"Alexander, is there anything else I can do for you?"
She was flirting shamelessly. Grinning he kept his answer short. "Not at the moment, Miss Lydia."
"Be sure and let me know if there is ... something I can do."
It was his turn to be flustered. She was incorrigible. Changing the subject matter to a safer one, he commented, "Robert and Laura have talked of nothing else except the open house. I've never seen them so excited."
"I know. I haven't been able to get the children to do any work all week long. It's a good thing they're all doing well with their studies or else I'd have the whole lot of them staying after to catch up.
"You are doing a fine job, Lydia."
"You sound surprised."
Resting his hip on one of the desks, he rubbed his hand over his chin. "You weren't my first choice."
"I was the only choice, Alexander."
Tipping his head back, he laughed. It felt so good and carefree. It had been a long time since he'd laughed. Soon Lydia joined in. What a sight they must be making, two adults laughing at nothing in particular.
He found himself smiling at her. "Have dinner with me tonight." The invitation was unexpected and yet the moment the words left his mouth, he knew there wasn't anyone else he'd rather share a meal with.
Blinking she stared at him with her mouth open. Quickly closing it, she put her hand on her hips, tipping her head to one side, eyeing him suspiciously. "You're inviting me to dinner?"
"I guess I am."
"why?"
Clamping his jaw shut, Alexander thought she would have been a bit more enthusiastic about the invitation. He wondered if she was even aware of what it had taken for him to suggest the dinner. Why indeed. What had he been thinking? Surely he and Miss Lydia were no match. She was flighty and spoiled by her aunt. He was raising two children and had the responsibility of running a business.
He very nearly had convinced himself to rescind the offer when her voice penetrated his dark thoughts.
"What time should I be ready?"
"Seven o'clock."
He left the schoolhouse in a jumble of emotions and yet strangely elated. It had been a long time since he'd looked forward to anything. Every day since Joanna's death Alexander had been concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other, maybe it was time he move on with his life.
After getting Cole to agree to closing up for the day, he went home. Robert and Laura greeted him on the porch.
"Papa, you're home early!" Laura jumped into his arms before he'd even put one foot on the steps.
Had it really been such a long time since he'd surprised his children by coming home before dinner? If so then it was high time that changed for good. Delectable smells greeted him when he walked into his home.
Mrs. Sutherland was standing near the black cook stove. Steam rose in waves from the pot she was busy stirring. "Howdy, Mr. Judson."
"Afternoon, Mrs. Sutherland. I don't know what you're cooking up over there, but it smells mighty good." His mouth began to water.
"Just some stew and dumplings."
Alexander paused when he remembered the reason why he'd come home early. Then it hit him that he didn't have a clue how to make this evening's dinner for Lydia. He really hadn't thought much past asking her over. He began to worry that she was expecting him to take her to the one restaurant in town.
Mrs. Sutherland paused in her stirring and faced him with hands perched on well-rounded hips. "You're looking worried, Alexander."
Going to the stove he took the coffeepot off the back burner where it had been warming. Taking a thick white porcelain mug from the open shelf hanging above the stove, he proceeded to calmly pour himself a cup of the rich brew.
After taking a sip, he said nonchalantly, "I'm having company for dinner."
This bit of news caused the housekeeper to give a yelp. "Male or female?" Waving her hand in front of her face she added, "Oh never mind answering, I already know who it is."
Gulping, he looked at her wondering how she could possibly know he'd invited Lydia to dinner. He'd only asked her an hour ago. Surely news did not travel that fast in this town! Fear began niggling its way into his gut. He didn't want to have to explain his actions to anyone.
It was nobody's business but his own whom he invited into his home. He certainly didn't want to set any tongues wagging and surely he didn't want to have to face Miss Margaret. Setting the half drank cup of coffee in the sink he supposed it was too late to back out. Placing his hands on the edge of the sink he hung his head in despair.
