Perfectly Matched (The Blue Willow Brides Book #3): A Novel (20 page)

He smiled. It had been a good day. A good day indeed!

What was keeping Edward? Anna fumed. She’d spent the afternoon baking enough apple dumplings to feed an army, then tried to straighten the house while Cricket, under her feet, tried to catch her swishing broom, making a game of it. The kitten made her laugh, but she had no time for such folderol. Good thing she’d gone ahead and fed the dogs and put them in the barn, since Edward was still out.

Passing the hallway mirror, she saw her reflection and decided she needed to stop now or there wouldn’t be time before guests arrived to change her work dress and freshen up.
Oh, why did I plan a party so soon after my meeting?
Of course, she hadn’t expected things to move as fast as they had, but she was very pleased and only hoped she could iron out all the things she’d discussed with Sarah and Edward.

Once she had pulled her hair back into a chignon instead of braided cornrows for a change, she donned one of her new dresses. A soft shade of pink moiré silk, the dress had sleeves that ended at the elbow, with two rows of lace that fell from the sleeve’s hem.
Very feminine
, she thought as she turned this way and that in front of the cheval mirror. The bodice itself, made of piqué, had tiny tucks and folds, creating a basket-
weave effect that ended at the hip and made her waist appear wasp thin. Touches of black velvet trim on the shoulder and the edging of the bodice and hem created a lovely balance between light and dark. Next time she would ask Callie to help her with her hair.

She had no sooner finished her toilette than the doorbell rang, announcing the arrival of her first guest. She hadn’t made a fire in the living room yet, and with the type of dress she was wearing she would be chilly for certain. That would simply have to be Edward’s job—
if
he ever returned from town.

She sprinted from the bedroom to answer the door. It was Patty, Polly, and Sarah, all laden with dishes of food.

“Patty and Polly, I’m so glad to see both of you. Sarah told me you’ve been under the weather lately.” She greeted the older ladies with a brief hug as Sarah winked at her from behind.

“Thank you, I’m feeling much better. We’ve brought baked chicken and saffron rice,” Patty said.

“Mmm, smells wonderful!” Anna peeked into the dish as Patty lifted the lid proudly.

Polly sniffed the air. “Whatever you cooked for dessert smells heavenly. Something with cinnamon, I’ll wager.”

“I made Edward’s favorite, apple dumplings,” she said, showing them to the dining room. “It’s the only thing I can cook really well. Let’s put the food on the sideboard. That way each person can fill their plate. Maybe a little unconventional, but—”

“It is for a dinner party, so it’s a good idea,” Sarah agreed, smiling.

“Oops! There goes the doorbell again. Excuse me, ladies, make yourself at home in the living room. There’s coffee
and tea on the teacart in there.” She hastened to the door to greet Callie, Ella, and Ernie, who’d all walked over together, and within a few minutes the living room was full of guests. Daniel and Chris arrived, but still no Edward.

The sideboard was quickly filling up with delectable dishes. Sarah offered to fill the water glasses while Anna stuck the rolls that Ella had baked into the oven to keep them warm.

Anna walked back through the dining room to make certain the silverware was at each place setting, then paused to admire Sarah’s outfit. “I declare, Sarah. You look lovely tonight in that shade of rust. It sets off your complexion.”

“Thank you, Anna. You look lovely too. I wasn’t sure what to wear. I’m not trying to impress anyone.”

“You will! Did you meet Christopher? He wasn’t at the meeting, but I’ll introduce you.”

“Is he the man who walked in with Daniel? No, I have not met him.”

“Then come with me.” Anna took Sarah by the elbow. “I think you might find him very interesting.”

The front door flew open and Edward raced in, a large bouquet of flowers in his hand. “I’m sorry I’m late,” he said as he handed Anna the flowers. “These are for the table.” He gave her a peck on the cheek.

Anna looked at her husband in surprise. “How pretty! I was wondering what happened to you.”

“I’ll tell you later. Let me start a fire in the living room.” He tore off his hat and coat, hung them with the others, and strode to the fireplace.

