Hope's Design (The Daughters of Riverton Book 2)
Page 28
“I don’t understand.” Annie knelt at Hope’s feet and grasped her hands. “This a wonderful opportunity.”
It was difficult to swallow, let alone speak. Anyone would love to have three months in Paris with Miss Lancaster, learning from her and the other designers.
Hope took a deep breath. She’d try to explain her reaction to the charitable offer. Maybe it would make more sense even to her if she said the words out loud. “I’m so honored.” Miss Lancaster must truly believe in her to extend such an offer. “Think of it, Annie. Spring in Paris. We’d leave for Europe in April and return the end of June. It’s too wonderful to comprehend. She even suggests that with all that I could learn, Butterick would be eager to use my work.”
“It sounds like a trip beyond imagination.”
“In so many ways.” Hope blinked back a rush of emotion. “Miss Lancaster and I share a common passion for fashion, and she’s become my teacher. But I think our friendship has also continued to grow because I miss talking to my mother. Writing to Miss Lancaster helps fill that void, and I think my letters have helped her deal with her own loneliness since her mother died. I don’t write just about my designs. I talk to her about Ben’s paintings, what I’ve read in Scripture that day, and anything else that might brighten her day.”
“So, this trip would be a wonderful time for the two of you to enjoy and share a great number of things.”
As a tear escaped her lower lash and slid slowly down her cheek, Hope could only nod.
“Then, why aren’t you dancing around the room like a person who’s just won a valuable prize?”
“Because, dear cousin, I can’t go.” Hope could barely speak the words without falling apart.
“Why not?” Annie almost screamed the words. “Because of your plans with Clara?”
“How could I possible leave Riverton for three months when I’ve just committed to buying a dress shop with one of my dearest friends? I can’t let Clara down. There’s so much work to be done, and with the plan to open in February, we’ll barely have the business up and running by April. To abandon her would be unfair, not to mention unwise after investing my money. Clara is a wonderful seamstress, but she needs me to oversee the business area of our partnership.”
Annie opened her mouth, but Hope held up her hand to quiet her before she said a word.
“And there’s Ben. I don’t want to go away and risk losing what we’ve built between us. I love him, Annie, and now that he’s embracing his talent, I can’t risk him throwing it away again. Mr. Woodlin wants to schedule a showing at the gallery in April. Ben is excited about the opportunity, but we artists tend to live with a lot of self-doubt. Not only is he going to need a lot of encouragement until the showing, but I can’t imagine not being there to share that with him.”
Annie’s shoulders sagged. “But, Hope...”
“I have to write Miss Lancaster and tell her I can’t go. There’s nothing else I can do.”
chapteR THIRTY
Ben reached for another gingersnap cookie from the plate Annie had sent home with Jake the night before. Then he gulped half a glass of cold milk.
Jake nudged him as he walked by. “You really going to do it?” He slid onto a chair opposite Ben and grabbed two cookies for himself.
“Tomorrow.” One more night and he could share his plans. That reality sent a surge of adrenaline through his body.
“Going to be a big change.”
“My life has already taken a big turn since Hope introduced me to Arthur Woodin. A new world has opened up for me, and I not only owe her for that, but I love her.”
Jake chomped on a cookie. “Your feelings for Hope involve more than just gratitude, don’t they?”
“Of course they do.” He couldn’t imagine living without Hope—her trust, her encouragement, her love. Ben prayed she’d see his plan as a new and exciting adventure for them both.
A sly grin spread across Jake’s face. “Just teasing. What else are little brothers for? I know how you feel about Hope, and I’m happy for you.”
“I owe you, Jake.” Ben caught his brother’s eyes. “I couldn’t make this move without—”
“Ben, don’t get all sentimental on me. This has been a long time coming. No need to worry about the farm. You’ve been good to stick around this long. This was never your dream—it was mine. Now that we’ve got things up and running, I’ll be fine.”
Jake and Ben both reached for the last cookie at the same time, but Jake was just a bit faster. He gave Ben a smug grin as he stood, reward in hand. “Better get some sleep. Big day tomorrow. I can taste that Thanksgiving turkey and pumpkin pie already.”
Sleep? He’d be lucky to get a wink before morning.
***
Bible lying open across her lap, Hope trailed her fingers down the well-worn page as though caressing the words. She studied the photograph of her mother and aunt at a young age sitting on the mantel above the fireplace. More than ever, Hope missed her mother and her wisdom. “I wish you were here now, but it’s all right. You’re where God wants you, and I know what you would say if I asked.”
A letter from her parents had arrived only two days before, and Hope kept it close at all times. She’d read the pages numerous times since, savoring each word. She ached with missing them, especially because of tomorrow’s holiday, but they were both well despite others developing malaria, and for that, Hope was thankful.
She prayed for their continued health every day and would not stop until they returned. Her mother had received the boxes of supplies and special gifts the Ladies Aid Society had sent for the workers’ families, and she expressed her gratitude for the generosity. The supplies were much needed and would be put to good use.
Hope leaned her head on the back of the rocking chair and closed her eyes, letting the warmth from the fire bathe her face as she prayed silently in the parlor, quiet except for the fire’s crackling.
