“Ah, here we are.” He opened the door to the Talk and Fork.
She inhaled and smiled at him. “Doesn’t it smell delicious?”
“Can a smell be delicious? I suppose you’re right. The aroma of food certainly increases my hunger pangs.” He held her chair for her then joined her at the table.
She looked at the chalkboard on the wall that listed the menu. “I think I’ll have the chicken and dumplings, carrots, spinach, and coffee.”
“Sounds good to me, too.” He gave their order to the waitress. “Can’t put my finger on it but your aunt looked altered somehow.”
“I restyled her hair and she’s wearing jewelry. Probably cologne, too.”
“The hair—that must be why she looked different.” He wondered if her personality had also changed but doubted it had.
She tilted her head and smiled. “Tell me about your family. Are they nearby or scattered?”
“Actually, my parents have recently moved to a town not far from here called Sabbath. Have you heard of it?”
“Yes, but I haven’t been there. I know Papa has because I remember the name. Mama and I thought it peculiar and wondered if it’s full of churches.”
He laughed. “No, there’re only two, one is Catholic and one is Protestant.”
“You have siblings? Extended family near?”
“My sister Mabel is married to Earnest Hardeman and lives in Denver. She has two boys and a girl and their names are Earnest Jr., Orville, and Ellen. Ellen is the girl.”
“I figured that out. What are their ages?”
“Ten, eight, and six. Nice kids in spite of their mother being so fussy.”
“No other siblings?”
“I had a brother named Jimmy who died as a youngster. He had pneumonia.”
“I’m sorry. That must have been especially hard on your parents.”
“It was but they comforted one another. My sister is not that pleasant for long periods. She complains a lot and nothing ever suits her. I’m glad she stays in Denver most of the time. Both sets of grandparents have passed on.”
“Mine, too.” She placed a hand at her throat. “I hope Papa is all right. I wish I knew where he is and if he’s well and safe.”
“You haven’t had any word from him in years?”
She glanced around as if to be certain no one else would hear. “No, although the oddest thing happened. The day Mama died, she was smiling when I woke. She said Papa had been to see her during the night and told her he’d made a big strike and would soon come for her and me. She said he still loved her just as she believed he did.”
“You think she dreamed his visit?”
She leaned forward. “That’s what’s so odd. I dreamed he came during the night and that he leaned over me and kissed my forehead. He told me he loved me and would come for me soon. What are the chances we’d both dream about him the same night?”
Fortunately, their food arrived to provide enough distraction that he didn’t have to answer.
Chapter Seven
Brent fumed silently at her aunt and uncle—except, he supposed he resented only the aunt. What made her the way she was? How could she be so unfair to a woman like Serena? In spite of the fact they’d both been nice to him, he resented the way the aunt had treated her niece.
He couldn’t imagine how Serena would react when secrets were revealed, which they would be soon. Darn, he hoped she wouldn’t hate him. Instead, he hoped she’d want to come with him.
He planned to propose to her when he returned. Or, should he ask her to marry him before he left? His life was going to be much better now but there were so many changes and decisions he had trouble realizing how lucky he was.
With his parents set up in Sabbath, he could insure they were cared for and wanted for nothing. They could visit his sister in Denver whenever they wished. He welcomed the opportunity to treat them to the extras they’d done without.
She leaned forward. “Are you upset with me?”
Snapping out of his woolgathering, he offered a wide smile. “How could I be? Guess I’m worried about getting things set up in winter. This isn’t an ideal time to engage in construction up here but my partner and I don’t want to wait until spring.”
“I certainly understand that. Have you made a start on the construction?”
“We got things underway in the summer, finished the foundation since it can’t be done in cold temperatures.”
He reached across the table and covered her right hand with his left. “I sent my partner a wire that I’d be leaving here Friday. There’s a complicated process involved that I can’t explain yet. Soon after the bank opens on Friday, I’ll leave. I’ll make every effort to return for the Christmas tree ceremony.”
