Steadfast Heart Read Online Free PDF Page B

other women responded softly.
    â€œAnd this is Mrs. Gibson. She is one of the instructors here, as am I. My sister also teaches.”
    Kolbein gave a slight bow. They studied him for a moment and then Mrs. Madison pointed to the chair across from them. “Please sit there.” It looked rather like the position of honor one might give a criminal about to be interrogated. Afraid of further offending, Kolbein sat, while Miss Holmes remained standing to one side.
    â€œWould you care for tea? We have Darjeeling today, and it is quite good.”
    â€œPoisie, do sit down. We will determine if Mr. Booth is to have tea after we learn of the reason for his coming.”
    â€œHe’s looking for his sister,” Miss Holmes offered and then took a seat beside Mrs. Gibson.
    â€œBooth, you say?” Mrs. Gibson interjected. “You aren’t at all related to that horrible scoundrel who killed President Lincoln, are you? What a vicious man—a sneak of the worst possible kind. Oh, it was a terrible tragedy. Poor President Lincoln, struck down in the twinkling of an eye.”
    â€œGod rest his soul,” Miss Holmes murmured.
    â€œAmen” came the chorus from the other women.
    Kolbein found the entire scene rather disconcerting. “As far as I know, our family is not related to John Wilkes Booth. However, whether we were or not, there is still the subject of my sister.”
    â€œI say!” Mrs. Gibson gasped. “It very well matters, for we would never entertain a man or woman related to that cad. You seem quite unconcerned with the company you share.”
    â€œHe’s from Chicago,” Miss Cunningham whispered ominously but loud enough that all could hear.
    â€œWell, that explains it.” Mrs. Gibson leaned toward Mrs. Madison. “I believe we should put him out.”
    â€œNow then, Selma, we must have charity. Perhaps the man could not help his place of residence.”
    â€œThat’s true.” Miss Holmes nodded. “Perhaps he was stranded there by circumstances and unable to leave. Such a tragic thing. Much like my dear Captain Richards when his ship broke up at sea. God rest his soul.”
    â€œAmen,” Mrs. Madison said in a curt manner. “Now, Sister, this man has no time to learn of your lost captain.” She turned back to Kolbein. “Mr. Booth, no matter your reason for residing in Chicago, please tell me why you feel your sister has come to be with us.”
    â€œShe left me a letter before running away. Your school was mentioned as her destination.”
    â€œI see. What is your sister’s name?”
    â€œGreta. Greta Booth. She’s but a child, only nineteen.”
    Mrs. Madison looked at him in the same fashion his sixth-grade schoolmistress had when he’d forgotten his homework and made up a story about its absence. “Now, Mr. Booth, that is a bit of an exaggeration. Nineteen is hardly the age of a child. Your sister is a young woman of marriageable age.”
    â€œBut she’s too young to run away and make do for herself. And despite what you think, she’s also too immature to marry. Her departure from the safety of her home proves that.”
    â€œI assure you, Mr. Booth, the laws here allow for a woman as young as eighteen to marry,” Mrs. Madison declared. “Therefore, I would venture to say that the territory of Washington thinks her not a child at all.”
    â€œI don’t care about that or what the territory believes. My sister is young and naïve. She’s not been out in the world toknow what dangers abide. She grew up sheltered in boarding schools of the highest repute. Now, may I see her?”
    â€œI’m afraid not,” Mrs. Madison declared. “She isn’t here. I have never met your sister.”
    Kolbein had prepared himself for the worst, that his sister might have been duped to go west and found herself forced into prostitution. He had prepared himself to