Shining Water 01 - The Icecutter's Daughter (25 page)

She invited them to the table, and Aron immediately helped Carl to his feet. “You and Rurik have done nothing but praise this young woman’s ability to cook, so I’m anxious to sample whatever she has prepared.”

Rurik laughed and went to where Merrill stood. “You won’t be sorry, and if I have anything to say about it—this won’t be the only time you get the opportunity.”

Aron assisted Carl to the kitchen while Rurik remained behind. “Thank you, my Merrill,” he said, putting his arm around Merrill’s waist. “I think I shall reward you with a kiss.”

She felt a shiver of delight flow through her and her cheeks grew warm. She looked up at him and shivered again at the intensity of his gaze. “I think I shall let you reward me.”

He kissed her gently, his hands holding her face with great tenderness. Merrill wanted the moment to go on forever, but knew the others were waiting. She pulled away reluctantly. “Come, your supper will get cold.”

“I hope you won’t mind if my first order of business tomorrow is to speak to your father. I’d like to get his permission to call on you, Miss Krause. That is . . . if you are willing.”

Merrill smiled and quipped, “I’ll need to give that some thought.” They both chuckled, but she quickly turned serious. “You already know I’m most willing, Rurik. I just hope you also know what you’re getting yourself into. I’m not—well, I’ll never be dainty and frilly. It’s best you know that right now.”

He laughed and pulled her with him toward the kitchen. “I’m willing to take my chances on you, Merrill Jean. I’m willing to take my chances.”

Merrill lost no time in getting word to her father and brothers regarding Rurik’s innocence. She prayed that the truth might circulate as quickly as the lies had so that Rurik’s name and reputation would be set to rights. Granny and Corabeth had both assured her that they would discreetly help to set the record straight.

“People love to spread gossip,” Granny had told her, “but they’re usually in less of a rush to tell the truth.”

Merrill supposed it was the nature of the human race to focus on the bad and believe the worst of a person. The negative, it seemed, was far more enticing than the good, positive, noble things of life. Maybe that was why people needed the Bible’s reminder to dwell on the latter things.

As soon as she had the breakfast dishes cleaned up and put away, Merrill made a list of items she would need for future meals. She surveyed the cupboards and wrote down the things that were standards in her kitchen. She was nearly finished when Rurik joined her there.

“Merrill, I’m heading out to your house and wondered if
you wanted to accompany me. Aron said he’d stay here with Uncle Carl until our return.”

Merrill could see that Rurik had prepared himself as if he were to attend church. His blond-brown hair was washed and neatly combed into place, and his face was freshly shaved. She could see by his expression that Rurik was quite pleased with himself. “You look like a man who’s up to something,” she said with a little smile.

“I am. I’m up to speaking to your father.”

She cocked her head to one side. “And I suppose I am the topic of that discussion?”

One side of his mouth rose. “Shouldn’t that be between your father and me?”

“Maybe.” She put her hands on her hips. “But if it does involve me, perhaps I’d better come along and make certain I’m properly represented. There’s no telling where things might lead otherwise.”

“Why do you suppose I invited you? I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Rurik moved toward the door. “If you don’t mind, I’ll bring your wagon around in ten minutes. Will that give you enough time?”

“Certainly.” She grabbed her list and tucked it in her pocket. “Let me just make certain your brother knows what he needs to tend to while I’m gone. Oh, and we’ll need to pick up some supplies if you want me to keep cooking here.”

“Of course we want you to keep cooking. I told Uncle Carl that he should just pretend to need a nurse for a good long while so that we could have you with us all the time.”

Merrill laughed as Rurik gave her a wink and disappeared
down the hall. She sought out Aron and explained what he needed to do for lunch and then gathered her things. As a last thought she went back to the kitchen and took up a rather sad-looking apple and cut it into pieces for the horses. She stood waiting and ready for Rurik when he brought the wagon around. The Belgian team seemed happy to be out again.

“There you are,” she said to the horses. “Did you think I’d forgotten you?” She gave Jack some apple first and then turned to Jill. “I brought you gifts so you won’t be slighted by my absence.” She rubbed Jill’s soft muzzle and laughed when Jack nudged her for another piece of fruit. She fed him quickly before moving to climb into the wagon.

