“I have not.” Mr. Effingham rose and walked toward the door. He turned back before reaching for the knob. “I’ve done a thousand other things, but not that.”
“Women are interesting creatures,” Sam said. “Sometimes they just need to hear the words. In my humble opinion, anyway.”
“Right.” Mr. Effingham squared his shoulders and released a slow breath. “How do I look, Harris?”
“Like a man in love, sir.”
“I was afraid of that.” His future father-in-law’s shoulders slumped forward. “Now wish me luck.”
With a purposeful stride, Mr. Effingham made his way out the door and toward the stairs.
Abby watched in awe as her father made his way down the stairs to the dining room, headed straight for Mama.
“Oh, my.” Mama looked as if she might faint as he came near. “He looks determined.”
“He does indeed.”
In fact, Abby wondered what Sam might’ve said to her father to put such a serious look on his face.
Father came to an abrupt stop in front of them. “Eleanora, I have something to say, and it won’t wait.”
“Should I leave?” Abby asked.
Her mother shook her head and pointed to the chair next to her. Like an obedient child, Abby sat.
“Fine, we will do this in front of our daughter. All the better.” Father cleared his throat. “Eleanora, there are some things I need to tell you, things I should have said long ago.”
“Go ahead, Edward.”
“I—I—I—” He paced the area in front of them, his words choppy and frantic. “I’ve been a fool, Eleanora. I’ve allowed my work, my business ventures, to take first place in my life. I’ve been more interested in earning money than earning your love.”
“Love shouldn’t have to be earned,” she responded. “Love is a gift, freely given.”
“Yes, and therein lies the problem.” He knelt beside her chair. “Sweetheart, I’ve always thought that if I gave you a fine home and nice things that it would strengthen our relationship, that you would be happy. But the one thing I didn’t give you—and what I now see that you needed above all—was me. I was so busy working that I didn’t take the time to understand. I’ve even moved us from place to place, thinking you would find happiness in those places. I believed it would settle your heart.”
“It wasn’t the location, Edward. That was never the problem.” Mama’s eyes flooded with tears. “Don’t you see? A woman can be just as lonely in a big house in Philadelphia as she is in Nottingham.”
“Yes. And a husband can be just as blind in Philadelphia as he is in Nottingham.”
“I don’t need fine things.” Mama’s voice lowered as she looked his way. “They are a poor substitute for what I really need. All I’ve ever really needed was what you couldn’t seem to give me. I needed you.”
“You’ve always had my heart, and I offer it to you fully. Completely. If you’ll still have an old fool like me, I mean.”
Out of the corner of her eye, Abby caught sight of Sam, inching his way down the stairs. He put his finger to his lips and made his way toward the kitchen, where he disappeared through the door.
Abby turned her attention back to her father as he spoke to Mama once more. “You are a rare jewel, Eleanora Effingham, and I promise to treat you as such from now on.”
She watched in amazement as her father rose and took her mother by the hand. Mama stood and allowed herself to be swept into his arms. He brushed her tears with his fingertips and planted several kisses on her lips.
Abby’s mother began to cry. It started quietly at first, but before long, her wails filled the room.
Cookie popped her head out the kitchen door. “Everything all right out there, folks?”
“Yes, very.” Abby rose and eased her way into the kitchen, where she couldn’t seem to stop smiling.
“What’s going on out there, Abby?” Les asked, after the door closed. “I thought I heard someone crying.”
“You did. It’s my mother.”
“Oh, dear. Is she distraught?”
“I don’t believe I’ve ever seen her in better shape, actually.”
“Well, that’s good. We were starting to get worried in here.” Les took a seat on the stool, her ankles crossed. She looked relaxed and regal, as if she’d been born a lady. Abby couldn’t help but notice that Jin paid her particular attention, waiting on her every need. Les seemed to take it all in stride.
Until she saw a spider in the corner of the room. Then she leaped from the stool, barreled across the room, smashed it with her boot, and tossed it out the door.
