Shining Water 01 - The Icecutter's Daughter Read online

  “Things seem in good order from what I can tell,” Nils replied. He glanced past Rurik to the open door and lowered his voice. “Svea tells me you tried to talk to her last night about going home.”

  “I did.”

  “She wasn’t happy about it, you know.”

  Rurik shrugged. “I only told her the truth. I think it’s important for her happiness and the welfare of her child to find the man who is truly responsible for her condition and make him take responsibility. She and I both know that man isn’t me.”

  Nils folded his hands together. “I don’t think she’ll go back to Lindsborg, no matter what you say or do.”

  “Why is that, Nils?” His brother’s letter was heavy on his mind, and he considered for a moment telling his friend exactly what he knew.

  “Her condition, of course. She’s too frail to travel now.”

  The outside shop door opened, and Rurik turned to find Bogart Krause filling the entryway. “Good afternoon, Rurik.”

  “Well, this is a surprise. What brings you into town?”

  Mr. Krause grinned. “Secrets and conspiracies. Are you up for one?”

  Rurik tried not to show his dismay at Krause’s choice of words. “I suppose I am.”

  “Well, I have a project for you. A piece of furniture to order.” He reached inside his coat and pulled out a folded piece of paper. Handing the drawing to Rurik, he continued. “Merrill’s birthday is coming up in April, and I know you’ll need time to get this put together.”

  Rurik studied the picture. “What is this, a wardrobe?”

  “Similar. It’s called a schrank. It’s usually something I would have made for her years ago so she could save things for her own household. It’s an old German custom. These are built quite large and can therefore be used for daily purpose, too. Clothes can be hung up, and the drawers and shelves are good for storage.” The big man pointed to the page. “You’ll see there from the instructions that each of the components are built separately but are put together as a whole. That way, despite its size, Merrill can take it with her when she weds. It’ll be just a matter of disengaging the pieces.”

  Rurik swallowed hard. “Is . . . is she engaged?”

  Krause shook his head. “No, but I hope that soon she’ll find a young man and settle down. She’s a good woman, and she’s taken care of her brothers and me for far too long. I thought maybe a schrank would encourage her to look forward to a life of her own. Do you think you can work it into your other orders? I don’t care what it costs. I’ll have the ice money, and the Lord knows Merrill deserves even more than this.”

  Rurik knew even if he had to work on it at night in secret, he would see that Merrill had her schrank. “I’ll handle it myself.”

  “Wonderful. Thank you. When I present it to her, that will make it all the more special. Now, where’s that ornery uncle of yours? He owes me a game or two.”

  “I think you’ll find him in the workshop.”

  Rurik continued to inspect the drawing after Mr. Krause had gone from the room. He already imagined the time he would spend working on the piece. Crafting it for Merrill.

  “What do you think you’re doing?” Nils demanded.

  The question took Rurik by surprise. “What are you talking about?” He stared at Nils over the paper.

  “That.” Nils motioned to the drawing. “You’re acting rather strange.”

  “Not at all.” Rurik tried his best to sound unconcerned. No matter what Nils suspected, Rurik wasn’t about to confess his feelings for Merrill. “I am quite fascinated with this piece of furniture. I’ve never made anything like it. I think it’s a marvelous wardrobe. Here, look at it yourself.”

  Nils took the paper and studied it for a moment. Then with a wicked grin he handed it back to Rurik. “I’d like to help you build it. If I have my way, that piece will one day be in my house.”

  “And why would it end up in your house?”

  “Because I intend to ask her father if I can court Miss Krause. If all goes accordingly—we might one day be married.”

  Rurik couldn’t shake the sense of unease he felt at the idea of Nils marrying Merrill. He realized he was probably jealous, but he also felt hounded by the problem between Nils and his father. It wouldn’t be good to mix Merrill up in it all. But to be completely honest, Rurik knew beyond any doubt that he’d fallen in love with Merrill Krause.

