———
In her sleepy state, Anna rolled over and automatically felt the spot next to her. She found it empty and cold. Then she remembered their quarrel the night before. She eyed the mantel clock over the fireplace and groaned. It was past seven and Edward would be furious with her. By now he’d most likely be working in the shop. She had come to no good conclusion about their argument, and if the previous night was any indication, she would be getting the cold shoulder today.
She drew on her robe and was grateful that Edward had installed a modern water closet with running water. After splashing water on her face, she ran a comb through her hair and quickly braided it. The eyes staring back at her in the mirror looked hollow and were tinged with dark shadows from lack of sleep.
She must hurry out, feed the dogs and the kitten, and face the day. No list to tell her what she was to do. If she planned her day just right, she could go back to the park with her watercolors.
She headed to the kitchen and poured her coffee, wishing she could talk to Greta or Catharine and get their advice about men. She felt totally ill-prepared for times such as these—even if she was falling in love with Edward. She made herself a piece of toast and decided that after she fed the dogs and Cricket, she’d get dressed and walk down the hall to his shop. He’d mentioned that he had a lot to do, and up till now she hadn’t actually met any of his customers. She was too busy trying to accomplish all the tasks on his list.
Much later, after she’d dressed in a gabardine dress of mauve smartly trimmed in cream with a silky lace jabot, Anna tapped on the door to the shop, even though she knew it wasn’t locked. She heard Edward say, “Come in, Anna.”
She slowly stepped into his workshop, careful not to bang the door against anything lest she knock something over again or break something.
“I’m sorry to interrupt your work,” she said tentatively.
He had a blank look on his face. “You’re not a bother—really,” he said quietly.
His answer was noncommittal as he continued with his task. He wore a band around his head that held his magnifying glass, and he was leaning over underneath a bright light that he used for working.
“Look, Edward . . . I’m sorry about—”
The bell above the door jangled and swung open, and Polly and Patty Holbrook bustled inside.
“Morning, ladies. I have your string of pearls, Patty.”
“Hello again, Anna,” Patty said.
Polly nodded to Anna and Edward. She was the quieter of the two, and Anna liked her. Funny how twins could be so similar in looks but so different in personality.
“You look absolutely stunning, Anna,” Patty said. “Are you on your way out?”
Oh great! Thanks for exposing my purpose in dressing up a little. “Nice to see you both again,” Anna said. “I’m not going anywhere, except to start the laundry. It’s an all-day chore, as you probably know.” Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Edward turn toward her as though he’d just noticed her dress. He probably thinks that since I tore the list up I’m not going to do my part.
“Yes, we do know,” Polly interjected before Patty could respond. “But it must be done, so we just try to sing and our work goes faster,” she quipped with a giggle.
“Mmm . . . I see. I’ll try to remember that when it’s too cold to hang the laundry outside.”
Patty laughed, then walked over to Edward. “Did the string of pearls turn out all right?”
“Yes they did, and I think they look nice now that they’re restrung and cleaned.” He took the pearls out of a black velvet draw bag and laid them on top of it to show off their beauty.
Patty clapped her hands. “Beautiful! They were my mother’s and I wanted to give them to Sarah for her birthday.” She smiled broadly, examining the strand, then showed it to Polly, who, after bending as close as she could to the pearls, finally murmured her agreement.
“I noticed my eyesight is failing and I need to get my glasses exchanged for stronger lenses,” Polly said.
“Well, at least your eyesight is not near as bad as poor Harvey Thompson. I heard while I was out shopping that he’s nearly gone blind!” Patty said.
“You don’t say!” Polly exclaimed. “That’s too bad.”
Anna shook her head. “Yes, it is. He’s in our literary circle. This must be a blow to him.” She was conscious of Edward’s eyes on her without even looking at him. Was he willing to compromise now since their quarrel?
