Brave Beginnings Read online

  Julia nodded and added a spoonful of sugar to her coffee. “What he does must be important then. At least she knows what he does.” After taking a sip from her cup, she scanned the room and then turned her gaze to her aunt. “I missed you.”

  Chogan chimed in his agreement before he finished his cup of coffee.

  “I’ve missed both of you too,” Erin said with a sigh. “The house is too quiet and too big for one person.”

  “Well, you won’t have that problem once you move to Chogan’s family’s lodge,” Julia replied.

  She laughed. “I venture not. I’m looking forward to joining you again, especially since this winter I’ll get to hold your child. I know you and Gary are not my children, but in many ways, I consider you to be my daughter and son.”

  “We’ll have to tell the child to call you Grandma.”

  “I’d like that.”

  Julia finished her cup and set it on the table. “I better get my things unpacked. Then I’ll help you with supper.”

  Chogan rose from the sofa. “I’ll carry the bag upstairs. It’s heavier than it looks.”

  Julia gave Chogan a teasing grin. “It’s nice having a strong man around to carry things for me.”

  “It is rough to be her husband,” Chogan told her aunt in amusement.

  “I bet.” Erin stood and collected the cups and placed them on the tray. “Go on and get settled in. I’ll be in the kitchen.”

  Chogan followed Julia up the stairs and to the room they had shared. As she looked at the bed, she shook her head.

  “What’s wrong?” Chogan asked, setting the carpet bag on the bed and opening it.

  “That bed doesn’t look very warm, does it?”

  “I’ll be with you. You won’t get cold.”

  “I meant that I’ll miss the furs. Bed sheets aren’t as nice.” Chuckling, she reached up to the back of her neck and unfastened her necklace so she could examine it. “Just as I thought. There’s a knot in the string.”

  “I’m not surprised. You never take it off.”

  “Woape made it for me. Do you know why she did?”

  He took out their garments and shrugged. “How would I know why women do anything they do?”

  “Oh you!” She waved her hand at him and turned her attention to working out the knot near the clasp. “You should care. This is the necklace Woape made with your mother’s beads. She thought by making this, it would ensure we’d find our way back to each other. It worked, you know. We’re together.”

  “You surprise me. I didn’t take you for the superstitious type.”

  She worked out the knot and slipped it back on her neck. “I’m not, silly. But it’s romantic, don’t you think?”

  He rolled his eyes as he pulled out their grooming supplies. “Romantic? It’s just a necklace.”

  She was ready to admonish him when it occurred to her that he was teasing her. “Now, you men can be romantic too.” She walked over to him and kissed his cheek. “You did bring me wild flowers last time we went hunting.”

  “That wasn’t romantic. That was smart.”

  “How do you figure that?”

  He emptied the bag before he turned to her and pulled her into his arms. “You were upset because you couldn’t get the deer you wanted. The flowers cheered you up.”

  “But I’ve never caught an animal that big before. It would have been an impressive feat.”

  “Julia, it’s not the size of the animal but how cunning the animal is. You caught a fox right as it reached the hole. You have to be quick for that.”

  She wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled. “I suppose.”

  “It’s true. You’re a smart hunter. It’s more important to have wisdom than might. Even the smallest things can be effective.”

  “You’re right,” she grudgingly admitted. “But think of how grand it would have been to carry that deer back.”

  “All in good time. You’ll get there.”

  When he kissed her, she melted into his arms and let out a contented sigh. “When I’m with you, the rest of the world fades away.”

  “The same is true for me.”

  She reluctantly pulled away from him so she could put their things away. “I should get this done so I can help Aunt Erin. I don’t want her to do all the work while we’re here.”

  Patting her behind, he said, “I should see if I can fix that loose stair rail.”

  Giggling, she shoved him away. “Go! I can’t concentrate when you’re around. It’s hard enough to shoot anything. No wonder I missed that deer.”

  “I gave you flowers.”

  She gasped and faced him. “You’re too much. I knew your hand didn’t slip!”

