Yes, the more Belinda thought about it, the more she envisioned the young woman to be quite ugly indeed. Hadn’t Sarah Jo said as much? Didn’t she mention that women who placed advertisements were prone to exaggeration where their looks were concerned? And, knowing George, he would never agree to a passel of children. She simply couldn’t imagine it.
Now in a more relaxed frame of mind, Belinda waited for the train to arrive. It came on time, the grinding of brakes nearly deafening them. Belinda, Greta, and Cassie drew near to watch the passengers disembark.
“Looks pretty crowded,” Greta observed. “I hope we can figure out which one she is.”
Belinda looked about but couldn’t see anyone who matched the description of the woman in the advertisement. Maybe she missed the train. Or changed her mind.
Finally a young woman exited the car, gingerly taking a couple of steps down and forward. She held a parasol in one hand, which she opened as soon as she stepped out into the sunlight. Belinda’s breath caught in her throat. She had never seen such a beautiful woman in all of her life.
The exquisite blond was like something from a catalog. Her perfectly trim waistline was pinched tight in a dress unlike anything Belinda had ever laid eyes on. Oh, how the bright blue fabric brought out the color in her big blue eyes. Why, oh why, did she have to have eyes the color of bluebonnets? On top of that disaster, the woman didn’t have a freckle or blemish on her ivory cheeks. No, everything about her—from the top of her coiffed hair to the tips of her delicate button-up shoes—was the very picture of perfection.
Belinda groaned inwardly, plastered on a smile, and greeted the woman with the most pleasant voice possible under the circumstances. “Adeline! Welcome.”
“Oh, I’m so thrilled to be here.” The woman flashed a smile so genuine and heartfelt that Belinda at once realized her charm. She reached for Belinda’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “You must be Belinda Bauer.”
“The very one.”
“Oh, Belinda, I’m so glad to be here.” Adeline’s eyes sparkled. “I’ve waited and prayed for this day for such a long time now. You know, I had no idea what kind of a man would answer my advertisement. Oh, but the Lord knew! And isn’t it fascinating to think that He has known all our lives who we would marry and where we would live? It thrills my heart to know I can trust Him so!”
“Yes, well...” Belinda tried to think of something to say, but could not.
Thankfully Greta interrupted, making introductions. Within minutes they were all acquainted, and by the time the porter loaded Adeline’s bags onto the wagon, they shared an easy and pleasant conversation.
Belinda made the drive to Poetry in silence. Greta made up for it, so no one seemed any the wiser. Still, as she peeked out of the corner of her eyes at Adeline, Belinda couldn’t help but think she’d made a huge mistake by bringing her here. Something about all of this just felt wrong.
“Belinda, how can I thank you?” Adeline’s voice rang out from behind. “You have been such an answer to prayer. You found my advertisement, wrote to me, and all because you sensed the Lord’s leading. I’m forever in your debt.”
“Yes, well...” Belinda sighed.
“And I can hardly wait to meet George.” Adeline offered up a girlish giggle. “I even dreamed about him last night.”
“You did?” Belinda found that quite ironic, in light of the fact that she’d dreamed about him, as well.
“Yes.” Adeline’s expression shifted to one of pure excitement. “I dreamed about the house we will one day live in. It was quite lovely, with two bedrooms and indoor plumbing. I made little curtains to hang in the windows, and George built our furniture with his own hands.”
Greta laughed at that one. “I can hardly imagine George building furniture. Still, I feel sure you will one day have a home just like the one you described, especially if George falls head over heels for you, like I know he will.”
“Don’t be so sure, Greta,” Belinda interjected, her heart now thumping madly. “I have it on good authority that George enjoys living at home with his parents. It is somewhat likely he will stay close to his mother after he weds.”
Greta gave her a curious look but didn’t say anything.
“Oh?” Adeline shifted nervously. “Well, that would be one possibility, of course, though it would be nice to have a place of our own. She paused for a moment and appeared to be deep in thought. “Still, I must admit, the idea of having a mother and father nearby sounds divine, too.” Dabbing at her eyes, she whispered, “I lost my parents a year ago.”
