Grace

by Cheryl Wright

  “Ah, Grace,” Mrs Baker said. “How is the ankle doing?” She placed a platter of vegetables on the table, then began to serve out the chicken.

  “It’s a little better than before. Thanks for asking.”

  “Eat – both of you eat up before it gets cold.”

  The meal was eaten in near silence, but the one thing weighing heavy on her mind was now rectified.

  “When can I go home,” Grace asked after they finished the meal. She didn’t want to appear too anxious, but she was certainly feeling that way.

  Joe held both her hands. “Doc says a couple of days at least. You can’t leave until you can walk by yourself. Even if that means with the crutches.”

  She glanced down at their entwined hands. “Then I guess I have no choice.”

  He lifted her chin so she faced him. “Will it be so bad to stay here a few nights?”

  “I don’t want to be an imposition. Besides, I’ll get bored.”

  He glanced across at Mrs Baker, then back to Grace. “You are not an imposition. What are friends for?”

  “But...”

  “It’s already arranged. Mrs Baker will stay with you until she needs to open the diner. If I didn’t have this order for Mrs Davis, I’d stay with you myself.”

  “This is far too much trouble for the likes of me.”

  She heard the collective gasp from her two companions.

  “Grace,” Joe said quietly. “You are worth the extra effort. I don’t think you realize how special you are.” He leaned in and gently kissed her cheek.

  “I second that,” Mrs Baker said. “Now let’s not have any such talk again.” She began to clear the dishes and left Grace and Joe alone.

  Joe pulled his chair closer to hers, and held both her hands. “I know life has been tough,” he said quietly. “And I know you’ve lost a lot. Please don’t ever downplay your importance.” He leaned closer and she rested her head on his chest.

  “It hasn’t been long since you came to Grand Falls, and already you’ve been accepted by everyone.” He leaned back to look into her face. “We all love you, Grace.” His voice broke as he said the words, and her heart thudded in her chest.

  “I am overwhelmed by your kindness,” she said quietly. “By everyone’s kindness.” She glanced toward the kitchen, feeling helpless watching Mrs Baker clearing up the mess. She should be helping but was incapable right now.

  “Apart from your injury, did you enjoy the picnic?”

  She managed a small smile. “I did enjoy it. Perhaps next time we’ll get to stroll along the river.”

  For the first time tonight he grinned at her. “We can arrange that. But you need to heal first.” He suddenly stood, then swooped in and picked her up, placing her in the sitting room, her ankle propped up with pillows.

  “I’ll be back shortly. Tea or coffee?”

  “I prefer tea, but you don’t have to fuss...”

  “It’s no bother.” Then he was gone.

  Chapter Eight

  Joe had begun work early. He wanted to get this order finished as quickly as he could so he could look after Grace himself.

  She was an exquisite flower that needed extra care, and he wanted to be the one to do that. He was more than grateful for Mrs Baker’s help, but if Grace was to be his wife, then she was his responsibility.

  He was certain she had no idea of his depth of love for her. What could he do to prove it?

  That was something he needed to think on. For now, he needed to finish this gown and begin work on the next. Only two to go, and at this rate he’d be finished by noon tomorrow.

  He leaned back in relief. Moments later, the bell over the door tinkled. He looked up to see Mrs Davis standing there.

  “Good morning Mrs Davis. What can I do for you today?”

  She was always a picture of perfection, and was the nicest woman. Her husband was nice too, but he was pedantic when it came to his wife’s appearance.

  “I came to ask if it would be possible to take whatever is ready now, Mr Harkley.”

  He wondered how long it would take.

  “I have a function to attend to tonight, and it would be wonderful to be able to wear one of my new outfits.” She smiled appreciatively. He never could resist this gracious lady.

  “Three of the gowns are totally ready, and the others should be finished by noon tomorrow.” He scratched his head. “Unfortunately the bonnets are locked up in Grace’s store. Otherwise I could give you those too.”

