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

by Brendan, Maggie

  Edward only grunted, and she felt his eyes on her while she packed up her paints and rolled her brushes in the canvas to be cleaned when she got home. Somehow, she felt like he was less than understanding—even though he did pay the man for the horse. Of course, she’d put him on the spot. Well, everyone had their own gifts and talents from God, and Anna intended to develop hers.

  They drove slowly so as not to stress Belle’s leg, and by the time they reached home, the sun was beginning to slide behind the purple mountains. Edward got Belle settled in the barn, and Anna gave her fresh oats and water while the dogs yapped around them, creating noise and confusion. He wasn’t sure what in the world they would do with an old horse, and now he had to go see if Daniel could come over and examine her. Belle didn’t appear to be very hungry, despite what the man had told Anna. The day had started off nicely until the affairs of rescuing the horse had gotten in the way. He’d planned a romantic evening at home before the workweek started.

  As he put Cloud in his stall, he eyed Anna. She went about the barn humming a hymn, then took a curry brush to the tired Belle, talking to her in soothing tones. He felt a little envious of the attention. When it came to the animals, Anna became very focused, unlike the way she handled her chores around the house. He’d observed that she was easily distracted if it wasn’t something she wanted to do.

  He sighed. Maturity would help her focus. He was sure that if he hadn’t said yes to bringing Belle home, Anna was feisty enough that she would have done it anyway. Nothing in life is ever perfect, even when you strive hard for it to be, he told himself. Sometimes he felt like he’d lost all control. He swallowed his disappointment and set off to fetch Daniel.

  “The horse has arthritis for sure,” Daniel said after examining the horse. “There’s not a whole lot you can do for that. It’s part of aging, but no tellin’ what kind of hard labor this horse has been through in her lifetime. You might try some warm compresses, and I’ll bring over some liniment in the morning now that I know what’s wrong.” His brows drew together as he ran his hand along the horse’s flanks. “Her breathing is shallow. There could be something else going on here.”

  “Thank you for coming over,” Anna said, stroking Belle’s head. “I’ll bet she was a beauty at one time.”

  “I agree. You’re so kind to want to take care of her in her last days.” Daniel turned to leave. “Be seeing you in the morning then.”

  Edward thumped him on the back. “Appreciate it, Daniel.”

  “Daniel, could Edward walk back with you and get the liniment now instead of waiting until tomorrow? I’d like to see if I can give her some kind of comfort tonight, if that’s all right with you, Edward.”

  “Sure, Anna.” Edward nodded in agreement, and they started toward Daniel’s home. Anna noticed that the two men paused and said something to each other, but she couldn’t hear what.

  They probably think I’ve lost my mind today. She turned back to Belle and saw that the bucket of oats was still more than half full. Maybe the horse would feel like eating later. Her breathing sounded a little labored to Anna. Cloud stuck his head across the stall door and nudged Belle’s nose, neighing loudly. It made Anna smile. Belle tossed her head at him, pawing the straw with her forefoot. The horses had their own way of communicating, and watching them make friends warmed her heart.

  She hugged her arms about her and said a brief prayer for Belle, then went back to the kitchen to heat up supper.

  27

  Anna fell into bed and was asleep the moment her head hit the pillow. Later in the night she woke up, dreaming about the man lashing Belle with his whip while she struggled to take the whip from his hand. It was hard to shake the feeling the dream had over her, but it was also good to know it was just a bad dream.

  She moved closer to Edward, but if he felt her against him, he didn’t give any sign. Soon she drifted back to sleep, lulled by the moaning wind outside and the heat of Edward’s back against her.

  “Anna. Anna. Wake up.” Edward gently shook her shoulder and sat on the edge of the bed.

  “What?” Anna forced her heavy lids open. “What?” She saw Edward swallow hard, pursing his lips together for a brief moment. “I’m sorry if I overslept. I’ll get—”

  “I hate to tell you this . . . but Belle died during the night.” Edward’s face was solemn.

