"No. No. May and I were practicing what to do and I—which one's Elizabet?"
John took the little girl over and asked her. "Which one do you think it is?"
Elizabet smiled as the child looked them over. Giving away a hint of her identity by side-ward nod from Alice, she watched her burst out in a grin and had her hand grabbed. "That's easy, she's Elizabet."
Elizabet took her hand and shook it, "It's a pleasure to meet you Amy." Crouching down to her, she added, "And thanks for staying up so late so Tom and I can get married. After all, the flower girl is the most important part of a wedding." Watching the child grin on hearing this, Elizabet heard Tom's mother call them all inside for tea. About to get back up to join them, Amy blurted out.
"Elizabet. Anna, said I can't go into the back room because of all the lit candl-"
Not allowed to finish off her sentence, John held his hand over her mouth and added. "She's not one for keeping secrets, are you Amy?" Elizabet smiled as Amy shook her head under her father's hand. "How about, you say a quick hello to Elizabet's friend, Alice?" Nodding her head once more, he put her down and watched her run off to Alice. "She doesn't know about us. I never mentioned it to her."
Elizabet nodded. "I'm glad, she seems a sweet girl. I'd hate to think that I'd-"
John shook his head. "Forget it. As I said before, you and Tom were meant to be. Anyway, at least she'll have you as an aunt-"
"Alice, are you married? Because my dad-"
Seeing the shocked look on John's face, Elizabet watched him gag Amy once more and apologize to Alice. Nodding to them both, he made a quick escape with his daughter under his arm.
Turning to Alice, Elizabet laughed at her friend's discomfort. Linking her arm in Alice's and walking her toward the front door, she leaned in and asked. "So what's your answer, Alice? Would you like to marry John?" Hearing nothing in response, she laughed as Alice's face blushed once more.
*****
Although given a warning about what to expect by Amy, Elizabet still found herself dumbfounded at what lay before her. Linking Alice's arm in her own, she looked to her friend to see if she was seeing it too. Wiping away a tear, she watched Alice do the same. Spread out before them, a candle lit path guided a way to a large tree in the rear garden. Like the grass, it too was illuminated by an array of paper lanterns that swung gently in the warm night breeze. Looking down from there, Elizabet found a grinning Tom and wedding party waiting.
"You OK?" Alice asked. "Because if you want to go home, we can always…"
Elizabet smiled and rubbed her friend's hand. Looking to the man she was about to marry, Elizabet felt for once in her life that she was home. Thinking that there'd never be anything as solid an anchor in her life as her father's shop, she now knew she had it in Tom and his family. Afraid of how Tom's mother would perceive her, Elizabet was relieved that she was welcomed with open arms. Taken by the arm and shown off to family and friends, the woman had gushed about how she was happy that her son was home and settling down. Not told about what had kept them apart, Elizabet was happy that she'd played some small part in their reunion. Told numerous times by both family and friends that they couldn't believe that Tom was settling down, she smiled wondering what he'd been up to before she'd met him. Looking at the roguish face that kept her held in its gaze, she wondered what secrets lay behind that smile.
"Are you going to stand there just grinning?"
Elizabet turned to her. "Huh?"
Cocking her head in Amy's direction, Elizabet watched as her flower girl had already gone on ahead of them and was sprinkling a path of petals in her wake. Taking that as her cue to move, she and Alice walked quickly in a bid to catch up with the child.
Getting there just in time, Tom took Alice's place and took hold of Elizabet's arm. Leaning in, he whispered into her ear. "Thought you were having second thoughts for a moment."
"No, Tom. It's the candles, it's beautiful, how did you-?"
"Not just a good looking face, Elizabet," Tom grinned.
Seeing him dressed in his best suit, Elizabet had to agree with what he's said. Looking over his handsome face and boyish grin, she found herself lost in his eyes once more. Hearing the pastor cough for attention, she heard a few chuckles from the wedding party behind her and turned to face him. Feeling her face flush, she smiled to the pastor as he nodded and smiled in return.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked.
