Perfectly Matched (The Blue Willow Brides Book #3): A Novel (12 page)

“Well, when you do, just let us know,” Patty said, then slipped the pearls into the pouch and pulled the drawstring. She handed Anna the bills to cover the cost and declared they
must be on their way, as the church social group was meeting right after lunch.

Anna wasn’t sure what to do with the money, so she folded the bills in half and set them under a crystal paperweight. “Thank you, ladies. Hope you’ll return. Edward has some exquisite timepieces, I’ve noticed.”

“Anna, you should come over this afternoon yourself. We’ll be making plans for our next fund-raiser,” Polly suggested in a softer voice. “We’d be glad to have you.”

“Sometime soon, I promise,” she replied, then walked with the two ladies to the door. After they waved goodbye, she turned around to see Edward watching her with a thoughtful look. She gave him a timid smile, and his lips formed a stilted half smile back at her. It looked as though she would have to be the first one to make a move, although she felt like she’d been pushed into a corner without him willing to compromise. They couldn’t continue walking on eggshells like this indefinitely. She decided she’d slip away and start the wash, then whip up the apple dumplings he liked. Stupid list or not, chores still had to be done.

“Anna,” he said barely loud enough for her to hear when she started for the house. She stopped and turned to look at him, seeing that his eyes had taken on the shade of steel.

“
Ja
, Edward?”

“I don’t know what to say except . . . I’m sorry I lost my temper. You must think I’m a slave driver.” He sat on his stool, his shoulders slumped, and she knew he was referring to the list she’d shredded last night.

“Edward.” She licked her lips. “I’m the one who lost my temper. I’m sorry too. Perhaps we can work this out?” She longed to feel his arms around her, holding her tightly.

As if he’d read her thoughts, Edward stretched out his
arms, saying, “Come here, Anna.” His voice was low, husky, and inviting. Anna didn’t hesitate. She practically ran to him, slipping between his legs on the stool.

As he wrapped her in his arms, drawing her hard against him, she heard him sigh heavily and felt his breath on her temple. “What am I going to do with you, little one?”

By week’s end, Anna had convinced Edward to proceed with her idea for caring for Cricket and any other abandoned animal she might come across in the future. She’d melted in his arms, and his heart had been melted by her gentle persuasion—of that she had no doubt. But still she wondered why he’d gotten so angry in the first place, considering she’d caught him a few times talking to Moose and Baby. She was convinced that she’d get him to open up about it one day, but for now she was satisfied.

He’d brought her flowers several times this week, and one day she found a sweet note pinned to her apron pocket that read:

Forgive this bumbling bridegroom for his pitiful attempts to prove his manhood by placing inexcusable demands on you for how to run the household. It’s hard for me to let go of old habits, but I’ll leave those details to you, the real lady of the house.

Love, Edward

She smiled as she thought back to their fights that always ended in forgiveness and tender shows of affection. She
thanked God for her husband, who was growing dearer to her with each passing day.

Anna began ironing but then decided to take a walk outdoors with the dogs. One day soon, she was going to take her easel to the park and spend some time painting that beautiful scenery. Edward was busy in his shop with a customer, and since it was a crisp fall day, she clipped leashes on both dogs, threw her shawl about her shoulders, and closed the door quietly behind her.

The fresh balsam fir scent tickled her nose, and the sky was clearer than a baby’s blue eyes as Anna strolled down the street with no particular agenda. It was more like the dogs were leading her, pulling against the leash, sniffing here and there, delighted to be with their mistress for an afternoon stroll. She allowed them to dawdle along while she considered having guests over for dinner.

Tonight was the literary circle, which only met twice a month. The other thing she had on her mind was an idea that had been brewing in the back of her head. Ever since Patty related how Harvey was having an eyesight problem, she wondered if somehow she could teach Moose to fetch or be a guide to Harvey around the house or even outside. She’d seen an older man back in Cheyenne walking with an ordinary-looking dog that took orders from his master and walked closely by his side. If she could teach a few things to Moose, he’d be not only a big help but a great companion for a lonely man.

She decided she’d give it a try. The old saying “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” echoed in her mind. However, Anna never gave up anything easily. She bent over and gave Moose an affectionate pat on his neck, and he looked up adoringly. His large, sad eyes tore at her heart. How in the
world could people abandon such a gentle creature? It pleased her to see that his ribs were no longer showing through his hide the way they had when she’d rescued him. She hugged his neck, then Baby clambered against both of them for her own attention, making Anna laugh.

