Unbroken Promises of the Heart: (Promises of the Heart Book 2)

by Valerie Loveless

  Mary was shocked. Liz’s manners were not usually so poor. “What’s the matter?”

  “Nothing. Why?” Liz looked unconcerned with Mary’s concern.

  “Nothing. You are just usually over the moon when I have a new hat.”

  “Oh, yes.” Liz tried to emanate energy. “It’s so wonderfully festive.”

  “Well,” Mary continued on even though it was such a poor attempt on Liz’s part to be excited. “I have a little gift for you too.”

  “All right.” Liz smiled weakly as Mary handed her the hat box. She carefully lifted the lid. When she saw the contents, she smiled a little brighter. “Oh, you made one for me too? That’s so sweet. It’s so wonderful. Oh, and—” Liz put her hand over her mouth as she choked up. “You cut the feathers into stars! What a talented person you are, Mary. My dear friend Mary, who is such an artist.” She accented the last word.

  “I’ve never seen someone so weepy when with child before.”

  “I know. I can barely get through the day.” Liz continued to cry.

  “Perhaps it will clear up when you are . . . larger . . . or closer to your time.”

  “You think?” Liz said in a clearer voice.

  “I surely hope. It’s like being at a funeral every time I come around you.”

  “Nonsense!” Liz laughed. “I know you were fighting with Michael the other day, but I did finally get to the midwife. She thinks I’ll be done in November or December.”

  “How special, a Christmas child.” Mary sighed. “I wonder if I’ll be with child by then.”

  “I’m sure you will, if you want to.”

  “If I want to? Do we have much of a choice?”

  “Not really. But my midwife says there are ways you can plan your family.”

  “Really? Perhaps I should visit her myself so she can teach me.”

  “Mary, you were ready to have children before you were married. You were so bored. Do you still want children? I know Michael wants loads.”

  “I know. I am so consumed by my work now, though. Where would we put loads of kids?”

  “Well, they don’t come all at once.”

  “Indeed. Honestly, it’s not that. It’s Michael. He says he’s not keeping anything from me, but yet he has a mysterious reason for not wanting me to start my shop. He says he needs the money to invest, but he won’t tell me what.”

  “Invest? What could he possibly want to invest in?”

  “If only I knew. We had a horrible argument this morning.”

  “I know,” Liz said as she pointed to the adjoining wall of their homes.

  “I’m sorry. He’s just being so stubborn. I feel like I have a wonderful opportunity, and he told me I couldn’t do it. Not even with my own money!”

  Liz shook her head in disappointment and then perked up. “Wait, I have an idea! What if I did it with my money? He’s not saying you can’t work at the shop, correct? It’s about the money, so don’t use your money. Use mine!”

  “Your money? How would that work?”

  “Well, I will say I owe you for the typewriter. It was worth at least a year of payments or more.”

  “Hm. I think you are on to something. Peter won’t be upset?”

  “No, Peter has his money and I mine. It’s fine. I’ve plenty.”

  “Well, then, I’m even happier now that I bought you that contraption!”

  “Speaking of said contraption, I’ve much to do on it, and I’m still painfully slow.”

  “Understood. I have many more hat deliveries to make, so I will leave you to it.”

  “Oh, wonderful! You are so gracious!”

  “I know.” Mary smiled as she walked out the door.

  Harriet put on her new hat, courtesy of her sister-in-law, Mary. It looked wonderful with her red dress, which she didn’t get many chances to wear. As she looked in the mirror, she felt apprehensive about meeting Harold. He would spend the afternoon having dinner with the family, and after dinner they would head over to the fair to enjoy the games and fireworks.

