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

Now where had she put the list? Frantically, Anna, still clad in her robe, dug through the bureau drawer, then looked in the closet, but it was nowhere to be found. Worse yet, she’d overslept because she’d stared at the ceiling half the night listening to the even breathing of her husband lying inches from her. Edward must be downstairs. She’d already been in bed last night when he slipped beneath the sheets in his long handles, but she hoped he might pull her to him despite his “adjustment period” of ten days. She’d enjoyed the feel of his strong arms about her waist for those brief few moments last night when he’d assisted her with her gown.

This searching was useless! Catharine always said she wouldn’t be able to find her head if it wasn’t already attached. Perhaps she’d left the list on the settee last night. Best to hurry down to the kitchen and see if she couldn’t get breakfast started. She could dress later.

Unfortunately, when she swung open the door to the kitchen, the look on Edward’s face told her everything she needed to know. A folded newspaper in one hand and an empty coffee cup in the other, he stood staring at her, his eyes flicking over her entire body from top to bottom. Would it always be this way?

“Edward, I’m sorry I over—”

“Well, well, well, good morning. I see you finally finished your beauty rest. I didn’t want to wake you. Breakfast
was
at seven, but I’ve kept some sausage and eggs warm for you on the back of the stove.” He moved to the stove and laid his cup on the counter next to it.

Anna felt terrible. “I am sorry, Edward.” She accepted the plate he offered and sat down at the table. “I guess I was more tired than I thought.”

He set a cup of coffee in front of her, then took a seat across from her. “You’ll do better tomorrow, I’m sure,” he said with a droll smile.

“I seem to have misplaced the list you gave me. I forgot when you said you wanted breakfast.”

The smile became a small scowl. “That can be easily remedied. I’ll just type it over again. Not to worry.”

Anna breathed deeply. Was a list really necessary between husband and wife? The scrambled eggs felt thick in her throat, but she forced herself to swallow them. She sipped the hot coffee to wash them down and found his eyes on her when she glanced up. She knew she looked frightful—her hair not braided but loose about her shoulders, circles under her eyes—and she pulled the robe tighter. He, on the other hand, was already dressed for his workday in tan wool trousers, suspenders, white shirt, and bowtie. Was he ever rumpled? She doubted it.

“Well,” he said, rising from the table, “I should be getting to the shop—” He was interrupted by the door chime. “It’s mighty early for visitors. Are you expecting someone?”

“No, not someone, but . . . er . . . maybe something,” she muttered under her breath as he strode quickly into the hallway to answer the door. She heard voices, and then Edward’s
voice grew louder with agitation. Anna pushed back her chair, knowing exactly what the cause of all the commotion was. But no sooner had she done so than Edward thundered through the doorway, followed by a young lad from the rail depot carrying a wooden crate. Anna wiped her damp palms on her robe and then folded her arms across her chest for the battle she knew was coming.

“Anna! What is the meaning of this? This lad said he was to deliver a dog to you.” Edward’s jaw clenched, and he smashed the newspaper between his hands. “I believe an explanation would be prudent right now.”

The yellow-haired, gangly young man grinned and set down the crate. “Yes, sir, this was shipped all the way from Cheyenne. Never been there before, but I plan on it someday. You from Cheyenne?” he asked Anna. “Maybe you can tell me all about it. Is there really a Cheyenne Social Club?” He rattled on as the dog began whining to be let out of the crate.

Anna licked her lips nervously and smiled at the young man while Edward tried to catch her eye. “Yes, the club does exist, but I’m hardly the one to ask about it,” she answered as she made her way over to the crate. Baby, her dog, started yapping as soon as she was near. “Shh . . . Baby, it’s Anna.” She bent down near the crate to reassure Baby in a soft voice.

“This here is the freight charge. If you’ll just sign here that you received the dog and pay the bill . . .” The young man pushed his cap back on his head and rocked back and forth on his heels, his hands in his pockets, while Edward looked over the freight charges.

“Edward, this is my dog, Baby. I had my sister send her to me. I’ve had her ever since she was a few weeks old.” Anna turned to the lad. “Do you think you could pry the crate open for me?”

“Be glad to, ma’am.” He fumbled deep into his pocket for a screwdriver, then worked on the nails that held the crate together. By now, Baby was scratching at the wood slats and barking so loudly that it was hard to hear anything Edward was trying to say.

