by Dawn Kinzer
Ben swiped his mouth with a napkin. “Is your mother coming back to stay?” He’d already downed most of his cake, while Hope hadn’t even touched hers.
“She loves being with her grandchildren, but she also misses her home and friends—and of course, me,” Annie said with a wink. “And my sister’s husband recently got a promotion, so they’ll be able to hire someone to help with the children when my mother returns here.”
Jake moved his chair closer to Annie and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “Ben and I have agreed that Annie and I will live in our house on the farm.”
Of course a young married couple would want privacy, but it didn’t seem fair to throw Ben out. Hope caught his eye. “Where will you stay?”
Ben swallowed his last bite of cake and put his fork on the table. “I don’t know where my art will lead me, so right now the future is unclear. But Jake and I have talked about some possibilities, and I’m thinking about building a cottage with a studio on one end of the farm.”
Annie leaned forward and squeezed Hope’s hand lying next to her tea cup, the contents now cold. “Of course you can stay here as long as you like. Mother would love to have your company.”
How things had switched since Hope had first moved to Riverton. She’d thought when she first arrived it might be a temporary arrangement until her parents’ return from Panama. She hadn’t told Annie that her plans had altered as of that very afternoon, and she’d made a decision that would keep her in Riverton in a position that could prove both challenging and satisfying. There would be time for that later. This was Annie’s night to share a life-changing moment, and Hope didn’t want anything to distract from her cousin basking in it.
After an hour of talking about the engaged couple’s future plans, Jake and Ben decided to leave.
“Would you join me outside while these two lovebirds say good night?” Ben gestured toward Jake and Annie, their heads together as they talked in voices too low for Ben and Hope to decipher what they were saying, and they shared an understanding smile.
She slipped her coat on and stepped out onto the porch. Hope was staying in Riverton, and Ben was making plans to build his own place, so it sounded like he had no intention of leaving either. Dare she hope they might have a future together?
Ben closed the door behind them. “We haven’t had much time to talk, Hope.”
“We haven’t had any time, but I understand. It’s been less than a week since you met Mr. Woodlin and heard his offer. Your mind has probably been spinning with possibilities and details.”
“There’s been a lot to sort out. Mr. Woodlin’s visit. Jake’s proposal.” He leaned against a post standing between the porch railing and roof. “But, I want you to know without a doubt—even though I fought you on it—that I appreciate your introducing my work to Mr. Woodlin. I wouldn’t be in this position without you believing in me. I owe you.”
“So, you finally admit that you’ve been given your artistic ability for a reason?”
“The story about Mr. Woodlin’s grandson got to me. I’ll never forget it.”
“I won’t either,” she said quietly.
“The reason I was willing to talk to Woodlin at all that night was because I’ve been having some long conversations with God. The two of you finally got through to me.” He shifted his weight and tipped his head back for a brief moment, as though thinking through what he wanted to say next. “Hope, I’ve been praying for God to change me.”
“You have?” What did he mean by change? That he’d become more willing to share his work without reservation? That he’d forgive himself for hurting Percy? Or was there something else?
“I want to be the kind of man you need me to be.”
“Ben...”
“Please. Hear me out.” He reached for her hands and held them close to his chest, drawing her nearer to him.
His heart pulsed beneath her fingertips, and the heat from his body stole the night’s chill from her own. Hope longed to rest her head on his chest and feel his arms envelop her like a cocoon where she could find love, comfort—and home. Instead, she gazed into his serious eyes.
“Hope, I know it hasn’t been your plan to live in Riverton forever. But I’m asking you to stay and give us some time—see where God takes this relationship. I know there are things you want to do with your life, and I promise I’ll do whatever I can to encourage and help you.”
“You don’t have to make any promises, Ben. I’ve accepted that I need to be realistic.”
“Realistic?”