  Harriet and Harold. How ridiculous of a couple they would sound. Some people may think it was cute, but not Harriet. She was practical and didn’t care much for sentiments like matching names. But Harold was the kindest man. He had a real profession and he was educated. Harriet never fancied herself the wife of a reverend, but the more she thought upon it, the more it made sense. She could run all the church activities and charities, write the church newsletter, organize Sunday school, and even keep the books. There was only one problem. As nice as Harold was, he was not the one who made her heart skip a beat—a flutter, certainly, but Isaac was the one who made Harriet feel sweaty and hot. His smoldering looks and his mysterious gaze; oh, how she wished she was with him right now. But Harriet was practical. Isaac was a wild card. He was too mysterious, and Harold was so safe. Harriet was almost twenty-six. She should have at least four kids and a husband by now. But she reminded herself it wasn’t practical to compare herself to others, so Harriet stopped thinking about it and immediately went downstairs to get in a little reading before Harold arrived.

  O’l Doc looked in John’s eyes. Then he made him show him his tongue. After that he listened to his heartbeat. He also checked his head for bruises or bumps.

  “You say you almost drowned, and that girl saved you?”

  “Yes. She’s an amazing swimmer. She looks like an angel under water.”

  O’l Doc frowned. “I’m worried you’ve had some bump to the head, John. Clearly you are not yourself.”

  “I’m not? I feel great. Better than ever.”

  “Well, I’m sorry I can’t pinpoint exactly what the trouble is, but you are clearly not yourself. There’s not much to be done if you don’t think he’s a danger to himself or others.”

  “No. NO. It’s nothing we can’t handle, Doc,” Pauly assured him.

  “Maybe just some rest?” Ol’ Doc advised as he gathered up his things and left.

  “Get some sleep, John. I’ll go check on your friend.”

  “Tell her she’s wonderful for me. And I can’t stop thinking about her. Also tell her that I’m going to take her to the mountains as soon as she’s feeling well.”

  “You betcha,” Pauly said and left the room with Nan on his arm.

  Nan brought John a glass of water. She set it down on the bedside table next to the other three glasses she had brought him that she knew he wouldn’t drink. But she had needed an excuse to gaze into his sea green eyes. John turned toward her as she came in. He was gazing out the window, arms crossed.

  “How are you?” she asked.

  “Fine. Never felt better. How is Serene?”

  Nan gritted her teeth and smiled. It was the millionth time he asked about her. “She’s so good. She’s just out there fishing and jumping out of the water like a dolphin.”

  “Really? I’d like to see that.” John came toward the door.

  “Oh, not anymore. She’s sleeping now. She really wants to see you, but she’s been jumping so much she’s real tired.”

  “Oh, I see. We should let her sleep. If that’s what she wants.”

  “Yeah, uh huh. That’s what she said.” Nan sat on the bed and beckoned John join her by patting the spot beside her.

  “Come on, have a seat, fella.”

  “Oh, all right,” John said cordially and sat, still staring out the window.

  “Can I see your pearl?” Nan asked as she eyeballed the gorgeous orb.

  “Uh, sure. Serene gave it to me.” John tried to take the pearl off of his neck. It wouldn’t budge. “Never mind,” he said carelessly.

  “Let me try,” Nan said as she gently pulled on the necklace. “Hm, seems to be no clasp. Oh, well. I don’t want to break that delicate chain it got.” Nan ran her fingers through John’s hair. He responded like a cat and pushed his hea
d into her hand. Nan smiled. “Do you want to kiss me, John? It’s your one and only chance. I know you’ve thought about it before. Before Lavender, I mean. And Serene . . . ” Nan frowned at their mention.

  “No. I don’t feel like kissing you.”

  “All right,” Nan said, holding back intense disappointment. “Well, enjoy your time alone in here, John. I’ll be downstairs. Call for Pa if you need anything.” Nan rushed toward the door.

  “All right, Nan Fey,” John said. Nan shuddered again.

  “Ugh, you devil!” she whispered to herself as she walked down the hallway.

  The doorbell rang. Harriet jumped up and gave her dress a quick smoothing and checked herself in the mirror before opening the door for Harold.

  “Good evening, Harriet.”

  “Evening. Would you like to come in?” Harriet stepped into the doorway and gestured for Harold to follow.