Harvey and Pearl arrived along with Moose. “I hope it was okay to bring him,” Harvey asked while Moose danced around Anna, licking her hands and barking.

Anna giggled at the way Moose’s tongue tickled her hand.
“Shush, Moose. Quiet down. Yes, Harvey, it’s okay. How’s it working out with you two?”

“Just fine. He’s pretty smart, but most of all it’s good to have a companion—one that will fetch!”

“I’m so glad for you.”

“Thank you for being so thoughtful to think of this in the first place. Though Moose may have to compete with someone else soon.”

“Is that right? Might that companion be someone I know?”

Harvey nodded in Pearl’s direction and her face turned pink.

“Ooh. How wonderful for both of you! But I hope you’ll keep Moose. He needs a good home.”

Pearl nodded. “You can take comfort in that. We both adore him already!”

“Oh, that does my soul good. Why don’t you join the others? I want to put these flowers in the dining room.”

Moose stuck close to Harvey’s side, and Anna quickly said a silent prayer for God’s creatures everywhere.

Dinner was a smashing success with a variety of good dishes to choose from. The flowers added the perfect touch to the white Battenberg tablecloth, and the tall tapers burning on either end of the table gave a cozy glow. Candlelight looked best on everyone, making them softer, more approachable, Anna thought. The only thing missing was her family—and her mother’s Blue Willow china.

For a moment, she felt very sad that her family couldn’t be here with her. Peter, her brother-in-law, had given her a Blue Willow teacup and saucer for her hope chest. But it would be so nice to have her own set. Maybe for Christmas? Hardly! She could see how every little cent would go toward the shelter now—if Edward agreed, that is.

She was reminded of all the new friendships she’d formed so quickly. God had truly blessed her and had given her a wonderful husband. Perhaps her sister Greta could visit for Christmas, since she lived closer. Anna would mention it to Edward, who was presently sitting at the head of the table.

His gift of flowers had caught her off guard, but then she remembered his list. She still hadn’t told him she’d found it. Best not to mention a word, lest she embarrass him. He certainly had changed from who he’d been when she’d first arrived. Even now he was watching her, and she smiled at him. She knew the admiring look was all about the new dress with the off-the-shoulder neckline. He nodded his approval, making her feel quite desirable.

“So what do you think about that, Anna?” Callie asked, drawing her back to the present.

“I’m sorry, I’m afraid I wasn’t paying attention.” Her face turned warm.

“Chris asked if you’d like him to be your first official dogcatcher.”

Anna directed her gaze to Chris. “Really? Do you mean it?”

Chris shifted in the small dining chair that he seemed too large for. “Yes, but with my job, it couldn’t be full-time. More like a volunteer.”

Anna knew that he worked for the
Rocky Mountain News
as a journalist. “I would be forever grateful, Chris.”

“I’ll even interview you and write a story about your chapter news. I’m sure I can get the boss to put it in the paper.”

“Chris, that would be such a great advertisement.” Edward set his forkful of food down. “Thank you so much. We won’t forget it.”

Chris waved his hand. “Bah. It’s all in a day’s work for me.”

“Just the same, we can’t thank you enough,” Anna added. “Now to find us a covered wagon of sorts . . .”

Ernie cleared his throat. “Anna, I’d like to donate that to you for all your efforts. I’ll even have a sign painted on the side so there’ll be no mistaking who the ASPCA is.” Everyone around the table twittered with surprise. A covered wagon was not cheap.

Tears of joy filled her eyes that he would do that for her. “Ernie, God will bless you for it.”

Ella beamed at her husband. “You have such a generous heart, Ernie.” She squeezed his arm.

“Aw, you two cut it out! I’m just wanting to help, that’s all.”

“Then I’ll throw in a horse for you so Chris will have something to drive,” Daniel offered.

Anna caught her breath. “
Uff da!
Now I’m really going to cry.” She popped up from her seat and raced to each of the men to give them a hug, and they patted her affectionately. “I know now what friendship is all about.” She looked around the table. “I just want to tell all of you how much you’ve come to mean to me in such a short time since I arrived. I was lonely at first, but you’ve helped me in ways you couldn’t know.”

