The Rescue (31 page)

“This bonnet! The color is perfect for you. Why don’t you try it on? There’s a glass right here.”

Once again Lenore was off to see something else, the clerk chasing after her. Anne stepped up to the counter and began to place the bonnet on her head. She had just settled it when she caught her husband’s reflection behind her. Anne turned as he approached.

“What do you think?”

Weston reached up to tie the ribbons under her chin. He then took hold of the brim and adjusted it slightly. Studying his work, he smiled.

“Very nice.”

“Your mother liked the color.”

“As do I.”

Anne looked into his eyes and wondered if they were still talking about the bonnet. She might have questioned him, but Lenore was returning.

“Anne, there’s a blue spencer jacket over here that matches that hat. Do try it on. Robert,” she said, turning next to him, “there’s a Polish beaver top hat over here in your size. Is yours in good condition? They also have Hessian boots that I want you to try on.”

Husband and wife trailed after Lenore, both wanting to laugh.

“She’s a bit scattered when she shops,” Weston told Anne. “It’s the only time I see her this way.”

“I must admit I’m surprised. She’s so relaxed at home, but since we left Berwick, she’s been on a mission.”

The spencer jacket, a very short and fitted article of clothing with long sleeves, was a perfect fit. It did look very good with the bonnet, and Anne found herself smiling in pleasure. Lenore saw it and was all the more determined to find all she could.

Weston, who had gained plenty of items for his own wardrobe, begged his mother to cease some five hours later, proclaiming that they all needed tea. Such proprieties never occurred to Lenore when she shopped, but Weston was adamant. Wringing from them a commitment to shop at least one other day before they left, Lenore acquiesced.

To Weston and Anne’s relief, they found a shop and were settled down for tea not 20 minutes later.

Berwick

“We’d best turn in early,” Lenore said when dinner was over that night and the three had enjoyed coffee and dessert in the drawing room. “Mrs Martin will be here at 9:00, and that will make for a long day.”

Weston had remembered to tell Anne who Mrs Martin was, so this was not a complete surprise. What was unexpected was Weston’s question to Anne as they climbed the stairs to seek their rest.

“Have you ever been in love, Anne?”

That lady continued to walk beside the man she married, but she turned her head to look at him.

“Do you mean romantic love?”

“Yes, exactly.”

“No, I can’t say that I have. I do remember having something of a schoolgirl crush on a boy when I was quite young, but that hardly constitutes love.”

They had reached Anne’s room now, and Weston, knowing he had passage to his own room, followed her inside.

“Why did you ask?” Anne wished to know.

“Francis Cavendish seemed quite taken with you. Did you even notice?”

Anne took a moment to catch up.

“Do you mean Louisa’s brother-in-law?”

“Yes.”

“Am I mistaken in thinking he’s a good deal older than I am?”

“No, you’re quite right, but that didn’t seem to put him off.”

“I’m also a married woman,” Anne pointed out.

“Nevertheless, he was quite distracted by you.”

Anne was utterly quiet for several moments, trying to take it in. With an effort she kept her voice calm as she spoke.

“I’m very tired right now. If I don’t get some rest I’m going to overreact to this news, but in the morning I will expect you to tell me why you’ve shared this. What possible reason could you have?”

Weston began to open his mouth, but Anne put her hand up.

“In the morning.”

“You’re angry with me.”

“A little, yes.”

“I’m sorry. I should have waited until morning to ask you.”

Anne felt terribly confused but forced herself to keep quiet beyond, “Thank you, Mr Weston. I look forward to our talking about this.”

They parted company, both completely forgetting that Mrs Martin was coming rather early. It did not escape his attention that Anne had once again referred to him as Mr Weston. It would be hours before they could have their talk, and it would look nothing like what either of them had planned.

The Manse

“How is the Colonel?” Judith asked the moment her husband entered.

“He’s better. He has a good-sized bump on his head, but he’s resting comfortably.”

“Will you contact Anne?”

“Not now. They’ll be home in about ten days, and her father did rouse quickly.”

