“It is called the True Religion Church and it’s aptly named. We have found the true path to salvation. Once when we were baptizing down at the river, a most holy site, I saw Christ standing in the water. Can anyone else attest to that?”
Grace’s entire face glowed with fervor. Anna worried she detected a touch of madness.
Daniel’s words from the rubble came back to haunt her. “My parents have established a church. It’s almost cult-like,” he had said. Now Grace confirmed her son’s words.
Anna’s stomach tightened in fear and apprehension. She fought back the urge to look away, she hadn’t said anything wrong. How could she live with this woman? What was she supposed to call them? Surely not Mother or Father, and Christian names were too familiar.
Grace answered the unspoken question. “Until we get to know each other better, you may call me Mrs. Armstrong.”
Anna nodded, “You can call me Anna.” It would be ridiculous to have two Mrs. Armstrong’s in the same house. She tried to smile but her mouth was stiff. She knew Grace would never like nor respect her.
Why didn’t Daniel say something to make this easier? She glanced at her silent husband. He didn’t speak but did take her hand in his. Grace turned away in obvious dismissal.
Daniel took her toward a tall, well-built man with sandy hair, gray eyes and a weathered, ruddy complexion. She supposed this must be George, her father-in-law. He inhaled on his cigarette and blew smoke in Anna’s face. She managed not to cough.
”Dad, this is Anna, my wife,” Daniel introduced her.
The man appeared slightly more welcoming than his wife. “Welcome to the Lethbridge area.” He even smiled.
The scent of cabbage rolls distracted her from the seriousness of the meeting. She was starving in spite of herself and forced herself to listen to George.
“Although there are only a few True Religion believers, our faith has brought us bounty and prosperity. We have two hundred forty aces of rich, irrigated land and it provides us with a good living. If you believe in God then your life will be rich and fulfilled. We drive a new car and we have the finest house in the area.”
Anna suppressed the urge to inform him that God didn’t always provide for those who worshipped Him. Some very religious people in England lost their houses to German bombs. Perhaps God tested them like Job. More likely, He just wanted to see what would happen in times of adversity.
At least George had welcomed her and she didn’t fear him as much as his wife.
Anna was introduced to a bevy of friendly, well-dressed neighbours. They were eager to learn about life in wartime England and sympathetic when she described the danger she’d lived with. She began to feel a little better.
Many of the women claimed to be in awe of her “peaches and cream” complexion. The result, no doubt, of London’s many cloudy days. Maybe she was pretty enough to be Daniel’s bride.
A handsome man in an impeccably tailored gray suit grabbed Anna by the waist and held her close. She gazed into a face characterized by large, wide set eyes, a cleft chin and otherwise perfectly elegant features.
“Hi. I’m Peter, Daniel’s younger brother.” “You are as beautiful as Daniel said. I’m certain you’re sorry you married that brother of mine now that you’ve met me.” A grin materialized on Peter’s tanned face. The scent of his shaving cream made her nose twitch, and a nervous laugh escaped Anna. She didn’t find Peter at all amusing.
“Daniel is a wonderful man. I’ll stick with what I’ve got. Thank you.” Anna squirmed out of Peter’s embrace. She didn’t care if she sounded prissy.
She was spared Peter’s reply because another farmer came up to Peter and asked him if he planned on a crop of wheat next spring. The man requiring advice wore an old suit with fraying cuffs. Not all the people here had money.
Peter dismissed Anna, turning his back to her. “Yes, I had a good crop last year and I’m hoping for a good crop again next year. Besides that, the market is good for wheat right now. I think it will hold.”
Peter stood erect with his left hand in his suit pocket. He brought out a cigarette and lit it with an expensive-looking lighter.
The farmer, a short, wiry, red-faced man smiled widely, exposing a mouth of rotten teeth, “Your opinion is good enough for me. You’re the best farmer in the whole district.”
Anna forgot Peter as a large, stout, wrinkled woman approached her and began asking questions about England. Anna knew she had met her but she couldn’t remember her name. She decided not to mention her lapse of memory.
