The Parson's Daughters Boxed Set: Sweet and Clean Christian Romance - 4 Book Bundle
Page 14
The store was about to close for the day, when Hope heard the bell on the door. Looking up, she saw Nannette enter with a bundle in her hands.
“Oh, hello there! I’m so glad to see you, Nannette! What brings you by today?” asked Hope. “It’s about time for this place to shut for the night. Your timing is flawless as always!”
She walked to the door and locked it so that the two women would have the place to themselves without interruption. It wasn’t likely that anyone else would want to shop today, and Hope was quite ready to end the day.
“I’ve got some fabrics for you. They came in this morning from the train delivery. Oh, and Frank sent some new buttons for you to look at. Plus, I needed to get out and walk around,” replied Nannette. “So how’s your day been?”
“Good. Not as busy as yesterday, but I still made sales today. I haven’t had a day yet where I didn’t sell at least something. I think I’ve made a good impression on quite a few women who will want special designs soon.”
“Your sense of style is so unique. I’m intrigued by your use of color, too. You’ll be stampeded with customers once your designs start being seen in public a little more.”
“I hope you’re right! And thank you for that. I needed to hear something positive.”
Hope liked having someone besides her sisters to talk to. Nannette was the perfect listener and so far, she’d never passed judgement. At least not out loud. That was so different than the kind of relationship between sisters.
She was learning a little more about relationships by hearing what Nannette had to say about Frank and their marriage. It seemed as if they had a good marriage and both seemed happy. While life was never perfect, these two seemed to be able to get through difficulties better than many. It inspired Hope that possibly one day she would find a man who wanted to build the same sort of life with her.
“So, how’s everything going with you?” Hope asked.
“Oh, things are fine. One of the supply trains is delayed, so we’re in a bit of a wait on some supplies. Aaron is actually one of the customers affected by it,” she laughed. “I’m sure he understands how things go, but it’s probably not easy to not have some of the things your customers need.”
“He’s not hard to deal with, is he? I’ve never really seen him handle his own business. Isn’t that odd? He’s done so much for me, but I haven’t had a chance to see him at work.”
“Funny you should ask. He was quite difficult after Mary died. Losing his wife was hard on him – as you know. Once he met Faith, though, he changed. He was even easier to work with than before Mary died. Faith, and all of you, have been a good addition to his life,” said Nannette. She stood quietly nodding her head.
“That’s nice to hear. I never knew Mary, obviously, but it sounds like she was a wonderful lady. I know I’m in love with her children!”
Nannette sighed and answered, “She was a good woman, for sure. Those children! What a pleasure it is to be with them,” She smiled and ran her finger across the desk, where she was sitting across from Hope since they’d gone to the back to put the package of fabric away. “I thought we would have children by now, but so far it hasn’t happened.”
“How long have you been married?”
“Seven years already,” replied Nannette. “I don’t mean to be sad, but I do want to be a mother. I enjoy working with Frank, but I’d prefer to just be his wife and the mother of his children. Do you think that makes me lazy?”
“No! Not at all!” exclaimed Hope. “Joseph and Sally keep all of us busy. I can’t imagine anyone caring for children would have the luxury of being lazy at all.”
“Well, I’m praying every day for a development in that department. I don’t mean to bring up a delicate subject. Please forgive me for that,” Nannette said.
“I don’t mind hearing the issues that concern you. That’s what friends are for.”
“I’ve got some other news, though, that just might interest you.”
“Do tell,” smiled Hope.
Nannette smiled brightly. “I’m so proud of Frank! He’s come up with the most ingenious idea.”
“What has that dear husband of yours cooked up now?” Hope smiled.
“Since he took over the business from his father, he has talked about expansion. You remember his cousin, the lawyer, don’t you?”
Hope nodded, trying not to make it obvious as to how well she remembered him. She never told Nannette about their supper date that was called off at the last minute. She wondered if her friend caught the smile and then the scowl that swept across her face. Thankfully, she missed it and Hope wasn’t forced to explain a difficult story or make up a white lie to cover up her facial expressions.
“Well, the two of them are officially partners now. Their goal is to expand from clothing and materials to kitchen and bath textiles by the end of this year. From there, these two are even talking about sourcing paper items like writing pads and stationery to offer their mercantile customers. I think it’s a big goal, but they are both so smart and determined I know they can do it.”
“Of course they can do it! How exciting. When are they going to start letting their current customers know? Have they told Aaron yet?”
“Yes, I believe Aaron knows. They really only started sharing the news yesterday, though. The partnership paperwork was signed the day before yesterday.”
“Are they changing the name of the company?”
“Oh, no. Andrew agreed to leave it as it is. He’s not vain enough to want his name included as that would be even more paperwork,” Nannette laughed casually.
“Hmm. Interesting,” replied Hope.
“Things have been so intense for them. There are quite a few last minute things that need to be done. I haven’t even seen my husband for more than a few moments at a time in more than a week.” She smiled, “You have to love a man on a mission, I suppose.”
