Perfectly Matched (The Blue Willow Brides Book #3): A Novel (16 page)

Edward walked into the yard just as she was finishing up brushing the pup’s coat. He knelt down beside them, allowing the pup to lick his hand. “Mmm . . . he’s a really pretty dog, Anna. Still not fully grown.”

“He’s a whole lot prettier now. Have you thought of a name?”

“How about Frankie? That’s what I named my dog . . .” His voice cracked. “In fact, he sorta reminds me of him.”

“Then Frankie it is!”

“We need to put them all in the barn tonight.” He glanced up at the clouds. “I think we may get a change in the weather tonight. Possibly rain.”

“Okay, let’s do that. I need to get cleaned up.”

He pulled her to a standing position and held her at arm’s length, his eyes sweeping down her. “I couldn’t agree more.”

Anna could hardly wait to bathe. It delighted her when she stepped into the bedroom to see the hip tub filled with water and bubbles, a fire burning in the grate, and candles burning on the mantel. She turned to give Edward a brief kiss. “Edward, you’re so sweet to me. I can’t wait to strip off these dirty clothes.” She turned her back to him. “Would you mind undoing the buttons for me?”

“It would be my pleasure, m’ lady,” he whispered in her ear.

The warmth of his fingers caressed her back, making the very skin underneath his fingertips feel sensual. But the trouble was, she was still itching—and now in more places. She heard him gasp as her dress and undergarments hit the floor.

“Anna! Mercy! You’re covered in red welts!”

“I am?” She looked down the front of her body. “Goodness! I am!”

“I believe you got this from that dog. Probably fleabites. That explains all the itching.”

“What do I do for it?” she asked, scratching her chest and arms.

“I’ll run over to the pharmacist. He won’t be happy to see me at this time of night, but he’ll know how to treat the
itching. Meanwhile, let me help you into the bath. That will help soothe the itching.”

He helped her into the tub, then scooped up her clothes. “I think these will have to be disposed of. Then you’ll have no excuse not to wear the new dresses you bought. I won’t be long.”

He hurried out and she heard the front door slam behind him. She wasn’t sure she’d ever seen him move so fast. The water was relaxing, and by the time Edward returned, she was just getting out of the tub.

“I’ve got a tincture of clove oil that will stop the itching for you and keep the welts from getting worse. The pharmacist gave me some powdered pyrethrum to sprinkle on Frankie tomorrow.” He watched as she patted herself dry, desire reflected in his eyes despite her red spots.

“Do you mind applying it?” she asked, lifting the hair off the nape of her neck.

“Not at all. You’ll smell good enough to eat—like my mother’s mincemeat pie.” He chuckled as he opened the bottle, releasing the fragrance of cloves. Taking a piece of cotton the pharmacist had provided, he began applying the oil. “Here’s one, and here’s one, and here’s one . . .” He wiped the spots gently, his eyes smoldering as the towel she held lightly to her chest slipped a little. “You’re beautiful even with red dots all over. Turn around and I’ll get the backs of your legs.”

She chewed her bottom lip as his head was bent over her legs. She couldn’t stand it another minute. She dropped the towel next to him and Edward looked up in surprise, fire in his eyes.

He lifted her in his arms and carried her toward the bed. “I think we’ll finish here, my sweet.” His voice was low and
husky as he reached out and fondled her clean hair between his fingers, breathing in the smell of it.

He lovingly lowered her to the bed, whispering sweet words that fueled her desire for him. And for a time, Anna knew what blissful happiness was.

Immediately after church services, Edward and Anna set off for Denver’s City Park instead of having lunch with Ella and Ernie. She’d packed sandwiches and cookies for a picnic. The weather couldn’t be more spectacular, with the crisp autumn sunshine and a breeze that required only a light coat. The park was beautiful this time of year, abounding with families—some pushing prams, others picnicking or strolling the grounds surrounded by spruce, fir, and elm trees in brilliant orange. The Rocky Mountain range dressed with snowcapped tops created the perfect setting for Anna’s painting. Edward lounged on the blanket after eating, watching her profile as she began to paint what she saw. Occasionally, someone walking past would slow down and crane their necks to take a look at her canvas, but she only nodded sweetly and continued with her painting.

Edward’s chest swelled with pride as he watched Anna. God had sent him a gift, and he was afraid if he blinked, all the happiness would disappear. He appreciated her keen mind and the rather funny sense of playfulness that kept him both mystified and enamored by her charms. Her profile made a beautiful picture in itself, and he wished he could
paint her as she was—contented with brushes in hand, deep in concentration, wearing her blue dress with delicate lace edging the cuffs. But for now he would commit the image in his memory to enjoy later.

