The door burst open and Kitty rushed in, her cheeks ruddy and her breath shallow as if she’d run every step. “I’ve found it.”
Eliza whirled, her hands clasped beneath her chin. “Oh, it is so lovely, Kitty.” She turned to Anna. “This color will be stunning for you.”
Anna turned and clasped her hands at her middle. The gown draped the bed. Light blue, embroidered with white flowers, the neck and sleeves of the gown were edged with the most delicate lace. ’Twas stunning indeed. Though she had owned gowns at the height of fashion and far more decadent, this gown was lovelier than anything she had ever worn, not for the needlework or design, but for what it meant. For who had ever thought of her in such a way? Who had ever offered something so generous? No one.
She glanced at the two women, their eyes round and hopeful. How could she repay such kindness? “I am more grateful than I can express, but I cannot receive such a gift. I have nothing with which to repay such kindness.”
Eliza lowered her head disapprovingly. “Come now. You cannot be married in your homespun.”
Anna squirmed and looked down at her dress. Bringing attention to herself was the last thing she wished to do. Her face burned. But wearing such a tattered dress would hardly make her a fitting bride.
Eliza neared and rested a hand on her arm. “Forgive me, but…I should not wish to speak of things that are not mine to mention. However, I feel to say it is my hope and belief that this union will bring more joy than your last.”
What? Anna stilled. Too shocked to pretend otherwise, her eyes darted between her two companions. When she answered, her words were crowded and hoarse. “How did you know?”
Eliza’s large, brown eyes grew soft. “A woman who has loved deeply, and lost, would not speak about their departed as you have.”
“But I have said nothing—”
“That is how I know.”
Anna quirked her head, brow down.
“Eliza has always been able to discern such things,” Kitty said, seating herself on the edge of the bed. “Her compassion for others allows her to see through the shields we erect in order to help when help is needed.”
Eliza threw her sister a loving smile. “As do you Kitty, in your way as well.” She motioned for Anna to rise from the chair then turned to Kitty, who stood and readied the gown as Eliza began unfastening Anna’s dress. “If you had loved him, had been happy with him, you would have said as much. Or at least your eyes would have, when I asked about your necklace when we were in the kitchen.”
Anna touched the ring before Eliza helped her off with the bodice. “This wasn’t mine—I mean, it is mine, but…” She stopped. Was she really about to expose her entire life to strangers? She couldn’t. Yet these kind women had a way of making it easy to speak of memories that cut.
“You won’t tell William,” Anna said.
Eliza shook her head. “Nay, I will not.”
“We will keep in confidence anything you wish,” Kitty said.
“I thank you.” The cramping in Anna’s muscles eased. “I simply do not wish him to know anything until I can tell him myself.”
Eliza reached out and gripped her hand. The tenderness in her large eyes coated Anna’s middle like a warm sip of tea. “You have our word.”
Kitty stepped forward from the bed. “We wish ours to be a true friendship, for we shall see you as our sister as we see William as our brother, and we wouldn’t wish to betray something so precious.”
Anna’s throat ached so, she could hardly speak. “Thank you.”
Kitty’s eyes narrowed as her smile grew wide. “We must hurry. Reverend Charles is already here.”
Anna stepped out of the gray, mud-laced skirts and petticoat and pulled her arms from her sleeves. Eliza offered a moist cloth and Anna grinned, relishing the feel of the cool wet as it wiped away the dirt from her skin. Once refreshed, she turned to the bed to reach for the gown, but stopped when Eliza and Kitty both stared open-mouthed.
“Is something wrong?”
“Anna!” Eliza motioned to her. “I’ve never seen such lovely stays.”
Kitty came forward and touched the laces that criss-crossed up the back. “The needlework is exquisite. Wherever did you get such a thing?”
