“How about at this end here? Will that be okay?” Daniel rested his hands on his hips, surveying the space with a critical eye.
“Ja! If you could give me two or three pens, I’d be eternally grateful.” She watched as he started measuring the space.
“I think I can make at least four of them for you. But you don’t have four dogs, do you?”
“Oh, that’s wonderful, Daniel. And to answer your question—no. At least not yet. But if another lost or hurt animal crosses my path, I will.”
“I see . . . and Edward is in complete agreement with this?” He quirked an eyebrow at her. She assumed he was waiting for her response before he began. After all, he and Edward were best friends, and she knew he’d be loyal.
“Um . . . yes. We’ve talked about it but haven’t worked out all the details yet. But don’t worry, he doesn’t want my pets or strays inside. Now, if you don’t need me for anything, I have an errand that I must run.”
“I’m fine here. I’ll be gone before you return, I’ll wager,” he said. He was already bent down on one knee to mark a piece of wood with a pencil he’d stuck over his ear.
“Okay. I’ll let you know when the dinner party will be, and I look forward to seeing you tonight at the literary circle.” She went back inside, gathered up her coat and purse to leave, then decided that she’d put Cricket on the back porch in the sun. She scooped the kitty up still curled in her bed and set her outside the back door. Cricket probably wouldn’t wander as little as she was, so Anna wasn’t concerned that she might leave the porch.
She’d have to catch the streetcar to take her to Denver High School at City Park because Edward had taken the horse and buggy with him to town. But it wasn’t long before she saw the high school come into view at 19th and Stout, so she hurried off the streetcar down the sidewalk to the school. It was already in session, and Anna stood gazing up at the large, impressive multistory building of brick with its own clock tower. She wondered how many students attended. Climbing the massive stone steps transported her back to the time she’d attended high school, which seemed like a long time ago but was only last year. She’d enjoyed her time living with Clara in Cheyenne and commuting on most weekends to the farm where her sister Catharine lived.
Once inside, she walked up to the office and swung the door wide. A few women were busy at several desks. A cheerful woman with shocking red hair greeted her with a wide smile.
“I wonder if you could direct me to the library,” Anna said. “I need to speak with Miss Brooks.”
“Of course. The library is on the second floor, first door on the left.” Her red curls bobbed as she spoke.
She thanked her and started up the expansive mahogany staircase. The door was already open, and she quickly spotted Pearl holding books ready to be shelved. She loved the smell of books and suddenly felt right at home. The light shone through the ceiling windows onto the rich hardwood floors. It was quiet, of course, and several students were sitting at various tables speaking in low voices, apparently working on projects together. Pearl looked up and smiled as soon as she saw Anna.
“I was wondering if you’d come.” Pearl set the books down on the long counter next to her. Behind it sat another lady typing faster than Anna had ever seen anyone type, and she marveled at the woman’s speed.
“Anna, this is Mabel, my assistant.”
Mabel barely paused long enough to murmur hello, then went right on back to her typing.
Pearl motioned for Anna to follow her to her office. “Anna, I pulled a publication or two with articles that I thought might interest you about an organization called the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.” She handed her some magazines. “And another article is about a woman who started the Women’s Humane Society in Pennsylvania.”
Anna glanced at the magazines. “Thank you for taking the time to do this for me. I do appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome. You may take those home to read as long as you return them.” Pearl kept her voice low.
“I promise I will.” Anna chewed her bottom lip.
“Is there something else I can help you with?” Pearl cocked her head.
“I want to tell you about an idea that’s been going through my mind, if you have a moment.”
Pearl indicated that Anna take a seat as she walked over to her desk. Anna couldn’t help but notice the top was neat and organized much like Edward kept things. “I’m all ears.”
“Well . . . Patty Holbrook mentioned Harvey was losing his eyesight.” Anna paused. “I noticed how you guided him this morning on your walk.”
