Anna: Bride of Alabama (American Mail-Order Bride 22) (8 page)

Franklin knocked on the door a few minutes later, two buckets of water in his hands. He was followed by Gabriel and two other men she’d never seen before. A parade of people came trudging in to her room with bucket after bucket of water. When the tub was full, Ruth brought in a basket full of rich, fragrant soaps and oils. Anna had never bathed in anything so lavish.

She took her time with the bath, soaping her body and hair twice, then soaking until the water cooled. She applied some of the oil to soften her skin and slipped on a clean shift. Towel drying her hair took some time. She slipped on a house robe and took her brush out to the balcony, hoping the breeze would help speed the drying process up. When Julia and Ruth came back, they were buzzing around the room in excited flutters. Apparently the Grants summer party was a bigger deal than she thought it was.

Julia and Ruth took over drying and brushing her hair until it shined. They helped her into her dress, fussed with her hair to get it pulled up and off her neck and finished it off with hair combs that held stones in the same brilliant color of blue as her dress.

Turning to the mirror, she stared at her reflection. What happened to the shy girl who took a chance at marriage by agreeing to be a mail-order bride? The woman staring back at her wasn’t the same one who boarded that train in Massachusetts.

“You look beautiful, Anna.”

She smiled at Julia and ran her hands over the silk of her dress. “Its not too bright of a color?”

“No,” Ruth said. “Its perfect.”

“I’ll meet you downstairs.”

She nodded as Julia left the room and turned back to her reflection. “What if I do something stupid or say something that embarrasses Gabriel or Julia?”

“You won’t. Trust me, everyone will be so eager to meet the newcomer in the room, you won’t have time for embarrassment.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“I am. If there’s one thing I know about the people in this town, they love to impress those who don’t know them so if anyone will be an embarrassment, it will be those in high society trying to impress you.” Ruth picked up a lace shawl to cover Anna’s shoulders with and handed it to her. “It may get cool one the sun sets.”

“Thank you, its beautiful.”

Ruth beamed. “I get a bit bored at time so I like to crochet lace. It passes the time.”

“You made this?”

“Yes.”

“Are you sure you want me to wear it?”

She laughed. “Someone should. Now come on, stop dawdling. Mr. Montgomery is waiting.”

Anna picked up the hem of her dress and started for the door. What tonight would bring was anyone guess. The dress and shoes were an extravagant gift but she’d admit she felt like a princess. Now, if only her prince would sweep her off her feet.

Chapter Nine

Getting dressed up for one of Francesca’s parties had never been one of his favorite things to do but the anticipation of seeing Anna in the blue gown was reason enough to pull out his formal attire.

He was surprised it still fit. It had been some time since he’d worn the waistcoat but he still cut a fine figure in it, even if he said so himself.

Noise from the other room drew his attention more than once. The laughter filling the air brought a smile to his face. It had been so long since there was anything joyous in this house. It felt good knowing Julia was so happy. That Anna had a reason to smile.

He finished dressing and headed downstairs to wait. Franklin met him at the foot of the stairs. “Ready to go?”

“Yes, but I can drive. There’s no reason for you to be out so late when you don’t have to.”

“I don’t mind.”

“I know you don’t, but I do.”

“Stubborn just like your father was.” Franklin shook his head and started down the hall. “I’ll go hook up the Surrey for you and bring it around.”

Ruth was the first to come downstairs. “I hope you’re ready to fight off every man at that party because once they see Anna, they’ll wish they were you.”

“Is she ready?”

“Yes. She’ll be down in a moment.”

Julia came downstairs next. Gabriel looked at her choice of dress with a raised eyebrow. “You have nicer gowns than that one.”

“I know.” She smiled and hobbled over to where he stood. “I’m not going.”

He reared back in shock. “Not going? Since when?”

“Since I cut my foot. I can walk on it fine but I can’t stay on it all night. I’m better off here. Besides, Francesca has a party every time she’s in need of compliments so there will be another in a few weeks.”

Gabriel laughed and didn’t disagree. Francesca did love being the center of attention.

He caught a flash of movement out of the corner of his eye and looked toward the stairs. Anna stood at the top landing so beautiful he forgot to breathe. She smiled and started down, each step she took causing his heart to pound a little bit harder. When she stopped at the bottom, he was mesmerized.

She met his gaze but looked away a moment later, smoothing the fabric of her dress. She fussed with her hair, straightened the shawl in her hands, then bunched it up again before tentatively looking up at him. “Well, say something.”

