| |
The bell chimed on the cash register at Livingston’s Women’s Wear totaling twenty-eight dollars and thirty-five cents. The most money Lily had ever spent on her wardrobe. She chose twelve dresses, two coats, one slicker, one plain brimmed slouch hat, four pair of hose, along with two chemises. She’d saved for this day for months but hadn’t been sure if she should spend all of it on herself. Celia could be quite convincing, especially when using the same tactics as Oma. Her sister insisted if Benjamin pursued her that she needed the proper fashion to meet his expectations. Lily wasn’t sure it mattered since he hadn’t taken his eyes off her in the dreadful banana dress. Besides, wouldn’t he have tracked her down in these last four days? She’d heard nothing from him.
Rain splattered against the storefront window. She pulled her new slicker on, hid the packages underneath, and went out the door. The large awnings hanging over the sidewalk provided some shelter as the rain whipped through the air.
At the intersection, puddles already pooled. Keeping water out of her shoes would be tricky. She hopped over the rushing stream. Away from the shelter of the buildings, the wind propelled her around like a rag doll. The brown paper packages slipped under her raincoat. She squeezed them tighter against her body. A few more blocks stood between her and home.
Near the edge of the last busy street, she glimpsed a black car turning the corner headed toward her. She took a split second to move away from the curb, but the car hit the puddle directly in front of her. Water shot up underneath her slicker. The rush of cold water forced her arms horizontal like a stone statue. Her packages fell to the ground. She shrieked.
The car came to an abrupt halt and reversed to where she was standing. As the passenger door flung open a deep masculine voice spoke from the shadowed interior.
“I’m so sorry, are you all right?”
“Of course I’m not all right! I’m soaked!” How could he have not seen her? He’d barreled right at her. She turned her back and knelt, grabbing one of the packages by the twine. The paper had reacted like a sponge, pulling filthy water from the ground.
“Let me help you.” The man crouched down gathering her scattered wet purchases.
At least he had some common courtesy to assist her. The rain hadn’t let up one bit. She needed to get the clothes out of these packages soon. Worst of all, if the water soaked into her silk chemises they’d be ruined for sure.
The lapel he had tugged up tight against his neck and the hat he’d pulled down around his ears hid his face...until he turned toward her.
Their eyes met. She squeezed the package tight to her chest.
“Lily, I didn’t recognize you.”
How could it have been him? She opened her mouth. Nothing came out.
“Let me introduce myself.” He moved forward extending his hand. “I’m Benjamin Claussen. Remember? We met at the wedding. I’m a friend of Emmett’s.”
She must look like a drowned animal. Why did it have to be him? A shiver ran through her, not from the cold but him.
“You do recall who I am?” He grinned.
“Of course, I almost spilled tea on you.” Lily wiped water from her face and recovered her poise. “Is this repayment?” She smiled.
“No, definitely not.”
She held out her hand and he took it in his. The warmth of his grip sent a flicker of electricity through her like the lamps at the park in a storm.
“Will you let me give you a ride home? It’s the least I can do.”
“Yes, thank you.” She released his hand slowly, enjoying the strength and warmth.
Benjamin opened the back door and placed her items on the seat. “You’re shaking. Allow me.” He removed his jacket, placing it around her shoulders. “Hopefully this will warm you some.”
The material of his suitcoat had a much softer feel than her father’s. The earthy, musky wood scent wrapping around her smelled heavenly. Lily pulled both sides of the lapel tighter to her neck, she pushed her new garments over on the seat and slid in. “My house is over on Chestnut.” The pipe smoke in his car had the same sweet scent as her Opa’s. She smiled. However, the dark scent of a strong sweet lavender mixed with vanilla seemed too feminine for Benjamin. The embedded perfume had to be from the fiancée Anna mentioned. She buried her nose in his jacket shoulder, avoiding the smell.
“All right.” He shut the door and went around to the driver’s side hopping into the seat. “Is that across from the park where the wedding was?”
“Yes.”
He adjusted the mirror. “If it’s not too forward, I have a question for you.”
She took the cloche off her head shaking the water onto the floormat. “What is it?”
“Why did you sit in the back instead of up here in the front?”
Had he wanted her to sit up front with him? “Etiquette, I imagine. I’ve always sat in the back except when I’m with relatives.”
He pulled away from the curb. “What are you doing walking out in this weather?”
“I didn’t have much choice.” She held back a grin. “I would have been fine in this slicker if it hadn’t been for the man who almost drowned me with his car.”
“I said I was sorry.”
She laughed. “My regular Saturday morning shift ended at Livingston’s.”
“It’s a women’s clothing store, right?”
“Yes, today of all days I decided to buy a few things.” She touched her soggy parcels on the seat. “I should have waited for nicer weather.” She might just have to resort to her old clothes to impress him if these ended up being stained.
