Perfectly Matched (The Blue Willow Brides Book #3): A Novel (17 page)

Anna fell into bed and was asleep the moment her head hit the pillow. Later in the night she woke up, dreaming about the man lashing Belle with his whip while she struggled to take the whip from his hand. It was hard to shake the feeling the dream had over her, but it was also good to know it was just a bad dream.

She moved closer to Edward, but if he felt her against him, he didn’t give any sign. Soon she drifted back to sleep, lulled by the moaning wind outside and the heat of Edward’s back against her.

“Anna. Anna. Wake up.” Edward gently shook her shoulder and sat on the edge of the bed.

“What?” Anna forced her heavy lids open. “What?” She saw Edward swallow hard, pursing his lips together for a brief moment. “I’m sorry if I overslept. I’ll get—”

“I hate to tell you this . . . but Belle died during the night.” Edward’s face was solemn.

Anna jerked up in the bed and clutched Edward’s arms. “No! Please tell me you’re joking.”

“I wouldn’t joke about a thing like that, Anna. Daniel warned me last night that Belle’s breathing was shallow, and he wasn’t sure how much time she had.”

She put her hand over her mouth, stifling a cry. “Oh no!” She couldn’t hold back the tears. Edward handed her his handkerchief.

“I’ll go over and see if Daniel can help me dispose of her. We’ll have to get some help. Thin as she was, the weight is more than the two of us can handle.”

She yanked the covers back. “I’ll get dressed and come help.”

“You’ll do no such thing. That’s not a good idea. I’ll handle this, okay?”

She leaned back on the bed frame, quietly crying. “I just can’t believe she was that close to dying. Poor thing! At least her suffering is over now.”

A meow sounded from the door as Cricket waltzed in and hopped up on the bed. She tried to get as close to Anna’s face as she could, as though to comfort her. How did the kitten know she was upset? She saw Edward frown, but she didn’t want to start arguing this morning. Bad enough that he’d given her money for the horse. The kitten settled in her lap and purred loudly.

“I guess I left the back door open. She’s wanting her breakfast.”

Anna wiped her tears. “I’m sorry . . . I’ll take her back outside, Edward,” she said, running her hand down the cat’s fur. Cricket arched her back with each of Anna’s strokes.

He sighed heavily. “She can stay this time. It seems she wants to comfort you.”

“Thank you. I had a bad dream about Belle last night. I should’ve guessed how really sick she was.”

Edward stood, hands on his hips. “At least you didn’t have time to get attached. ’Course, we’re out that hundred dollars now,” he said with a tight look. “I’m not convinced that you
should take in any more strays, Anna.” His face was serious and his eyes looked tired, which meant he hadn’t slept well. “There’s coffee on the stove. I’m going to go round up some help. Don’t come outside now, you hear? I’ll see that your dogs are fed this time.”

“What about your customers? Do you want me to open the shop?”

“No. Mondays are always a bit slow. I’ll be back soon.”

Anna hugged the purring cat, then noticed how much brighter her eyes were now than when she’d first brought her home. Most likely responding to the good care she’d been given. Too bad it came too late for Belle. She understood that everything died in time, but that didn’t keep her from wishing it weren’t so.

She put Cricket on the floor and shuddered at the cold beneath her feet. Quickly she pulled on her dressing robe, then shoved her feet into slippers. A fire would’ve been nice in the bedroom this morning, but under the circumstances, she knew Edward hadn’t had time. She needed a cup of his strong coffee. Cricket was right on her heels, anxious for her breakfast.

Avoiding looking in the backyard, Anna took her coffee and stood by the front living room window. The wind swirled the leaves along the sidewalk and lifted them into the street. She enjoyed the fall most of all seasons. Somehow it invigorated her with energy, but today that energy was sadly lacking. She sighed. She would have to be happy with the fact that she’d tried her best with Belle. There would be other animals she could rescue, she was certain. Wednesday night was her first meeting, and she had to admit that she was more than a little anxious about it. What if no one came?

Edward’s wagon, with several other men in the back and
Daniel in the front with him, passed by the front yard. They turned down the drive to the back, but she refrained from running to the back window to watch. It would do her no good—only make her sadder.

