by Annie Boone
His palms were sweaty and he wiped them unconsciously on his trousers. He was surprised at how nervous he was. He never got nervous talking to people about the Lord or speaking in public to crowds. Right now the prospect of asking Helen to spend time with him terrified him.
The door opened and an older woman appeared. “Yes, can I help you, young man?” she asked.
“I’m here to see Helen. Is she home?”
“She is, but she’s busy at the moment. She’s tutoring Trevor Birdsong in arithmetic. May I tell her you’re here? Maybe you can wait?”
“I can wait. Please tell her Albert Banesdale is here to see her.”
She showed him to the small parlor and he sat. He looked around the room and felt comfortable in the room. It wasn’t elaborate and lush, like the home he lived in. He liked this room much better. It was comfortable and welcoming.
Helen interrupted his thoughts when she entered the room. “Albert? Is everything all right? I’m surprised to see you.”
“Oh, there’s nothing wrong. I’m, um, sorry to come here without an invitation. I was thinking about you and, well, I remembered you said you live across the street from the Cospers. I thought I’d take a chance and see if I could find you.” Albert felt silly that he was stumbling over his words. He knew he sounded less than sure of himself.
She smiled politely. “Oh, well, that’s nice. I’ll be a few more minutes with my tutoring student. Do you mind waiting?”
“Not at all.”
“Make yourself comfortable and I’ll be back shortly.” She smiled and nipped back out of the room.
He sat on the settee where he could look out the window. The street was fairly quiet at this hour. This area was much calmer than other parts of the city. Lost in thought again, his reflections stopped when the older lady came back into the room.
“Hello Albert Barnesdale. I’m Boopi, Helen’s grandmother. You can call me Mrs. Fanning. Would you like some tea?”
Albert stood and shook her hand. “It’s my pleasure to formally meet you, Mrs. Fanning. And I won’t trouble you for tea, but I appreciate the offer.”
“Sit, sit,” she said as she took the chair opposite him. “I’m glad you don’t want the tea. Helen told me to make some for you, but I’m not in the mood to prepare it.”
Albert laughed out loud. He was already captivated by this woman. She was a breath of fresh air.
“So who are you? What are your intentions toward my Helen?”
“I work at the church and that’s where I met Helen. I’d like to see if she wants to spend the rest of the afternoon with me. That’s why I’m here. To ask her.” He stated the facts plainly. He wanted to see the woman’s reaction.
“Direct approach. I like it. Good luck. She doesn’t usually spend much time with gentlemen. I hope you get through to her.”
At that moment, Helen entered the room. “Boopi! What are you saying?” she exclaimed. She must have heard at least some of what her grandmother was saying.
“Good thing you got here when you did, love. I was about to tell this Albert character all about you,” she giggled. Her wrinkled, cherub-like face was filled with mischief.
Helen shook her head in mock outrage, then her face softened with tenderness. “Boopi, you’re a prize.” She went to her grandmother and dropped a quick kiss on her cheek.
Then she looked at Albert and smiled.
“Well, I suppose I’ve got some knitting to do, or maybe I can do that gardening I’ve been planning. Possibly I’ll just go chop some wood. You kids have a lovely chat.” And just like that, Albert and Helen were alone in her parlor.
They smiled at each other a bit shyly. Albert knew that his presence here exposed his interest in her. There was no turning back now.
“So, Helen,” he said tentatively. He knew there was no need for small talk and that would waste time, anyway. “There’s this fabulous lake not too far outside town. Berkeley Lake, it’s called. There’s a small pier, row boats, and a tiny little snack hut. We could go there this afternoon and feed the ducks. Would you like to go with me?”
“I’d like to see the lake. It sounds fun. And I’d like to see it with you. Today? You want to go now?”
“Yes, now. If you want, that is.”
“Let me get my wrap,” she smiled.
The walk around the lake was wonderful. Albert would always remember that day as festive and filled with laughter. God had provided them with a sunny and dazzling afternoon that lifted their spirits even higher.
Albert had never met anyone that piqued his interest like Helen. She had a quietly vibrant spirit about her and she seemed to take pleasure in gestures that a more pretentious woman might scorn. He had thought ahead and stashed a blanket in the buggy and they sat on it beside the water. He made a simple necklace out of clover flowers that he strung together like a child would do. She was delighted with his playful gift.
“Did you make these when you were a child?” Helen laughed. “I think I remember doing something like this, but the memory is fuzzy.”
“Yes, our housekeeper showed me how to do it. I always thought it was fun to make them for her because she seemed to be so sincere in her appreciation,” he said.
“What about your mother? Did you learn playful things from her, too?”
“No, I don’t remember her very much. I was young when she died. Influenza took her,” he replied.
“Oh, Albert, I’m sorry. I didn’t know.” Her voice was filled with sorrow.
“Thank you, but it’s all right. God has a plan for every life. I look forward to seeing her again one day.”
“Yes. I believe we’ll see our loved ones who are gone from this life again, too.”
