Free Steadfast Heart by Tracie Peterson Page B

pleasant on Friday, we will set up our baked goods in the park and sell them to passersby.” This was one way Mrs. Madison funded the school. The young ladies were never charged to attend the school. They generally came and stayed a year. At the end of that year, the men who desired to marry them paid a bridal fee. Wade knew for a fact it wasn’t cheap. He’d heard many a man complain about it. However, as Mrs. Madison said, “Any man could save a goodly sum in a year’s time if he devoted himself to such a project.” And, of course, the men did just that.
    Wade opened the door for the ladies but hesitated. An uneasy feeling fell over him, and the hairs on his neck tingled. He stiffened and stopped in midstep to cast a quick glance around the shadowed lobby and staircase. He felt the presence of another man before he actually saw him. Kolbein Booth stepped from the shadows and tipped his hat.
    â€œGood day, ladies. I hope I’m not too early.”
    â€œYour timing is perfect, Mr. Booth,” Mrs. Madison declared. “I’m so glad you could join us.”
    Wade relaxed a bit. Abrianna had introduced him to Kolbein Booth in passing, but the two men had not had a chance to get acquainted.
    â€œLadies, to your places and don’t forget your aprons. I don’t want you staining your Sunday clothes while you set the table and help Liang bring the meal.” The older woman turned to seek out her sister.
    â€œPoisie, please oversee the table preparations and see that we have enough places set.” Her sister nodded and left to quickly follow after the brides-to-be. Now only Wade, Mrs. Madison, Abrianna, and Mrs. Gibson remained to greet Mr. Booth.
    â€œMr. Booth, we are most happy to receive you today. I’m delighted you could join us for our luncheon. I want to hear all about your search for Miss Booth,” Mrs. Madison declared.
    Mrs. Gibson couldn’t help but offer her comments. “And you must take time to speak to the young ladies. You never know, you might find a spark of interest, and it only takes a spark to start a fire.” She paused only momentarily for breath. “Mr. Gibson always said, ‘The relationship between a man and woman is a wondrous thing.’ He believed it was written somewhere in the stars; however, we know it’s all God’s arrangement.” She shook her head. “Poor man. I just pray he’s made it through the gates of heaven to seek God’s mercy.”
    Wade said nothing, though he felt almost obligated to add Miss Poisie’s usual “God rest his soul.” Instead, he turned to Kolbein Booth. “Nice to see you again, Booth.”
    The man seemed most preoccupied but managed to return the greeting. “Thank you. You’re Wade Ackerman, correct?”
    â€œYou’ve a good memory.”
    â€œYears of legal training have required such.”
    Wade couldn’t help but wonder about this man’s story. Was hewho he said he was, or was all of this a confidence game to take advantage of the women? It was certain he dressed like a lawyer, and Abrianna said he held intellectual conversations without difficulty. Still, they knew nothing about the man, and it made Wade most uncomfortable that the old ladies and Abrianna had so quickly taken on his cause. It wasn’t at all like Mrs. Madison to allow a stranger such latitude.
    The women climbed the stairs, allowing the men to follow. Wade grew more uncomfortable with each step they climbed. The other man could be an escaped murderer or a thug looking for something to steal. He could imagine the man being many things, and it bothered him that Booth had managed to get so close to the women, for whom Wade felt responsible.
    â€œYou work as a wainwright,” Booth said as they reached the landing and handed their hats to Abrianna.
    â€œPlease wait in the small sitting room, gentlemen. We will call you when luncheon is served.” She