Page 9 of Luna

Luna already felt beholden to her cousins. She couldn’t and wouldn’t ask them for anything, but it warmed her heart that Tony offered. When she wasn’t working at Caterina’s restaurant, she planned to be as helpful as she could to the friendly couple.

Sewing wasn’t her strongest point, but she could make a straight seam with a sewing machine, and she was good at pressing seams, so maybe she could help in Ilsa’s shop. Or, cooking meals and tidying the house might be a big help to Tony and Ilsa.

“If there are ways I can be a help instead of a hindrance, please let me know, Tony. I truly am in your debt.”

“No, you aren’t, Cousin. Not a bit. As you can see, we have plenty of room for you here. Laila is giddy at the thought of getting to spend time with one of her ‘New York cousins,’ as she refers to the whole lot of you.” Tony waved his hand around the kitchen. “Make yourself at home and know you are welcome.”

“I appreciate that. Thank you.” Luna sipped her coffee to give herself a moment to get her swirling emotions under control.

Tony hurried to finish his breakfast. She could tell without asking he was antsy to get on with his day, and she felt as though she’d kept him from his work. “I can wash the dishes, Tony. Go on. I’m sure you have more important things to do than keep watch over me.”

“Nothing is more important than our loved ones, but I do have someone coming to have their portrait taken in twenty minutes. Are you sure you don’t mind my leaving you to clean up the kitchen?”

“Not a bit. I’ll plan to have dinner ready at six, or is that too late? Or too early?”

“No. That’s perfect and when we usually eat. If you decide you don’t feel like cooking, just let Ilsa know, and we’ll bring home something from Cat’s place.” Tony carried his dishes to the sink, washed his hands, then turned to study her as he dried them. “Are you absolutely certain you want to stay here today?”

“For now, yes. If I feel adventurous, I’ll walk downtown.”

“It’s not far. Just go to the end of the street, turn left, and follow the street down to Court Street. When you reach it, turn right, and it will take you past the most popular shops. You’ll find Ilsa’s store and Caterina’s restaurant if you keep walking along Court.”

“Thank you, Tony.” Luna gave him an impulsive hug, glad that she had when he returned the embrace, kissed both of her cheeks, and then stepped back with a smile.

“Welcome to Pendleton, little Cousin. Stay out of trouble. If you are anything like Caterina was at your age, it will likely find you with no effort at all.”

Luna grinned and followed him to the back door, where he settled a hat on his head and lifted a satchel that appeared to be filled with files and papers.

“I’m sure I have no idea of which you speak, Tony.”

He chuckled and stepped out into the bright morning light. “Enjoy your day, Luna. Telephone us if you need anything. There’s a telephone in the kitchen and another in the parlor.”

Luna waved as he walked out to the carriage house, where he’d parked his auto, then she returned inside the house.

She set a few irons to heat while she washed the dishes and figured out where to put them away, then carried the ironing board and the irons upstairs to her room. She thought it would be easier than hauling all her clothes downstairs. She had to reheat the irons several times, but by noon, she’d finished the task.

Luna returned the irons and ironing board to the room where Ilsa clearly did laundry, based on the deep sink set in the wall with a washboard inside it and a new electric washing machine. Luna opened the lid and studied it from all angles, excited to watch it work.

Despite her big breakfast, she was hungry, so she dug around in the refrigerator, a new model that was a wonder to her, finding leftover roast and pickles to make a sandwich. She ate more of the fresh berries along with a chewy chocolate cookie that was quite scrumptious.

She would have had a second cookie but decided she’d indulge in one later that afternoon with a cup of tea or a glass of the lemonade poured from the tall pitcher she’d spied in the refrigerator.

After taking stock of the food Tony had on hand, she concluded she’d need more flour and eggs as well as cheese and some sausage to fix the meal she had in mind. Perhaps she could inquire at the mercantile about a butcher shop.

Luna found a writing tablet by the telephone and jotted down a list of supplies she would need, then hurried upstairs to change into one of her favorite lightweight dresses since the day was warm and felt more like summer than spring. She loved the deep plum hue of the gown as well as the touch of lace around the collar that hid the scar on her neck.

Thoughts of the scar and the nightmare that had caused it threatened to steal her excitement in the day, so Luna locked them back into the mental box where she kept them and pulled on a pair of stylish yet sensible walking shoes.

She fashioned a few tendrils to curl around her cheeks before she pinned on a hat that had been a parting gift from some of her cousins. The straw hat featured a wide white taffeta ribbon around the crown and was currently adorned with plum roses that matched her gown.

Quickly pulling on a pair of gloves and checking to make sure she had money in her handbag, she rushed down the stairs and started out the front door, then wondered if she should lock it. Deciding it would be better to lock it than to leave the house open and unattended, she hurried to the back door and locked it before retracing her steps out front. She locked the door, pulled it shut, and rushed down the front steps.

She’d just made it to the bottom of the steps when she noticed a huge, brawny man studying her as he sat astride a big horse at the end of the walk. He owned powerful, broad shoulders and thighs that looked as big around as a tree trunk. The sunlight behind him obscured her ability to make out his features.

Uncertain who he was or what he wanted, she would have retreated into the house if she possessed a key to unlock the door. She’d definitely have to stop by Ilsa’s shop and inquire about a key before she returned to make dinner. Unless she wanted to build a fire out by the barn and cook over an open flame, she’d need to figure out a way to unlock at least one of the doors to the house.

“Howdy, little Luna. I reckon you don’t recognize me. It’s been a few years since our last visit to New York.” The man swung off the horse. Even standing on the ground, he still towered over her, but when he removed his hat, she smiled.

“Kade!” She took a few running steps and was soon wrapped in a warm hug of welcome by Caterina’s husband.

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