Shining Water 01 - The Icecutter's Daughter (15 page)

“Miss Olsson, I wonder if I might steal Rurik away from you for a moment,” Tobe Krause asked.

“I hardly see why—”

“Let me get you a cup of punch,” Rurik said, leading her over to a chair. “Sit here, and I’ll be right back with it.” Not long before he’d spied Merrill at the refreshment table, and it would be the perfect excuse to get a chance to speak with her.

“Ask Nils to come speak with me,” she said in a rather commanding manner.

Rurik looked at her for a moment, then nodded. “I would be happy to.” But his mood was anything but happy.

“Merriment doesn’t seem to be on your mind tonight,” Tobe declared, throwing Rurik a glance.

Rurik shrugged. “I suppose not,” he answered. “I have a lot on my mind these days, including a great concern for my uncle’s health.”

“I understand,” Tobe said, nodding. “Here’s Merrill and Mr. Olsson.”

“Well, Tobe, don’t you look quite dapper,” Merrill declared as the two men joined her at the refreshment table. “I had
no chance to see you before Zadoc and I left for the party. I thought perhaps you would have ridden with us.”

“Nah, Flynn and I rode our horses. I wasn’t sure I’d be staying all that long. If I manage to catch the eye of a certain young lady, I might hang around. Otherwise, I told Father I’d check in on Carl and play a game of chess.”

Rurik nodded toward Nils. “Your sister asked if you would join her for a moment.”

Nils seemed hesitant. “I wouldn’t wish to leave Miss Krause. I did ask her to the party, after all.”

“That’s quite all right, Mr. Olsson,” Merrill quickly put in. “I’m sure your sister must need you or she wouldn’t be of a mind to interrupt your evening.”

Nils nodded. “I suppose you’re right. I’ll be gone only a moment.” He looked to Rurik as if he might speak, then seemed to think better of it and hurried away.

“Doesn’t seem like there are as many people here this year,” Tobe said, looking around the room.

“Well, if you’re looking for the womenfolk,” Merrill said, nodding over her shoulder, “most are outside ice-skating with Flynn.”

Tobe rolled his eyes. “It figures. He needs as much looking out for as you do.” Merrill gave him a friendly little swat on the arm.

“Might I offer you a compliment, Miss Krause?” Rurik asked without waiting for an answer. “I have never seen you look prettier. The green in your gown really draws out the color of your eyes and the blue flatters your complexion.”

Merrill flushed and lowered her gaze. “Thank you.”

“I guess every other businessman here tonight will be just as green with envy that you work for Jorgenson Furniture and not for them.” He could see that his compliments made her uncomfortable, but Rurik hoped she would also know he greatly appreciated her and her beauty.

“I need to talk to Rurik about helping with the ice next week,” Tobe interjected. He looked toward Rurik and drew him aside slightly. “Pa was hoping you’d have some time to come out on Thursday. We need another hand.”

“I’d be glad to help. After all, it’s hard to pass up Miss Krause’s cooking,” Rurik replied with a little grin. “I’m sure I can get Granny Lassiter to look in on Uncle Carl. He’s doing much better right now.”

“Good. Pa got word from one of his buyers that they’d like to have double the regular order of ice. We’ll have plenty of help on Wednesday, but Thursday was looking lean.”

Rurik heard someone clear their voice and found Nils had rejoined them. “Svea said you were bringing her punch.”

“Yes, that’s right,” Rurik replied. He turned back to Tobe. “I’ll see you on Thursday. I must be about my duties.” His tone was less than enthusiastic, he knew. Nils eyed him with a rather critical look. He said nothing, but Rurik could sense his anger.

He ignored his friend and went to the table for Svea’s punch, knowing that if he stayed, he might well say something he’d regret. This evening he intended to have a long talk with Svea about her return home. It was the only reason he’d agreed to come to the party in the first place. They would sit and talk, and in public she would be less likely to make
a scene. With any luck at all, Rurik would convince her that her child deserved to grow up with his or her rightful father.

Merrill found herself praying for the party to end and for Zadoc to announce it was time to head home. Nils was making a nuisance of himself, refusing to allow her out of his sight for any reason. He rambled on and on about how charming she was and how he knew his mother would love her. He talked about Merrill’s cooking, mentioning that he’d sampled some delicious bratwurst and spaetzle she’d made for Carl.