“No more big ambitions.” A sob caught in her throat. She swallowed her unexpected grief, then took a deep breath and recovered. “No more fantasies about seeing my fashion designs in The Delineator or any other magazine. I talked to Clara earlier today. I’m not going back to New York. As a matter of fact, I’m not going anywhere at all. We’re going to have our own dress shop right here in Riverton.”
chapteR TWENTY-NINE
Large, delicate flakes danced outside like snow fairies at a winter ball. One landed on the Home Store window, and Hope marveled at its perfect, intricate design before it slowly dissolved. Two weeks before Thanksgiving and the ground was already blanketed.
This would be her place for now, but she and Clara hoped they’d soon have their own establishment. First, Mr. Edgewood would have to agree to sell them his mother’s millinery shop. The elderly woman had stopped making hats some months ago because her sight had failed to the point where she could no longer continue the work, and she’d found no one interested in learning the trade while she was still able to see well enough to take on an apprentice. But if Hope and Clara were unable to purchase the building, where would they set up their dress-making business?
No time for daydreaming. As the holidays drew closer, the Home Store grew even busier. The place would open in ten minutes, and there was sure to be a flurry of people in and out. Although the Sears, Roebuck and Co. catalog was helpful for ordering almost anything people could need or want, there was something more intimate about shopping for gifts in person, and last-minute shoppers couldn’t always count on items being delivered in time for Christmas.
Hope would miss seeing all the decorations in New York, especially the elaborate window displays. Maybe Mr. Carter would let her help decorate the store to make it more festive. Ideas were already stirring in her head. They couldn’t duplicate what the larger city stores achieved, but they could still accomplish plenty on a smaller scale.
Annie had explained a large wreath and garlands were traditionally hung outside, but she hadn’t mentioned decorations inside, a Christmas tree, or if any treats were provided for customers. Serving hot apple cider and cookies, as well as giving out peppermint sticks to the children, wouldn’t be difficult. Hope would present a list of suggestions to Mr. Carter in a day or two, so there would be time to prepare and get things in place—if he approved.
Annie and the other clerks moved into their positions as Mr. Carter unlocked the front door, and Hope stepped behind the sewing counter. Next year at this time, would she and Clara be decorating their own shop for Christmas?
***
The day passed in a flurry. Hope had gulped down her lunch, not wanting to leave other clerks without needed help. A darkening sky signaled the workday’s end. After a ride home chilling them to the bone, Hope and Annie would need to get a fire started in the woodstove first thing.
“Hope, I’m glad you’re still here.” Clara, sounding out of breath, frowned as several snowflakes fell from her hat. “I brushed myself off before coming in, but it looks like I missed a few.”
“It’s still snowing?”
“You haven’t noticed?”
“I’ve barely had time to glance out the window since this morning. Thanksgiving is still two weeks away, but we were so busy you’d have thought it was the last shopping day before Christmas.”
“The snow probably drove people in. They’re sayin’ we could be in for an early blizzard. If that happens w
e’ll be stuck inside for a while, and I’m going to be prepared.” Clara opened her handbag and took out a piece of paper. “I have a list of things I need. A snowstorm can be fun when you’re safe at home and have enough supplies to last several days, but it can be dangerous when you don’t.”
“Then I’m even more thankful that Ben and Jake made sure we have ample wood for the winter.”
“Those two have blessed me the same.” Clara laid her hand clutching the paper on the counter. “When my Frank was alive, he could chop and stack wood faster than any man in the county. But he’s not here to take care of us anymore, so we do the best we can with what we’ve got, and I try to let go of my pride and ask for help when needed. Rose is a mature fourteen-year-old, but she and I don’t have the strength to chop that much wood, and the boys are too young to handle an ax.”
“We’re all here to help each other.” Hope covered Clara’s hand with her own and gently squeezed. “That’s how God intends it.” She smiled. “Now, what I can do for you?”
