The blue stripes of the form-fitting shirtwaist matched her eyes. And the way her hair set softly upon her head looked like a halo. She was his angel; he felt it in his heart.
“You are a beautiful vision,” he finally said, his hands shaking as he held out the flowers.
Elizabeth smiled, her eyes sparkling and her cheeks blushing a lovely pale pink. “Thank you. Please come in while I put them in water. It’ll only take a moment.”
“Are you sure?” he asked, nervous about what people might say.
“Yes, I’m quite sure.” Elizabeth walked into the house leaving him to contemplate as to whether or not to follow. “Are you coming in?”
Auggie swallowed hard then entered but left the door open. The room felt homey and comfortable. Just as Elizabeth was, everything was neat as a pin.
“If I may be so bold to say, the color of your dress looks good on you. That is to say it goes well with your complexion.” Auggie suddenly felt awkward. Had he said it wrong? He really wanted to tell her how he admired the way the style fit her curves like a glove.
“Thank you,” she said, placing the vase of flowers on the table. “It is one of my earlier creations. I’m afraid it may be out of fashion.”
“Nonsense! The craftsmanship is exquisite,” he said, stepping aside for her to pass over the threshold.
“I am a bit out of practice,” she laughed, waiting on the porch as he closed the door.
An idea came to Auggie as he automatically offered her his arm. He was pleasantly surprised when she slipped her hand around through his elbow as they strolled down the path to Blessings Valley.
Elizabeth wasn’t sure what the difference between now and weeks earlier was or when the change had happened, but she felt quite comfortable being escorted by Auggie into town. She’d even received a nod of approval from Fannie as she closed the church doors.
“It’s a lovely night,” Elizabeth commented, not knowing what else to say. It was different at the Grand where they had the hotel and her work to discuss. This outing was something entirely different. It was a private, personal experience.
Her heart skipped a beat when Auggie gazed down at her, smiling. “Yes, it is. I hope you won’t be too chilled on the way home; it may turn cooler once the night has settled in.”
“I have my shawl. It’s not that long of a walk back.” She returned his smile, warmed by his concern. “Of course, I could always stay at Willa’s if I needed to. But I don’t think that will be necessary, do you?”
“I promise to get you home at a reasonable hour.” Auggie chuckled, placing his hand over hers.
They walked the remaining distance to Millie’s Café, nodding at those they met along the way. Elizabeth knew they would most likely be the talk of the Blessings Valley by morning yet she didn’t care—much. It felt good to do something remotely normal even if some may think it was far too soon for such activities.
She finally accepted she had every right to have dinner with a man as nice as Auggie Raines. The fact that he was a friend made him an easy person to spend a bit of social time with. There were no expectations of progressing to a love match. True love only came once in a lifetime, not twice.
Elizabeth felt everyone’s speculating gazes on them as they entered Millie’s. Auggie guided her over to a table where they could have a somewhat private conversation yet not so secluded as to invoke any more gossip than necessary. At least no one could consider he was after a rich widow’s money, as it was far from the truth. Would they think she was after the successful hotel owner’s bank roll?
It wasn’t like he was rich. Auggie was a businessman doing just as well as the other businesses in Blessings Valley. He may be able to live comfortably, but he was a far cry from being rich. At least, that was Elizabeth’s opinion, having worked with him for the past several months.
“Good evening, what can I get you?” a familiar voice asked, causing Elizabeth to look up in surprise.
“Viv!” Elizabeth exclaimed, jumping up to embrace her friend. Vivian Hickcock had lost her husband Matt in the same mining accident Elizabeth had lost Steven. “When did you start working here?”
Vivian hugged her back, smiling. “Not long ago. I needed the money so here I am.”
“I understand. Always remember you are stronger than you think,” Elizabeth encouraged sitting back down.
“Thank you.” Vivian continued to smile, her pencil poised to take an order. “Are you ready to order?”
“I think the broiled ham and scalloped potatoes, if Elizabeth is agreeable,” Auggie suggested his eyes on Elizabeth in question.
Elizabeth’s heart melted a bit more. He was taking her opinion into consideration. In truth, her stomach had pinched with hunger when she had looked at the menu. He had chosen the meal responsible for that reaction of hunger.
“I believe that is an excellent choice,” Elizabeth agreed, smiling first at Auggie then at Viv.
“Would it be possible to get a pot of coffee as well?” Auggie asked.
“I’ll ask Cook, but I can’t guarantee you’ll have a pot of your own,” Vivian offered, writing the request on the order form.
“Fair enough,” Auggie stated.
“Thank you, Viv.” Elizabeth smiled as her friend turned to deliver their order to the kitchen. She was glad to see a few of her fellow widows were starting to carve out a life for themselves. She knew firsthand the struggle Vivian had to be going through in order to stay in her home.
Turning her attention back to Auggie, sadness knocked at the wall of defense she’d erected the past few months. “Even though I rarely see her, Viv lives near me. Her husband Matt was killed in the mining accident as well. I certainly didn’t expect to see anyone I know here. I mean, I haven’t eaten anywhere but home since the funeral. And avoided as many people as possible when I came into town.”