Tears glistened in her eyes before she looked at their linked hands. “It’s not as if I didn’t know you wouldn’t remain in Hopeful. You always said you’d leave. Still, I hate the thought.”
“Serena, please believe me when I promise to return. If I miss the tree ceremony, it will be because of the weather. You can count on the fact that I’ll be here before Christmas. When I come, I’ll bring surprises.”
She raised her face to search his. Her beautiful green eyes were wide, her precious rosy lips inviting. “Surprises plural?”
“You’ll love what I bring, I guarantee.”
“Brent Adams, now you’re teasing me.” Her expression turned solemn. “As long as you return, you don’t have to bring anything but yourself.”
He laid his hand over his heart. “I’ll come back. I wouldn’t promise otherwise.”
“I trust you to do what you say, Brent. I know we haven’t known one another long, but I believe I can judge a person’s character. You’re a man of your word.”
“Thank you for saying that. My parents taught me to believe my word is my bond. That’s the way I live.”
They finished their meal and walked toward the Mercantile.
At the door, he paused. “I’d like to take you and your aunt and uncle to dinner on Thursday to the Royal Hotel dining room. I’ve heard the food is excellent.”
“The Royal Hotel?” Her wide green eyes stared into his. “I’ve heard their meals are superb, but we’ve never been there. It’s said to be fancy and quite pricey.”
He placed his hand in his jacket Napoleon style and tried to appear pompous. “Ma’am, I’m a successful businessman. If you remember, I have a suit with me.”
She laughed, as he’d intended. “I recall you’re a snappy dresser. I’ll look forward to seeing you then.”
In spite of the fact her aunt and uncle were probably watching, he leaned down and kissed Serena’s cheek. “Until Thursday at six.”
When she was inside, he turned and walked toward the telegraph office.
Serena wavered between desperation at the thought of Brent leaving and curiosity about what he would bring to surprise her. Now that she’d spent time with him, she wondered how she could exist without him. Please let him return.
Her aunt was at the counter when she came inside.
“I saw that young man kiss you. I’m surprised you allowed that familiarity. And, right on the boardwalk for everyone to see. You know he’s leaving and nothing can come of going out with him.”
“He’s courteous and entertaining and very nice. He only kissed my cheek.” If he’d chosen to she would have welcomed a real kiss. She removed her coat, gloves, and scarf.
“You must think about your reputation, Serena. He’ll leave and it won’t matter to him that you’re left pining for him here.”
She had to divert her aunt’s attention before she lost her temper. “He invited the three of us to dine with him at the Royal Hotel’s dining room on Thursday. Have you ever eaten there?” She hung her coat in the storeroom.
Aunt Esther fingered her cameo. “My, my, the Royal Hotel dining room. I’ve never even been inside.”
Uncle Willard leaned on the counter. “Heard it’s expensive. Hope he knows that.”
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br /> “He does. He’s leaving Friday but he intends to return before Christmas. If he can, he’ll come for the tree ceremony. If he’s detained, then he’ll still come before Christmas.”
Her aunt sniffed. “Have you learned more about his business?”
“No, but he told me his parents live in Sabbath. His sister is married and lives in Denver and has two boys and a girl.”
Uncle Willard rubbed his jaw. “I’ve been to Sabbath. Nice place about the size of Hopeful. Be funny if I’d met them, wouldn’t it?”
“Brent said they’d only recently moved there but I don’t know how recent. Also, I don’t know where they lived before moving.” She knew the latter would have been her aunt’s next question.
Time crawled until Serena could see Brent again. She wished he wasn’t going away. Shaking her head, she told herself she was being silly. From the first day she met him, she’d known he was leaving. No point feeling sorry for herself because she didn’t want them to part.
Rats! She grimaced and looked for an eraser to correct the store ledger. She’d marked the incorrect price on Mrs. Jensen’s charges. Concentrating on her work would be a good thing.