In the Bible, Jesus told a parable about a man who needed to go on a journey, so he entrusted his property to his servants and gave each a sum of money. Hope’s father had often used the story to remind her that God had given her talent, and she’d be held accountable for what she did with it.
If she were to only follow that guidance, the simple answer would be to travel with Miss Lancaster to Paris. On the other hand, Hope yearned to be like her mother—unselfish, placing love above all else. She never seemed to think about how she’d be rewarded. She didn’t serve to receive accolades.
As she prayed, completely opening her mind and heart to hear God’s voice, she heard truth whispered. When she first arrived in Riverton, she was out to prove something, not only to herself but to the world. So, at times, Hope had been envious of other people’s achievements because her desire for success carried some selfishness. Her pursuits weren’t entirely for the right reasons, as much as she’d tried to convince herself they were. Lord, please forgive me.
For so long she’d tried to get Ben to accept responsibility concerning his abilities. But she needed to learn the very things she’d tried to teach him. Take the log out of your own eye, Hope
She rocked back and forth, interchanging prayer with inner silence as she strived to hear God’s voice.
Lord, I just want your approval. You’ve given me desires and gifts, but I need to trust you to use them for your glory and in your time. Only then will I be truly happy and fulfilled.
Invisible shackles fell away, and Hope, filled with a freeing peace, silently praised God for his goodness and patience.
“What are you still doing up?” Annie’s hushed voice broke the sacred connection. “It’s late, and we have a busy day tomorrow.”
“We do.” Hope closed her Bible. “So, what has you up at this hour?”
“Clever. Turning the question back on me.” A yawn escaped. “I’ve been tossing and turning, worrying about our Thanksgiving dinner. Whatever possessed me to invite guests when I’ve never cooked a turkey without my mother’s help? What if I burn
it? Or it’s as dry and tasteless as stored hay from the barn?”
Hope stifled a laugh. “You’ve tasted Abby’s hay?”
“No!” Annie scowled at her. “But Thanksgiving is an important holiday, and I don’t want to disappoint anyone with my cooking.”
“Everything will be fine, Annie. If the turkey turns out dry, we’ll just pour a little extra gravy over the servings.”
“I’m still going to pray over the turkey and ask that God have mercy.” Annie clutched her shawl and pulled it tighter around her shoulders. “So, what’s on your mind? And why the parlor?”
“I’ve never understood using a room only on Sundays or special occasions. It seems like such a waste. Besides, it’s cozy sitting by a fire, and staring into the flames helps me think.” Hope rocked for a moment. How much was Annie ready to hear, especially when her eyelids looked like they could close at any minute? “I’ve also been having some serious conversations with God.”
Annie dropped onto the settee. “You’ve been pretty quiet since Miss Lancaster asked you to go to Paris.” She gave another big yawn, then rubbed her right eye. “It’s been two weeks since you got her letter. Are you having second thoughts about refusing her invitation?”
“No, I’m not reconsidering my decision.” Hope gave her a genuine smile—she was finally at peace about sacrificing the designer’s generous offer. “I may have seemed a little aloof lately because I’ve been thinking and praying about that situation.”
“Come to any conclusions?” Leave it to Annie to be direct. Her eyelids were no longer drooping. Hope had her full attention.
“If God wants me to remain in Riverton and run a dress shop with Clara, I need to believe that I’ll be content doing that.” Hope hugged her Bible to her chest. “I’m at peace, Annie, for the first time in a very long time. I’m truly delighted that you have the library and that you and Jake will have the farm together. I’m ecstatic that Ben will gain notice for his artistic talent. He deserves it.”
“But, don’t you deserve some big triumph for all your hard work? You love designing clothes.”
“True, I’m passionate about my work, and I’ll continue. But I think for different reasons than before. I’m happy here in Riverton. I have you, Jake, Ben, and so many other friends. People really care about each other here. I think I started to take that for granted. Maybe someday I’ll get another chance to train under Miss Lancaster, but for now, Ben and Clara need me here.”
The usually-playful Annie squirmed, and her eyebrows knit together. “But, what happens if opportunity comes knocking on your door?”
chapteR THIRTY-ONE
The scent of roasting turkey mingled with the aroma of hot spiced cider, making the house feel warm and cozy on a cold Thanksgiving Day, as did the heat from the woodstove in the kitchen and the burning logs in the parlor fireplace. Later, Hope would start up the phonograph. Music always added a bit of festive ambience to an occasion, and Annie loved it.
Earlier that fall, Hope and Annie had pressed colored leaves to maintain their color. They’d added them to arrangements of twigs, apples, small gourds, and candles placed down the center of the dining room table large enough to seat ten people—four on each side and one on each end.
Hope had laid out eight place settings of her aunt’s finest china for Ben, Jake, Clara and her three oldest children, Annie, and herself. Clara’s youngest, Lucy, was only two years old, so Annie had cleaned her old high chair for the little one.
Since it was a holiday, the adults would make good use of the parlor and piano. Checkers, as well as other board games, were available for anyone who wanted to take on those challenges. Enough snow had fallen for the children to make snow angels, and thoughtful Annie had propped her sled against the house in case the children wanted to slide on the hill next to the barn.
