He put the watch away as a couple of customers arrived. He’d have to decide on the perfect time to give it to her.
By supper time, Edward was starving, and the delicious scents from the kitchen tantalized him. He knew the smell of apple dumplings meant she’d been trying to get back into his good graces, but he’d been stubborn, not appreciating her efforts, and allowed his ego to get in the way because he didn’t feel in control in his own home. Well, he’d had enough of the pouting. Besides, it was getting him nowhere. He locked up the shop and headed toward the kitchen, anxious to see what his little lady had cooked up.
She had her back to him and was stirring something in a pan in the oven. Roast? He hoped so. He was ravenous . . . and watching her now, he was ravenous for her as well . . .
———
The roast looked like it should, Anna thought, but would it be tender? This was her first attempt at the dish. Patty had told her how to prepare it when Anna stopped in to say hello to her, Polly, and Sarah. Every afternoon they sat enjoying their front porch, since soon it would be too cold.
Earlier that day, she had walked over to talk to Callie, and soon the friction between her and Edward came tumbling out.
“It’s all because of me, Callie,” she’d told her. “In his mind, I’m forcing the issue of animals on him. I don’t mean it to seem that way, but I do have this passion in my heart for dumb animals.”
Callie raised an eyebrow, pelting her with questions. “More passion for them than your husband? How much time are you spending on this society for abused animals and tending to the dogs and cat?”
At first, Anna was offended by her questions. “I don’t spend all my time taking care of animals. I do many things to take care of Edward and the house!”
Callie’s stare was frank. “Are you sure?”
Anna chewed her bottom lip. “I suppose you’re right . . . I don’t even keep the house clean enough for him, that’s for sure. I’d rather be outside painting or tending to the dogs.”
“I don’t mean to be hard on you, Anna, and I’m hardly an expert on marriage. I could be wrong, but from what I’ve observed from my friends, when women get married, their husbands become their first priority. Men tend to be egotistical when it comes to wanting your undivided attention . . . if you get what I mean.”
Anna looked out Callie’s large picture window. “I do. Lately we’ve been a little off-kilter and I hate it. I need to feel his strong arms about me, holding me tight.” She told Callie about the fleas with the latest dog rescue, buying Belle, and the horse’s death. “That’s when we started acting stiff with one another, hardly speaking at all. Then I found his chore list, which wasn’t a chore list at all.” Anna’s voice cracked with emotion.
“What was it?” Anna had Callie’s undivided attention now.
“A list of ways to romance me.”
“Really? That in itself was romantic, don’t you think?”
“Yes. To tell you the truth, I felt awful.”
“Then my suggestion is to search your heart and see if you can compromise. If you hate housework so much, why not hire someone to do some of the more unpleasant chores for you?”
“Good suggestion, but I don’t know if Edward would agree to that after spending money on that old horse. He’s so fastidious, you know.”
Callie laughed. “Yes, I do know! Even more reason to hire someone else to do that for both of you.”
Anna rose to leave. “I’ll give it some thought and let you know how it goes. Sometimes I need an outside opinion to help me see clearly.”
Callie walked her to the door, her arm circling her friend’s waist. “You love him very much, don’t you?”
“Yes. I’ve fallen in love with him, Callie.”
“Then let him know. My mother always said never go to bed angry. I’m not so sure that isn’t in the Bible somewhere.”
“Ja, it is.” Anna pulled her jacket on. “And that’s as good a place to start as any.” She ruminated on their conversation all the way home, determined to be a better wife.
Now here she was attempting to make amends by trying her hand at roast beef and potatoes. She heard Edward behind her and straightened, spoon in hand. “Would you care to taste the gravy?”
Edward stepped up to where she stood at the oven, blowing gently on the spoon to cool the gravy. While she held the spoon, he took a taste and smacked his lips. “It’s good . . . it’s very good. Maybe a tiny bit more salt? You’re becoming quite the cook.”