  “Certainly.” He entered and took off his hat.

  “Would you care to sit down?”

  “I would love to sit down. Thank you,” he replied cordially and sat comfortably on the sofa.

  “I—” they both began at the same time. Harriet blushed. “Sorry, go on.”

  “I was just hoping you were excited for this evening. It’s the third best holiday in Pleasant View.”

  “Oh, yes. Very excited.”

  “And you?”

  “I was just going to say I think we should head out to the garden with the family for dinner now. It should be ready soon.”

  “Oh, yes, of course. I didn’t realize everyone was here already.”

  “Well, most. I think we are only waiting on Peter and Michael.”

  Harriet took his arm when he offered it, and they went through the kitchen and out the back door to the garden.

  The family minus Michael and Peter were gathered around several tables. Some were eating, and others were gathering food on plates over at the serving table.

  “This looks lovely,” Harold said. Harriet smiled.

  “Come on, you know everyone.”

  First, Liz and Mary approached him.

  “Hello, Reverend,” Mary said. “It’s nice to see you.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Reverend,” Liz said as she smiled weakly and fanned herself fervently.

  “Are you feeling all right, Sister Latter?”

  “Quite fine. Just a little tired is all. And hot. And uncomfortable. And achy. And—no, not very well.”

  “I’m sorry. You look lovely regardless of how you feel. I—I see you all have lovely matching hats,” Harold said as she nodded toward Mary.

  “A keen eye, as always, Reverend.” Mary smiled as Gretchen came over.

  “I was wondering when you would get here. We are pleased to have you.”

  “Thank you for having me. It’s always an honor to be in the Black household.”

  “Harold! How do you do?” Brigham asked while vigorously patting the reverend on the back.

  “I’m well. Thank you for having me.”

  “No, thank you for escorting our Harriet tonight.”

  Harold looked lovingly at Harriet. She smiled politely, but her lips never parted so it looked quite forced.

  “Harriet, come over with the ladies. We want to thank Mary for her gift,” Gretchen said as she whisked Harriet away, leaving him to contend with Brigham, who began asking him about his views on the Indian war in Arizona.

  “Harriet. I’m shocked by you,” Mary said. “I thought you had no inclination for Reverend Lyons. I thought it was all Isaac.”

  “Who is Issac?” Gretchen asked.

  “He’s a horrible little man who lurks around town,” Mary said angrily.

  “He is not,” Harriet said defensively. “I don’t really know much about him. He’s Michael’s and Peter’s friend, and that is all I really know. He’s handsome and very charming.”

  “Charming?” Mary scoffed.

  “Yes, if you spend some time speaking with him.”

  “When did you spend so much time speaking with him, Harriet?”

  “Well, I ran into him several times.”

  “He is handsome,” Mary gushed. “Although, I suspect he is a heavy gambler and probably has a wife and kids somewhere.”

  “He is very handsome,” Liz agreed. “I think he’s a homeless traveler who killed his parents when he was just a lad.”

  “Oh, Liz, stop it! That imagination of yours. He’s just a very handsome gentleman who doesn’t care to be a part of our celebrations today.”

  “Who is this?” Harold asked. The ladies jumped, as none realized he was near.

  “His name is Isaac. He is new in town. Do you know him?” Mary asked.

  “Isaac. No, I’m afraid not.”

  “Figures. He’s not a god-fearing man either,” Mary muttered.

  “Mary, I beg of you to speak of him no more.” Harriet flashed an embarrassed smile at Harold as he offered his arm to her and she followed him away from her mother and sisters.

  “Harriet, did you have plans to spend this evening with this fellow, Isaac?”

  “I—”

  “It’s quite all right. I will leave if it would make you more comfortable.”

  “No, Harold, please. I did invite him, and he was not interested.”

  Harold nodded. “Then he is a fool.” He winked. “Shall we get some of this fine food your mother has prepared?”

  “Yes. That’s a good idea.”