An hour or so later, Anna turned, flashing him a beguiling smile. “Are you tired? The sun makes one sleepy, doesn’t it?”

“Yes, it does. Why don’t you stop for a bit and come sit beside me?” He patted the blanket next to him.

“All right.” She laid her paints and brush next to her canvas, then moved next to him. He drew her head to his shoulder, enjoying the smell of her hair.

“I enjoy looking at your pretty face,” he said, running his finger along her cheek and jawline. “Your painting is turning out nicely. Let’s hang it in the living room.”

“I’m glad you like it, but it’ll need to be framed first.”

He kissed the tip of her nose. “What other talents have you hidden from me, my sweet one?”

———

Anna grabbed his hand, kissing his fingertips. She loved his hands. “I can’t give away all my secrets too soon, you know.”

“True, I wouldn’t have anything to look forward to then, would I?”

“Besides, you seem to hold a few surprises yourself that I’m slowly discovering.” She wrapped her arms about her knees, watching all the activity in the park. “I like watching people who are enjoying a day away from their normal cares of the world. Especially the families with children. Don’t you?”

“I rather enjoy watching you,” he replied, then looked out across the grassy park. “But you’re right, people-watching can be an interesting pastime. Perhaps someday we’ll be watching our children play in the park.”

“
Ja
, that would be so special. I want a little boy who looks
just like you.” She turned toward him and looked into his gray eyes, seeing his love within their soft gaze.

“And I intend to have a little girl who looks just like you—even if it means a lot of trying to get it right.”

Her bottom lip trembled. “Which will make life all the more fun!” she teased back. As she turned back to the scenic lake, her heart stilled. Carriage rides were available for riding through the park, and one was just passing by them. The driver was yelling at the nag pulling the now-empty carriage and lashing out with the sharp sting of his whip.

“You good-for-nothing beast! At this rate, we’ll never get around the park!”

Anna hopped to her feet, and Edward rose as well. The horse was old, and anyone could see that it was worn from years of service. It had a limp and was thin, with graying whiskers.

The driver, mindless of an audience, got even angrier when the horse refused to budge, and he whipped it again. Anna shuddered but then drew her shoulders back, daring to interfere.

“Sir!” She marched over to him.

The driver, an older paunchy man, glared at her. “What do you want? A ride? Well, I don’t think we’ll get far with this piece of horseflesh, but tell you what—I’ll give you a ride around the lake for half price.”

By now, Anna was at the mare’s head and saw sores around her mouth where the bit was wearing against skin that sagged from age. Her coat was dull and lifeless, and Anna wondered when was the last time she’d been groomed.

She reached up and stroked the mare’s face, seeking the sad eyes that were no longer bright. “It’s not a ride I want.” She turned to face the driver and sensed Edward coming to stand
next to her. “It’s compassion. How about retiring the horse? She’s worn out.” She stood tense, her hands on her hips.

“Ha! You must be joking. This ol’ nag still has another year in her yet. She’s just being ornery today and wants more oats. She’s grown lazy.”

“The horse does look worn out, mister,” Edward added, studying the horse closely. “Something’s wrong with her hind leg.”

“Well, see here—it’s none of your business what I do with my property!” He twisted in his seat above them, then spat a stream of tobacco not far from where they stood. “When I’m done with her, it won’t be a sweet green pasture—it’ll be the glue factory!” He laughed heartily.

How disgusting
, Anna thought. She faced Edward. “Edward, we must do something.”

She could tell he was hesitating to get involved from the contemplative look on his face.

“I don’t know, Anna. The horse is his property, not ours.”

“But don’t you see how he’s treating her? He’s abusing the helpless horse. In all good conscience, Edward, I can’t let this continue. I just can’t.”

A small group of people were beginning to form near them, but Anna didn’t care. “I’ll take that horse off your hands and turn her out to pasture to finish out her days, if you’ll let me,” she said to the driver. “And I’ll take good care of her too.”

Confusion registered on Edward’s face. He would eventually understand, but at the moment, her concern was for the crippled horse.

The man lowered his whip with a frown. “I can’t just give my horse away. She’s my livelihood. What do you take me for? An idiot?”

Anna’s heart pounded. “I’ll give you fifty dollars for her.
You’ll still have your carriage.” She waited, hoping he might consider her offer.

“I can’t buy a horse for fifty dollars. Make it a hundred and you got yourself a deal.” He smiled through his tobacco-stained teeth.

“Okay. One hundred dollars—but the horse goes with me now.” Anna tried to sound more confident than she felt.

“What the devil?” Edward sputtered, taking a step toward her. “The horse is so old she can barely walk!”

“Please—I’ll use the money Waldo gave me if you can supply the rest.”