“Someone in this room has been very busy sharing his advice with my father,” Abby observed. “And I owe this person a huge debt of gratitude.”
“You’re welcome,” Neville said, and then grinned.
“I wasn’t talking about you, Neville,” she countered. “But what have you done?”
“Told your father I’m staying put in San Francisco. Said he’d have to drag me back to Philadelphia, kicking and screaming.”
“Really?” Abby turned his way, stunned. “You’re staying put?”
He nodded and slipped his arm around Cookie’s waist. “I am, Miss Abigail. I’ve been looking for a way to tell you for days now. You once told me that I should throw caution to the wind and just enjoy life.”
“I did?” Abby shook her head. “When was that?”
“On the coach as we pulled into San Francisco. I seem to recall my response was less than enthusiastic.” He paused. “To be perfectly honest, I wasn’t sure how to throw caution to the wind. Someone had to teach me.” He looked at Cookie. “Let’s just say I’ve been thoroughly schooled, here in San Francisco.”
“Neville?” Abby stared at him, more than a little perplexed.
“And let’s just say we’re both starting to enjoy life,” Cookie added. She leaned over and gave Neville a kiss on the cheek.
Abby couldn’t help herself. She let out a squeal so loud it must’ve startled everyone else in the room.
“I have fallen in love …” Neville sighed. “With coffee.”
“Coffee?” Abby laughed. “Truly?”
“Yes. I didn’t want to admit it, even to myself, but one sip of Cookie’s coffee, and I couldn’t look back. So I’ve decided to stay in San Francisco, where I can have at least one cup …” He kissed Cookie soundly on the lips. “Or two.” He kissed her twice. “Every day from now on.”
Abby got so tickled she couldn’t stop laughing.
“No more tea for you, Neville?” Les asked.
He pursed his lips and then responded, “I wouldn’t go that far. A good Brit loves his tea. But there is something to be said for a strong cup of Pioneer Steam coffee, brewed by a woman with a loving touch.” He gave Cookie a look so tender it melted Abby’s heart.
“Since we’re talking about coffee and all, I have a confession to make.” Cookie’s cheeks flushed red. “It’s about the secret ingredient in my chocolate cake.” She paused and her eyes twinkled with merriment.
Neville stared at her, as if seeing her for the first time. “Cookie, are you telling me I’ve been shoveling down slices of chocolate cake … with coffee as the secret ingredient?”
She nodded. “Mm-hmm. And you have to confess, it’s mighty good.”
“Best in town.” Neville shook his head and then laughed. “But I never would’ve guessed about the coffee. I’ll be.”
Abby couldn’t help but laugh as she faced Neville. “You told me once that you strive to be content, no matter what state you find yourself in, be it Pennsylvania, Oregon, or California.”
“So I did.” He pulled Cookie close, barely glancing Abby’s way.
“It would appear you’ve learned to be content in San Francisco, something you once felt impossible.”
“Funny, how things work out.” He gave Cookie a little kiss on the nose.
It was all Abby could do not to burst into song. “Well, if you’re stayi
ng, then I’m staying. That’s all there is to it. Father will just have to understand. And Mother too.”
“Sure you’re not secretly aching to go with her to the next destination?” Les asked.
“No.” Abby shook her head. “I’ve been blessed to travel so many places in my young life. I’ve seen the world.” She turned to face Sam. “Now my world is here, my heart is here … in San Francisco.”
“There’s no place to compare, is there?” Les added. “We’ve got it all in California: snow-capped mountain peaks, majestic in splendor. Sparkling waters of the Pacific, crashing against the rocks like thunderous applause. Deserts so light and airy they remind me of grains of sugar. God’s hand is all over this state. Why, I can almost picture His fingertip, carving out the canyons. I can envision His breath, blowing sand across the desert floor.”
The whole room grew silent at such a lovely description.
“My goodness, Lesley, aren’t you the poetic one?” Cookie gave her an admiring look. “You should pen those thoughts before they slip away from you.”