Dreaded laundry awaited her, but it was better to get a head start while she had time on her hands. She shouldn’t be complaining since Edward was willing to get involved with the horse and dispose of her in the first place. She just hoped he wouldn’t go on and on today about the money spent. She knew his mood last night was an indication of his displeasure. She noticed how easily he’d clammed up instead of talking with her. She thought they’d worked this all out, and she knew he was working hard at accepting animals, period. Why, just look how he’d allowed Cricket to stay inside today, she mused, looking fondly down at her furry little body weaving in and out of her legs. Anna smiled. In her heart, she knew that she wanted to keep the kitten, but she didn’t want to bring that up just yet.

Lord, am I doing the right thing? I feel certain that You laid this on my heart to do.
I
guess I’m wavering now. How can I be sure this idea was from You and not just something that I wanted to do on my own? I can’t do this without Your direction to guide the work. I’ll be listening. I need to hear from You. Amen.

Praying always made her feel better, but it would help to keep occupied. She would wait until Belle was gone before doing the wash, but at least she could gather up clothing and do any mending.

As usual, Edward’s dirty clothes were folded in a neat pile ready for washing; hers were thrown on the floor of the closet. She carried the clothing to the kitchen, heated up another cup of coffee, then looked for any buttons missing on his shirt
or pants. Edward was good at removing anything from his pockets, but one pair had a folded piece of paper. She took it out and stared at it, then reached for a chair and eased herself down to sit. It was his list. Her eyes scanned the list then went back and read the items one by one.

Compliment her every day.

Start helping her with chores when you have the extra time.

Bring her flowers.

Tell her romantic things.

Take her on a picnic.

Talk to her about her desires and goals.

Tell her you love her!

Tell her you want her to have your children.

Work on the surprise gift.

Try to relax a little on the chore list.

Let her make some decisions.

Plan a trip.

Anna’s heart was deeply moved and filled with fresh love for Edward, causing her eyes to fill with tears. She had no idea that his list was drastically different from hers. Now she felt awful about the times she’d brought up his list in a hateful way. No wonder he never said anything.
Oh, God . . . I’m still learning how to be a wife
. She felt incredibly naïve and unprepared to manage her feelings adequately. And today, even though he’d been against buying the horse last night, he still did it—for her!

How in the world was she going to make it up to him? She’d have to think of something special. She could start today by
making those apple dumplings she’d promised him. It was the one thing she cooked best, and the cool weather called for a warm dessert and a delicious roast.

A couple of hours later, after she’d cored and peeled the apples and cut up potatoes and carrots for the roast, Edward wandered in, looking dirty and tired. “I’m going to get cleaned up and get to work now. Most of my morning is gone.” He washed his hands at the sink, then turned to face her. “Daniel’s father let us have a spot on his land to bury her. But I don’t intend to have to do this again. Ever.” He was curt but civil.

“
Dank U wel
, Edward.” She choked out the words.

He didn’t respond or reach out to touch her. Sweeping his eyes over her robe, he glanced down at her feet, where Cricket sat on her haunches, quietly licking her paws. “There’s no need for that.” He simply shook his head and turned on his heel, leaving her feeling deflated and lonely.

Edward didn’t stop for lunch, so she didn’t bother to interrupt him in his present state of mind. Sometimes it was best to just let him be. She donned her work dress before going outside to start the wash. She wondered what she’d do when there were more than just the two of them to wash, cook, and clean for. How would she manage or have time for her society?

For that matter, how did any woman manage so many things that had to be done? If she worked from sunup to sundown, she’d never accomplish everything. Maybe a lot of women felt that way too. She truly could appreciate everything her mother had done for her, and how Catharine had taken care of her and Greta. She had to face the truth—she’d been nothing more than a selfish child most of the time. Now she was a wife and a woman. She would not get discouraged
or resentful. She was determined to do what had to be done first, and eventually the rest would fall into place.

Anna quit ruminating and complaining, finished the wash, and then played a game of fetch with the dogs with an old ball she’d found in the barn. Moose lumbered around the lawn slowly to get the ball, but Baby was faster and bounded back to drop the ball at her feet, making her laugh out loud. Moose wagged his tail, Frankie barked at Anna in anticipation of the next game, and Baby yakked to get Anna’s attention.

