“Of me?”
She frowned, looking confused. “I don’t think it’s you. I can’t really say what it is. I think it’s more of not knowing what to expect.”
He smiled and kissed her very gently on the lips. “There’s nothing to be afraid of if we have each other.” He kissed her more passionately this time and felt her tension ease. His longing for her was unlike anything he’d ever known. He knew he would have to be careful of moments like this. He pulled away and produced his grandmother’s ring. A solitary emerald with a small diamond on either side had been his grandmother’s pride and joy. She had given it to his mother as an inheritance to give to him when he found a bride.
“Will you marry me, Abrianna?”
She nodded and let him slip the ring onto her finger. It was just a bit snug but otherwise looked as if it had been made for her small hand. She held it up for a moment, and then Wade noticed the tears in her eyes. He produced a handkerchief and extended it without a word. When she had composed herself, he once again offered her his arm.
“There’s something else I want to discuss with you.” He began to walk once again in the direction of the concert.
“All right.”
Her lack of words amused him. He had teased her about his kisses being able to shut her up when he couldn’t otherwise get a word in, and once again it seemed to prove itself true. “As you know, the elders have asked me to take the pulpit at church until they can find a permanent minister. We haven’t had much of a chance to discuss what this might mean.”
“What it might mean? It will mean our little church will finally have a decent man in the pulpit. After we lost dear Pastor Klingle and that awful . . . goodness, I can’t even bring myself to call him a pastor. Mr. Walker created such havoc that we have needed a solid man of God. You are clearly such a man, despite also being a wainwright. I see no reason the two can’t coincide. After all, you are able to lead a Bible study and work a job. And wasn’t the apostle Paul a tentmaker or some sort of thing? And Peter was a fisherman. Why not preach a sermon and make wagons?”
“But that wasn’t exactly what I meant, Abrianna.” He steered away from a large gathering of people to a more private area where they might sit. There was a nice stone bench that would suit them nicely, and Wade helped Abrianna to sit before doing the same.
“We have no way of knowing how long I will be needed. I suppose you realize that the money I make as a wainwright and carpenter are much more than I will make as a pastor. I won’t have as much time to do other duties while serving God. The elders have informed me that they will expect me to make home visits to the elderly and sick. Which brings up another issue. It would be nice to have you at my side for such visits.”
“But of course I will be at your side if you want me there.” Abrianna once again battled with her ribbons. “I wish I’d never worn this hat, but I suppose I would scandalize everyone if I took it off. And now, given that I am to be a pastor’s wife, I suppose I shall forever be wearing them. That will be the most vexing part of this venture.”
“Truly? You think the wearing of a hat will be your biggest dilemma?” He gave a chuckle. “Oh, Abrianna, you do look at life in a different way than the rest of us do.”
She looked at him with an odd expression. For a moment Wade worried that he’d offended her, but then she gave a little shrug and folded her hands in her lap. “I’m just coming to realize that for myself. I cannot tell you how many times I have displeased my aunts because I couldn’t understand their point of view. However, I yield to your thoughts on the matter. A hat is hardly a weighty topic of discussion.
“I am quite happy that you have been asked to preach, Wade. I think God has put a calling on your heart. When we were much younger, you were always a good example to your friends, and you’ve always worked hard to help when you were needed in the church. I think you will make a wonderful minister, although I cannot say for certain that I will be the perfect minister’s wife. But you have my word that I will try to the best of my ability. I see it as my greatest challenge.”
“I think, dear girl, you will be an amazing minister’s wife. Your love of people will outshine any supposed flaws. I will tell Brother Mitchell that I accept. Your thoughts were all that remained a concern to me.”
Lenore poured Abrianna a cup of tea before retaking her seat. “It is a lovely ring and how special that it belonged to his grandmother.”