“Oh, I have.” Les nodded. “Trust me. I keep a little book with me and often write things down. It’s good for the heart. Some folks compose hymns. I write. It’s how I worship.”
“And what a lovely way to worship it is.” Abby agreed.
“Just for the record, I consider my cooking to be a form of worship.” Cookie’s eyes twinkled. “And I can’t wait to open that bakery. I plan to forge ahead, no matter what. Once I do, I’ll be worshipping all day long, up to my elbows in cake batter and cookie dough.”
“Indeed.” Les nodded. “I know a great many townspeople who would lift a song of praise for one of your Snickerdoodles, Cookie.”
This got a laugh out of everyone.
“But, how, Cookie?” Jin asked. “Mr. Harris no buy building for you. Right?”
“Right.” Her eyes twinkled with delight. “Don’t need him to. My years in San Francisco have been good to me. Going to see that banker fella tomorrow. Have to invest my money somewhere. What better place than the building next door, where I can put my talents to use.”
“How will you work in both places at once?” Les asked.
“I’ll do the baking here, just as I do now, and shuffle the products to the bakery shelves. There will still be time to cook meals for the fellas. I’ve got it all worked out in my head.”
“But who will man the bakery?” Abby asked. “You can’t be in two places simultaneously.”
Neville raised his hand. “Me. I’ll be the one selling the baked goods.”
“Neville, you?” Abby had to laugh at that idea. “This is delightful. I’m thrilled for you both.”
“We’ll have to ride all the way to the other side of town to buy our goods,” Cookie said. “But it’ll be worth it.”
“If I had the money, I’d open another general store.” Sam offered a sympathetic shrug. “That would change everything.”
The room grew silent again and it felt as if the wind had gone out of their proverbial sails.
Until Les spoke, her words crisp and firm. “I have the money.”
“What?” Everyone looked her way.
“I have the money. It’s just sitting over there in the bank, gathering dust. What say I open a general store?”
“You want to run a store?” Sam asked.
Les shrugged. “Not really, but I suppose I could find someone to take care of it for me.”
Cookie stared at Jin and shook her head. “Don’t even think about it. I need you too much.”
Abby startled to attention. “Oh, I have just the person! Jimmy Blodgett. He came back to San Francisco to start a business. Remember? Maybe he would run the new store.”
“It boggles my mind to think the Lord had all of this worked out in advance,” Abby said, her heart awash with joy. “He’s not taken by surprise, but I certainly am.”
“‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord,’” Cookie piped up. “‘Thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.’ That there’s one of my all-time favorites verses. Jeremiah 29:11.”
“Well, I don’t know if I expected this end.” Abby said. “I never would’ve dreamed I’d end up here.”
“Awfully glad you did.” Sam slipped his arm around Abby’s waist and drew her close. “Right here, next to me.” He planted a tiny kiss in her hair and she felt a shiver run down her spine.
“I remind myself that He has called me to this,” Cookie said. “And will use me according to His will. As long as I stay submitted to Him, I mean.”
“Cookie, you are truly one of the most amazing women I’ve ever met in my life.” Abby then turned her attention to Lesley. “And you, my friend, are one of the most precious and generous women I’ve ever met.” What was the phrase her father had used? Ah, yes. “You’re a rare jewel, Lesley.”
“‘She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.’” The words came out—in perfect English—from Jin. He stood across the room holding a featherless chicken in hand. “Proverbs 3:17.”
“Actually, it’s verse fifteen,” Sam whispered in Abby’s ear, “but at least he got the words right.”
Jin dropped the chicken and strode across the kitchen to where Les sat on a stool looking as regal as a princess.
“Did you just say I was more precious than rubies, Jin Xiang?” Les asked as she reached up to brush his hair from his forehead.
He nodded and the most delightful smile lit his face.
“Well, crown me and call me queen of the castle then.” Lesley threw her arms around Jin’s neck and planted a kiss on his lips.
