Perfectly Matched (The Blue Willow Brides Book #3): A Novel

by Brendan, Maggie

  “He followed me home this afternoon while I was out at the pharmacy for Aunt Patty. I don’t know what to do for him, but I’ll bet you will.”

  Anna leaned over the pup in Sarah’s lap, examining his eyes and mouth while she held him. The pup was scratching vigorously at his hindquarters and whimpered as Anna gently looked between the folds of his dull fur and gasped at the sores along his back and tummy.

  “Goodness! This poor dog is in sad shape. You were right to bring him to me. He must be a stray, and there are plenty of those in this town, I’ll wager. I’ll feed him then clean him up. I’m glad we have some pens made up in the barn.”

  “I’d stay and help, but I have to get Aunt Patty’s medicine to her. She was feeling poorly today.”

  “Don’t you worry about a thing. Just take care of your aunt, and thanks for being kind to a helpless pup. We need more people concerned like you. Matter of fact, I’m having a meeting to start a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals next Wednesday night. Why don’t you stop by?”

  Sarah handed the pup to her, her hand lingering on his face, tears in her eyes. “Edward gave us your notice. I’d be happy to attend.”

  “Are you sure you might not want to keep this dog? Seems he’s stolen your heart already.”

  “True, but I don’t think my aunts would let me have a pet. Well, I must go now. Thank you, Anna. No need to walk me out.”

  With a wave she was gone, and Anna turned to the pup. His sad eyes stared at hers. “We are going to feed you, clean you up, and hopefully find you a good home . . . maybe even Sarah’s home.” The dog’s tail thumped hard against the floor as she talked, but he went right on scratching. She had just enough time to feed him, then after supper she’d give him a bath. She hoped he’d get along well enough with the other dogs and Cricket.

  Edward eyed his wife when he came in for supper. He chuckled at her bare feet, and she explained that it was the best way to mop and she liked the way the cool floor felt. He kissed her soundly on the mouth, and she slid her arms around his neck, eager to return his kisses.

  Finally, she pulled herself away from his warm embrace. “Supper is getting cold.”

  Her ragged breathing was a good sign, Edward thought. It thrilled him that their kisses caused such a reaction in both of them.

  He gazed at her across the table when they sat down to eat. Her cheeks were flushed, some of her hair had come loose and brushed across her narrow shoulders, and her apron stretched tightly across her chest. In the beginning, her disheveled appearance had bothered him, but lately he’d had a slight change in attitude and found her natural look very appealing. Of course, he wouldn’t want her to go out in public that way, and he’d yet to see any of the new dresses on her. He guessed he’d have to remind her to wear them instead of letting them hang in the closet with the tags still on them.

  “How did your day go? I haven’t seen you since lunchtime.” Edward set down his fork.

  “I’ve had a very busy day teaching Moose to retrieve, and I must say, he caught on quickly enough.”

  “I’m impressed. Waldo said he is too, after I told him about your venture. In fact, he said if you ever want to be a clerk in the bank, he’d hire you in a minute.”

  Anna sputtered, her mouthful of food almost choking her. She took a sip of water, shaking her head. “I have no desire to work in the bank. It’s way too confining.” She scratched her arm, then her side.

  “That’s exactly what I told him. Oh, I forgot to give you something last week. It totally slipped my mind.” He pulled out the check from his vest pocket. “I’d forgotten it in my vest. It’s your first benefactor’s donation.”

  Anna’s head jerked up. “What? You must be kidding.”

  “Nope.” He handed the check to her and watched her eyes go wide with excitement.

  “Oh my! Edward, this will help me get started with my society chapter for animals. That was mighty sweet of him.”

  “That’s because he admired your spunk when you stood up to him concerning Moose.”

  “Well, for goodness’ sake. I hardly know what to say.”

  “Write him a thank-you note and tell him that I forgot to give the donation to you last week.”

  “Oh, I will right after supper . . . as soon as I clean up a new boarder.”

  “Come again?”

  “Sarah brought me a wayward dog that followed her home, and I’ve fed him, but he needs a thorough washing, I’m afraid.” Anna tried to reach behind her to scratch her back.

