Spoils of Eden (32 page)

Townsend rode up, a muscled form in white clothes and hat, a whip fastened to the side of his saddle. Eden hated the whip. What he did with it, she didn’t know. She suspected it was decoration that harmonized with his personality.

“Good afternoon, Uncle.”

“Eden, do you know if Rafe is anywhere about?”

“I haven’t seen him since Rat Alley. I believe he’s on Hanalei.”

He gave a nod, his cool blue eyes busily taking in the huts and pineapples growing in the warm sunshine, as far back toward the hills as the eye could see.

“Most likely. Is Celestine with him?”

The question surprised her. Where was Rafe’s mother? It dawned on her that she hadn’t seen Celestine in weeks either. She’d taken it for granted that Celestine might be deliberately staying out of sight because of Townsend. Was she well? Could the bruises on her face have anything to do with her keeping out of view?

“Why, I thought she was up at the plantation house,” Eden said, hiding her unease. “She hasn’t been well. She wasn’t at church this morning.”
Or for a number of weeks, come to think of it
, but she kept that quiet. “Noelani comes up nearly every day.”

“I just came from there. Noelani claims she hasn’t seen her.”

We seem to have a lot of missing people recently. Do they have anything in common?

“If she’s up at the plantation, she won’t answer the door or return my messages,” Townsend complained.

“Then she must be on the Big Island with Rafe.”

“Then maybe I’ll need to go there.” His face hardened. “Rafe would like that. He’d like to show me around his new plantation and boast of his father’s enterprise of planting Kona coffee.”

Eden kept silent. Why shouldn’t Rafe take pleasure in his father’s accomplishments? It hadn’t been all that long ago when Townsend himself had boasted of Hanalei, having contributed nothing to its establishment.

“The nurse in me must ask how your injury is coming,” she said, gaining the boldness necessary to ask the question that had troubled her since the fire at Ling’s hut.

His broad brow furrowed, as though at first he didn’t understand her question. Then, she saw the corner of his mouth drag. His steady gaze held her to the spot. “That was a terrible accident, Eden. Thank God you and the others got out safely. I swear I didn’t know you were inside. I hope you believe your uncle wouldn’t go burning the roof down over your head!”

“Of course not, Uncle.”

“I admit I got carried away. That’s one of my problems, you know. Anger. Can’t control myself sometimes. Well, you know about that. But that filthy plague was a threat, and it was Ling’s son who died. I was keyed up to get rid of anything that might threaten us at Kea Lani.”

“Yes, of course, Uncle. Was it your knee you injured when the horse bucked you?” His injury had been the reason why he couldn’t
come to help them get out of the hut. It had been Silas who’d come at the right moment.

“My back and shoulder. They’re improving now. I can ride comfortably again. If you do see Celestine, tell her to respond to my messages. It’s important I talk to her.”

He turned his horse and rode back toward the road in the direction of Kea Lani. Eden watched him ride away.
Now there
, she thought sadly,
is a deeply troubled man
.

When Townsend was gone, Eden walked around and climbed into the buggy, still in thought, when Zachary walked toward her from out of the trees and growth. “Wait up, Eden. I’ve got a letter for you from Candace.”

She waited, seated in the buggy, holding the leather reins in her gloved hands. “Where did you come from?” she asked.

“The trees, where I was concealed. I was coming up from the mission church when I saw my father. I thought it best not to be seen.”

“You still haven’t made amends with Townsend?”

“He’s not in an agreeable mood, as you should have been able to tell. He rides around with that whip like he’d enjoy using it—probably on me.”

“Most likely on anyone who stands in his way.”

“So you noticed. What did he want by the way?”

Eden looked off toward the plantation house of Hawaiiana, white and wonderful in the sunlight, thinking again that this might have been hers if she’d married Rafe. A sadness rode the rustle of wind in the palms. Everything was so silent. And Rafe, gone.

“He was asking about Celestine. She doesn’t answer his messages.”

“I don’t blame her,” Zachary said.

“Have you seen her recently?” she asked curiously.

He shook his golden head. “Not since the dinner two months ago. But then, I never did see much of her after she came here to be under Rafe’s protection. She must be at Hanalei.”

“Townsend is going there,” Eden said uneasily. “This could mean trouble.”