Patty bobbed her gray head. “Oh yes, dear. It is. He lives alone now that his wife has passed, and not being able to get around will destroy his independence. And he’s not even as old as we are.”
“Tsk tsk.” Polly tapped her finger to her chin.
“I knew his eyesight was diminishing, but I didn’t know of all this before. I wish there was something we could do for him,” Edward said. “Maybe one of you ladies could go over and read to him.”
The ladies twittered between themselves, giving the idea consideration.
The shop door opened again, and Anna looked up as another customer came in. Edward excused himself to help the customer while the ladies chatted.
“Say, Anna, I wondered how well you knew Daniel Moore. Sarah noticed him at church, and I was thinking we might introduce them—that is, if he isn’t seeing anyone. Do you know?” Patty’s brown eyes twinkled behind her spectacles.
“Well, uh . . . to tell you the truth, I don’t know. Maybe Edward does.” Anna groaned inwardly. Since she knew that Callie liked Daniel, she was going to see what Edward thought about having a dinner party with a few guests. She reckoned she could include Sarah as well.
“Well, when you do, just let us know,” Patty said, then slipped the pearls into the pouch and pulled the drawstring. She handed Anna the bills to cover the cost and declared they must be on their way, as the church social group was meeting right after lunch.
Anna wasn’t sure what to do with the money, so she folded the bills in half and set them under a crystal paperweight. “Thank you, ladies. Hope you’ll return. Edward has some exquisite timepieces, I’ve noticed.”
“Anna, you should come over this afternoon yourself. We’ll be making plans for our next fund-raiser,” Polly suggested in a softer voice. “We’d be glad to have you.”
“Sometime soon, I promise,” she replied, then walked with the two ladies to the door. After they waved goodbye, she turned around to see Edward watching her with a thoughtful look. She gave him a timid smile, and his lips formed a stilted half smile back at her. It looked as though she would have to be the first one to make a move, although she felt like she’d been pushed into a corner without him willing to compromise. They couldn’t continue walking on eggshells like this indefinitely. She decided she’d slip away and start the wash, then whip up the apple dumplings he liked. Stupid list or not, chores still had to be done.
“Anna,” he said barely loud enough for her to hear when she started for the house. She stopped and turned to look at him, seeing that his eyes had taken on the shade of steel.
“Ja, Edward?”
“I don’t know what to say except . . . I’m sorry I lost my temper. You must think I’m a slave driver.” He sat on his stool, his shoulders slumped, and she knew he was referring to the list she’d shredded last night.
“Edward.” She licked her lips. “I’m the one who lost my temper. I’m sorry too. Perhaps we can work this out?” She longed to feel his arms around her, holding her tightly.
As if he’d read her thoughts, Edward stretched out his arms, saying, “Come here, Anna.” His voice was low, husky, and inviting. Anna didn’t hesitate. She practically ran to him, slipping between his legs on the stool.
As he wrapped her in his arms, drawing her hard against him, she heard him sigh heavily and felt his breath on her temple. “What am I going to do with you, little one?”
21
By week’s end, Anna had convinced Edward to proceed with her idea for caring for Cricket and any other aband
oned animal she might come across in the future. She’d melted in his arms, and his heart had been melted by her gentle persuasion—of that she had no doubt. But still she wondered why he’d gotten so angry in the first place, considering she’d caught him a few times talking to Moose and Baby. She was convinced that she’d get him to open up about it one day, but for now she was satisfied.
He’d brought her flowers several times this week, and one day she found a sweet note pinned to her apron pocket that read:
Forgive this bumbling bridegroom for his pitiful attempts to prove his manhood by placing inexcusable demands on you for how to run the household. It’s hard for me to let go of old habits, but I’ll leave those details to you, the real lady of the house.
Love, Edward
She smiled as she thought back to their fights that always ended in forgiveness and tender shows of affection. She thanked God for her husband, who was growing dearer to her with each passing day.