“Oh, Adeline, how awful. I’m so sorry.” Belinda hardly knew what to say next. Suddenly she felt like giving herself a good swift kick.
“I have a younger sister,” Adeline continued. “She’s twelve. If George and I marry, she will come to live with us, of course. That is why I worded the advertisement as I did. If I ended up with the wrong man—say, a fellow who didn’t love children—it would be problematic. My sister depends on me for everything, you see.”
Aha. So there are children involved. Or at least one child. Belinda pondered this fact, realizing that she had neglected to mention to George that Adeline wanted a man ready for a family. Would that be a problem? Belinda sighed as the truth registered. Surely, if he fell for this lovely young woman, he would take in her sister, as well. Why, George was the kindest man in the world. He would bend over backward to accommodate, especially if he genuinely cared about the person in need.
Still, the idea of him caring for Adeline caused Belinda’s heart to twist. This new revelation both frightened and thrilled her, though she couldn’t decide which emotion to entertain first.
Cassie, who’d been quiet till now, interjected her thoughts on the matter. “I say if the man doesn’t tend to the needs of both you and your sister, you should give up on the idea of matrimony immediately. Don’t waste your time on someone who doesn’t appreciate and sympathize with your situation.”
“I suppose you’re right,” Adeline said, looking a bit defeated. “Though I would hope to convince him over time, should the need arise. And my sister is quite easy to live with. Very sweet and well-mannered.”
Cassie nodded. “Still, you make sure before you agree to marry him. Men these days are quite modern in their thinking, at least the men I know. They understand that a woman’s needs are different than they were, say, a hundred years ago. So, if George is the man intended for you, you will know it beyond a shadow of a doubt, because his thoughts will correspond with yours. That’s not to say you will agree on every detail, but in general you will be compatible on issues such as children and the like.”
Adeline smiled. “What a sensible way to look at things. Our thoughts will correspond. I like that image. You’ve given me a lot to think about, Cassie. Thank you for that. I will pray about this and get the Lord’s perspective on it. He will show me what to do, should any problems arise.” She shifted her gaze to the blue skies overhead, sighing. “Oh, but what a perfect place to contemplate life’s greater mysteries. You have such lovely weather here. I can’t believe it’s this warm in September.”
“Warm?” Belinda debated, tugging at her collar. “Why, it’s absolutely hot. Of course, our autumns are often unbearable, though not as awful as the summertime.” Okay, Belinda. Perhaps that was a bit much.
Greta looked at her in dazed curiosity. “Belinda, what in the world are you talking about?”
“Is it really this warm every September?” Cassie sounded nervous, and Belinda realized she’d better rethink some of her comments, lest she scare both women away. She opened her mouth to say something sensible, but Adeline interrupted.
“Oh, I love the warmth,” the lovely young woman said, contentedly. “In Boston I’m chilled to the bone all of the time. Here I can bask in the glow of the sun...and my future husband’s love.” She giggled. “Sorry if I sound a little silly, but I’m so excited.”
“Who can blame you?” Greta said. “And who wouldn’t love you? Why, you’re a
bout the sweetest thing I’ve ever met in my life.”
Adeline whispered a shy, “Thank you.”
“Yes, who wouldn’t love you?” Belinda whispered. She turned her attention back to steering the wagon toward town and hoped the clip-clop of the horse’s hooves drowned out the sound of her anxious heart.
Cassie simply shook her head.
“What is it?” Adeline asked. “Do you find me silly?”
“Not silly, exactly.” Cassie frowned. “You are far more romantic in nature than I am, to be sure. I tend to look at life practically. For you, I would imagine the dream of a happily-ever-after is always at the front of your mind.”
“Of course.” Adeline blushed. “Is it not the same for you?”
“I don’t think of happily-ever-afters in the same way as most, I guess. I’m more scientific in my mind-set.”