Annie danced into the dining area with flushed cheeks and a grin on her face. “I think I’ve done it. The turkey is golden brown, and there are plenty of drippings for gravy.”
“It smells heavenly, Annie.”
“Thank you.” She placed her hands on her hips as she gave a sigh that was filled with contentment. “The work we put into the garden paid off. Just think—the potatoes, corn, green beans, and squash all resulted from our toil. It kind of makes me feel like one of the pilgrims.”
“I wouldn’t go that far.” Hope laughed.
Annie’s eyes held a mischievous glint. Loud footsteps sounded on the porch, as well as children’s giggles. “We have company.” She reached the door at the same time someone knocked. Annie threw open the door. “Happy Thanksgiving!”
Somehow, they’d all arrived at once. The three younger children rushed in ahead of Clara and Rose, who were each carrying several pies. Little Lucy tried to keep up with ten-year-old Daniel and eight-year-old James, but they beat the toddler to the checkers. Jake and Ben followed with fresh milk and cream. Their main contribution was the wild turkey Jake had shot and cleaned for their dinner.
Hope caught Ben’s eye, and he returned her smile, but there was something different in the way he looked at her. His expression felt—confusing and a little unsettling. Maybe her excitement over celebrating Thanksgiving with people she loved had set her imagination in motion.
The boys challenged Ben and Jake to a game of Tiddlywinks while the women finished preparing dinner. Rose entertained Lucy with the dolls and blocks they’d brought with them. With Ben occupied, Hope joined Annie and Clara in the kitchen.
Forty-five minutes later, Hope strolled out of the kitchen. “Dinner is ready. Would everyone find their places at the table?”
“Hope, the food is being kept warm, so eating can wait a few more minutes. But, something else can’t.” Annie’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “The children are occupied in the living room for now. The rest of you follow me into the parlor so we can all explain something important to Hope.” Annie gestured toward the room, then led the way.
“I’ll bring coffee,” Clara said as she scurried back to the kitchen.
What was going on that couldn’t be put off until later? Hope settled into the rocking chair next to the fire, her heart thumping. “Annie, has something happened to one of my parents?” Hope could barely breathe, and her question came out sounding raspy. “Is my father or mother ill?”
“Oh, dear, no. Nothing is wrong. Quite the contrary.” Annie sat on the settee.
Jake stood behind Annie, while Ben paced to the right. Clara returned with cups of steaming coffee. She moved around the room with the tray, delivering the hot liquid to any who were inclined to drink. Hope accepted a cup just because she wanted something to hold on to. Why didn’t Annie just get on with it—whatever it was—the reason they were sitting in the parlor instead of dining on turkey and mashed potatoes?
“Hope, you know that Jake, Ben, Clara, and I all care for you.” Annie moistened her lips and shifted in her seat, as though preparing to relay something important. “So, before you say anything, please hear us out.”
Hope folded her hands in her lap and took a deep breath. “All right.”
“I—we—understand that the reason you turned down Miss Lancaster’s invitation to go with her to Paris was because you were concerned for people in this room.”
Hope’s cheeks heated. “Annie, you told them?” How could her cousin have betrayed her confidence? Not wanting anyone to feel responsible for her refusing the designer’s generous offer, Hope had decided to not reveal that information. Now that they knew, did they see her as ungrateful to Miss Lancaster? Or fearful of traveling to Paris and failing?
“I had to, Hope. For your own good. It wasn’t fair for them not to know.”
Clara set down the tray. “And feeling mighty guilty and selfish because of your reasons. Don’t you know we want the best for you too?”
Hope’s gaze moved around the room. Annie, Jake, Clara, Ben—their expressions were filled with expectation. What did they all know that she didn’t? What scheme were they all in on?
Clara flashed a smile. “No procrastinating.”
Of all the people in the room, save Ben, Clara must understand Hope’s reasons for declining. She had the most to lose if Hope left and things fell apart. “But, Clara, it wouldn’t be right to leave you alone with the shop for three months.”
“Rose will help, and so will Annie if I need it.” Clara gave a dismissive wave. “With their assistance, I can hold down the fort while you’re gone. It’s an investment in the shop’s future. Who wouldn’t want to have a dress designed by someone who’s been to Paris? We’ll have ladies coming from all parts of the county.”
Seemed they’d addressed her every objection in regards to their new shop. Hope peered over at Ben. “I don’t want to miss your showing at the gallery.” She’d never forgive herself if she wasn’t there to celebrate his success with him. She loved him too much.
Annie smiled at Ben, as though they shared a secret. “Ben, would you like to tell her?”
He stopped pacing and took a deep breath. “There’s not going to be a showing in April like originally planned.”
“What? No! Ben?” What could have possibly happened that Mr. Woodlin would cancel?
“It’s not going to be in April because Mr. Woodlin has agreed that it should be postponed until later in the fall.”
“But, why?” This was all so confusing.
Annie raised her eyebrows. “What better place than Paris for an artist to paint?”
Had she heard correctly? Ben was going to Paris? “I don’t understand.”