Mercy's Promise (The Promise Series Book 1)

by Lynn Landes

  Glenn skips dinner and storms from the house and out to the barn, no longer able to stand the glances of those around him. He knows it was wrong to use the boys to get Anika to agree to stay, but it's what's best for her and the boys. At least that's what Glenn tells himself. Anger fuels his step when he thinks of the predicament they're in. He knows God’s plans are not always clear but to bring her into his life now when things are this complicated seems cruel.

  “It’s best for everyone if we keep our space.”

  Chapter 9

  “Anika, we will walk with you to Mrs. Flannagan’s dress shop and then run to the General Store to purchase supplies for the canning we need to do. I have your list of ingredients,” Daisy says.

  “That sounds complicated. I know my way around town, and her shop is only two doors down,” Anika teases.

  Allen smiles, “That may be, but you are not alone any longer. Let’s compromise. You walk down, and we will pick you up when we’re finished.”

  Anika nods, not trusting herself to speak. They have spoiled her, and Delaney, it is hard to believe how her life has changed in five weeks.

  “Perfect.” Anika glances around the town as she walks away and is shocked how different it seems now. All the shops are connected. From the General store to the post office, even the courthouse. The town is booming with activity. Main street is busy this time of day, but she is all too aware of the time. Her eyes lock onto the Saloon, as men stumble in and out for their lunch break from the Mill.

  Anika straightens her plum colored dress and cropped jacket, thankful for the gloves Savannah gave her this morning and turns away determined to put that life behind her. Armed with her first paycheck, she is ready to spend some of her money. Today is a day for celebration. They have a large dress order waiting for them, and Delaney is beside herself with joy. She gives a quick wave and hurries to Mrs. Flannagan's Dress Shop.

  The bell over the door rings and Mrs. Flannagan’s voice rings out, “Have a look around, I’ll be right with ya.” Anika grins and takes in the shop. Beautiful bolts of material line tables and hanging on the walls are lovely dresses. The shop is set up in aisles and Anika begins browsing through determined to find a night dress to replace her tattered and worn one.

  “Ms. Coltrane, how lovely to see ya,” Mrs. Flannagan calls out. “I have your order ready to go, with one exception.” She drapes an arm through Anika's and pulls her to the front window. “This sample just came in, and I thought instantly of you, with your coloring.” She points to a blue silk taffeta dress, two-piece button front fitted bodice with a long tail skirt trimmed in ivory lace.

  “It’s lovely,” Anika gasps and strokes the skirt.

  “Yes, it will highlight your eye color and look,” she points, “it has a pocket for a watch. Please don’t break my heart, tell me you want it.”

  “I don’t know, they’ve already spoiled me. Let me think about it, while you help me with the rest of my purchases.” Anika turns away and draws out a small piece of paper and just misses seeing Martha glaring at her through the window.

  The shop bell rings again as a new customer enters, and Anika says, “I’m in desperate need of a new nightgown and matching nightdress, Mrs. Flannagan.”

  “I’ll be right back,” she points to the back room, “through that door, you will find everything you need. Mrs. Ward insisted you have what you need, and it will be getting cold soon. You’ll even find Delaney’s sizes.”

  Anika smiles and hurries through the door. She is drawn instantly to a baby blue satin nightgown, with its empire waist, and floor length it is stunning. Smiling she runs a finger over the material.

  “It’s stunning, you should definitely buy it.” A voice says, causing her to jump in surprise. Martha is standing in the doorway holding the sample dress from the front window.

  “Oh,” Anika smiles, “It is exquisite, but I think I need something more practical. Winter is coming.” She moves to look at the white cotton gowns with matching wrappers and picks one for herself before looking for Delaney.

  “I personally think he would like to see more skin,” Martha walks over to a sheer, spaghetti strap, pink, floor length nightgown, and strokes the material. She steps back to eye the matching sheer wrapper and grins at Anika.

  “Who?” Anika asks.

  “We’re all friends here, you don’t have to pretend, Anika. I’m sure you’ve bumped into Glenn at night in that big house of his.”

  Anika blushes and stares at her in shock. “Excuse me?”