  “If you knew, then why are you surprised?” He wiggled his eyebrows, said, “I love you,” and slipped out of the room.

  Shaking her head in a mixture of exasperation and pleasure, she returned to her task so she could help her aunt in the kitchen.

  ***

  Ernest scowled as Noah entered his office at the bank. Jumping out of his seat, he hurried to the door and shut it. Turning to Noah, he hissed, “I specifically told you not to come to my office.”

  “I’m sorry.” Noah pressed his hat to his chest. “I-I saw Julia i-in town.”

  Ernest’s ears perked up. “When?”

  He cleared his throat and shifted to the other foot. “Moments ago. I came right over. I wouldn’t have bothered you otherwise. I know how important you are and—”

  Ernest held up his hand to stop him. “I understand.” He bit on his tongue so he wouldn’t snap at the incompetent fool who could have sent a messenger in his place. Calm down, Ernest. You need him, and as long as you need him, you’ll have to bear with him. Taking a deep breath, he straightened his suit jacket and asked, “Where was she going?”

  “To her aunt’s.”

  Ernest smiled. “This is indeed a most unexpected surprise, is it not?” Julia finally wised up and left the savage lifestyle. And now that she knew what rolling about in the dirt with an animal was like, she could appreciate the finer things only he could offer her. “It’s only fair I pay my respects for the divorce.”

  Ernest moved to the hat rack and got ready to grab his hat when Noah squeaked a protest. Setting his hand back down by his side, Ernest examined Noah’s expression and realized there was more to the story. With reluctant steps, he made his way back to his desk.

  “There is more?” he asked.

  Noah winced and nodded.

  Turning to face his desk so Noah wouldn’t see the irritation on his face, Ernest managed to smoothly ask, “What is it?”

  “Well…yes. I think. I mean, it is important. Yes. It is something you should know.”

  Listening to Noah was as pleasant as listening to nails scratch a chalkboard. “Please elaborate,” Ernest said, picking up a pencil on his desk and purposely focusing on it so he wouldn’t yell. I must bear with him. At least he knows how to keep a secret.

  Noah cleared his throat again. “You see, Julia…She wasn’t alone.”

  Why didn’t he just come out and say it? Ernest gritted his teeth. “Oh?”

  “She’s with Chogan. The Indian.”

  “Yes, I’m well aware of who the Injun is,” he snapped and pounded the pencil on the table, leaving a nasty scratch.

  Damn her! What was wrong with her? Julia preferred mating with an animal to being with him? Did degrading herself pleasure her so? He mentally cursed himself for losing his temper. It would do no good to try to convince Julia of the error of her ways. There is no reasoning with her. Just as there’d been no reasoning with—

  He stopped the thought. She didn’t count. She was an imitation…and a poor one at that. No. He had to focus on Julia. It would always be Julia and no one else. The other woman…she was a mistake. But now he could get it right. His heart raced with wild excitement. Perhaps Julia needed convincing, but not the kind that came from talking.

  He glanced at Noah whose eyes were wide with fea
r. If he expected Noah to cooperate, he couldn’t afford to scare him. Noah was so skittish. Pathetic. But Ernest had some comfort. Once Noah wore out his use, Ernest could dispose of him. It wouldn’t be good to allow for any loose ends.

  “You did well in coming here,” Ernest managed in a calm tone as he drew himself to his full height. “We’ll discuss what to do at the park. Remember, come at dark. Don’t let anyone follow you.” He dug out a coin from his pocket and handed it to Noah who hesitated but took it with a shaky hand. “You did well.”

  Noah looked at the coin and cleared his throat. “Sir? I hate to trouble you, but you promised two coins. My father’s taken ill and—”

  “Did Julia come alone?” Ernest demanded in a cool tone.

  Noah blinked. “Well, no. I saw her with—”

  “I pay you for good news. You brought me bad. I can’t reward you for that, can I?”

  Gulping, Noah looked back at the coin.