"Mr. Judson, I didn't mean that everyone and their brother is aware of who you've asked to dinner. I guessed right away that it's Miss Lydia."
"How did you know?"
Going back to stirring the pot, old Mrs. Sutherland gave a quick shrug. "I figured with the open house scheduled for tomorrow you two have a lot of last minute details to iron out. That's all, Mr. Judson. Now you go spend some time with your youngsters while I finish supper."
"Lydia..." catching himself, he quickly corrected, "I mean Miss Monroe will be here around seven. I offered to pick her up."
"Tell you what, we'll get Robert and Laura fed and ready for bed, then you can have a quiet dinner with the teacher."
Realizing how lucky he was to have this woman, Alex walked over and gave her a big hug and kiss on the cheek. "Thank you. I don't know what we would do without you."
Blushing furiously, she pushed him away. "Now, now, Mr. Judson, there's no need for you to thank me. I'm just doing my job."
The next several hours flew by. By six-thirty Robert and Laura had been fed, washed and were obediently getting into their nightclothes. Mrs. Sutherland offered to stay until he arrived back with Lydia. He left the house just as she was preparing to re-set the table for two.
Blessedly, there was no one else around when he arrived at the big house on the hill. Looking at the massive structure, which was as far from his humble home as a building could get, set him to thinking Miss Margaret certainly didn't spare any expense in her home.
It had been a very long time since he'd been here. Adjusting his shirt sleeves, he stepped down from his wagon. The curtains at one of the second story windows fluttered closed. He was being watched. No doubt it was the matriarch herself checking his arrival.
The door opened before he was on the top step. Lydia stepped outside. "Before you tell me how it's proper for a lady to wait for the gentleman to call on her, let me say that I've just saved you from a fate worse than death."
"Let me guess, being interrogated by your Aunt Margaret and perhaps one of your cousins."
Laughing gaily, Lydia laid her hand in the crook of his arm as he led her down the steps and helped up on the wagon seat.
"You've no idea how persistent my family can be, Alexander. Oh they mean well," wrinkling her nose, she added, "but sometimes it's easier to avoid their good intentions altogether."
Never having experienced sibling or cousin rivalry, as was this case, Alexander really had nothing to compare it to. He envied Lydia her family and was glad that his children had each other to keep them company.
He listened intently when she began talking about the open house. The woman certainly threw herself into the project with unbound enthusiasm so unlike Joanna who'd been reserved almost to the point of being shy.
"The children have done a wonderful job getting ready for the big day. They painted all the wall hangings and put out the best of their schoolwork for their parents to see."
Clapping her hands together she smiled. "We even have a few surprises."
"It sounds to me like you have everything under control."
"I hope so."
Pulling to a stop in front of his house, Alexander jumped down from the wagon, going around the other side to help Lydia to the ground. She laid her hands upon his shoulders, he didn't think twice about placing his hands along her waist and swinging her down.
They should have stepped away from each other, they
didn't. Lydia's upturned face with those brilliant green eyes looked up at him expectantly. He could see the questions in her eyes. Was he going to kiss her? He wanted so desperately to do just that.
Lowering his head, he brought his mouth to hers. Before he had even tasted her sweetness, she gently pushed him away.
Gesturing towards the house, she whispered, "Alexander, we're being watched."
"What?" Reluctantly coming out of a fog of desire he looked down at her.
She pointed over his shoulder and he spun around to find Robert and Laura standing in the doorway.
Grinning, he apologized. "They were supposed to be in bed."
"I guess they wanted to see who you were bringing home for dinner."
Placing his hand on her back, he escorted Lydia into his home only to stop short in the doorway. Staring at the table he couldn't remember ever seeing it set in this manner. A white cloth had been placed on top of the pine surface and set upon that were two white plates, cloth napkins, silverware and two glasses. In the center sat a lantern, its wick set on a low flame.