Anna stammered a bit as she tried to maintain the conversation when she overheard a shrill-voiced woman speaking to Peter.
“What were you doing with that English tart?”
Anna couldn’t help herself. She turned away from the friendly neighbour to see who had spoken.
The woman was short and stocky, almost as wide as she was tall. Her blue sheath dress with capped sleeves revealed arms and legs like tree trunks. Like Grace, she wore her hair in a bun. Unlike Grace, she didn’t look elegant.
Surely this plain, nasty woman couldn’t be the handsome Peter’s wife? Then Anna remembered Daniel told her Peter and Charlotte had to get married.
Peter swiftly replied, “Now Lottie, you’re always getting your shorts in a knot over nothing. It’s you, and only you, I love.”
Lottie snorted. The argument became loud and a number of people gathered to watch the quarreling couple.
Lottie swung her attention to Anna and stalked over to her. “Stay away from my husband, or you’ll be sorry.” Her beady eyes looked bloodshot.
Anna’s temper flared. How dare this woman call her a tart when it was Peter who was the flirt? Her frustration overflowed her restraint. “Peter approached me. It wasn’t the other way around, so don’t blame me.”
Anna tried to keep her voice down but several people looked in alarm in her direction. Lord, Daniel had the worst family on the planet.
Lottie glared and stomped off, the flesh on her legs quivering with each step.
Suddenly, Anna’s anger evaporated and she filled with regret. Arguing in public with her sister-in-law didn’t seem like a good start. Yet what else could she have done?
Unfortunately, she now had another enemy in a new country where she knew no one, and all because Peter thought he was God’s gift to women. How did Lottie attract the handsome Peter in the first place?
Considering his familiar behavior Peter must have had many past indiscretions. Lottie probably had reason to be suspicious of him. Nonetheless, Anna doubted she and Lottie could ever be close. It saddened her.
“I see you’ve met my flirtatious brother-in-law. Lottie is always jealous and blames the woman, not her husband.” The woman at her elbow spoke in a pleasant, lilting voice into Anna’s ear.
Anna sighed with relief; it seemed that someone understood her predicament. Anna turned and caught her breath. The woman was beautiful and stunning, with dark brown hair, brilliant blue eyes and full lips. “She’s convinced I’m having an affair with Peter. She’s wrong, of course. I love my Jim. He’s a much finer man than his brother. Although I have to admit Peter is an excellent farmer.”
Anna smiled and extended her hand. “Thank you for your understanding words. I appreciate them more than you can imagine… You must be Maisy. Daniel thinks the world of you.”
Maisy returned the smile. “And I think the world of Daniel.”
Anna didn’t want her first friend in Canada to leave her side so did her best to prolong the conversation. “Maisy, what a pretty name. It reminds me of a beautiful, sunny day walking in a meadow.”
Maisy laughed at the colourful language, but Anna could sense her pleasure.
“Thank you and welcome to Canada. It’s a great country in the summer and after a while you’ll get used to the conditions on a farm. However, you’ll probably miss electricity and indoor plumbing.”
Anna felt the need to confide in someone and Maisy seemed perfect. “I’m sure I’
ll manage, but I’m more than a little concerned about Daniel’s parents. His mother especially, is cold and hostile. She told me to call her Mrs. Armstrong,” Anna spoke as softly as possible and she believed that no one save Maisy heard this exchange.
Maisy rolled her blue eyes. “I know. It’s too bad you have to live with them. They’re strict True Religionists and much too devout for my taste. Don’t let them get you down and come to visit us whenever you can.”
“Thank you so much. It means a lot to me.” Anna felt tears of happiness spring into her eyes. Even in the midst of angst, goodness could be found.
Daniel joined them and took Anna’s elbow. “Come meet Maisy’s husband; my brother, Jim.” He beckoned for Maisy to follow them.
They worked their way through the crowded, smoky room over to where a tall, lanky, freckle-faced man laughed with friends. Like most of the men in the room, his face appeared weathered. He wasn’t as handsome as Daniel or Peter, but oozed integrity. Anna smiled with pleasure as she shook his large, warm hand.