“As am I!” Belinda looked at her, stunned. “I’ve always said a perfect match is a matter of both science and faith and that if either is missing from the equation, the relationship is doomed to fail.”
“I agree completely,” Cassie said. “Though I daresay romance sounds good in theory.”
Adeline giggled. “You two are so funny! I’ve never once thought of love and marriage as being scientific at all. Why, to me it’s all a matter of feelings.”
Feelings. Hmm. Belinda paused to push those away as they arrived in town. For now, she’d better keep her feelings—whatever they might be—to herself. She slowed the pace of the horse to a slow trot so that the women could get a good look at Poetry in all its glory.
“Why, speaking of feelings, this town gives me such a good feeling,” Adeline said, looking about. “It’s such a darling little place!”
“Growing like a weed, too,” Greta said. “We even have an opera house going in. It will be finished in time for a Christmas production. I can’t wait for you to meet Sarah Jo, the woman in charge of it. She’s such fun.”
“I love a good theatrical,” Adeline said with a nod. “I’m happy to hear about the opera house. What about George? Does he like the theater?”
“Surely not,” Belinda said, shaking her head. “I can’t picture it.”
Again Greta gave her a strange look.
“I love the idea of the opera house, too,” Cassie said. “In fact, I find the whole town absolutely charming. I’m sure Mr. Ogilvie and I will lead a very nice life here. If we are suitably matched, I mean.” She paused for a moment, looking at the stores. “How do you think he will feel about me putting in a dress shop, though?”
“Oh, I’ve already told him you are interested in working after marriage,” Belinda said. “He’s quite busy at the butcher shop and appreciates the fact that you can fill the hours doing something you love.”
“Perfect.” Cassie pointed to an empty lot next to the doctor’s office. “Why, I can see my dress shop going in right over there.” She turned her attention to an empty lot next to the post office. “Oh, but you will have to help me come up with a name in keeping with the town. That will take some doing.” She paused then snapped her fingers. “No, I have it! What about this? Metric Patterns!”
“Metric Patterns?” Adeline looked at her with confusion. “What does that mean?”
“Life is very much like the patterns I use for sewing,” Cassie said. “Everything calculated. Measured. A poem is much the same, each line carefully thought-out. So I’ve merged the two together in my mind and come up with that name. What do you think?”
“I think it’s a perfect idea,” Belinda said. She turned to Adeline. “Are you hoping to open some sort of business like so many of the other ladies?”
“Who, me?” Adeline shook her head. “Heavens, no.” Her cheeks turned pink. “I’m hoping to marry and raise a family. I wouldn’t want anything to get in the way of my relationship with my husband. George will come first. No doubt about that.”
“I see.” Belinda sighed once more.
She pulled the wagon up to the front of Poetic Notions, and George appeared at once from the barbershop door. She watched as his gaze shifted back and forth between Cassie and Adeline, as if trying to figure out which one was meant for him. To put him out of his misery, Belinda made quick introductions.
“George, this is Adeline Jewett. Adeline, this is George Kaufman, my...” She started to say “best friend” but stopped herself. No, after he married, they could no longer go on being best friends, could they? She would have to take a giant step backward. Oh, if only she could convince her heart that it was the right thing to do. Then all would be well.
***
George stared in silence at the lovely young woman in the wagon. When she rose, he extended a hand and helped her down. She responded with a smile so genuine that it warmed his heart.
“Adeline.” He spoke the word softly, and it sounded like music as it slipped between his lips.
“Actually, I go by Adeline Rose,” she said with a girlish smile. “Rose is my middle name.”
“Adeline Rose, welcome to Poetry.” Her hand lingered in his as they gazed into the other’s eyes.
“For now, Adeline will do,” she said. “Until we know one another better.”
“Of course. Adeline, then.”
“George, I’m so happy to make your acquaintance at last.” Her long eyelashes batted, though he sensed she didn’t do it on purpose. “I’ve been so excited, I could scarcely think of anything else for days.”
