Love Finds You in Poetry, Texas (19 page)

“Warm?” Belinda debated, tugging at her collar. “Why, it’s absolutely hot. Of course, our autumns are often unbearable, though not as awful as the summertime.”
Okay, Belinda. Perhaps that was a bit much.

Greta snorted. “Belinda, what in the world are you talking about?”

“Is it really this warm every September?” Cassie sounded nervous, and Belinda realized she’d better rethink some of her comments, lest she scare both women away. She opened her mouth to say something sensible, but Adeline interrupted.

“Oh, I love the warmth,” the lovely young woman said, contentedly. “In Boston I’m chilled to the bone all of the time. Here I can bask in the glow of the sun...and my future husband’s love.” She giggled. “Sorry if I sound a little silly, but I’m so excited.”

“Who can blame you?” Greta said. “And who wouldn’t love you? Why, you’re about the sweetest thing I’ve ever met in my life.”

Adeline blushed and whispered a shy, “Thank you.”

“Yes, who wouldn’t love you?” Belinda whispered. She turned her attention back to steering the wagon toward town and hoped the
clip-clop
of the horse’s hooves drowned out the sound of her anxious heart.

“You are far more romantic in nature than I am, to be sure, Adeline,” Cassie proclaimed. “I tend to look at life practically. For you, I would imagine the dream of a happily-ever-after is always at the front of your mind.”

“Of course.” Adeline blushed. “Is it not the same for you?”

“I don’t think of happily-ever-afters in the same way as most, I guess. I’m more scientific in my mind-set.”

“As am I!” Belinda looked back at Cassie, stunned. “I’ve always said a perfect match is a matter of both science and faith and that if either is missing from the equation, the relationship is doomed to fail.”

“I agree completely,” Cassie said. “Though I daresay romance sounds good in theory.”

Adeline laughed. “You two are so funny! I’ve never once thought of love and marriage as being scientific at all. Why, to me it’s all a matter of feelings.”

Feelings. Hmm.
Belinda paused to push those away as they arrived in town. For now, she’d better keep her feelings—whatever they might be—to herself. She slowed the pace of the horse to a slow trot so that the women could get a good look at Poetry in all its glory.

“Why, speaking of feelings, this town gives me such a good feeling,” Adeline said, looking about. “It’s such a darling little place!”

“Growing like a weed, too,” Greta chimed in. “We even have an opera house going in. It will be finished in time for a Christmas production. I can’t wait for you to meet Sarah Jo, the woman in charge of it. She’s such fun.”

“I love a good theatrical,” Adeline said with a nod. “I’m happy to hear about the opera house. What about Georg? Does he like the theater?”

“Surely not,” Belinda said, shaking her head. “I can’t picture it.”

Greta mumbled something indiscernible, and Belinda knew she’d have to give an explanation later regarding her odd behavior.

“I love the idea of the opera house, too,” Cassie spoke up. “In fact, I find the whole town absolutely charming. I’m sure Mr. Ogilvie and I will lead a very nice life here. If we are suitably matched, I mean.” She paused for a moment, looking at the stores. “How do you think he will feel about me putting in a dress shop, though?”

“Oh, I’ve already told him you are interested in working after marriage,” Belinda said. “He’s quite busy at the butcher shop and appreciates the fact that you can fill the hours doing something you love.”

“Perfect. Why, I can see my dress shop going in right over there.” She pointed to an empty lot next to the post office. “Oh, but you will have to help me come up with a name in keeping with the town. That will take some doing.” She paused then snapped her fingers. “No, I have it! What about this? Metric Patterns!”

“Metric Patterns?” Adeline glanced back at her with confusion. “What does that mean?”

“Life is very much like the patterns I use for sewing,” Cassie said. “Everything calculated. Measured. A poem is much the same, each line carefully thought-out. So I’ve merged the two together in my mind and come up with that name. What do you think?”

“I think it’s a perfect idea,” Belinda said. She turned to Adeline. “Are you hoping to open some sort of business like so many of the other ladies?”

“Who, me?” Adeline shook her head. “Heavens, no.” Her cheeks turned pink. “I’m hoping to marry and raise a family. I wouldn’t want anything to get in the way of my relationship with my husband. Georg will come first. No doubt about that.”

“I see.” Belinda sighed once more.

She pulled the wagon up to the front of Poetic Notions, and Georg appeared at once from the barbershop door. She watched as his gaze shifted back and forth between Cassie and Adeline, as if trying to figure out which one was meant for him. To put him out of his misery, Belinda made quick introductions once he crossed the street.

“Georg, this is Adeline Jewett. Adeline, this is Georg Kaufman, my...” She started to say “best friend” but stopped herself. No, after he married, they could no longer go on being best friends, could they? She would have to take a giant step backward. Oh, if only she could convince her heart that it was the right thing to do. Then all would be well.

Georg stared in silence at the lovely young woman in the wagon. When she rose, he extended a hand and helped her down. She responded with a smile so genuine that it warmed his heart.

“Adeline.” He spoke the word softly, and it sounded like music as it slipped between his lips.

“Actually, I go by
Adeline Rose,”
she said with a girlish smile. “
Rose
is my middle name.”

“Adeline Rose, welcome to Poetry.” Her hand lingered in his as they gazed into the other’s eyes.

“For now,
Adeline
will do,” she said. “Until we know one another better.”

“Of course. Adeline, then.”