Polly sniffed into her napkin, and Harvey seemed to have something in his eye as he dabbed it with his handkerchief.

“You’ve given us much as well,” Sarah declared. “Not only friendship, but something to focus on that can help our community.”

“Yes, and I am grateful!” Callie said.

“Oh, you women are getting sappy now.” Edward humphed. “I say we bring out the dessert.”

Everyone laughed, and Anna just shook her head. “Of course you would be thinking about your stomach!” she teased.

“Oh, wait! There’s something I’ve been thinking about since you started all of this, Anna,” Edward said. “I’m going to have a telephone installed so you’ll have a way to keep track of everything without having to leave the house.”

Anna scrambled over to kiss him soundly on the mouth. “Edward, you never cease to surprise me.
Dank U wel!
A telephone is going to be a great help to me, and to Sarah.”

He patted her hand. “You’re welcome.
Now
can we have dessert?”

“I’ll help you with that.” Ella pushed her chair back and followed Anna into the kitchen. “Anna, you have brought sunshine into our lives and Edward’s. I just want you to know that. I know we don’t see each other very often, but I’m really happy to have you as my sister-in-law. You can count on me when you need something—anything. Just let me know.”

Anna took her hand, looking into Ella’s friendly face. “Ella, it’s all of you who’ve made me feel wanted. Truly, I mean that. I wasn’t sure I’d be accepted at all.”

She gave Anna’s hand a squeeze. “Anyone who can make Edward smile the way he’s been smiling lately is worth their weight in gold! Now let’s deliver his dumplings before he has a fit.”

Anna’s heart was fair to bursting with the outpouring of love from everyone. Would it always be this way? She sure hoped so.

During dessert, Ella addressed the group. “I think Anna’s dinner was a good idea. We should consider rotating once a month and do this again. Any takers?”

“My sister and I would be honored to be included in you young people’s get-togethers,” Patty agreed.

“Age will not be a discriminating factor at any of my dinners,” Callie inserted. “It’s a marvelous idea.”

Everyone began talking at once. Ella tapped her water glass with her fork and they quieted down. “Sounds to me like we’re all in agreement. Whose house is next?” She looked around the table.

“I’d be glad to host. All of you know I can’t cook a lick, but I can make coffee.” Daniel grinned.

“Great! You’re next. Let the rest of us come up with a menu.” Callie turned to Anna. “What about a parlor game, Anna?”

“Uh, I don’t know any, but if you’d like to lead one, then go ahead,” she answered.

“Okay, let’s retire to the living room and I’ll give you all the rules.” Callie pushed back her chair. “But first we need to carry our plates to the kitchen sink in gratitude for Edward and Anna’s hospitality.”

Later, after everyone played charades and laughed until they couldn’t anymore, they bade Anna and Edward good night. Their spirits were high and unaffected by the blast of cold air as they stepped outside to leave. Anna gave Moose a hug around the neck when he left with Harvey and Pearl, reminding him to come back anytime for a visit. Edward wrapped his arms about Anna’s shoulders as they stood waving goodbye to their last guest.

“We couldn’t have had a more perfect ending to a day. Don’t you agree?” She looked up at her husband.

“It was a very nice time and I think enjoyed by all.”

As they readied for bed, he told her about the possible buildings he’d found out about and would be checking into for a shelter.

“But how will we afford the rent, Edward? I don’t have enough donations for that.” She didn’t want him to know how excited she was at the possibility of a real shelter for the animals.

“It’ll all work out. More advertising will help too. Let’s just wait until I know what the asking price is before you start worrying, okay?”

Anna pulled back the sheets and climbed into bed next to him. “But how will we be able to make a building into a shelter?”

He pulled her against himself, and she laid her head in the crook of his arm. “I have a feeling Daniel and I could paint and fix up what’s needed and others would volunteer. I’ll help when I can. I think that’s the least of our problems.”

“Speaking of Daniel, it looks like he and Callie are getting to know each other better.”

“Yes, it does look that way. And did you see how attentive Chris was to Sarah?”