  As dinner wound down, Peter and Michael finally arrived. Liz noticed that Michael gave Mary a kiss and she accepted it politely, but she seemed out of sorts still. He complimented her on the hats and then left her and went to get some food.

  “Hello, my love,” Peter said as he kissed Liz on the forehead. “How are you feeling tonight.”

  Liz sniffed. “What is that?”

  “I’m sorry. I washed this morning, but it has been a long day.”

  “No, it’s not that . . . it’s . . . You smell like money. It’s metallic and smells like dirty hands.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry, my love. Most women would say a man that smells like money is a good thing!” Peter laughed.

  “I’m sorry. Everything smells so strongly. You don’t need to wash, my love,” Liz said.

  “All right then. I’m going to go get a plate of supper.”

  “Hurry, it’s almost time for the fair.”

  “Yes, love.”

  Mary smiled at Liz. They had agreed that Liz would fund Mary’s portion of the hat and dress shop, and they were excited with their secret.

  Pauly thought he best take a trip to the mermaid woman and see what she could tell him.

  “Hey, Serene,” Pauly called as she climbed aboard John’s boat.

  “Yes?”

  Pauly jumped as Serene’s voice came from behind him.

  “I wanted to talk to you about John. Mainly what it is that you’ve done to him and how to fix it.”

  “He feels better. I made him feel much better than before.”

  “What was wrong with him before?”

  “He—he hurt. His heart hurt, his body hurt, his mind hurt. I made him feel no hurt.”

  “You made him feel no hurt? How did you do that?”

  “Do you need my help?” Serene asked. Her head cocked to the side, like a dog listening to his master.

  “No, no, I don’t need your kind of help.”

  “I can help you. You hurt too.”

  “Nope, no. Ain’t you see that you took away everything about him that was what made him what he is?”

  “I took him away?”

  “Well, yes, in a way. You took him away from us because his mind’s not the same.”

  “But he doesn’t hurt anymore.”

  “Just tell me
how to fix it, lady.” Pauly kept his distance from this strange creature

  “I can’t. I don’t want to. Then I will hurt,” Serene said as she put a hand over her heart.

  “It ain’t right, little lady,” Pauly said as he carefully walked passed her. “And I’m gonna find out how to make it right again.”

  “I wish you not to. I don’t want to hurt.”

  “Well, then do to yourself what you did to John, cause I ain’t gonna let you ruin him like this. It’s your fault that Morose got to Lavender and ruined her. She’s darn near crazed and murderous because of you.”

  “You have seen Morose?”

  “Yeah, I spent a good long while with him on his ship. He did whatever trick you gone and done to John and done it on Lavender. She’s crazy now.” Pauly sighed.

  “I didn’t make Lavender crazy. I made Morose feel better. I don’t understand.” Serene looked sadly toward the sea.

  Pauly shooed a hand at her. “You ain’t got no right to make no one not feel. Our feelings are what makes us who we are.”

  He walked away. When he got home, he noticed the shop was closed. He hoped nothing bad had happened to John. He knew he could trust John before, but now he wasn’t so sure with how he had been acting. Pauly hurriedly unlocked the door and went inside. He heard a thump on the floorboards above.

  “Nan!” he called. Then he heard more rustling and a bump on something upstairs. “I shouldn’t ’ov left her alone with him!” he thought as he rushed up the stairs as fast as his aged legs could take him.

  Pauly threw open the door to John’s bedroom. To his surprise he saw John stumbling around the room, bumping into the walls and the furniture. Nan was piggy-back on him, holding his head in her hand and trying to force a kiss on him as she climbed over his shoulder and wrenched his head toward hers.

  “Nan! What are you doin’?” Pauly rushed over and tried to pry Nan off of John.

  “She won’t get off, Pauly!”

  “Nan, come on now! You were doin’ so well!” Pauly shouted.

  “No! I just want one kiss. Then he’ll love me instead of that stupid fish lady!” Nan had her hands around John’s neck now. Pauly tried to pull her back, and John tried to escape forward. She was inadvertently choking him.