Perfectly Matched (The Blue Willow Brides Book #3): A Novel (4 page)

Anna called out to Edward as she entered the house, Callie following close behind. She wasn’t sure what frame of mind she would find him in. Would he be furious with her?

“I’m here,” Edward answered as he wiped his hands on the kitchen towel. Moving toward them, he smiled brightly at Callie. “Oh, hello, Callie. I didn’t know you two were out together.”

“Hello, Edward. We weren’t, but I thought Anna could use a lift home.” She gave him a warm smile.

Anna felt her face burn. “I was out doing a bit of exploring. I’m sorry I’m late. I lost track of time.” Her excuse was flimsy at best, especially for a new bride whose husband decided what her every move would entail.

Edward turned back to Callie. “Thank you for bringing Anna home. What do you think of the book we’re reading now? Or maybe I shouldn’t ask until we have our next literary meeting.”

Callie’s laughter was gentle and ladylike when she answered him. “Edward, I must confess, I’m rather enjoying it . . .”

Their voices faded into the background while they chatted
and exchanged ideas about books, and Anna withdrew into herself. She couldn’t help but notice how Edward’s demeanor was relaxed and happy as he talked with Callie, whose brilliant smile reflected her good nature. Anna again compared her plain Woolsey dress to the stylish outfit Callie wore and indeed felt like a servant instead of a wife.

Edward turned to Anna, his lips pursed in a thin line. “Perhaps you could fix our guest some tea?”

She shook off her silly thoughts of comparison to interrupt them. “Yes, I will make us some tea,” she murmured. But she wasn’t sure Callie even heard her, and only a nod came from Edward. She turned to leave, but Callie paused, staying her on the arm.

“Please, no tea for me. I must be going. But another time, perhaps? I’ll leave you newlyweds for now. I’m sure you have much better things to do than entertain me—but I will insist you come to dinner some night in the near future.” She raised an eyebrow in Edward’s direction, waiting for an answer.

“We’d be delighted. Let me show you to the door, Callie. Thanks again for bringing my wayward wife home safe and sound,” he said. He walked her to the door and out into the street where her driver waited. With a brief wave, the driver set off down the avenue.

Land of Goshen, he acts like I’ve been wandering for days
, Anna thought
.
Then she realized she’d probably resembled a wanderer today. She went into the kitchen to set the teakettle to boil and finished slicing the roast Edward had set out for sandwiches. At least she knew how to make a simple lunch. Anna had seen the disapproving look in his eyes and chided herself for falling asleep in the park. She whacked away at the meat until it no longer resembled sliced roast beef.

“Ahem.” Edward cleared his throat when he entered the
kitchen, then strode over to take the knife from her hand. “Better let me take over before you slice off a finger.”

Anna moved aside, crossing her arms. “How long have you known Callie?”

Edward paused in placing the meat on bread and glanced up at her. “Since we were children. Why do you ask?”

Anna’s heart thumped against her rib cage. “No reason, really. Callie seems the perfect lady. She was very nice, bringing me all the way back home.”

“Yes, Callie is a true lady. She always seems quite . . . organized in her behavior. Where were you anyway? You should’ve told me you were leaving. Besides, you don’t know anything about Denver. You were gone so long I tied the dog out in the backyard. I didn’t know what else to do with her.”

“Thank you for doing that. I’ll check on her and give her some table scraps, if you don’t mind.” He shrugged so she continued, though she knew that wasn’t the end of the dog topic. “I decided to take a ride on the streetcar through downtown and wound up at City Park. I guess I fell asleep on the park bench after not sleeping well last night. It was so peaceful and quiet.”

“
What?
Fell asleep in City Park? Where
anyone
could’ve seen you?” he sputtered, his steel-gray eyes widening.

Anna pulled her shoulders back and breathed deeply. “I merely leaned back against the park bench to feel the sun’s rays. It was all very appropriate, I assure you.”

“I can’t believe you’d go that far alone in a city you know nothing about.” As she was about to retort, Edward stepped closer and stroked her cheek gently with his finger. “That explains the sunburn on your nose and cheeks.” He didn’t move away but stood looking down at her. “With your fair skin, you’ll have to wear a bonnet. Denver is a mile high in elevation, so you’re closer to the sun’s rays.”

