Waiting for Dusk

by Nancy Pennick

  Katie believed her. She also thought it would be the perfect time to bring up the marriage and thought she’d start off with something not too controversial.

  “Lucinda, do you know Andrew Martin?”

  “Yes, I do. He’s invited to the wedding. I did that for you,” Lucinda teased.

  “You know, too?” Katie hit her forehead.

  “We all have eyes at the restaurant. We could see he’s in love with you, and you with him.”

  “Love?” Katie had to think about that. Yes, she was in love with Drew. She fought it as hard as she could, but she knew it was true. “Since I don’t have to explain the situation to you, as you already know about it, I can get to the point. Remember when you told me about passion? I felt...feel it...with Andrew. I just want to make sure you’re doing the right thing in marrying Henry when you don’t feel the passion.”

  A tear fell from Lucinda’s eye. “I am so happy for you, Kathryn. I know I told you about passion in a weak moment. I also told you that Henry is a good man who loves me. It will all be fine in the end.”

  Katie still wanted her aunt to think about what she was doing before it was too late. Maybe she could fix all of it. Maybe Lucinda could go on to have a happy life with someone else, someone she truly loved. “Lucinda, you know you don’t have to ...”

  “There you two are. We thought you got lost,” a familiar voice said from the connecting hallway. Katie turned and saw Mrs. Johansson. “Lucinda, why don’t you go see what’s taking Miss Arlene so long? And Kathryn, you come back to the dining hall with me.”

  Both girls did as they were told. Mrs. Johansson put her arm around Katie. “You need to leave well enough alone. Didn’t I tell you what will be, will be?” She pulled Katie closer and hugged her. “It will all work out.”

  The afternoon was filled with food, drink and laughter. Katie learned that Gil was Henry’s oldest brother, and Clifford was the middle brother. Cliff was not married. He would be her partner in the wedding. The wedding would take place outside. They would exit from the house through the backdoor, and down the stairs into the garden. From there it was a walk up the garden path to the gazebo at the end of the garden. Katie stood on the back porch and looked around at the beauty of the garden. It was not a formal garden or very large for that matter. It was more natural. She wasn’t a flower expert, but Drew had pointed out some of the native flowers on their walks and she recognized the desert marigold, aster, sunflower, paperflower shrub, morning glories, four o’clocks and evening primrose. The colors were all whites, yellows and purples.

  The instructions to the bridal party continued throughout the afternoon. The bridesmaids and groomsmen would stand outside the gazebo, and Lucinda and Henry would walk up the steps where the minister would be waiting. A large white tent was set up in the backyard. Inside chairs were set up for the guests so they would be protected from the sun. The sides of the tent entrance were pulled back and tied open with sapphire blue ribbon. It was like a fairytale.

  There I go thinking of fairytales again, Katie thought. She just couldn’t think of one specific story that matched the scene.

  Dusk set in. Katie began to panic. What if she did not wake up here? What if she ended up in her bed back at Maya’s house in the present? It could be over in an instant.

  “Are you okay, Kathryn?” Loretta’s hand touched hers.

  “It’s starting to get dark. I think we should be heading back.”

  “Oh, we’re staying here for the night. Didn’t anyone tell you?” Loretta seemed relieved. “Plus indoor plumbing,” she laughed.

  Katie pretended to laugh with her. It had been quite a day but she was worried about getting through the night.

  They were all shown to their rooms. Katie was impressed there were enough rooms for everyone. Her bathroom was across the hall from her bedroom. Mrs. Johansson had packed her bags which meant that she could have seen the book in her boardinghouse dresser drawer. Katie dug around in the bag. No book. She prayed it was safely back in the drawer where she put it. After she was ready, Katie slid into the huge, oversized bed. There was no time to worry or think about anything because before she knew it, she was asleep.

  * * * *

  The next morning, Katie woke to voices in the hallway, and someone knocked on the door. “Kathryn? Are you awake? We have to get ready.”

  Katie looked around and realized she was still at the Hasting house. She threw off the covers, jumped out of the bed and twirled around the room. She was thrilled to still be there.