She felt heat spread across her face and neck. Her sister had once said that a way to a man’s heart was through his stomach. “I’m trying to. Patty gave me the recipe for making roast beef. It’s not nearly as good as my sister Catharine’s, but I don’t think it’s bad either.”
He took the spoon from her hand and laid it on top of the stove, then took her hands in his. “You look cute when you’re all flushed from the heat of the stove.”
“Thank you. But I always seem to look a mess when you’re around,” she replied, pushing the hair back from her brow. After thrusting her hairpins back into place, she began to button the top of her housedress where it exposed part of her décolletage. The heat from the oven had made her warm, and her bodice clung with dampness.
He caught her hands. “No, don’t do that. It’s better left unbuttoned for now.” He kissed her fingertips.
What had caused this renewed playfulness in him? Her heart thumped. “Why don’t you wash up? Then I’ll serve our dinner.” She shoved the oven door closed, and then he grabbed her arm, forcing her to look at him.
“Anna,” he whispered, then pulled her against him, pressing her body into his. “I’ve suddenly found myself not very hungry, at least not for food.”
Before she could utter a single word, he began kissing her brow, her eyes, her lips, then lightly planted kisses on her throat and on down to the V where her breasts swelled at the top of her blouse. Her breath felt like it was cut off as her arms caressed his back. She searched for an excuse for him to stop, but nothing came to mind. She licked her lips while he locked eyes with her. He had a way of making her go weak in the knees with every tender kiss, and every place his fingers touched made her skin tingle. Whatever had caused his attitude change, she loved it!
“Edward—”
“No, don’t say anything. Just let me hold you as I’ve longed to. Please.”
His breathing was ragged, his palms pressing into her shoulder blades, bringing her closer to him. The tension in her body relaxed as she leaned back against the counter, tilting her head back while he feathered kisses along her neck again. He nipped at her moistened lips until she returned his kisses with a fervor of her own.
Supper would have to wait . . .
It was much later when together they heated up supper for an unexpected, cozy candlelit dinner. Edward had stoked the fire, which warmed the room comfortably. He pampered Anna by fixing a plate for her for a change, then fed her forkfuls of his potatoes as they laughed and joked about their sudden tryst while all their differences melted away. They were sitting side by side, and it felt as if nothing could separate them or the feelings they had for each other.
Anna pierced a slice of beef with her fork as Edward opened his mouth wide to receive it, never taking his eyes off of her.
“I’m sorry for my attitude after Belle died. I shouldn’t have gotten mad at you, since I did agree with the situation.”
Anna stroked his jaw. “I’m sorry too, because I forced you into buying her when I know you really didn’t want to. Sometimes I’m impulsive, I guess.”
He laughed. “You think maybe more than a little bit? Honestly, Anna, I admire you for what you’re doing. Not many people would do those things. To be perfectly honest, I was feeling jealous of your time setting up the society,” he admitted.
“My dearest, you never have to feel that way again. I promise to not neglect you—at least not intentionally. Otherwise I’m doing the same thing that I’m trying to save
the dogs from, aren’t I?”
Edward’s eyes twinkled in amusement. “Are you comparing me to your dogs?” They both chuckled, then finished eating. “You made a wonderful supper,” he said. “Sorry it was I who caused it to grow cold, but you have to admit, dessert is always better . . .”
Heat flooded her face, but she gazed into his steel-gray eyes. “Maybe we should always have dessert first, then.”
“Watch out what you promise me—you may live to regret it.” He pushed his chair back. “I’ll feed the dogs. I’m sure they’re starved. And you can stack the dishes and feed that weakling you call a cat that sleeps all day,” he teased.
Anna swatted him with her napkin. “You know you like her. I’ve seen you talking to her, but go ahead and pretend. I won’t share your secret with your men friends.” She put the dishes in soapy water to soak.
He laughed heartily, then strode to the door. “I’ll be back, and perhaps there’s time for a little more fun . . .”
Anna shook her head, poking her tongue out at him. He began to chase after her but she ran off.