Uncle Willard prided himself on being precise. Often he’d mentioned how dependable she was. He wouldn’t think so if he examined her work today.
At a quarter to five, her uncle sent her upstairs so she could freshen herself before Brent arrived. She bathed hurriedly then worked on her hair. Most of her tresses were secured in a coil at the back of her head. She wanted several long curls to hang down on one side. Last night she’d slept with her locks in whorls tied with rags. Now she brushed and reshaped the ringlets.
The majority of her clothes were neat but serviceable for working in the store rather than anything dressy. She donned her best church dress, the green alpaca wool that she’d worn on their sleigh ride. Today she didn’t have to wear so many layers with the dress.
Hats were necessary but hers were not special. The black felt trimmed with pheasant feathers blended with most any of her clothing. She set it carefully on her head and secured it with a pin.
Aunt Esther came to her door. “My, your hair looks lovely that way. I wonder…would you fix my hair the way you did the other day? Willard liked it very much.”
“Of course. Come sit here at the dressing table.” Soon, Serena had her aunt’s hair styled as Aunt Esther had requested.
She stood back and admired her handiwork. “You look younger with your hair fixed this way. Are you wearing your gray hat?”
“I’ll get it and ask you to set it on my head so the hair doesn’t suffer.” Her aunt hurried to the next room and was soon back carrying her hat.
“I’d get a new one except I only wear one to church. We never go anywhere else.”
“Aunt Esther, you should have a party. Ask some people to come and have fun while they’re here. Then you and Uncle Willard would be invited to the home of others.”
Her aunt met her eyes in the mirror. “I don’t know how to entertain folks. Besides, after working all day, I’m tired. I’m sure Willard and others are too.”
“I know you are, but you could have a party on Saturday evening about seven or half past seven. Preparations wouldn’t be that tiresome. All you’d need was a few sweets which you could purchase at the bakery. You’d only have to make punch and coffee.”
Her aunt appeared to be considering her plan. “I might do that sometime. Right now, we’d better hurry or Willard won’t have time to wash and change shirts.”
By the time Brent appeared at six, Serena and her aunt waited in the store. As she turned the sign to Closed, her uncle pounded down the steps. He’d changed into his Sunday suit.
Brent looked at each of them. “I don’t know if I’m dressed well enough to be seen with this crowd. You each look very nice.”
Uncle Willard rubbed his hands together. “I’m eager to see if the Royal Hotel’s dining room is as fancy as I’ve heard.”
Brent laughed. “Me, too.” He extended his arm to Serena. “Shall we go check out the dining room?”
She laid her hand on his arm. “And, the food.”
They walked the short distance to the Royal Hotel.
Brent asked, “Did you have a busy day?”
“Yes, I think people are getting started on Christmas shopping. I’m going to redo the window display Monday. The things shown there appear to sell best.”
Behind her, Uncle Willard said, “You did a good job on the arrangement.”
She glanced back at him and smiled. “Thank you. I like doing that sort of thing. I’ve planned the next display. I hope it turns out as well as it looks in my mind.”
“Careful in case they missed clearing any ice.” Brent guided her up the steps to the hotel’s entrance.
Inside, the lobby was more elegant than anything Serena had seen. She wanted to stand and look at everything but didn’t want to gawk. Quickly, she scanned the marble floor tiles in black and white. The furniture was upholstered in dark green with complementing draperies in a lighter shade. Brent whisked her across the lobby into the dining room.
They were shown to a table under a chandelier of glass prisms and presented with menus. White damask covered the tables but the other colors were in dark reds. A pianist played softly from a small dais.
She leaned near Brent. “This is lovely, isn’t it?”
“I hope you enjoy the evening. I want it to be special.”
The waitress appeared. “Have you made your selection?”
Uncle Willard handed her his menu. “My wife and I would each like the lamb shanks in gravy with coffee.”
Brent looked at her.
She said, “I’ll have the steak and fried potatoes and milk to drink.”