“Georg, I’m so happy to make your acquaintance at last.” Her long eyelashes batted, though he sensed she didn’t do it on purpose. “I’ve been so excited, I could scarcely think of anything else for days.”

“O–oh?” He found himself enraptured by her bright blue eyes and intricately styled hair. Truly, Adeline Rose was the most beautiful woman Belinda had brought to town thus far. And she was meant... for him?

In that moment, he very nearly lost control of his senses. For, while he considered himself a practical man, there was nothing practical about this kind of beauty. It defied the odds. It sent the mind reeling. It gave one hope to believe he could actually attain the unattainable.

“We—we are thrilled to have you in our fair town,” Georg managed. He attempted a smile but thought it felt a little cockeyed. What was it about this woman that made him nervous? Even his hands were shaking. Could it be that Belinda had been right all along? Perhaps he’d been so enraptured with what was right in front of him that he’d ignored the possibilities of something else coming along. Well, he would weigh his options over the upcoming days and weeks and ask the Lord’s opinion. Surely the circumstances would not be terribly painful, not with such an exquisite woman to consider.

Two exquisite women. He turned to Belinda, for the first time noticing the look of pain in her eyes. What had caused it? He offered a smile and she returned it, though her eyes still reflected something he couldn’t quite discern. Was she upset at him? Had he done something wrong? Surely not. He had played along with her plans and not complained a whit. Why would that bother her now?

“Can I get your bag, Adeline?” he asked, coming back to his senses.

When she nodded, he reached for her things and carried them across the street and into the hotel. Once they were all inside the lobby, Belinda turned to Adeline, her voice quite businesslike as she spoke. “Be careful not to speak to strangers, Adeline.”

“O–oh?”

“Yes. I don’t believe I’ve mentioned it before, but there is an insane asylum in Terrell, just six miles away.” Belinda spoke with an all-too-serious look on her face. “I often wonder if we are at risk, living so close.”

“Oh my.” Adeline began to fan herself.

Georg looked at Belinda, curious about both her demeanor and the direction the conversation was heading. He hadn’t heard her mention the insane asylum since their days in school, when they would tell scary stories about it. Why today, of all days? He stared at her, wondering about the somewhat frantic way she spoke. Maybe all of this matchmaking was finally getting to her. She was acting mighty strange.

And scaring Adeline, from the looks of things. Unfortunately, he never had a chance to address it. Belinda kept right on going, surprising him with her next words.

“Now, Adeline, be on the lookout for tornado warnings.”

“Tornado warnings?”

“Well, yes,” Belinda said, with an all-too-serious expression on her face. “Did I forget to mention that the entire town was devastated by a tornado fourteen years ago?” She paused and shook her head. “I was sure I mentioned that. Sorry.”

He made an attempt to interrupt, trying to bring some sense to this conversation. “Belinda, what in the world are you—?”

“Just listen for the sound of howling wind,” Belinda said, her eyes narrowing into slits. “It’s a terrible sound. Kind of like a train coming through town. Terrifying, really.”

Adeline’s eyes widened. “Oh my. I had no idea.”

Georg shook his head. “Adeline, you have nothing to worry about. This town hasn’t seen a tornado in years.”

“Still.” Belinda nodded, as if that settled the whole thing. “You never know.”

Georg gave her a “What are you trying to accomplish here?” look, and Belinda shifted gears immediately. She turned to their new guest with a winning smile.

“Adeline, Georg was wondering if you would like to go to dinner at the restaurant tonight.”

He turned her way, stunned, and mouthed, “I was?”

When she nodded, he turned to Adeline. “I would be thrilled to escort you to dinner tonight, Miss Adeline. If you would be so kind as to accompany me, I will meet you at seven o’clock in the hotel lobby.”

“Indeed.” She smiled. “I would be honored. In the meantime, I must check into my room and freshen up. I must look simply awful.”

“Certainly not.” He couldn’t help but smile. The young woman clearly had no idea just how beautiful she was. He found himself captivated by her, in fact.

“I look forward to our evening together.” She gave him a shy smile then followed on the bellman’s heels toward her hotel room. Georg turned back to Belinda, who still had the same pained expression on her face.

“What?”

“Nothing.” She shook her head. Her eyes flooded, and he reached to take her hand.

“I’m at a loss to know what to say here, Belinda. Truly.”

“Why? Are you unhappy with Adeline? She disappoints you in some way?”

“No, of course not. It’s not that. She seems quite wonderful, in fact.”

“Well, then,” Belinda said, her businesslike voice taking over once again. “It looks like I was right this time. You two
are
a match made in heaven. You are destined to be together.” After a brief pause, she turned. “I’d better be getting back to the store. Aunt Hilde has done without me all day. I suppose I will see you later, then.”

“Belinda...” He drew near and took her arm. She turned to him, a lone tear trickling down her cheek. He brushed it away, and she reached up to take his hand.

“Yes?”

“I just wanted to say...” He shook his head, realizing others had stopped to watch. “Well, thank you for all your hard work on my behalf. I’m grateful.”

“You’re welcome, Georg. You know, you are still my best friend in the world. Next to Greta of course. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”

“And you are mine as well,” he said, gazing into her tear-filled eyes. “I feel exactly the same.”

“Well, then...” At that, she hiked her skirt and took to running across the street in the direction of Poetic Notions. Georg fought the urge to follow her. If he did, it would only complicate things further. Instead, he turned back toward his shop, the thoughts in his head moving in a hundred different directions at once.