She’d walked a couple of blocks and was about to turn back when she saw Pearl with Harvey promenading down the sidewalk in her direction. It thrilled her to see Pearl’s arm through the crook of Harvey’s elbow, guiding him on the walk before they crossed the corner to where Anna was.
How sweet.
She called out to them. “Hello!”

They stopped to greet her. “A fine morning for a walk, Anna,” Harvey said.

“That’s why I’m taking advantage of it with my two favorite critters. Let me introduce you to Baby and Moose. Moose is the bigger dog. I’ve had Baby since she was born.”

Pearl said hello. “I didn’t know you had two dogs, Anna.” She let the dogs sniff her fingertips.

“My, that’s a big dog you have there.” Harvey scratched Moose behind the ear.

“
Ja
, he is, but despite his size, he’s gentle.” Then she giggled. “Not like Baby, who thinks she must be the center of attention all the time.”

“They’re both fine dogs,” Pearl declared.

“Yes, they are. Poor ol’ Moose here was abandoned, I think, and was roaming the streets of Denver until I brought him home to care for him.”

“What a kind thing to do,” Harvey commented. “But I’m afraid there’s a lot more of those like him, you’ll discover.”

Anna hesitated. Should she mention her plans? “Actually, I don’t mind if I do discover them. I believe since they’re dumb animals, it’s our responsibility not to mistreat them.”

Pearl drew in her breath. “You don’t say? Then you might want to check the library, Anna. I have a publication on a society for the prevention of mistreatment of animals, I believe.”

“Really? I’d be very interested to see it, Pearl.”

“Stop by later today at the high school. That’s where our library is until a proper building is built.”

“I will. Thank you for telling me.”

“You are most welcome. I believe it’s a wonderful thing you’re interested in doing,” Pearl said.

“I’d better get back home now. I’ll see you, Pearl, when I can get away later, and then I’ll see you both tonight at our literary circle.”

Harvey took her hand, giving it a swift kiss. “Bless you, dear girl. Until later then.”

Anna murmured goodbye, then turned back the way she came and they did the same. She’d had no idea that someone had actually formed a society for mistreatment of animals and was excited to think she could learn more that could be of help to her.

She walked past Daniel’s house on the way home, debating about asking him to section off a part of the barn, since part of her agreement with Edward was no more animals allowed in the house. He was a busy man, and she hesitated asking him, but he was so handy with building materials that she thought he’d be able to do it quickly. Still . . .

While she paused, pulling the dogs against their leash to halt them, she saw Daniel and another lad hauling a beautiful dresser down the steps and into the yard. She assumed the empty wagon parked out front was their destination. They paused to catch their breath from the weight of the dresser, and Daniel straightened and mopped his brow, then glanced over to the fence and caught her eye.

She lifted her hand in a brief wave and heard him say, “Take a break, Jimmy.” He walked over to the fence.

“I see you’re out letting the dogs walk you,” he said teasingly.

She laughed, knowing his observance was correct. “Yes, I am.”

“Is there a problem?” He leaned forward to rest his arms on the picket fence so he was almost eye level with her.

“Oh no . . . well, at least not today.” She smiled. “I have something to ask you. You can refuse—”

“Me?” Daniel said. “Now, I’m not in the habit of refusing a lady
anything
. What can I help you with?”

“I have a small project if you’re interested. I can’t pay much, though. What I need is someone to create a couple of pens inside the barn for my dogs. I don’t think it’d take you long.” She held her breath for his answer. This would appease Edward and give the dogs a nice warm place before the weather turned cold.

“That couldn’t take more than a couple of hours. I could do it after lunch if that would work for you.”

“You could?” Anna’s arm was jerked by Baby, who saw a chipmunk scamper across the grass. “That would be wonderful. Are you sure you can spare the time?”

Daniel straightened with a chuckle. “One thing I like about what I do is that I set my own hours. Trust me, it’d be a pleasure to do something for my friends. No pay is needed. I can bring some sturdy scraps of wood and some wire that I already have on hand.”