  “I will send a message to your residence.” He brushed the scratch on the desk before he picked up the broken pencil and threw it in the trash. “You may go. I have business to tend to.” Without further words, he sat in his chair and picked up the ledger he’d been working on.

  Noah hesitated for a moment but then left.

  Ernest sighed with relief. Now he could relax. The horrible feeling of being pressed in from all sides was gone. There was something seriously wrong with Noah. But no matter. Soon enough, he’d no longer be Ernest’s problem.

  ~~********~~

  Chapter 28

  The next evening, Millicent and her fiancé arrived at Erin’s house for supper. While they ate, Julia listened as Millicent talked adamantly about the upcoming wedding, asking Julia to be her matron of honor. Surprised but flattered, Julia agreed. She couldn’t help but notice that neither Chogan nor Conrad were particularly interested in the topic though they attempted to appear as if they were paying attention.

  During dessert, Millicent looked up from her slice of pie and asked, “Julia and Chogan, would you like to make it a double wedding? Perhaps you’d like to renew your vows since you didn’t have the opportunity to have a formal wedding?”

  Chogan glanced at Julia with a startled look, and Julia forced herself not to laugh. The poor man had no idea what Millicent just asked them. Directing her attention to Millicent, Julia picked up the cloth napkin on her lap and wiped her mouth before she set it back on her lap. “That is a very gracious offer, Millicent, but it’s not necessary. This is your day. You should enjoy it.”

  “Oh,” Millicent began, “I don’t mind. However, I dare not impose. The important thing is you’ll share the day with me.”

  “Gladly,” Julia said with a nod. She picked up the cup of coffee and glanced at Chogan who was watching her with furrowed eyebrows. “You don’t mind if we decide not to renew our vows, do you?”

  Chogan blinked and shook his head. “I already married you. Why do so again? Is this something you must do in your culture?”

  Julia couldn’t hold in her laughter anymore. “No, we don’t. One time is enough.”

  He frowned, apparently not understanding the humor, so she decided to let the matter rest. She could explain it to him later.

  “Oh, Conrad, my dear,” Millicent began, turning to her fiancé, “I forgot to tell you that Julia almost married another man.”

  Julia nearly choked on the piece of pie she just put into her mouth.

  Looking startled, Millicent asked, “Are you alright?”

  Erin patted Julia on the back and answered, “She’s fine. No, she never came close to marrying Ernest. They courted for awhile about eleven years ago and he proposed, but she said no.”

  Julia swallowed her food and drank some water before she set the glass on the table. “I was fond of him for a time, but it was nothing serious.”

  Conrad straightened in his chair. “Are you talking about Ernest Freeman?”

  “Yes,” Julia replied. “Do you know him?”

  “In a way,” he slowly said. “I was in Fargo when he lived there.”

  “Oh really?” Millicent asked. “What a small world this is!”

  “Indeed,” he agreed. Turning his attention back to Julia, he asked, “Do you mind if I ask why you said no to his proposal?”

  Julia thought it was an odd question for a man to ask so she hesitated to answer, but her aunt jumped right in and spoke for her. “Julia felt there was something wrong with him.”

  “Wrong? Exactly what was ‘wrong’ with him?” he asked.

  Clearing her throat, Julia shrugged. “Not sure, to be honest. I just knew that marrying him would be a mistake. He seemed right on the surface, but underneath…” She glanced at Chogan and smiled. “He wouldn’t have treated me as well as Chogan. With Chogan, I knew he was the only man I’d ever love.”

  Chogan returned her smile and reached under the table to squeeze her thigh. She slipped her hand under the table so she could hold his hand.

  “It turned out to be the right decision if you ask me,” Erin added. “Ernest was the reason Chogan lost his job at the Tribune.”

  “He was?” Conrad asked, his eyebrows raised in interest. “How did he manage that when he works at the bank?”

  Erin placed her fork on the empty plate in front of her and got ready to go into one of her familiar spiels. “Ernest Freeman is quite influential in this town, and though I never would have suspected it, he uses that influence to manipulate people into doing what he wants. He went to the chief editor and demanded that he fire Chogan or he’d make sure the editor lost his job. Then no one would hire Chogan, except for one man who had Chogan cleaning the streets.”

