He smiles, thinking of the last city he left behind. “His check is late,” he reminds himself as he walks back inside his shop to his room upstairs. Aiylin’s lack of compliance has him living modestly. He sits down to write another letter to the father of his last… conquest.
The young girl was eager to prove her independence and he was happy to assist her in her endeavors. Patrick thinks of her fondly and remembers with a giggle the look of shock on her face the morning after he used her. Her father was quick to comply when she announce their affair, thinking he meant to marry her. His laughter is deep as he murmurs, “Marriage was not an option,” which he quickly explained to the poor old man. His shame at his daughter’s behavior had him agreeing to terms. “I will make him wire the money western union,” he murmurs.
“Don’t worry, Aiylin. Marriage to you is the perfect answer to my money problems. I’m coming for you.”
Chapter 6
Tinley jumps at every noise the next few days. She runs to the front door, multiple times with hope in her eyes and Sebastian walks over to his mother.
“You must tell her that it was just a fairytale, Mother,” he insists.
“I can’t do that, Sebastian. Why would you ask me to lie to my grandchild?” she runs a hand over her perfectly styled white hair and glances over at Tinley.
“Because, Mother, she could have gotten hurt and now her heart will be crushed when whatever she asked for doesn’t show up. What am supposed to do?”
“Distract her, Son, and leave the rest to the Lord,” she smiles softly at him.
“I have some contracts to look over and designs to finalize. I need to work.” As the owner of the Becker Steel Mill in Harrisburg, Sebastian is under tight deadlines, but this year he promised himself and his daughter that he would take time off for the holidays. Finding time for his only child is a struggle. After his wife died, he was left to raise her on his own. Of course, the nanny he had hired was a gem, but Mrs. Flanagan was on vacation with her own family. Now he wishes that he’d brought her along.
“Don’t forget we have guests coming, tonight,” his Mother reminds him. “Patrick’s fiancé, Miss Miller, is arriving on the train.”
“Yes, of course. We’ll make sure that she has fun before sending her on her way.” Hopefully, she won’t expect a handout like his Aunt is always asking for. “I need to get some work done.” He wanders back to the office and closes the door leaving his mother to watch Tinley.
“Tinley,” she calls, “it’s time to make a list,” Elizabeth informs her.
“What kind of list?”
“A Christmas list. Stanley is going to town to pick up supplies tonight. If we’re going to decorate, we will need to get baking supplies, candles…”
“Oh!” she claps her hands together.
“Come sit down and help me.”
Together they create a long list of supplies. The cook's list was given to her this morning for the next two weeks. “Tinley, it may snow. Did you bring your boots?”
“Yes, Ma’am,” she replies. “Don’t forget drinking chocolate, Oma!” She spins excitedly.
“Of course,” Elizabeth writes down the ingredients and smiles. “We can't have Christmas without hot chocolate!”
“When are we going to decorate, Oma?”
“Tomorrow we will get all the boxes down and sort them. Have you thought of a present for your Father for Christmas, Tinley?”
“Yes, I have, Oma, but I can’t tell you,” she wrings her hands together.
“You can tell me anything, angel,” Elizabeth insists.
Tinley climbs into her lap and places a hand on each cheek. “Oma, it was just like you said,” she whispers. “I was asleep, and the glow woke me,” her eyes glitter with excitement.
“Tell me, child,” she insists gently.
“It whispered to me to make my wish, Oma, and when I did it flickered!”
“I remember,” her voice is hoarse with emotion. “Just remember that sometimes, things don’t happen instantly, it may take time. Be patient, my love.”
“Waiting is the hardest,” she deflates in her lap.
“I know my sweet. Now, tell me what dress you are wearing to the party tonight.”
“My purple dress. Daddy said it makes my hair shine,” she smiles.
“That it does. I need to speak to the cook about dinner. Tonight will be a night to remember.”
Chapter 7
Langdon is at the train station Friday morning and books a seat on the first train to Nazareth. According to Mrs. Weisz, they were married last evening. Aiylin is still in Harrisonburg which puts her about four hours ahead of him. He plans to catch up to Aiylin and convince her to marry him. One way or another.
She needs to be taught not to speak so openly. Her father has spoiled her by allowing her free will. That can be easily broken, in fact, he’s looking forward to molding her into the perfect wife.
When the snow begins to fall, he happily thinks that it will slow her down. Not that it will stall his plan. The train stops in Harrisonburg to refuel, and he enjoys the layover in a café.
He glances at the general store and frowns. It’s highly possible that Aiylin will resist his instruction. Perhaps he should get supplies. Langdon walks through the heavily falling snow into the general store.
“Can I help you find something, sir?” the clerk asks.
“Yes, please. I require some soothing drops,” Langdon says.
“We keep those behind the counter.” He turns and unlocks the cabinet, reaching inside to pull down a small brown glass bottle. “They are popular. Can I help you find anything else?” he asks.
“Yes, Kimball cough syrup.”