“I remember seeing his name in the obituaries.” Auggie said quietly. “Blessings Valley is a small town, Elizabeth. If you look around the room, you most likely know everyone here.”
Elizabeth scanned the room. Shaking her head, she had to disagree. “Not everyone. Even though I know who some people are, there are only a few that I feel I really ‘know’.
“Take you for instance. I really didn’t know who you were before I started working at the Grand, and why would I have? There was no reason to. I was a happily married—I was busy being a wife to a wonderful man.” She swallowed back the rock of sorrow lodged in her throat. “What I do know about you only goes as far as the Grand and Blessings Valley. If not for your kindness and faith in me, I may have had to return home. You’ve been a gracious employer not only with me but with all of the Grand employees. Everything before then is a mystery that you keep close to you.”
“I could say the same of you,” Auggie replied. “That door swings both ways, Elizabeth.”
“Yes, it does, except it seems to stop at some point before swinging completely open.” Elizabeth smiled. She knew he was right. They had their secrets—everyone did. What were his?
“One day it will open completely, but tonight is for you and all that you mean to the Grand.” Auggie sat back in the chair, his gaze pinning her in hers.
The Grand? What I mean to the hotel? The disappointment edging its way into her heart surprised her. Why should she care if she was only important to the hotel and not to him?
“Like all of the employees?” Elizabeth shifted in her seat shaking away the hurt that had pierced her heart. “I am grateful that I am an asset to the Grand. My work as a seamstress has been a benefit, I’m sure. One that has served both of us well over the past several months.”
“Elizabeth, that’s not what—” Auggie began stumbling for his meaning.
“Your dinner will be here soon. In the meantime, here is the pot of coffee you requested.” Vivian placed the pot and two cups on the table, leaving Elizabeth wondering what Auggie really meant.
CHAPTER 13
Silence settled comfortably over them once thei
r dinner had been served. Auggie watched as Elizabeth forked the last of her ham then followed her lead.
“Would you like more coffee?” he asked, having noticed her cup was nearly empty.
“Yes, thank you.” She sat back in her chair looking like a cat who’d just finished a bowl of milk. He half expected to hear her purring at any moment.
“I hope you found the meal satisfying; it’s one of Millie’s specialties,” he commented, pouring her a bit more of the dark brew. He purposely failed to mention it was also his favorite.
“It has been quite some time since I had something that reminded me of home. The brown sugar glaze was a nice surprise. My mother made it that way as well,” Elizabeth said, her blue eyes gazing sadly at him over the rim of the porcelain cup.
“Where is home for you exactly? I remember you saying you were from Virginia, but that is all I know.” He caught the sag of her shoulders. She must miss home during her time of mourning, especially a mother to lean on.
“Is it important?” Elizabeth cast her gaze down as if she were uncertain to reveal her past. “I suppose it must be since you are asking. I grew up on a working farm in Richmond, Virginia. I had to learn how to make my own clothes at an early age.”
“That’s quite resourceful, but didn’t your family make enough to buy your clothes?” Auggie asked, then quickly wished he could take it back. Was she from a poor family? “Did you design them yourself or—”
“Auggie, I’m not sure you really want to hear all the details of my childhood.” Elizabeth caressed the porcelain cup in a way Auggie thought must help keep her feelings in check. It was probably a distraction from facing unpleasant memories; he’d used the technique himself on more than one occasion.
“On the contrary, these are the type of things I would like to know if I am to expand your duties,” Auggie said, surprised by his words. He really hadn’t fully given any thought to expanding the seamstress services the hotel currently offered. Why was it the unexpected always seemed to happen when he was around Elizabeth?
“I would take a piece of unwanted clothing and transform it into something a little more fashionable,” Elizabeth explained, averting her gaze from his. “It was a way to breathe new life into a hand-me-down at hardly any cost other than needle and thread. And maybe some buttons if I didn’t have any in my button box that would work.”
“How did you get the position at the dress shop?” Auggie immediately wondered if she’d told him the day of her interview. If she had then he’d forgotten.
“I was recommended by someone I had redesigned a dress for.” Elizabeth looked up at him with pride in her eyes.
“Do you miss recreating a discarded piece of clothing?” Auggie asked. “I think it would give you some satisfaction to do so.”
“I was able to work with my own clothing while I was married, so I kept the skill up some. Many times, I had to remake a skirt or a blouse that had become worn somewhere,” Elizabeth said, a faraway look on her face. “It didn’t bother me to have to do it. I was happy and loved my late husband very much. He worked hard in the mine, and it was my way of helping us save as much money as we could.
“Why is this important to you now after all these months that I’ve been working for you? Have I done something wrong?”
“No! I apologize if I’ve given you that impression,” Auggie gushed. “It occurred to me that I hardly know anything about you. I wanted to explore the depth of your skills outside of mending torn garments.”
“Is that why you asked me to dinner? If it was, you very well could have asked me at the hotel during work hours.” Elizabeth’s confused expression echoed in her words.
Auggie’s hands suddenly felt clammy. For the first time in years, he was feeling awkward. He couldn’t tell her why he was asking her when he didn’t know himself the importance.
