“Just fine. He’s pretty smart, but most of all it’s good to have a companion—one that will fetch!”
“I’m so glad for you.”
“Thank you for being so thoughtful to think of this in the first place. Though Moose may have to compete with someone else soon.”
“Is that right? Might that companion be someone I know?”
Harvey nodded in Pearl’s direction and her face turned pink.
“Ooh. How wonderful for both of you! But I hope you’ll keep Moose. He needs a good home.”
Pearl nodded. “You can take comfort in that. We both adore him already!”
“Oh, that does my soul good. Why don’t you join the others? I want to put these flowers in the dining room.”
Moose stuck close to Harvey’s side, and Anna quickly said a silent prayer for God’s creatures everywhere.
Dinner was a smashing success with a variety of good dishes to choose from. The flowers added the perfect touch to the white Battenberg tablecloth, and the tall tapers burning on either end of the table gave a cozy glow. Candlelight looked best on everyone, making them softer, more approachable, Anna thought. The only thing missing was her family—and her mother’s Blue Willow china.
For a moment, she felt very sad that her family couldn’t be here with her. Peter, her brother-in-law, had given her a Blue Willow teacup and saucer for her hope chest. But it would be so nice to have her own set. Maybe for Christmas? Hardly! She could see how every little cent would go toward the shelter now—if Edward agreed, that is.
She was reminded of all the new friendships she’d formed so quickly. God had truly blessed her and had given her a wonderful husband. Perhaps her sister Greta could visit for Christmas, since she lived closer. Anna would mention it to Edward, who was presently sitting at the head of the table.
His gift of flowers had caught her off guard, but then she remembered his list. She still hadn’t told him she’d found it. Best not to mention a word, lest she embarrass him. He certainly had changed from who he’d been when she’d first arrived. Even now he was watching her, and she smiled at him. She knew the admiring look was all about the new dress with the off-the-shoulder neckline. He nodded his approval, making her feel quite desirable.
“So what do you think about that, Anna?” Callie asked, drawing her back to the present.
“I’m sorry, I’m afraid I wasn’t paying attention.” Her face turned warm.
“Chris asked if you’d like him to be your first official dogcatcher.”
Anna directed her gaze to Chris. “Really? Do you mean it?”
Chris shifted in the small dining chair that he seemed too large for. “Yes, but with my job, it couldn’t be full-time. More like a volunteer.”
Anna knew that he worked for the Rocky Mountain News as a journalist. “I would be forever grateful, Chris.”
“I’ll even interview you and write a story about your chapter news. I’m sure I can get the boss to put it in the paper.”
“Chris, that would be such a great advertisement.” Edward set his forkful of food down. “Thank you so much. We won’t forget it.”
Chris waved his hand. “Bah. It’s all in a day’s work for me.”
“Just the same, we can’t thank you enough,” Anna added. “Now to find us a covered wagon of sorts . . .”
Ernie cleared his throat. “Anna, I’d like to donate that to you for all your efforts. I’ll even have a sign painted on the side so there’ll be no mistaking who the ASPCA is.” Everyone around the table twittered with surprise. A covered wagon was not cheap.
Tears of joy filled her eyes that he would do that for her. “Ernie, God will bless you for it.”
Ella beamed at her husband. “You have such a generous heart, Ernie.” She squeezed his arm.
“Aw, you two cut it out! I’m just wanting to help, that’s all.”
“Then I’ll throw in a horse for you so Chris will have something to drive,” Daniel offered.
Anna caught her breath. “Uff da! Now I’m really going to cry.” She popped up from her seat and raced to each of the men to give them a hug, and they patted her affectionately. “I know now what friendship is all about.” She looked around the table. “I just want to tell all of you how much you’ve come to mean to me in such a short time since I arrived. I was lonely at first, but you’ve helped me in ways you couldn’t know.”
Polly sniffed into her napkin, and Harvey seemed to have something in his eye as he dabbed it with his handkerchief.
“You’ve given us much as well,” Sarah declared. “Not only friendship, but something to focus on that can help our community.”
