with you any further than to say you all bore witness to the misery I endured. We all know the truth. You know it for yourselves, as well. Your father was overhearing. He was harsh and uncaring. He heat you without cause, just as he did me." Lydia felt her anger increase. "I don't care what you think of me. I was a young girl when I married, and I did my best. I was terrified when I came here, but I leave feeling quite the opposite. I have endured the worst that any woman could ever suffer. I have miscarried my unborn children. I have lain awake at night, fearing the morrow. I am free of that now, and I will never allow myself to fall victim to that again."