  “Can a vice president of a bank be that powerful?” Conrad asked.

  “He can,” Erin replied. “And he is. He’s even more so now that he’s the president. He got promoted a week ago.”

  “But he isn’t working at the only bank in town.”

  “He doesn’t need to be. He owns shares in some of the more notable businesses, and you know what men will do to keep their money.” Erin let out a long sigh and shook her head. “It’s such a shame too. I remember him when he was just a boy. He was always polite and quiet. He never gave his mother any problems and sang in the church choir. I don’t understand where he went wrong.”

  “I think it was all a front,” Julia said. “We never knew the real Ernest. We only knew the Ernest he wanted us to see.” She shivered. One thing she could do without was seeing the real Ernest. It was best if he kept his façade going, at least around her.

  Chogan gave her hand a light squeeze, and she silently thanked the Lord, once again, that she married him instead of Ernest.

  Conrad leaned forward. “So when Julia said no, he left for Fargo?”

  Erin nodded. “He had a job at a bank there and thought it was too good of an offer to pass up. His parents were so proud. They still are. He’s exceeded their expectations.”

  “Are you close to his parents?”

  Julia frowned, suddenly wondering why Conrad cared so much about Ernest, but her aunt was more than happy to answer any and all questions anyone ever asked her. This time was no exception.

  “We know each other fairly well, I suppose,” Erin said. “We’ve had supper together a couple of times. Well, that is until Julia refused his proposal a second time.”

  “He didn’t propose again,” Julia told her. “He asked to court me, and I said no.”

  “But he wanted to marry you. He’s wanted to marry you since you were children,” Erin said. “You just didn’t see how much he wanted that.”

  Rolling her eyes, Julia replied, “It wasn’t meant to happen.”

  “I know. But it still hurt him.”

  “Why should we care if it hurt him? Look at how he turned out, and his parents are blind to it!”

  “Julia, you can’t blame his parents. Parents want to see the best in their children. They don’t want to think their children would do anything wrong.”

  Conr
ad cleared his throat. “So you still converse with his parents?”

  Erin sighed. “No. They blame Julia for breaking his heart, and they blame me since I let her marry Chogan. They refuse to talk to me, which is just as well. I don’t need to talk to the likes of them if they’re going to let a simple heartbreak get in the way of our friendship. I don’t see what Ernest and Julia have to do with us getting along, but it is what it is.”

  “They coddled him all of his life,” Julia said, aware she was getting upset. “No wonder he thinks everyone is here to do his bidding. You don’t need to be friends with people who let their son dictate what they do.”

  “So,” Conrad began, “would you say Ernest is controlling?”

  “That’s exactly what he is,” Julia replied.

  “And clever,” Chogan spoke up, surprising her since he’d remained silent for as long as he had.

  Conrad looked at him. “How so?”

  “He confronted me a couple of times in public. He was able to word things in a way so that he was the victim. He’s no better than a rattler. He makes a lot of noise and you can’t tell when he’ll strike, but when he does, he aims to destroy.”

  “But he failed,” Julia said, tightening her hold on Chogan’s hand. “He didn’t destroy us.”

  “Us?” Conrad asked.

  “The only reason he came after Chogan with the vehemence he did was because of me,” Julia replied, her voice rising despite her effort to keep calm. “He kept expecting me to leave Chogan, and when I didn’t, he made life so miserable for us here in Bismarck, we had to leave. I can’t stand him! What kind of man wants to ruin a marriage?”

  Erin leaned forward and patted Julia’s arm. “Honey, calm down. Ernest is no longer in your life. You’re happy at the tribe, aren’t you?”

  Julia blinked back her tears and nodded. “Yes. They’re nice to Chogan and me.”

  “And you’ve been hunting,” Erin added. “You wrote about how much you’ve been enjoying that.”