  She waved her hands about. “My dear boy,” she always called him a boy. Did she not realize he had now passed his thirtieth birthday? “Surely you could ask Grace for the keys to retrieve my bonnets?” She pleaded to him with her eyes. She always did that when she wanted to get her own way.

  “Of course I shall try. I’ll visit with Grace in the luncheon break. Hopefully it won’t be a problem.”

  Now she looked stern. “I’ll return at three. That should give you enough time to retrieve my bonnets and have the three gowns packaged.”

  “But Mrs Davis,” he said, feeling worried now. “I always deliver your gowns to your door.”

  She brushed his concern aside. “This is not your fault, Mr Harkley. Mr Davis forget to mention this function, hence the rush. I’ll have my driver bring me back at three and all will be well.” She turned toward the entrance. “Goodbye Mr Harkley.”

  As quickly as she had arrived, she was gone.

  This put a whole new perspective on his day. He prepared the garment steamer for when he was done, then sat back down at his machine and worked at finishing the gown in front of him. It wouldn’t take much longer.

  His mind had strayed to Grace more than a few times this morning, otherwise this gown would already be finished.

  He put the finishing touches on the gown, then clipped all the stray pieces of cotton. Four gowns completed.

  He prepared the cardboard boxes, then began to steam the gowns. They were his best yet, and he was convinced Mrs Davis would adore them.

  Joe folded each gown carefully, and added a handwritten thank you card to each box, as was his practice. The little touches kept his customers coming back.

  He closed the lid on the last box, then turned the sign on his door. Back in one hour.

  Hopefully that would be enough time. He was yet to find out.

  * * *

  He had always planned to eat at home today – the more time he got to spend with Grace the better – but because of the circumstances, it was a rush. Grace sat at the table with him, and they both had sandwiches Mrs Baker had prepared earlier.

  “I’ll walk back with you when you leave, Mr Harkley,” she said then glanced at Grace. “Are you sure you’ll be alright by yourself this afternoon?”

  Grace finished what was in her mouth before answering. “I will, I promise. I am so grateful to both of you for all you’ve done.” She took a sip of tea, then glanced at Joe. “I’m fine to go back home now.”

  He laughed. “Nice try. Maybe in a couple of days.” Joe took a large gulp of coffee. “Doc Spencer wants to check your injury before you go – just to be sure it’s healing properly.”

  He began to stand. “I have to go shortly if you’re nearly ready, Mrs Baker.”

  The older woman nodded. “Whenever you are.”

  He kissed Grace on the cheek before he left, fully aware he would have kissed her lips if Mrs Baker hadn’t been there. He was certain Grace had feelings for him – all he had to do now was get her to admit it.

  Grace had supplied him with the keys to the store, and told him where to find the bonnets. More than once she told him how grateful she was to him for helping her out, and how relieved she was to have finished her order early.

  As the pair strolled back toward town, he didn’t talk much. He was too busy thinking of ways to get Grace to admit to her feelings.

  She was a stubborn woman for sure. She’d made a decision never to marry, and decided to stick to it, no matter the consequences.

&n
bsp; “There’s no doubt about it, you have to find a way into her heart.” Mrs Baker stared at him. “You just have to work out what is going to do that.”

  That wasn’t news. Joe already knew that. “That’s the hardest part. Grace likes to keep to herself. You’ve seen what she’s like, she doesn’t give much away.”

  Mrs Baker headed toward the diner as Joe headed toward Graceful Bonnets. “Good luck with it.”

  “I’ll need far more than luck,” he muttered as he turned the key to Grace’s store. He went inside, and following her instructions, located the boxes of bonnets. Mrs Davis would be beyond happy with this result.

  As he leaned in to pick up the boxes in the darkened room, he knocked something over on the storage counter. He picked it up to set it right again, only to discover it was a framed photograph.

  He took it into the store where the light was better. It was a photograph of Grace with her beloved cat, Grumps. Joe knew how much she missed her feline companion – she had mentioned it several times.

