A Headstrong Woman(14)
“It’s very lovely,” Anna commented as she walked around the room and trailed her fingers over the furniture.
“It is,” Alexandria acknowledged. Her home wasn’t as large and grand as some in their community but was relatively well appointed.
“What a large wardrobe,” Anna pulled the doors open to admire the interior. Her face crumpled and her lips came between her teeth as she closed the doors and turned to her sister.
“I think I hear a buggy coming; it’s probably Daddy,” Alexandria quickly announced before her sister could ask questions. Alexandria led the way and hurried for the main staircase as fast as her feet would carry her.
“I haven’t seen this room,” Anna protested as she deviated from her sister’s trail and into the last remaining room. She stopped short just inside the door and then turned to frown at her sister who now stood behind her. That Elijah occupied the room was obvious. His brush and hair tonic sat on the dresser as well as a photo of Martha; a pair of his trousers lay across a chair. Anna turned and marched to the wardrobe and opened it to find it filled with Elijah’s clothes.
“I don’t want to talk about it,” Alexandria said before her sister could even speak.
“You aren’t sharing a room?” Anna stared at her sister in horror. “Do mom and dad know?”
“No, and you aren’t going to tell them either. There is nothing they can do to fix this, Anna. This is between me and my husband and I don’t want to talk about it.” Alexandria left her sister standing in the room and hurried down the stairs. Her father was just being admitted by Millie.
“Hi, Daddy, how was town,” Alexandria greeted him with a kiss on his cheek. She set Lilly on her feet and let her trail Millie back into the kitchen.
“Busy. I hope that you and Elijah don’t mind but I picked up your mail while I was there.”
“Thanks, Daddy, I appreciate that and I’m sure Elijah will as well.”
“Hi, Daddy,” Anna reached the bottom of the stairs.
“Are you alright, sweetheart?” Clay asked of his youngest.
“Just a little tired I think,” Anna forced a smile.
“Well, we’re headed home. I would stay for that promised coffee but it’s looking as though it may rain.”
“I understand, Daddy. I’m glad you came by and brought Anna. Tell Mom I love her.”
“I will,” her dad promised.
“Come see me again soon,” Alexandria hugged her sister.
“I will,” she answered.
“Please do,” Alexandria encouraged and followed them onto the porch; she waved as they climbed into the buggy and pulled away. Dreading the long afternoon ahead, she turned back to the house.
Chapter Four
“I have a beautiful wife,” Elijah commented as he and Jonathon worked in the barn together that afternoon.
“Congratulations,” Jonathon grinned at his boss and friend.
“For what? Last night I suddenly realized that my wife is a woman and now I feel like a gangly teen age boy and you’re congratulating me?” Elijah wasn’t amused.
“Sorry,” Jonathon’s smile belied his words. “How old are you, Boss?”
“Thirty-seven.”
“Hardly a gangly teenage boy.”
“Thanks but that doesn’t stop me from feeling like one.” Elijah was quiet for a moment as he filled a bucket with feed. “How old are you, Jonathon?”
“Twenty-six.”
“Still young; appreciate it while it lasts,” Elijah offered a self-depreciating smile before disappearing into a stall. He reemerged shaking his head. “I take back what I said about feeling like a gangly teenage boy beside her; most the time I feel more like an old man.”
Jonathon smiled; he was curious as to just how much of an age gap there was between the newlyweds but he didn’t dare ask.
“Tonight I plan to take your advice and spend some time with her. We talked last night but that was more me apologizing for being a jerk since she arrived.” Elijah scooped the bucket into the feed again as Jonathon began cleaning one of the stalls.
“Good luck.”
“Thanks, I’ll need it. I have to tell you, I’m very glad you showed up here, Jonathon, you’re proving to be a good friend.”
“Thanks, everyone can use a friend.”