“Then say you’ll have dinner with us and a few of our friends in two weeks.” It would be natural to have guests over, and she would have Callie and Sarah along with Edward’s sister and husband.

“Now, that I can do. I need to get back to loading this dresser for delivery. Have a nice day.”

“You too, Daniel.”

This was perfect! Simply perfect! Turning to the dogs, she said, “Let’s get home now, I’ve got lunch to prepare.” She hurried down the sidewalk thinking that her walk had produced two very good things. Good things indeed.

Edward locked the door to his shop and flipped over the sign. It had been a good day with several new customers—one who ordered a grandfather clock that Edward promised could be made by Christmas. Those kinds of orders brought in a good commission, not to mention the job he had for the bank vault’s timer. Everything was moving perfectly along again. Today he’d even had time to work on putting the final pieces together for the watch he was making for Anna as a surprise.

Funny, he hadn’t smelled any lunch and he was hungry. Where in the heavens was she now?
Calm down
, he told himself.
She must be out in the backyard with the dogs.
Cricket greeted him with a meow when he entered the kitchen, where he found the cooking pots cold.

He’d agreed to let Cricket stay in the kitchen because she was sickly, and now she wobbled over to him, arching her bony back against his pant leg and leaving her long hair clinging to the fabric. Against his better judgment, he picked the kitten up and looked into her sleepy green eyes. He had to admit, she was a pretty kitty. She nuzzled his cheek with her head and he couldn’t help himself. He hugged her to his neck and was standing like that when Anna returned from her walk.

Not long after lunch, Daniel showed up, rumbling down the back driveway with his wagonload of supplies. He drove to the backyard, pulling up by the barn, and began to carry wood inside. Anna was secretly glad that Edward had already left when Daniel arrived, lest he put up a fuss. They hadn’t actually talked about carrying out her plan when they’d made up—they were too busy enjoying tender kisses while Edward locked her into a tight embrace. She blushed at the thought and was glad that Daniel couldn’t see her face when she stepped out the back door to greet him. She called out and waved, hurrying down the stairs.

“Can I be of help?”

“Just bring me that hammer and saw, if you don’t mind. I’ll get the rest.”

Anna followed him inside the barn, leaning the hammer and saw against the wall.

“How about at this end here? Will that be okay?” Daniel rested his hands on his hips, surveying the space with a critical eye.

“
Ja!
If you could give me two or three pens, I’d be eternally grateful.” She watched as he started measuring the space.

“I think I can make at least four of them for you. But you don’t have four dogs, do you?”

“Oh, that’s wonderful, Daniel. And to answer your question—no. At least not yet. But if another lost or hurt animal crosses my path, I will.”

“I see . . . and Edward is in complete agreement with this?” He quirked an eyebrow at her. She assumed he was waiting for her response before he began. After all, he and Edward were best friends, and she knew he’d be loyal.

“Um . . . yes. We’ve talked about it but haven’t worked out all the details yet. But don’t worry, he doesn’t want my pets or strays inside. Now, if you don’t need me for anything, I have an errand that I must run.”

“I’m fine here. I’ll be gone before you return, I’ll wager,” he said. He was already bent down on one knee to mark a piece of wood with a pencil he’d stuck over his ear.

“Okay. I’ll let you know when the dinner party will be, and I look forward to seeing you tonight at the literary circle.” She went back inside, gathered up her coat and purse to leave, then decided that she’d put Cricket on the back porch in the sun. She scooped the kitty up still curled in her bed and set her outside the back door. Cricket probably wouldn’t wander as little as she was, so Anna wasn’t concerned that she might leave the porch.

She’d have to catch the streetcar to take her to Denver High School at City Park because Edward had taken the horse and buggy with him to town. But it wasn’t long before she saw the high school come into view at 19th and Stout, so she hurried off the streetcar down the sidewalk to the school. It was already in session, and Anna stood gazing up at the large, impressive multistory building of brick with its own clock tower. She wondered how many students attended. Climbing
the massive stone steps transported her back to the time she’d attended high school, which seemed like a long time ago but was only last year. She’d enjoyed her time living with Clara in Cheyenne and commuting on most weekends to the farm where her sister Catharine lived.

Once inside, she walked up to the office and swung the door wide. A few women were busy at several desks. A cheerful woman with shocking red hair greeted her with a wide smile.