“You silly dogs, I have no more spare time.” Finally tiring them out, she hurried back inside to check on the roast.

No more than five minutes later, she heard the doorbell. She wiped her hands on her apron and went to answer the door. Through the glass she could tell it was no one she knew, so she opened the door slowly. “Can I help you?”

“I’m sorry to disturb you. You are Anna Parker, aren’t you?” The well-dressed lady a few years older than herself greeted her. Anna could see her carriage parked outside the fence.

“I am Anna. Do I know you?”

The lady gave her a bright smile. “No, you do not. But Pearl told me about your endeavors to start a society for the protection of animals. I’m very interested. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend your first meeting.”

Anna opened the door wider and tried to pat her hair into place. “Won’t you come in? Please excuse my appearance. I’ve been doing the wash.”

The lady stepped into the foyer. “There’s nothing wrong with good, honest work, Mrs. Parker. Let me introduce myself. I’m Mary Elitch. I really just wanted to drop by and give you a donation to help with your endeavors. I’m a very busy person, but I take note of people who are always striving to
do better for our city and any helpless creature.” She handed Anna a thick envelope of fine stationery.

Anna gasped. Was this an immediate answer to her prayer this morning? “I don’t know what to say, Mrs. Elitch, except that I’m eternally grateful to you for being a benefactor. Your donation will be put to good use, I can assure you.”

Mrs. Elitch’s soft laughter rang out in the foyer. “I’m sure it will, but please call me Mary. I’d love it if you and your husband would stop in to our restaurant for dinner sometime, compliments of the house.”

“That’s very generous of you, Mary. I was just trying to come up with something extra nice to do for my husband. I think that will be it.”

She smiled broadly. “Then there you have it. Our restaurant is Tortoni’s, on 15th and Arapahoe. I believe you will find it delightful.”

“Thank you so much! You’re a very gracious lady, I can tell.”

“And I can tell that you are a determined young woman to take on this much-needed responsibility. My husband and I are working on gardens to share with all of Denver, complete with wholesome, clean entertainment for everyone. That’s part of the reason for my donation. You see, I’m very fond of animals, tame and wild, and intend to have them in our gardens when they open. Naturally I don’t like to hear of anyone mistreating them.”

“Your gardens sound wonderful! And I feel the same. Animals are helpless creatures that need someone to advocate for them.” Anna liked Mary Elitch right away. She seemed to be a genuinely lovely and generous lady. “Would you like to have some tea or coffee?” Anna asked her.

“Oh no, dear. But I’ll be seeing you around. I wish you
all the best and thank you on behalf of all the abandoned or abused animals that I am sure will find their way to your front door.” She squeezed Anna’s hand and was gone in a flash to the awaiting carriage. The driver took off down the street while Anna stood there in total disbelief. Mary Elitch was a true visiting angel. She could hardly wait to tell Edward.

Edward sighed, sipping the strong coffee, then picked up the watch that he’d made for Anna and turned it over. The gold metal felt warm in his hand. He hadn’t given her a wedding present and wanted to do something special just for her. It had taken him awhile to engrave the initials and the Scripture from the Song of Solomon on the back. He tried to work on it between customers. He’d thought of the idea of the Scripture when Anna first suggested reading the Song of Solomon. He was proud of his workmanship and at the time thought it was a perfect gift, but now he wasn’t so certain. Lately it seemed rescuing animals had taken over their life, using up all of Anna’s spare time. And spending money that he really didn’t have on an old run-down horse hadn’t set well with him.

He’d always been able to concentrate fully on his work and details, but now he noticed that he was totally consumed with thoughts of Anna. Her presence . . . her indomitable spirit . . . her laughter . . . His constant desire for her flooding his mind made it very difficult for him to want to do anything else.
What is wrong with me?

You’re in love
, a voice inside his head told him. Was this the
way men acted when they were in love? Perhaps so. Trouble was, Anna irritated him some of the time with her different ways and ideas. God knows he was trying to change just a little, but he wasn’t really sure that he wanted to. Did he?