  Trying his best to keep his thoughts at bay, Rurik went to work on the schrank, and for the next few days he accomplished a great deal. He worked during his evenings after Carl had gone to bed. The hours spent on the piece of furniture, using a beautiful walnut wood, only made Rurik’s heart ache more for what might be. He simply couldn’t allow Nils to steal her away.

  When Tobe came to pick him up before dawn on Thursday, Rurik had decided he would ask Mr. Krause himself for the right to court Merrill. He would have to deal with the situation of Svea and dispel the lies she was spreading about their impending wedding. He hadn’t wanted to shame her. She would deal with enough of that because of the baby. Instead, he had hoped and prayed that she would take up his offer of train passage and head back to Kansas.

  “You awake over there?” Tobe asked him after several minutes of silence.

  “Ja. Just thinking.”

  “Good time for it.”

  Rurik nodded. “So, how’s your family?”

  “Doing pretty well. We worked until dark yesterday, and I expect we’ll do the same today. My father’s never missed a deadline, and I don’t imagine he’ll start with this delivery.”

  “No, I don’t imagine he will.” Rurik could see a ribbon of color against the horizon as the sun started to lighten the sky. Low clouds, definite harbingers of snow, seemed to soak up the light and immediately diminish the glow.

  “Today will go faster. We have the ice cleared of snow and scored. It shouldn’t take nearly as long to cut and load. Oh, and I hope you haven’t had breakfast. Merrill Jean made her famous quark-tasche.”

  “What is that?”

  “Oh, it’s a delicious cheese pastry. Our mother used to make it for special occasions, and it’s one of my favorites. You’ll be glad you came to work today. Yesterday we had plain old pancakes and sausage. There will still be sausages and other things on the table, but the quark-tasche is what I’ll be eating.”

  Rurik laughed. “I can hardly wait to try it.”

  For a short time there was silence once again, and then Tobe spoke up. “I hope you don’t mind my asking, but I wondered if you would tell me what kind of man your friend Nils Olsson is. I mean . . . he seems quite interested in Merrill, and we Krauses tend to look out for our own. I figure with you getting set to marry his sister, you might be the best one to know.”

  “I’m not marrying Svea Olsson,” Rurik said, trying his best not to let his anger show.

  Tobe looked at him oddly for a moment, then turned his attention back to the team. “I thought you were betrothed.”

  “We were, but she broke that off before I came to Minnesota. If she hadn’t, I would have. Our betrothal was an arrangement put together by our fathers and certainly had little to do with anything else.”

  “But she was telling people at the party that you were planning to marry quite soon.”

  “I’m not surprised. But it isn’t true. She’s . . . well . . . I suppose she’s just trying to save herself embarrassment. I’m hoping she’ll return to Kansas soon.”

  “Her brother, too?”

  “I don’t know. I don’t want to speak against my friend, but Nils is probably not the best choice of suitor for your sister.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  Rurik wanted to shout to the skies that it was because he was in love with Merrill and was far better suited to court her. But he didn’t. “My brother recently wrote to suggest there were some problems between Nils and his father,” he said carefully. “I don’t know what it involves, but Nils left without saying anything to his family.”

&nb
sp; “Except his sister.”

  “Ja. The family has been very worried about them. He brought her here hoping I might change my mind about the engagement. I think he figures I could marry her, and then we could all live happily together.”

  “So do you think he’s dangerous?”

  “No, not that. At least I have no reason to think so. Nils is more . . . more . . .” Rurik sighed and tried to think of how to express that his best friend had always found ways to use the people around him to his best advantage. There didn’t seem to be a kind way, however.

  “As children, Nils and I were always good friends. That friendship carried on into our adult years. However, it has not been without its problems. Nils has always been a person who sought to advance himself in whatever manner required as little effort as possible on his part. First through his family, and later with me. I’ve never yet seen him strike out for himself. Even his coming here was prompted because he knew I would take pity on him.”

  “Doesn’t sound very honorable.”

  “I think Nils lacks the kind of ambition that causes a man to do for himself.”

  “I suppose if you’re right, we won’t have much to worry about.”

