by Annie Boone
“I think they ended up with only minor injuries. I worked to help get their wagon up right and get the horse calmed down. I took them over to the livery to keep them. I think the husband was able to get to them quickly. Or that’s what I heard the next day.”
“That was so good of you to help them. Very much a Christian thing to do.”
“Well, The Good Book does say that we should do unto others as we would have them do unto us, doesn’t it? I was only doing what I learned in church.”
Hope nodded and smiled. She was trying to consider his words and relate them to her own church experience. She remembered hearing that in church and it was a truth that she understood. She was surprised that her mind would wander to matters of faith at a time like this.
Andrew leaned against the counter in the middle of the shop, staring at her with enticing gray eyes before he continued his appeal. “After all, I believe I’ve heard that even the best seamstresses in the world need sustenance. Or am I mistaken?”
Hope tried her best not to bite her lip with nervousness as she thought. He was right. She did have to leave at some point, even if she came back to the shop later. She had been working very hard with almost no time off since before she opened the doors of The Gilded Goose. A break would do her good.
Perhaps this invitation was a sign that she really needed a chance to relax for a short time. That was what everyone had told her up until this point. Perhaps she just needed the right person to offer her the right kind of opportunity.
After contemplating this for a moment longer she smiled at him and answered, “I suppose that I could slip away for a quick meal.”
The man beamed as though she had just informed him that he had won some great prize and he replied, “Excellent! What do you need to do to close up and go?”
“Let me just put a few things away,” Hope said to him, “I’ll lock the door on the way out. I still have some paperwork to do, but I can put that in my valise and take it home.”
“Where would you like to go?”
She smiled coyly. She was not accustomed to flirting but she decided to give it another try. “I do love a good surprise.”
“I think I have just the place. Are you opposed to a short walk?”
“If you’ll carry my bag, a walk will be just fine,” she smiled.
The two struck out toward the town center. They’d walked and chatted for about three blocks when Andrew stopped in front of a small sandwich shop. Hope looked at him, expecting something different and then followed him inside.
They ordered sandwiches and cookies and lemonade. Hope was about to sit down at a table when Andrew just shook his head at her. “We’re not going to eat in here. I’ve got another place in mind.”
This revelation really did surprise Hope. She played along and waited to see where they would end up.
When their food was ready, Andrew took the big bag and carried it and her bag out into the square. They continued their stroll to an area Hope had never seen before. The had walked quite a while and she was starting to tire when she saw their destination ahead. This had to be it.
A lush green park with benches and charming landscaping was set on the edge of the city. It was an unexpected treasure and Hope was immediately glad they’d come here. They found a bench and sat side by side to eat their supper.
“I know this was an unconventional choice for our first supper together. I thought this might be a surprise that you’d remember for a while,” Andrew said after he’d taken his first bite.
“Well, you’re certainly right about that. I’m not going to forget this any time soon,” Hope replied. She nibbled her sandwich and took in the scenery around them. “It’s so peaceful here. I love it.”
“I know it was a long walk. I’m sorry about that.” He frowned a bit as if he was worried she was annoyed or thought badly of him for not having a carriage for them. “I thought of it quickly and I guess I didn’t think it all the way through before I blurted it out.”
“It’s fine, Andrew. I didn’t mind the walk. I actually saw a few places I want to visit when I get the time. There were some interesting shops and bakeries on the way. The exercise was good, too.”
He sighed in relief and looked over the small park. It wasn’t quite dark yet, but people were starting to leave. He’d finished his sandwich and was starting on a cookie.
“Hope, I feel we have much to talk about, but I’m not in the mood for a serious conversation tonight. Can we just learn about each other a little? Then we can decide if we want to have supper together again some time. How does that sound?”
“I couldn’t think of a better plan than that, Andrew. So, tell me. Where were you born?”
Hope wasn’t sure why, but since the day they met in the Marcum’s parlor, she wanted to get to know him. She was drawn to him and apparently, if today’s visit was any indication, he was equally drawn to her. That made Hope feel special. She was comfortable with his explanation about his odd behavior and it appeared that he was serious about trying to make up for his bad behavior.
Their little impromptu picnic was fun. They laughed and got to know each other better. When it was time to end their time together, Hope was a little sad. She still had work to do but she would prefer to continue her conversation with Andrew. She knew that wouldn’t be a smart decision for many reasons.
So, when he offered to hire a carriage to take her back to her own carriage, she reluctantly agreed. They arrived much too quickly at livery where she parked her carriage and horse and Hope jumped out when Andrew came to her side and offered his hand to help her down.
Then, he smiled down at her. She had forgotten that he was a very tall man. Standing next to him she felt safe and very petite. Feminine. That was nice.
He paid the driver, sent him away, and led her to her own coach. He leaned down and kissed her sweetly on the cheek and she was taken by surprise. He looked her in the eyes and with a sincere tone he said, “Good night, Hope. I will count the moments until I see you again.”
“Thank you for the most wonderful evening,” Hope answered. Her smile was wide and sincere. She was sure she looked like a silly clown but she couldn’t contain her happiness.