Anna began ironing but then decided to take a walk outdoors with the dogs. One day soon, she was going to take her easel to the park and spend some time painting that beautiful scenery. Edward was busy in his shop with a customer, and since it was a crisp fall day, she clipped leashes on both dogs, threw her shawl about her shoulders, and closed the door quietly behind her.
The fresh balsam fir scent tickled her nose, and the sky was clearer than a baby’s blue eyes as Anna strolled down the street with no particular agenda. It was more like the dogs were leading her, pulling against the leash, sniffing here and there, delighted to be with their mistress for an afternoon stroll. She allowed them to dawdle along while she considered having guests over for dinner.
Tonight was the literary circle, which only met twice a month. The other thing she had on her mind was an idea that had been brewing in the back of her head. Ever since Patty related how Harvey was having an eyesight problem, she wondered if somehow she could teach Moose to fetch or be a guide to Harvey around the house or even outside. She’d seen an older man back in Cheyenne walking with an ordinary-looking dog that took orders from his master and walked closely by his side. If she could teach a few things to Moose, he’d be not only a big help but a great companion for a lonely man.
She decided she’d give it a try. The old saying “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” echoed in her mind. However, Anna never gave up anything easily. She bent over and gave Moose an affectionate pat on his neck, and he looked up adoringly. His large, sad eyes tore at her heart. How in the world could people abandon such a gentle creature? It pleased her to see that his ribs were no longer showing through his hide the way they had when she’d rescued him. She hugged his neck, then Baby clambered against both of them for her own attention, making Anna laugh.
She’d walked a couple of blocks and was about to turn back when she saw Pearl with Harvey promenading down the sidewalk in her direction. It thrilled her to see Pearl’s arm through the crook of Harvey’s elbow, guiding him on the walk before they crossed the corner to where Anna was. How sweet. She called out to them. “Hello!”
They stopped to greet her. “A fine morning for a walk, Anna,” Harvey said.
“That’s why I’m taking advantage of it with my two favorite critters. Let me introduce you to Baby and Moose. Moose is the bigger dog. I’ve had Baby since she was born.”
Pearl said hello. “I didn’t know you had two dogs, Anna.” She let the dogs sniff her fingertips.
“My, that’s a big dog you have there.” Harvey scratched Moose behind the ear.
“Ja, he is, but despite his size, he’s gentle.” Then she giggled. “Not like Baby, who thinks she must be the center of attention all the time.”
“They’re both fine dogs,” Pearl declared.
“Yes, they are. Poor ol’ Moose here was abandoned, I think, and was roaming the streets of Denver until I brought him home to care for him.”
“What a kind thing to do,” Harvey commented. “But I’m afraid there’s a lot more of those like him, you’ll discover.”
Anna hesitated. Should she mention her plans? “Actually, I don’t mind if I do discover them. I believe since they’re dumb animals, it’s our responsibility not to mistreat them.”
Pearl drew in her breath. “You don’t say? Then you might want to check the library, Anna. I have a publication on a society for the prevention of mistreatment of animals, I believe.”
“Really? I’d be very interested to see it, Pearl.”
“Stop by later today at the high school. That’s where our library is until a proper building is built.”
“I will. Thank you for telling me.”
“You are most welcome. I believe it’s a wonderful thing you’re interested in doing,” Pearl said.
“I’d better get back home now. I’ll see you, Pearl, when I can get away later, and then I’ll see you both tonight at our literary circle.”
Harvey took her hand, giving it a swift kiss. “Bless you, dear girl. Until later then.”
Anna murmured goodbye, then turned back the way she came and they did the same. She’d had no idea that someone had actually formed a society for mistreatment of animals and was excited to think she could learn more that could be of help to her.
She walked past Daniel’s house on the way home, debating about asking him to section off a part of the barn, since part of her agreement with Edward was no more animals allowed in the house. He was a busy man, and she hesitated asking him, but he was so handy with building materials that she thought he’d be able to do it quickly. Still . . .