“Why, I never!” Edward sputtered, causing the lad to take a step backward. “I don’t know where you intend to keep that dog, but it won’t be in this house!”

The nails were off and Baby bounded into Anna’s arms, licking her face and hands. She stood, struggling to hold the dog, and lifted her chin defiantly to her new husband. “Baby has to stay with me. I can’t turn her out.”

“Humph! The dog smells. Why would you think I’d ever consider allowing a smelly creature inside
my
home?”

“Because I’m your
wife
and we are to share this house.” Anna could feel tears sting her eyes. Why was he so against having a pet?

“Excuse me . . .” The lad shifted in his scruffy boots, looking uncomfortable. “I need to get on back to the depot. If you’ll just pay for the charges, I’ll be on my way.”

“I’ll be glad to pay you for the freight charges, Edward,” Anna said.

———

Edward stood stiffly, considering what she’d just said. Of course it was to be her home too. Didn’t he agree to that when he took a wife? But then, he’d never considered Anna wouldn’t want to live exactly as he did. He fished in his pocket, took out some bills, and handed the money to the lad, who made a quick exit, slamming the front door on his way out. When Edward turned back around, the dog she called Baby jumped from Anna’s arms and hopped around, then stood on her hind legs against Edward’s pant leg, her tongue wagging
and her friendly dark brown eyes shining. He didn’t know exactly what to do as the little dog danced on her hind legs.

“The freight charge is not the point.” His jaw muscle twitching, he gave her a firm look of reproach.

“She likes you, Edward.” Anna stood with her hands fingering the ties of her robe.

“I surely don’t know why.” He tried to take a step back, but the dog just followed with a happy bark.

“Didn’t you ever want a pet when you were growing up?” She gave him an odd look, and Edward’s heart squeezed.

There had been a time as a seven-year-old boy when he’d come running home from school after finding an injured stray kitten. He begged his father to let him doctor the kitten and keep him. Even now, he remembered how his father had snapped that a
real
man didn’t like cats. The answer was emphatically no. His mother tried to persuade his father to change his mind, but he wouldn’t hear of it. Too much cat hair flying about the house wasn’t good for one’s health, his father explained. Edward never asked again, but he used to secretly long for a dog or cat to play with.

“Dogs can tell if you mean them harm. She must not sense that with you. I think she just wants to sniff your hand. Why don’t you just give her a pat on the head? I think she’d like that,” Anna suggested, laughing.

Edward bent down and gave the dog a pat on the head, and Baby licked his hand. He quickly withdrew it. Baby sniffed his shoes, then began exploring the kitchen, poking her nose at the half-opened pantry door.

“See! She likes you, Edward.”

He looked at his bride. After her romp with her enthusiastic dog, her hair was disheveled, the belt of her robe was undone, and her pretty linen nightgown was peeking from
beneath the robe. Her eyes were large and unsure, her lips a moist pout. But heavens above, she couldn’t have looked any prettier!

He sighed heavily. “Maybe so, but what are we going to do with a dog?” If he continued looking into those luminous eyes for another moment, he’d move heaven and earth to purchase the moon for her.

He stifled a groan. He must get back to work. A good hour or more had slipped by already, and he had promised Mr. Hadley that he could stop by and pick up his watch this morning. A clasp on Mrs. Kinkle’s strand of pearls needed repair, and he must service the bank’s vault. The list went on and on. In hindsight, he wished he’d taken a few days off to get to know Anna. Why hadn’t he thought of that?

“Edward, are you all right?” Anna’s brows knitted together in question.

He focused, suddenly remembering his immediate problem. “Yes, I’m fine. But I must get to work now,” he answered, glancing around for the dog. “Please find your dog and confine her to the kitchen until we can discuss the matter further.” He turned and stalked down the hallway to the adjoining shop, calling over his shoulder, “If you need anything at all before lunch, please just come and get me.”

Edward unlocked the shop door, leaving it open a little in case Anna walked over later. He supposed he should show her the shop, but there’d be time for that later. He felt guilty leaving her so suddenly—but then he’d not allotted time for that little surprise with the dog. Normally he felt comforted when he entered his store, greeted by the ticking of all the different clocks from grandfather clocks to mantel clocks, but today his thoughts were all a jumble.