“If I ruined any of your things let me know.” He downshifted and turned the corner. “I will pay you for whatever is damaged.”
“Thank you for the offer.” He had a genuine kindness, unlike Ira. Without a doubt, he was the most striking man she’d ever met. His endearing smile warmed her inside while his character so far had been nothing but magical. She stiffened, bracing herself for the last turn. “My house is the white and green one here on the right.”
Benjamin pulled over.
“Thank you for the ride. It was wonderful to see you again.”
“Please allow me to open the door for you.”
“Certainly.” His politeness was a refreshing change. Her eyes followed him around the car until he reached the door and opened it. As she stepped out Mary ran toward her. What was Ira’s sister doing here? Ira had never involved her in their disagreements before. Something had to have happened. “Mary, what’s wrong?”
“It’s Ira. He’s sick.”
An ache struck her throat and sank to her chest. No wonder she hadn’t heard from him. She intended to meet him tomorrow after church at their usual time in the restaurant. Too much time had passed since their disagreement and a decision about their future needed to be discussed.
“Is he going to be all right?”
“The doctor thinks so. I knew you’d want to come out to see for yourself. He’s been confined to his bed since yesterday.”
“Benjamin, this is Mary.” She picked up her items from the back seat. “I’m going to run into the house and get out of these wet clothes. Mary, can you wait here? I’ll go back with you to your house.”
“Nonsense. I will take you both in my car.” Benjamin held the door open for Mary. “We’ll wait here for you.”
Lily took a few moments to open the packages and hang the items before changing into dry clothes. She hurried as fast as she could, slipping on the first dress she grabbed and ran down the stairs out the door. Benjamin met her at the car. She scooted in next to Mary. “I appreciate you taking us.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Their farm is on the road past the mill. Do you know which one I’m talking about?”
“Yes.”
Lily turned her attention toward Mary. “What happened?”
“The doctor thinks it’s a combination of influenza and overexertion.” Mary twisted her fingers through her hands. “He was chopping wood out back when he collapsed.”
“How long had he been out there?”
Mary’s eyes welled with tears. “It couldn’t have been too long. Maybe a half-hour until I went out there to get him for supper.” Her voice cracked. “I’d taken him some water earlier. He seemed tired, but he didn’t want to quit working. I should have stayed with him.”
“Shh! It’s not your fault.” She caressed Mary’s shoulder. When Lily’s brother Arthur had come down with a fever, she’d been beside herself with worry too. Mary and Ira were just as close. “No one knew what was going to happen.”
Mary sniffled. “Ira doesn’t know you’re coming.” She wiped her cheek on her coat sleeve. “He asked me not to tell you.”
“I see.” Ira wouldn’t have mentioned the quarrel to his seventeen-year-old sister who liked to be the center of attention. “What reason did he give you?”
“He didn’t want you to see him like this.”
“How come?”
“He thought he’d come across as weak.”
“I wouldn’t think that. He’s sick.” Lily patted Mary’s hand. “I’m glad you didn’t listen to him. It will all work out, you’ll see.” A little white lie can’t be so bad, especially if Mary’s conscience is put at ease for now.
“I hope you’re right.” Mary pointed at Benjamin and whispered, “Why did he bring you home?”
“It’s not what it appears. He accidentally splashed me so he offered me a ride.”
“That’s all?”
“Yes.” Lily certainly had no intention of telling Mary about her brother being such a nincompoop and how Benjamin had been nothing but a gentleman around her. She peered out the windshield at the little brown two-story house. “Benjamin, it’s the farm here on the right.” Her nerves heightened as he pulled into the driveway, stopping near the front porch. He shut off the engine and got out.
Benjamin opened the back door. “I’ll wait here until you’re through. Take as much time as you need.”
Several minutes later Lily held onto the railing, easing her way up the narrow stairs toward Ira’s room. She wiped sweat from her hands onto the waistline of her dress. The house appeared tidy as usual but stale warm air mixed with a medicinal odor made breathing a bit unpleasant. Each step her foot shook before it landed on the short treads. Ira had never been sick enough to be laid up like this. Nerves pulsated throughout her body and she halted multiple times. Would he be angry she’d come to see him?
As she reached the landing, she turned the way Mary mentioned. Her insides twisted like an old rag wrung out to wash the floor. If she didn’t go in now, she feared the ache would never go away. Ira’s too young and healthy to have anything seriously wrong. Or had that idea come to mind to comfort her? She held the doorknob until the knot faded, turning just enough until it unlatched. The door opened slightly. She whispered through the crack. “Ira?”
“Who is it?”
She opened the door a smidge more. “It’s me, Lily. May I come in?”
“Wait a moment.”
The bed creaked a few times and it went silent.
“You can come in now.”