Pearl pursed her lips together. “This is true, though I believe he’s too proud to admit it. I think he can see peripherally somewhat. But what does this have to do with you?”
“One day while I was shopping in Cheyenne, I saw a blind man with a dog that guided him across the street and stayed next to his side. Well, I got to thinking that maybe I could teach Moose how to fetch and when to cross the street and things like that.”
Pearl’s eyes flew open. “What a brilliant idea! And it would be good for Harvey—if he would agree.”
“Not only would it help him, but Moose could be a companion to him since he lost his wife.”
Pearl leaned back in her chair with an astounded look. “My my, but you’re surprisingly resourceful. I think it’s a marvelous idea if you can train the dog—at least to do a few things. That would be better than nothing.”
Anna blushed and didn’t know what to say. Did she think I’m not very bright? She stood, preparing to leave. “Thank you. I just wanted to get your thoughts about my idea before I approached Harvey. But I can’t do that until I experiment with Moose. I’d better be off now.” She turned at the doorway. “Oh, by the way, Edward and I are planning a dinner party soon—we would enjoy it if you would attend.”
Pearl stood as well and walked her to the door that led out to the hallway and stairs. “Sounds like fun. Count me in. I’m glad I could be of help, Anna. Let me know if there’s anything else I can research for you. This is a wonderful thing you’re doing.”
“Thank you again. I’ll see you tonight at the literary circle.” Anna clutched the magazines to her chest and descended the stairs, then walked out into the fresh air. She felt excitement bubble up and decided she would read on the ride home. God had given her a purpose other than taking care of the house.
She didn’t have long to wait before a streetcar, crowded with passengers, came grinding to a halt at the corner. After she found a seat, Anna was fascinated by what she read. The society was formed in New York back in 1866 by a man named Henry Bergh who was impassioned about animal mistreatment, pointing out to Manhattan’s powerful business leaders that it was a matter of the conscience and a moral question at best. He later established the first shelter for mistreated animals.
She could almost feel Bergh’s passion in the article seep straight into her heart. He must have been a kindhearted man indeed, she thought. She read the next article about a woman in Pennsylvania who started the Women’s Humane Society in 1878.
Anna was encouraged by what she read and was done by the time she disembarked at the corner of her street. Wait until she told Edward! She hoped it would help her cause all the more.
There would be just enough time to finish her ironing and prepare a quick but light supper before they headed off to Callie’s for the literary circle.
Edward returned with his load of lumber to surprise Anna with some pens for the animals. He’d left a note on the door for customers that he’d be back soon, so he decided that he’d hurry up and unload the supplies. Tomorrow morning he’d get up early and start on the project.
He was feeling pretty good about the fact that he would surprise Anna, which would show her he was willing to go the extra mile for her when it came to her passion for helping animals. Anna really had a tender spot for them, and he shouldn’t be complaining that she wanted to do something useful. Besides, their making up
had almost been worth the argument. He’d love nothing better than to figure out ways that he could make her fall in love with him the way he knew he was with her. She had seemed pleased with the flowers, so this should be a feather in his cap. Then on a special occasion, he would give her the pendant watch he was crafting especially for her.
He jumped down from the wagon and strode over to the barn door. Funny, it wasn’t closed. He would’ve sworn he’d shut the big double doors. He pushed them back to give him plenty of room to carry in the planks, but what he saw made him stop dead in his tracks.
He couldn’t believe his eyes, and he blinked to be sure he wasn’t hallucinating. Right before him were four neat wood and wire cages with hinged doors. The frames were connected by a bolt in the front and one in the back. Where in the world had these come from? Anna had gone ahead and took it upon herself to do this, he was sure. But why? Did she think he wasn’t capable of building them?
His neck stiffened and he felt his face burn as anger flooded his entire being. He strode over to the back door, nearly stepping on Cricket as he stomped up the steps.