He switched on the light at his work counter. Although
sunlight flooded the shop, he needed a special concentrated light to work on the delicate movements of the different timepieces. He began to polish the pocket watch he’d repaired for Mr. Hadley, but the vision of Anna’s impish face continually interrupted his thoughts.

Anna hurried through the dishes and gave Baby some table scraps. She took the dog out to the backyard to do her business and then left her in the kitchen. After hurrying back upstairs, she dressed quickly, donned her coat, and grabbed her straw hat, determined to explore the city of Denver while Edward worked. It proved to be a glorious day, the crisp air chilling her bones, so she quickened her step down the sidewalk past neighbors’ homes until she reached Larimer Street bustling with horse-drawn carriages, wagons, carts, and pedestrians.
Alstublieft!
she thought.
So many people!
Cheyenne would be considered quaint in comparison.

The clanging of a streetcar’s bell sounded across the street. Should she just take a ride? It would be easier to see downtown in a shorter time frame. Then she could return home and get settled in. The black-and-green car lumbered to a stop, and Anna stepped up the metal stairs to place a coin into the fare box.

The conductor nodded, his crinkling eyes visible just below his black conductor cap, and Anna smiled back and moved into the aisle. A few businessmen looked with interest at her, and one lowered his morning paper to smile at her, but she
avoided their gazes and took the first empty seat available. The streetcar lurched forward. Gazing out the window at the different shops and spacious stone buildings, she sat back against the leather seat to watch the busy view.

The streetcar stopped at every corner as people got off or came aboard. This was going to be her town now, so she tried to familiarize herself with its street names as she passed—Speer Boulevard, Lincoln, Logan, Blake, and Wynkoop and 17th, where she had arrived by train at the enormous Union Station just two days before.

Once again the mountain panorama was spectacular with snow-tipped peaks. She shuddered. It must be icy cold living up in the mountains. She thought fondly of her sister Greta, barely wed, and wondered what kind of weather was in store for her. She hoped they would occasionally be able to have short visits. She really liked Greta’s husband, Jess, and knew he would take good care of her, if not rein her in a bit.

An older lady took a seat next to her and adjusted the folds of her dress and cape. “Quite a morning chill today,” she said cheerfully.

“
Ja
, it is. Would you know if there is a park nearby?”

The lady seemed affable enough and gave her a broad smile. “You’re a newcomer to the Mile High City, aren’t you?” The lady crossed her arms and turned in her seat to look at Anna directly.

Anna nodded. “I’ve been enjoying the ride through the city to get the feel of the town.”

The older lady clucked her tongue. “Well, good for you! To answer your question, yes, there is City Park—not the oldest, but very large. It was designed after New York Central Park. A pavilion and lake are already under construction. You’ll need to get off at the corner of York and Colorado
Boulevard—we’re nearly there now. You’d better enjoy the park before the snow flies. ’Course, I’ve seen it snow one day and melt the next. That’s the beauty of living here.”

“
Dank U wel
. I’ll remember that.”

They chatted pleasantly until the lady told her the next stop was where Anna needed to get off.

“Bless you. It has been so nice chatting with you,” Anna said as she stepped down, waving goodbye. If everyone was as friendly as that nice lady, then she would enjoy living here.

Bright sun warmed the morning to a comfortable temperature, allowing Anna to unbutton her coat as she walked to the park. It was easy to spot the park, with mothers pushing their babies’ prams, couples strolling the winding pathways, and small children chasing a ball. Scattered about were benches in the sprawling grassy meadows. A posted sign said pets were not allowed in the park.

From where she stood, Anna had the perfect view in any direction of the Rocky Mountains. Many trees had been planted, some old enough to lend plenty of shade in the hot summer months. Now they created an impressive splash of gold, orange, and red against deciduous firs. Leaves drifted slowly to the ground, and she enjoyed the crackling sound when she walked on them. Anna could already envision herself painting the autumn scene on canvas.

After strolling down the winding path along the perimeter of the park, she finally took a seat on a bench. She hadn’t realized how far she’d walked and soon shed her coat, placing it on the bench next to her. She watched as a squirrel dug furiously beneath the fallen leaves, hiding his food for winter.

Leaning back and closing her eyes, she was mindful of nature’s song all around—the birds tweeting, the wind rustling the leaves, the distant sound of children’s voices. Whether
from the long walk or the sleepless night, she felt drowsy and fell asleep from the sun’s warmth caressing her face.