  “Anna, you’ve been scratching ever since I sat down to eat. Maybe you’re allergic to the dog.”

  “Oh, it’s nothing but dry skin, I believe. I’m going to bathe him right after supper. At least he was welcomed by the other dogs and cat, which I’m grateful for.”

  “From the looks of it, you’ll be needing a bath as well.”

  “Then I’ll need someone to wash my back . . .” She gave him a seductive half-lidded gaze that made his legs go weak.

  “Have no fear, I seem to be free this evening.”

  “Perfect! I’ll clean up the dishes and go bathe the dog.” She rose and started clearing the table. “You be thinking of a name for the new pup. We can’t call him ‘dog’ forever.”

  “I’ll have to go check him out to see what would fit him, but I might have an idea.”

  Anna had finished bathing the dog in a large galvanized tub in the backyard, hurrying so he wouldn’t get chilled by the autumn air. She felt sorry for him with all the redness beneath his coat. At least it was a shiny sandy gold now that she’d towel-dried him. He had a sweet face, and she talked to him throughout the process while Baby and Moose watched close by. She tried to gauge his age.

  Edward walked into the yard just as she was finishing up brushing the pup’s coat. He knelt down beside them, allowing the pup to lick his hand. “Mmm . . . he’s a really pretty dog, Anna. Still not fully grown.”

  “He’s a whole lot prettier now. Have you thought of a name?”

  “How about Frankie? That’s what I named my dog . . .” His voice cracked. “In fact, he sorta reminds me of him.”

  “Then Frankie it is!”

  “We need to put them all in the barn tonight.” He glanced up at the clouds. “I think we may get a change in the weather tonight. Possibly rain.”

  “Okay, let’s do that. I need to get cleaned up.”

  He pulled her to a standing position and held her at arm’s length, his eyes sweeping down her. “I couldn’t agree more.”

  Anna could hardly wait to bathe. It delighted her when she stepped into the bedroom to see the hip tub filled with water and bubbles, a fire burning in the grate, and candles burning on the mantel. She turned to give Edward a brief kiss. “Edward, you’re so sweet to me. I can’t wait to strip off these dirty clothes.” She turned her back to him. “Would you mind undoing the buttons for me?”

  “It would be my pleasure, m’ lady,” he whispered in her ear.

  The warmth of his fingers caressed her back, making the very skin underneath his fingertips feel sensual. But the trouble was, she was still itching—and now in more places. She heard him gasp as her dress and undergarments hit the floor.

  “Anna! Mercy! You’re covered in red welts!”

  “I am?” She looked down the front of her body. “Goodness! I am!”

  “I believe you got this from that dog. Probably fleabites. That explains all the itching.”

  “What do I do for it?” she asked, scratching her chest and arms.

  “I’ll run over to the pharmacist. He won’t be happy to see me at this time of night, but he’ll know how to treat the itching. Meanwhile, let me help you into the bath. That will help soothe the itching.”

  He helped her into the tub, then scooped up her clothes. “I think these will have to be disposed of. Then you’ll have no excuse not to wear the new dresses you bought. I won’t be long.”

  He hurried out and she heard the front door slam behind him. She wasn
’t sure she’d ever seen him move so fast. The water was relaxing, and by the time Edward returned, she was just getting out of the tub.

  “I’ve got a tincture of clove oil that will stop the itching for you and keep the welts from getting worse. The pharmacist gave me some powdered pyrethrum to sprinkle on Frankie tomorrow.” He watched as she patted herself dry, desire reflected in his eyes despite her red spots.

  “Do you mind applying it?” she asked, lifting the hair off the nape of her neck.

  “Not at all. You’ll smell good enough to eat—like my mother’s mincemeat pie.” He chuckled as he opened the bottle, releasing the fragrance of cloves. Taking a piece of cotton the pharmacist had provided, he began applying the oil. “Here’s one, and here’s one, and here’s one . . .” He wiped the spots gently, his eyes smoldering as the towel she held lightly to her chest slipped a little. “You’re beautiful even with red dots all over. Turn around and I’ll get the backs of your legs.”