“Townsend usually means trouble. But Rafe can take care of himself and Celestine. I’ve been thinking about the fire at Ling’s shack,” he said. “Strange how Silas came on the scene not a moment too soon.”

“The Lord was gracious,” she said.

“Yes, it was by God’s providence, and it might also mean Silas knows more than he’s telling. He may have been suspicious of Townsend setting it on purpose, and kept out of sight to see what happened. When it did happen, well, then … ” He jerked a shoulder and frowned. “Strange, all of it.”

Was he actually suggesting his father had deliberately tried to harm them? She kept silent, troubled by the direction of his thoughts.

He looked at her soberly. “I talked to Rafe. He’s doing well in the Legislature. He has a natural gift for leadership. He’s already getting things moving on several issues he’s interested in. By the way, he knows about the fire, and he too thinks it’s strange how Silas got you out of the hut.”

“I hope you didn’t mention it was Townsend that lit the fire.”

“He already had guessed that.”

She studied him, alert. “Why?”

Zach shrugged, began to say something, then stopped. “Here comes Ambrose, walking.”

Eden turned in the seat to look over her shoulder, feeling a jab of guilt, for she’d taken Ambrose’s buggy and horse.

“Something’s up,” Zachary said. “Let’s hope it’s good news. Oh—here’s the letter from Candace. She’s gone over to Tamarind to stay with Great-aunt Nora. Ol’ Oliver is getting more serious about his courting, so Candace ran off. Don’t blame her.” He walked to meet Ambrose.

Eden took Candace’s letter and put it aside while she turned her attention to Ambrose, whose silvery hair glinted in the sunlight.
Ambrose was notorious for forgetting his hat. A large-boned man and tall, his stride kept pace with Zachary’s.

He greeted Eden and pretended to be out of sorts that she’d run off with his buggy and horse. “Don’t you know this is my calling day? Why, I’ve got a dozen families to see before we hold service again tonight. And you ran off with my nag and buggy.”

“Sorry, but I expected to be back before you missed your nag and buggy,” she teased back. “Uncle Townsend delayed me, asking about Celestine. Then Zachary brought me a letter from Candace. She’s at Tamarind.”

“Hiding from Hunnewell,” Zachary said. “Great-aunt Nora’s asking you to go see her, Eden.”

“Is she ill?” Eden asked worriedly.

“Something’s bothering her. Maybe more than her health.”

“Then I’ll go. But I’ll need to meet my father at Iolani Palace when Dr. Bolton arranges a meeting with members of the Legislature.” She wondered whether one of those in the Legislature would be Rafe. “I’ll drive you back to the church, Ambrose,” she said cheerfully. “I left some things at the bungalow.”

“Don’t listen to her excuse, Ambrose,” Zachary said with equal good cheer. “Eden just knows Noelani’s got Sunday chicken and pineapple cake with coconut waiting.”

“Then you’ll need to get there first before she eats it all,” Ambrose told him, climbing up into the buggy and taking the reins from Eden.

Zachary ran toward his horse, and Eden laughed. For a little while at least, it seemed that happier times had returned.

Ambrose drove the buggy back toward the mission church. Eden tied her hat in place and relaxed in the refreshing afternoon breezes, looking out at the expanse of sea. “Ambrose, how much do you actually know about Kip’s background? Do you know who his mother was?”

Ambrose was quiet for too long. “Rafe’s my nephew. He’s more like a son. But he’s also my spiritual son in the faith. I’d betray the trust between us if I spoke of matters I’ve no right to discuss without
permission.” He looked at her, his dark eyes earnest. “Rafe’s the one to ask about Kip.”

“I intend to ask him,” she said firmly. “I have several questions that should be answered.”

“I agree. You can tell him I said so. I’ve some other news to discuss,” Ambrose told her as they rode along. “I’ve been in touch with Rebecca and her kokua. There was a young Hawaiian fellow recently sent to Kalawao with beginning leprosy. His name is Kelolo. I’ve known him since he was a boy. He has leprosy in one ear. Maybe you recall him?”

Eden thought hard but in the end couldn’t place the name or the young man.