“I did. I think it’s wonderful. I’m getting to know her and I enjoy her company, not to mention her help and sharp ideas.” Suddenly Anna felt an icy cold foot on her leg. “Ohh! Your feet are freezing!” She tried to move away, but he caught her by the arm as she feigned a struggle.

“Then I guess you’ll have to warm me up! Come here, my sweet one.” He chuckled. They held each other for a long time until Anna could no longer keep her eyes open.

After breakfast, still basking in a glow of love and contentment, Anna nursed her mug of hot coffee to warm her hands. Cricket curled up in her lap, purring contentedly, while she and Edward bounced around ways to spend their Saturday.

“I have an idea. Why don’t we take a ride out to the country and have a picnic?” Edward said. “It’ll warm up like it always does. We can take the dogs and let them have a good romp with total freedom.”

“Can we? That would be wonderful. A change of scenery would be nice.”

“Sure thing. Why don’t you pack some sandwiches, and I’ll feed the dogs and hitch up Cloud?” Edward rose.

“Edward, you have nearly taken over the job of feeding the dogs, and I want to thank you for doing that when I haven’t even asked you.” She stroked his arm.

“I don’t mind, really. But we’ll have to clean up a little around here. Tomorrow’s the Lord’s day and no housekeeping—”

The doorbell sounded, interrupting him and startling Cricket. She leapt up from Anna’s lap and ran underneath a nearby cabinet.

“Are you expecting anyone?” Anna frowned, hoping that
whoever it was wouldn’t stay long. She was excited about Edward’s plan.

“No, I’m not. I’ll go see who it is.”

Anna followed closely behind him and could see through the glass on the door that it was Waldo and the sheriff.
What in the world?
Maybe they were dropping off a stray dog?

Edward swung open the door. “Morning, Waldo.”

“Edward, I . . . hate to disturb you, but we must have a word with you.” Waldo glanced worriedly at Anna.

“What’s this about?” Edward cut the sheriff a hard look. He was middle-aged with a long handlebar mustache and a weather-beaten face, and he didn’t look any happier to be at Edward’s than Waldo.

“My name is James Archer,” the sheriff said. “I have some questions for you.”

Anna stepped close, holding on to Edward’s arm.

“You can ask whatever you want in front of my wife, Anna,” Edward said.

“Ma’am.” The sheriff touched his finger to his hat brim. “Edward, where were you last night?”

———

The sheriff’s question caught him off guard, but Edward answered respectfully. “I was home with my wife. We had a dinner party, and it didn’t break up until very late. Why?”

Waldo shifted on his feet. “Can we come in, Edward?”

“Why, of course.” He moved aside and they all stood in the foyer. “Is something wrong?”

“Where were you before dinner, and what time was that?” the sheriff asked.

Edward thought a moment. “I was late coming home. I was at the bank with Waldo, then I picked up some flowers for Anna’s dinner table. Why?”

“I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to take you in for questioning. The bank was robbed last night after you and Waldo left. And you were the last one there to secure the safe, according to Waldo.”

“What?” Anna gasped.

“I’m sorry, Edward, but it’s true. When I got there this morning, all the money was gone! You and I were the last ones to leave last night,” Waldo blurted out all in one breath.

“Are you insinuating that I would take the bank’s money?” Edward snapped. “I set the timer before I left. No one could’ve opened it until 8:30 this morning!”

“Calm down, Edward. I’m sure there’s been some terrible mistake,” Anna piped up.

The sheriff stepped forward. “You can come peacefully, or I can haul you in.” He pulled out handcuffs from his coat pocket and dangled them in his hand.

Edward wondered if he were in a nightmare. It sure felt like it. “Waldo,” he pleaded. How could Waldo believe he’d do something like this? Preposterous! He and Waldo had been friends a long time.

Waldo could barely make eye contact with him as he spoke. “I’m sorry, Edward. Really, I am, but I don’t have any choice. There are no other suspects. You were the last one in the bank’s vault.”

“There’ll be no need for handcuffs. Let me get my coat.” Edward turned to Anna, placing his hands on her shoulders. “Try not to worry. I’ll explain everything, and we’ll take our picnic when I get back, you hear?” He saw the worry in her eyes.