  She chewed her bottom lip as his head was bent over her legs. She couldn’t stand it another minute. She dropped the towel next to him and Edward looked up in surprise, fire in his eyes.

  He lifted her in his arms and carried her toward the bed. “I think we’ll finish here, my sweet.” His voice was low and husky as he reached out and fondled her clean hair between his fingers, breathing in the smell of it.

  He lovingly lowered her to the bed, whispering sweet words that fueled her desire for him. And for a time, Anna knew what blissful happiness was.

  26

  Immediately after church services, Edward and Anna set off for Denver’s City Park instead of having lunch with Ella and Ernie. She’d packed sandwiches and cookies for a picnic. The weather couldn’t be more spectacular, with the crisp autumn sunshine and a breeze that required only a light coat. The park was beautiful this time of year, abounding with families—some pushing prams, others picnicking or strolling the grounds surrounded by spruce, fir, and elm trees in brilliant orange. The Rocky Mountain range dressed with snowcapped tops created the perfect setting for Anna’s painting. Edward lounged on the blanket after eating, watching her profile as she began to paint what she saw. Occasionally, someone walking past would slow down and crane their necks to take a look at her canvas, but she only nodded sweetly and continued with her painting.

  Edward’s chest swelled with pride as he watched Anna. God had sent him a gift, and he was afraid if he blinked, all the happiness would disappear. He appreciated her keen mind and the rather funny sense of playfulness that kept him both mystified and enamored by her charms. Her profile made a beautiful picture in itself, and he wished he could paint her as she was—contented with brushes in hand, deep in concentration, wearing her blue dress with delicate lace edging the cuffs. But for now he would commit the image in his memory to enjoy later.

  An hour or so later, Anna turned, flashing him a beguiling smile. “Are you tired? The sun makes one sleepy, doesn’t it?”

  “Yes, it does. Why don’t you stop for a bit and come sit beside me?” He patted the blanket next to him.

  “All right.” She laid her paints and brush next to her canvas, then moved next to him. He drew her head to his shoulder, enjoying the smell of her hair.

  “I enjoy looking at your pretty face,” he said, running his finger along her cheek and jawline. “Your painting is turning out nicely. Let’s hang it in the living room.”

  “I’m glad you like it, but it’ll need to be framed first.”

  He kissed the tip of her nose. “What other talents have you hidden from me, my sweet one?”

  ———

  Anna grabbed his hand, kissing his fingertips. She loved his hands. “I can’t give away all my secrets too soon, you know.”

  “True, I wouldn’t have anything to look forward to then, would I?”

  “Besides, you seem to hold a few surprises yourself that I’m slowly discovering.” She wrapped her arms about her knees, watching all the activity in the park. “I like watching people who are enjoying a day away from their normal cares of the world. Especially the families with children. Don’t you?”

  “I rather enjoy watching you,” he replied, then looked out across the grassy park. “But you’re right, people-watching can be an interesting pastime. Perhaps someday we’ll be watching our children play in the park.”

  “Ja, that would be so special. I want a little boy who looks just like you.” She turned toward him and looked into his gray eyes, seeing his love within their soft gaze.

  “And I intend to have a little girl who looks just like you—even if it means a lot of trying to get it right.”

  Her bottom lip trembled. “Which will make life all the more fun!” she teased back. As she turned back to the scenic lake, her heart stilled. Carriage rides were available for riding through the park, and one was just passing by them. The driver was yelling at the nag pulling the now-empty carriage and lashing out with the sharp sting of his whip.

  “You good-for-nothing beast! At this rate, we’ll never get around the park!”

  Anna hopped to her feet, and Edward rose as well. The horse was old, and anyone could see that it was worn from years of service. It had a limp and was thin, with graying whiskers.

  The driver, mindless of an audience, got even angrier when the horse refused to budge, and he whipped it again. Anna shuddered but then drew her shoulders back, daring to interfere.

  “Sir!” She marched over to him.