“So, your Boopi. What a character she is!” exclaimed Albert with a laugh. He felt the need to change the subject. The day was going so well and they were happy. He didn’t want to ruin the good mood with talk of death and sadness. He would gladly tell her his whole life story, but not the sad parts today.
“She’s truly a delight. Headstrong. Opinionated. And sometimes downright rude. She keeps us all in line, for sure.”
“What about your parents? I didn’t see them Sunday. Are they with you here?”
“Yes, they’re here. My mother was shopping when you arrived and my father was working. He owns a little news stand downtown. Boopi is my father’s mother. It’s funny, but he’s nothing like her. He’s very serious. She pokes fun at him all the time and he gets mad.”
“You seem to not be so serious. More like Boopi, I guess?” he teased.
“Probably, but her brashness has increased significantly as she’s aged. I guess she’s decided she doesn’t have to follow the rules of decorum in polite society anymore.”
“Makes sense to me,” Albert replied, reasonably nodding his head.
Eventually, they had to fold up the blanket and go back to the carriage. The hour was late and it would be supper time soon. Albert didn’t want to be pushy, so he decided that he would have to be content to end their time together for today. He believed she would agree to see him again, though, so he had a spring in his step as they left Berkeley Lake.
He did intend to use the time on the journey home to continue their conversations. Getting to know her better and revealing more about himself was a priority.
Instinctively, he took her hand as they walked to where they’d left his carriage. When she looked over at him and smiled shyly, he was encouraged. Was this woman the one God had sent to him? He found himself hoping that she was the answer to his prayers.
As they traveled back to Helen’s home, she told him a little more about her past and then she boldly told him about her future. He continued to be captivated by her.
“I don’t think I told you, but I used to be a school teacher before moving to Atlanta. I hated to leave Chattanooga. I loved living near the river, but a move here was best for my father’s business. I’m trying to decide if I’ll teach again or continue tutoring.”
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�That’s interesting. You enjoy children, then?”
“Some children, I suppose. Girls, mostly. Boys like bugs and worms and snakes. They almost always have dirty hands,” she laughed. “Especially naughty William Cosper. That little boy is too much for me. But then, you know that already.”
He smiled over at her. “I suppose boys can be disorderly. Especially when there are more than one together.”
They rode in companionable silence for a while. Albert normally would have been scrambling for something to say, but he didn’t feel the need to do that now. Helen seemed to be as comfortable as he was. She was looking around and taking everything in as they passed through the city.
She broke the silence with a question that started an interesting exchange of ideas.
“So, Albert, what are your thoughts on marriage?”
He looked over at her with amusement mixed with a little surprise. He hadn’t expected her to be so direct, but he didn’t mind. He liked it.
“I’m generally for it. You?”
She smiled. “I’m for it, too. I do have some requirements, however. When I do finally decide to marry, I mean.”
“I’d expect no less. I suppose everyone has their own set of requirements. Tell me yours. If they’re not a secret, that is.”
She responded lightly and with pure honesty, “He must be darkly handsome and like to have fun. Those are my only superficial conditions.”
“Don’t you think that having fun together is more than superficial? Wouldn’t you say that a good relationship includes serious trust and also pleasure?” He asked.
“Hmm. When you put it that way, I agree with you. I also will not marry for money or possessions. I will only marry a man I love, no matter what. The most important trait in my future husband will be his dedication and desire to follow God in all things.”
“If you marry a preacher you’d be sure to have your most important set of values fulfilled.” Albert replied to her without thinking. After he said it, he grimaced, hoping that his comment came out as more of a suggestion, instead of any kind of proposition. Despite his excitement over meeting Helen, one afternoon in the park was hardly justification for a serious conversation about a future together.
Thankfully, Helen didn’t seem to be offended or shocked at his seemingly bold comments. She simply smiled at him and winked.
She winked at me! he thought. She must like me.
He couldn’t wipe the grin off his face. This had to be the most wonderful afternoon he’d ever had. He desperately hoped there would be more afternoons spent with Helen to come. He believed that God was providing the sign that he had asked for.
In God all things are possible, Albert thought and hoped that this was the first day of a beautiful relationship with the Lord guiding their steps.
After that first afternoon at Berkeley Lake, Helen and Albert became friends. They spent time together often. Even though they’d had the serious conversation about love and marriage, neither one was ready to admit to courting. Not just yet.
Deep inside, Albert knew that Helen was the one God had sent him. She would be his helpmeet. He couldn’t just rush in and propose marriage to her before the groundwork was in place. He believed this was God’s will, but it wouldn’t be fair to Helen if he didn’t court her. That was part of the joy of this life. Getting to know the person who would be your partner in life was supposed to be fun. He didn’t want to deprive either of them.
So, he kept things light and fun. At the same time, he was making it clear to Helen that he was happy in her presence. He was happy to have her in his life. He wanted her to be completely aware of this.
One day, he was waiting on Helen to get ready for supper at the Peach Basket Porch Restaurant. It was a new place in town that supposedly had an extensive menu. He was looking forward to the meal and the time with Helen with Boopi came into the room.
“Hello, Mrs. Fanning.” Albert smiled and stood when she walked to the middle of the room and put her hands on her hips. She was staring at him intently.