She nodded. “Let me go with you.”

“No,” he said firmly, then kissed her brow and reached for his coat. The three of them hurried down the steps.

———

Anna put a fist to her mouth, stifling a sob as she leaned against the cold door. How could her world crumble in a matter of minutes? How could anyone believe Edward would steal anything entrusted to him? But she would do as he said—go ahead and make the sandwiches and dress for an afternoon outdoors. She just had to believe it would all be resolved in a matter of hours.

She forced herself into action. Standing here in shock wouldn’t accomplish anything and wouldn’t help the situation. She donned a brown tweed skirt with matching bolero jacket, then set about making the food as Cricket sat on her back haunches watching her every move. She found the picnic basket in the pantry and wrapped the food in clean linen napkins, then placed it on the table to wait until Edward returned.

It would be a good time to write her sisters while she waited for the time to pass. She sat at the writing desk near the window so that she could see outside. This would be a perfect time to have that telephone Edward had promised.

Her mind kept coming back to the bank robbery. Edward
was
very late last night. And where was he getting the money to pay for a telephone? For that matter, how had he planned on paying for the rent on a building? He’d made it clear from the beginning that his jewelry business wasn’t as lucrative as he’d like.

Stop it! Don’t even entertain such a thought
, Anna chided herself.

After she’d written letters to her two sisters and to Clara, Catharine’s mother-in-law, the morning had worn on, and by eleven o’clock, there was still no sign of Edward. Anna’s heart fell. She was about to go hitch up the wagon and drive
downtown when she saw Sarah coming up the walk. She hurried to meet her, swinging the door wide.

“Sarah, I’m so glad to see you! I need a friend right now.” She pulled Sarah inside.

Sarah gave her a puzzled look. “Anna, are you all right?”

“Edward was taken to the sheriff’s,” Anna blurted out. “The bank was robbed after he set the vault timer last night! Edward hasn’t returned and I’m not sure what to do next. I—” Her breath caught, and she looked away to keep Sarah from seeing the tears that threatened.

Sarah took a step closer and placed her arm around her. “I’m so sorry, but there has to be some misunderstanding. How long has Edward been gone?”

“Since right after breakfast! I’m so worried. What if they’ve arrested him?”

Sarah’s face was etched with true concern as Anna looked to her for help. “Want me to go with you to the sheriff’s? Then you can see what’s going on and perhaps set your mind at ease.”

“Would you? I’m sorry, I didn’t even ask if there was something you needed.”

“Nothing that can’t wait. Grab your coat and let’s go.”

“I’ll go harness Cloud so we can take the wagon.”

“I’d help you, but I need to let my aunts know that I’ll be gone a little while or they’ll just get worried.”

“All right. I’ll be out back. Meet me there,” Anna said, donning her coat.

While she was harnessing Cloud to the wagon, the dogs yapping at his heels, a nagging thought occurred to her. She hadn’t really known Edward very long. How could she be certain that he wouldn’t do something unscrupulous?

Because you know him!
a voice inside her said.

Anna shook the negative feeling aside and climbed aboard the wagon.

Sarah came puffing up to the wagon. “I tried to hurry so I could help you. Sorry, but Aunt Polly wanted to know what I was in such a hurry for, so I told her,” she explained, taking her seat next to Anna. “My aunts will be praying.”

Anna nodded, then picked up the reins and yelled, “Giddyup,” urging Cloud to trot out of the yard and down the street. She caught a glimpse of Patty waving from her front porch. It did her heart good to know that others would pray for her husband.

Edward sat across the cluttered desk from Sheriff Archer, who’d spent all morning questioning him thoroughly about the night before. He’d told the sheriff the same thing over and over again.
How can this be happening to me?

Edward sighed. “Why don’t you believe me, Sheriff?”

Archer pushed back his chair and fumbled around on his desk until he found a round ring of keys. “I want to, but it’s really not up to me. I’m afraid I’m going to have to hold you until I get further evidence that you weren’t involved in the robbery.”

“You’ve got to be kidding.”