“Partly,” he finally said, taking a deep breath to collect himself for a moment. He looked into her eyes full of questions and suddenly his words were gone. All he could do was stare at her hoping he could speak at some point. He was sure he looked a fool unable to answer her question.
“Are you ready for dessert?” Vivian asked, saving the awkward moment for him.
“Not for me, thank you, Viv,” Elizabeth replied, placing her folded napkin next to her empty plate.
“I will pass as well,” Auggie answered, feeling that he may have finally gotten ahold of his senses.
“I’ll be right back with your check then.” Vivian gathered up their plates, taking them to the kitchen.
“This has been nice, Auggie,” Elizabeth said, her eyes bright with gratitude.
“It has at that,” Auggie agreed happily. “It has been some time since I’ve taken a lady to dinner.”
Vivian slipped him the check then turned to another table of diners.
“I promised to get you home early. Shall we?” Auggie rose then pulled out her chair for her.
Together, they paid the check and walked out of Millie’s into the night, so many unanswered questions left at the table.
Elizabeth couldn’t shake the feeling there was more to Auggie’s questioning than he admitted to. Was her work not up to standards—his standards—anymore? Had he used tonight’s dinner as a way to soften the blow of dismissing her? He’d been far too quick in saying she’d done nothing wrong. Well, she wasn’t about to wait. She wanted to know now if she was to be sacked.
“Auggie, if I’ve done something to displease you, I wish you would say so,” Elizabeth said point-blank. She hated beating around the bush about anything, it was so much better to be straightforward and honest.
“My dear Elizabeth, I already told you everything is fine,” Auggie reassured her squeezing her hand. “I promise you, there is no need for you to be concerned.”
“I know what you said, but I still can’t help but think—” Elizabeth began, swallowing down words that would hurt her. She loved working at the Grand. The people she saw each day, had conversations with, ate meals with had become her family and she desperately needed a family now.
“The truth of it is that I’d like for us to be friends besides just at the hotel,” Auggie said, stopping to look down at her. There was sincerity in his eyes—and hope. The kind of hope that she didn’t know if she’d ever be able to give him, or any man for that matter.
“What are you saying exactly?” Elizabeth asked, afraid of what the answer would be. He had to know she wasn’t looking for a husband. Or anything other than a platonic friendship.
“We get on quite well, don’t we?” he asked.
“Yes, I believe we do,” Elizabeth agreed, feeling a knot form in her stomach. “I have discovered I enjoy coming to the hotel every day and seeing everyone.”
“Including me?” Auggie teased.
“Including you.” Elizabeth laughed. “Sometimes you can be so amusing, Auggie. I like that about you.”
“Well, that is a start,” Auggie said. “Does that mean you are agreeable to let the world know we are truly friends both at work and away?”
“Friends, yes. Anything more than that, no,” Elizabeth said honestly, suddenly noticing they were in front of the church. A few more steps and she’d be home. “Goodness, are we nearly there already?”
“How did that happen?” Auggie chuckled. “The night is ending far too quickly for me. I had a wonderful evening with you, Elizabeth.”
“So did I, Auggie, it was a lovely evening.” Elizabeth shook his hand then walked up her porch steps. “Thank you again.”
“Maybe we can to it again soon?” Auggie said, hope reflecting on his moonlit face.
“Maybe.” She smiled, opening her door. “Good night, Auggie.”
“Good night, Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth closed and locked the door then lit a lantern. The flowers on the table looked as fresh as they had when Auggie had given them to her just a few hours ago. Even in the shadows of the lantern, the blooms brought color into the darkness. Color signified life. Life she
realized she wanted to rediscover.
“He really is a nice man,” she said aloud more to herself than anyone else. Well, maybe she was telling Steven as well. The thought of him being able to hear her was still a comfort to her heart. She supposed one day she’ll come to discover that she talked to him less and less each day except when something important happened. Then even that may fade away too.
Lantern lighting the way, she went up the stairs to her bedroom. She’d have tomorrow to do as she pleased for the first time in well over a month. She could sleep in if she desired—as if she would anyway. Maybe she’d find a dress from the back of her wardrobe to redesign. If she did and completed it to her satisfaction, she’d wear it to the hotel
Slipping out of her dress and into an old, comfy night gown, Elizabeth splashed water on her face. She gazed into the mirror, pulling the pins from her hair. Shaking her hair loose, she gasped at the reflection smiling back at her.
Steven!
Whirling around, she discovered she was alone. Frantically turning back to the mirror, she was astonished to find that this time the reflection smiling back at her was her own.
For the first time since the accident, since she’d gotten the news that her beloved Steven was dead, since he’d been laid to rest, she looked as happy as she was beginning to feel.
And all because of Auggie Raines.
Where in the world had the thought of adding to Elizabeth’s duties come from? If anything, he’d much rather lessen her duties so he could find a way to spend more time with her.
When he’d seen the brief sparkle in her eyes as she spoke of how she would transform used throwaway clothes into something wearable must have gotten him thinking. It made sense in a mining town like Blessings Valley to be able to offer the service of making over clothes to the single miners for a reasonable and affordable fee.
Elizabeth (Widows of Blessings Valley Book 1) Page 12