  Rurik shook his head. “What do you mean?”

  “Well, Merrill Jean would never find herself coupled with a man like you’ve described. She’s too driven—too hardworking. She would expect her mate to be the same. She’s a good discerner of people.”

  Rurik felt himself relaxing. Tobe was right. Merrill was a woman who knew her own mind. He could tell she wasn’t that enthralled with Nils at the party. She never showed him more than a moment’s attention at work. Perhaps he was worrying for nothing.

  “So your father would take into consideration what your sister desires in a husband?”

  Tobe laughed. “He wouldn’t dare do otherwise.”

  Merrill washed and dried the last of the supper dishes, pausing long enough to put her hand to the small of her aching back. Despite having stayed home to cook and feed the workers, she was every bit as tired as if she’d been out cutting ice. Her only thought was to make her way to bed.

  She gave the kitchen one last check. Seeing that everything was in order, she made her way to the front room in order to tell her father good night. She stopped short, however, when she heard her name mentioned and then Nils Olsson.

  “He asked me if he could court her,” Merrill’s father said. “I told him I wasn’t opposed, but that the decision lay with Merrill.”

  “Well, Rurik said he’s not necessarily a good choice for her,” Tobe replied.

  “Why is that?” Flynn asked. “They seemed to be having a good enough time at the party.”

  “Rurik told me Nils lacks direction. He doesn’t seem to want to do for himself, but instead counts on others to make things good for him. Said Olsson has been that way since they were boys.”

  Merrill heard the conversation continue, but her mind whirled with indignant thoughts. How dare Rurik Jorgenson, a man of questionable character himself, besmirch the reputation of his lifelong friend?

  Had she not been so tired, Merrill might well have stormed into the room and given her brothers and father a piece of her mind. But the fight could wait until the morning, and then perhaps she should take the matter directly to the one who had caused her grief. She had no desire to court Nils Olsson, and she could not deny that she at least previously had feelings for Rurik Jorgenson. But she was no man’s fool. Neither man was going to take advantage of her good nature.

  Chapter 16

  Merrill got her opportunity to speak to Rurik the very next day. She had already completed the pie safes and blanket chests, but she had baked fresh bread and strudel and wanted to bring some for Carl. Yet she was disturbed by the fact that Rurik would also benefit from her generosity. Right now she felt anything but generous toward the man.

  Most of the men at the shop were busy in the main work area when Merrill arrived. Since it was morning, Nils had not yet showed up for work—exactly as Merrill had planned. She had thought it might be difficult to get Rurik away from the others, but when she made her presence known, Rurik rather naturally followed her from the busy work area.

  “I didn’t expect to see you here today,” Rurik said.

  Merrill walked from the staining room and stopped close to the office. Rurik halted a short distance from where she stood and gave her a smile. “I see you have a basket on your arm. Am I correct in supposing you’ve brought us something good to eat?”

  “I thought Carl might like some fresh bread and strudel.” Her tone was clipped. She gave him a hard look. “But I had hoped to have words with you first.”

  “Words?” He chuckled. “Sounds rather ominous.”

  Merrill didn’t appreciate his good humor. “I know all about you, Rurik Jorgenson. I know that Svea is with child, and that you are refusing to honor your betrothal. I overheard you tell your uncle that you didn’t intend to do anything about it. That it was her problem.”

  She paused a moment. A black cloud seemed to settle over his features. She went on. “I find such behavior appalling and certainly uncalled for—especially by a man who calls himself a Christian.

  “Furthermore, you have no right to be suggesting to my brother that Nils Olsson is unworthy of my attention. I overheard my brothers and father discussing it last night, and I was dumbfounded that you would dare to say anything against Mr. Olsson—a man who so obviously esteems you. He has been your lifelong friend, but I suppose if you would do such an abominable thing to his sister, you would have no compunction about betraying him.”

  Rurik watched her silently. Merrill felt a bit unnerved by his steady stare, but continued anyway. “I want you to stay out of my affairs, nevertheless. It’s none of your business if Nils Olsson wants to court me. I don’t know why you took it upon yourself to say anything, but I won’t tolerate it again.”