“I—I—didn’t realize.” She touched her fingers to her face. He leaned so close that she could smell his aftershave. “I have several in my trunk,” Anna said, lifting her eyes to meet his. She thought he might kiss her, but instead he hastily moved away.

“Good. Be sure to use them when you’re outdoors. Now let’s have our lunch, and I’ll go type up a new list for you. Maybe it would be best if you put the list in the kitchen where you can always find it. Then everything will be just right.” He placed their lunch on the table along with two glasses of water.

Anna cringed. He set such high standards for her that she was sure she could never expect to meet them to his satisfaction. “Edward, I will
never
be perfect. God didn’t want us to be perfect, otherwise we wouldn’t need Him, would we?”

But Edward kept quiet, his arms folded across his chest.

On Friday, Anna was perched on the edge of a chair in Edward’s study like a schoolgirl summoned by the headmaster after some terrible indiscretion. That morning she’d dressed in a light woolen gray dress with red trim around the collar, sleeves, and waist that further accentuated her figure. She sat with what she hoped was a prim picture of decorum, hands folded in her lap, while Edward stared at her from across his ornately carved desk. Baby sat perfectly sweet next to her feet.

He moved from behind his desk and, with his hands clasped behind his back, began pacing back and forth. His pacing was almost making her dizzy, until he abruptly stopped and expelled a deep sigh.

“I’m afraid this just isn’t going to work with a dog in the house. She chews up anything left lying around but seems to
have a penchant for my newspaper. I’m finding dog hair on the couch and on my clothing! Baby will have to go.”

Anna lost all thought of trying to be ladylike and leapt to her feet. “But Baby has to stay! She means no harm. I’ve been trying to correct her, but she is, after all, just a dog.”

“If you’d spend more time
inside
the house rather than
outside
with the dog, I believe you could get all your chores done. And who names a dog Baby in the first place?”

Is this the way he’s going to conduct our marriage?
Controlling my every move, including my dog?
Well, it wouldn’t work. She was sure of that. There hadn’t been a hint of this type of control in their brief correspondence. Only friendliness. What had he been looking for?

“I’m finding your list a bit . . . overwhelming to say the least, Edward. I think we need to talk about that.”

“I should think you’d be happy to have things itemized so you don’t get bored being a housewife.”

Anna nearly howled with laughter. “Edward, I’ll hardly have time to be bored. There’s so much to see and explore here in Denver. In fact, I was just thinking perhaps we could drive to the park for a picnic tomorrow. It’s a perfectly lovely spot. Soon it will be too cold to do so.”

She gazed up at him. Only a foot of space separated them. His manly presence so close to her—so close but yet miles apart—created a flush that spread from her neck down to her chest. Were these feelings normal? She’d never had them before, when she’d been to the fall dances back in Cheyenne, where plenty of available young farmers vied for her attention. But then again, she’d been bored with Cheyenne, bored on the farm. Now she was in an exciting, bustling city—and Edward was a part of her grand adventure.

“Well . . .” He stepped a little closer, his lips twitching as
he gazed into her eyes. She thought he was going to reach out to kiss her, but Baby jumped in between them, wagging her tail and sniffing, her toenails making clicking sounds on the hardwood floor as she danced around. Edward bent down and patted Baby on the head to calm her at the same time Anna did. They both rose up at the same time, bumping heads with a resounding
whack!

Anna touched her hand to her forehead, feeling dull pain shoot above her eyebrow.

Edward took her hands, stepping closer to examine her forehead. His eyes narrowed as he tilted his head down for a better look. “Are you all right? I’m sorry if I hurt you—”

With one quick movement, Anna quickly stood on tiptoes and kissed him soundly on the mouth. His lips were warm and full, like they’d been the day they’d said “I do.” She would have pulled back, but a sharp intake of breath from Edward stopped her. He pulled her against his chest and kissed her lips . . . then her forehead . . . then lingered near her throat with light butterfly kisses. She leaned back and closed her eyes, dreamily thinking of warm, sun-kissed days in a lush meadow, until she could no longer breathe.

