In the Land of White Nights by Bonnie Leon

Author:Bonnie Leon
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: gold rush, marriage, family, prejudice, christian, alaska, homesteading, boarding house, native alaskans
Publisher: Ashberry Lane Publishing

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Anna was sorry to say farewell to Takou and Peter. They had proven to be trustworthy friends, but they had lives waiting for them in Sitka, so they returned to their home.

Weeks passed and Erik spent long hours on the Schuck. Each day he rose early and often did not return to camp until forced by darkness or fatigue. Sometimes, too weary to eat, he dropped into bed with barely a word to his family.

The claim proved to be a moderate success, providing enough to make the work worthwhile and keeping Erik hoping for a big strike only a few shovelfuls away.

Anna’s concern grew as she watched the change in her husband. He had little time for her or the girls. Even when the weather grew more frigid, the tent remained their only shelter. Anna had talked to him, and although he promised that he’d have time, he never found any hours for them, only the gold.

Frequently, blustering winds whipped beneath the canvas sides, driving in cold air and rain and leaving their living space chilly and damp. Luba had developed a cough. On the coolest days, Anna and the children huddled together beneath fur blankets, trying to keep warm. To prevent leaks, Anna learned to avoid contact with the tent walls whenever it rained.

There was no more time left to delay building the cabin, so Anna made a breakfast of eggs and pancakes for Erik and waited for him to finish. He downed the last of his coffee and stood.

“Erik, we must talk … about the house.”

“I’ll get it done. I promise.”

“Now. We need it now.”

“Just let me finish out this week.” He dropped a kiss on her cheek and headed for the river.

Anna watched him go, her hope seeping away. What was to become of them? Would they be forced to spend the winter in a tent?

The days had grown shorter, and leaves had started to turn various shades of yellow and orange. Some mornings, a thin layer of frost covered the ground. With each passing day Anna’s concern grew, especially now that she suspected she carried Erik’s baby.

Anna visited Millie often. Her home looked bright and cheerful. She and Millie shared sewing techniques, and Millie taught Anna how to make some of her mother’s recipes.

One morning, after making corn dodgers, the two friends sat at the table to enjoy the treat. Luba slept on a blanket on the front room floor, and Iya had taken her treat outside.

Anna took a bite. “These are tasty.”

“And you made them.” Millie smiled.

“With your help. But I will make them for Erik soon.”

“You’re becoming an excellent cook.”

“Thank you.” Anna frowned. “I wish Erik would notice. Sometimes he is so tired he goes to bed without eating.”

Millie looked at her hands, then rested them on the table in front of her. “Anna, is something wrong? Between the two of you, I mean?”

Anna had kept her worries to herself. Maybe it was time to talk with Millie. She glanced out the window. “Erik only digs for gold.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.