“Yes, and I am grateful!” Callie said.
“Oh, you women are getting sappy now.” Edward humphed. “I say we bring out the dessert.”
Everyone laughed, and Anna just shook her head. “Of course you would be thinking about your stomach!” she teased.
“Oh, wait! There’s something I’ve been thinking about since you started all of this, Anna,” Edward said. “I’m going to have a telephone installed so you’ll have a way to keep track of everything without having to leave the house.”
Anna scrambled over to kiss him soundly on the mouth. “Edward, you never cease to surprise me. Dank U wel! A telephone is going to be a great help to me, and to Sarah.”
He patted her hand. “You’re welcome. Now can we have dessert?”
“I’ll help you with that.” Ella pushed her chair back and followed Anna into the kitchen. “Anna, you have brought sunshine into our lives and Edward’s. I just want you to know that. I know we don’t see each other very often, but I’m really happy to have you as my sister-in-law. You can count on me when you need something—anything. Just let me know.”
Anna took her hand, looking into Ella’s friendly face. “Ella, it’s all of you who’ve made me feel wanted. Truly, I mean that. I wasn’t sure I’d be accepted at all.”
She gave Anna’s hand a squeeze. “Anyone who can make Edward smile the way he’s been smiling lately is worth their weight in gold! Now let’s deliver his dumplings before he has a fit.”
Anna’s heart was fair to bursting with the outpouring of love from everyone. Would it always be this way? She sure hoped so.
During dessert, Ella addressed the group. “I think Anna’s dinner was a good idea. We should consider rotating once a month and do this again. Any takers?”
“My sister and I would be honored to be included in you young people’s get-togethers,” Patty agreed.
“Age will not be a discriminating factor at any of my dinners,” Callie inserted. “It’s a marvelous idea.”
Everyone began talking at once. Ella tapped her water glass with her fork and they quieted down. “Sounds to me like we’re all in agreement. Whose house is next?” She looked around the table.
“I’d be glad to host. All of you know I can’t cook a lick, but I can make coffee.” Daniel grinned.
“Great! You’re next. Let the rest of us come up with a menu.” Callie turned to Anna. “What about a parlor game, Anna?”
“Uh, I don’t know any, but if you’d like to lead one, then go ahead,” she answered.
“Okay, let’s retire to the living room and I’ll give you all the rules.” Callie pushed back her chair. “But first we need to carry our plates to the kitchen sink in gratitude for Edward and Anna’s hospitality.”
Later, after everyone played charades and laughed until they couldn’t anymore, they bade Anna and Edward good night. Their spirits were high and unaffected by the blast of cold air as they stepped outside to leave. Anna gave Moose a hug around the neck when he left with Harvey and Pearl, reminding him to come back anytime for a visit. Edward wrapped his arms about Anna’s shoulders as they stood waving goodbye to their last guest.
“We couldn’t have had a more perfect ending to a day. Don’t you agree?” She looked up at her husband.
“It was a very nice time and I think enjoyed by all.”
As t
hey readied for bed, he told her about the possible buildings he’d found out about and would be checking into for a shelter.
“But how will we afford the rent, Edward? I don’t have enough donations for that.” She didn’t want him to know how excited she was at the possibility of a real shelter for the animals.
“It’ll all work out. More advertising will help too. Let’s just wait until I know what the asking price is before you start worrying, okay?”
Anna pulled back the sheets and climbed into bed next to him. “But how will we be able to make a building into a shelter?”
He pulled her against himself, and she laid her head in the crook of his arm. “I have a feeling Daniel and I could paint and fix up what’s needed and others would volunteer. I’ll help when I can. I think that’s the least of our problems.”
“Speaking of Daniel, it looks like he and Callie are getting to know each other better.”
“Yes, it does look that way. And did you see how attentive Chris was to Sarah?”
“I did. I think it’s wonderful. I’m getting to know her and I enjoy her company, not to mention her help and sharp ideas.” Suddenly Anna felt an icy cold foot on her leg. “Ohh! Your feet are freezing!” She tried to move away, but he caught her by the arm as she feigned a struggle.