  There was a knock again at her door. This time it was Frieda. She had breakfast on a tray.

  “Thank you, Frieda.” Katie wanted to say more but was afraid Frieda wouldn’t understand her. She just watched as the girl put the tray on a corner table.

  “Du är välkomen,” Frieda said softly and left the room. Katie assumed she said ‘You’re welcome’.

  She ate her breakfast slowly. She did not want this day to go too quickly but it didn’t seem to be the case. Again, there was a light tap at her door.

  “I thought I would help you get ready. I have your dress.” It was Mrs. Johansson’s voice. Katie opened the door and motioned for her to come in. “Loretta will do your hair. She’ll be here in a minute.”

  Before Katie knew it, she was in her sapphire blue dress, had her hair done and curled, pearl choker clipped on and headband in place. They all had their makeup done by someone who came to the ranch for that specific purpose.

  “How could you not love this life?” Katie said to no one in particular.

  Then it was time. The girls all assembled in the upstairs hall. Katie looked for Anna, but she was nowhere to be seen. She figured Anna must have gone down to get a seat. Molly and Ruthie fussed over Lucinda. They were going to help carry the train of her dress and get it placed correctly for the walk down the aisle. Mr. and Mrs. Johansson came out of their room. Mr. Johansson wore a white suit, and Mrs. Johansson fixed his tie. She then turned and kissed Lucinda. “I’ll see you downstairs.”

  All that was left was the wedding party, Molly, Ruthie and Mr. Johansson.

  “Go ahead.” Lucinda took a deep breath, and motioned for Katie and Loretta to head down the stairs. The rest of the party then followed.

  When Katie and Loretta got to the bottom of the stairs, the front door flew open. They heard laughing and someone say, “I hope I’m not too late.” In walked Anna and following right behind her was Daniel.

  Everyone stopped right where they were, as if frozen in time.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Lucinda was still on the staircase. Katie thought she heard a gasp come from her. Anna looked up and their eyes meet. Lucinda’s eyes seemed to burn right through Anna. Anna’s were apologetic.

  Daniel broke the ice. “Good to see you, Lucinda. Best wishes on your wedding day. I’m sorry for intruding last minute. I just got in last night. Took me longer to clean up for your wedding than I thought!” he smiled sheepishly.

  Lucinda continued staring. Anna turned to Daniel, grabbed his hand and said, “We best get a seat, looks like the wedding is about to start.”

  When Katie finally gained her composure, she turned to look at Lucinda again and saw her sitting on the stair with a blank look on her face. Mr. Johansson tried to help her up but she held her hand up as a signal for him to wait. Then she stood up, smoothed out her skirt, and continued on down the stairs as if nothing was wrong.

  Katie heard music drifting in through the back door. As they continued down the hallway, she saw Henry, Gil and Cliff all standing to the side of the gazebo.

  Katie was first. It helped that she couldn’t really see the people in the tent as she walked down the path. A hand went up in the sea of people sitting out there, as Katie rounded the gazebo. She had to laugh as Drew continued to wave. Loretta came next and stood closer to the steps of the gazebo. Then Mr. Johansson and Lucinda came around and stopped in front of the stairs. Henry walked up to the couple and stood on the other side of Lucinda. Sh
e handed her flowers to Loretta, then Henry and Lucinda walked up the two steps to the minister. Everything was just as lovely as planned. There was a brilliant blue sky and white puffy clouds. The white tent shone in the afternoon sun. The gazebo was laced with white orange blossoms and roses.

  Too perfect, Katie thought, and not like a fairytale at all.

  The ceremony was short, Lucinda promised to love, honor and obey like many brides do and Henry beamed as he placed the ring on her finger. They had a quick kiss at the conclusion of the service and Henry held two fists up, shaking them like he just won first prize. Tears filled Katie’s eyes as she watched her aunt’s wedding first hand. The feeling was indescribable.