“Yes, I thought so, too. Wade’s grandfather was a very successful wainwright, as was his father before him. When his grandfather married, Wade said it was the event of the year. People came from as far away as fifty miles. I think most were folks he’d built wagons for, but nevertheless it was a huge wedding. Wade said they were very happy, and his grandmother specifically bequeathed the ring to him in hopes it would bring him as much love and happiness as it had brought to her and his grandfather.” She took a sip of the tea and then put the cup and saucer on the table beside her. Some of Abrianna’s favorite times were in private moments like this with Lenore. She relaxed in the comfortable chair, unworried that Lenore would correct her less than rigid posture. It wasn’t that Lenore didn’t believe in the requirements put upon women, but she had yielded to the fact that Abrianna had little interest in them.
“So do you plan a huge wedding, as well? No doubt there are a great many people who would like to attend. Have you set the date for the wedding? Oh, and did you tell Wade that I wished to stand up with you and would have to wait until after the baby is born?”
“Goodness, you are full of questions. We didn’t really talk much about the date, but I prefer a simple wedding. I’d just as soon have a very private affair with just my friends and family,” she admitted. “However, we didn’t speak on it. We sort of moved on to discuss his taking the pastorate at our church.”
Lenore nodded. “Kolbein told me about that. I was delighted. I know Wade to be a solid man of God. He will do a good job.”
“I think so. Sometimes I have wondered what ministries God might lead us to as husband and wife. I never dreamed it might be this, but I have to admit it pleases me. I even imagine one day when we have another shelter for the friendless and poor, Wade might be able to hold services for them.”
“So you’re planning another food house?”
“I am. I plan to speak to someone about property that might be available downtown. Since the fire some of the business owners want to sell out and leave. I thought it would be the perfect time to purchase land and build a place to my own specifications.”
“And what does Wade think?”
Abrianna shrugged. “He thinks that my money should be mine alone. He doesn’t want to use it for our life together, so I can’t see why he would mind my spending it on a shelter. I’ve never in my life known him to be more pigheaded and stubborn. Well, I suppose those two descriptions are really one and the same. I don’t mean to repeat myself, but I am very agitated when it comes to this matter. I do not understand why it should matter whose money it starts out. By law, once we’re married everything belongs to the man anyway.”
“You must understand that some men are very prideful about providing for their families. Wade would never want others to think he was marrying you for your fortune.”
“Wade certainly has never cared about such things, but I did hope he would allow me to benefit our lives in whatever way I could. It seems silly to have that money just sitting in a bank while we struggle to make a life for ourselves. It’s rather like that article in the newspaper a couple of years ago about that old woman back east. She was thought to be very poor, as she lived in a tiny cottage. Do you remember?”
Lenore shook her head. “I don’t believe I do.”
“Well,” Abrianna continued, “people were always helping her out. They would bring her food and hand-me-down clothes. They even went together to rebuild her picket fence when hoodlums vandalized her property. When she died, the entire town was shocked to learn she had over one million dollars in the
bank. She bequeathed it to the city in order to build a library and a home for the poor. I don’t want to struggle along in life, only to die and leave large sums in the bank. I’d rather build a library and shelter while I’m alive.”
“Do you really suppose you will struggle? Wade is quite industrious, and there is more than enough work. I think you might be surprised at his abilities. I know for a fact he’s already spoken to Kolbein about several properties nearby that might suit for the two of you.”
Abrianna hadn’t realized this, but it didn’t surprise her. “And what advice did Kolbein offer?”
Lenore laughed. “To buy a big place so that you will have ample space to raise a family.”
A family. Abrianna felt almost embarrassed to ask but knew the question would plague her if she didn’t. “What is that like? To have a child growing inside you?”
Lenore blushed and put her hand to her waist. “I have to admit it is still a wonder to me. I never knew what to expect. My mother wasn’t very forthright in speaking to me about such matters. She still isn’t. But I am quite delighted to become a mother, and Kolbein all but bust his vest buttons off when he heard he was to be a father. I can scarcely wait for you and Wade to have children. I know that you will love being a mother, Abrianna.”
