Love Everlasting (7 page)

“So do you plan a huge wedding, as well? No doubt there are a great many people who would like to attend. Have you set the date for the wedding? Oh, and did you tell Wade that I wished to stand up with you and would have to wait until after the baby is born?”

“Goodness, you are full of questions. We didn't really talk much about the date, but I prefer a simple wedding. I'd just as soon have a very private affair with just my friends and family,” she admitted. “However, we didn't speak on it. We sort of moved on to discuss his taking the pastorate at our church.”

Lenore nodded. “Kolbein told me about that. I was delighted. I know Wade to be a solid man of God. He will do a good job.”

“I think so. Sometimes I have wondered what ministries God might lead us to as husband and wife. I never dreamed it might be this, but I have to admit it pleases me. I even imagine one day when we have another shelter for the friendless and poor, Wade might be able to hold services for them.”

“So you're planning another food house?”

“I am. I plan to speak to someone about property that might be available downtown. Since the fire some of the business owners want to sell out and leave. I thought it would be the perfect time to purchase land and build a place to my own specifications.”

“And what does Wade think?”

Abrianna shrugged. “He thinks that my money should be mine alone. He doesn't want to use it for our life together, so I can't see why he would mind my spending it on a shelter. I've never in my life known him to be more pigheaded and stubborn. Well, I suppose those two descriptions are really one and the same. I don't mean to repeat myself, but I am very agitated when it comes to this matter. I do not understand why it should matter whose money it starts out. By law, once we're married everything belongs to the man anyway.”

“You must understand that some men are very prideful about providing for their families. Wade would never want others to think he was marrying you for your fortune.”

“Wade certainly has never cared about such things, but I did hope he would allow me to benefit our lives in whatever way I could. It seems silly to have that money just sitting in a bank while we struggle to make a life for ourselves. It's rather like that article in the newspaper a couple of years ago about that old woman back east. She was thought to be very poor, as she lived in a tiny cottage. Do you remember?”

Lenore shook her head. “I don't believe I do.”

“Well,” Abrianna continued, “people were always helping her out. They would bring her food and hand-me-down clothes. They even went together to rebuild her picket fence when hoodlums vandalized her property. When she died, the entire town
was shocked to learn she had over one million dollars in the bank. She bequeathed it to the city in order to build a library and a home for the poor. I don't want to struggle along in life, only to die and leave large sums in the bank. I'd rather build a library and shelter while I'm alive.”

“Do you really suppose you will struggle? Wade is quite industrious, and there is more than enough work. I think you might be surprised at his abilities. I know for a fact he's already spoken to Kolbein about several properties nearby that might suit for the two of you.”

Abrianna hadn't realized this, but it didn't surprise her. “And what advice did Kolbein offer?”

Lenore laughed. “To buy a big place so that you will have ample space to raise a family.”

A family. Abrianna felt almost embarrassed to ask but knew the question would plague her if she didn't. “What is that like? To have a child growing inside you?”

Lenore blushed and put her hand to her waist. “I have to admit it is still a wonder to me. I never knew what to expect. My mother wasn't very forthright in speaking to me about such matters. She still isn't. But I am quite delighted to become a mother, and Kolbein all but bust his vest buttons off when he heard he was to be a father. I can scarcely wait for you and Wade to have children. I know that you will love being a mother, Abrianna.”

“But it's happened so quickly, and children are very demanding of attention.”

“They certainly can be,” she admitted. “Even so, I'm very pleased and hope to bear Kolbein many children. What of you? Do you and Wade want a large family?”

“I don't know. We haven't talked about it. And frankly, I don't
know how I can do all that I want to do in serving God and have babies at the same time. Aunt Miriam always said that a husband and children were a woman's first and most important ministry, and while I can see the benefits of serving in such a capacity, it seems that a great many other works would have to be put aside.”

“And that troubles you?”

“It does. I have always felt called to help people—people beyond just my family. What if I have a great many children and can't work with the poor? What if Wade won't allow for me to do anything but keep house and tend to our children?”

“You make setting up house sound like a very disagreeable thing, but I think time and circumstances will change your mind and put your heart at ease.” She smiled and lifted her teacup. “In life's complications, God has a way of working out all the details. At least that's what you once told me.”

“It was easy to believe that back then.” Even a year ago it had been so much easier to imagine and understand her future, but now as soon as she began to comprehend one aspect of her life, ten other pieces seemed to fall apart in confusion. Now she was to be married and perhaps become a mother and then what? She wasn't even certain she'd make a good wife, much less a good mother. What if she failed miserably? What if she was a terrible mother who had no understanding of her offspring? What if she burned all of their meals and scorched their clothes? Goodness, what if her children turned out to be as headstrong as she was?

I
wonder if I could have everyone's attention,” Wade said to the crowd gathered around the large dining room table at the Madison Bridal School. A few continued to scrape their dessert plates at the conclusion of supper. Wade didn't blame them; the chocolate cake was the best he'd ever had. But now seemed the right time to speak, before the students scattered to clear the table and do other chores. And he wanted everyone to hear the news. Wade looked to Mr. Cunningham and then to the three old ladies who ran the school. “Abrianna and I have an announcement.”