Hope had wondered over and over what had made Andrew cancel their dinner engagement, especially since he’d made such a point of asking her. She wondered if it had anything to do with his new business arrangement with Frank. If so, she still thought it was rude of him to break their plans so impolitely.
“Well good for you all. What wonderful news! It’s great to see that your business is thriving and even growing.”
Nannette smiled back, nodding before she answered, “Yes, I agree. It’s going to be a lot of work, but I believe as strongly as Frank does that this is going to be a good thing for all of us.” The way looked at Hope now, caused Hope to feel as though there was more coming.
She eyed her friend for a moment, but didn’t really have anything to add so she remained quiet. And waited.
Nannette nodded slowly while she tapped the table lightly with her fingertips. She seemed suddenly nervous before she continued, “There’s a little more to it, though.”
“Oh?” Hope asked, unable to imagine what her friend could mean. After all, the couple had done so much for her already. She could not imagine any more generosity on their part.
“Frank is planning a formal meeting with you in the next week. I wanted to give you a hint early so you can be better prepared.” Nannette answered. She was looking into Hope’s eyes with an unwavering stare. Her encouraging look made Hope uncertain, though she didn’t feel like bad news was on the way. “I know you’re just getting started right now and there’s much to manage.”
“Well, yes, that’s true,” replied Hope. “What are you trying to say, Nannette? Come on with it. I can take whatever you need to tell me.”
“Oh, Hope, it’s nothing bad. Not at all. I just don’t know if you’re going to be able, or willing, to do it.”
“I’ll be honest about it, no matter what it is. Frank has already done so much for me and I feel that we’ve started a positive relationship. If he needs something, I’ll do my best to provide it.”
“Have you ever considered creating patterns for your designs? And selling the patterns?” asked Nannette.
“I see,” replied Nannette. She nodded her head confidently. “Do you think you could reproduce the basic design pieces and put them into a group?”
“I suppose I could do that,” said Hope. The wheels in her mind clearly turning. “I’d need to include instructions on how to add or subtract for different sizes, but I can do that fairly easily.”
“I was hoping you’d say that!”
“So, I’m gathering that you want me to put together some packages of patterns that Marcum Products can sell to mercantiles that they supply. These would be sold to people who want to sew their own clothes?”
“Indeed. What do you think of the idea?”
“I think it’s brilliant. It wouldn’t hurt my local business because I can’t sew dresses for women outside of San Jose since they don’t even know about me. I won’t lose business because of this.”
“True. There are many women who can’t afford to have someone make their dresses for them but would love to have something more special than off the rack plain outfits.”
“Well, you know how I admire your style and believe that there is far more to it than just the basic, utilitarian everyday women’s wear that so many people are used to. I think your patterns could make a big difference.”
“It will be complicated, but I think I can do it. I know there are details to work out and Frank and I can do that part when we meet. Don’t you think this will help us all expand together?”
Hope thought about this, trying to think from a business perspective. She was doing well, but it was very early in her journey. She had already contemplated the idea of scouting for another location. She wasn’t sure if she would just move to a bigger space or open a second location. This was her long term goal, however, not her short term plan. Having Frank distribute patterns could bring in money to help support her expansion when the time came. In the back of her mind, she was also thinking about giving Aaron a fast return on his investment. She was so lost in her own thoughts that she didn’t even hear Nannette’s response.
“Hope? Did I lose you?” Nannette asked. The laughter in her voice was evidence that she wasn’t offended. Hope was thankful for that.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I was thinking about what Aaron is going to say. I know this is a good move, I just hope he will agree.”
Hope wasn’t lying that she was thinking about what her brother-in-law was going to think of this business arrangement. She thought he would support it, but she wasn’t certain.
The part she thought about next that she didn’t share with Nannette was that she had no idea what it was going to be like to work with Andrew. She didn’t know if she would interact more with Frank or with Andrew.
She was still so attracted to Andrew and he’d disappointed her so by canceling their plans for supper. Looking in the window of the shop and then running away before she could invite him in was bizarre behavior. She was clueless as to why he would do that.
After her friend was on her way home, Hope worried about Andrew. She assumed he hadn’t told Frank about his behavior regarding her since Nannette didn’t know anything about it.
I truly hope this doesn’t get clumsy, thought Hope. It does have the makings of a thorny situation.
The next day after Nannette had spilled the beans about Andrew becoming Frank’s partner and their desire to partner with her, she received an unexpected visitor. The visitor was a man Hope longed to see, but she would never admit it.
The bell on the door jingled gently. Hope looked up with a smile to greet the person entering her shop. Andrew entered and stopped in the middle of the floor beside a shelf of blouses and vests. When Hope realized that it was him, she felt her heart flutter.
She also felt conflicted. She didn’t know exactly how to act around him. He’d behaved badly, in her opinion, but she didn’t know why. She’d thought long about what may have happened, but she wouldn’t know the truth until she heard it from him. She knew there was mutual attraction and she wanted to see if there could be anything more. But was that smart given the circumstances?