Swallowing, Anna paused. Never in her wildest imaginations had she thought any person would see her stays. She hadn’t thought to change them as she had her gown. And since she’d made them herself, she could hardly part with them. They were lovely. She dropped her gaze, tugged away by the memories that had only recently begun to wilt. Edwin had refused to allow her to do anything so lowly as sew clothing. Embroider cloths, yes, but nothing that she would wear. That was for the lower classes, he’d said. But she’d gone behind his back and learned despite his protests. The thrill of such secrecy made her insides buzz even now.
Facing her friends, she dusted her hands down her stomach. “I’m pleased you like them. I…I made them.”
“You made them!” Both girls answered together.
“What a talent you have. I could never dream of creating something so beautiful.” Kitty blinked breathlessly. She turned to the bed and helped Anna step into the petticoat. “I can’t imagine where you came upon such lovely material, and the thread…’tis so delicate.”
Eliza touched her rounded belly and sat back against the bed. ““Forgive me, ladies, but I must sit a moment. I fear this babe takes much of my strength these days, and I find myself sitting more often than I’d wish.”
Kitty peered over her shoulder and winked. “I am all too pleased to help. So long as I may hold your dear baby whenever I please.”
Eliza’s dark eyes twinkled. “I am sure it won’t be too long before you have one of your own.”
A giggle burst from Kitty’s mouth. “I am married but a few days, Liza.”
“It only takes once.”
“Liza!” Kitty dropped her hands, her face crimson.
Eliza pulled her lips between her teeth and shrugged with a mischievous gleam in her face. “Anna knows all about—” The mirth slipped from her features. “You haven’t lost any children, Anna? I fear I may be speaking unkindly without knowing it.”
“Do not worry.” She answered quickly, before the truth of her pain would reveal itself in her eyes. “I have never had a child.”
At this, the ache in Anna’s throat grew. She would never have the opportunity to experience such a joy. The emptiness in her womb suddenly filled every part of her until she feared she could no longer breathe. Would William despise her for what she could never give him? Should she reveal the truth before tying him to a wife that couldn’t bear him the children he wished for?
A knock tapped at the door.
“Are you ready? The reverend is waiting.” Thomas’s voice floated through the wood.
The two sisters glanced at Anna, their eyes trailing her up and down as if to be sure they’d tied every bow and cinched every knot. Her heart lurched to her throat. Lord, give me strength.
“We’ll be right down,” Eliza said, rising from the bed. Then to Anna she whispered, “You look so lovely. William will be awestruck.”
“Without a doubt.” Kitty grinned wide and opened the door, motioning for Anna to exit first.
Lord, give me strength. Trying to recall how to place one foot in front of the other, she started down the stairs to speak vows with a man who was little more than a stranger.
~~~
The sound of swishing skirts and the light tapping of shoes made William whirl toward the stairs. He gripped the mantel, allowing his eyes to linger only a moment as Mrs. Rone entered the parlor. A moment was all he needed. His pulse surged. He’d known she was lovely, but dressed in such a gown, her hair pinned up, and that smile…was she smiling? At him?
He cleared his throat. Attempting some kind of greeting, he opened his mouth but no sound emerged. He closed it again. Choosing instead to offer a nod, he motioned to the opposite side of the fireplace and looked immediately at the reverend. Thi
s was all happening so fast. Too fast.
She neared and the scent of lavender alerted his senses. With her head bowed in reverence, William spied the pink ribbon in her hair and his chest squeezed. Pink. He’d always had affinity for the color. Ever since his sister Julia had insisted he learn to tie her own pink hair ribbon—the only one she owned—when their mother was too ill to do it.
If only I had not been such a fool, they might still be living…
Pain pinched and he focused again on the woman who would become his bride, her head still lowered. Good heavens, but she was lovely. Like a strand of silk caught in a sea of black, the pink ribbon wound and twirled between the curls. ’Twas then she looked up and his chest stopped. That same beautiful pink dusted her cheeks.