Abruptly, Edward released her and stepped back, nearly tripping on the dog, who was still underfoot. He awkwardly bent to pat Baby’s head again. “Sorry, Baby,” he said softly under his breath.

“I thought you didn’t like dogs,” Anna teased.

“Well, I don’t—er, maybe just a little . . .”

She saw an odd shadow cross his face as if some unpleasant memory had surfaced.

“If a dog can bring us this close together . . . then maybe I should consider allowing her to stay,” Edward said.

She could feel the warmth of his breath against her skin
when he spoke, his lids heavy with desire, and he gave her a shy smile. She liked the twinkle she saw in his eyes and knew he’d felt something magical too.

Anna looked at Baby. The dog lifted her head and cocked it sideways as if she knew they were conversing about her. “I rescued her from drowning in Cheyenne. I’ll try to brush her more often, and I’ll try to teach her not to chew on your things, Edward.”

“Well, that’s a start.” He moved away from her slowly. “Remember, I have my literary society meeting tonight. I’ll try to figure out how to make a nice place for the dog off the kitchen hallway, but
not
in our bedroom. Understand?” He yanked his overcoat off the cloak rack as he talked.

“Oh, let me get my coat!” She moved toward the doorway.

“There’s no need.” Edward donned his hat. “Why don’t you just stay here and play with your dog. I’ll return in a couple hours.” He left her standing rooted to the spot as the door closed behind him.

Well, how do you like that!
she thought.
It looks like I’ll be spending the evening with my dog instead of my new husband!
Was she so unlovable? She felt patronized being told to stay home and play with her dog like she was some child. Anna folded her arms, drew in a deep breath, and then let it out in agitation. She’d show him! She was not about to sit around alone. This called for another adventure out, something she never shied away from.

Edward strolled the few short blocks to Callie’s where the literary society met, but where it was once Callie who filled his thoughts, now Anna’s angelic face was firmly implanted in his mind. It was a good thing he’d left, or he’d have been hard-pressed not to break his imposed rule of cohabitation. It took great control, but he truly wanted to give her time to adjust, and he wanted to get to know her a little better. He knew he criticized her clothing and appearance, at least in his mind, when she came downstairs. He did that a lot. Not a very admirable trait to be sure. Even when he was trying to concentrate on his work, he’d always done things like that. Even as a schoolboy all his sums had to be in a straight line. And when Anna had said that God didn’t expect people to be perfect, it stunned him. He’d never considered what God’s thoughts were about being perfect—he just knew he wanted to be.

He sighed. She was right, though, and he instinctively knew he over-processed his thoughts or actions to the point of distraction sometimes. He resolved to do better in the future.

Anna turned the corner, grateful for the streetlights. She had no plan, simply walking. Most of the homes she passed had shining lights and open windows that revealed the sound of children and family in the midst of evening supper time. A strange sensation pricked her heart, and she felt lonely for her family and Catharine and the twins. Hopefully she and Edward would start a family soon—if they ever made it through the next few days!

A wooden sign just ahead boasted M
OORE
’
S
F
INE
F
URNITURE
.
Could this be Daniel’s workshop?
She decided to find out. She walked up the stone path, knocked on the front door, and waited.

When the heavy door swung open, Anna was delighted to see that it was indeed Daniel’s workshop. He stood, hands on his hips, a thick lock of hair hanging across his forehead. His shirtsleeves were rolled up to the elbows, displaying his strong forearms, and curly, dark hair escaped his shirt at the throat. He looked a bit different than he had at her wedding reception.

“Anna! How wonderful to see you. Please come in,” he said, stepping aside with a sweep of his arm. The smell of wood shavings filled the workroom, and pieces of furniture were in various unfinished stages, and the smell of stain, linseed oil, and turpentine tinted the air. “What brings you over here tonight?”

“Pardon me, it looks like I’ve interrupted your work,” she said, staring at the tool in his hand, then glancing down to his dusty trousers and shoes.

His laughter bellowed. “I’m always working, but I will stop to chat with a lovely lady.” His straight, even teeth flashed in a smile, setting her at ease. “Gives me an excuse to take a break. Everything going all right with the newlyweds?”

“Oh yes!” Anna felt her face burn. “I was out walking while Edward attended his literary society.”