  She fell silent and realized she was panting for breath. For several long moments Rurik said nothing. His expression and the look in his eyes continued to make her uneasy.

  “Well?” Merrill finally spoke. “Have you nothing to say for yourself?”

  “It seems to me that you’ve said it all. You don’t care about the truth, obviously. You’ve come here with your mind made up. You’ve judged me and condemned me, all without benefit of hearing my side of the matter.”

  His comment caused Merrill to stammer for words. “Why . . . you . . . I mean . . .”

  He held up his hand. Merrill shook her head and felt her anger mount. He said, “I can’t abide women who eavesdrop and gossip. I thought better of you, but apparently you make a habit of it. You referenced such action two times just in this conversation—or shall I say, tirade?”

  Merrill pulled back as if he’d slapped her. Before she could speak, however, Rurik continued. “I might add—not that I expect you to care—that it was your brother Tobe who asked me about Nils and his character. I neither brought up the matter nor elaborated on my concerns. Furthermore . . .” He turned and stalked across the room, pausing only long enough to look back at her and shake his head. “Svea’s condition is not of my doing.” He walked through the open door and slammed it behind him.

  Shocked, Merrill stood silent for several minutes. She stared at the closed door as if expecting Rurik to come back and apologize for his outburst. When he didn’t, Merrill wasn’t sure whether to be relieved or further enraged.

  Remembering the basket for Carl, Merrill decided to forget about Rurik’s comments and deliver the food. If what he said was true, then she’d just done him a great injustice—at least so far as the accusation regarding Svea was concerned. If he was lying to cover his sin, it wasn’t likely she was going to get him to admit it anytime soon. Especially not after his response just now.

  Shifting the basket to her left arm, Merrill trod across the yard between the shop and house. A terrible feeling of guilt washed over her. What had she just done? She’d thought herself perfectly justifie
d to call Rurik out on his behavior, but he was right about one thing.

  I’ve judged him without hearing his side of the matter.

  Merrill bit her lower lip. It wasn’t like her to do such a thing. Why had she allowed her emotions to get the best of her?

  She knocked on the door of the house and forced a smile when Carl appeared.

  “Oh, Merrill Jean, it’s good to see you. Come in.”

  “I thought . . . well . . . I brought you some bread and strudel.”

  “What a treat. Would you like me to carry it for you?” He motioned to the basket.

  She shook her head. “I can manage just fine. Shall I put it in the kitchen for you?”

  “Please. Would you like a cup of coffee to warm up?”

  “No, that’s all right. I only stopped by to bring this. I’m actually going to spend some time with Corabeth and Granny. One of the horses needed some attention at the farrier, so I’m biding my time until he’s ready to go.”

  “Well, it’s good to see you. I looked over all the pieces you painted. I am impressed with the way you’ve brought added value to the furniture. I know the buyers are going to be very pleased. We should sit down and discuss what other pieces might benefit from your skills.”

  Merrill took out two loaves of bread and placed them on the counter. “Thank you, Mr. Jorgenson. I’m so glad they meet your approval. I must admit I’ve enjoyed the work, and the extra money.”

  “Rurik told me he’d never seen such quality work. He’s been most impressed by your ability. Of course, I remember that your mother had quite an artistic flare.”

  “She’s the only reason I know how to paint.”

  “Well, she taught you well. I know Rurik would join me in saying that your work is of the highest quality.”

  Merrill doubted seriously that Rurik would even allow her to return to work after what she’d just said and done. She thought to mention the incident to Carl, but she didn’t want to tax his health.

  I don’t know what to do, Lord.

  She felt just as Rurik did about eavesdropping. Why had she allowed herself to get caught up in that most dangerous activity? Even so, she told herself, it wasn’t his place to interfere in the matter of Nils. She didn’t need anyone looking out for her in such a manner. Her brothers had spent a lifetime doing that, and it had gotten her nothing but loneliness and spinsterhood.