“I wonder if you could direct me to the library,” Anna said. “I need to speak with Miss Brooks.”

“Of course. The library is on the second floor, first door on the left.” Her red curls bobbed as she spoke.

She thanked her and started up the expansive mahogany staircase. The door was already open, and she quickly spotted Pearl holding books ready to be shelved. She loved the smell of books and suddenly felt right at home. The light shone through the ceiling windows onto the rich hardwood floors. It was quiet, of course, and several students were sitting at various tables speaking in low voices, apparently working on projects together. Pearl looked up and smiled as soon as she saw Anna.

“I was wondering if you’d come.” Pearl set the books down on the long counter next to her. Behind it sat another lady typing faster than Anna had ever seen anyone type, and she marveled at the woman’s speed.

“Anna, this is Mabel, my assistant.”

Mabel barely paused long enough to murmur hello, then went right on back to her typing.

Pearl motioned for Anna to follow her to her office. “Anna, I pulled a publication or two with articles that I thought might interest you about an organization called the
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.” She handed her some magazines. “And another article is about a woman who started the Women’s Humane Society in Pennsylvania.”

Anna glanced at the magazines. “Thank you for taking the time to do this for me. I do appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome. You may take those home to read as long as you return them.” Pearl kept her voice low.

“I promise I will.” Anna chewed her bottom lip.

“Is there something else I can help you with?” Pearl cocked her head.

“I want to tell you about an idea that’s been going through my mind, if you have a moment.”

Pearl indicated that Anna take a seat as she walked over to her desk. Anna couldn’t help but notice the top was neat and organized much like Edward kept things. “I’m all ears.”

“Well . . . Patty Holbrook mentioned Harvey was losing his eyesight.” Anna paused. “I noticed how you guided him this morning on your walk.”

Pearl pursed her lips together. “This is true, though I believe he’s too proud to admit it. I think he can see peripherally somewhat. But what does this have to do with you?”

“One day while I was shopping in Cheyenne, I saw a blind man with a dog that guided him across the street and stayed next to his side. Well, I got to thinking that maybe I could teach Moose how to fetch and when to cross the street and things like that.”

Pearl’s eyes flew open. “What a brilliant idea! And it would be good for Harvey—if he would agree.”

“Not only would it help him, but Moose could be a companion to him since he lost his wife.”

Pearl leaned back in her chair with an astounded look.
“My my, but you’re surprisingly resourceful. I think it’s a marvelous idea if you can train the dog—at least to do a few things. That would be better than nothing.”

Anna blushed and didn’t know what to say.
Did she think I’m not very bright?
She stood, preparing to leave. “Thank you. I just wanted to get your thoughts about my idea before I approached Harvey. But I can’t do that until I experiment with Moose. I’d better be off now.” She turned at the doorway. “Oh, by the way, Edward and I are planning a dinner party soon—we would enjoy it if you would attend.”

Pearl stood as well and walked her to the door that led out to the hallway and stairs. “Sounds like fun. Count me in. I’m glad I could be of help, Anna. Let me know if there’s anything else I can research for you. This is a wonderful thing you’re doing.”

“Thank you again. I’ll see you tonight at the literary circle.” Anna clutched the magazines to her chest and descended the stairs, then walked out into the fresh air. She felt excitement bubble up and decided she would read on the ride home. God had given her a purpose other than taking care of the house.

She didn’t have long to wait before a streetcar, crowded with passengers, came grinding to a halt at the corner. After she found a seat, Anna was fascinated by what she read. The society was formed in New York back in 1866 by a man named Henry Bergh who was impassioned about animal mistreatment, pointing out to Manhattan’s powerful business leaders that it was a matter of the conscience and a moral question at best. He later established the first shelter for mistreated animals.

She could almost feel Bergh’s passion in the article seep straight into her heart. He must have been a kindhearted
man indeed, she thought. She read the next article about a woman in Pennsylvania who started the Women’s Humane Society in 1878.

Anna was encouraged by what she read and was done by the time she disembarked at the corner of her street. Wait until she told Edward! She hoped it would help her cause all the more.

There would be just enough time to finish her ironing and prepare a quick but light supper before they headed off to Callie’s for the literary circle.