Reverend Charles stood in front of them, his back to the fireplace, Bible in hand. The Smiths and the Watsons took their seats, varied expressions painting their faces, all of which William decided he would not try to interpret. Had they more time they might have waited for banns to be read and for a more proper celebration to be planned. But as it was, the marriage needed to remain quiet, his existence as hushed as possible. He only hoped his bride didn’t begrudge the hastiness of their union. Though since she had been the one to offer the arrangement, he figured she was content. Hoped she was so.
He peeked again at Mrs. Rone. She peered at her folded hands, allowing William a perfect view of her long, black lashes. She looked up and inhaled a quick, delicate breath when their gazes met.
“Have you a ring?”
The reverend’s question struck him. William swallowed a growl beneath an apologetic smile.
Reverend Charles nodded. “None is truly needed. The vows before God are all that really—”
“I have a ring.” Mrs. Rone’s quiet voice came between them, her hand at her neck. “You may use this.”
William reached out and touched his fingers to hers as she prepared to remove the ring from its chain. “You needn’t do that.”
Her dainty mouth slanted up as she reached behind her and unfastened the chain. With the ring in her hand, she met William’s pointed gaze with her own. “I know.” She handed it to the reverend. “Will this be sufficient?”
The reverend took it thoughtfully and nodded. “It will, my dear.”
William’s heart tipped. Knowing what this ring meant to her, how it had pained her at the thought of losing it, he could hardly believe she could wear it again—with him—a man she hardly knew and didn’t love. The scrolled engraving glowed in his memory. Forget not he who loveth thee. Now, this woman would marry him. A man who must keep the truest parts of himself hidden from her. Not of desire, but of necessity.
Lord, forgive me. Help her to forgive me.
The reverend began. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered together to join this man and this woman…”
William tried to think, to focus on the words the reverend spoke. He couldn’t. His mind raced. What was he thinking? She was beautiful, no doubt of that. Kind and generous to be sure—
“William?”
He looked at Reverend Charles, feigning grave attentiveness. “Aye?”
“Repeat after me. I, William Fredericks.”
He shifted his feet and met her eyes. “I, William Fredericks…”
“Take thee,” The reverend stopped. “Forgive me, I didn’t ask your full name.”
She licked her lips, barely speaking aloud. “Anna Fairchild Martin Rone.”
The blood in William’s veins halted. His lungs no longer took in air. Anna? Dearest Lord in heaven, was that truly her name? He shook his head to force some circulation back into his brain. He hadn’t heard correctly.
Reverend Charles spoke again, waiting for a response.
In the seconds that followed, William lectured himself. He couldn’t back down, not over a name. That’s all it was. She knew nothing of Anna Muhr and would be nothing like her. Would she? Nay. Show your backbone, Henry.
He raised his head, repeating the words he’d been given. “I, William, take thee, Anna, to be my wedded wife…”
And so they continued. Though to William, ’twas more a dream. Lights and colors. Sounds and scents. Movement and shadows.
All would be over soon. It must.
Then the words, “You may now kiss your bride.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
Kiss?
Anna choked on her breath. She shot a pleading glance to the young reverend. Surely they could forego that part of the ceremony. His bright eyes and smile said otherwise. Her blood charged and she sent a look to her new friends, skillfully avoiding the glance of the man in front of her. Both women exhibited partial grins and raised brows, as if unsure whether to cheer or reassure.
She tapped her toes in her shoes. Well, they were husband and wife now. No turning back time. Forward with courage. She lifted her eyes and her face instantly heated. Her mouth went dry. William looked directly at her, emotions flashing through his eyes faster than she could name them. Angled jaw ticking, his gaze went from her eyes to her mouth then up again. The blue of his gaze turned a deep navy and he cupped the back of her head before he descended, his warm mouth closing over hers.
Anna sucked in a quick breath, suddenly weightless. The soft, tenderness of his lips, the fresh scent of his breath…
As quickly as it began, he pulled away, taking the fleeting warmth and wanting with it. Eyes hooded, his gaze lingered, searching, while reverent congratulations began to usher through the room. Her lungs tried to work. How did one breathe? She stared, mouth partly open, her heart beating a furious rhythm.