The doorknob slipped from her sweaty hand, flinging the door open the rest of the way and striking the wall. She flinched. Ira had the sheets pulled up to his neck even though his mussed-up blond hair was damp around the edges causing the curls to sag. The usual pinkish coloring of his face didn’t exist as his complexion matched the whiteness of his sheets.
“I hope you’re not upset I’m here.” She pulled a chair near the end of the bed and sat, hoping Ira didn’t notice her shaky legs. “I had to come and see for myself you were all right.” She glanced around, noting the room had dark wood halfway up the wall. Above, creamy-light colored wallpaper depicted varying scenes with houses, trees and people in the outdoors. The room, although a little dated, seemed to suit him.
“How are you?”
“I’m fine. I’ve told everybody, but it doesn’t matter. All this fuss is foolish. Mary wasn’t supposed to tell you anyway.” He folded his arms over his chest. “I’m surprised you even came.”
He didn’t appear fine to her. “Your family cares about you... I do too, or I wouldn’t have gotten so...never mind.”
“You embarrassed me in public with your questioning.”
“I didn’t mean to.”
“Everything should have been over when I said I was sorry.” He folded the covers down around his waist revealing a sweat-dampened striped pair of pajamas.
“I’m sorry for humiliating you.” Lily tucked her hands between her knees. “How long do you need to stay in bed?”
“Doc said it could be up to a week until I get all my strength back. It’s not right for me to be laid up like this with so much work around here. The hired hands can’t do all the chores. I have to get out of this bed.”
Ira had been lucky their family farm had done so well during these times. Her life would be different if they got married but she didn’t doubt he could take care of her. “I’m sure your family would agree it’s best to listen to the doctor. Take it easy for a while. If you push yourself too fast, what good are you then?”
“Will you come out and visit me if I stay in bed?” He tilted his head. “I’ve missed you.”
Lily couldn’t speak. Her mouth was drier than a scouring pad. He certainly had a way of pulling her in with such a sad expression.
“Fine, I will rest for one week, except then—”
“Good, now tell me what happened.”
“Not much to say other than the heat got to me.”
“You’ve worked in the warmth before; besides it hasn’t been very hot yet.” A stench she’d never smelled before lingered in the air. And it wasn’t the distinct scent her family members had when they’d come down with influenza. “Are you sure that’s all?”
“Well...I suppose it could be something.”
Lily scooted off the seat and strolled behind the chair to rest her palms on the back. “What else has been going on?”
“I’ve been tired lately. I figure it’s on account of all the extra fieldwork.” He braced his arms on the bed rising upward onto the pillow.
“Did you mention it to the doctor?”
“No.” Ira shrugged his shoulders. “I didn’t think anything of it till you asked.”
He didn’t seem as concerned as she was about the diagnosis. “It might mean something for your condition.” She still wasn’t so sure she’d been told everything. Maybe he made light of it to ease her from worrying. Although, that didn’t seem like something he would do. More than likely, he didn’t ask the doc any questions about his illness.
“Don’t get sore, but your hair’s looking awfully shabby.”
“Why would you say something like that?” She put her hands up in the air. “Didn’t you hear it raining? As soon as I heard, I rushed here to check on you and make sure you were fine.” Heat radiated from her cheeks to her ears. “Now that I have, I’m going to go. You need your rest.”
“Lily, I didn’t mean—”
“I don’t want to slow your recovery.” She moved the chair against the wall.
“You’re not walking home, are you?”
“No.” Why is he asking about my well-being? A minute ago, he didn’t seem concerned. “Emmett’s friend gave me a ride. He’s waiting for me. I should go.” She went toward the door.
“So that’s how it is now that I’m stuck in this bed.”
“No, that’s not how it is. I’m not Bessie and he’s not you.”
“Clever.” Ira straightened himself to a sitting position. “Does that mean you’ll be back?” His bottom lip jutted out.
Lily took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. “I’m not making any promises.” She waved as she glided out the door.
After speaking with Ira’s family, who appreciated her stopping by, Lily exited onto the porch. Benjamin sat in his car with his hands draped over the steering wheel. Twice in less than a week, chance had brought them together. The first time he captivated her by his charm. Today she experienced the most kindhearted man she’d ever met.
Benjamin got out of the car and approached her. “Sorry, I didn’t see you. Are you ready to leave?”
“Yes, I am.” She proceeded down the porch stairs. The rain had let up enough she wouldn’t get too wet in the short walk. “Thank you for waiting.”
“My pleasure.” He opened the back door.
Lily crouched down and sat on the seat while he held her hand. As she glanced up, she caught his gaze and turned away. The skin on his hand was so soft, so uncalloused, she could hold onto it forever.
“Lily.”
Her eyes fluttered up at him.
“I’m going to have to let go of your hand.”
His deep brown eyes held her concentration. “Yes.” And she allowed her hand to slip from the warmth of his grasp.
