Shining Water 01 - The Icecutter's Daughter Read Online Free

never been unescorted even in church. Frankly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I want her reputation upheld. A woman’s virtue is as important as a man’s name.”
    “Then why would you risk both by going away? She obviously loves you, and since that’s so important to you, that should be enough.”
    For a moment Rurik considered his friend’s words. “No, actually I don’t think she does love me. I think she’s acceptedthat our marriage will be, but I don’t believe she loves me or really understands what love is about.”
    “Of course she does. Our mother has trained her to know what’s expected of a wife.”
    Rurik shook his head. “That’s not what I’m talking about. Svea is but a girl.”
    It was Nils’s turn to shake his head. “She’s seventeen. That’s old enough by some folks’ standards.”
    “She’s led a very sheltered life and has never had a chance to explore whether another man might better suit her desires.”
    “This is ridiculous, Rurik. You and Svea have plenty in common. But more important, folks around here know what’s expected of you two. You should try to remember that.”
    Two women passed the opening of the alley and glanced over at Rurik and Nils. The men tipped their hats to the women. Once they were out of sight, Nils took hold of Rurik’s shoulders.
    “You have to change your mind about this. I think you and Svea should marry right away so that you and I can get on with our business. My father is pressuring me to take a bigger part in the dairy, and I have no interest. If I have another opportunity elsewhere . . . a means to make money and support myself . . . I won’t have to worry about refusing his offer and hurting him.”
    “Nils, you’re my best friend, but I cannot lie for you. I cannot pledge myself in marriage before God and this town and not know that I truly love her—that it’s God’s will for my life.”
    “There you go again. Don’t try to put all the responsibilityon God and make it sound like some sort of divine assignment.”
    “But I feel that marriage is a divine assignment,” Rurik said. “I’m rather surprised that you can speak with so little feeling in regard to your sister’s happiness. I’ve never known two siblings to be more devoted to the happiness of each other. I thought you loved her.”
    “I do. My love for her has never been in question. It’s yours that seems to be a problem.”
    The whistle sounding from an arriving train signaled to Rurik that he’d let too much time slip away. “I need to go. You should get back to Svea.”
    “I know how to take care of her. You’re the one who’s failing in that area.”
    “Nils, I care deeply for her. Look . . . I . . . I’ll go help my uncle, and when I return we can decide this matter once and for all.”
    Rurik left Nils standing in the alley and made his way to the railroad depot. He wanted to check on the schedule and see what kind of arrangements he could make for tickets to Minnesota. The damp cold of the day made him draw his coat up closer to his neck as he trudged through the snow. He had always loved this town—especially during the holiday season. Swedes had a wonderful way of celebrating Christmas, or Julotta , as they called it. There were all sorts of festivities and food, parties and pageantry. The Lutheran church was always full on Advent Sundays, and Rurik had a great fondness for Christmas music. The only thing he really missed was his mor singing beside him during services. Nellie Jorgensonhad been beloved by most of the Lindsborg residents. Rurik was certain there had never been a more generous and loving woman. His mor sewed and knit for the poor, made food baskets for the sick, and gave platters of freshly baked goodies to all of the local bachelors. When she passed on, the entire town had attended her funeral. But, he had to admit, they did that for most everyone.
    The people of the town were good folks, and Lindsborg had thrived quite