Miss Poisie clapped her hands. “Oh, I have so longed for this moment. It's just like a fairy tale. Mmm.” Her eyes were closed and the dreamy look on her face made Wade smile. Ah, Miss Poisie—the great romantic of the group.

“I've longed for it, too.” Wade smiled as the woman opened her eyes and nodded. “Anyway, Abrianna has agreed to marry me.”

Cheers and comments of approval erupted around the table. Wade glanced at Thane, who lifted his glass in a toasting manner from across the table. Wade smiled and raised his own glass.

“I am quite delighted to hear this news,” Mrs. Madison declared. Her normally grim expression softened. “We have always felt you were a part of the family, Wade, and now you will truly have a permanent place.” She motioned to the students. “You all know your duties. After cleanup, you are free to spend the evening as you wish. Wade and Abrianna, won't you join us in the parlor?” She looked to her sister and Mrs. Gibson before turning to Abrianna's father. “You are most welcome to accompany us, as well.”

Jay Cunningham exchanged a look with Flora's aunt. The woman was to leave in a day or two, and Wade could clearly see the man's desire to remain in her company. “I'm sure there will be plenty of time for us to celebrate together. I have a feeling you might have other things to tend to.”

Abrianna seemed to take notice and nodded with great enthusiasm. “Of course we can celebrate later. We'll be celebrating for years to come. I think you and Mrs. Snyder should enjoy the lovely evening together. I do think the two of you make a charming couple.”

Her father leaned down and whispered something, but Wade couldn't hear. He supposed the way Abrianna giggled that it had something to do with her obvious matchmaking.

Wade assisted Abrianna from her chair and offered her his arm. He liked having her so close. Sometimes he found himself almost afraid that if he let her out of his sight for long, she might very well disappear. For all her ambitions and schemes, Abrianna wasn't always given to planning things out very well, and common sense was often avoided altogether. Perhaps she would never be overly cautious in life, but he prayed she might practice some restraint once they were married.

They followed the trio of older women into the small sitting
room. The intimacy of the room was generally reserved for the family, yet Wade had often taken his meetings with Mrs. Madison here. The way they treated him, Wade always felt a part of the family, just as Mrs. Madison suggested.

The ladies took their seats, leaving Wade and Abrianna to share the settee. Sitting this close, Wade could smell the delicate scent of rosewater that Abrianna used to wash her hair. It was funny how he was only now beginning to notice those kinds of things about her. The softness of her skin. The blue of her eyes.

“Of course we anticipated this announcement,” Mrs. Madison began, “and we are quite delighted at the news.”

“Oh, indeed.” Miss Poisie beamed. “I am ever the romantic at heart. My dear departed Captain Jonathan . . .”

Mrs. Gibson leaned forward with a nod. “God rest his soul.”

“Amen,” they all answered in unison, including Wade.

“He often said I was terribly romantic. He would tease me and say that perhaps Cupid was an ancestor of mine.” Miss Poisie gave a girlish giggle. “I told him I wouldn't be at all surprised.”

Mrs. Madison's expression suggested this was nonsense, and her words seemed to affirm as much. “Since Cupid is a mythological creature, we must allow that he has no ancestors. Be that as it may, we are pleased by your announcement, Wade. I know I speak for the others in saying that we could not imagine a better man for our Abrianna.”

“Thank you.” Wade wondered exactly where the conversation was headed. These old ladies were well known for their management and opinions. He could only hope their thoughts didn't lean toward a long engagement.

“Have you a thought as to the date of your wedding?” Mrs. Madison's question hung on the air.

Wade looked at Abrianna, wondering if she had given the matter any consideration. She shook her head, and he in turn looked back at the women. “No, I guess we haven't.”

“Oh, do let it be soon,” Miss Poisie declared.

“But not too soon,” Mrs. Gibson added. “We wouldn't want folks thinking that the marriage was necessary. There would be great shame in that, especially now that you have agreed to take the church.”

Mrs. Madison appeared to consider this for a moment. “Certainly that would create conflict. We mustn't have scandal brought down on either of you.”

“I think you should marry just after the first of the year.” Miss Poisie's tone was quite animated. “I don't think it's wise to be married in an odd-numbered year. Especially given all the misfortune of 1889, what with the fire in Seattle and that terrible flood in Johnstown. You wouldn't want your anniversary to ever be marked with memories of such things.”

“Poppycock.” This came from Mrs. Gibson as she gave a brief shake of her index finger. “We will not be given over to superstitious notions, Poisie. The year 1889 is a perfectly acceptable year. However, there are only four months left to it.”

“Four months is plenty time enough to plan a wedding,” Miss Poisie countered. “Why, I heard that when the Princess Beatrice married, the wedding was planned out in a very short time.”

“But remember, Sister, the accomplishments of royalty are not necessarily the same that can be had for commoners.” Mrs. Madison fixed Wade and Abrianna with a stern expression. “We must be practical. Don't you agree?”