"Don't listen to him, Elizabet, he's only pulling your leg. Still hasn't forgiven me for the window I broke in his church."
"Stained glass, it was."
Turning to Elizabet the pastor put his hand on hers. "Don't mind us, it's a long standing joke."
Elizabet let out a sigh of relief. "Thank God for that."
"Indeed," the pastor replied and opened his bible. Looking up from it after composing himself, he started, "We are gathered here today to celebrate the very special love between Elizabet and Tom, by joining them in marriage…."
*****
"I'm so happy for you," Alice said and toasted her friend with her glass. "Here's to many happy years between you and Tom."
"Thank you," Elizabet grinned. "And here's to your little endeavor."
Alice shook her head, "Mine. It was a nice idea, but I don't think so. I don't think John's interested in me."
Elizabet put her champagne glass on a nearby table. "You're joking me, right? The way I saw you two talking, I'd say you've got a lot more in common than you think."
"You think so?"
Elizabet looked around the room for Tom. Seeing him in a discussion with his mother, she waved to him to come join her. Watching as he excused himself, he walked quickly to her and leaned in close to her ear. "Can't wait any longer, want to ravish me now?"
"Soon. But that's not why I called you over-"
"Urgh. Because I thought that-"
"Tell her, Tom."
Looking confused Tom looked around the room. "Tell who, what?"
"Alice, she doesn't think John's interested in her."
Tom looked to Alice. "Oh right. Well, I'm not one to put words in his mouth, but from what I saw he looked happy in your company. Plus he was laughing a lot that's always a good sign-"
Elizabet nodded. "See. Stick in there, Alice. I know you're the right woman for him."
"Now wife, I don't know about you, but I've come over with a sudden tiredness…"
Smiling to Alice, Elizabet replied. "That's a shame. Why don't you go on up without me. I know it's past your bedtime." Seeing the look on his face, she smirked as he leaned in to whisper in her ear.
"That's not what I meant, you know I was talking about…"
"I thought you were too tired?"
Elizabet watched Alice throw her eyes skyward. "I can't watch anymore of this." Reaching over she patted Tom on the cheek. "You take good care of her, you hear me?"
"I will."
"And you Mrs. Come here." Holding her arms out, Elizabet found herself swallowed up in a hug. Pulling away, Alice added. "You have a lovely honeymoon, and I'll see you when you get back."
Pulled away by Tom, Elizabet grinned. "I will. And you remember what I said, stick in there." Watching Alice nod, she turned to him and asked. "Not tired anymore, Tom?"
Seeing the grin on his face and feeling her own body yearn to be with his, she knew neither of them was going to get much sleep that night.
Chapter 7
Alice fought back a yawn as she walked down the spiral staircase that led to the ground floor. Taking a moment to look at what she presumed was a long lost ancestor in a painting beside her, she heard John call her name. Seeing him lean into view at the bottom of the stairs he beckoned her to join him. Surprised to hear him speak in such a way, she felt her heart skip a beat and remembered what Tom had said. Meeting her at the bottom of the stairs he held out his hand and led her to a nearby room. Entering the room in confusion, she found him say, "I'm glad I caught you on your own, there's something I need to ask you.
"
Not knowing what he was about to say next, her mind went to the only conclusion it could. Putting a finger to his mouth, she said, "John, if you're asking me if I'd like to marry…" Seeing him look to the finger on his lips and then to her she stopped herself. Stepping back as quickly as she could, Alice stared at the carpet at her feet. Looking at it intently and wishing the ground would open up and swallow her, she heard him give an embarrassed cough before speaking again.
"Ahem. What I was wondering was if you'd help Mr Ash---the gentleman behind you."
Spinning around, Alice found a man stand up from a chair behind her and bow his head. Feeling like she wasn't ever going to recover from what she'd just done, she found herself mouthing the words. "Mr Ash?"
Holding the brim of his hat the stranger nodded his head. "Good morning Madam."