“But it’s happened so quickly, and children are very demanding of attention.”
“They certainly can be,” she admitted. “Even so, I’m very pleased and hope to bear Kolbein many children. What of you? Do you and Wade want a large family?”
“I don’t know. We haven’t talked about it. And frankly, I don’t know how I can do all that I want to do in serving God and have babies at the same time. Aunt Miriam always said that a husband and children were a woman’s first and most important ministry, and while I can see the benefits of serving in such a capacity, it seems that a great many other works would have to be put aside.”
“And that troubles you?”
“It does. I have always felt called to help people—people beyond just my family. What if I have a great many children and can’t work with the poor? What if Wade won’t allow for me to do anything but keep house and tend to our children?”
“You make setting up house sound like a very disagreeable thing, but I think time and circumstances will change your mind and put your heart at ease.” She smiled and lifted her teacup. “In life’s complications, God has a way of working out all the details. At least that’s what you once told me.”
“It was easy to believe that back then.” Even a year ago it had been so much easier to imagine and understand her future, but now as soon as she began to comprehend one aspect of her life, ten other pieces seemed to fall apart in confusion. Now she was to be married and perhaps become a mother and then what? She wasn’t even certain she’d make a good wife, much less a good mother. What if she failed miserably? What if she was a terrible mother who had no understanding of her offspring? What if she burned all of their meals and scorched their clothes? Goodness, what if her children turned out to be as headstrong as she was?
7
I wonder if I could have everyone’s attention,” Wade said to the crowd gathered around the large dining room table at the Madison Bridal School. A few continued to scrape their dessert plates at the conclusion of supper. Wade didn’t blame them; the chocolate cake was the best he’d ever had. But now seemed the right time to speak, before the students scattered to clear the table and do other chores. And he wanted everyone to hear the news. Wade looked to Mr. Cunningham and then to the three old ladies who ran the school. “Abrianna and I have an announcement.”
Miss Poisie clapped her hands. “Oh, I have so longed for this moment. It’s just like a fairy tale. Mmm.” Her eyes were closed and the dreamy look on her face made Wade smile. Ah, Miss Poisie—the great romantic of the group.
“I’ve longed for it, too.” Wade smiled as the woman opened her eyes and nodded. “Anyway, Abrianna has agreed to marry me.”
Cheers and comments of approval erupted around the table. Wade glanced at Thane, who lifted his glass in a toasting manner from across the table. Wade smiled and raised his own glass.
“I am quite delighted to hear this news,” Mrs. Madison declared. Her normally grim expression softened. “We have always felt you were a part of the family, Wade, and now you will truly have a permanent place.” She motioned to the students. “You all know your duties. After cleanup, you are free to spend the evening as you wish. Wade and Abrianna, won’t you join us in the parlor?” She looked to her sister and Mrs. Gibson before turning to Abrianna’s father. “You are most welcome to accompany us, as well.”
Jay Cunningham exchanged a look with Flora’s aunt. The woman was to leave in a day or two, and Wade could clearly see the man’s desire to remain in her company. “I’m sure there will be plenty of time for us to celebrate together. I have a feeling you might have other things to tend to.”
Abrianna seemed to take notice and nodded with great enthusiasm. “Of course we can celebrate later. We’ll be celebrating for years to come. I think you and Mrs. Snyder should enjoy the lovely evening together. I do think the two of you make a charming couple.”
Her father leaned down and whispered something, but Wade couldn’t hear. He supposed the way Abrianna giggled that it had something to do with her obvious matchmaking.
Wade assisted Abrianna from her chair and offered her his arm. He liked having her so close. Sometimes he found himself almost afraid that if he let her out of his sight for long, she might very well disappear. For all her ambitions and schemes, Abrianna wasn’t always given to planning things out very well, and common sense was often avoided altogether. Perhaps she would never be overly cautious in life, but he prayed she might practice some restraint once they were married.