Merrill took up the fan Granny had insisted she carry and waved it rather furiously.

“Why don’t we slip out for some air? It is rather stuffy in here,” Nils declared, and before Merrill could protest he’d caught her by the arm and swept her from the room.

They stepped outside into the cold night air. Not far from the church a huge bonfire burned down by the lake where dozens of people were skating. Merrill immediately drew in a deep breath of the chill air and felt a sense of relief—like her soul was being cleansed. She decided to thank Nils for the evening and be done with him. Turning to face him, however, she found herself pulled into his arms.

Her mind froze, as well as her body. Nils lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her quite boldly. For a moment, Merrill’s senses left her frozen with shock. Then her anger stirred. This was her first kiss, and she certainly had no desire for it to come from Nils Olsson. When she stiffened and pushed away, he finally let her go.

Nils stepped back with a smug look of satisfaction on his face. “I’ve wanted to do that all night.”

Merrill doubled her fist and punched him square in the mouth. “And I’ve wanted to do that.” She whirled away in an instant, not waiting to see how badly she’d hurt him or how he reacted. Spotting Zadoc and Corabeth, Merrill hurried to join them.

“Something wrong?” Zadoc asked.

“I have a headache.” Merrill rubbed her head for emphasis. “Corabeth, do you suppose Granny would mind if I go back to your house and rest until Zadoc can take me home?”

“I’ll take you home right now,” Zadoc told her. “Corabeth and I were just saying the party is nearly over anyway. Come on. I’ll get the coats, and we can leave.”

Merrill knew Corabeth was most likely disappointed. She would have to find a way to make it up to her friend. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I can’t explain.”

Corabeth seemed to understand and nodded. “It’s all right. I know it must be a fierce pain or you wouldn’t even bother.”

Merrill nodded. “You are so right. It’s perhaps the biggest pain I’ve ever had to deal with.”

The next afternoon, Rurik took some time during his lunch break to read a letter that had just arrived. His brother Aron shared news of the family as well as a bit of mystery. Apparently, there were rumors of a scandal going on around town, and it had something to do with Nils and his father. Aron stated that the two had argued publicly, and then without warning Nils and his sister had disappeared in the dead of night. No one knew what had happened to either one of them. They had simply vanished.

It made no sense to Rurik. Why would Nils and Svea leave without telling their family? He read on.

Some have suspected that part of the problem had to do with Svea Olsson and her flirtatious behavior. After you left and it became common knowledge that the engagement had been dissolved, suitors started vying for Svea’s attention. It has been said that there were several uncalled-for public displays. It is also rumored that the minister made a visit to the Olssons, who were beside themselves over the matter. They were quite concerned, and apparently there was talk of Svea going to live with
her older sister. Then, as I mentioned before, she and Nils left Lindsborg without telling anyone. Naturally the Olssons are very worried.

The rest of the letter reported on the family and asked after Carl and Rurik, but all of that didn’t matter much right now. The only thing Rurik could concentrate on was the part about Nils and Svea. He glanced at his watch. He knew Carl was getting ready to walk over to the office, wanting to work with Nils on one of the ledgers. Knowing he wouldn’t have much time, Rurik quickly took up a pen and paper.

Dear Aron,

I must say that your letter took me by surprise. Please tell the Olssons not to fret. Nils and Svea are safe. They came here to Waseca where Svea has tried to convince me to reinstate our engagement.

He went on to explain that he had no intention of doing so, but that Carl’s condition had made it necessary to take Nils on as an employee. He asked Aron if he would try to find out what problems had taken place between Nils and his father. Perhaps in doing so they could help Nils to repair the relationship, and he and Svea could return to Lindsborg without worry. Finding a replacement for Nils in the furniture business didn’t seem nearly so daunting as dealing with the two siblings and their plans for him.

“I had a good rest. Are you ready to go?” Carl asked, entering the kitchen. His boots were warming by the stove, and he went to fetch them.

Rurik nodded. “I’ll help you over to the office, but first I need to finish this letter to Aron.”

“Trouble?”