“I don’t think there are enough words in the human language to describe how beautiful you are.” And there it was, the rosy pink flushed cheeks when she blushed. He smiled and crossed to where she stood, reached for her hand and lifted it to his mouth, laying a kiss to the back of it. “You are breathtaking, Anna.”

Franklin chose that moment to come inside. “I have the carriage ready.”

“Thank you.” He turned to Anna. “Are you ready to go?”

“Yes.”

He held out his arm to escort her outside. He saw Julia wink at him as he passed by her and wondered if the girl had decided to stay home so he could be alone with Anna. Knowing her, she did.

He’d been expecting the Surrey but Franklin had brought around one of the older Phaetons they owned. It was built for his grandfather and was as richly appointed as was befitting his station at the time.

It only had one seat, but the plush bench and back rest in rich green velvet looked as if it were placed on there yesterday. The canopy top had been left down and Franklin had hooked Cyrus to the front, the white horse making the carriage look even more stately.

He helped Anna onto the platform so she could get in the carriage, then climbed in behind her. She slid over as far as she could, pulling her skirts out of the way. “I won’t bite.”

She laughed. “I didn’t think you would.”

He grabbed the reins and looked to the house. Julia, Ruth and Franklin were there. It seemed odd to be going out for the evening when his daughter was staying home. He glanced at Anna, gave the reins a flick and they were headed down the road away from the house.

They made it to the pond before she ever spoke. “What should I expect at this party?”

Gabriel smiled. “The richest people in the three counties will be there. The Grants like to show off their money and these parties are the perfect way to do it. Their home, Winter Place is testament to that. It wasn’t enough to have one house, they built two.”

“Two? One beside the other?”

“Yes, and nearly identical.”

“That seems impractical.”

“It is. One of the homes is to be Francesca’s when she marries.”

She didn’t say anything and he looked over at her. She was staring straight ahead, her hands clasped in her lap. “Is something wrong?”

“No. Why?”

“You just got real quite, is all.”

“Just thinking.”

“About what?”

She smiled and glanced his way. “A lady doesn’t have to spill all her secrets.”

“You have secrets now? I’m intrigued.”

“You should be.”

He laughed. “Tell me one of yours and I’ll tell you one of mine.”

* * * *

Winter Place was situated on the corner of two intersecting streets which were currently lined with carriages in both directions. It took nearly twenty minutes before they were close enough that one of the men hired to park the carriages and tend the horses arrived to take over the reins.

Gabriel jumped to the ground then reached for her but instead of taking her hand, he grabbed her around the waist and lifted her from the carriage, setting her feet on the road. “Are you ready for this?”

“No.” He gave her his arm and she clasped it tight. “Is it too late to go home?”

“Yes. I’m sure someone has seen us by now. If word made it back to Francesca that we left her party before seeing her, we’d have to endure a visit and a lengthy scolding from her and honestly, with this many people it will be easier to get away from her here than at home.”

“Fine,” she said. “Lead the way.”

Ruth had been right when she said the richest people the Grants knew would be here. Every lady Anna saw was draped in expensive jewelry and gowns in colors bright enough to draw the attention of anyone crossing their path. Her own did much the same.

Gabriel knew the name of most every person they passed and as Ruth said, many an eye were turned her way. It made her uncomfortable and she clung to Gabriel more tightly.

They made it to the house and waited as the other guest slowly made their way inside. It wasn’t until they made it to the door that Anna realized Francesca and her brother were just inside greeting everyone. The moment Francesca saw them, Anna knew the evening wouldn’t be unpleasant.

“Gabriel, you made it.” Francesca reached for him, grabbing onto both his arms as she leaned in, kissing him on the cheek before pulling away. She glanced her way and pulled back, giving her a looked before grinning. “Why, you brought the hired help. How generous of you.”

“I wouldn’t exactly call Anna hired help.”

Francesca laughed. “She’s the governess. Of course she’s hired help.” She looked her over from head to toe and made a tis-king sound with her tongue. “That's some dress. I didn’t realize you paid so well, Gabriel. If I had know, I would have found you a proper English governess to teach your precious daughter every thing she needs to know.”

“I wouldn’t dream of bothering you with such petty details.”

“Nonsense. It would be my pleasure.”

“I’ll remember that in case the need arises in the future.”

They were finally able to get away and started into the parlor. “She’s the most condescending person I’ve ever met.”

Gabriel laughed. “You think so?”