With that, he tipped his hat and disappeared around the corner. Hope felt his separation from her immediately. She thought about him all the way home.
She was pleased to have a man to think about. She’d not had a serious adult romance, in well, ever. She wasn’t sure one rendezvous for a sandwich in the park counted as a romance, either. She was not overly excited to have such a distraction, though. At least not at this time in the life of her shop. She was soon fighting an internal battle that she needed to figure out.
Still, she knew that she needed to have a little fun. After all, her whole life had become consumed with the shop and that just wasn’t healthy for a woman of her tender age. She did want to be a wife and mother some day. Being too wrapped up in her business could make that impossible if she wasn’t careful.
Hope’s mind raced back to the story of her grandfather. Horace Barnesdale had been a single minded man focused only on business and profits. Though she had likely inherited some of his traits, this wasn’t one she wanted to have.
Then it occurred to her that she could be misreading Andrew’s attention to her. She thought about romance when Andrew came to mind and that could be a problem. It was highly possible that he was engaging her because he wanted to ensure that she would work with Marcum Products on the pattern idea that Nannette had told her about.
If that was the case, why had he been so sweet? Why had he kissed her cheek and told her he’d be thinking of her? Is there a chance that he was that kind of a user?
Hope decided to trust her instincts and she felt that he was sincere. She believed that he probably did want the business deal to work, but that he also was interested in pursuing a relationship with her. That thought made ripples go up and down her spine.
She decided that she would see where a rela
tionship with Andrew could go. Romance might be a very good thing for her!
The next day after her picnic supper with Andrew, at exactly noon, Hope heard the bell on the front door. The shop had been busy all morning and she was enjoying a brisk sales day. Expecting a customer, she looked up with a welcoming smile to greet the new arrival.
When Andrew stuck his head in, she was surprised, but pleasantly so. “Oh, Andrew. It’s you! Come in, come in,” she said.
“Good morning. Or is it already afternoon?” Presenting a picnic basket from behind his back, he added, “I made it myself this time. Do you want a bite of lunch?”
Hope smiled at his charming offer and answered brightly, “A man who can cook is remarkable. How can I resist?”
“Well, I suppose the truth is that I put the basket of food together. I really didn’t actually cook anything,” he chuckled.
He opened the hamper and they had a peek inside as they laughed together over the little spread he’d prepared. Crackers, meats, cheeses, fruit, and such made a nice mid-day meal.
“Since there aren’t any customers at the moment, why don’t I just close the shop for lunch?” Hope suggested.
Andrew nodded and headed to the back room. When Hope made it there, he had placed all the food in little pots out on the desk for them to share.
“What do you think of this spread of nibbles?” he asked as she surveyed his lunch preparation efforts.
“I think it looks delicious! You’ve outdone yourself, Andrew. You even brought chocolates for dessert.”
“I’ve been fortunate to travel. Some with my family and some for my work. I got the chocolates in Europe this last autumn. They’re a wonderful treat.”
“You’re so generous to share these delicacies with me. The olives are extravagant. I’ve not had them often and these are so good. I find myself wanting to taste them slowly and savor them. Salty goodness. I just love them. Thank you for being so thoughtful.”
“It makes my day to see you enjoy what I’ve brought. I enjoy this kind of meal, too, and it’s nice to have someone to share it with who appreciates such tidbits the way I do.”
Hope smiled, nodded, and continued to eat the food that was left in front of her. She was clearly enjoying Andrew’s choices.
“You know, I haven’t had the opportunity to meet many business women. Besides Nannette, none of the women in our family are involved in business at all. If she were to be honest, I think Nannette would prefer to not be bothered with Frank’s business,” he said.
“I think you’re right. Nannette does a good job with the things Frank needs her to do, though, so it’s difficult for him to let her go.” Hope smiled, remembering her visit with Nannette earlier in the week. She wouldn’t share those details with Andrew, but apparently he was quite perceptive. Either that, or Nannette had confided in him, too.
“You’re right. I suppose if she wants a change, she should talk to Frank about that. Now that I’m partnering with Frank, perhaps some of the things Nannette is doing can transfer to me. At least for a while. I want to hire someone as an assistant, but Frank’s not ready to do that yet. Surely, we’ll work it all out soon.”
“Um, Andrew?” Hope paused for a moment. “Since you’ve not encountered many women in business, what do you think of the ones you have met?”
Andrew furrowed his brow a bit and replied, “Why do you ask?”
“Oh, I don’t know. I guess I just wonder what you think about me since I’m not typical. I’ve often wondered why I didn’t really fit in and now I get it. Most women today don’t want to own a business. I’d think that many men would be put off or intimidated by a woman who owns a business. Though I’m just a seamstress, I am running my own shop.”
“Honestly, I’m intrigued by your desire to create and make your designs available to those who will appreciate them. Your skill is exceptional. Never consider yourself ‘just’ anything, Hope. You’re talented and smart. That’s more than many men are who run businesses. Don’t sell yourself short.”