  Afterward, everyone headed for the house. The wedding party stood on the large back porch, greeting guests as they headed inside. A late afternoon supper was served in the dining hall. The tent was cleared out so a wooden floor could be installed for dancing later in the evening. Katie’s head spun from all the new people she met. Finally some friendly faces reached her.

  “Kate, this is Daniel,” Drew introduced her to his friend.

  “I have heard so much about you.” Katie shook his hand.

  “And I, you, lovely Kate. Andrew, you didn’t do her justice.” Daniel slapped his friend on the back.

  Anna hugged Katie and whispered in her ear, “I’m so happy. Is Lucinda alright?”

  Katie nodded. “She seems to be. Plus she went through with the wedding, didn’t she?”

  “We’ll see you inside.” Drew lightly squeezed her arm.

  The wedding party sat at a long table in the front of the dining hall. There were round tables of eight scattered around the rest of the massive room. Servers circulated the room with plates of food, pitchers of lemonade and water plus bottles of wine. It was all very festive.

  Katie noticed one of the servers approaching Henry and then heard him say, “There’s a Mr. Jack Woods here to see you, Mr. Henry. He just wants to wish you well and tell you he’s sorry he missed the wedding. He didn’t want to come in since he wasn’t dressed for the occasion. He said something about fishing.”

  “Nonsense! Tell him to come in and at least share a toast with us.” Henry was always so kind to everyone.

  Jack Woods! The same Jack Woods I almost met at Kolb Studio. The one who looks like my father. Katie thought she better leave the room for some reason. She got up, excused herself and headed for the stairs.

  When she was safely in her room, she looked out the window that overlooked the back porch and garden. There, standing talking to Henry, was her father...or Jack Woods. Katie sat on her bed and wondered how long she should wait.

  She must have dozed off for a few minutes and was startled awake by voices outside her door.

  “I don’t care what you say, Maya. That girl needs to go home now. This isn’t right. I was never for it and now I’m definitely not! It was just for the summer, I was told.”

  There was silence and then it seemed someone else was talking. Katie couldn’t make out what the person was saying. Then she heard Jack’s voice again.

  “I love her but I don’t think she takes this as seriously as I do. She never did!”

  That voice definitely sounded like her father. He said Maya. That was Mrs. Johnson’s first name. Then silence again.

  Katie cracked the door open to look around. Seeing no one, she walked quietly to the top of the stairs. Mrs. Johansson was just at the bottom of the stairs so Katie quickly stepped back until she was gone.

  She was talking to my father or Mr. Woods. Katie planned on getting to the bottom of this but not now. She intended to enjoy every moment of this wedding and this day. She ran down the stairs, around the corner and back to the dining room.

  “There you are!” Drew came walking toward her. “Would you care to take a stroll in the garden?”

  Katie took Drew’s arm and they walked out of the house and into the evening air. The band started to play and music floated into the evening sky. Torches were lit throughout the backyard. Guests mingled in the garden and headed for the tent. Strings of lights hung inside giving it a magical glow. Katie wanted to distance herself from the wedding theme of the night and just pretend she was at a really great party, with a really great guy.

  “A penny for your thought,” Drew said.

  “A what...? Oh, um, nothing. I was just thinking this was a magical night.”

  “Kate, I hope we get married on a night just like this, a magical night.” Drew pulled her close. She took a step back. “Am I scaring you again? Too fast?” he said with an impish grin on his face.

  “No, you are not scaring me. Just slow down a bit and let me at least tell you...”

  “...that you love me,” he finished for her.

  Katie playfully pushed him and he pretended to fall down bringing her with him. They landed on a little wrought iron bench. “You knew that was there all along, didn’t you?” Katie couldn’t stop laughing.

  Drew kissed her and said, “Would you like to dance?”

  “Here? In the garden?” Katie saw that everyone was gone.

  Drew took her in his arms and they swayed to the music. Soon they were joined by another couple.

  “Aren’t you two ever coming down to the tent? We are so alone done there. Kathryn, I need you for support,” Anna’s voice traveled through the night air.

  “If I must!” Katie said as dramatically as she could. Then she giggled, took Drew’s and Anna’s hands and headed for the tent.

