by Indiana Wake
Ryan turned toward Ian. "Brother, I need to go away tomorrow for a week. Mr. Henderson has a proposition he wants to make and I intend to see what he has to offer before I accept anything. So, you are gonna have to look after the lodge nice and proper ya' hear me?" Ian squirmed in his seat and glared at his brother. Ryan grinned back, enjoying making his brother uncomfortable.
"I look after it every time you go so you don't have to talk to me like I'm a child, Ryan," Ian said.
"I know, it's just fun reminding you that I'm the older one," Ryan replied, his grin growing bigger every second.
Anna enjoyed watching their banter as they continued to go back and forth and soon they had pulled her into it as well. She found herself laughing and teasing and being more comfortable with these two strangers within a few hours than she had been with anyone else in her entire life.
Chapter 7
The next morning Anna took breakfast in her room. It had been quite a journey and she needed a little time to herself. Before she ate, she pulled out her Bible and said a prayer.
As always she felt more confident afterward and she hoped she would find peace here. Just as she was finishing her breakfast, there was a gentle knock at the door.
Smoothing her hair and straightening her frock she opened the door and was surprised to find Ian.
“Good morning,” he said. “Ryan’s busy preparing for his trip so I wondered if you would like a tour of the place.”
Anna smiled and followed him out into the hallway.
The top floor was all bedrooms and he took her down into the private side of the house. The dining room where they had eaten last night looked out onto a snow-covered vista with mountains in the distance. It took her breath away and she could not help but stare.
“I hope you don’t find it too bleak,” Ryan said.
“Not bleak… but beautiful.”
“This is the back of the house,” he said and led her down a short hallway. “Here is the kitchen. Feel free to help yourself or ask any member of staff if you need anything.”
Anna couldn’t believe it. The kitchen was large and a cook nodded at her as she walked through. This was like a dream, but what would she do here? Ian had turned and was walking away; quickly she followed him as he went through another door.
“This is the library,” he said. “I love to read, but Ryan is not so keen. The books are mostly my taste but if you want anything different just ask.”
Anna could not help but stare as she turned slowly in a circle. It was amazing and contained more books than she had ever seen and she knew that she had found her home. With all these books, all this to study she could spend a lifetime happy. Ian walked on and reluctantly she followed him to a sitting room and a den, and finally he pointed out the basement.
“We preserve fruit and vegetables in the summer and store then down here for winter,” Ian said.
Anna nodded a smile of joy lighting up her face. “I would love to help with that,” she said.
“That would be great,” Ian said with a smile.
Anna felt a surge of joy. It was so good to feel useful.
“That was the private part of the house,” Ian said. “Now we can pass into the guest area.”
He led her down a corridor and through a sturdy door. There was a reception area where a slim girl sat behind a counter.
Ian nodded to the girl. “The first floor is all bedrooms. Some are individual, some suites. At the moment, we have fifteen guests staying which is good for this time of year. Let me show you round.”
There was another library and a large dining area for all the guests. Then he showed her an activity room where the guests could paint or play music or do any activity they so pleased. Then on to the living room where people could lounge and have discussions, etc. “Finally,” he said and with a bow he opened a door.
Anna felt her jaw drop, inside was a reasonably sized ballroom.
“This is for anyone who wants to throw a party,” Ian said. “We usually have one at Christmas and a few others throughout the year.”
Anna tried to keep a smile on her face but she could feel her numb leg. Ryan would expect her to dance and she would be clumsy and laughed at. What would she do?
“Ryan loves the ballroom,” Ian said. “He loves to dance but me I would rather sit in the corner and have a good ole discussion. How about you?”
Anna felt a smile tug at the corners of her mouth. It was as if Ian knew what to say and always put her at ease. “I don’t dance very well because of my limp,” she said.
“Oh my, I am so sorry,” Ian said. “I never meant to make you feel bad.”
“That is alright Mr.Ian,” she said.
“If I’m honest,” he said. “I have two left feet so I hate to dance anyway. Now, what do you think of out humble abode?”
Anna admitted that she was very impressed by the establishment and found herself staring around in awe. Ian headed into the dining area towards a group of guests. Anna hung back. She did not want to spoil the moment, did not want them to laugh at her or to make cruel comments about her limp.
Ian turned and noticing her reticence and he held out his arm. “Do not be shy,” he said as she took it. “Gentlemen this is Miss Anna Montgomery.”
As she limped over holding Ian’s arm, she noticed the men as they looked at her limp. Gritting her teeth she expected an onslaught as had happened many times before. But the men looked at Ian and their frowns changed to smiles.
“It is an honor to meet you, I am Mr. Harris and these are my associates.”
After that, the men treated her with courtesy and reverence and she enjoyed the rest of the tour.
Ian was very kind to her, he smiled easily, made jokes and everyone around really seemed to respect him a lot. Whenever their eyes would meet, Anna would feel lightning course through her blood and a blush would cover her face. Ian seemed to go red in the neck a bit too and he would look away quickly.
Anna could not comprehend why Ian had this effect on her and she kept reprimanding herself and reminding herself that she was here to be Ryan's wife not to go weak at the knees for his brother.