Jim leaned toward Anna, an earnest expression on his face. “The army rejected me. They said they needed farmers. Daniel’s done more for his country than any of us. Sometimes my brave brother makes me feel inadequate.”
Daniel put a hand on his brother’s arm. “It isn’t your fault, Jim. So don’t feel guilty.”
Anna impulsively took Jim’s hand again. “You’re a good man. Daniel doesn’t blame you for what happened to him, or for staying on the farm.”
Maisy attempted to lighten the mood. “Anna, you have such a beautiful complexion. You’re the proverbial English rose. I hope our harsher weather won’t ruin it.”
”Thank you. I can’t help but love this fresh, bright sunlight.” Much of the tension eased. The rest of the conversation centred on farming.
* * *
Anna met the remainder of Daniel’s friends and relatives, including their children who ran about laughing and playing.
Most everyone except Grace and George seemed friendly and welcoming. Anna and Daniel repeated the story of how they met over and over again and Anna suspected it would soon be all over the community and well on its way to becoming legend.
The room grew warm and hazy. Many of the men took off their jackets and ties and rolled up their shirtsleeves. Some of the women fanned themselves with napkins from the tables. Anna almost choked on all the smoke, yet people still lit up.
The moment Anna anticipated finally arrived. It was time for the delicious supper laid out in unprecedented, (by English standards) quantities.
They served themselves buffet-style and then sat down at long tables. Everyone insisted Anna serve herself first. Her hands shook when she helped herself to the feast, dizzy with excitement over the amount and variety of food offered.
She joined her husband and settled into her chair with Daniel on her left and Maisy on her right. Situated between these two friendly bodies, Anna enjoyed the grand meal. She made a mental note to thank the women for all their preparations.
All conversation stopped when a handsome, young man with dark, wavy hair and blue eyes pulled out his violin and began to play.
Anna sat in rapture. His rendition of Greensleeves sounded so beautiful she was left near tears. The playing appeared to have the same effect on Maisy.
However, it also made her homesick. Greensleeves originated in the British Isles. If only her mother and father lived here instead of the icy Grace and insensitive George.
* * *
The concert ended and it was time for Anna and Daniel to say goodbyes. They spoke to each of the guests in turn. Anna was beginning to enjoy herself when a small, thin shapeless woman strode into the room. All conversation stopped and Anna’s stomach clenched with apprehension. Now what?
The woman reminded Anna of a mouse. Her brown eyes were small in her pale, pinched face and the shapeless, brown dress hung on her boyish figure.
Daniel stiffened beside her and Anna realized the woman must be Nancy. Nancy rushed up to Daniel and threw her arms about him. He flinched and brushed her thin, stringy hair off his face.
“I’m so glad you survived and came home to me.” Her husky voice was loud and filled the room.
Daniel pushed her away. When she tried to throw herself at him again, he held her back. “Nancy, you know I’m married, don’t you?”
Nancy hung her head. “I heard, but I don’t care. You’re home and that’s all that matters. God answered my prayers.” Nancy looked tiny and fragile.
Keeping a firm grip on the woman’s elbow Daniel pulled her over to Anna who stood open-mouthed. Nancy resisted for a moment and then allowed herself to be towed behind him.
“This is Nancy. She wants to meet you,” Daniel said grimly.
Anna suspected falser words had never been spoken.
Nancy’s face was dark as a rain cloud, but Anna forced a smile.
“Hello, Nancy.” She didn’t extend her hand.
“Pleased to make your acquaintance, M’am.” The words were polite but the delivery was sarcastic and cold. Anna had never felt older.
Grace and George appeared at Nancy’s side. Her mother-in-law’s face softened as she gazed lovingly at Nancy. Grace placed her hand on Nancy’s shoulder. “It’s so nice to see you again, dear. How have you been?”
Anna almost envied Nancy. She wrapped her fingers around her parent’s locket for comfort. Grace hated her, Anna just knew it.