“How do you think he fell?”

The pastor shrugged. “A touch of apoplexy, a sudden pain—I don’t know. Maybe he only stumbled. His one arm seemed a little stiff, but he was very steady when I was just there. Of course, that doesn’t mean he’s steady all the time.”

“What if something happens to him before Anne returns?”

“There’s nothing to be done about that, Judith. He’s not going to live forever, and it’s doubtful Anne could do anything even if she lived there.”

“Much as I hate to admit it, you’re probably right. Anne has always been able to see to all his needs, and it’s hard to have her gone. I’ve prayed for both of them since you found the Colonel last night.”

“I’ve prayed as well,” Pastor Hurst said confidently. “And we can keep on praying, knowing God’s hand is at work even as we speak.”

Berwick

“What do you think of this muslin, Anne?”

“It’s very pretty. Do you like it?”

“Yes, it’s perfect for day dresses.”

Bolts of cloth nearly covered the large salon downstairs. Anne had been measured and now fabrics and patterns were being chosen. Weston had gone to the tailor, and Lenore was in her element dressing Anne with Mrs Martin’s help.

Day gowns were chosen, evening gowns, dresses for warm weather and cold, undergarments—more than Anne thought she could use in a year—and Lenore was even heard to mutter about a trip to the cobbler.

A redingote was put on order in a dark shade of blue. The long coat had multiple capelets and was lined in silk. Lenore insisted that Anne have two matching hats for that item, as well as a fox muff. A pelisse—walking coat—was also chosen, this one in a rich brown.

“Have I overwhelmed you?” Lenore came close and whispered at one point, her eyes a little large with excitement.

“Would it do any good to say yes?”

Lenore smiled.

“Have I told you how very glad I am that Robert brought you home?”

Anne hugged the older woman, who warmly returned the embrace. It didn’t last long, however. Mrs Martin had more fabric to show them, and she did not like to be kept waiting.

And on it went. For hours they matched patterns, fabric, and trim. When it looked as though she was no longer needed, Anne slipped into one of the smaller salons and lay down on the settee. Weston found her sound asleep an hour later. He gave orders to the staff to let her rest and went in search of his mother.

Chapter Seventeen

London

“Is it true?”

“Yes. He was seen shopping just today.”

“Here, in London? You’re certain?”

“Yes, my lady.”

“Did he bring his wife?”

“A young woman is with him, yes.”

Quiet filled the elegant room. The servant who had delivered the news hovered nearby, waiting for further orders. They weren’t long in coming.

“Tell Cook I want dinner early.”

“Yes, my lady.”

“And then I’ll need the carriage. I’m going out.”

Berwick

Anne felt like a new person after her nap, but her dress was another matter. The frock was a mass of wrinkles, and her hair was coming down around her face. Thankfully she woke to find herself alone, and with a bit of maneuvering she managed to gain her room without encountering anyone.

Jenny was on hand to choose another dress and set her hair to rights. Weston had just found her missing from the salon and was knocking on her door as Jenny made the finishing touches.

“I thought we’d lost you,” he said when she beckoned him to enter.

“I snuck up the back way.”

“For any particular reason?”

Anne thanked Jenny and turned from the mirror.

“How do I look?”

“You look lovely.”

“You wouldn’t have said that 30 minutes ago.”

“I’m not so certain of that,” Weston said as he offered his arm. “Dinner is nearly on. Hungry?”

“Very. I slept through tea.”

“Mother’s fault, I’m afraid. When it comes to shopping, she’s unpredictable at best.”

“How did you fare at the tailor?”

“Very well. I trust I’ll look suitable beside my newly decked-out bride.”

“I think that must be the least of your worries.”

Weston studied her without being obvious, noting that she was very rested and relaxed just now. He had certainly blundered through things the night before and looked forward to setting the record straight later that evening.

And it looked as though he would have his chance. Dinner was an unpretentious affair, full of talk and laughter, mostly at Lenore’s expense, but then the newlyweds were to be left on their own. Lenore had been invited to Louisa’s for cards.