He didn’t want to unduly worry his uncle. “I don’t know for sure. Aron wrote that apparently Nils had some sort of falling-out with his father that led to him coming here. I plan to ask him about it when the time is right, so I’d rather you not say anything.”

“Ja, sure.” Carl nodded. “I’ll put on my boots while you write.”

Rurik hurriedly finished the letter, deciding at the last minute against mentioning Svea’s condition. He tucked the missive in his pocket and hurried to where Carl waited by the front door.

“I’m ready.”

“I feel stronger every day,” Carl declared as they walked to the workshop. “Maybe that doctor knows more than I give him credit for. Taking a nap seems to help.”

Rurik smiled despite his concerns. “Sometimes folks other than Swedes know a thing or two.”

“Ja, I suppose so,” Carl replied with a grin.

Inside the office they found Nils already hard at work. Afternoons proved best for Carl to offer assistance, and Rurik felt easing Nils into the position with half days was easier on his uncle. He’d assured Nils that in time they would need him full time, but for now the half days seemed to work out fine.

“G’afternoon,” Nils said, trying to smile from behind swollen lips.

“What in the world happened?” Rurik asked.

“Ran into a door,” Nils said. “I’m afraid the door got the better of me.” He straightened. “Mr. Jorgenson, I tallied all those columns you asked me to take care of and have the figures ready for you.”

“Good. In a minute we can go over those together, but first I’m going to go see the boys.”

Rurik watched Carl shuffle from the room. “So are you managing the bookkeeping all right?” Rurik asked Nils.

“Things seem in good order from what I can tell,” Nils replied. He glanced past Rurik to the open door and lowered his voice. “Svea tells me you tried to talk to her last night about going home.”

“I did.”

“She wasn’t happy about it, you know.”

Rurik shrugged. “I only told her the truth. I think it’s important for her happiness and the welfare of her child to find the man who is truly responsible for her condition and make him take responsibility. She and I both know that man isn’t me.”

Nils folded his hands together. “I don’t think she’ll go back to Lindsborg, no matter what you say or do.”

“Why is that, Nils?” His brother’s letter was heavy on his mind, and he considered for a moment telling his friend exactly what he knew.

“Her condition, of course. She’s too frail to travel now.”

The outside shop door opened, and Rurik turned to find Bogart Krause filling the entryway. “Good afternoon, Rurik.”

“Well, this is a surprise. What brings you into town?”

Mr. Krause grinned. “Secrets and conspiracies. Are you up for one?”

Rurik tried not to show his dismay at Krause’s choice of words. “I suppose I am.”

“Well, I have a project for you. A piece of furniture to order.” He reached inside his coat and pulled out a folded piece of paper. Handing the drawing to Rurik, he continued. “Merrill’s birthday is coming up in April, and I know you’ll need time to get this put together.”

Rurik studied the picture. “What is this, a wardrobe?”

“Similar. It’s called a
schrank
. It’s usually something I would have made for her years ago so she could save things for her own household. It’s an old German custom. These are built quite large and can therefore be used for daily purpose, too. Clothes can be hung up, and the drawers and shelves are good for storage.” The big man pointed to the page. “You’ll see there from the instructions that each of the components are built separately but are put together as a whole. That way, despite its size, Merrill can take it with her when she weds. It’ll be just a matter of disengaging the pieces.”

Rurik swallowed hard. “Is . . . is she engaged?”

Krause shook his head. “No, but I hope that soon she’ll find a young man and settle down. She’s a good woman, and she’s taken care of her brothers and me for far too long. I thought maybe a schrank would encourage her to look forward to a life of her own. Do you think you can work it into your other orders? I don’t care what it costs. I’ll have the ice money, and the Lord knows Merrill deserves even more than this.”

Rurik knew even if he had to work on it at night in secret, he would see that Merrill had her schrank. “I’ll handle it myself.”

“Wonderful. Thank you. When I present it to her, that will make it all the more special. Now, where’s that ornery uncle of yours? He owes me a game or two.”

“I think you’ll find him in the workshop.”

Rurik continued to inspect the drawing after Mr. Krause had gone from the room. He already imagined the time he would spend working on the piece. Crafting it for Merrill.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Nils demanded.

The question took Rurik by surprise. “What are you talking about?” He stared at Nils over the paper.

“That.” Nils motioned to the drawing. “You’re acting rather strange.”