29
Ominous afternoon clouds descended Wednesday, threatening the first measurable snowfall of the season for Denver. Anna hoped it would hold off until the next day since tonight would be her first meeting to form a chapter for her society. She had butterflies in her stomach and was excited about the prospect and the chance to meet new people. What would they think of her? Or of her crusade to save Denver’s abandoned and homeless animals?
Today she’d stayed busy cleaning the parlor until the windows shone, only to be disappointed as the gray skies hung heavy and the wind blew in over the mountains. In the afternoon, she baked spice cookies and prepared hot chocolate. The spice fragrance permeated the house with an inviting, homey smell, but more than once she had to swat Edward’s hand to keep him from eating the cookies.
Now, as she pushed back the sheers, she watched large drops of rain begin to fall. She usually loved the smell of rain and enjoyed the sound as it came harder, but today she worried about the meeting.
She tried to distract herself by thinking about Edward, busy as always in the shop. Their relationship had taken a marked turn for the better—each promising to come to the other when they felt there was any kind of problem arising in their relationship. Life was good, their love was growing deeper, and the intimacy . . . well, Anna held those precious times fondly in her heart. Edward always made her feel beautiful and desirable even when she looked a little bedraggled. She vowed to work on her appearance in the future. She wasn’t lazy, it just wasn’t a priority to her. But she could tell when she did style her hair and press the wrinkles from her dress, Edward was very pleased. Most of the time she only did that for church.
Callie’s influence was taking hold on her too. Anna secretly admired how Callie seemed to always look perfect. She was someone Anna wanted to emulate in fashion, if she ever set her mind to thinking about it. Today she wore a demure navy Woolsey dress with a conservative high neckline. It was full at the shoulders and bustled at the back, and her hair was braided tightly against her head. She wanted to look as mature as possible, but she worried that the braiding was out of style in Denver. She would ask Callie to help her when she took Edward to the restaurant. She was keeping one of her new dresses for that special evening.
The time passed slowly after their early supper. She kept watching the clock and pacing until it was time for folks to arrive. The rain had turned to sleet then tiny flakes of snow. “Will anyone come, Edward?”
She jumped when the doorbell rang, shattering the silence. “I’ll get the door. You just steady yourself,” Edward said. He gave her a brief kiss on the brow.
Anna heard a conversation in the hall while she waited.
“Hi, Sarah,” Edward said. “Come right in and let me take your coat. The weather change was a big surprise.”
“Thank you, Edward.” Sarah removed her coat, and he hung it on the coatrack then showed her to the parlor.
Anna greeted her. “Sarah, I’m so grateful that you came. The weather will keep many away, I’m afraid.”
Sarah took a seat. “Oh, I wouldn’t miss your meeting, Anna. It’s very important and I want to support you if I can. Aunt Patty and Aunt Polly send you best wishes, but the weather is a little hard on their rheumatism.”
A moment later the bell rang again, and Edward shot Anna a wink. When he opened the door, Pearl and Harvey tramped in, stomping their feet as snow blew into the foyer. Anna hurried over to them and helped Edward with their coats. “Bless you for coming in this weather. Go warm up by the fire. Edward made us a nice one.”
“We certainly shall,” Harvey said.
While Anna hung up their coats, she watched how sweetly Pearl was guiding Harvey by the elbow.
“We’ve got hot chocolate to warm you, and Anna made delicious spice cookies,” Edward added as he led the way to the fireplace.
Pearl removed her gloves and stood with her hands stretched out to the fire. “Hello, Sarah. It’s nice to see you again. I hope your aunts are doing well.”
“They are doing fair to middling. I think Anna’s idea is a good thing, don’t you?”
“Yes, indeed I do.”
Harvey nodded his agreement. “If anyone can get something done, it will be spunky Anna.”
Anna could hear their chatter from where she stood waiting for Ella and Callie as they met at the same time on the sidewalk.
“I’m glad I only had a short distance to walk,” Callie said. “These are tiny flakes now, but if the snow continues and the temperature drops, we’ll have to shovel for sure in the morning.” She brushed the snow from her cape, Ella right behind her.
“Ella, so glad you came. Where’s Ernie?”
