Steadfast Heart by Peterson Tracie

Author:Peterson, Tracie [Peterson, Tracie]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: United States, First loves—Fiction, Historical Fiction, Man-woman relationships—Fiction, Religious & Inspirational Fiction, FIC042030, Fiction, Romance, Seattle (Wash.)—Social life and customs—19th century—Fiction, FIC014000, Christian Fiction, FIC042040, Historical, Religion & Spirituality, Genre Fiction, Christian Books & Bibles, Literature & Fiction
ISBN: 0764210610
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Published: 2014-12-30T08:00:00+00:00

From some distance, Wade watched the strange confrontation with the small figure and larger man. The smaller one took off running and the larger one quickly followed. The men who stood awaiting the return of the two seemed unconcerned with the situation. With the girl screaming unintelligibly, Wade wasn’t at all sure what was going on as one of the men led the girl to an awaiting carriage. He thought to approach the men and see if they were taking advantage of the girl, but just then a policeman happened by. The officer chatted with the man for a moment and then took his leave. Apparently nothing was amiss, but still Wade didn’t feel comfortable about the situation.

He recognized the man who’d talked to the officer as Priam Welby. At least he was pretty sure it was Welby. With only the glow of a few dock lights, it was impossible to tell for sure. It might just be that Welby was on his mind a lot and his mind had conjured up the image, but somehow Wade had a feeling his hunch was correct. The man had a certain bearing and a particular style of hat that he always seemed to wear.

Wade frowned at the scene he’d just witnessed. Even after the carriage drove away, he was tempted to confront Welby about what had just happened. He didn’t like the man—not one bit. Wade had learned from Mrs. Madison that the man wanted to court Abrianna. He had to be nearly twice her age, and Wade had suggested the man was much too old for their ward. He didn’t think the ladies would force Abrianna into courtship, much less marriage, but he did feel it important to share his opinion. He’d watched over Abrianna since they were children, and worrying about her well-being just came naturally.

Welby had first come to Wade to buy wagons with false bottoms. He had told Wade that it was for the purpose of protecting valuable imports, but that explanation never rang true. Wade had heard far too many stories to the contrary. The man was known to be seen with the socially elite and politically minded, but those on a lower rung spoke of him as a man without a conscience—a man who would do anything to make a dollar. He was definitely not the kind of man Wade wanted for Abrianna.

He saw Welby head up the street toward the better parts of town. What are you up to, and why must you involve the people I care about? he wondered.

Wade squinted against the dark as the man disappeared into the night. The other men had gone, as well, and the police officer was nowhere in sight. Making his way home, Wade thought perhaps he should share what he’d seen with the ladies. Maybe Mrs. Madison would be less inclined to trust the man if she knew he was up to no good. Had he been up to no good? Perhaps the young woman was a runaway and Welby was only trying to see her returned to her parents.

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