Ryan finally finished the preparations for his trip and made it home in time for dinner. He had prepared much more than usual. Was he keeping out the way? Did he find the whole mail order bride deal a little hard to get his head round? He wondered about this as he spent hours going over figures and what he intended to say. But eventually he had done all he could do and he made his way down to dinner. So, when Ian and Anna walked in, he was looking forward to getting to know his future wife-to-be.
He bowed at her and smiled. She curtsied back and after greeting each other, they sat down to eat. An awkward silence fell over the room and it seemed like no one knew how to bring last night's jolly mood back.
After a few minutes of silence, Ian turned to Anna and said, "Why is a dog like a tree?"
Anna looked at him as if he had lost his mind and said, "I beg your pardon?"
Ian grinned at her with mischief and said, "Why is a dog like a tree?"
Anna, looking confused. "I haven't the faintest clue," she said.
Grinning at her in earnest now, he said, "Because they both lose their bark when they’re dead."
Anna burst into laughter at his ridiculous joke and the ice was broken.
Ryan also chuckled. "You can be so embarrassing at times, little brother," he said shaking his head at his brother and grinning good-naturedly.
"I thought it was funny," Anna said, smiling at Ian.
Ian smiled back and his neck turned red at the compliment. Ryan looked from one to the other and cleared his throat. He turned to Anna and said, "So, you enjoy jokes then, Miss Montgomery?"
"Oh, who doesn't. Jokes can lighten up any mood and I find them to be hilarious."
"Well, what else do you enjoy, other than jokes?" Ryan asked, smiling at her.
Anna blushed at the way he looked at her. It was as if he were looking through her to her very
soul. "Not much really,” she said hastily. “I like to read pretty much anything really, and I'm passable with drawing. I guess. I love music, though I couldn't play an instrument if my life depended on it. I love to ride as well and I'd love to visit the stables in a day or two."
Ian’s eyes turned to her his face full of surprise and before Ryan could ask anything else, he said, "Even after what happened when you were a child?"
Anna turned her eyes to him and could see the concern on his face. "Yes,” she said meekly. The look in his eyes told her he would not let it go. She knew she would have to do this sooner or later so she decided to get it over and done with. “After my accident, I was afraid,” she said her voice becoming more confident. “I knew that if I didn’t do anything about it that my fear would rule my life... So I faced it, and eventually, little by little I overcame it. Now I love to ride and I love horses," she said with a reassuring smile on her face.
Ryan felt a new found respect for this injured woman and then he noticed his brother. Ian was staring at her with awe in his eyes and she was looking right back at him. They both seemed lost in each other’s eyes until color flooded their cheeks and they both looked away. It looked like he would have to watch his little brother. Then Anna turned back to him and he tried to smile at her but he could not help the slight frown that marred his forehead.
As she held his gaze, he quickly smoothed his expression. "That is amazing that you were strong enough to do that,” he said. “Most people would never have been able to go near a horse after that. I admire that and maybe once I get back from my trip we could go riding or at least once the weather clears up a bit."
"I'd like that very much. Thank you," Anna said with a smile on her face that was so warming he felt it could melt the snow right now.
Chapter 8
The next morning after breakfast, Ryan left to go to meet up with Mr. Henderson. Before leaving he gave Anna a gift, a beautiful pearl necklace and told her that he looked forward to getting to know her when he got back. Blushing with embarrassment, Anna accepted the gift and thanking him, said that she looked forward to it as well.
Ian stood at the side, frowning but then he hugged his brother goodbye and told him to be safe.
Once he had left, Ian turned to Anna and grinning at her said, "So, what do you wanna do this afternoon?"
"Well, I was planning on going to the stables but I should probably wait for Ryan to get back before doing that."
Ian frowned slightly, before smiling again. "He only said that he'd like to ride with you,” he said. “I'm sure it's perfectly fine to visit the stables and meet our horses. I want you to meet Kindle. She's a red headed beauty and I'm very fond of her."
Anna smiled at his enthusiasm and agreed. "I guess you’re right and Kindle sounds lovely. I'd really love to meet her."
"Well then, let's go. She's been asking to meet you," he laughed.
"Oh, well then, we simply can't keep her waiting, now can we? Lead the way, Mr. Ian," she beamed at him and looped her arm in his. She had done it without a thought and now she felt awkward, but she thought it would be weird to just drop his arm, so she held on. He had strong arms and Anna couldn't help but appreciate how thick they were.
Ian got red in the neck but smiled down at her and with twinkling eyes, he said, "Certainly, Miss Anna, my pleasure." And he led her to the door.
Anna looked up at him and said, "I don't have my coat. Let me go fetch it." She began to extract her arm from his, but he pressed it to his side and wouldn't let go. Blushing from his neck above, he looked at her shyly. "I went out to town for a bit yesterday and got you a thicker coat than yours,” he said. “It's hanging with ours in the coat closet by the door if you'd like to wear that."