  Anna jerked up in the bed and clutched Edward’s arms. “No! Please tell me you’re joking.”

  “I wouldn’t joke about a thing like that, Anna. Daniel warned me last night that Belle’s breathing was shallow, and he wasn’t sure how much time she had.”

  She put her hand over her mouth, stifling a cry. “Oh no!” She couldn’t hold back the tears. Edward handed her his handkerchief.

  “I’ll go over and see if Daniel can help me dispose of her. We’ll have to get some help. Thin as she was, the weight is more than the two of us can handle.”

  She yanked the covers back. “I’ll get dressed and come help.”

  “You’ll do no such thing. That’s not a good idea. I’ll handle this, okay?”

  She leaned back on the bed frame, quietly crying. “I just can’t believe she was that close to dying. Poor thing! At least her suffering is over now.”

  A meow sounded from the door as Cricket waltzed in and hopped up on the bed. She tried to get as close to Anna’s face as she could, as though to comfort her. How did the kitten know she was upset? She saw Edward frown, but she didn’t want to start arguing this morning. Bad enough that he’d given her money for the horse. The kitten settled in her lap and purred loudly.

  “I guess I left the back door open. She’s wanting her breakfast.”

  Anna wiped her tears. “I’m sorry . . . I’ll take her back outside, Edward,” she said, running her hand down the cat’s fur. Cricket arched her back with each of Anna’s strokes.

  He sighed heavily. “She can stay this time. It seems she wants to comfort you.”

  “Thank you. I had a bad dream about Belle last night. I should’ve guessed how really sick she was.”

  Edward stood, hands on his hips. “At least you didn’t have time to get attached. ’Course, we’re out that hundred dollars now,” he said with a tight look. “I’m not convinced that you should take in any more strays, Anna.” His face was serious and his eyes looked tired, which meant he hadn’t slept well. “There’s coffee on the stove. I’m going to go round up some help. Don’t come outside now, you hear? I’ll see that your dogs are fed this time.”

  “What about your customers? Do you want me to open the shop?”

  “No. Mondays are always a bit slow. I’ll be back soon.”

  Anna hugged the purring cat, then noticed how much brighter her eyes were now than when she’d first brought her home. Most likely responding to the good care she’d been given. Too bad it came too late for Belle. She understood that everything died in time, but that didn’t keep her from wishing it weren’t so.

  She put Cricket on the floor and shuddered at the cold beneath her feet. Quickly she pulled on her dressing robe, then shoved her feet into slippers. A fire would’ve been nice in the bedroom this morning, but under the circumstances, she knew Edward hadn’t had time. She needed a cup of his strong coffee. Cricket was right on her heels, anxious for her breakfast.

  Avoiding looking in the backyard, Anna took her coffee and stood by the front living room window. The wind swirled the leaves along the sidewalk and lifted them into the street. She enjoyed the fall most of all seasons. Somehow it invigorated her with energy, but today that energy was sadly lacking. She sighed. She would have to be happy with the fact that she’d tried her best with Belle. There would be other animals she could rescue, she was certain. Wednesday night was her first meeting, and she had to admit that she was more than a little anxious about it. What if no one came?

  Edward’s wagon, with several other men in the back and Daniel in the front with him, passed by the front yard. They turned down the drive to the back, but she refrai
ned from running to the back window to watch. It would do her no good—only make her sadder.

  Dreaded laundry awaited her, but it was better to get a head start while she had time on her hands. She shouldn’t be complaining since Edward was willing to get involved with the horse and dispose of her in the first place. She just hoped he wouldn’t go on and on today about the money spent. She knew his mood last night was an indication of his displeasure. She noticed how easily he’d clammed up instead of talking with her. She thought they’d worked this all out, and she knew he was working hard at accepting animals, period. Why, just look how he’d allowed Cricket to stay inside today, she mused, looking fondly down at her furry little body weaving in and out of her legs. Anna smiled. In her heart, she knew that she wanted to keep the kitten, but she didn’t want to bring that up just yet.