  The driver, an older paunchy man, glared at her. “What do you want? A ride? Well, I don’t think we’ll get far with this piece of horseflesh, but tell you what—I’ll give you a ride around the lake for half price.”

  By now, Anna was at the mare’s head and saw sores around her mouth where the bit was wearing against skin that sagged from age. Her coat was dull and lifeless, and Anna wondered when was the last time she’d been groomed.

  She reached up and stroked the mare’s face, seeking the sad eyes that were no longer bright. “It’s not a ride I want.” She turned to face the driver and sensed Edward coming to stand next to her. “It’s compassion. How about retiring the horse? She’s worn out.” She stood tense, her hands on her hips.

  “Ha! You must be joking. This ol’ nag still has another year in her yet. She’s just being ornery today and wants more oats. She’s grown lazy.”

  “The horse does look worn out, mister,” Edward added, studying the horse closely. “Something’s wrong with her hind leg.”

  “Well, see here—it’s none of your business what I do with my property!” He twisted in his seat above them, then spat a stream of tobacco not far from where they stood. “When I’m done with her, it won’t be a sweet green pasture—it’ll be the glue factory!” He laughed heartily.

  How disgusting, Anna thought. She faced Edward. “Edward, we must do something.”

  She could tell he was hesitating to get involved from the contemplative look on his face.

  “I don’t know, Anna. The horse is his property, not ours.”

  “But don’t you see how he’s treating her? He’s abusing the helpless horse. In all good conscience, Edward, I can’t let this continue. I just can’t.”

  A small group of people were beginning to form near them, but Anna didn’t care. “I’ll take that horse off your hands and turn her out to pasture to finish out her days, if you’ll let me,” she said to the driver. “And I’ll take good care of her too.”

  Confusion registered on Edward’s face. He would eventually understand, but at the moment, her concern was for the crippled horse.

  The man lowered his whip with a frown. “I can’t just give my horse away. She’s my livelihood. What do you take me for? An idiot?”

  Anna’s heart pounded. “I’ll give you fifty dollars for her. You’ll still have your carriage.” She waited, hoping he might consider her offer.

  “I can’t buy a horse for fifty dollars. Make it a hundred and you got yourself a deal.” He smiled through his tobacco-stained teeth.
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br />   “Okay. One hundred dollars—but the horse goes with me now.” Anna tried to sound more confident than she felt.

  “What the devil?” Edward sputtered, taking a step toward her. “The horse is so old she can barely walk!”

  “Please—I’ll use the money Waldo gave me if you can supply the rest.”

  Edward rolled his eyes, then sighed. “All right, but we can’t make a habit of this, Anna. Understand?”

  She nodded gratefully while he took the bills out of his wallet. The driver hopped down from his perch rather quickly for someone his age and snatched the money in his fat little hands. He stuffed the bills in his coat pocket. “Good deal. Now I’ll unhitch her and she’s yours, lady,” he said. When he was done, he left the carriage and started walking away, whistling a tune.

  “What’s the horse’s name?” Anna called out.

  He yelled over his shoulder, “Belle!” and then sauntered on his way. Anna wouldn’t be surprised if the man used some of the money for spirits, considering his eyes were bloodshot and drooping. But it didn’t make any difference to her.

  Edward took the bridle and nudged the horse toward where their carriage and Cloud waited under a shade tree, but it took Anna’s soft cajoling to inspire the horse to walk.

  “We’ll tie her behind the carriage so she won’t be straining,” Edward said. “Then once we get her home, I’ll have Daniel come over and take a look at her leg.”

  When they got Belle over to their carriage, Anna took Edward’s hand. “Thank you. I couldn’t let this go or my word about forming the society wouldn’t mean a thing, Edward. I hope you understand.”

  He squinted in the sunlight. “I’m trying to. I understand that you want to help animals, truly . . . but we can’t walk the streets of Denver and assume authority over pets and livestock. If we did, then the day would never end.”

  “I know that. But I’ll have others who’ll get involved. And you’re right—I can’t possibly take every animal in, but when the Lord places an opportunity to do good right in front of me, then I have to take a stand.”