“Anna! Anna! I need to talk to you,” he yelled. She wasn’t in the kitchen. He stormed down the hall and saw her entering the front door.
“Oh, Edward. I can’t wait to tell you what I’ve learned today with the help of Pearl—” She stopped short when her eyes met his. “Edward, whatever is the matter?” She put some magazines on the hall table, then removed her coat and threw it on the table as well.
He followed her motions with his eyes, wondering if she would ever learn to put anything back in its place. But now was not the time to mention that.
“Well? I’m waiting.”
He folded his arms, spreading his legs apart slightly. “Anna, who built those pens while I was out?”
“Ack! I was going to tell you as soon as you returned. Daniel was kind enough to do this for me.”
Keep your temper under control, he told himself. It was going to be hard to do right now when he felt like wringing her pretty little neck. Her pale cheeks shone pink from the cold and her blue eyes glittered . . . but her innocence wouldn’t bear any weight in this matter. Not this time.
He sucked in a deep breath before he opened his mouth again. “Why did you do that? We hadn’t agreed on using part of the barn yet.”
“I thought I was helping you out by not having you worry about it. You have much better things to do with your time than try to build dog pens.”
“Are you saying that I’m not capable of doing so?” Her statement made his blood boil, but not in the usual way.
“Not at all! I—I guess I should have told you first. I asked Daniel this morning.”
She licked her lips, but she’d have to do better than that for him to forget his anger. “So now I have to return all the supplies that I got to build the pens for you.” Edward’s jaw worked as he uncrossed his arms and clenched his fists.
“You did what?” Anna clamped her hand across her mouth in surprise. “Edward . . . I don’t know what to say . . .” Her voice trailed away and tears filled her eyes.
“It doesn’t matter now, does it? I wanted it to be a surprise, but it looks like you took matters into your own hands as usual.” He turned on his heel and clomped out the back kitchen door, letting it slam behind him. He heard one of her decorative plates shatter on the floor. Good! He hoped it was in a million pieces.
Edward decided to allow Cloud the freedom of the backyard after he unharnessed him. The dogs were clearly happy to have a horse to harass. He wished he was no more than a dog, with nothing on his mind but a tasty bone to chew. He washed up, then went back to his shop, passing through the kitchen but pretending not to see Anna bent over the stove.
He was just about to unlock the front door to the shop when he changed his mind. He stuffed the key back into his jacket pocket. It was still early. If he delayed reopening for another fifteen minutes, it wouldn’t make much difference. What he had to do wouldn’t take long. He trotted down the front steps and picked up his pace once he was on the sidewalk, the houses and people becoming just a mere blur. He was trying to keep his usually methodical brain from coming apart and going in different directions with negative thoughts.
He marched up to Daniel’s house and rang the doorbell. Moments later, his friend greeted him, a big grin on his unshaven face and a wood planer in his hand. “Afternoon, Edward. You here to learn my secrets to adding some muscle to that lean frame of yours?” he teased.
That’s all it took for Edward’s blood to simmer again. “Hardly,” he answered. “I may not have your brawn but I can rival your intelligence.”
“Whoa. I didn’t mean that as an insult. Please, step inside.”
“No thank you. What I have to say can be said right here on the steps.”
“Edward, something botherin’ you? You look a little angry. Hope it’s not with me—”
Edward put his hands on his hips. “Oh, it’s with you all right. What do you mean by running over to my house and building pens in my barn? Tell me that, will you?”
Daniel’s eyes narrowed, but he faced Edward square on. “Edward, I did what I could to help you out.”
“I don’t need any help, for your information!” Edward raised his voice, and Daniel’s neighbor, who was just leaving his house, turned to look.
Daniel shoved his friend through the doorway with an irritated glare in his eyes. “Keep your voice down and tell me what burr you got in your saddle today. I’ve known you for years and I know when something is wrong.”
“I wish you’d talked to me before you took it upon yourself to build pens in my barn! That’s what.” How could he stand there and pretend to act innocent?