“Hello, Albert. Nice to see you, I suppose. I’m wondering about you and my granddaughter. Are you a couple?” she asked in a monotone and annoyed pitch. She had a scowl on her face and she seemed spoiling for a fight.
Albert was a little uneasy. This wasn’t a conversation he wanted to have with this woman. She was tenacious when she had something on her mind.
“We haven’t really talked about it. I think of Helen as a wonderful woman and I have no intentions to stop spending time with her. I hope she feels the same way. I think she does.”
His cautious reply didn’t give Boopi what she wanted. She continued to stare at him. She wasn’t quite hostile, but he wished Helen would hurry up. He’d never thought of himself as a coward, but this woman made him nervous.
“You don’t want a catch like Helen to get away, young man. Just make sure you’re not wasting her time.”
“I won’t. I promise.” Albert smiled weakly at the outspoken Mrs. Fanning. He was going to be sure not to make her angry. He brightened when he saw Helen entering the room.
“Boopi, I’ll be back later. We’re going to that new restaurant. The one down in the square. What’s the name of it, Albert? I don’t remember,” Helen said, talking as she walked in.
“It’s the Peach Basket Porch,” he said.
“See you later, then,” said Boopi. “Have a lovely time.” Then she winked at Albert.
He was a little tense after his little conversation with Mrs. Fanning, but managed to get out of the house without incident. Once he helped Helen into the buggy, he was feeling normal again and looking forward to the evening.
They drove through the streets in companionable silence for a way. Helen watched the activity around them, though not much was going on as the day was turning into evening. They arrived at the restaurant and tied the carriage up outside.
The restaurant was new and festive. They were seated at a table beside the window looking out on to the street. Helen smiled across from him as she decided what she wanted to eat.
“So Boopi gave you some trouble?” she asked, with a twinkle in her eyes. Albert could see she was trying not to laugh. He felt she was going to lose the battle by the look on her lovely face. He was reminded just how beautiful she was when she was happy.
“Well, not so much trouble, I suppose. I did take it to be an ultimatum, though. The woman frightens me, Helen. I have no idea how far her reach is,” he laughed. No use worrying over it since Helen had heard the conversation.
“That’s a good point. I don’t even know that. You should be cautious in all you do from here forward.”
“I intend to be.” He nodded his head and ordered their food.
They changed the subject from Boopi to discuss things going on at church and a few current events. He liked it that Helen was informed about the happenings of the city and the country. He liked being able to have an intelligent conversation with her. He remembered some of the girls his father had insisted he spend time with before he figured out how to stand up to the man. Those girls had cotton for brains. He didn’t have a thing to talk to them about.
Things were vastly different with Helen and he was thankful for that. He smiled at her and she tilted her head to the side with a puzzled expression. She had been telling him about some displaced children from a recent orphanage fire.
“Albert? Why are you smiling? Do you find it funny that children who already were alone in this world are now without a roof over their heads?” she asked.
“Um, oh. Well, I’m sorry, Helen. My mind must have wandered. I didn’t mean to drift away. Please forgive me?”
She nodded. “So what were you thinking about then?”
“Well, the truth is that I was thinking how much I enjoy your company. You keep me on my toes and you’re informed about events going on around the city and such. I like that.”
“So you’re happy to be with someone who’s not mainly concerned with fashion and society galas. I
do like an enjoyable gathering from time to time, though. Don’t think I don’t,” she laughed.
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“See that you do, Albert. I’d hate to have to sort out a new dinner escort so soon after I put you in place.” Her eyes flickered as she teased him. He could see she was enjoying the playful turn the conversation had taken.
“Helen,” Albert began. His tone had sobered slightly. He felt led to broach the subject of courting her, finally. He realized he wanted it to be official. “My conversation with your grandmother was humorous, but it did remind me of thoughts I’ve recently had about you. And me. Us, I mean.”
She smiled encouragingly, but didn’t interrupt.
“I know we’ve kept our friendship light and fun, but I’d like to make our relationship official. You support my desire to follow God’s plan for my life in the ministry. You’re a follower of the Lord and I believe that you want to see His work done,” he said.
“I do support your work, Albert. Your heart for the Gospel is deep and inspiring. It’s one of the things I love about you.”
He smiled broadly. He realized she had said that there are things about him that she loves. He took this as a good sign to continue.
“Would you agree to court me, Helen? I’d like it very much if we could see each other exclusively. I picture us together for a very long time,” he said. Then he realized he may have taken his declaration too far. “Um, I didn’t mean to be so forward or presumptuous.”
“It’s fine. I’m not offended or scared away. I’m happy that you feel comfortable telling me what’s on your mind. And your heart,” she smiled demurely.
“So we’re an official couple? What do you think Boopi will say about that?”
“She’ll be happy. I’m happy, too.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing where God leads us. I think we’re going to have an amazing journey, Helen.”
She simply smiled and nodded.
As the weeks after their commitment to each other passed by, Helen and Albert grew even closer. He realized that she was becoming the one he trusted most of all. He talked to her about every concern and every accomplishment. He trusted her judgment and craved her praise.