He handed his menu to the waitress. “I’ll have the same. Wait—instead of milk, bring us four flutes and a magnum of champagne.”
Serena and her aunt gasped their surprise. She wondered if either her aunt or uncle had ever tasted champagne. Certainly she never had and never expected that to change.
Uncle Willard nodded to Brent. “Well now, this is shaping up to quite a celebration. I had champagne at my cousin’s wedding thirty years ago. Haven’t had any since.”
Most of the dining room’s tables were occupied. The diners appeared to be mostly businessmen. She recognized a couple of those who came to sell to Uncle Willard.”
As if he knew what she was thinking, he smiled. “I’ll speak to them another time. This is our special celebration.”
Aunt Esther smiled at him. “Thank you.”
Her uncle leaned toward Brent. “Tell us how your project is going.”
Brent’s eyes sparkled. “Everything is going well so far. I expect to have things up and running by the end of January. My partner has been carrying on the work while I’ve been having a respite here.”
Their champagne was delivered and the waiter poured the pale liquid into each person’s flute. Should she wait to taste her drink until the bubbles ceased? Experimentally, she took a small sip. She savored the taste and decided she liked apple cider as well.
Her uncle asked, “When can you tell us what the project involves?”
“Soon, very soon. When I return I’ll be able to tell you all about my business. Right now, we’re keeping it quiet. I know you wouldn’t blab, but you’d be surprised what people overhear. We decided to be safe by not telling anyone.”
Uncle Willard nodded. “I understand. In a small town, news spreads like a forest fire and there’s no stopping it.”
She gazed at Brent. “The tree ceremony is only two weeks away.”
He placed his hand over hers. “I know. Remember, if I don’t make the tree ceremony, I’ll return before Christmas. If I don’t, you’ll know I’m in the hospital or dead in a ditch somewhere.”
Serena gasped. “Don’t even say such a terrible thing.”
He grinned. “I believe I’m safe. I plan on visiting the wishing well tomorrow before I leave town
.”
Mollified, she sent him a saucy glance. “What will you wish?”
“Uh uh uh.” He waggled a finger under her nose. “Can’t tell or it won’t come true. And, I really want this one to come true, and soon.”
The waitress reappeared. “Would you care for dessert? Our specialty is steamed orange pudding with clotted cream but we have cakes and pies.”
Brent glanced around the table. “Is the pudding all right with everyone?”
When he received agreement, he smiled at the waitress. “Four of your specialty, please.”
By the time she’d finished the last bite of her dessert, Serena was stuffed. “Everything was as delicious as I’ve heard. Thank you for bringing us here.”
Uncle Willard leaned toward Brent and stage whispered, “I know this is a fancy place and I’ve sure enjoyed myself. You trying to get your business up and all you ought to split the bill with me.”
Aunt Esther’s eyes widened and she sent Uncle Willard a frown. Since he was looking at Brent, he didn’t know he’d upset her. Serena had trouble not laughing at her aunt’s reaction. She suspected her uncle would have a lecture coming when they got home.
Brent shook his head and left the money for the meal. “Treating you is my pleasure. I’ve enjoyed myself, too. Perhaps we can come here when I return. I’ll have big news I can share then.”
Uncle Willard nodded. “I’ll look forward to seeing you when you return.”
Aunt Esther appeared sleepy. “I hate to end this lovely evening but tomorrow and Saturday are our busiest days of the week. Willard and I had better get home and rest.”
“Of course. Do you mind if Serena and I walk for a bit?”
Her uncle clapped Brent on the shoulder. “You two youngsters go right ahead. I’m afraid I ate too much. Combined with the champagne, I need to get home before I fall asleep on my feet. Sure has been a nice evening.”
Brent smiled at her aunt and uncle. “Thank you. I’ll see you both before Christmas. Until then, take care.”
Her aunt and uncle left while Brent helped Serena with her coat. “I hope you don’t mind that I didn’t ask you before I announced I wanted to steal you away for a while.”
Country Wishes Page 6