“I hope Jack and Jill behaved for you,” she said as Rurik helped her onto the seat beside him.

“They were perfect. We have a good understanding between us,” he said, grinning.

The roads, though deeply rutted, appeared dry. The cloudless blue skies overhead indicated they would remain so at least for the day. Everything in creation seemed perfectly arranged for this day. Merrill couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement.

They arrived at the farm shortly before nine thirty, and Merrill was surprised to find her father and brothers busy at work on the roof of the house.

“What in the world are you doing up there?” she called. Her father gave a wave, but her brothers were busy pounding nails and didn’t seem to notice her for the moment.

“Figured we’d best take advantage of the weather and get the roof patched up before it rains again,” her father called
down. “Got your message, but sure wasn’t expecting to see you yet.” He went to the ladder and started down. “Is Carl doing all right?”

“He’s resting at the house,” Rurik replied. “My brother Aron is seeing to him until we can get back.”

Merrill’s father reached the ground and turned with a nod. “I’m glad things worked out for you, Rurik.” He extended his hand.

Rurik shook hands with her father and got right to business. “I was hoping we could talk.”

“What about?”

Merrill couldn’t help but smile. Her father no doubt knew exactly what Rurik wanted to talk about. Bogart Krause had never been known as a slow-witted man.

“I thought we might talk in private . . . about . . . Merrill and me.” The pounding had stopped, and Merrill’s brothers seemed to be all ears.

“What’s going on down there?” Tobe asked, stretching toward the sky. “Rurik, did you come to help us with the roof?”

Her father chuckled. “Boys, you get that patching done. I’m going to go inside and have some coffee with Rurik and your sister.”

“Oh sure. Take yourself a good, long break,” Leo called down in a jesting tone. “Merrill Jean, did you bring us any of your pastries?”

“No, I’ve been far too busy to worry about you,” she said, giving her brothers a wave. “Besides, I’m sure Margaret has taken good care of you all.” She followed her father and Rurik into the house.

Merrill went to the stove for the morning’s leftover coffee and poured some for each of the men. Father leaned against the kitchen counter while Rurik twisted his cap in his hands, looking surprisingly ill at ease.

“I’ll just go and get a few of my things,” she said, handing them their mugs.

“No, Merrill Jean, I want you to stay,” her father declared. “I figure this has to do with you, so you should be here, as well.” He looked at Rurik and smiled. “Let’s sit at the table,” he suggested. The three pulled out chairs and sat.

“So what have you got to say for yourself, son?” He looked at Rurik over the rim of his mug.

Rurik cast a quick glance at Merrill and seemed to regain his confidence. “Sir, I would like your permission to court Merrill.”

“I see. And she’s in agreement to this?” He looked at Merrill and raised a brow.

Merrill met her father’s searching gaze. “I am.”

He nodded and rubbed his jaw. “And what is your intention in courting my daughter?”

Rurik, who hadn’t taken his gaze from Merrill, now gave her a look that revealed all that was within his heart. She couldn’t help but smile and lean toward him. He finally turned to her father. “Well, I haven’t actually said the words to her yet, but I’d like to marry her.”

Merrill wanted to shout in her excitement, but she held herself in check. Her father gave a serious nod and seemed to consider the statement. His silence started to make Merrill
uncomfortable, but she knew better than to interrupt his contemplation.

Finally he looked to Rurik.

“You know, there’s been many a fella who showed interest in my daughter. Her brothers have been good to keep most of the less reliable at bay.” He smiled and winked at Merrill. “Unfortunately, the thought of dealing with them has also caused some of the better men to keep their distance, as well.”

“I’m sure her brothers only wanted to keep her safe,” Rurik said, adding, “Just like I want to do. I promise you, Mr. Krause, I will guard her and love her for all my life.”

“I know you will. You’ve proven yourself to me on more than one occasion. I sure am sorry for all the troubles you’ve been through, but you have handled yourself in an honorable way. I never once heard it said that you’d spoken ill of Miss Olsson. In fact, it seems you attempted to guard her reputation, saying very little. That took a great deal of integrity and strength of character, especially since your own good name was at stake. I’d be proud to have you court my daughter and join this family.”