  It turned out to be a very enjoyable evening. Katie danced with Cliff, her partner, and then they cut in on the wedding couple. She was thrilled to be dancing with her Uncle Henry. She even danced with Mr. Johansson. She noticed Cliff slipped away and thought she saw him dancing with Frieda on the back porch. How romantic. It was like Frieda was Cinderella. Why was she seeing everything through the eyes of a fairytale? She needed to remind herself to be more tough and independent like Mulan or Pocahontas. Yet, didn’t even they fall in love?

  Lucinda came up to her. “Kathryn, did you know that you are all staying again tonight? We will serve a big breakfast in the morning. Then Henry and I will be on our way. We leave Monday for our honeymoon in San Francisco and then the shore. I’ve never seen the Pacific Ocean before.”

  “How are you doing?” Katie was dying to ask her that all night.

  “Fine. I’m fine. I’m a married woman now with responsibilities.” Lucinda crossed her arms almost defiantly.

  “Know that I’m always here for you and when I am not, you are in my heart. I love you, Lucinda.”

  “I love you, too. You know, there is something special about you that I just can’t place my finger on. I feel like I’ve known you forever.”

  “And I, you.”

  The girls hugged and Lucinda wiped tears from her eyes. “Stop it now. See what you’ve done to my make-up.” She half-heartily laughed.

  The guests began to leave and Lucinda was called to say good-bye. Katie walked away from the tent. She stood alone looking up at the evening sky.

  “Are you looking at the man in the moon? If you are, I’m jealous.” Drew came up behind her. He pointed up in the sky. “Let’s say when you see him, that’s me, smiling down on you...wherever you are.”

  “Why? Are you going somewhere?”

  “Not tonight but we are both heading back to school. We need to make plans to write to each other.”

  Katie didn’t know how she would do that. She tried to think of a way to get out of it without hurting his feelings. “Can we just make plans to meet back here? I’m not very good at writing. I don’t want you to be disappointed.”

  “Whatever you wish,” he whispered in her ear.

  “I wish to have you take this necklace off. It feels like it is choking me.” Katie touched the pearls that were around her neck as Drew undid the clasp.

  “There, all safe and sound.” He patted his pocket as they walked around the side of the house. They were alone. Katie stopped, and turned to
him. “Don’t leave tonight, Andrew.”

  “This must be serious. You called me Andrew.” He took Katie in his arms and kissed her. He kissed the front of her neck and down to the top of her dress.

  “Don’t stop,” she breathed. Right then and there she made up her mind that if this was going to be her last night with Drew, then it would be a special night. “Stay with me in my room.”

  He stopped kissing her and took her by the arms. “How could I do that?”

  “We’ll sneak you in. You’re invited for breakfast, aren’t you?”

  “Wearing the same clothes?”

  “We’ll roll up the sleeves of your shirt and you don’t have to wear the jacket, no tie. It will work.”

  “Are you sure about this?” Drew looked very solemn.

  Then it dawned on Katie it was not the 21st century but the 1920’s. Good girls didn’t do these kinds of things. Well, neither did she. What was she thinking? She just decided that Drew would be her first and hopefully her one and only. She was not thinking rationally. Plus how did they have safe sex in this day and age? Her head spun and she took a step back. Andrew grabbed her, breaking her fall.

  “Would it be alright if you just stayed with me in my room, nothing else?” Katie decided to clarify. “I don’t want to spend a moment away from you.”

  “I think I can do that.” Drew pulled her to him. “Or at least try.”

  They rounded the corner to the back of the house. Most of the guests were gone. No one seemed to miss them. Katie looked around for Mr. or Mrs. Johansson. They would be the hardest to fool, but didn’t see them. She looked at Drew in the moonlight, and wished he wasn’t a dream. She hoped she would wake up, and see him next to her in bed tomorrow.

  They waited until the servers cleaned up and put out the torches. Then they both said good night to the newlyweds, then Loretta and Anna. Katie pointed to the window of her bedroom.

  “I think I can get up there from out here,” Drew said.