Anna had been so happy when Mary Elitch gave her a donation, which in Edward’s mind meant that people were beginning to take notice. Truth be known, he wasn’t against the animals per se, just a bit jealous of all her involvement with them, and he felt foolish because of it. He knew he’d have to attend her first meeting—there was no way around that.

He put the watch away as a couple of customers arrived. He’d have to decide on the perfect time to give it to her.

By supper time, Edward was starving, and the delicious scents from the kitchen tantalized him. He knew the smell of apple dumplings meant she’d been trying to get back into his good graces, but he’d been stubborn, not appreciating her efforts, and allowed his ego to get in the way because he didn’t feel in control in his own home. Well, he’d had enough of the pouting. Besides, it was getting him nowhere. He locked up the shop and headed toward the kitchen, anxious to see what his little lady had cooked up.

She had her back to him and was stirring something in a pan in the oven. Roast? He hoped so. He was ravenous . . . and watching her now, he was ravenous for her as well . . .

———

The roast looked like it should, Anna thought, but would it be tender? This was her first attempt at the dish. Patty had told her how to prepare it when Anna stopped in to say hello to her, Polly, and Sarah. Every afternoon they sat enjoying their front porch, since soon it would be too cold.

Earlier that day, she had walked over to talk to Callie, and soon the friction between her and Edward came tumbling out.

“It’s all because of me, Callie,” she’d told her. “In his mind, I’m forcing the issue of animals on him. I don’t mean it to seem that way, but I do have this passion in my heart for dumb animals.”

Callie raised an eyebrow, pelting her with questions. “More passion for
them
than your husband? How much time are you spending on this society for abused animals and tending to the dogs and cat?”

At first, Anna was offended by her questions. “I don’t spend
all
my time taking care of animals. I do many things to take care of Edward and the house!”

Callie’s stare was frank. “Are you sure?”

Anna chewed her bottom lip. “I suppose you’re right . . . I don’t even keep the house clean enough for him, that’s for sure. I’d rather be outside painting or tending to the dogs.”

“I don’t mean to be hard on you, Anna, and I’m hardly an expert on marriage. I could be wrong, but from what I’ve observed from my friends, when women get married, their husbands become their first priority. Men tend to be egotistical when it comes to wanting your undivided attention . . . if you get what I mean.”

Anna looked out Callie’s large picture window. “I do. Lately we’ve been a little off-kilter and I hate it. I need to feel his strong arms about me, holding me tight.” She told Callie about the fleas with the latest dog rescue, buying Belle, and the horse’s death. “That’s when we started acting stiff with one another, hardly speaking at all. Then I found
his
chore list, which wasn’t a chore list at all.” Anna’s voice cracked with emotion.

“What was it?” Anna had Callie’s undivided attention now.

“A list of ways to romance me.”

“Really? That in itself was romantic, don’t you think?”

“Yes. To tell you the truth, I felt awful.”

“Then my suggestion is to search your heart and see if you can compromise. If you hate housework so much, why not hire someone to do some of the more unpleasant chores for you?”

“Good suggestion, but I don’t know if Edward would agree to that after spending money on that old horse. He’s so fastidious, you know.”

Callie laughed. “Yes, I do know! Even more reason to hire someone else to do that for both of you.”

Anna rose to leave. “I’ll give it some thought and let you know how it goes. Sometimes I need an outside opinion to help me see clearly.”

Callie walked her to the door, her arm circling her friend’s waist. “You love him very much, don’t you?”

“Yes. I’ve fallen in love with him, Callie.”

“Then let him know. My mother always said never go to bed angry. I’m not so sure that isn’t in the Bible somewhere.”

“
Ja
, it is.” Anna pulled her jacket on. “And that’s as good a place to start as any.” She ruminated on their conversation all the way home, determined to be a better wife.

Now here she was attempting to make amends by trying her hand at roast beef and potatoes. She heard Edward behind her and straightened, spoon in hand. “Would you care to taste the gravy?”