Rurik let out a long sigh. “Thank you.”

Merrill hugged her father, though she knew such displays usually made him uncomfortable. This time, however, he held on to her for just a moment. “Thank you, Father,” she whispered against his ear. “I love you.”

She turned to Rurik and held out her hands, palms upward. He quickly placed his hands over hers.

“Well,” said Mr. Krause, clearing his throat with a grin, “better get myself back to the roof.”

“It was kind of you to invite us for supper,” Mr. Olsson said, taking off his hat.

Granny Lassiter took the hat and led him and Svea into the front room. Merrill joined them. “Mr. Olsson, Miss Olsson, we’re so glad you could join us.” She turned and waved toward Rurik, who was talking to Aron and Corabeth. “We were just waiting for you to arrive. Supper is ready.”

“Thank you for having us,” Mr. Olsson reiterated.

Merrill was determined to show Svea kindness. She smiled at her in welcome, but Svea remained sober-faced, looking apprehensive and nervous.

“Granny was kind enough to open her house up for this gathering since Uncle Carl’s house would have been too cramped,” Merrill explained. “The Lassiter house can definitely accommodate us all. Of course, Uncle Carl was less than pleased to be wheeled over, certain he could make it on his own. The doctor lent us a wheeled chair, however, and told Uncle Carl he couldn’t attend unless he remained seated and refrained from exerting himself.”

Svea gave a slight nod and fussed with her shawl. Merrill was sure the young woman was very uncomfortable after all that had happened. “Would you like to help me in the kitchen?”

“I . . . I’m not sure I would be of much use—”

“Nonsense,” Merrill assured her. “It’ll give us a chance to talk.” Merrill reached out a hand. “May I take your wrap?”

Svea nodded, seeming rather resigned to the situation, but
Merrill hoped they might actually have a pleasant conversation. She hung up the shawl, then led the way to the kitchen.

Svea glanced around at Granny’s kitchen. “It . . . the supper smells delicious.”

Merrill said, “I hope it will be. By the way, may I call you Svea?”

“Yes. Please.”

“Then I hope you’ll call me Merrill.” She leaned on the counter, carefully considering her next words. “Svea, I want you to know that I’m sorry I’ve been less than friendly. I’m afraid I didn’t act with much Christian charity. I was wrong, and I hope you’ll forgive me.”

Svea looked at her strangely for a moment. She didn’t seem to know what to say. Merrill frowned, wondering if she might have just made things worse. Not knowing what else to do, Merrill took a platter to the stove and carefully lifted the ham from its baking dish and placed it on the large plate.

“I’m so . . . ashamed. I never meant to cause such . . . such harm.”

Merrill turned back to the young woman with an understanding smile. “I’m sure you didn’t. Sometimes things have a way of getting out of hand. Even so, I’ve always known God to help us set things right.”

Svea looked at the floor. “Papa and I are planning to go back to Kansas as soon as Nils returns.”

“Have you had any word from him?”

“No. I’m really worried about him. I thought he’d be back by now.” Svea ran her hand down the front of her skirt,
smoothing nonexistent wrinkles. “Papa spoke to the police, but they’ve heard nothing.”

“There you are,” Corabeth said, coming through the door. “What can I do to help?” She crossed the kitchen and took up the bread basket. “Shall I put this on the table? Is the butter already out there?”

“Yes,” Merrill said, sorry she wouldn’t be able to speak more with Svea. She gave Svea an apologetic shrug. “Why don’t you take the ham out, and I’ll get the rest.”

Svea started to do as Merrill suggested, but stopped. “Look, I want to say something.” She bit her lower lip for a moment. “I know that Rurik loves you.”

It was Merrill’s turn to feel awkward. “Yes.”

“And you love him.”

Merrill nodded. “Yes.”

For a moment Svea said nothing, but then she added, “I’m glad.”

“You are?” Merrill asked, unable to keep the surprise from her voice.

“I am. Our parents had arranged our betrothal, but it was never right.” Svea shrugged. “I do love Rurik, but not like you. He’s like a brother to me. When he said he felt that way about me . . . I was . . . well, at first upset and then relieved. Rurik is a good man, much better than I knew, in fact.”