Edward rolled his eyes, then sighed. “All right, but we can’t make a habit of this, Anna. Understand?”

She nodded gratefully while he took the bills out of his wallet. The driver hopped down from his perch rather quickly for someone his age and snatched the money in his fat little hands. He stuffed the bills in his coat pocket. “Good deal. Now I’ll unhitch her and she’s yours, lady,” he said. When he was done, he left the carriage and started walking away, whistling a tune.

“What’s the horse’s name?” Anna called out.

He yelled over his shoulder, “Belle!” and then sauntered on his way. Anna wouldn’t be surprised if the man used some of the money for spirits, considering his eyes were bloodshot and drooping. But it didn’t make any difference to her.

Edward took the bridle and nudged the horse toward where their carriage and Cloud waited under a shade tree, but it took Anna’s soft cajoling to inspire the horse to walk.

“We’ll tie her behind the carriage so she won’t be straining,” Edward said. “Then once we get her home, I’ll have Daniel come over and take a look at her leg.”

When they got Belle over to their carriage, Anna took
Edward’s hand. “Thank you. I couldn’t let this go or my word about forming the society wouldn’t mean a thing, Edward. I hope you understand.”

He squinted in the sunlight. “I’m trying to. I understand that you want to help animals, truly . . . but we can’t walk the streets of Denver and assume authority over pets and livestock. If we did, then the day would never end.”

“I know that. But I’ll have others who’ll get involved. And you’re right—I can’t possibly take every animal in, but when the Lord places an opportunity to do good right in front of me, then I have to take a stand.”

Edward only grunted, and she felt his eyes on her while she packed up her paints and rolled her brushes in the canvas to be cleaned when she got home. Somehow, she felt like he was less than understanding—even though he did pay the man for the horse. Of course, she’d put him on the spot. Well, everyone had their own gifts and talents from God, and Anna intended to develop hers.

They drove slowly so as not to stress Belle’s leg, and by the time they reached home, the sun was beginning to slide behind the purple mountains. Edward got Belle settled in the barn, and Anna gave her fresh oats and water while the dogs yapped around them, creating noise and confusion. He wasn’t sure what in the world they would do with an old horse, and now he had to go see if Daniel could come over and examine her. Belle didn’t appear to be very hungry, despite what the man had told Anna. The day had started off nicely until the affairs of rescuing the horse had gotten in the way. He’d planned a romantic evening at home before the workweek started.

As he put Cloud in his stall, he eyed Anna. She went about the barn humming a hymn, then took a curry brush to the tired Belle, talking to her in soothing tones. He felt a little envious of the attention. When it came to the animals, Anna became very focused, unlike the way she handled her chores around the house. He’d observed that she was easily distracted if it wasn’t something
she
wanted to do.

He sighed. Maturity would help her focus. He was sure that if he hadn’t said yes to bringing Belle home, Anna was feisty enough that she would have done it anyway.
Nothing in life is ever perfect, even when you strive hard for it to be
, he told himself. Sometimes he felt like he’d lost all control. He swallowed his disappointment and set off to fetch Daniel.

“The horse has arthritis for sure,” Daniel said after examining the horse. “There’s not a whole lot you can do for that. It’s part of aging, but no tellin’ what kind of hard labor this horse has been through in her lifetime. You might try some warm compresses, and I’ll bring over some liniment in the morning now that I know what’s wrong.” His brows drew together as he ran his hand along the horse’s flanks. “Her breathing is shallow. There could be something else going on here.”

“Thank you for coming over,” Anna said, stroking Belle’s head. “I’ll bet she was a beauty at one time.”

“I agree. You’re so kind to want to take care of her in her last days.” Daniel turned to leave. “Be seeing you in the morning then.”

Edward thumped him on the back. “Appreciate it, Daniel.”

“Daniel, could Edward walk back with you and get the liniment now instead of waiting until tomorrow? I’d like to
see if I can give her some kind of comfort tonight, if that’s all right with you, Edward.”

“Sure, Anna.” Edward nodded in agreement, and they started toward Daniel’s home. Anna noticed that the two men paused and said something to each other, but she couldn’t hear what.

They probably think I’ve lost my mind today.
She turned back to Belle and saw that the bucket of oats was still more than half full. Maybe the horse would feel like eating later. Her breathing sounded a little labored to Anna. Cloud stuck his head across the stall door and nudged Belle’s nose, neighing loudly. It made Anna smile. Belle tossed her head at him, pawing the straw with her forefoot. The horses had their own way of communicating, and watching them make friends warmed her heart.

She hugged her arms about her and said a brief prayer for Belle, then went back to the kitchen to heat up supper.