“O–oh?” He found himself enraptured by her bright blue eyes and intricately styled hair. Truly, Adeline Rose was the most beautiful woman Belinda had brought to town thus far. And she was meant...for him?
In that moment, he very nearly lost control of his senses. For, while he considered himself a practical man, there was nothing practical about this kind of beauty. It defied the odds. It sent the mind reeling. It gave one hope to believe he could actually attain the unattainable.
“We—we are thrilled to have you in our fair town,” George managed. He attempted a smile but thought it felt a little cockeyed. What was it about this woman that made him nervous? Even his hands were shaking. Could it be that Belinda had been right all along? Perhaps he’d been so enraptured with what was right in front of him that he’d ignored the possibilities of something else coming along. Well, he would weigh his options over the upcoming days and weeks and ask the Lord’s opinion. Surely the circumstances would not be terribly painful, not with such an exquisite woman to consider.
Two exquisite women. He turned to Belinda, for the first time noticing the look of pain in her eyes. What had caused it? He offered a smile and she returned it, though her eyes still reflected something he couldn’t quite discern. Was she upset at him? Had he done something wrong? Surely not. He had played along with her plans and not complained a whit. Why would that bother her now?
“Can I get your bag, Adeline?” he asked, coming back to his senses.
When she nodded, he reached for her things and carried them across the street and into the hotel. Once inside the lobby, Belinda turned to Adeline, her voice quite businesslike as she spoke. “Be careful not to speak to strangers, Adeline.”
“O–oh?”
“Yes. I don’t believe I’ve mentioned it before, but there is an insane asylum in Terrell, just six miles away.” Belinda spoke with an all-too-serious look on her face. “I often wonder if we are at risk, living so close.”
“Oh my.” Adeline began to fan herself.
George looked at Belinda, curious about both her demeanor and the direction the conversation was heading. He hadn’t heard her mention the insane asylum since their days in school, when they would tell scary stories about it. Why today, of all days? He stared at her, wondering about the somewhat frantic way she spoke. Maybe all of this matchmaking was finally getting to her. She was acting mighty strange.
And scaring Adeline, from the looks of things. Unfortunately, he never had a chance to address it. Belinda kept right on going, surprising him with her next words to Adeline.
“Tornado warnings?”
“Well, yes,” Belinda said, with an all-too-serious expression on her face. “Did I forget to mention that the entire town was devastated by a tornado fourteen years ago?” She paused and shook her head. “I was sure I mentioned that. Sorry.”
He made an attempt to interrupt, trying to bring some sense to this conversation. “Belinda, what in the world are you—?”
“Just listen for the sound of howling wind,” Belinda said, her eyes narrowing into slits. “It’s a terrible sound. Kind of like a train coming through town.”
Adeline’s eyes widened. “Oh my. I had no idea.”
George shook his head. “Adeline, you have nothing to worry about. This town hasn’t seen a tornado in years.”
“Still.” Belinda nodded, as if that settled the whole thing. “You never know.”
George gave her a “What are you trying to accomplish here?” look, and Belinda shifted gears immediately. She turned to their new guest with a winning smile.
“Adeline, George was wondering if you would like to go to dinner at the restaurant tonight.”
He turned her way, stunned, and mouthed, “I was?”
When she nodded, he turned to Adeline. “I would be thrilled to escort you to dinner tonight, Miss Adeline. If you would be so kind as to accompany me, I will meet you at seven o’clock in the hotel lobby.”
“Indeed.” She smiled. “I would be honored. In the meantime, I must check into my room and freshen up. I must look simply awful.”
“Certainly not.” He couldn’t help but smile. The young woman clearly had no idea just how beautiful she was. He found himself captivated by her, in fact.
“I look forward to our evening together.” She gave him a shy smile then followed on the bellman’s heels toward her hotel room. George turned back to Belinda, who still had the same pained expression on her face.
Boxed Set: Deep in the Heart of Texas: Hurricane, Mismatched in Texas, Christmas at the Crossroads Page 37