by Jenna Brandt
As they walked over to the refreshments table, William asked, “It seems you wanted to talk to me alone, Pierre. What is going on?”
“I wanted to ask you to run interference tonight if Mr. McCoy decides to try to acquire Amelie’s attention again. I don’t want the boy causing problems.”
“So, what you are telling me is the two of you have reunited?”
“It seems as if we have.”
“What did it take?”
“I simply agreed to attend church with her tomorrow.”
“You should be careful. She will be able to tell if you are not taking it seriously. You could end up making the situation a lot worse if you are faking interest for her sake.”
“That is just it, William. I am not faking interest. I actually want to attend church. There has to be something to it, considering the only two women I have ever had true feelings for both believe so strongly in God they picked their faith over me.”
“Kind of a blow to the ego, huh?”
“I have to admit, it bothered me at first, but if their faith is what made both Margaret and Amelie the way they are, I want to understand it.”
“You have my support, both tonight and tomorrow. If I can count on you to help me in regards to her father. I am not sure if Pastor McCoy is keen on me seeing his daughter.” He glanced over at Debbey and grinned. “Tomorrow after church I plan on asking her father permission to officially court her.”
“I am not sure how much help I will be, but for what it is worth, you have my support.”
“It seems we are going to have our hands full trying to pursue these West Linn ladies.”
Both men looked at each other with raised eyebrows and then began to chuckle.
Amelie watched Pierre and William as they poured the drinks and talked. Apparently, one of them said something humorous, because they were both laughing. She wondered what they were talking about.
Pierre looked impeccable in his dark blue suit, crisp white shirt and black bow tie. His dark hair was slicked back, per normal, and his physique was tantalizing through his tailored outfit.
Deciding to turn her attention to her friend, Amelie asked, “Debbey, how is your circumstance with William advancing tonight?”
“Admirably. I really think he might be the man I end up marrying, Amelie.”
“Truly? You have only known him a short time.”
“When you know, you know, and when I look at him, I just know.”
She admired her friend’s certainty. When it came to men, Amelie had never been certain about anything. She had been a late bloomer, and boys hadn’t show an interest in her until much later than most of her peers. By the time she went away to school, she had never even shared a kiss with a boy. That aspect didn’t change while she was at school either, as she had been too busy studying and training to find time for men. Now, she found herself contemplating what it would feel like if Pierre kissed her? Would he be her first kiss? Would he be her last? Her stomach did a somersault at the thought.
“Has he kissed you yet?” Amelie asked, inquisitively.
Debbey blushed and averted her eyes. “You promise not to say anything to anyone?”
Amelie crossed her heart with two fingers and raised them, a gesture of promise they had been doing since they were little girls.
“I met up with him earlier today behind the general store because he said he couldn’t wait to see me tonight. After we talked for a few minutes, he leaned in and kissed me soundly on the mouth.”
Amelie gasped with surprise. “Oh, my, Debbey. What was it like?”
“Well, you know it wasn’t my first kiss.”
“I am well aware. That honor belongs to Steve Peterson when we were in primer seven.”
Rolling her eyes, Debbey commented, “Don’t remind me. I can’t believe I ever let him get so close.”
Steve Peterson had been a couple of years older than them. He had always been a bit strange, but when he was very young, there was a certain charisma about him. As school progressed, he became quite the exasperation to most everyone in town with his senseless stories, unseemly outbursts, and inappropriate displays of affection, one of such resulted in Debbey’s first kiss. As he grew older, he grew more peculiar; to the point he became known as the town oddity. After finishing school, both girls avoided him whenever possible.
“It’s not your fault you didn’t know how he was at the time. His true idiosyncrasy came out years later.”
“Well, all I have to say is my kiss with William was nothing like my first kiss. William is exceptional at it.”
“Glad to hear it, Debbey. You deserve to be happy.” As Amelie saw Debbey’s family gesturing for her to join them, she asked, “How do you think your family is going to react to his interest in you? Has he talked to your father about it yet?”
Debbey shook her head. “He hasn’t yet,” she said as she leaned in closer to Amelie, “but he told me tomorrow after church he is going to ask my father’s permission to court me.”
“What do you think your father is going to say?”
“I hope he will see what I see in William and realize he is a wonderful man and will be a good husband and future father to our children.”
“Whoa, Debbey, you seem to be jumping ahead quite a bit.”
“Remember what I told you earlier? When you know, you know.”
As she stood up, Debbey said, “I suppose I should go see what my family wants. I will be back in a bit.”
Amelie was delighted to hear her friend was finding happiness. She had always wondered how Debbey would find a husband in a town so small and with such limited possibilities. She was glad God brought the right man into her life.
As she watched the two European men approach her with their cups of punch, she wondered why God had brought Pierre into her life. She knew there must be a purpose, but what was it? Silently she said a prayer. God, please guide me in what you want me to do. I know you want to use me in Pierre’s life. Show me how and lead me down the path you want me to follow.
“Where is Debbey?” William asked, as he looked around the room. As his eyes came to rest on her with her family, he stated, “Oh, well, I am not about to interrupt that. I suppose I will just wait here until she can return.”