“You’ll need to bring in your leg too...so I can shut the door.”
“Of course.” She moved over to the center of the seat and hoped he hadn’t noticed her foolishness. He shut her door and got in. What if he had noticed her reaction to him? Did he feel the same connection when they touched? A connection that could be right, but also wrong in so many other ways. She wouldn’t be like Bessie. She couldn’t. He could only be a friend and she’d make sure that’s how he saw her. Friends just like how Ira talked to him. “How long have you had this car?”
“This ol' girl?” He slapped the dash. “I picked it up last year. Got a good deal since she’d been in an accident. My cousin Louie helped me fix her up.” He pulled out of the driveway. “It’s a fine ride, and I even saved some dough.”
“What type is it?”
“Model A Ford Sedan with a two-o-one.”
“What year?”
He ran his hand across the dash. “Twenty-nine.”
“That's the year I graduated from McKinley. She can’t be that old of a girl.”
“For her it is. She’s lived half her life already.” He patted the dashboard and moved his hand to the steering wheel. “As for you, you’re far from old. If I thought you were old, I’d be ancient. I graduated in twenty-three.”
“Oh my, you are ancient.” She laughed.
He stopped at the intersection. “You didn’t say how Ira was doing?”
“I think he’ll be fine.” No need for her to get into any of the concerns she’d had for Ira. Maybe she was wrong thinking there was more to his condition. She certainly hadn’t studied like the doctor had to get his degree.
“That’s good to hear.”
The mention of him changed the air. Why had Ira made such a rude comment? Lily tried to push his words from her mind. She scooted between the two front seats moving her head from side to side and checking her reflection in the rearview mirror. Her hair laid a little flat, but Ira had seen worse. Benjamin’s eyes appeared in the mirror looking back at her.
“Is Ira a relative of yours?”
She swallowed several times. “Ira was my...he is my fiancé.” Benjamin moved his head and she could no longer see his eyes. “I’m not sure what he is anymore.” She placed her right hand on the back of the passenger seat.
“Sounds like we’re in the same dilemma.”
“You’re engaged too?” Anna had told her about Vivian and even though she didn’t like hearing him say it, she was glad he told the truth.
“I am, but lately I’ve had concerns.”
“Does she know how you feel?”
“No, it doesn’t appear so. It’s not for a lack of trying.” He downshifted. The car slowed as they reached the city limits.
Lily covered her mouth. “Achoo.”
“Gesundheit. Hope you’re not catching a cold.”
Vivian’s perfume tingled in her nostrils. She didn’t want to talk about the subject of their fiancées anymore. “Where do you work with your father?”
“At the Ebbe Company.”
Hopefully, Benjamin didn’t notice the slip-up of her saying he worked with his father. “That’s on Main Street, isn’t it?”
“Yes, I work with my father's cousin and his son Louie.”
“The one who helped you with the car?”
He nodded. “My father and my uncle went into a partnership with Hans Ebbe. When he died in the early twenties, they took over the company.” He shifted gears. “Louie and I are next in line to take over.”
“How is it working with family?”
“For the most part, it’s good. My father likes to have things done a certain way.” He turned his head slightly toward her. “I should say, his way. That’s why it’s difficult sometimes because you have to know what he’s expecting you to do.”
“I can see that would make things a little challenging.” She rested her hand on the seat as they turned the corner onto Chestnut. “You’re blessed to have a profession you like.”
“That is true. I’m grateful, especially in these times.” He coasted to a stop, set the brake, and got out.
Lily waited until he opened the door. He offered his hand and she took hold. “I appreciate you taking me home twice, but maybe the next time you’ll watch where you’re driving.” She raised her face toward him as he drew her out of the car.
He smiled. “I sure will.” He steadily pulled her hand while the distance between them inched shorter and shorter. He shut the door and moved into her personal space, towering above her.
The rich chocolate tones in his eyes deepened toward the center, drawing her in like a tunnel to his soul. She teetered on the edge of falling into his arms and allowing him to caress her lips with his. Time seemed to stand as still as her feet. Within the closeness, his warm breath fell upon her face. Neither of them stirred.
“Halloo, Lily!”
She jumped back, letting go of his hand and turning toward the direction of the shout. Her older brother Arthur sat on the porch chair with his elbows positioned on his knees and his hands tucked under his chin. His interruption had saved her from making a horrible mistake. She doubted Arthur even realized what might have happened. However, if he had sensed an attraction she needed to find out and make certain he said nothing. “I should probably go in.”
“Now that you know where I work, you can stop in.” He gave her a warm, inviting grin.
“I’m not so sure.”
“Please just stop in and let me know if any of your clothes were ruined. I wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t pay for the damage. You’ll do that, won’t you?”
“All right, I can’t promise, but I will think about it.”