Anna was touched by his consideration and thoughtfulness. No one but Jolene and her father had ever been thoughtful enough or cared enough about her and now she had two men. Her hand reached to the pearl necklace at her throat, it hung above her cross. Two men who were buying her gifts. Her heart soared and she found her walls come crumbling down. She couldn't believe he was such a gentleman.
She smiled and thanked him for the coat. When they were by the door, Ian brought out the coat. It was soft black sheepskin and he helped her to put it on; his fingers lingering on her neck. She blushed and he chuckled slightly before moving back. They looked at each other with a look they both didn't know they were giving the other, and then they finally headed off towards the stables.
As they walked, Anna began to feel bad. Had she made the wrong impression? Should she keep away from Ian?
He led her to the stables and to a stall in which a chestnut colored mare stood. He went up to her and said, "Hello Kindle my beautiful. Look who's here to see you. It's Miss Anna come to meet you. Remember I told you she might be stopping by."
Anna looked at him with a smile on her face, watching him communicate with the horse and taking care of her as if she were a dear old friend. He brushed her and gave her apples to eat and talked to her about random things. Anna contributed very little for she enjoyed watching him rather than participating.
Ian led her down to the next stall and in it stood another horse. This one was white and had a black spot on its stomach. He was fine boned and beautiful with kind eyes and a gentle head. Ian brought him over to Anna and handed her a brush and some apples, gesturing to Anna to enjoy herself.
When she began brushing the horse, Ian said, "This is Lighter. He is Kindle's significant other and they are very much in love. He's strong and fast but completely trustworthy and will never lead you astray nor ever let you fall. I want you to have him while you're here."
Anna was touched and said, with tears in her eyes, "Thank you. This means a lot to me." She continued to brush Lighter and gave him an apple to munch. Ian looked at her for a bit as she enjoyed pampering the huge animal in front of her. After a bit, he said softly, "I'm sorry about your accident. I wish it hadn't happened or that I could've been there to help somehow."
Anna looked up at him. "There wasn't anything anyone could've done,” she said. “It was meant to happen and so it did."
"Fair enough. Was it hard for you back home?"
"It was a bit. People would often consider me weak because of it and look at me with pitiful eyes. I guess after a while I withdrew into myself and became reserved and quiet. Other than my best friend I never really knew anyone. You see the way people looked at me like I was infected and they would catch it if they were close enough. It made me avoid people as much as possible. Before I came here, I was never treated like I was whole. The way you and later on your brother just shrugged off my disability, it was the first time anyone had ever treated me like a complete, a real person."
Ian came up to her and looked deep into her eyes. "You are a complete person,” he said. “More real than anyone I have ever met and I am glad that you got out of a place that made you feel like that. Don't ever let yourself feel less than the beautiful, kind and astounding woman you are."
Anna stared into his green eyes that seemed to be pulling her deep into them. If she wasn't careful, she would drown and never want to resurface. She smiled at him and said in a shaky voice, "I won't, I promise."
Chapter 9
Over the next few days, Ian and Anna spent almost all their time together. Each morning Anna would wake early, eager to start her day. It was intoxicating to have someone interested in her life. Someone willing to listen to her and to value her opinion. Each night she wondered if what she did was wrong and she would kneel before the bed and pray that her heart be true. It was Ryan she had come to marry so why did she love spending so much time with Ian?
Maybe it was because he had accepted her and her disability with no fuss and no recrimination. He made her feel whole and useful and talked to her like a friend. They swapped stories of their childhood, she told him about her father and her best friend, Jolene. He shared some of his experiences as well. With his eyes shining brightly, he spoke of his parents. They had died in
an accident when he was quite young and Ryan had raised him all by himself. Listening to this a sliver of guilt stabbed into her stomach. But she was doing nothing wrong and she told him about her mom's illness. How it had taken her away at an early age and how her father had cared for her with so much love.
Little by little he explained about the business. Yet all the time he joked around and made her laugh so much some day’s tears of joy would stream down her face.
“Would you like to learn how we do the bookkeeping?” he asked one day.
“I would love to, and then maybe I could be some use around here.”
“Stop that,” Ian said a mock severe expression on his face. “You have brightened up our lives more than you could ever know. Sometimes I think you believe that your limp makes you worthless.”
His hand reached out and lifted her chin. The touch of his fingers spread fire down into her heart and she wanted to pull away but could not. The intensity of his eyes pulled her gaze upwards. Like emeralds his eyes sparkled, dazzled and mesmerized her until all she could see was the fire within their depths.
“It does not,” he said as he let his hand fall. “You are worthy and wonderful. You are intelligent and beautiful and your council has been most useful. You deserve happiness and joy, promise me you will believe this and you will let it into your life.”
“I promise,” she said and looking into his eyes she knew she had found happiness. A man who valued her and cared for her it was more than she could have asked for. As his hand dropped away, the spell broke and she turned her head and tried to slow her breathing and to control the pounding of her heart.
After that instant, Anna felt her attraction to him increase day after day and she hadn't the slightest idea of how to stop it. Though, if she were being honest with herself, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to. When she was with Ian, she felt alive like she belonged and she hardly thought about her limp anymore. Ian was attentive, kind and always had a smile for her.