Beside him, he heard the breath whoosh out of Lydia and wondered if she thought he was responsible for the table setting. Before either of them could say another word, Mrs. Sutherland appeared out of the back bedroom.
"I was just getting the children settled for bed."
Gathering them in her arms, she said, "Kiss your papa good-night." After doing as they were told, she whisked them down the hallway.
While he went over to the stove to turn the burner off, Lydia stood rooted to the spot just inside the entryway.
Gesturing towards the table, she said, "You didn't have to go to all this trouble for me."
Sheepishly he admitted. "We have Mrs. Sutherland to thank."
Placing her wrap on the hook behind the door, Lydia commented, "She outdid herself."
"The children are settled. Everything is ready to eat, whenever you are, Mr. Judson." Grabbing a small lantern off the wall, she lifted the globe, lighting the wick. "I'll just be going."
"Let me give you a ride home."
"That won't be necessary. Mr. Jules is going to escort me. He takes his evening walk every night at this time." Peering out into the dusky night, she said, "Here he comes now, right on time."
"Have a safe walk home."
"Good night. I'll see you in the morning." The door clicked shut behind her.
Lydia was standing behind one of the dining chairs, her hands resting lightly along the back. The room suddenly felt too small for the two of them. Alexander leaned against the edge of the counter watching her, feeling like this were the first time he'd been alone with a pretty woman.
"Dinner smells delicious."
Springing into action he held out the chair for her and then brought the meal to the table. Half an hour later they were starting on the dessert, apple crisp.
"This is the first time I've invited a woman to my table since my wife died."
Setting her spoon alongside the dessert plate, Lydia looked across the short expanse of table. Her green-eyed gaze scanned his face. She didn't know how to respond to his confession. Folding her hands in her lap, Lydia was quiet.
"Her death must have been difficult for you."
Using the excuse to clear the table, Alexander's back was to her when he spoke again. "I think the children were the only reason I kept my sanity."
Pain at his loss knifed through her chest. Never having experienced a loss as great as his, she could only imagine what he'd been going through ... how difficult it had been for him to go on. And for that reason, Lydia knew that she couldn't toy with his emotions.
This man wasn't about a mild, harmless flirtation. Fate had already broken his heart once. Getting up from the table, she picked up the empty glasses, carrying them to the sink. After putting them in the sink with the other dirty dishes, she stood beside him.
Laying a hand on his arm, she offered, "I'm terribly sorry about your wife."
He turned to face her, pulling her into his arms. Tentatively she returned the embrace, wrapping her arms about his waist, inhaling the all male scent of him. He laid a finger lightly under her chin, tipping her face so she was looking into his eyes.
She could see the questions there, and tried to imagine the self-doubt Alexander must be feeling right now. She thought how he must be questioning his motives for asking her here. Was he ready to move on with this part of his life? Could he be ready to fall in love, to give his heart freely and unburdened-to leave whatever lingering feelings he still harbored for his dead wife behind?
If Alexander wanted to begin a relationship with her, Lydia wanted him to come to her free of guilt. How could she tell him this without ruining their already tenuous relationship?
The answer to her questions would have to wait. In the next moment his mouth found hers. Leaning into the hard wall of his chest Lydia pressed against him. His mouth was hot and his kiss filled with such passion; she wanted to be the woman to release it. Kissing him, feeling the strength flowing from him, left her thinking this could be the man of her dreams.
Abruptly, he released her, resting his forehead on hers, they both fought to reign in their emotions.
"Alexander, what's happening between us?"
"I'm not sure," he whispered. "All I know is that, for better or worse, you drive me crazy."
"Let's hope it's crazy in a good way."
"Oh, yeah."
Toying with the stiff collar of his shirt, she sighed. She knew she should say something. Abruptly Alexander turned away, going to take her wrap from the hook. "It's getting late. I should take you home."