Abby froze, wondering if—or when—the two of them would come up for air. She wanted to laugh. No, she wanted to dance a jig. No, she wanted to give a shout.
Les and Jin pulled away from each other and then promptly went back to kissing.
“Well, for pity’s sake. I want to get in on this action.” Cookie turned and threw her arms around Neville’s neck and kissed him soundly.
“Oh, my.” Abby shifted her gaze to Sam’s face. Those eyes. That smile. Her sweet, reliable Sam.
“Feeling a little left out?” he whispered in her ear.
“Mm-hmm.” She certainly was.
He took her by the hand and pulled her into the dining room, past her parents, who were still smooching, and through the front door.
When they reached the sidewalk, she looked at him, his eager eyes drawing her in.
“Abby, I need to talk to you about something important.”
“Oh?”
“Yes.” He paused and looked a bit nervous. “You called Les a rare jewel just now.”
“I stole the phrase from my father, if you want the truth of it. But she really is quite a prize.”
“Regardless of where the phrase came from, stolen or not, those are the very same words I would use to describe you.”
She couldn’t help but feel the warmth of his kindness. “You’re sweet, Sam.”
“It’s the truth. That’s why the fellas won’t leave you alone, Abby. That’s why they propose at every turn. It’s not just your physical beauty, though that’s undeniable. It’s your heart. They see a precious treasure and want to snag it, just like they snag those nuggets of gold from the river. First one in wins the prize.”
Her cheeks grew warm at the lovely words.
“Only this time, I’m staking my claim.” In one swift move, Sam pulled her into his arms.
“You … you are?” Her gaze traveled up to his handsome face and she noted his lips curled up in an impish smile.
“I am.” He planted a kiss on her forehead. “What do you say, Abby Effingham? Would you do me the honor of becoming Mrs. Reliable Old Sam?”
Abby threw her arms around his neck and squealed so loud, a fellow passing by on his horse had to fight to keep the animal from rearing.
She let go of Sam and laughed. “Oh dear. There I go again, caus
ing trouble for the fine citizens of San Francisco. Are you sure you can put up with me?”
“Put up with you?” Sam tucked a loose tendril behind her ear. “I don’t plan to ever let you go.” He spread his arms and made a loud proclamation to anyone who might be within hearing distance. “My name is Sam Harris, and I hereby dare any fella in the town of San Francisco to try to steal this treasure away from me! Any man who tries will have a fight on his hands.”
This got a rousing cheer from a couple of fellas across the street in front of the barbershop.
“See?” Sam’s lips traveled down to Abby’s cheek and a delicious shiver ran down her spine. “They wouldn’t dare. No man in town wants to fight me.”
“Well, I did say I longed for adventure in my marriage,” Abby said. “Though not of the fisticuffs variety.”
“True.” He pulled her close. “Trust me when I say that we’ll have adventures aplenty, Abby. I plan to see to that personally. I’m already thinking of places we can go, things we can see.”
“Really?” Tilting her head back, she peered at his face. “Then I guess you’re stuck with me, Sam Harris. You provide the adventure and I’ll be your reliable old wife. But don’t ever say you weren’t warned. I have it on good authority; I’m quite a handful.”
“A handful of blessing, no doubt.” He gave her a kiss so sweet it made her head spin. “No, Miss Effingham, you are a rare jewel. But don’t you worry.”
“Oh? Why is that?” She batted her eyelashes at him.
“Because …” He kissed the tip of her nose and then smiled. “This is one treasure I plan to take to the bank.”
Fun Facts About the California Gold Rush
• The first two nuggets of gold were found in 1848 when a sawmill worker by the name of James Marshall happened to glance down and see something sparkling in the waters of the American River.
• The wealthiest man during the California Gold Rush era wasn’t a prospector, but rather a prominent Mormon store owner by the name of Samuel Brannan. He bought up all of the shovels, pans, and pick axes in the area, then sold them for ten to twenty times what they were worth.
• Between 1848 and 1849 the nonnative population of the California Territory grew from just under 1,000 to over 100,000.