“He may have many years of independence left at the camp,” Ambrose said. “He’s a Christian lad, with a habit of reading adventure books, though I’d rather he read books like
Pilgrim’s Progress
. I wrote Rebecca about him and asked her to keep an eye on him for a few weeks until he adjusted. He was naturally depressed when he left. Her kokua found him and introduced him to Rebecca. Rebecca’s been kind, as she always was, and rather mothering in nature. She’s suggested Kelolo become useful to the Lord during his better times there. Since he’s interested in books and writing, Rebecca wants to start a little newspaper for the colony, with Kelolo running it and writing up stories. But we need a printing press. Now, if we can get a printing press, I can teach Kelolo how to set up the running of it and the typesetting. If you remember, I used to help Nora with the
Gazette
early on, till I took over the mission church.”

Eden, excited, smiled. “That’s a splendid idea, Ambrose! Why, think of the encouragement a news journal could be to the colony. And Kelolo could print Bible messages, too.”

“So we thought. Maybe some children’s stories and other helpful materials as well. The problem is the cost of the printing press and then delivering the machine to Kalawao. No easy task, as you well know. It would take some real skillful handling of ship and men to get the press delivered dry.”

Eden frowned. “With the money we Derringtons and Eastons have, it shouldn’t be a problem to buy a printing press.”

“They are very expensive, Eden. The problem is, the Derringtons and Eastons may have money, but unless Ainsworth or Nora is willing to put it out, it won’t do us much good.”

“I know Nora is already having financial troubles. She needs a loan for the
Gazette
. All her wealth is in land, houses, and such like. Grandfather Ainsworth could afford a printing press, but he’s not likely to be much enthused about it. He takes scant interest in the doings at Molokai.”

“Well, we will begin a printing press fund,” Ambrose said. “We’ll spread the word around and see what may turn up. The Lord is our provision. We’ll make it a matter of prayer. Prayer will involve the hearts of the Hawaiian Christians, and that is good. They can have a part in something that brings Christ to Molokai.”

Eden didn’t know how much inheritance she would receive from Grandfather Ainsworth—maybe little or nothing once he discovered her willfulness in not marrying Rafe. “I’ll mention the printing press to Jerome, too,” she said. “If Rebecca wants it for Kelolo to have a cause worth living for, I’m sure my father will take an active role in helping make it a reality.” Eden, too, wanted to get the printing press to Molokai in honor of her mother. “But how to deliver it once we have one?” she asked.

Ambrose rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “I’ve been thinking of Rafe’s ship, the
Minoa
. If anyone could deliver a printing press and see it delivered dry, my vote would be on Rafe and Keno.”

Eden remained tactfully silent. Yes, she’d place her vote of confidence in Rafe as well. But would he be willing to involve himself with Kalawao? Still, could the printing press be a legitimate reason to visit Hanalei where she could also talk to Rafe about Kip and Ling?

When they arrived at the bungalow and gathered with Zachary in Noelani’s cheery kitchen, smells of Hawaiian chicken and fresh Kona coffee greeted them. Eden opened Candace’s letter and read it to herself. Zachary was right when he’d said Candace had run off to Tamarind to be free of Oliver.

I need time to think and pray alone. If there’s any place with a lonely atmosphere and plenty of empty rooms to sit and brood, it’s Amabel’s house here on Koko Head
.

Great-aunt Nora has been quite ill. We don’t know why. She’s asked me to write and tell you to come for a few days if you can get away from Kalihi. “I want to talk to Eden,” she tells me. So come when you can. Zachary can bring you on the ferryboat since he’s coming back
.

Grandfather’s becoming alarmingly persistent in wanting to announce my engagement to Oliver this year. Instead of a luau he now wants to give me a “Queen Victoria ball.” He’s offered me gifts galore to marry into the Hunnewell family, even a second grand tour of Europe. I don’t want any of his presents. Grandfather is getting desperate. I fear he has come to the point of making an ultimatum that will chain me to Oliver for the rest of my days. Grandfather has something on his mind. I’m worried that I can’t hold out forever. By now he knows I’m here at Great-aunt Nora’s. I expect a sober letter from him any day now, putting forth the bleak details of his strategy. I keep wondering what it will be. I’m sure I’ll be able to tell you the dire outcome when you arrive. Remember me in your prayers, Cousin, as I remember you, and “you know who.”