“You know, William, it wouldn’t be the worst idea for you to go over there and introduce yourself to her family.”
“I plan to tomorrow.”
“Yes, but perhaps if you introduce yourself to them tonight, tomorrow will go much smoother.”
His eyes darted to Amelie’s and grew wide with surprise. “Did she tell you?”
Amelie nodded. “Knowing the McCoy family, I am telling you, you would be better to break the ice tonight in anticipation of your plans for tomorrow.”
With a shrug, William said, “How bad could it go?”
Pierre chuckled. “Undoubtedly, it will be conditional on what you say.”
“You should wish me good fortune then.”
“Oh, I am sure you will be fine, William. You always manage to win everyone over with your charm.”
With that, William sauntered over to the McCoy clan. Amelie and Pierre watched as he said something and extended his hand to Pastor McCoy. He then took the hand of Mrs. McCoy, and bent down to kiss the top. He finished by saying something to Matthew with a nod. They hadn’t sent him away and none of them were frowning. Amelie was praying this was a good sign. She held her breath, hoping he was able to gain their approval for Debbey’s sake. “Do you really think he has a fighting chance with them? They seem to be an extremely close-knit family.”
“They are, but they are also some of the most welcoming people I know.”
A moment later, Pastor McCoy had a huge grin cross his face and a hearty chorus of laughter could be heard from the entire McCoy clan. It seemed William had worked his charm on the McCoys and Debbey’s face was lit up with elation.
The butler entered the room just then and said, “Dinner is ready to be served. Pleas
e make your way into the dining hall.”
Amelie was pleased to find she had been seated by Pierre, which made her again wonder if Mrs. Moore knew of her budding relationship with the Frenchman. Furthermore, she was grateful Mrs. Moore placed Matthew at the other end of the table.
Pierre helped her into her seat and then took the seat next to her. “I am glad we were assigned to sit by one another.”
“As am I. Even if Mrs. Moore’s dinners are famous around these parts for being one of the best meals you will have the privilege of consuming, sitting next to you will make the dinner that much more enjoyable. Every year, she actually succeeds in out-doing the previous year’s 10-course meal.”
“How intriguing. Do tell, how does she accomplish such a feat?”
“The first year, she hired the premier French chef of San Francisco for an exorbitant amount of money. Now, he travels to West Linn every year to cook for her annual party.”
“She seems to be a remarkable woman.”
“You have no idea.”
The first course, a cold summer squash soup, made its appearance. It was placed before each of them in perfect unison around the table. Amelie sipped the consommé, and as expected, it was the most delectable soup she ever had the pleasure of trying. The rest of the meal passed with easy conversation, delicious courses, and comfortable ambience.
When the dinner concluded, Pierre helped Amelie out of her seat and asked, “What do the Moores have planned for the rest of the night?”
Smiling, Amelie replied, “They always have music and dancing out on the back veranda.”
“And which way might that be?”
“I can escort Amelie outside.”
Amelie inhaled sharply, holding her breath at the sound of Matthew’s voice. With how pleasantly dinner had passed, she had completely forgotten he was present. Did he have to interrupt and ruin what had been up, until that moment, a wonderful evening?
“Thank you for the offer, Matthew, but Pierre has it quite in hand.”
“It didn’t sound as if he did. Perhaps, it’s because he doesn’t belong here. If he did, he would know how things work in West Linn, including our annual traditions.”
“I am content with my current escort, who is a welcomed guest of the Moores. If you have a problem with whom they invite to their parties, perhaps you should take it up with them.”
Wearily, Matthew glanced at Mr. Moore. Amelie suspected he didn’t want to ruffle the feathers of his boss. Little did he know, Pierre was a silent partner in the mill, and could easily have him fired for behaving so boorishly. She glanced up at Pierre. Was he the type to do so?
“You heard the lady, she is satisfied with my escorting duties. You need not bother yourself with her care any longer.”
Amelie watched as Matthew’s eyes narrowed. He made a low growl in his throat before saying, “If you change your mind Amelie, I will be available all night. All you have to do is let me know you wish for me to intervene.”
Exasperated, she retorted, “It won’t be necessary. I plan to spend the rest of the evening with Mr. Girald.”
Amelie registered the hurt as it crossed his face. Momentarily she felt guilty but quickly dismissed it, knowing Matthew wouldn’t back down if she wasn’t blunt. He had always had a stubborn streak. Without another word, he turned on his heels and marched out of the dining hall.
“Don’t listen to him. The townsfolk are happy to have you here, Pierre.”
“Are you happy to have me here, Amelie?”
She looked up at him and answered, “Most assuredly.”
“I am glad to hear it. My deepest desire is to make you happy, mon étoile. It is my ambition to make sure you have anything and everything you want.”
A blush covered Amelie from top to bottom. No man had ever made her happiness his priority, with the exception of her father.
“Thank you, Pierre. It is kind of you to care so deeply about my happiness.”