  He stared down into the photograph – they looked so happy, and his heart broke. He wished there was something he could do to help. But what could he do?

  He set the photograph back where it belonged and took the hat boxes. There was still heaps of time until three, but knowing his best customer, she would arrive early.

  Joe locked the door and hurried back to his own store, ready to match the bonnets with the gowns before Mrs Davis arrived.

  He opened each box, for both the gowns and bonnets, and matched them up, sitting the hat boxes on top of the corresponding gown.

  The bonnets were stunning, each one beautifully crafted, and each unique. He knew Mrs Davis would be ecstatic.

  “Wonderful!” She clapped her hands as she entered the store, spotting the hat boxes. “Thank you, Mr Harkley – I knew you could do it.”

  As predicted, she was over an hour early.

  She rushed over to the counter to study her purchases. She opened the first hat box and pulled out the bonnet. “Oh my, this is magnificent.” She pulled it on her head and stared in the full-length mirror. “Tell Miss Sunderland I am extremely impressed,” she said after studying her reflection for a full two minutes.

  She handed it back to Joe who placed it back in its box. Then she opened the next box and tried the bonnet on, then the next, and the next. “That young woman is extremely creative,” she finally said, handing the last bonnet back to Joe. “I hope your gowns are just as good,” she said jokingly.

  He grinned. “Of course, Mrs Davis. You wouldn’t expect anything less.”

  She laughed, which was exactly what he expected. “How is the dear girl fairing? Is the ankle healing?”

  “It is, Mrs Davis. She should be able to return home in a day or two.” He lifted some of the boxes and carried them out to her carriage.

  “Thank you, Mr Harkley,” she said. “You have helped me out of a tight spot.” She shoved some notes into his hands, but he handed them back.

  “Please, Mrs Davis. Your husband pays handsomely for my services. I couldn’t take another penny.” She looked shocked at his refusal. “But there is something you might be able to do for me.”

  She leaned in and listened carefully to what he said, then nodded, a grin on her face.

  “This is going to be so much fun,” she said, then Joe helped her into the carriage. He stared after her as the carriage disappeared down the road.

  Now, if his plan worked, he’ll be a very happy man.

  Chapter Nine

  “You have no idea how relieved I am to be back home.”

  Joe helped her into a comfortable chair and took the crutches. “Don’t forget what Doc Spencer said – you need to continue using the crutches until your ankle has completely healed.”

  She pouted. “I know, but that doesn’t mean I like it.”

  “And you’re to rest that ankle until next week. That means no work.”

  Since when did that matter? Her business was going nowhere. With the store closed for days on end while she was at Joe’s place, customers couldn’t even buy her ready-made bonnets.

  She sighed.

  “Yes, Joe, I’ll do what the doctor said.” He grinned, but fully understood she would do no such thing. The moment his back was turned she would be out in the store working.

  Totally against medical advice.

  “Promise me you’ll at least wait to open the store until tomorrow.” He pleaded with her, but wasn’t convinced it would work.

  She grimaced. “What makes you think I would do that?”

  He felt like laughing. He knew her too well. “Oh nothing. Perhaps your streak of stubbornness?” He kneeled down in front of her and took both her hands. “Please, Grace. Rest for the remainder of the day at least. I’ll come back and check on you in a little while.”

  He leaned in and lightly kissed her lips. She didn’t pull back, and didn’t push him away. The connection felt... good.

  Joe had longed to kiss her like this for so long.

  It was time to go. He had to open his own store now, as he had customers arriving to collect their orders.

  “Joe,” she said quietly as he began to stand. Her arms wrapped around his neck and she pulled him closer. Without warning she kissed him.

  His heart was pounding, and his head was spinning. Was Grace finally warming to him? Had she finally given in to her feelings instead of her resolve to be a spinster forever?

  He had no idea and didn’t care. All that mattered now was that the delectable Miss Grace Sunderland was kissing him.

  His arms snaked up around her back and he held her tight. “Grace,” he whispered. “Are you sure this is what you want?”