Instinct took over and she decided to worry about his questionable behavior later. In a split second she decided that the reason for his bad behavior only mattered if anything happened between them. Why make a big deal about something when it could cool him off permanently?
So, she did her best to hide her nervous giggles and tilted her head to the side. She gave him a crooked grin as she stared at him squarely in the eyes. “Good afternoon to you, sir. What can I help you with today?” She was terrible at flirting and hoped desperately that this weak attempt didn’t fall flat.
He smiled at her and answered gallantly, “Good afternoon, Miss Barnesdale. It certainly appears that your shop has become popular.” He looked around at the other shoppers in the small room and nodded in approval. “I believe you’re getting a nice reaction from the people of San Jose.”
She laughed, “Oh, well, I certainly am happy when shoppers come in. It’s nice to know that I’m meeting a need. I’ve still got so much to learn, but I do think I’m coming along. So, what is it you’re here for?”
Once again, Andrew made it a point to look around the shop before he answered, “I think you’re doing very well. And, um, one of the reasons I’m here is to offer my services. My lawyer services, I mean.”
Hope couldn’t resist an almost naughty laugh even though she knew that wasn’t appropriate. She wasn’t sure where it even came from since she’d never harbored these kinds of thoughts about a man before. It appeared that Andrew missed the unsuitable nature of her laugh due to his own worry over the possible double meaning of his comment.
“Of course, Mr. Fenton. But I wonder if it would be what they call a conflict of interest since I’m doing business with Marcum Products. What do you think about that? You do represent his business, don’t you?”
Hope didn’t let on that she was aware that he’d joined Frank in the business. She wasn’t sure Nannette had been supposed to share that information with her. She also wanted to see if he told her himself. She felt a little bad about putting him through a test he wasn’t even aware of, but he had done things to concern her. She decided it was her right to see what his response would be.
“I suppose you’re right. And please, call me Andrew. I’m hoping we’ve moved past the more formal stage,” he said.
“Fine, then. Andrew. So, what do you suppose I’m right about?”
“The conflict of interest part. I do represent Frank’s business. But now, it’s also my business. We’ve become partners. It was finalized earlier this week.”
“Congratulations! I’m sure you will be very successful together. I think so highly of Frank.”
“Thank you, Hope. One of the first things we want to do is start expanding the product lines we offer. We supply you with some of what you need now, but we’d also like to offer some of what you make to other merchants. Small shops and mercantiles would be our targets.”
“Oh really? That’s interesting. Which products?”
“You know, I didn’t come here to talk to you about that. Frank and I will set up some time to talk to you about our ideas next week. Is that acceptable?”
“I suppose so. I’ll probably die of curiosity before we meet, but hopefully I’ll manage. So why are you here if not about that?” She felt giddy inside, but she was trying to seem calm.
Hope stopped to answer a question from one of the shoppers and complete a sale for the other. She could hardly concentrate on what she was doing, but she managed to take money and make the right change. The other woman was satisfied with the answer Hope provided and made an appointment for the next day for a made to order design.
As exciting as it was to have the last two customers in the shop for the day end their browsing in a positive manner, Hope was anxious to hea
r what Andrew had to say.
Continuing to meander around the shop, Andrew seemed to admire every piece of woman’s apparel she had displayed. Finally, looking extremely dashing, he looked up and said, “I would greatly appreciate it if you would come to supper with me tonight. We could talk about the business, or whatever you would like to talk about. I would be open to any subject you like.”
“Oh. Well,” Hope said. She was taken by surprise and she wanted to accept his invitation very much. She was very hesitant as she remembered the humiliation of being rejected without reason the last time she accepted his invitation. She was also inundated with work and she wondered how far having a good time with this man would set her back. “I don’t know, Andrew. The last time we planned to have supper together didn’t work out so well. Is it really smart to try again?”
He grimaced and spoke carefully. “Yes, well, about that. I wanted to come back and tell you what happened, but I just-”
“You just couldn’t make yourself come in? I saw you outside the window the other night. Why did you leave? And how did you get away so fast?”
“When I saw you had Aaron and your sister in here, I knew it wasn’t the right time. I didn’t want to talk to you in front of them. I kind of panicked, I guess. Silly, I know. A grown man shouldn’t be so timid.”
“Well, thanks for explaining. I can’t say I understand, but I appreciate your honesty. You were going to tell me what happened the night we were going to have supper. So tell me now.”
“I don’t mean to sound like something I’m not, but I was on my way here and there had been an accident. A woman and her young son were knocked off of their wagon. They needed some help.”
“So you ran to tell me, I shut the door in your face, and you ran back and helped them? Is that about how it was?”
He looked a little embarrassed, but he nodded his head. “I suppose in the most basic form that’s the truth. I know you didn’t know what had happened and if I’d said that part up front you’d have understood.”
“I would have. I’d probably have even come to help. I’m sorry I was so short. Maybe I shouldn’t jump to conclusions before I get all the facts. Do you know how the woman and the boy are doing?”