  Lord, am I doing the right thing? I feel certain that You laid this on my heart to do. I guess I’m wavering now. How can I be sure this idea was from You and not just something that I wanted to do on my own? I can’t do this without Your direction to guide the work. I’ll be listening. I need to hear from You. Amen.

  Praying always made her feel better, but it would help to keep occupied. She would wait until Belle was gone before doing the wash, but at least she could gather up clothing and do any mending.

  As usual, Edward’s dirty clothes were folded in a neat pile ready for washing; hers were thrown on the floor of the closet. She carried the clothing to the kitchen, heated up another cup of coffee, then looked for any buttons missing on his shirt or pants. Edward was good at removing anything from his pockets, but one pair had a folded piece of paper. She took it out and stared at it, then reached for a chair and eased herself down to sit. It was his list. Her eyes scanned the list then went back and read the items one by one.

  Compliment her every day.

  Start helping her with chores when you have the extra time.

  Bring her flowers.

  Tell her romantic things.

  Take her on a picnic.

  Talk to her about her desires and goals.

  Tell her you love her!

  Tell her you want her to have your children.

  Work on the surprise gift.

  Try to relax a little on the chore list.

  Let her make some decisions.

  Plan a trip.

  Anna’s heart was deeply moved and filled with fresh love for Edward, causing her eyes to fill with tears. She had no idea that his list was drastically different from hers. Now she felt awful about the times she’d brought up his list in a hateful way. No wonder he never said anything. Oh, God . . . I’m still learning how to be a wife. She felt incredibly naïve and unprepared to manage her feelings adequately. And today, even though he’d been against buying the horse last night, he still did it—for her!

  How in the world was she going to make it up to him? She’d have to think of something special. She could start today by making those apple dumplings she’d promised him. It was the one thing she cooked best, and the cool weather called for a warm dessert and a delicious roast.

  A couple of hours later, after she’d cored and peeled the apples and cut up potatoes and carrots for the roast, Edward wandered in, looking dirty and tired. “I’m going to get cleaned up and get to work now. Most of my morning is gone.” He washed his hands at the sink, then turned to face her. “Daniel’s father let us have a spot on his land to bury her. But I don’t intend to have to do this again. Ever.” He was curt but civil.

  “Dank U wel, Edward.” She choked out the words.

  He didn’t respond or reach out to touch her. Sweeping his eyes over her robe, he glanced down at her feet, where Cricket sat on her haunches, quietly licking her paws. “There’s no need for that.” He simply shook his head and turned on his heel, leaving her feeling deflated and lonely.

  Edward didn’t stop for lunch, so she didn’t bother to interrupt him in his present state of mind. Sometimes it was best to just let him be. She donned her work dress before going outside to start the wash. She wondered what she’d do when there were more than just the two of them to wash, cook, and clean for. How would she manage or have time for her society?

  For that matter, how did any woman manage so many things that had to be done? If she worked from sunup to sundown, she’d never accomplish everything. Maybe a lot of women felt that way too. She truly could appreciate everything her mother had done for her, and how Catharine had taken care of her and Greta. She had to face the truth—she’d been nothing more than a selfish child most of the time. Now she was a wife and a woman. She would not get discouraged or resentful. She was determined to do what had to be done first, and eventually the rest would fall into place.

  Anna quit ruminating and complaining, finished the wash, and then played a game of fetch with the dogs with an old ball she’d found in the barn. Moose lumbered around the lawn slowly to get the ball, but Baby was faster and bounded back to drop the ball at her feet, making her laugh out loud. Moose wagged his tail, Frankie barked at Anna in anticipation of the next game, and Baby yakked to get Anna’s attention.

  “You silly dogs, I have no more spare time.” Finally tiring them out, she hurried back inside to check on the roast.

  No more than five minutes later, she heard the doorbell. She wiped her hands on her apron and went to answer the door. Through the glass she could tell it was no one she knew, so she opened the door slowly. “Can I help you?”