He blinked his eyes wide and looked away. The two other fellows neared her husband, all smiles and slaps on the back.
“Anna!”
Behind her, Eliza and Kitty took her by the shoulders and turned her to face them. They wrapped her in a firm embrace then released her, talking at once.
“I’m so happy for you.”
“Mrs. Fredericks. The name suits you well.”
“Come.” Thomas motioned to the kitchen. “Let us enjoy some refreshment in honor of our newly wedded friends.”
Kitty neared, her husband by her side. “Anna, I would like to introduce my husband, Nathaniel Smith.”
He bowed, his handsome face brimming with happiness. “’Tis a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Fredericks.”
Anna curtsied. “The pleasure is mine.”
Kitty smiled up at her husband, love shining in her countenance as he continued to speak. “I surely speak for everyone when I say we are pleased to have you join our little family.”
The emphasis he placed on the last word brought the ever-present moisture to her eyes once more, but blessedly it stayed in place. The generosity so sincerely offered moved her beyond words.
He took his wife by the hand. “We will soon have you and your husband to our home for supper. But I believe Kitty has brought some delicious vittles for us to enjoy here.”
Kitty looked at her husband and nodded. “True.” She grinned then took Anna by the hand and led her to the kitchen. “I always manage to have some baked goods waiting to be eaten.”
At the doorway, a hand brushed her arm. “Mrs. Fredericks?” That now familiar timbre tickled the air at her neck. She turned, her chest instantly tightening. Her husband’s kind features rose. “I would speak to you.” He paused and looked to the others gathering around the table in the kitchen. “Only for a moment.”
“Of course.”
He gestured to the parlor, ushering her to the place they’d stood moments before.
“I hear…” He lowered his voice and turned to face her. His jaw tightened and loosened before he spoke again. “I hear there is a farm we may look after.”
She slanted her head. “Farm?” She heard him but failed to listen, instead allowing her vision to trace his hair, his eyes, his lips, remembering all too well the pleasing sensation of his mouth against hers. The pleasure tickled her memory, begging to be savored, but she forced away the vain imaginations
and raised her head, fully determined to keep her eyes and thoughts away from anything but the business he wished to discuss.
William shifted his weight over his feet. “An entire family has passed, leaving their farm in need of care.”
She forced both her breath and her pulse to stay calm. “Oh?”
“Doctor Smith says no other relatives have come forth to claim the property, and to this point it has remained vacant.” William stopped, his eyes studying her face. “Would that…would that please you?”
Would it please me? She blinked and gripped the skirt of her gown. No one had ever asked that of her. This had to be a dream, for how could reality bring such a man into her life? She shook her head lightly, believing the action might clear away the hopes she wished not to be dashed, but instead, it clarified them. In the light of the fire his honey-colored hair looked darkish brown, his eyes glimmering with a kind of sincerity she’d never known. Could this be real? Would this feeling of being wanted, cared for, continue when the sun rose again the next morning?
The words jumped from her lips. “You would ask me such a thing? If it would please me?”
He tilted his head, his eyes thin, as if her question were so foreign he could not interpret it. “Of course. If we are to work together, should we not be equal partners and have equal say in such decisions?”
His response rendered her mute. She looked down. Never had a man, or any person besides Mother and Samuel, expressed to her their desire for such an open and honest relationship. Edwin had never discussed anything with her—had cared only for those things which furthered his interests. As did her father.
She peered at him. “Are you in earnest?”
“You do not like the idea.” He pulled back. His words inquired more than accused.
“Nay.” Anna opened her mouth in a softening laugh. “I do. ’Tis a fine idea.” She looked away briefly. “You must forgive me. I find myself startled by the abundant generosity so freely offered.”
“You are not alone in those feelings.” He touched her arm. “Your generosity is…humbling indeed.”
So Rare a Gift (Daughters of His Kingdom Book 3) Page 10