  “Everyone is talking about it.” She steps closer to Anika, close enough that she can smell her cloying perfume and hisses. “I’ve waited two years for Glenn to notice me.” She grips Anika’s upper arm and continues, “I don’t care what you do or how you dress, he will only ever see you as the hired help, or the cow feeding his children. I’ll make sure of that. Enjoy your time with him, it will be fleeting.”

  Anika jerks her arm away, “Thank you for clarifying that for me, Martha.”

  Mrs. Flannagan walks in and pauses, “Is there a problem?” She takes in Anika’s pale expression and Martha’s flushed cheeks and waits.

  “No, I would like to buy this.” Martha shoves the dress at the older lady and stomps from the room. “Now. I don’t have time to dawdle.”

  “Excuse me, Anika.” Mrs. Flannagan hurries after Marth and Anika unclenches her hands trying to stop the trembling.

  “That creature will not ruin this for me,” she tells herself and glances at her note. Everyone is talking about it? Quickly she picks up the underclothes for Delaney and herself, including stockings, two more camisoles built for nursing and petticoats. She is about to pick out a wrapper and gown when Mrs. Flannagan returns.

  “I apologize for…”

  “No apology needed, she’s not the first to insinuate disgusting things.”

  “I see. How are we gettin’ on then?” She glances at the boring white cotton gown and sighs. “I have just the thing for ya.” On the back wall is a gorgeous white gown and wrapper.

  “This is a white cotton nightgown with a square neck for modesty, trimmed with lace and pink, silk ribbon, because why not?” she grins. “It buttons from the neckline to the waist, making it perfect for the nursing woman.”

  Anika smiles but hesitates as Martha’s nasty voice runs through her head. “Don’t listen to that girl. It’s perfect for ya.”

  “Thank you, I’ll take it.”

  Mrs. Flannagan claps her hands together. “Excellent. Do you need anything else?”

  “Denims,” Anika grins.

  “Ach! Savannah will ruin you yet. I have two pair, but you will have to try one on.”

  Anika follows her to the dressing room where an assistant takes her purchases to package them. As soon as she enters the dressing room, Mrs. Flannagan turns to the young assistant, “Get the blue silk nightgown and package it with the matching wrapper. She may never wear it, but I’ll be damned if Martha will.”

  Daisy enters the shop and finds Anika sipping on tea with Mrs. Flannagan and laughing over something the woman says. “Daisy! You’re just in time, we are finished. Though, I just remembered we have some new baby clothes over in the left corner.”

  Anika jumps up excitedly, “The boys are outgrowing the dressing gowns. I'll just have a quick look.”

  Mrs. Flannagan waits till Anika is out of earshot and hisses at Daisy. “Martha was here. I’m not sure what she said to Anika, but it upset her. There is talk in town, Daisy. I thought you should know.”

  “Thank you.” Daisy sighs, “I was afraid of this, and I'm sure it will get worse before it gets better. That girl is desperate to get her claws into Glenn.”

  “That’s true enough, best to make sure someone else does first. If ya get my meaning,” she nods her head towards Anika who squeals over a little boy’s suit.

  Daisy grins and loops an arm through Mrs. Flannagan. “You’re a genius,” she whispers.

  “Daisy! Look at these! Oh, I hope you ha
ve two of them.” The ladies laugh and hurry to her side to pick out two cream colored pants with matching jackets and shirts. Before they leave, they add two chocolate velvet pantsuits and hats.

  Allen waits out front with the wagon, and they are quickly loaded up. Anika reaches in the back and grabs her carpet bag, before stepping to Allen and Daisy who are saying goodbye to Mrs. Flannagan.

  “Allen, I need to make one stop before we go home if that’s alright?” she asks softly.

  “Of course, name it,” he offers a hand to his wife to assist her into the wagon.

  “I need to stop at the Charity Home for Orphans. I have a few quilts to drop off.”

  Daisy glances down at her bag and smiles. “I thought they were for Delaney?”

  “No, these are specially sized for the children. Two by four feet, sometimes longer for the older children. It’s only three this time. I’ve been really busy.”