“Yes, most assuredly. Lenore is to be my matron of honor.” Abrianna looked to Wade as if for support. “She cannot stand up with me until after the baby is born, and that will be in December.”

Miss Poisie smiled as if she'd just gotten her way. Wade might have laughed at the little woman's delight, but he knew such matters could be quite serious amongst the trio. There was no sense in adding to the issue.

“We want to help, no matter,” Mrs. Madison continued. “We would like to host your wedding here in the gardens if you like, so that would suggest a spring or summer wedding.”

Wade didn't like that thought. Now that he realized his love for Abrianna and she for him, he could see no sense in waiting that long. Just being this near to her made him have unruly thoughts of hoisting her over his shoulder and eloping. He didn't think he was patient enough to wait until spring.

“Thane would like to be my best man.” Wade tilted his head, then shrugged. “But they are leaving day after tomorrow, so that would be much too quick to plan a wedding.” He half hoped they might contradict his comment, but no one did.

Mrs. Madison rose. “You have a little time to think about it. We simply want to help in whatever way we can.”

“Goodness, yes.” Miss Poisie bobbed her head. “This is so very exciting. A wedding for our very own Abrianna. When I think of all the other brides we have helped to prepare, it positively inspires my senses to plan a wedding for her.”

“Have you any thoughts at all on what kind of a wedding you would like?” Mrs. Gibson asked.

Wade knew such questions were usually the bride's responsibility, but he felt it only fair that he have a say. “I would like to be married before the year is out, so I suppose a simple wedding would be best.”

Abrianna remained silent. He hoped she wasn't having second thoughts, what with all her fears. Surely having apprehensions about marriage was normal. He didn't doubt her love for
him, and he'd never known her to back away from a challenge, so he had no reason to suspect she would back away from marrying him. Still, she had her fears, and he wanted to be mindful of her needs. They caused him to want to protect her all the more.

“I believe a winter wedding could be quite lovely,” Mrs. Madison said after several moments.“Is that your desire, Abrianna?”

She looked startled, then nodded. “I think the end of December could be good. However, it's also possible that Lenore will not be delivered by then.”

“It's true,” Mrs. Gibson nodded. “Some babies are given to arriving late. Perhaps we should consider the end of January.”

“And then she could be married in an even-numbered year,” Miss Poisie said with a smile of satisfaction.

January seemed like forever to Wade, but he would do whatever the others decided. The last thing he wanted was to impose himself on the situation. This was a decision for the ladies to make—Abrianna in particular.

“We could have Mr. Cunningham build us a hothouse.” Mrs. Gibson looked to Mrs. Madison as if for approval. “That way we could still have a great many flowers.”

Miss Poisie clapped in delight. “Oh, I do like flowers at a wedding. Wouldn't that be a perfect solution, Sister?”

“We have talked often enough about a greenhouse being added. I suppose it could suit this purpose quite nicely.”

Mrs. Gibson looked quite pleased that her suggestion was met with such approval. “And maybe by January the constant noise of all that new city construction will be diminished. I don't know why such affairs have to be so noisy.”

“It's true,” Miss Poisie said. “Yesterday there was a constant pounding that carried on the stillness of the day. I counted over one hundred strikes, although I have no idea what was being
hit. It was most upsetting to my nerves, and I found it necessary to seek a tonic.”

Wade did his best not to smile. The ladies were always opinionated about one thing or another. No doubt Abrianna came to it by example.

“I had hoped that with the required use of bricks we might not have such noise,” Mrs. Madison added. “I suppose, however, there are wooden interiors to arrange.”

“You would think that perhaps there might be a way to cushion the blows so that the noise would be lessened, Sister.” Poisie looked momentarily thoughtful, as if trying to conjure a plan. Then she gave a little shrug. “But surely by January it will be better.”

Abrianna finally seemed to regain her ability to command the situation. “I think I would like to ponder the exact date for a short time. Wade and I have a great many things to consider, and it would be wise for us to discuss those issues prior to setting the day.” She looked at Wade. “I'm sure you understand. We haven't had a chance to really discuss the future in detail.”

He could see a pleading in her eyes. “Of course.” He hoped she wouldn't want to delay the wedding even more, but at this point he didn't want to cause her any problems in front of her aunts. “I figure weddings are more for the bride than the groom, anyway. Most men would just as soon elope.” He smiled at the older women. “But fear not. I wouldn't dream of depriving you the joy of wedding preparations for the one you have so long loved and cared for. Abrianna is worth waiting for.”

He felt Abrianna relax at his side. A part of him longed to reassure her that their marriage would be a good one, while another part wanted to shake the apprehension right out of her and tell her to stop acting like a scared schoolgirl. He sighed.

“I appreciate your agreeing to walk with me,” Eloise Snyder said in her soft alluring way.

Jay found himself completely besot with the young widow. He felt a small sense of guilt for having left his daughter's side just after the big announcement. Still, Abrianna seemed as eager for him to be alone with Eloise as he. Eloise also appeared quite pleased. She was all smiles and charm and yet personable and full of information. Jay thought her a perfect companion and hoped he might yet persuade her to consider him the same.