“Then I guess you’ll have to warm me up! Come here, my sweet one.” He chuckled. They held each other for a long time until Anna could no longer keep her eyes open.
33
After breakfast, still basking in a glow of love and contentment, Anna nursed her mug of hot coffee to warm her hands. Cricket curled up in her lap, purring contentedly, while she and Edward bounced around ways to spend their Saturday.
“I have an idea. Why don’t we take a ride out to the country and have a picnic?” Edward said. “It’ll warm up like it always does. We can take the dogs and let them have a good romp with total freedom.”
“Can we? That would be wonderful. A change of scenery would be nice.”
“Sure thing. Why don’t you pack some sandwiches, and I’ll feed the dogs and hitch up Cloud?” Edward rose.
“Edward, you have nearly taken over the job of feeding the dogs, and I want to thank you for doing that when I haven’t even asked you.” She stroked his arm.
“I don’t mind, really. But we’ll have to clean up a little around here. Tomorrow’s the Lord’s day and no housekeeping—”
The doorbell sounded, interrupting him and startling Cricket. She leapt up from Anna’s lap and ran underneath a nearby cabinet.
“Are you expecting anyone?” Anna frowned, hoping that whoever it was wouldn’t stay long. She was excited about Edward’s plan.
“No, I’m not. I’ll go see who it is.”
Anna followed closely behind him and could see through the glass on the door that it was Waldo and the sheriff. What in the world? Maybe they were dropping off a stray dog?
Edward swung open the door. “Morning, Waldo.”
“Edward, I . . . hate to disturb you, but we must have a word with you.” Waldo glanced worriedly at Anna.
“What’s this about?” Edward cut the sheriff a hard look. He was middle-aged with a long handlebar mustache and a weather-beaten face, and he didn’t look any happier to be at Edward’s than Waldo.
“My name is James Archer,” the sheriff said. “I have some questions for you.”
Anna stepped close, holding on to Edward’s arm.
“You can ask whatever you want in front of my wife, Anna,” Edward said.
“Ma’am.” The sheriff touched his finger to his hat brim. “Edward, where were you last night?”
———
The sheriff’s question caught him off guard, but Edward answered respectfully. “I was home with my wife. We had a dinner party, and it didn’t break up until very late. Why?”
Waldo shifted on his feet. “Can we come in, Edward?”
“Why, of course.” He moved aside and they all stood in the foyer. “Is something wrong?”
“Where were you before dinner, and what time was that?” the sheriff asked.
Edward thought a moment. “I was late coming home. I was at the bank with Waldo, then I picked up some flowers for Anna’s dinner table. Why?”
“I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to take you in for questioning. The bank was robbed last night after you and Waldo left. And you were the last one there to secure the safe, according to Waldo.”
“What?” Anna gasped.
“I’m sorry, Edward, but it’s true. When I got there this morning, all the money was gone! You and I were the last ones to leave last night,” Waldo blurted out all in one breath.
“Are you insinuating that I would take the bank’s money?” Edward snapped. “I set the timer before I left. No one could’ve opened it until 8:30 this morning!”
“Calm down, Edward. I’m sure there’s been some terrible mistake,” Anna piped up.
The sheriff stepped forward. “You can come peacefully, or I can haul you in.” He pulled out handcuffs from his coat pocket and dangled them in his hand.
Edward wondered if he were in a nightmare. It sure felt like it. “Waldo,” he pleaded. How could Waldo believe he’d do something like this? Preposterous! He and Waldo had been friends a long time.
Waldo could barely make eye contact with him as he spoke. “I’m sorry, Edward. Really, I am, but I don’t have any choice. There are no other suspects. You were the last one in the bank’s vault.”
“There’ll be no need for handcuffs. Let me get my coat.” Edward turned to Anna, placing his hands on her shoulders. “Try not to worry. I’ll explain everything, and we’ll take our picnic when I get back, you hear?” He saw the worry in her eyes.