Ella shook her head. “He dropped me off and will pick me up later. You have his support, Anna, but he hates meetings,” she said, leaning over to give Anna a swift peck on the cheek. “Where’s my brother?”
“Edward’s in the parlor. You know the way.” She watched Ella disappear down the hallway, then directed her gaze back to the street out front. To her surprise, she made out Waldo Krunk and a woman on his arm coming up the walk. His wife?
“Good evening, Anna. I’d like you to meet my dear wife, Leola. Leola, this is Anna, the little whippersnapper I told you about.”
Leola was an attractive woman with a soft face and an expression of friendliness. “How do you do, Anna. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Waldo told me all about you.” She stretched out a gloved hand to Anna, who shook it.
“And you as well. Thank you so much for coming to the meeting. Please follow me,” she said. A huge gust of wind slammed the front door shut as she took Waldo’s hat and their coats.
They scurried to the parlor where everyone was gathered, sampling the cookies and hot chocolate set up on the sideboard. Soon Edward ushered in Reverend Buchtel, or Hank as he liked to be called, and his gracious wife, Mary. Anna was pleased to no end to see them in attendance. Given the weather, this was turning out better than she’d hoped. There might be fewer people than what she wanted, but still . . .
“I’ll go get more hot chocolate and then we’ll get started,” Anna whispered to Edward. “I don’t see anyone else arriving.”
“Do you want help?”
She smiled up at her handsome husband. “I’ll get it. Please, just entertain our guests.”
She scooted to the kitchen, refilled the pot of hot chocolate, then stopped to give Cricket a stroke down her back. Clasping her hands together, she paused to say a prayer that the meeting would turn out to be worth everyone’s time and for the right words to say to the small group. Even now her mouth was dry. She got a sip of water, braced herself, then marched back to the parlor, pretending to be in complete control.
Two other people had come in while she’d been in the kitchen. A young lad who looked to be thirteen was seated next to his mother. The group was mainly composed of women, but that was okay. Perhaps a good thing. Wome
n usually got things done, she thought. Anna walked around refilling a few empty cups, then walked over and introduced herself to the newcomers.
“I’m Jane Wallace and this is my son, Alan,” the woman said. “We admire your efforts and want to see what we can do to help.”
Alan nodded but was quiet and appeared a little shy. Jane was a petite woman with graying hair at her temples and frank brown eyes that expressed warmth of character.
“I so appreciate both of you taking the time to come tonight,” Anna said. “I guess it’s time to get started.”
She moved to stand in the front of the room and took a deep breath. “Please continue with your refreshments while I talk. First, thank you all for coming out, even with this change in the weather. You’d probably rather be curled up by your own fireplaces. But I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. You see, animals will always have a spot in my heart. When I see a dog, cat, or any other animal treated in a less than humane way, I feel I must speak out and do what I can to help their unfortunate circumstances. I feel that it’s our responsibility as citizens to look after all homeless creatures in Denver, therefore making it safer and, in the long run, healthier for both humans and animals.”
Anna could see the group’s interest, and someone responded with “Amen.”
She continued. “Henry Bergh was an activist who touched Americans’ hearts and consciences with the idea that animals should be protected from cruelty. He started the first American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or ASPCA, in New York in 1866. Other societies began springing up around the country. He paved the way a long time ago for what I’m proposing. Legislative laws that he wrote were subsequently passed, and his tireless work and efforts instituted the ASPCA. I have just recently learned about all his endeavors by reading articles Pearl was kind enough to supply to me.
“It’s my desire to rescue as many wounded and abandoned or abused animals as possible in this city. That will be a big undertaking, I know, and I’ll eventually have to house them somewhere besides our barn.” She gave her husband a lopsided smile, and the group laughed. “But that is where I’ll need eager volunteers to help me out. I can’t pay anyone, of course, so I need willing hearts. To add to that, we will need to have several fund-raisers to help us get our society off the ground.”
Perfectly Matched (The Blue Willow Brides Book #3): A Novel Page 19