“Sir, I don’t kid about such things.” He motioned for Edward to follow him.

“Aren’t you going to question anyone but me?” Edward rose, shoving his hands in his jeans pockets. Best he keep them there or he might swing a fist in his anger.

“That’s my job, not yours.” He shoved Edward to the back side of the room and into a cell. “If you’re innocent, then there’s nothing to worry about, is there?”

“How do you propose I clear my name from this jail cell? I told my wife I’d be coming back.”

“Well, you were wrong. Best you spend some time sitting there contemplating your fate.” Archer slammed the metal door shut, then turned the key in the lock. Edward was the only prisoner in the stark cell block, and he was glad. He didn’t want anyone to know that he’d been there.

“Then at least let my wife know I’m in your cell, would you?” Edward heard Archer’s boots on the floor as he walked back to his desk.

“I’ll have my deputy let her know,” the sheriff offered.

Edward heard the front door close and looked at his surroundings. A cot with a questionable mattress was pushed against the wall, and there was a chamber pot nearby.
Such luxuries
, he thought. He finally sat on the edge of the cot and leaned over, putting his head in his hands. It bothered him a lot that his friend Waldo thought he might be responsible for the robbery. It bothered him even more that his reputation would be ruined, and he was devastated to consider what Anna must think.

He went over the trip to town in his mind more than once. He’d been in good spirits and looking forward to Anna’s dinner party. That was all that had been on his mind.
Think, think, Edward.
But he was tired of thinking. And here he was, stuck in this dingy cell on a glorious day, charged with a ridiculous crime. He should’ve allowed Anna to come too, but he really figured once he told Archer what he wanted to know, he’d be back home. He rubbed his temples—a headache right now was not welcome.

In the quietness he heard the front door open again.
Archer must be back
, he thought. But the footsteps were too light to be Archer’s.

“Edward?” He recognized Anna’s voice immediately.

“Back here, in the corner cell.” Edward hurried over to the cell door.

Two sets of footsteps rushed to where he was. He saw Sarah and was glad she was with Anna. He hated seeing the concern on his wife’s face.

“Edward!” Anna gasped. “I thought the sheriff was only going to ask you questions!” She wore a brown cape with a hood covering her head, making her appear small. She thrust her fingers through the bars to touch his hand, her eyes filling with tears.

“Me too. Hello, Sarah. I’m glad you came with Anna.” Turning his gaze back to Anna, he said, “He just keeps asking me the same questions over and over. He hasn’t officially arrested me—he’s just holding me for now. Besides, I already told him I left the bank right behind the teller.”

“What can I do to help you? Anything, just tell me. I feel helpless.”

“Should we get you an attorney?” Sarah added.

“The only one I know is Harvey.”

Sarah nodded. “I’ll go after him.”

“His office is just down the block, but he’s only open a half day on Saturday, so he may not be there.” He told Sarah where Harvey’s office was located, and she murmured to them that she’d return soon—hopefully with Harvey. Then she was gone, leaving them alone to talk.

Edward held Anna’s small hand tightly in his. “I’m sorry about the picnic. I wanted us to do something fun.”

“I know, and we will.”

“It’ll all get worked out soon. I just need some advice, that’s all.”

“I hope you’re right. It seems like a terrible dream.” She
paused, then taking a deep breath, she asked, “You were the last one in the room, right? Do you have any idea who might’ve done this?”

Was that doubt he saw reflected in her eyes? Didn’t she believe him? “Anna! You
do
believe I had nothing to do with the robbery, don’t you?” His heart caught in his throat. He must have a wife who believed in him.

“I—yes, of course I do, Edward.”

He flinched. “You hesitated.”

Their eyes held.

She stiffened. “No, I—”

“You did,” he stated flatly, dropping her hand. He suddenly felt sad and hurt. But her solemn face gave away the truth.

“Yes, I’m sorry, I did have doubts at first. You seemed to know how we could get the money for the shelter, and you were planning to get us a telephone. But I can see in your eyes right now that you are innocent without a shadow of a doubt. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. I believe you, Edward,” she whispered, pressing her cheek against the metal bars.