They followed the trio of older women into the small sitting room. The intimacy of the room was generally reserved for the family, yet Wade had often taken his meetings with Mrs. Madison here. The way they treated him, Wade always felt a part of the family, just as Mrs. Madison suggested.
The ladies took their seats, leaving Wade and Abrianna to share the settee. Sitting this close, Wade could smell the delicate scent of rosewater that Abrianna used to wash her hair. It was funny how he was only now beginning to notice those kinds of things about her. The softness of her skin. The blue of her eyes.
“Of course we anticipated this announcement,” Mrs. Madison began, “and we are quite delighted at the news.”
“Oh, indeed.” Miss Poisie beamed. “I am ever the romantic at heart. My dear departed Captain Jonathan . . .”
Mrs. Gibson leaned forward with a nod. “God rest his soul.”
“Amen,” they all answered in unison, including Wade.
“He often said I was terribly romantic. He would tease me and say that perhaps Cupid was an ancestor of mine.” Miss Poisie gave a girlish giggle. “I told him I wouldn’t be at all surprised.”
Mrs. Madison’s expression suggested this was nonsense, and her words seemed to affirm as much. “Since Cupid is a mythological creature, we must allow that he has no ancestors. Be that as it may, we are pleased by your announcement, Wade. I know I speak for the others in saying that we could not imagine a better man for our Abrianna.”
“Thank you.” Wade wondered exactly where the conversation was headed. These old ladies were well known for their management and opinions. He could only hope their thoughts didn’t lean toward a long engagement.
“Have you a thought as to the date of your wedding?” Mrs. Madison’s question hung on the air.
Wade looked at Abrianna, wondering if she had given the matter any consideration. She shook her head, and he in turn looked back at the women. “No, I guess we haven’t.”
“Oh, do let it be soon,” Miss Poisie declared.
“But not too soon,” Mrs. Gibson added. “We wouldn’t want folks thinking that the marriage was necessary. There would be great shame in that, especially now that you have agreed to take the church.”<
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Mrs. Madison appeared to consider this for a moment. “Certainly that would create conflict. We mustn’t have scandal brought down on either of you.”
“I think you should marry just after the first of the year.” Miss Poisie’s tone was quite animated. “I don’t think it’s wise to be married in an odd-numbered year. Especially given all the misfortune of 1889, what with the fire in Seattle and that terrible flood in Johnstown. You wouldn’t want your anniversary to ever be marked with memories of such things.”
“Poppycock.” This came from Mrs. Gibson as she gave a brief shake of her index finger. “We will not be given over to superstitious notions, Poisie. The year 1889 is a perfectly acceptable year. However, there are only four months left to it.”
“Four months is plenty time enough to plan a wedding,” Miss Poisie countered. “Why, I heard that when the Princess Beatrice married, the wedding was planned out in a very short time.”
“But remember, Sister, the accomplishments of royalty are not necessarily the same that can be had for commoners.” Mrs. Madison fixed Wade and Abrianna with a stern expression. “We must be practical. Don’t you agree?”
“Yes, most assuredly. Lenore is to be my matron of honor.” Abrianna looked to Wade as if for support. “She cannot stand up with me until after the baby is born, and that will be in December.”
Miss Poisie smiled as if she’d just gotten her way. Wade might have laughed at the little woman’s delight, but he knew such matters could be quite serious amongst the trio. There was no sense in adding to the issue.
“We want to help, no matter,” Mrs. Madison continued. “We would like to host your wedding here in the gardens if you like, so that would suggest a spring or summer wedding.”
Wade didn’t like that thought. Now that he realized his love for Abrianna and she for him, he could see no sense in waiting that long. Just being this near to her made him have unruly thoughts of hoisting her over his shoulder and eloping. He didn’t think he was patient enough to wait until spring.
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