“Not at all.” Rurik tried his best to sound unconcerned. No matter what Nils suspected, Rurik wasn’t about to confess his feelings for Merrill. “I am quite fascinated with this piece of furniture. I’ve never made anything like it. I think it’s a marvelous wardrobe. Here, look at it yourself.”

Nils took the paper and studied it for a moment. Then with a wicked grin he handed it back to Rurik. “I’d like to help you build it. If I have my way, that piece will one day be in my house.”

“And why would it end up in your house?”

“Because I intend to ask her father if I can court Miss Krause. If all goes accordingly—we might one day be married.”

Rurik couldn’t shake the sense of unease he felt at the idea of Nils marrying Merrill. He realized he was probably
jealous, but he also felt hounded by the problem between Nils and his father. It wouldn’t be good to mix Merrill up in it all. But to be completely honest, Rurik knew beyond any doubt that he’d fallen in love with Merrill Krause.

Trying his best to keep his thoughts at bay, Rurik went to work on the schrank, and for the next few days he accomplished a great deal. He worked during his evenings after Carl had gone to bed. The hours spent on the piece of furniture, using a beautiful walnut wood, only made Rurik’s heart ache more for what might be. He simply couldn’t allow Nils to steal her away.

When Tobe came to pick him up before dawn on Thursday, Rurik had decided he would ask Mr. Krause himself for the right to court Merrill. He would have to deal with the situation of Svea and dispel the lies she was spreading about their impending wedding. He hadn’t wanted to shame her. She would deal with enough of that because of the baby. Instead, he had hoped and prayed that she would take up his offer of train passage and head back to Kansas.

“You awake over there?” Tobe asked him after several minutes of silence.

“Ja. Just thinking.”

“Good time for it.”

Rurik nodded. “So, how’s your family?”

“Doing pretty well. We worked until dark yesterday, and I expect we’ll do the same today. My father’s never missed a deadline, and I don’t imagine he’ll start with this delivery.”

“No, I don’t imagine he will.” Rurik could see a ribbon of color against the horizon as the sun started to lighten the
sky. Low clouds, definite harbingers of snow, seemed to soak up the light and immediately diminish the glow.

“Today will go faster. We have the ice cleared of snow and scored. It shouldn’t take nearly as long to cut and load. Oh, and I hope you haven’t had breakfast. Merrill Jean made her famous
quark-tasche
.”

“What is that?”

“Oh, it’s a delicious cheese pastry. Our mother used to make it for special occasions, and it’s one of my favorites. You’ll be glad you came to work today. Yesterday we had plain old pancakes and sausage. There will still be sausages and other things on the table, but the quark-tasche is what I’ll be eating.”

Rurik laughed. “I can hardly wait to try it.”

For a short time there was silence once again, and then Tobe spoke up. “I hope you don’t mind my asking, but I wondered if you would tell me what kind of man your friend Nils Olsson is. I mean . . . he seems quite interested in Merrill, and we Krauses tend to look out for our own. I figure with you getting set to marry his sister, you might be the best one to know.”

“I’m not marrying Svea Olsson,” Rurik said, trying his best not to let his anger show.

Tobe looked at him oddly for a moment, then turned his attention back to the team. “I thought you were betrothed.”

“We were, but she broke that off before I came to Minnesota. If she hadn’t, I would have. Our betrothal was an arrangement put together by our fathers and certainly had little to do with anything else.”

“But she was telling people at the party that you were planning to marry quite soon.”

“I’m not surprised. But it isn’t true. She’s . . . well . . . I suppose she’s just trying to save herself embarrassment. I’m hoping she’ll return to Kansas soon.”

“Her brother, too?”

“I don’t know. I don’t want to speak against my friend, but Nils is probably not the best choice of suitor for your sister.”

“Why do you say that?”

Rurik wanted to shout to the skies that it was because he was in love with Merrill and was far better suited to court her. But he didn’t. “My brother recently wrote to suggest there were some problems between Nils and his father,” he said carefully. “I don’t know what it involves, but Nils left without saying anything to his family.”

“Except his sister.”

“Ja. The family has been very worried about them. He brought her here hoping I might change my mind about the engagement. I think he figures I could marry her, and then we could all live happily together.”