She nodded. “Let me go with you.”
“No,” he said firmly, then kissed her brow and reached for his coat. The three of them hurried down the steps.
———
Anna put a fist to her mouth, stifling a sob as she leaned against the cold door. How could her world crumble in a matter of minutes? How could anyone believe Edward would steal anything entrusted to him? But she would do as he said—go ahead and make the sandwiches and dress for an afternoon outdoors. She just had to believe it would all be resolved in a matter of hours.
She forced herself into action. Standing here in shock wouldn’t accomplish anything and wouldn’t help the situation. She donned a brown tweed skirt with matching bolero jacket, then set about making the food as Cricket sat on her back haunches watching her every move. She found the picnic basket in the pantry and wrapped the food in clean linen napkins, then placed it on the table to wait until Edward returned.
It would be a good time to write her sisters while she waited for the time to pass. She sat at the writing desk near the window so that she could see outside. This would be a perfect time to have that telephone Edward had promised.
Her mind kept coming back to the bank robbery. Edward was very late last night. And where was he getting the money to pay for a telephone? For that matter, how had he planned on paying for the rent on a building? He’d made it clear from the beginning that his jewelry business wasn’t as lucrative as he’d like.
Stop it! Don’t even entertain such a thought, Anna chided herself.
After she’d written letters to her two sisters and to Clara, Catharine’s mother-in-law, the morning had worn on, and by eleven o’clock, there was still no sign of Edward. Anna’s heart fell. She was about to go hitch up the wagon and drive downtown when she saw Sarah coming up the walk. She hurried to meet her, swinging the door wide.
“Sarah, I’m so glad to see you! I need a friend right now.” She pulled Sarah inside.
Sarah gave her a puzzled look. “Anna, are you all right?”
“Edward was taken to the sheriff’s,” Anna blurted out. “The bank was robbed after he set the vault timer last night! Edward hasn’t returned and I’m not sure what to do next. I—” Her breath caught, and she looked away to keep Sarah from seeing the tea
rs that threatened.
Sarah took a step closer and placed her arm around her. “I’m so sorry, but there has to be some misunderstanding. How long has Edward been gone?”
“Since right after breakfast! I’m so worried. What if they’ve arrested him?”
Sarah’s face was etched with true concern as Anna looked to her for help. “Want me to go with you to the sheriff’s? Then you can see what’s going on and perhaps set your mind at ease.”
“Would you? I’m sorry, I didn’t even ask if there was something you needed.”
“Nothing that can’t wait. Grab your coat and let’s go.”
“I’ll go harness Cloud so we can take the wagon.”
“I’d help you, but I need to let my aunts know that I’ll be gone a little while or they’ll just get worried.”
“All right. I’ll be out back. Meet me there,” Anna said, donning her coat.
While she was harnessing Cloud to the wagon, the dogs yapping at his heels, a nagging thought occurred to her. She hadn’t really known Edward very long. How could she be certain that he wouldn’t do something unscrupulous?
Because you know him! a voice inside her said.
Anna shook the negative feeling aside and climbed aboard the wagon.
Sarah came puffing up to the wagon. “I tried to hurry so I could help you. Sorry, but Aunt Polly wanted to know what I was in such a hurry for, so I told her,” she explained, taking her seat next to Anna. “My aunts will be praying.”
Anna nodded, then picked up the reins and yelled, “Giddyup,” urging Cloud to trot out of the yard and down the street. She caught a glimpse of Patty waving from her front porch. It did her heart good to know that others would pray for her husband.
Edward sat across the cluttered desk from Sheriff Archer, who’d spent all morning questioning him thoroughly about the night before. He’d told the sheriff the same thing over and over again. How can this be happening to me?
Edward sighed. “Why don’t you believe me, Sheriff?”
Archer pushed back his chair and fumbled around on his desk until he found a round ring of keys. “I want to, but it’s really not up to me. I’m afraid I’m going to have to hold you until I get further evidence that you weren’t involved in the robbery.”
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