“I see . . . No, I don’t see. How can he leave his new bride home alone the first week of marriage?” He stared, one brow cocked upward.

He pulled up a Queen Anne chair for her, and Anna licked her lips as she took a seat. Daniel flipped another chair around and swung his leg over the seat, sitting backward on it.

“Well . . . we have an agreement to give each other a little time to adjust . . .” She felt her face redden at the implication of her words, surprised that she would even breathe a whisper of this to someone she hardly knew.
What’s wrong with me? I seem to have lost all reason.

Daniel quirked an eyebrow. “What you mean is
Edward
decided on an arrangement, don’t you?” He waved his free hand. “I’m sorry, it’s none of my business, but I know how detailed my friend can be at times. Would you like something to drink—some coffee or lemonade?”

“Thank you, but no. I was just passing by and saw your sign and was curious. Edward told me that you made most of the furniture in his home.”

“
Your
home. Yes, I did. Do you like it?”

She nodded. “You’re a fine craftsman.”

“I’m not sure that’s true, but I do like working with my hands.” His eyes searched hers with genuine friendliness.

“I shouldn’t have interrupted. I was out for a stroll after Edward made it clear that I wasn’t invited along to his reading society.” Anna knew the tone of her voice indicated her displeasure.

Daniel humphed. “That group can be pretty exclusive with their ideas about what is literary and what is not.”

“Oh? Are you a member?”

His eyes flew wide open. “Me? Not hardly.” He shook his head. “I’m not much of a book reader, you see. And you have to be
invited
to join their group. They usually meet over at Callie’s house. If you have patience, Anna, they’ll probably extend an invitation for you to be a part of the group sooner or later. You are Edward’s wife, after all.”

“Maybe . . . I expect Callie lives in one of those beautiful houses over in northwest Denver that Edward told me about.”

“No, she just lives on the next block. Once they’re through, Edward will have a short walk home to you.” He smiled over at her as she rose, smoothing down her homespun dress.

“Well, I need to get out of your way and let you work.” She walked to the door and he followed.

“Stop by anytime, Anna, and if there’s anything you might like to commission me to build for the house, I’m your man.”

“
Dank U wel
,” she said, slipping quickly down the sidewalk with a wave of her hand. She’d already decided where she would walk as soon as Daniel mentioned it. The evening was chillier now, and she was wishing she’d thrown on her coat instead of her knitted shawl, but it was too late now. She’d just have to walk briskly, although she didn’t know what she’d do when she reached Callie’s. She couldn’t just show up unannounced. She told herself she only wanted to see where Callie lived.

The gas lights cast a myriad of patterns from the elm trees arching over the sidewalk as she walked past homes, looking for the names on each mailbox or fence. She savored the crisp, cool night and nodded to a couple who strolled along, wishing it was Edward and her. Finally, she spied the name H
OLMES
boldly written in white on a plaque across the gate of a wrought-iron fence.

She paused and looked up at the lights glowing from the
front part of the house. Pushing open the gate, she wandered toward an open window, hearing voices from within. This must be the parlor, where they met to discuss different books they’d read. Moving closer, she heard Edward’s voice and Callie responding with light laughter. She couldn’t see inside from where she was standing since a hedge was between her and the window, so she slipped in front of it. A twig snapped loudly and she held her breath, but they went right on talking. Anna heard the tinkling of teacups.

Even on tiptoes, she wasn’t able to see the group. She glanced around for something to stand on and saw an empty flowerpot sitting off to the side of the porch. Perfect! She dragged the tall pot over to the uneven ground and stepped atop it, holding her skirts, stretching up to the windowsill. Now she had a clear view of the small group in Callie’s lovely parlor—all looking relaxed and cheery. A pang pierced her heart that she wasn’t sitting right next to Edward, and she wondered why he really wanted a wife. Was it just to run his household?

But she knew he’d felt something with that kiss earlier . . . hadn’t he? She knew she did. But now, glancing over at the pretty Callie, she felt envious. Callie wore a pale green dress that showed off her small form to advantage, and her hair was perfectly coiffed, with ringlets along the crisp white collar of her dress. Suddenly Anna felt very tall and unattractive. Callie had everyone’s full attention, and Anna couldn’t even concentrate on what was being said once she caught Edward’s gaze resting on Callie.