While she paused, pulling the dogs against their leash to halt them, she saw Daniel and another lad hauling a beautiful dresser down the steps and into the yard. She assumed the empty wagon parked out front was their destination. They paused to catch their breath from the weight of the dresser, and Daniel straightened and mopped his brow, then glanced over to the fence and caught her eye.
She lifted her hand in a brief wave and heard him say, “Take a break, Jimmy.” He walked over to the fence.
“I see you’re out letting the dogs walk you,” he said teasingly.
She laughed, knowing his observance was correct. “Yes, I am.”
“Is there a problem?” He leaned forward to rest his arms on the picket fence so he was almost eye level with her.
“Oh no . . . well, at least not today.” She smiled. “I have something to ask you. You can refuse—”
“Me?” Daniel said. “Now, I’m not in the habit of refusing a lady anything. What can I help you with?”
“I have a small project if you’re interested. I can’t pay much, though. What I need is someone to create a couple of pens inside the barn for my dogs. I don’t think it’d take you long.” She held her breath for his answer. This would appease Edward and give the dogs a nice warm place before the weather turned cold.
“That couldn’t take more than a couple of hours. I could do it after lunch if that would work for you.”
“You could?” Anna’s arm was jerked by Baby, who saw a chipmunk scamper across the grass. “That would be wonderful. Are you sure you can spare the time?”
Daniel straightened with a chuckle. “One thing I like about what I do is that I set my own hours. Trust me, it’d be a pleasure to do something for my friends. No pay is needed. I can bring some sturdy scraps of wood and some wire that I already have on hand.”
“Then say you’ll have dinner with us and a few of our friends in two weeks.” It would be natural to have guests over, and she would have Callie and Sarah along with Edward’s sister and husband.
“Now, that I can do. I need to get back to loading this dresser for delivery. Have a nice day.”
“You too, Daniel.”
This was perfect! Simply perfect! Turning to the dogs, she said, “Let’s get home now, I’ve got lunch to prepare.” She hurried down the sidewalk thinking that her walk had produced two very good things. Good things indeed.
Edward locked the door to his shop and flipped over the
sign. It had been a good day with several new customers—one who ordered a grandfather clock that Edward promised could be made by Christmas. Those kinds of orders brought in a good commission, not to mention the job he had for the bank vault’s timer. Everything was moving perfectly along again. Today he’d even had time to work on putting the final pieces together for the watch he was making for Anna as a surprise.
Funny, he hadn’t smelled any lunch and he was hungry. Where in the heavens was she now? Calm down, he told himself. She must be out in the backyard with the dogs. Cricket greeted him with a meow when he entered the kitchen, where he found the cooking pots cold.
He’d agreed to let Cricket stay in the kitchen because she was sickly, and now she wobbled over to him, arching her bony back against his pant leg and leaving her long hair clinging to the fabric. Against his better judgment, he picked the kitten up and looked into her sleepy green eyes. He had to admit, she was a pretty kitty. She nuzzled his cheek with her head and he couldn’t help himself. He hugged her to his neck and was standing like that when Anna returned from her walk.
22
Not long after lunch, Daniel showed up, rumbling down the back driveway with his wagonload of supplies. He drove to the backyard, pulling up by the barn, and began to carry wood inside. Anna was secretly glad that Edward had already left when Daniel arrived, lest he put up a fuss. They hadn’t actually talked about carrying out her plan when they’d made up—they were too busy enjoying tender kisses while Edward locked her into a tight embrace. She blushed at the thought and was glad that Daniel couldn’t see her face when she stepped out the back door to greet him. She called out and waved, hurrying down the stairs.
“Can I be of help?”
“Just bring me that hammer and saw, if you don’t mind. I’ll get the rest.”
Anna followed him inside the barn, leaning the hammer and saw against the wall.
Perfectly Matched (The Blue Willow Brides Book #3): A Novel Page 13