“Oh, oh my!” Clara’s eyes lit up as she chuckled. “We have the best news! Mr. Edgewood stopped by this afternoon and said he’d like to meet with us tomorrow morning, if possible. He and his mother have decided to sell us the shop!”
Air whooshed from Hope’s lungs, and her body felt twenty pounds lighter. Thank you, Lord. “Clara, how could you possibly talk about snow before mentioning something that will completely change our lives?”
“Forgive me.” She shook her head and laughed. “I think I’m still in shock. I can’t believe my wish is comin’ true.” Clara sighed. “Hope, you don’t know how long I’ve wanted to have my own dress shop. A real business.”
The joy in Clara’s eyes warmed Hope’s inside. What had she done to deserve this lovely friend and partner? “Did Mr. Eldridge and his mother agree to sign the papers and turning over the building the beginning of January?”
“Yes, he said they weren’t in any great hurry because of the holidays. Waiting until January gives them plenty of time to clear her things from the shop.” Clara sobered. “You’re sure you want to do this? It doesn’t seem right when I don’t have any money to contribute to the purchase.”
“Put your worries to rest. It’s a fair collaboration. I can’t do this without you.” Hope understood Clara’s concerns, but she was telling the truth. Without her friend’s knowledge and skills, the shop would be doomed to fail before it even opened. “I have the funds to invest, because my parents trusted me enough to make sure I had access to money should anything happen to them. It’s there to ensure that I have a future—and this is what I’ve chosen to do with it. I’ll write our family’s lawyer and get things set in motion.”
“I still don’t know about being a partner. Maybe you should just have your name on the deed. I could work for you.”
“That’s not what we agreed to, my friend. You’re going to be an equal in every way. I’m providing the initial financial investment, but you’re offering skills I don’t possess. Once we establish ourselves, we’ll create a plan for you to put some funds back into the business.”
“My own financial contribution.”
“Exactly.” Hope glanced around the room. She wasn’t neglecting any customers—the place had pretty much cleared out. “So, you see? It will all work out. Come spring, I might even fix up the apartment above the shop and move in. A place to live without paying rent could be an advantage to our deal.”
“You don’t want to live with Annie?” Clara’s hand covered her open mouth. “Oh, that’s right, she’s getting married in the spring.”
“And her mother is planning to return. I’m sure my aunt wouldn’t mind me staying with her. She might even desire it, but I think it would be good for me to have my own place.”
It was one thing to live with Annie and feel like they were two young women ready for adventure. It was another to be left behind like a maid doomed to be a spinster, and though she and Ben had been spending more time together, he hadn’t even hinted he might be interested in marriage someday.
***
“Brrrr...it’s cold out there!” Hope hugged her chest to stop the shivering. The temperature wasn’t much warmer inside. With both she and Annie gone for the day, they hadn’t stoked the fire that morning. “Dear cousin, please get a fire going.” She shuffled around the house, lighting several lamps.
“Good thing we brought in a stack of wood last night before the snow covered it up. It always burns better when it’s warm and dry.” Annie opened the door to the woodstove in the kitchen and placed kindling inside. “It won’t take long to heat up the place once we get this thing going.”
Hope pulled back a curtain and stared out the window at the white flurry outside. “We got home just in time. It’s coming down harder.” She dropped the curtain back into place. “I’m glad it wasn’t like this all day. Your poor horse would have struggled pulling us through a foot of snow.” Hope unbuttoned her coat, then re-buttoned. Better to wait until she could no longer see her breath. “I’m glad she’s safe and sound in the barn.”
Annie blew gently on the kindling, and the flame grew. “Abby will be fine. There’s plenty of water and hay to keep her comfortable.” She placed a small piece of wood on the flame, and then another, until it roared and she closed the door. “I could use something hot to drink. Tea?”
“Hot cocoa sounds better.”
“It certainly does. There’s a bit of cocoa left and plenty of milk.” Annie opened the door to the icebox. “Ham and cheese sandwiches sound good?”