Edward returned with his load of lumber to surprise Anna with some pens for the animals. He’d left a note on the door for customers that he’d be back soon, so he decided that he’d hurry up and unload the supplies. Tomorrow morning he’d get up early and start on the project.

He was feeling pretty good about the fact that he would surprise Anna, which would show her he was willing to go the extra mile for her when it came to her passion for helping animals. Anna really had a tender spot for them, and he shouldn’t be complaining that she wanted to do something useful. Besides, their making up had almost been worth the argument. He’d love nothing better than to figure out ways that he could make her fall in love with him the way he knew he was with her. She had seemed pleased with the flowers, so this should be a feather in his cap. Then on a special occasion, he would give her the pendant watch he was crafting especially for her.

He jumped down from the wagon and strode over to the barn door. Funny, it wasn’t closed. He would’ve sworn he’d shut the big double doors. He pushed them back to give him plenty of room to carry in the planks, but what he saw made him stop dead in his tracks.

He couldn’t believe his eyes, and he blinked to be sure he wasn’t hallucinating. Right before him were four neat wood and wire cages with hinged doors. The frames were connected by a bolt in the front and one in the back. Where in the world had these come from? Anna had gone ahead and took it upon herself to do this, he was sure. But why? Did she think he wasn’t capable of building them?

His neck stiffened and he felt his face burn as anger flooded his entire being. He strode over to the back door, nearly stepping on Cricket as he stomped up the steps.

“Anna! Anna! I need to talk to you,” he yelled. She wasn’t in the kitchen. He stormed down the hall and saw her entering the front door.

“Oh, Edward. I can’t wait to tell you what I’ve learned today with the help of Pearl—” She stopped short when her eyes met his. “Edward, whatever is the matter?” She put some magazines on the hall table, then removed her coat and threw it on the table as well.

He followed her motions with his eyes, wondering if she would ever learn to put anything back in its place. But now was not the time to mention that.

“Well? I’m waiting.”

He folded his arms, spreading his legs apart slightly. “Anna, who built those pens while I was out?”

“Ack! I was going to tell you as soon as you returned. Daniel was kind enough to do this for me.”

Keep your temper under control
, he told himself. It was going to be hard to do right now when he felt like wringing her pretty little neck. Her pale cheeks shone pink from the cold and her blue eyes glittered . . . but her innocence wouldn’t bear any weight in this matter. Not this time.

He sucked in a deep breath before he opened his mouth
again. “Why did you do that? We hadn’t agreed on using part of the barn yet.”

“I thought I was helping you out by not having you worry about it. You have much better things to do with your time than try to build dog pens.”

“Are you saying that I’m not capable of doing so?” Her statement made his blood boil, but not in the usual way.

“Not at all! I—I guess I should have told you first. I asked Daniel this morning.”

She licked her lips, but she’d have to do better than that for him to forget his anger. “So now I have to return all the supplies that I got to build the pens for you.” Edward’s jaw worked as he uncrossed his arms and clenched his fists.

“You did what?” Anna clamped her hand across her mouth in surprise. “Edward . . . I don’t know what to say . . .” Her voice trailed away and tears filled her eyes.

“It doesn’t matter now, does it? I wanted it to be a surprise, but it looks like you took matters into your own hands as usual.” He turned on his heel and clomped out the back kitchen door, letting it slam behind him. He heard one of her decorative plates shatter on the floor. Good! He hoped it was in a million pieces.

Edward decided to allow Cloud the freedom of the backyard after he unharnessed him. The dogs were clearly happy to have a horse to harass. He wished he was no more than a dog, with nothing on his mind but a tasty bone to chew. He washed up, then went back to his shop, passing through the kitchen but pretending not to see Anna bent over the stove.

He was just about to unlock the front door to the shop when he changed his mind. He stuffed the key back into his jacket pocket. It was still early. If he delayed reopening for another fifteen minutes, it wouldn’t make much difference.
What he had to do wouldn’t take long. He trotted down the front steps and picked up his pace once he was on the sidewalk, the houses and people becoming just a mere blur. He was trying to keep his usually methodical brain from coming apart and going in different directions with negative thoughts.

He marched up to Daniel’s house and rang the doorbell. Moments later, his friend greeted him, a big grin on his unshaven face and a wood planer in his hand. “Afternoon, Edward. You here to learn my secrets to adding some muscle to that lean frame of yours?” he teased.