Tracie Peterson - Dawns Prelude

"I'm sorry to say that I was once a harsh man. But now I am much changed. I'm afraid, however, that Lydia has been quite disturbed since our father's death. Her coming here was just one of the ways she showed her distress. She's been missing for months, and we were gravely concerned especially given her condition. We arc hoping to bring her home, where she can give birth in the safety and care of her family."

"She's got the care of family right here. Her aunt is a loving woman who also happens to be a nurse. Lydia has constant care, so you needn't concern yourself further."

"But perhaps she's in need of better help than a place like this can offer."

Lydia shot Marston a glare. "He's trying to suggest I'm not in my right mind. It's a wonder, after twelve years of marriage to his monstrous father and life with such hateful people, that I am. However, I'm not crazy, and I'm not going back to Kansas City. I want him to go, Kjell, and I want him to go now."

She left the security of Kjell's embrace and strode to the door of the cabin, where she paused. "You should never have come here, Marston. You say you aren't the same man; well, I'm definitely not the same woman. You will find that your bullying and force will get you nowhere with me. I'm not afraid anymore."

"You need to go now."

Marston eyed the man who had come to Lydia 's rescue. "I don't believe I caught your name. Did Lydia call you Chill?"

"My name is unimportant. I am a friend of Lydia and her aunt, and you are not. I would suggest you give up whatever game you're about and leave Sitka on the next available ship."

This man clearly cared a great deal about Lydia. Marston hadn't missed the way he'd held her after she'd thrown herself at him. No doubt her morals were in question. Perhaps that alone would allow him to take the child from her. If Marston knew anything for certain, it was that Lydia would follow wherever the child went.

A am truly sorry to have upset Lydia. I came to apologize and offer my assistance. I certainly meant no harm."

"Then prove it by leaving."

"But of course." Marston made his way down the porch steps and crossed in the rain to the waiting carriage. They hadn't seen the last of him, but for now, it was enough. Lydia knew he was here and knew he desired her return to Kansas City. He would find a place to stay and then see what he could arrange. Of course, this backwoods character was going to be trouble.

Climbing into the carriage, Marston settled in. He fumed at the way he'd been treated. He'd shown nothing but concern for Lydia, yet she'd refused to allow that he could have changed.

"Of course I haven't changed," he murmured, flicking the reins. The horse turned to make his way hack to town.

Once he'd returned, Marston sought the advice of Mr. Fuller. "I thank you for the loan of your carriage. Now I wonder if you might direct me to a place where I could stay."

"There isn't much. The ship will be in harbor for several days. That will he your best bet for now."

"I had already planned to return to the ship tonight but hoped to stay on land after that. I need to be here for several weeks, possibly."

Fuller considered this for a moment. "There is a priest who lives with his daughter. They sometimes take in visitors. I could ask for you."

Marston nodded. "If you would be so kind. I'll return in the morning and see what you've learned."

Fuller seemed agreeable, and Marston took the opportunity to walk hack to the docks. He waited for the launch, ignoring the persistent rain. His mind was taken up with what he should do next. Seeing Lydia so great with child had taken him by surprise. Of course, he'd known of her pregnancy, but seeing it was different. She had actually grown more beautiful, if that were possible. Marston had always thought her attractive, although he would never have admitted as much.

He looked back toward the town. Such a hideous place. Logs and mud and poverty were everywhere. Russian-made buildings were evident here and there, with their yellow walls and red roofs. The traditional dome and spire of the Russian Orthodox church drew Marston's attention for a moment. Funny that it remained, even after the bulk of the congregation had returned to their homeland.

Frowning, Marston considered what might be done. He would have to act quickly to get Lydia out of Sitka before the baby was born. That would be the easiest way Of course, if the baby were to come early, that could complicate the situation.

"Ready to return to the ship, mister?"

Marston turned to the sailor and nodded. "Yes." He gave one more glance hack at the town. There were plenty of seedy characters milling the streets, especially here at the docks. Perhaps they would be of use to him. The key to any successful transaction was to have people who were willing to do your bidding.

A smile came to Marston's face. He was good at enticing men who were down on their luck to do whatever he wanted-he it steal or scare or kill. Surely there was someone in this town who held as much anger toward this Chill person as Marston felt. Maybe someone hated the man enough to even eliminate the problem altogether.

"Zcc, that was the best berry pie I've ever had," Kjcll said after his second helping. You certainly know your way to a man's heart."

"It wasn't my doing," Zerelda replied. "Liddie baked that pie."

Kjell smiled at the exhausted Lydia. "A masterpiece, I tell you. Thank you for going to all the trouble."

"It wasn't that hard," Lydia told him. "We had the berries preserved from summer."

"I appreciate the effort, nevertheless. It's always such a pleasure to come here and enjoy the company and the food. I'm getting very spoiled."

Zerelda laughed. "Well, we wouldn't want that. What say you sing for your supper? I'd like to hear some tunes while we see to the dishes."

"Sure thing, Zee. I think I can manage that." He got up and reached over to offer Lydia a hand. "You look tired tonight."

"I am," she admitted.

Kjell noted the dark circles under her eyes and the worried expression on her face. "You aren't fretting over that Gray fellow, are you?"

"That would be putting it mildly," Zerelda answered before Lydia could speak. "She's so restless and fearful, she won't even go to town with me."

Kjell looked deep into Lydia 's dark brown eyes. "You don't have to worry about him."

"That's easy for you to say-you are a strong, capable man," Lydia replied. Zerelda had already begun taking care of the dishes, and Lydia leaned over toward Kjell. "Don't give it another thought. I'm fine, really."

But Kjell knew the truth. It was written on her face and evident in her step. Lydia wasn't the same woman. It was as if she carried a heavy weight on her shoulders, and Kjell longed to take that burden from her. He wanted nothing more than to convince her that he would care for her, protect her.

"Did Lydia tell you she had another proposal today?" Zerelda called from the kitchen.

Kjell looked to Lydia with raised brows. "How many is that this week?"

"Five," she barely whispered.

"Shall I make it an even six?" he teased.

Lydia straightened. "Make it whatever you want. It won't change a thing. I didn't come here looking to marry again."

"Well, that certainly won't stop the men from asking," Zerelda stated as she crossed to the front door. "You two get settled in. I'll be right back. There are some things I want to fetch from the cache."

"You want help, Zee?"

She shot him a wink. "No, I think I can manage just fine."

Kjell felt his cheeks redden, realizing she was purposefully giving him time alone with Lydia. He shook his head and went to where he'd left his guitar. Tuning the strings, he looked up to find Lydia watching him.