“I’m famished, and anything quick and easy will be perfect.” Hope slipped out of her coat and draped it over a chair to dry.
“I can take care of simple sandwiches. You warm up.”
“Thanks, Annie.” Hope grabbed a shawl lying on the back of a sofa in the living room, returned to the kitchen, and drew a chair closer to the stove. Her eyelids grew heavy as her thoughts replayed the conversation with Clara.
The sound of a pot clanking on the stove jarred her.
“A feast of sandwiches and shortbread cookies.” Annie bowed and placed several plates of food on the kitchen table.
Hope moved her chair back to the table with an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry. I should have been more help. You’ve been on your feet all day too.”
“No apology needed. It’s not like I spent hours in a hot kitchen preparing a lavish meal. You can cook tomorrow night.” Annie stirred the pot of milk and cocoa with a large wooden spoon. “I think it’s ready. Don’t want it so hot it burns your mouth.” She wrapped a towel around the handle and poured steaming liquid into two cups, then sat across from Hope.
“Thanks, Annie.” Hope said a prayer of thanks, then took a bite of her sandwich and savored the meat’s smoky flavor paired with the cheese’s creamy texture. She sipped the warm, velvety, sweet drink. “I mean it. You’re a jewel. All shiny, beautiful, and priceless.”
Annie, giggling, almost choked on her food. “If all it takes to have you swoon is a little bit of ham and cheese, then I need to make one of my pumpkin pies. I’ll really have you in my power.”
Hope grinned, then took another bite.
“Oh, my goodness.” Annie jumped up. “We were so busy at the store, I forgot. Something came for you today. It’s in my bag.” She left the room, then returned with an envelope and a letter opener.
The cream-colored envelope was smudged with dirt. Hope fingered the corner where Eva Lancaster’s return address had been torn halfway through, but she didn’t move to see what the parcel held.
Annie stared at Hope with raised eyebrows. “Aren’t you going to open it?”
“I’m sure it’s much of the same. She’ll just say I show some promise, and someday I’ll be a true designer if I just keep working hard.”
Here in her hand was yet another reminder of her failures, and that while those she cared for were seeing their desires become reality, she’d never experience the same. After deciding to help Clara open the dr
ess shop, Hope had convinced herself she’d smothered that small flame of envy that fought to flare into a roaring blaze. Hope sighed, then laid the letter opener on the tray between them and tossed the envelope on top.
“If you’re not going to read it, would you mind if I do?”
“Be my guest.”
Annie moved to the edge of her seat and reached for the envelope and opener. She slid the sharp tool under the flap of the envelope, then pulled out delicate paper from within and sat back to read. Less than a minute passed in silence before Annie gasped and dropped the thin papers into her lap. She picked them up again and stared at the contents.
Something was terribly wrong. A sick feeling grew in Hope’s stomach, and her heart picked up pace. “Annie, what’s going on? Is Miss Lancaster ill?”
“No—nothing of the sort.” Annie turned to Hope, her eyes sparkling like precious emeralds in brilliant sunlight. She pushed the pages into Hope’s hands. “I think you need to read this for yourself.”
“Don’t you think you’re being a little dramatic, Annie?”
A grin spread across Annie’s face. “Just read!”
Hope held the letter and perused the message. Lightheadedness made her feel strangely weak. She needed to breathe, but if she took in air she might also release a sob. The words before her blurred as she fought moisture gathering in her eyes. The lovely, delicate lines of Miss Lancaster’s penned strokes were being distorted as liquid pain hit the page.
“I hope those are tears of joy,” Annie said, concern etched in her voice.
Hope couldn’t speak. She could only shake her head. An invitation. Paris. So, when Miss Lancaster had asked in a previous letter if Hope would consider traveling there, she hadn’t meant alone. Had she been purposely vague in earlier correspondence? Or had Hope been blind to what her mentor had tried to convey?