The Forgiving Heart (The Heart of Minnesota Book 1) by Becky Riker Read Free Book Online

had few skills, and her Swedish was limited to the dozen or so phrases she had learned since her arrival. Added to that, she was certainly nothing to look at, with her emaciated frame and her ragged hair.  There was no reason to hire such a girl.
    “I need to get information about Julius,” Maurice explained as he led her near the docks.  “Perhaps he will not come back soon.”
    Karlijna saw the man was trying to keep her from being disheartened , and she appreciated the effort. Nonetheless, she knew Julius would eventually return, and she would need to move out. Putting it off for one day, or perhaps two, would not be of much consequence.
    “Hello, Miss Bergstrom,” a voice from behind her called out.  Karlijna turned with a smile to the captain.
    “Captain,” she greeted him, “it is good to see you.  Did you have a successful fishing trip yesterday?”
    The man had spoken to her at church on Sunday and informed her that he would be going to pick up some people in the middle of the night.
    “I did,” he nodded a greeting at Maurice, “they are now on their way to their family in Northern Sweden.”
    Maurice went to speak to a man who might know of Julius’ whereabou ts. The captain remained by Karlijna’s side.
    “Wh at brings you down here today? Are you looking for fish?”
    “No,” Karlijna could not keep the sadness from her voice, “I am looking for a job.”
    “A job?” he scowled, “Surely they are not asking you to pay for your keep? The Goldblooms have always been generous people.”
    “No,” she waved her hands in defense of her friends, “they would not do such a thing.  It is time for me to move out and begin to do for myself.”
    The captain eyed her a moment, “They have said this?”
    “No. The decision was mine.”
    “Why?” the captain looked toward Maurice who was still in conversation with another man.
    A slight tilt of her chin told him she was not going to answer the question.
    Torkel Anderson was no fool.  He knew there was more to this situation than she would say and that her silence was intended to protect someone.  It was not reasonable to assume that one of the Goldblooms had created problems for her, but he needed some time to think before he could find out why.  He scratched his chin.
    “I may know of someone who can use you for a few days. It will not be permanent, but perhaps it will lead to something.”
    Karlijna brightened, “Whom shall I see about it?”
    The captain almost laughed at her eagerness, “I shall see about it myself and come for you when I know.”
    Maurice joined them, “I am ready, Karlijna.”
    “Maurice,” she explained quickly, “the captain thinks he might know of some work for me.”
    Maurice’s face was somber, “Very good.”
    The captain smiled at the other man, “I will stop by your house when I know for sure.”
    Karlijna walked with Maurice toward the house. He seemed in no mood to talk and she obliged him, but once they arrived home, the family wanted to know how the search had gone.
    “Did you find something?” Regina was first at the door.
    “I perhaps did,” Karlijna said and then explained what had transpired.
    “This is good, is it not Maurice?” Rachel evidently noticed her husband’s attitude.
    “Yes, good.”
    “This is the same man who brought you to us, Regina?” Rachel continued.
    “Yes, he is kind,” Regina frowned at her brother.  “Have you a reason to distrust Captain Anderson?”
    “No,” the man sat down and spread his palms out on the table, “but he is not a Jew.”
    This statement was met with dead silence. The women looked from one to the other. 
    It was Karlijna who disturbed the quiet, “Maurice. I am not a Jew. I am a Gentile, yet you fed, housed, and even clothed me.”
    Maurice looked up at the girl. She could read the apology in his eyes, “I forget you are not a Jew,” he laughed a little. “If you were, I would be preparing you to marry my son. You are a good