“That’s what’s eatin’ you? For goodness’ sake, man. Your wife asked me, and she said it was okay with you.”
“She did, did she? Well, it’s not all right with me. You still should’ve consulted with me. How long have you known Anna?”
“About a month.”
“Exactly. And how long have you known me?”
“Since grammar school, I reckon. Look, I’m sorry, Edward. Do you want me to go tear them down now? ’Cause I will.”
Edward sat down in a nearby chair, his shoulders slumped forward. He leaned over and put his face in his hands, then swiped his eyes before answering. “I’m sorry for railing at you. It’s just that I wanted to surprise her, and I left work early to go buy the supplies.”
Daniel took a step near his friend, laying his hand on his shoulder. “I understand why you’re angry now. I’m really sorry if I caused grief between you and Anna. I was just trying to lend a hand.”
Edward stared up at his friend. “I . . . I guess I realize that now, but I let jealousy and my emotions get the best of me.”
“Look, don’t let it worry you. Do you have time for a quick cup of coffee with your old friend?”
Edward stood facing him. “I’m sorry, Daniel. It’s just that you seem to be everything I am not—good-looking, strong physique, charming, a fine woodworker, a cowboy . . .”
“But you have Anna, Edward. Don’t ever forget that. I have no one.”
“I guess I still have her, but she’s pretty upset with me right now.”
“You know you have her. She adores you. Don’t sell yourself short.” Daniel stuck his hand out. “It’s settled now?”
Edward took his hand in a firm shake. “Settled.”
“Now, how about that coffee?”
“I’d love to stay, but I must go reopen the shop. I’m late as it is.” He strolled back to the still-open front door, then paused. “You say you have no one, but goodness, man, haven’t you ever seen how Callie looks at you at church?”
Daniel stopped dead in his tracks and scratched his head. With narrowed eyes, he looked at Edward. “Really? I can’t say that I’ve noticed her looking at me, but I have been looking at her for some time now.”
“So why aren’t you courting her?”
“I�
��m not rightly sure, Edward. We have a good friendship, so I didn’t want to jeopardize that—plus I figured that she had plenty of beaus more in her class, if you know what I mean.” He leaned against the door and crossed his arms.
“Then you’re a downright knucklehead, I tell you.” Edward stepped outside.
Daniel followed him out to the porch. “Maybe that’s why Anna invited me to a dinner party yesterday. She said others would be there.”
“Hmm, I didn’t know we were having a dinner party. I think she wants to play matchmaker with Callie. Get you two together or something like that.” Edward chuckled.
“I’m glad to hear you laugh, ol’ friend. Hey—go easy on your sweet little bride. She’s still young and just full of ideas and pure excitement for living.”
Edward smiled at his friend. “I know. I think I’ve expected way too much. I tend to do that, don’t I?”
Daniel laughed outright. “Yes. I’m glad to hear you finally admit it, though.”
Edward shook his head. “It isn’t easy.”
“It never is easy to admit our faults or apologize.”
“Now you sound like a preacher,” he teased.
“Maybe that’s another thing I can add to that illustrious pedestal you have me on.” Daniel laughed good-naturedly.
“See you tonight,” Edward said, then hurried down the walk.
When Edward entered his house, he admired how the floors shone from the light coating of linseed oil. He could smell the fresh scent of lemon and beeswax on the furniture. The sun shining through the sheer curtains gave the furniture a basking, homey glow. He’d love to stop and sit a spell in his easy chair, reading the paper, but since he’d gotten a late start, that would have to wait. He knew Anna was getting better at some of the household chores, just not all of them all of the time or on a timely basis. Sometimes her head was in the clouds. Whether it was her personality or her youth, he wasn’t sure. But one thing he knew for sure—he hadn’t told her directly that he appreciated her efforts.
Perfectly Matched (The Blue Willow Brides Book #3): A Novel Page 14