Edward stepped up to where she stood at the oven, blowing gently on the spoon to cool the gravy. While she held the spoon, he took a taste and smacked his lips. “It’s good . . . it’s
very
good. Maybe a tiny bit more salt? You’re becoming quite the cook.”

She felt heat spread across her face and neck. Her sister had once said that a way to a man’s heart was through his
stomach. “I’m trying to. Patty gave me the recipe for making roast beef. It’s not nearly as good as my sister Catharine’s, but I don’t think it’s bad either.”

He took the spoon from her hand and laid it on top of the stove, then took her hands in his. “You look cute when you’re all flushed from the heat of the stove.”

“Thank you. But I always seem to look a mess when you’re around,” she replied, pushing the hair back from her brow. After thrusting her hairpins back into place, she began to button the top of her housedress where it exposed part of her décolletage. The heat from the oven had made her warm, and her bodice clung with dampness.

He caught her hands. “No, don’t do that. It’s better left unbuttoned for now.” He kissed her fingertips.

What had caused this renewed playfulness in him? Her heart thumped. “Why don’t you wash up? Then I’ll serve our dinner.” She shoved the oven door closed, and then he grabbed her arm, forcing her to look at him.

“Anna,” he whispered, then pulled her against him, pressing her body into his. “I’ve suddenly found myself not very hungry, at least not for food.”

Before she could utter a single word, he began kissing her brow, her eyes, her lips, then lightly planted kisses on her throat and on down to the V where her breasts swelled at the top of her blouse. Her breath felt like it was cut off as her arms caressed his back. She searched for an excuse for him to stop, but nothing came to mind. She licked her lips while he locked eyes with her. He had a way of making her go weak in the knees with every tender kiss, and every place his fingers touched made her skin tingle. Whatever had caused his attitude change, she loved it!

“Edward—”

“No, don’t say anything. Just let me hold you as I’ve longed to. Please.”

His breathing was ragged, his palms pressing into her shoulder blades, bringing her closer to him. The tension in her body relaxed as she leaned back against the counter, tilting her head back while he feathered kisses along her neck again. He nipped at her moistened lips until she returned his kisses with a fervor of her own.

Supper would have to wait . . .

It was much later when together they heated up supper for an unexpected, cozy candlelit dinner. Edward had stoked the fire, which warmed the room comfortably. He pampered Anna by fixing a plate for her for a change, then fed her forkfuls of his potatoes as they laughed and joked about their sudden tryst while all their differences melted away. They were sitting side by side, and it felt as if nothing could separate them or the feelings they had for each other.

Anna pierced a slice of beef with her fork as Edward opened his mouth wide to receive it, never taking his eyes off of her.

“I’m sorry for my attitude after Belle died. I shouldn’t have gotten mad at you, since I did agree with the situation.”

Anna stroked his jaw. “I’m sorry too, because I forced you into buying her when I know you really didn’t want to. Sometimes I’m impulsive, I guess.”

He laughed. “You think maybe more than a little bit? Honestly, Anna, I admire you for what you’re doing. Not many people would do those things. To be perfectly honest, I was feeling jealous of your time setting up the society,” he admitted.

“My dearest, you never have to feel that way again. I
promise to not neglect you—at least not intentionally. Otherwise I’m doing the same thing that I’m trying to save the dogs from, aren’t I?”

Edward’s eyes twinkled in amusement. “Are you comparing me to your dogs?” They both chuckled, then finished eating. “You made a wonderful supper,” he said. “Sorry it was I who caused it to grow cold, but you have to admit, dessert is always better . . .”

Heat flooded her face, but she gazed into his steel-gray eyes. “Maybe we should always have dessert first, then.”

“Watch out what you promise me—you may live to regret it.” He pushed his chair back. “I’ll feed the dogs. I’m sure they’re starved. And you can stack the dishes and feed that weakling you call a cat that sleeps all day,” he teased.

Anna swatted him with her napkin. “You know you like her. I’ve seen you talking to her, but go ahead and pretend. I won’t share your secret with your men friends.” She put the dishes in soapy water to soak.

He laughed heartily, then strode to the door. “I’ll be back, and perhaps there’s time for a little more fun . . .”

Anna shook her head, poking her tongue out at him. He began to chase after her but she ran off.