  “Daisy, its’ been too long since we’ve had a Quilting Bee. What better project than the children?” Mrs. Flannagan gasps, “I have tons of scrap pieces of material that we can use.”

  “That's a wonderful idea! Anika, what do you think?”

  “I think you're both amazing. The children have nothing, and there are one hundred thirty-four children at this one home.” All three people stop moving and stare at her in shock.

  “How could we not know this, Allen?” Daisy gasps.

  “I don’t know, but we will bring this up at church on Sunday. Let’s go visit and see what else they need,” Allen replies with a determined glint.

  Anika hugs Mrs. Flannagan and climbs into the wagon, hoping she didn't upset them. Three blocks down the street, they turn, and Anika points to a large brick three-story building. It was vacated due to shell damage after the war. “There it is. It has been repaired by some of the Mill workers.”

  “I usually just drop the quilts with Pastor Donegal, he runs the children’s home.”

  “Perfect. Let's go see him.” Allen guides the ladies through the dark doorway, not expecting much. He is pleasantly surprised to find a warmly lit entryway with rugs and a large fireplace. Chairs and couches are paired together to make multiple seating areas for different purposes.

  Pastor Donegal is walking towards them with a handsome man. He greets them the moment they step inside. “Ms. Coltrane, welcome back. Mr. and Mrs. Ward, it’s nice to see you. You remember Rhemi Darlington.”

  “Of course, hello Mr. Darlington,” Daisy says.

  Rhemi bows slightly and smiles at Anika. “Now, I’m sure we haven’t met,” he reaches a hand out, causing Anika to back away from him.

  “Excuse me, Mr. Darlington, this is Anika Coltrane our new nanny,” Allen doesn’t miss the way his eyes light up at the description.

  “Rhemi just made a generous donation to the Orphans home, and we are ever so grateful. The Darlington family owns the Mill and have generously offered to pay for the repairs to the building,” Pastor Donegal explains.

  “That’s very kind of you,” Anika replies.

  “Perhaps, I could arrange a tour of the Mill for you, Ms. Coltrane.” Rhemi steps closer, “I have a new covered carriage that is sure to keep out the evening chill.”

  Daisy's eyes narrow at the audacity of the suggestion and Allen feels her stiffen in outrage next to him.

  “Is that your new carriage out front? I saw a group of men looking it over. She sure is a beauty,” Allen says.

  Rhemi's eyes snap to his, and he stammers a quick goodbye.

  Daisy nudges Allen and smiles at the Pastor. Anika grins and watches Rhemi rush from the building. She can’t help but make comparisons to Glenn. Rhemi is dressed in the finest navy day suit, with his hair perfectly combed and he is obviously from money, but he is too clean for her liking. She prefers a man to smell and dress like a man.

  “What can I do for you folks?”

  An hour later, they are back in the wagon, and no one speaks for the first few minutes. “I had no idea.” Daisy reaches for Allen's hands.

  “How could we be so blind, Daisy, they don't even have beds!” Allen snaps the reins and hurries home.

  “They are the lucky ones,” Anika explains. Daisy and Allen stare at her in horror.

  “Why would you say that?” Daisy asks.

  “Some sleep inside doorways, under bridges, wherever they can find shelter. They go days without eating. It must be dealt with or they will turn to crime and other means of survival,” Anika clarifies.

  “Sunday is going to be eye-opening for our congregation,” Allen states.

  “You will go with us, Anika, and I’m going to suggest the proceeds from our bake sale go to this charity and organize a quilting bee.”

  “I, I don’t know if I’m ready, Daisy.”

  “It’s much easier to gossip about someone you don’t know, Anika. Once they see you with our family things will die down.”

  Allen listens quietly as they ride through town.

  “Perhaps, your right. It would be good for Delaney to make some friends.”

  Anika hurries to the nursery when they return and finds both boys being changed by the new help. Glenn insisted on hiring Mrs. Henrietta. She is a sixty-year-old freed slave who is thrilled to have her first paying job.

  “How did they do?” Anika asks as she picks up Allen.

  “Just fine, though they are about to start fussing. You want me to stay and help?” She asks.