Already the warm feeling left by his body was cooling. Lydia didn't want to push him and yet she was left yearning for more. She sensed his heart was still fragile. She could only imagine the demons he was fighting.
Yes, she thought Alexander was right, it was time for her to go home.
All through the night she tossed and turned, Alexander's words playing over and over in her mind. His admission of his attraction to her was exactly what she'd been hoping to hear, but the part where he'd mentioned only feeling that way about one other woman-his wife, made her feel as if she'd something to prove.
She didn't know what his wife had been like. Obviously she'd been a caring, loving mother, that much was evident by watching Robert and Laura. The one thing Lydia did know is that she did not wish to take a dead woman's place, to be like her, that wouldn't be fair to any of them.
Quite certain that she was nothing like Alexander's wife, Lydia flung back the covers and got out of bed. If Alexander Judson was truly attracted to the person she was, then it was high time he got to meet the real Lydia Louise Monroe.
The first order of business was to put away the simple, conservative schoolmarm dress she'd pulled out of her wardrobe last night. Buttons up to the chin and long sleeves wouldn't be the order of the day. Today was a day calling for bright, vibrant colors, ones that would vie for attention with her red hair and compliment her green eyes.
Excitement surging through her veins, Lydia went to the spot where her favorite dresses hung in a neat row. She adored the blue one with the frilly white collar and cuffs, yearned to wear the satiny yellow dress, but it was the jade one that would adorn her today.
A beautiful creation, she'd had it made right before coming to Surprise. Ribbons of creamy white color formed a small checkered pattern throughout the skirt of the dress. It was a variation on the popular calico print, but so much more sophisticated.
The sleeves were three-quarter length, perfect for the spring weather. And the neckline was rounded, enticing enough to draw the eye of a gentleman, yet demure enough to be respectable. After donning stockings, undergarments, and a lightweight chemise, Lydia slipped into the day gown feeling quite the princess.
Turning in circles, she took a moment to savor the feeling of pure joy. Then it was time to put on her shoes and dress her hair. A simple chignon would suffice with the final touch of adding a simpl
e decorative tortoise shell comb. A pinch of cheeks, a dot of color on her lips, and Lydia was ready to greet the new day!
"Maggie!" She called as she flew down the steps to the foyer. "I'm ready to go to the school if you're planning on coming with me we have to leave now."
"I'm coming. Land sakes, Lydia there's no need to be yelling." Maggie bustled out from the back parlor, patting her hair into place. "I've just left Aunt Margaret to finish with breakfast. Are you having any?"
Shaking her head, Lydia said, "I'm too nervous to eat. There will be plenty of food at the open house. I can get a bite later on."
"Wow." Maggie stopped walking and talking long enough to notice Lydia's appearance.
Frowning, Lydia paused in front of the hallway mirror for one last look. "Too much?"
"Perfect." Hugging her, Maggie sighed, "Just perfect."
Arm-in-arm they headed out the door to the schoolhouse. Hoping they'd be the first ones there, Lydia was surprised to find several buggies already tied up to the hitching post at the edge of the yard.
"I dare say people are excited, Lydia!"
Skipping on ahead of her cousin, Lydia fervently hoped Alexander was one of those people. The way they'd left things last night Lydia wasn't sure what he was thinking. Recognizing his wagon pulled near the front of the building, she paused a moment to collect herself. If she were to show him the real Lydia, she didn't want to scare him off.
A smile touched her lips when she saw him with Laura walking by his side. Her tiny hand was tucked up inside of his large one. Laura was telling her father something that made him smile. Turning her head, she spotted Lydia.
Releasing her father's hand, Laura ran to her. "Miss Lydia, I'm so excited about today, aren't you?" Wrapping her thin arms about Lydia's waist, Laura squeezed her.
Returning her hug, Lydia smoothed down the blonde locks of hair. "I am excited. We've a lot of people coming by to see the school today."
WOMEN OF SURPRISE 02: Lydia's Passion Page 7