  She rested her head on his shoulder and his heart thudded in his chest. Why did he ask? This is what he’d wanted all along, but she’d held back, had been reluctant to get close to him.

  He heard her sigh.

  Joe suddenly felt hollow. Was she going to deny him her warmth, her closeness? He prayed she didn’t.

  Finally, she pulled away. His heart broke.

  “I...” She glanced at him, then licked her lips. “Why don’t you sit down? You’re making me nervous?”

  Nervous? That really wasn’t a good sign. Was it?

  He did as he was told, pulling the chair closer.

  She leaned forward, and he did the same until they were so close their lips almost met. It was unsettling, and Joe leaned back.

  “I’m not sure how to say this,” she began, and he felt even more hollow than before. She was about to say the words he dreaded to hear. “I was wrong.” Grace leaned back in the chair, not saying another word.

  “Wrong? About what?” Now he was totally confused. He thought she was breaking up with him. Not that they were ever together, not really.

  She licked her lips and his eyes followed every movement. It took all his effort not to reach out and pull her to him and kiss her tenderly.

  No, that wasn’t true. The time for tenderness was gone – this woman stirred up the passion in him. He sighed inwardly as he studied her.

  “I thought I wanted to be a spinster.” Hope enveloped his heart. Was she saying what he thought she was saying?

  “And now?”

  “And now I don’t.” His heartbeat quickened, his hands began to sweat, and Joe was elated.

  He forced himself to calm down, he might be totally misinterpreting her words. “And what does that mean exactly?” Should he dare to hope?

  “It means, Joe, that I agree to allowing you to court me.”

  Before he could stop himself, Joe jumped out of his chair and pulled her up into his arms. His arms went around her and up her back, and he kissed Grace like he’d never kissed before.

  Until he heard her groan. Her ankle! He’d totally forgotten about her ankle.

  He swooped her up into his arms, and kissed her again.

  * * *

  It had been a week since Grace had made her announcement to Joe, and she felt good abo
ut it.

  Her ankle was almost back to normal, and she no longer needed the crutches. He was collecting her for a stroll this afternoon. She’d told him she felt ready – for a short stroll at least.

  It had been so long, and one thing she loved to do was go for walks. He’d promised to take her down to the riverside as soon as she felt strong enough. She was looking forward to it.

  Grace readied herself for Joe’s visit. She’d rested her ankle all day to ensure she wouldn’t falter on their venture outside. She couldn’t wait.

  She was finishing up the dishes when there was a knock at the door. “Coming.” She didn’t rush, and took her time. Doc Spencer told her to take it easy in case she caused a relapse. That was the last thing she wanted to do.

  Opening the door, she fully expected to see Joe, and there he was, standing in front of her with a grin on his face. He leaned in and kissed her cheek, and she opened the door wider.

  It was then she noticed the large box in his hands. “What do you have there?”

  He ushered her inside. “It’s a surprise.”

  She couldn’t help but grin. Grace loved surprises. Perhaps that was because it was such a rare occurrence.

  “Sit down and you can open it.”

  She did as he said and Joe put the box on her lap, keeping his grip on it. “Is it breakable?” Her eyes were wide and she was beyond excited.

  “It certainly is. Do you like surprises?”

  “I love surprises.” He would tuck that information in the back of his mind for future reference, but knew nothing would out shine this surprise.

  She glanced up at him. “Should I open it now?”

  The box moved slightly, and he held it tighter. She stared at him. “Did that box just move?”

  “Perhaps,” he said, “You should hurry up and open it in case I drop it.” He wasn’t giving anything away.

  Her fingers flew to the lid and she began to open it but stopped when she heard a muffled sound. “Oh!”

  “Open it, Grace. I know you’ll love it – no need to be scared.”

  She gingerly lifted the lid and her eyes filled with tears. “Oh, Joe. It’s beautiful,” she said, tears trickling down her face. He wiped them away with his thumb. “What a dear little creature. So precious.”