“I still have so much to learn about business, though. I know I can do better. I know I can make more of this than just a dress shop in San Jose,” said Hope. Her enthusiasm about her shop and what it could become was inspiring and contagious.
“Most everyone has something they need to learn – even the most successful people. You’ve definitely earned my respect, even if you feel you don’t deserve it yet.”
“Thank you, Andrew. I appreciate your kind words. I feel comfortable discussing this with you and I didn’t think I would. Oh, my. That didn’t come out like I meant it! I don’t mean any disrespect. I just mean that I thought I’d be hesitant talking about my business or my dreams for it with anyone outside my family.”
Andrew reached out and squeezed her hand. “I understand.”
“It’s getting late. I’d better open the store for the afternoon. Thank you so much for the wonderful lunch, Andrew. It was truly thoughtful. And delicious! You are such a dear to bring it. An unexpected pleasure, it was, indeed.”
“It was lovely to see you, Hope. I know we’ll have reason to speak in the near future regarding our business relationship, but I’d like to see you again. Socially.”
Hope’s eyebrows rose. A physical response to his surprising declaration that she couldn’t control.
“Well, um,” Andrew chuckled nervously. “I’m not sure how to take your expression or your silence. I guess I’ll see you soon, then?” He started toward the door with the remnants of their lunch packed away in his basket.
“I’m sorry! I just didn’t expect you to say anything like that. The rules of courtship aren’t all that familiar to me. I didn’t mean to be so clumsy.”
He smiled finally and let out a long breath. “I was worried there for a minute that you didn’t really like me. So, can I call on you at home Sunday afternoon? After church, of course. I’ll attend services at my own church and see you after lunch is finished.”
“I’ll look forward to it.”
Hope could hardly contain her joy as she watched him walk away. He stopped on the sidewalk to look in the window and wave one final time and then he was on his way back to his own work.
The afternoon customers were treated to a lively and entertaining Hope. Her mood was infused with happiness since Andrew had made his intentions clear. She had the highest sales numbers since opening day.
Hope had been having most of her evening meals at the shop. She would close at five and have something from the inn down the street or something left from lunch. It was easier to eat there so she could keep working.
Sometimes she worked on the books, but most of the time she sewed. It was what she knew she did best, so she wanted to do as much of it as she could. She had special orders that needed to be completed and delivered. She wouldn’t be paid until she delivered the finished dresses.
Her family was happy to see her at the dinner table that night. She was craving some family time and sitting around the supper table with them was the best way to enjoy them all together.
“What’s going on with Hope? She’s almost never home earlier than eight during the week,” remarked her mother. She and Faith were in the kitchen getting ready to put supper on the table.
“I wondered that, too,” replied Faith. “She may just need some company. I’m sure it’s lonely having all your meals alone. You know that’s what she does, don’t you?”
“I thought so, but I wasn’t sure. Sad. But I think she believes she’s doing the right thing. Working long hours has never been a problem for her. She’s certainly willing to put in the time.”
“Where is she now? Since she’s here for dinner, it would be nice to have some help in here. Mrs. James left yesterday for San Francisco.”
“I knew she was going, but I wasn’t sure when. I didn’t even realize that she wasn’t here yesterday. How terrible of me!”
Faith laughed and puffed out her chest. “Didn’t I do a good job on supper last night by myself?”
“You did, dear. It was delicious. As I said, I didn’t realize Mrs. James was gone. When will she be back?”
“I think she’ll be gone for two weeks. The baby was expected early in the week, so I hope she made it in time to meet her new grandchild when he or she made their first appearance.”
As Faith was talking about the new grandchild in the James family, Charity came in and stood beside her. The look on her face was amusing. “What in the world is Hope so happy about? She hasn’t been so jolly in years!”
“I’m not sure, but it seems a little odd to have her home for supper during the week, doesn’t it?” asked Faith.
“She’s been spending so much time at the shop. I know there’s plenty of work to do and she wants to make sure she doesn’t falter, but it would be nice to see her more often,” said their mother.
The food made it to the table and the family sat down to eat.
Aaron looked over at his son and winked. “Joseph, would you like to say grace tonight?”
He nodded solemnly. “Dear Jesus, thank you for this food. It smells really good. I think we’re all hungry, so we’re happy to get it even though Mrs. James is gone. Thank you for my family and that Hope is home finally. Please let dessert be chocolate cake. Amen.”
Aaron and Faith looked at each other with wide eyes and frustration while the rest of the family laughed.
“Amen,” said Charity. “I’m glad Hope’s here, too. You seem happy this evening. That’s nice.”
“I hope we have chocolate cake for dessert, Joseph. I think that was the perfect thing to pray for,” said Hope.
“Really, Hope. Don’t encourage him!” said Faith.
“So, tell us what’s happening in the shop, Hope. We’ve seen so little of you lately. I want to know what’s going on,” said her mother.
“Well, sales are strong and the two seamstresses I hired are really doing well. I’m hoping that they’ll get faster so we can catch up. It’s going really well. Thank you for asking.”