  “No, ma’am. Thank you for coming today. It was nice to get out.”

  “My pleasure. When do you need me next?” She asks.

  “Can you come Monday? I would like to help with the canning and cooking?”

  “Of course. I’ll be here at eight.”

  Anika hums and rocks Allen, stroking his dark head. Savannah knocks softly and moves to the cradle to look at Quinton.

  “He’s starting to get fussy.” She picks him up and places his cheek to hers while Anika watches.

  “Will you switch with me?” They switch babies, and she holds Allen and touches his cheek.

  “Savannah what can you tell me about Martha?”

  “Martha is … what’s the Christian way to say it, a busy body, trouble, she sews discord wherever she goes.” Savannah blushes when she looks at Anika.

  “She hurt you,” Anika states, and it is not a question.

  “I thought she did, but she merely saved me from a bad situation. Once I was to be married, but when he found out I aspired to be a photographer, he changed his mind.”

  Anika listens quietly as she rocks and waits for her to talk.

  “Anika, could I borrow the homestead for a little while?” Savannah asks unexpectedly.

  “Of course,” she replies.

  “Aren’t you going to ask me why?” Savannah asks.

  “No. Your reasons are your own, and I've no need of the homestead yet.” She lifts Quinton to her shoulder to burp him and smiles at her new friend.

  “Thank you. I would love the help, and I'm not sure others would understand.”

  “I will help you in any way I can. Dr. Parker says I should start walking. I'll have Ms. Henrietta come, and we can start on Friday.”

  “Perfect. I just need to get it cleaned up. Why don’t we get these two changed and go eat, I’m starved.”

  “You read my mind and Savannah, if you ever need to talk, I’m here.”

  Savannah looks at her and smiles softly, “Thank you, Anika. I’m glad you’re here.”

  “Me too.”

  Chapter 10

  Anika’s hands are trembling as she climbs down from the wagon. This is the first Sunday back at church since Sue died and her and Delaney’s first Sunday as a member of the family. Delaney is dressed in her new dress and glowing with excitement.

  Allen helps Daisy down and then Delaney.

  Savannah smiles and leaps down before anyone can help her. Daisy takes one baby from Anika and Allen takes one from Glenn. He leaps down and turns to lift Anika down. His hands wrap around her slim wa
ist, and he smiles when he lowers her to the ground.

  “You look lovely in purple, Ms. Coltrane,” he says.

  “Thank you,” her smile is forced, and he refuses to release her waist until she looks up at him.

  “Glenn?” Her eyes flicker, warning him.

  “That’s more like it. I like to see the fire in your eyes, not fear. I told you that you had nothing to fear with us, and I meant it.” He releases her waist and turns to help his Mother with the baby.

  Allen watches from the back of the wagon and hurries to Anika to distract her. “He’s fussing.”

  Anika takes the baby and pats him while she walks, escorted by Allen to the front of the Church. Pastor Donegal and his wife Beatrice greet the church members as they enter the doors. “Welcome back, Glenn.”

  “Oh, let’s see the boys!” Beatrice calls and soon all the women are staring at the babies and meeting Anika. Daisy makes introductions while Delaney is shown to Sunday school.

  Delaney glances back at Anika, afraid to let go, just yet. Just when she is about to go help her, a little girl runs up and takes her hand, drawing her inside the small room. A smile erupts and Delaney giggles behind her hand.

  Anika smiles with relief. Savannah guides her to a pew at the front of the church. Glenn and Allen, stand, waiting for the women to sit and Anika prays that both babies make it through the service. When she sits down, she is surprised to find Daisy and Savannah on her right side and Glenn on her left.

  Glenn smiles down at baby Quinton and touches his dark head. “Let’s hope they stay asleep,” he whispers in her ear.

  Pastor Donegal smiles at his congregation before starting his sermon. “Good Morning, this morning we are glad to welcome back the Ward family. Our prayers have been with you all and if ever there was a time to believe in miracles it is now.”

  “Mr. Ward has asked that we baptize the boys this morning. If you would all be patient while they bring both boys to us.”