Page 337 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

“A week, I think. Or I could adjust this one. I would need to add a diamond or two. I have some good ones in the back. I could have that done tomorrow.”

Alex nodded. “Yes, do that. I would also like the inside engraved.”

Jakob handed him a piece of paper and Alex wrote three words on it. “Anna” and “San Francisco.”

Alex glanced at Anna and held up the ring. “You like this one? You want me to have it as my wedding ring?”

Anna nodded enthusiastically.

Alex handed Jakob the ring and the store owner wrote some information on a sales slip. “I have your information from your other rings. Would you like to take hers with you today?”

“No. I’ll leave it here and pick it up tomorrow.” He glanced at Anna, realizing it would be unlikely that they would leave their bedroom tomorrow. “Or have someone pick it up.”

“Very good, Herzog.”

Chapter 155

Anna ran shaking hands over her dress as Tony drove the SUV around the circular driveway that led to the Gutshaus. The mansion was even more imposing in the daylight, with its aged stone walls that exuded a regal charm. The windows were framed with elaborate stone carvings. Tall decorative chimneys punctuated the roofline with smoke drifting lazily from the tops, assuring Anna of the warmth inside the massive structure.

She shifted in her seat. Her new piercings were beginning to ache.

Tony parked the SUV at the front door where Lukas awaited them. Tony opened the vehicle door and Alex got out, then turned to help Anna out of the car. Alex swept Anna off her feet, kissed her, and then carried her inside.

“What was that for?” Anna giggled as he put her on her feet.

“A groom always carries his bride over the threshold. It’s bad luck not to.”

“Alex, the rest of the family is eager to meet your bride.” Wilhelm nodded toward the stairs.

Anna eyed the stairs with apprehension. Walking was rather uncomfortable at the moment. Alex noticed, swept her up into his arms again, and hurried up the stairs behind his father.

The upstairs sitting room was filled to capacity with people that could only be Alex’s family. The resemblances were uncanny. Men, women, and children chatted cheerily as Alex carried Anna up the stairs. A chorus of German exclamations filled the room as he put her on her feet. Anna noticed Gretchen sitting on the couch, her expression one of surprise. Anna found it odd, but pushed the thought aside as Alex began introducing her to his extended family.

Wilhelm had three brothers younger than himself—Friedrich, Albrecht, and Heinrich. Ilsa had two sisters—Lore and Hanne. Hanne was married to Wilhelm’s brother, Heinrich. Alex rattled off the other names so quickly Anna got lost. She smiled as they nodded at her, but she couldn’t for the life of her remember who went with which name.

Anna was thankful Alex stayed by her side. His family was very nice and friendly, but the sheer number of them was very overwhelming. They all spoke English, though some were easier to understand than others. Alex explained that learning to speak English was required in German education.

Alex guided Anna to a couch and they chatted with members of his family. At one point Seth approached and raised his eyebrows at Alex, who excused himself, kissing Anna and saying he’d be back shortly. She sat quietly as the conversation around slowly switched to German and stared at her hands.

Gretchen scooted closer, along with Liesl and a couple of the female cousins. Anna looked at them, apprehension filling her chest.

“Do you speak any German, Anna?” Gretchen spoke in a pleasant tone, which immediately put Anna on guard, though she wasn’t sure why.

Anna smiled apologetically. “I only know a few words.”

“You came here to marry Alex and you didn’t bother to learn his language? That is rather rude.” Gretchen giggled and looked around at the other women, who nodded in agreement.

“I didn’t come here to marry Alex. I had no idea...” Anna searched the room desperately for Alex, but he was nowhere to be seen. “I didn’t even want to come. Alex sent for me.”

“He sent for you?” Liesl raised her eyebrows. “What does that mean?”

“I—‍” Anna didn’t know how to answer. She didn’t think she should say that she was Alex’s slave and had to obey him. She shrugged and looked at her hands. “He wanted me to come see him.”

“Why wouldn’t you want to come see Alex?” a cousin asked, amazed. Anna didn’t remember her name. “I thought all women in America were in love with him.”

“Why did you marry him?” Gretchen asked. “There are a lot of women who would love to be in your shoes. Alex has never lacked for female companionship.”

The way Gretchen said that made Anna’s stomach churn, though thankfully not with nausea. Alex had said that Gretchen had a thing for him in the past. She obviously still did. Had Alex ever had feelings for Gretchen?

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