  “I’m sorry to disturb you. You are Anna Parker, aren’t you?” The well-dressed lady a few years older than herself greeted her. Anna could see her carriage parked outside the fence.

  “I am Anna. Do I know you?”

  The lady gave her a bright smile. “No, you do not. But Pearl told me about your endeavors to start a society for the protection of animals. I’m very interested. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend your first meeting.”

  Anna opened the door wider and tried to pat her hair into place. “Won’t you come in? Please excuse my appearance. I’ve been doing the wash.”

  The lady stepped into the foyer. “There’s nothing wrong with good, honest work, Mrs. Parker. Let me introduce myself. I’m Mary Elitch. I really just wanted to drop by and give you a donation to help with your endeavors. I’m a very busy person, but I take note of people who are always striving to do better for our city and any helpless creature.” She handed Anna a thick envelope of fine stationery.

  Anna gasped. Was this an immediate answer to her prayer this morning? “I don’t know what to say, Mrs. Elitch, except that I’m eternally grateful to you for being a benefactor. Your donation will be put to good use, I can assure you.”

  Mrs. Elitch’s soft laughter rang out in the foyer. “I’m sure it will, but please call me Mary. I’d love it if you and your husband would stop in to our restaurant for dinner sometime, compliments of the house.”

  “That’s very generous of you, Mary. I was just trying to come up with something extra nice to do for my husband. I think that will be it.”

  She smiled broadly. “Then there you have it. Our restaurant is Tortoni’s, on 15th and Arapahoe. I believe you will find it delightful.”

  “Thank you so much! You’re a very gracious lady, I can tell.”

  “And I can tell that you are a determined young woman to take on this much-needed responsibility. My husband and I are working on gardens to share with all of Denver, complete with wholesome, clean entertainment for everyone. That’s part of the reason for my donation. You see, I’m very fond of animals, tame and wild, and intend to have them in our gardens when they open. Naturally I don’t like to hear of anyone mistreating them.”

  “Your gardens sound wonderful! And I feel the same. Animals are helpless creatures that need someone to advocate for them.” Anna liked Mary Elitch right away. She seemed to be a genuinely lovely and generous lady. “Would you like to have some tea or coffee?” Anna asked her.

  “Oh no, dear. But I’ll be seeing you around. I wish you all the
best and thank you on behalf of all the abandoned or abused animals that I am sure will find their way to your front door.” She squeezed Anna’s hand and was gone in a flash to the awaiting carriage. The driver took off down the street while Anna stood there in total disbelief. Mary Elitch was a true visiting angel. She could hardly wait to tell Edward.

  28

  Edward sighed, sipping the strong coffee, then picked up the watch that he’d made for Anna and turned it over. The gold metal felt warm in his hand. He hadn’t given her a wedding present and wanted to do something special just for her. It had taken him awhile to engrave the initials and the Scripture from the Song of Solomon on the back. He tried to work on it between customers. He’d thought of the idea of the Scripture when Anna first suggested reading the Song of Solomon. He was proud of his workmanship and at the time thought it was a perfect gift, but now he wasn’t so certain. Lately it seemed rescuing animals had taken over their life, using up all of Anna’s spare time. And spending money that he really didn’t have on an old run-down horse hadn’t set well with him.

  He’d always been able to concentrate fully on his work and details, but now he noticed that he was totally consumed with thoughts of Anna. Her presence . . . her indomitable spirit . . . her laughter . . . His constant desire for her flooding his mind made it very difficult for him to want to do anything else. What is wrong with me?

  You’re in love, a voice inside his head told him. Was this the way men acted when they were in love? Perhaps so. Trouble was, Anna irritated him some of the time with her different ways and ideas. God knows he was trying to change just a little, but he wasn’t really sure that he wanted to. Did he?

  Anna had been so happy when Mary Elitch gave her a donation, which in Edward’s mind meant that people were beginning to take notice. Truth be known, he wasn’t against the animals per se, just a bit jealous of all her involvement with them, and he felt foolish because of it. He knew he’d have to attend her first meeting—there was no way around that.