A nudge against her shoulder startled her, and she jerked awake.

“I’m sorry, Anna. I thought it was you and I didn’t want to disturb you, but I felt like I must. We met yesterday. I’m Callie, a friend of Edward’s,” Callie said softly, peeking out from her frilly umbrella. Her blonde curls were pulled up into ringlets, and fringed bangs framed her pretty oval face. Her dress was cream silk with accents of peacock-blue along the bodice and shoulders, gathered with fullness with a tuck of blue bows at a point. The back of the dress was slightly bustled. Suddenly Anna felt awkward and plain in comparison, with her Dutch braids and plain Woolsey dress.
Perhaps I should take more time with my appearance. Then I might look as lovely as Callie.

Anna blinked at her new friend. “Hello. I must’ve fallen asleep.”

Callie took a seat next to her. “You must’ve been very tired. You were only married yesterday! I must confess I’m surprised to see you at all today.” Callie had a worried look shadowing her face, and Anna blushed.

“Edward is working, and I thought I’d take a look around . . . kind of get my bearings,” she answered. Anna was not about to tell Callie about last night or the list since she hardly knew her, but something about Callie’s sweet countenance made Anna think she could be a trusted friend once she got to know her. “What are you doing out this morning?”

Callie put aside her umbrella. “Well, I like going for an outing or a drive for fresh air. Most of the time, I get out of the carriage and walk for the pure enjoyment of it.” She paused. “But it’s hardly morning now. It’s already one o’clock.
Would you care to ride back home with me for some tea and sandwiches? I haven’t eaten yet.”

“
Ack!
It’s that late already?” Anna quickly hopped up and reached for her coat. “Oh no. I must catch the streetcar and get back home. Edward will be waiting.”

Callie rose as well. “Oh? Then why don’t you let me take you home. I’ll tell my driver.”

“You have a carriage here?”

“Yes. That’s my carriage parked by the roses over there. I don’t mind at all, and you won’t have to take the long way home. It’s no trouble at all.” Callie motioned for Anna to follow, and after a few seconds’ hesitation, Anna fell into step with her, grateful for the ride home and wondering how in the world she could’ve allowed herself to fall asleep. She blamed it on the warm sun.

The grandfather clock chimed one o’clock. The morning had flown by. It was time for lunch now, and Edward’s back was aching from leaning over Mrs. Kinkle’s string of pearls. At least Mr. Hadley’s watch was ready when he dropped by first thing to pick it up. Edward was sort of expecting Anna to at least be interested enough that she would pop in, and he was disappointed when she didn’t. He smiled. She was probably just preparing lunch now. He shoved his chair back and left his suit jacket behind, considering whether he should roll his shirtsleeves back down, but it was warm in the shop today, so he didn’t.

He whistled as he walked down the hallway, more to alert Anna that he was coming than anything else, but the house was quiet. Pushing the kitchen door open, he glanced around and things were just as he’d left them this morning. There
was no sign of food for lunch or of Anna. To make matters worse, the dog, yapping, danced around from her place by the pantry door, which unfortunately had been left ajar. Baby had pulled out a sack of flour and the white powder was all over the place. When he walked over to see the damage, he stepped in a puddle on the floor. Edward clenched his fists at his side, then looked at Baby.

“Shut up!”

Baby cocked her head at him, whimpered, and lay down in front of him with her front paws crossed and her head down.

This was not going to work. He knew this dog was going to be trouble. That’s why he liked horses—you could keep them in the barn!

“Anna!” he called as he took the stairs two at a time, but she didn’t answer. He checked their bedroom just in case.
Where could she have gone?
Edward had intended on a quick lunch, then a trip to the bank. He paused, scratching his chin. Should he be worried? She knew nothing about the streets of Denver. He decided he’d give a little time for her to return before he started to look for her. Maybe she’d taken a short walk, but if so, he wished she’d at least informed him first.

He headed back down to the kitchen to clean up the flour and make a sandwich, and by the time he started working on making his lunch, he heard the sound of a horse and buggy beside his front gate. He looked out the kitchen window but could only see the back of a carriage. He frowned. It must be Mrs. Kinkle, and she was hours early. With a groan, he stopped slicing meat and set his knife aside.