As he guided her outside onto the veranda, she thought of how much he wanted to please her. It was beyond anything she ever thought possible. It made her believe he would support her in whatever she chose to do. The idea of a man not only supporting her but encouraging her in such a way seemed almost too good to be true. Dare she hope for such a future?
“May I have the honor of this first dance this evening?” Pierre inquired.
“I could think of nothing I would like more.”
Pierre collected her into his arms. As he placed her in the proper hold for the dance, she felt the beating of his heart against her own chest. His breath danced across her face like butterflies.
As the music filled the outside gardens, Pierre expertly spun her around the dance floor. Amelie remained captivated by the nearness of his presence. She could feel the warmth from his touch flow through the layers of her dress and course through her body. She had danced with many partners through the years, but none of them ever made her feel the way Pierre did. Quivers cascaded through her, from where his hands rested.
As the song ended, Amelie leaned towards him and whispered, “I am glad we are spending time together again. I would not want to spend this night with anyone else.”
“Would you care to go for a walk in the gardens?” Pierre asked.
“That would be lovely.”
The Moore estate had not only the finest gardens in all of West Linn, but arguably in all of the Oregon territory. The scent of the lilacs and roses mixed together to create a beautiful bouquet which tickled Amelie’s nose.
As they meandered down the pathway between the hedges, Amelie thought how wonderful the night was turning out to be. It was almost flawless, but then a pang of longing hit her. She wished her parents were there to see how happy she was.
“What are you thinking about, mon étoile?” Pierre asked.
“I’m thinking about how tonight is almost perfect.”
“Almost?” Pierre questioned.
“I wish my parents were here. I haven’t been to a party without them. I was away at school when they were at the last one, and it was the night they—” She couldn’t finish the sentence. She had never spoken about what happened to her parents. It was as if she said the words out loud, it made their death more real.
“Amelie, no one in town talks about what happened to your parents. I have heard murmurings it was an accident of some sort, but I think, out of respect for you and Elise, no one discusses it.”
Reaching over, he grabbed her by the hand and drew her down next to him on the garden bench. “I want to understand, and I think it might help you to talk about it. It is not beneficial to keep all your feelings locked up inside.”
She wasn’t sure she knew how to open up about her parents’ deaths. Amelie had been hiding her feelings for so long, it was second nature to stuff them down. It was how she dealt with difficulties.
With a heavy sigh, Amelie said, “The Moore’s had a dinner party for some of their friends, including my parents. It went late into the evening and my parents were tired from working at the bakery all day. The Moores invited them to spend the night, but they never liked to impose on anyone. The sheriff believes my father must have fallen asleep while steering the wagon and lost control. They found pieces of the shattered wagon, along with their bodies, on the banks of the Willamette River.”
Pierre stretched out his arms and wrapped them around Amelie. “I am so sorry, Amelie. I wish they could be here with you as well.”
Amelie let herself melt into Pierre’s embrace. She felt safe within his arms, and she knew she had made the right decision to confide in him about her parents’ accident. She felt a small measure of peace from telling him.
Glancing up at the night sky, Amelie let the brightness of the full moon caress her skin. Surrounded by countless twinkling stars, she gave a silent ‘thank you’ to God for sending her Pierre.
Then as she looked more closely at the night sky, she noticed something seemed out of place. It was supposed to be a cloudless night, but tow
ards the town, she could see what seemed to be a grey cloud in the sky. As she watched it, it was moving fast and slowly increasing in size.
“Pierre, what do you think that is?” she asked, as she pointed to the growing cloudlike apparition. “I thought it was a cloud but it doesn’t seem to move like one.”
Jumping up, Pierre asserted, “It is not a cloud.” Grabbing her hand, he quickly pulled her up from the bench and dragged her behind him. “We need to get everyone’s attention now. I think that is a fire.”
“W-what?” her voice quivered, as she asked, “What are you talking about?”
“Something has caught fire and if we do not get to it immediately, it could destroy the whole town again.”
Chapter 12
As their carriage approached Main Street, Amelie’s breath caught in her throat as she looked out the window. She couldn’t believe her eyes. The bakery was engulfed in flames.
Coming to a halt a safe distance away, Amelie jumped out of the carriage. She watched in horror as men scurried to and from the town water supply carrying buckets to try to stop the fire from spreading. Even as she watched them try to put the fire out, Amelie realized there was no way of saving her family’s bakery.
In shock, Amelie stumbled over to the town water supply and began filling buckets of water. As she handed them to the approaching men, each one of them gave her a pitying look. They knew the damage was already too significant to save the bakery. At this point, they were only focused on saving as many surrounding buildings as possible.
A hand reached out and touched her gently on the arm. “Amelie, you should be sitting down. You do not need to be doing this right now.”
Amelie looked up and met Pierre’s eyes. The concern was evident in his eyes, but she didn’t want him to look at her the way everyone else already did. Jerking away, she said, “On the contrary, I am exactly where I should be.”
“You are right. Here,” he grabbed one of the buckets. “Give me one.” Effortlessly, he lifted the bucket and rushed towards the fire.