[Yukon Quest 01] - Treasures Of The North Read Online Free PDF Page B

have done mine. There is no backing out now.’’
    ‘‘This is absurd. Of course you can back out.’’ She reached up to unfasten the multiple strands of pearls around her neck. The symbols of their wealth weighed heavy on her throat, almost as if a noose were tightening. ‘‘Start with these. We shall sell whatever we need to in order to pay back the debt, but Grace need not be a part of the bargain.’’
    ‘‘You pride yourself on your social standing in Chicago,’’ Frederick began. He sounded quite weary, as if the words themselves were exacting a great toll upon him. ‘‘Word would get around quickly. Our name would be ruined.’’
    ‘‘I don’t care,’’ Myrtle replied. For all her previous concerns about such things, she quickly realized that Grace’s safety and well-being were all that mattered. ‘‘Possessions are wonderful, charming creatures, but certainly no more so than the love of a child. Our daughter needs our protection.’’
    ‘‘I cannot give it,’’ Hawkins replied sadly. He hung his head. ‘‘We cannot go back on our word in this matter. You must understand.’’
    ‘‘I do not understand!’’ Myrtle said, getting to her feet. ‘‘Your child is in danger for her very life.’’
    ‘‘Now, Mrs. Hawkins, you know very well that many men are given to slapping their wives. Granted, I do not approve the practice, but perhaps in time—’’
    ‘‘I cannot believe you would even suggest such a thing. I will not stand here and listen to another word. If you will not protect our child and speak to that brute, then I will.’’
    Frederick jumped up from his desk and crossed the room rather quickly. His portly frame did nothing to keep him from beating Myrtle to the door. ‘‘I forbid it! Do not put yourself in the position of going against my wishes. You cannot speak to Paxton on this matter. Do you understand me? If you care one whit for our own vows, you must agree to obey me in this one thing.’’
    Myrtle felt floored by his appeal. Nodding her agreement seemed her only recourse. She reached out to touch her husband’s face.
    ‘‘I know you are keeping something from me. I don’t know why. We used to be able to face anything together. You cared about my opinion at one time. I fail to understand why now you withhold your heart and instead interject your demands.’’
    Frederick’s expression softened. ‘‘I do not seek to wound you, my dearest wife. But this is a matter that I must see through for myself. Our welfare is at stake, just as you suggested, but it would be even more so should you go to this man and try to arrange your own terms.’’
    Myrtle nodded. ‘‘Very well, then. I won’t speak of it to Paxton. But what do you wish for me to tell Grace? I will have to tell her that I appealed to you for help in the matter. Short of leaving her to believe you without feeling or concern, what am I to say?’’
    Frederick shook his head. ‘‘Tell her nothing. Say only that her father knows best.’’
    The finality of her husband’s words whispered over and over in her head, but still Myrtle knew no peace with his decision. She thought to go back on her own promise and telephone immediately for Paxton to return to the house. But instead she wearily made her way down the long hall, past the staircase, and down the wing where her daughter’s suite could be found.
    She paused at the door when she heard voices coming from the sitting room.
    ‘‘I know it’s just a matter of time before you marry some man,’’ the governess was saying. ‘‘I really must consider what I am to do with my life now.’’
    ‘‘But I want you to stay with me. Couldn’t you be my personal maid? Oh, not as a maid, but as a companion?’’ Grace questioned. ‘‘You are my best and dearest friend. I cannot stand the thought of losing you to the northern wilderness.’’
    ‘‘I would not be lost,’’ Karen replied with a laugh. ‘‘At least I hope I would not be