Looking back to John, she asked, "I don't understand…?"
"Mr Ash works for me and the railroad from time to time. He's works for the Pinkerton detective agency." Still confused, John reached over to touch her arm. "No. It's nothing to do with you, Alice. I've hired Mr Ash to track down Charles. I didn't want to involve Elizabet—you know the day after their wedding day and all—you understand."
Alice nodded.
"What I'd like is if you'd give Mr Ash here a good description of what Charles looks like. He's a very good artist. He can pass the picture on to his men and circulate it around. Charles won't get away with what he did to you." Touching her arm once more, he added, "I'll leave you two to talk."
Still trying to come to terms with the fool she's made of herself, Alice watched with relief as he walked out and left them alone. Wondering how she was ever going to recover from her mistake, she tried her best to put the matter to the back of her mind. Promising herself that she was going to leave as soon as she could, Alice tried to focus her mind on helping to catch Charles.
*****
Hearing a knock on the door, Alice looked to it. "Come in!" Watching it open she found Amy come in towing her father by the hand.
"See, I told you," Amy said, "I told you she was leaving."
Turning her attention back to her suitcase, Alice pressed her down on its contents until she could close its lid over. Ignoring John's gaze as best she could, she got to work with its fasteners. Once done and happy that it was sealed, she looked to him. "There's not much point in me hanging around."
John looked to his daughter and asked, "Amy, could you give me and Alice a moment?"
"Please make her stay, father."
Saying nothing, John nodded to the door and opened it. Waiting until Amy had left, he closed it behind her and held the knob. "If it's about earlier-"
"That was my stupid fault, John. I shouldn't have thought that someone like you-"
"Alice, please."
Alice picked her case off the bed and went to a nearby chair. Picking up her coat she hung it over her arm and made her way to the door. Finding him blocking her path she nodded to the door. "John, you're in my way."
"Please stay, Alice."
Alice ignored him and tried to push her way past. Finding his hand still on the knob, she found him shake his head.
"No."
"John, please. There's nothing for me here-"
"What do you mean by that?"
"With Elizabet married, there's not a lot of reasons for me being here-"
John asked, "And what about Charles?"
"We all know he only wanted Elizabet, John. I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Story of my life…"
"Please. Just for a few days. Until we round him up. I wouldn't like to think of you back in the city on your own-"
Alice looked him in the eye. "I'm a big girl, I'll be fine."
"What about, Amy, then? She's really taken by you."
Seeing him smile as he said this, Alice shook her head and smiled. "That's low. Using your daughter to blackmail me."
"Is it working?"
Alice looked to the floor and pretended to think it over. The last thing she wanted to do was make him think he could beat her so easily. Lifting her head up, she replied. "Alright. Until Charles gets caught, but not a day longer."
"Alright—and thank you. I'd hate to see anything happen to you." Opening the door, they found Amy listening on the other side of the door. "Well? You heard enough?" he asked.
"Yes!" Amy exclaimed, running into the room.
"Alright then, now go help Alice unpack.—And Alice?"
Alice fought against the child's arms that threatened to topple her over. "Yes?"
"If you're not busy—I was wondering if you'd join me for dinner tonight-"
"And me?" Amy asked.
"You too, button," John said and ruffled her hair. "I've got a few things to sort out at the office. How does six sound?"
Putting her case on the bed and re-opening it, Alice looked up. "Fine with me."
"And me too," Amy beamed.
"Alright then, six o clock it is. And I want you in your best clothes, Amy, we're going out in style.”
Chapter 8
As he'd promised, John turned up to collect them at exactly six o'clock. Watching the carriage slow down on the driveways gravel path, she watched John jump down before it slowed. Marveling at their ride for the night, she asked. "Where's the other carriage?"
John waved the comment away. "That old thing. That's only for commuting in and out of the city. No, tonight I thought we'd travel in style. It's been a while since this thing's been on the road. You like it?"