“Yes. She’s quite horrid. Does anyone find her pleasant to be around?”

He nodded toward the crowd gathered in the house. “Unfortunately, yes.”

They found a corner to stand in that didn't interfere with the flow of traffic. Anna was able to observe everyone from there without feeling as if she were going to be stepped on. Gabriel spent long minutes pointing out people he knew and others stopped to actually speak. Most everyone talked about cotton and after the first ten minutes, Anna was bored.

The crush of bodies caused the room to heat in a hurry. She touched her forehead, dabbing at a bit of perspiration when Gabriel asked if she’d like something to drink. “Yes, please.”

“I’ll be right back. Will you be all right here alone?”

“Yes, I’ll be fine.” Or so she thought. She waited nearly twenty minutes before she left her spot in the corner and went in search of him.

It was no wonder he hadn’t returned. Every room Anna ventured into was crowded with people congregating in small groups. She stood in the middle of the hallway, turning in a small circle when an older woman caught her attention. She was staring at her.

Anna took another turn but looked back as the woman approached.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you before. I know everyone in town.”

“I’ve only arrived a few weeks ago.”

The woman’s eyes widened a bit. “Your accent. You’re from up north?”

“Yes. Massachusetts.”

She smiled. “I thought so. I was born there myself. Its nice to meet someone from home. I bet its changed so much I wouldn’t recognize it.”

They were interrupted by Nathaniel, Francesca Grants brother. “Grandmother, Percy Walker is looking for you.”

The old woman acknowledged him with a nod of her head before turning back to face her. “I wish to talk to you again soon. Who are you here with?”

“Gabriel Montgomery.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Really? I wasn’t aware he was courting anyone.”

“Oh, he’s not. Well, not me, at least.”

“I see.” She looked as if she were going to ask her something else but Nathaniel took her by the arm. “Come grandmother. You know Percy hates to wait.”

She made a pft sound and shook her head. “He’s younger than I am. He’ll survive until I get there. It was very nice to meet you dear.”

“You too.”

She walked away without ever properly introducing herself. Anna listened to her bicker with Nathaniel until they were lost in the crowd. She resumed her search for Gabriel anew without much luck.

She walked the house again and found the corner they’d stopped in when first arriving and decided to stay put, hoping he’d find her first. When she saw Francesca heading her way she groaned but smiled when she stopped in front of her.

“Why are you hiding in the corner like some wallflower?”

“I’m not hiding,” she said. “I’m waiting for Gabriel. He went to get us something to drink.”

“Oh, well, I doubt you’ll see him again.” She laughed, the sound high pitched and annoying. “Walter Kevitt was looking for him. If he found him, he’s in the library smoking cigars and talking about share cropping and an assortment of other boring men stuff. You’ll be lucky to see him again before midnight. Come, let me introduce you to some of my friends.”

By friends, Francesca meant men. Apparently she had no female friends at all, which was not surprising. Apparently Francesca enjoyed the company of individuals who did nothing but bestow her praise as each one they greeted did nothing but that.

A stream of new faces, all smiling, some leering, seemed to blur together before she realized Francesca had slipped away from their group. She sighed, then smiled and nodded as the gentlemen in front of her talked. She listened for nearly ten minutes before getting aggravated.

“Are you not enjoying the party?”

The man who spoke was blonde with a mustache that curled on the ends. He was nearly as tall as Gabriel and of all the men in the little group, he was the least in love with his own voice. He hadn’t said much, listened mostly, so it was no surprise when he excused himself from the conversation and wrapped an arm around her waist and took her with him.

“Thank you.” She laughed as they walked away. “I was beginning to think I’d be stuck there all night.”

“Well, with this crowd, its just best to be rude. Most of them are. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you around. I go to all these parties and know almost everyone.”

“I’ve only just arrived in town a few weeks ago.”

“Oh? Do you have family in the area?”

She wasn’t sure how to answer. Did she tell him she was a mail-order bride whose groom didn’t want her? She avoided the question by asking one of her own. “I don’t believe I got your name.”

“Ronald Douglas.”

Where had she heard that name before? She didn’t get a chance to ponder the question. A noise that sounded like a feral animal filled the air before she was shoved away and Ronald Douglas was pinned to the wall behind him by a one hand. Anna blinked, stunned as the commotion around her grew and voices were raised.

Gabriel had found her.

“What are you doing?”

“I leave you alone for half an hour and this is who I find you with?” He scoffed at her, pressed his hand around Ronald’s neck a bit harder and glared at her.