* * *
The room was hushed as everyone took in every detail of the encounter while trying to appear as if they hadn’t noticed anything. Anna sighed. Her welcome party would provide fodder for gossip for years to come.
A few of the guests greeted Nancy (probably fellow True Religionists). The rest said their good byes to Daniel and Anna. Some of her neighbours’ faces looked sympathetic. For some strange reason Anna felt ashamed and dirty.
Maisy hugged Anna. “Remember you have friends.”
Anna clung to Maisy for a long moment, grateful for the support.
Eventually, the food was cleared and the tables and chairs stored. Daniel and Anna were alone in the empty hall.
Daniel looked tired and pale. “If they could just accept the fact I have the right to marry the woman I choose. They’re so damned unfair…” He slammed his right fist into his left hand. “You’re my wife and I love you more than anyone. I’ve brought you into a bad situation. I thought they’d be more accepting once they met you. You don’t know how sorry I am.”
He reached out to Anna, took her into his arms and kissed her gently on the lips. He reluctantly released her. “Mrs. Armstrong, what say we stay in the hotel for another night? You’ve had enough to deal with for one day.”
His tone suggested that he was resigned to accept the situation. Anna wondered if she could.
Anna nodded her head in silent agreement. However, procrastination wouldn’t solve the problem. Tomorrow would come and she would have to face it. It was too late to turn back now.
Chapter 7
The following day the weather dawned as lovely as the Chinook arch had predicted.
However, Anna was filled with dread. Today she was going to move into the formidable Grace and the bragging George’s home. Would she be able to cope?
Last night it’d been Anna, not Daniel, who’d had the nightmares. She’d awoken drenched in sweat and clinging to her feather pillow.
She’d dreamed Grace forced her to swim in a deep irrigation ditch, and she’d almost drowned.
Daniel appeared equally unhappy. His expression sagged with sadness, devoid of emotion, and he cut himself twice while shaving.
Anna pushed her breakfast around her plate, but couldn’t bring herself to eat anything.
“Don’t worry. It won’t be as bad as you imagine. We’ll spend time with Maisy and Jim and we’ll go into town every second day,” Daniel attempted to reassure her.
Daniel blew on his coffee and then swallowed. “I love my parents, but sometimes I don’t particularl
y like them. They spout religion, but they can be very unkind. I remember when our neighbours, the Brown’s, lost their farm. Mom and Dad always have money for the church, yet they didn’t give a single cent to the people who’d lived on an adjacent farm for years.”
Daniel jumped when a tray of dishes crashed to the floor by the kitchen door. “I was only thirteen, too young to help, but I was ashamed of my parents. Steve and Edna Brown moved into town and they got jobs in the flour mill. Their kids got into all kinds of trouble because there was no one at home to look after them.”
The pretty brunette waitress re-filled Daniel’s coffee cup.
“Of course, I have to admit there are reasons for Mom and Dad’s devotion to God. Mom suffered abuse as a child. She’s turned to religion to compensate. Dad lets Mom tell him what to do, how to think. He grew up the second youngest of twelve children. He got used to being bossed around,” Daniel spoke softly so they wouldn’t be overheard.
He leaned in even closer to his wife and whispered in her ear. “In many ways he’s weak. Though, I’ve also seen him strong and I admire him at those times. I want to be strong as well.”
Anna nodded and forced a smile. She appreciated the insight into her in-laws. However, she still felt almost frozen in fear, and wrapped her cold shaking hands around the welcome warmth of her coffee cup.
* * *
Anna’s heart thudded like a beating drum. Yet, somehow she managed to enjoy traveling in the fine old car. It was so different from anything she’d known in England. Much older and noisier.
She’d already become accustomed to having the passenger seat on the right hand side of the car and driving on what had at first appeared to be the wrong side of the road.
They drove down a dusty, gravel road when they left Lethbridge. It was wide by English standards and bordered by crop fields. It pleased her that the gravel forced them to go slow. She wanted to take as long as possible to reach their destination.
Till The Wind Blows Silent Page 9