"It's very pretty."
"That's what Kate used to say."
Hearing the name and knowing how much John cared for his dead wife, Alice didn't know how to reply. Standing in an awkward silence she was glad when he broke it and came bounding up the steps. Taking them both by the hand he asked.
"Who here's, hungry?"
Seeing him try to lighten the mood she thought she'd join him. "Hungry? There's no one here by that name. Do you know anyone called hungry, Amy?"
"Nope."
"Me neither. I'm afraid you've got the wrong place mister. Maybe if you try the house down the road-"
"That's a shame because I've got a table booked at the Glasshouse."
Hearing Amy cheer and then break free of her father's grip, they watched her climb aboard the carriage and beckon them to hurry up.
"Seems to be a hit with her."
"You ever been there, Alice?"
Alice shook her head.
"It's a beautiful place, has a wall of glass that overlooks the whole bay. I know you'll love it."
"You know you don't have to do this…"
"Do what?"
Alice looked to the ground for a moment before looking up. "This. Taking me out like this, you don't have to make up for-"
John held up his hand. "I do. Not just for you, but also for me. To tell you the truth, I've been neglecting Amy a lot lately, not intentionally, but because of work and things. And well, seeing my brother happy and all, it got me thinking. You know it's been a long time since I've had some fun…"
"So this isn't some sad apology type dinner?"
John shook his head.
"Come on, you two!"
"Looks like someone's in a hurry." Alice said, looking to Amy. Turning back to John she added, "Alright, but if I'm not having fun I'm going home, you hear me?"
John held out his hand to shake and replied. "And if I'm not, I'm sending you home. Deal?"
Alice took his hand and shook it. "Deal."
"Well come on then, let's go have some fun."
*****
"So what did you think?" John asked.
Alice dabbed her napkin to her mouth and smiled. "It was gorgeous. Best meal I've had in a long time."
"I don't have to ask about you," John turned to his daughter and mopped a gravy stain off her chin. "Dribbler."
"Father, please," she protested and pushed his hand away. "I'm not a baby."
John pinched her cheek and laughed. "You'll always
be my baby." Shaking his head, he turned to Alice. "It's scary how quickly she's growing up. I turn my back on her for a second and she's grown so big." Holding the stem of his wine glass he played with it. "Losing my father made me aware of how short life is. I don't want to make that mistake any longer—now that Tom's home we can share the workload and I can spend more quality time with Amy."
"Things tough at work?" Alice asked.
"You could say that. With the way the city's population is exploding, and the past few months train robberies, it's all been adding up," John said and took a drink from his glass. "I'm beginning to feel like one of those carnival performers spinning plates. At the moment I'm barely keeping up with them."
Alice nodded her head.
"With Tom back, and now settled, thank God," John said and played with his wine glass once more. "I honestly don't know how my father coped with it all." Stretching back in his chair, he took in his surroundings. "You know it's been a long time since I've been out like this…"
"Because of…?" Alice asked, not wanting to say her name in front of Amy.
John nodded, "It was a shock to all of losing her. I threw myself into my work to numb the pain." Turning to Amy he said. "Seeing as you're finished your dinner, Amy, why don't you go check out the fish tank. You've been looking at it long enough."
Seeing the child grin and leave without another word, Alice watched her go to the restaurants tank and look over the live fish and lobsters inside it.
"She's a good kid," John said. "I thought looking for a mail order bride was the answer to all our problems."
Feeling awkward listening to him talk about his love life, Alice tried to move the subject on. "We don't have to talk about this—I thought we were here to have fun?"
"We are, but I just thought I better give you a reply to that thing you were talking about this morning-"
Alice cringed. "Please John, don't."
"Let me reply. Seeing the mistake I almost made with Elizabet, it made me realize that I've got more to think about than just me." Turning his head in Amy's direction, he added, "I also have to think of her happiness."
Mail Order Bride: Journey's End: A Mail Order Brides Western Romance (Love On The Line Book 2) Page 3