She felt sorry for herself and decided she should leave—she wasn’t wanted here in the first place. As she moved to step off the pot, it teetered sideways . . .

———

“I’m enjoying
A Christmas Carol
, but to tell you the truth, it rather makes me nervous to be in the dark now.” Callie giggled. “Ghostly figures . . .” She shivered.

Pearl shifted in her seat on the settee next to Chris. “Exactly my feelings,” she said, placing her cup and saucer down on the coffee table.

Edward laughed. “Well, ladies, it’ll soon be time to choose another—”

“What’s that noise?” Callie sat up sharply, listening, but didn’t budge from her chair. “Is someone outside prowling around?”

Pearl glanced to the window with an anxious look. “It’s pitch-dark now. Maybe it’s children.”

“I can’t imagine—” Chris began to say when a crash sounded from beyond the window.

“I’ll go take a look. You ladies stay here where you are. No need to face any Frankenstein,” Edward said. He moved toward the front door, pausing long enough to pick up a poker from the fireplace. “There’s nothing to fear, I’m sure.” He nodded at the ladies’ anxious faces. He was sure it was nothing—a dog or cat—but in this cow town one needed to be cautious, especially since Callie now lived alone following her father’s death last year.

Edward slowly opened the front door and quietly stepped down the creaking steps into the darkness. Chris followed with a lantern, lifting it high so they both could see the intruder on Callie’s lawn.

“Who’s there?” Edward said. No one answered, but a noise from the bushes near the window caught his attention and he moved toward it. As Chris held the light up above his shoulder so they could see, Edward nearly swore under his breath.

Sprawled across the lilac bush, her skirts and petticoats
a jumble, exposing stocking-clad legs, was his wife! He had to swallow the sudden surge of desire as he stared at her undergarments, and wished Chris hadn’t followed him. Anna scrunched up her pretty face, blowing lilac leaves away from her upper lip, then pushed the strands of silky locks away from her eyes, all the while struggling to free the twigs stuck to her knitted shawl.

“Anna, what are you doing here?” Edward croaked out. He put the poker down and set his hands on his hips. How could it be that his wife was straddling a lilac bush like it was a horse in a riding event? He hurried to her side and helped pull the twigs from her shawl, and she reached up to take his hands. He righted her on her feet, and she hurriedly smoothed her petticoats down, then brushed the leaves from her shawl. She rubbed her backside, looking embarrassed.
Well, she should be
, he thought.

“Anna, what were you doing beneath the window? You just made a laughingstock of yourself—and me!” What would all his friends think? He heard the voices of the others crowding into the yard behind him and was embarrassed by this ridiculous discovery of his wife instead of a burglar. What had she been thinking, spying on them? Or was she spying on
him
?

Anna moaned softly, rubbing her arm, then squared her shoulders and lifted her chin defiantly. “I was curious about your book meeting and decided to see for myself what it was about.”

“Well, now you know,” he said with a clenched jaw. “And it’s not a book meeting—it’s a
literary
circle.” He took her by the arm, intending to guide her to the gate, but Callie stepped up.

“Anna, won’t you please come in and refresh yourself? Our meeting is nearly over,” she said.

Edward admired how Callie pretended that seeing a lady snooping in her yard was nothing out of the ordinary. Now
she
was a perfect lady.

Pearl stood near Callie and nodded her head. “We have plenty of refreshments.”

“Thank you, Callie, but no. I truly didn’t mean to interrupt. I need to get back home and let you all finish your meeting. I need to be looking over my list of chores anyway, right, Edward?”

“I’ll come with you,” Edward said.

Anna plucked a twig from her hair and patted the blonde strands back in place. “No, Edward, you’ll do no such thing. Finish your meeting and I’ll see you back at home.” Anna turned to the small group on the lawn. “Good night.”

Edward watched his wife, looking small and lonely, march down the sidewalk and flip the gate latch, her narrow shoulders back and head held high with what was probably false dignity. On the backside of her dress, below her shawl, a thick patch of leaves moved to the swaying of her hips.

Drawing his lips in a tight line to keep from chuckling, he shook his head and sighed, then said what he knew he should. “Anna, please come back and join our group.”