Page 515 of Conveniently Wed
Lorinda hadn’t seemed like herself since Tuesday when she finally agreed to become his wife. He could tell something was wrong. He wished he knew what. Like any man, he’d do anything he could to make her comfortable and happy. He wasn’t used to this feeling of helplessness that consumed him whenever he entered his own home.
“Can you tell us what your favorite color is, Lorinda?” Pastor Nelson’s wife, Mary, smiled at his intended.
He knew he was an intruder, sitting there on the porch listening to the conversation inside, glad he had a good line of sight to what was happening. He wanted to see if he could find out what was affecting Lorinda. Maybe in the conversation between the women, she’d let a hint slip out. He just didn’t know how to go about it any other way.
“I like lots of colors.” Lorinda’s voice didn’t carry quite as well as the others. He had to strain to hear her. “Maybe I should wear blue.”
He could picture her in a soft blue dress that would match the color of her eyes, with her blonde curls shining in the sunlight. She was a real beauty. At first after she came to stay with them, she kept that hidden. But as she felt more comfortable, she relaxed and revealed her inner and her outer beauty.
“I’m so glad the Fuller sisters came to town last year to open their side-by-side businesses. Millie is such a good seamstress.” Mary Nelson took a handkerchief from her handbag and dabbed at the moisture on her forehead. July was really hot this year. “I heard she received a new shipment of watered silk last week. Perhaps we should take you into town, Lorinda, so you could pick out what fabric you like from her stock.”
“Oh, I couldn’t do that.”
Mrs. Oleson nodded emphatically. “Of course, you can.”
Maybe that’s what was bothering Lorinda. She didn’t have enough money to pay for her trousseau. Franklin stood andambled toward the front door, making plenty of noise so the women would know he was coming.
The voices stilled as he opened the front screen door and let it fall shut behind him.
He stopped in the doorway to the parlor. “Mrs. Oleson, could I have a word with you in my study?”
“Of course.” She quickly arose and followed him.
The two women left in the parlor started talking softly, but he couldn’t understand a word they said.
“What can I do for you, Franklin?” His housekeeper waited for him to speak.
“I have to make a confession. I was on the porch and heard some of your conversation.”
Her eyebrows rose before she gave a slight nod.
“I want to give you enough money to pay for Lorinda’s dress...and maybe one of those hats the women like to wear. But I’m not sure I want my bride in one as elaborate as some of the women wear to church.”
She chuckled. “I’m sure you don’t. I know Flora could make a very becoming bonnet that won’t overpower Lorinda’s beauty.”
He joined her laughter. “Wouldn’t want that. Now how much do you think you need? And be generous about it.”
“I don’t want you to do this.”
Mrs. Oleson had never countermanded any of the things he asked before.
“Why not? Lorinda deserves a lovely wedding day.”
“Of course, she does.” His longtime friend rubbed her hands down her skirt, as if her palms were perspiring.
He’d never seen her do that before. Something must be bothering her as well.
“Lorinda feels like the daughter I never had, Franklin. I want to buy her dress and hat. It will give me great pleasure to makeher lovely for your wedding.” A smile spread across her face, lighting up the room.
“I can understand that. I’ll give you that privilege.” He put his arm around her shoulders. “We’ll want you to fill a void in Michael’s life...as his grandmother.”
Tears glistened in her eyes. “I will love that. He already feels like my grandchild.”
Franklin watched her walk back toward the parlor, and an idea slipped into his mind. Mrs. Oleson was going to outfit Lorinda for the wedding, but he wanted to have a part in the wedding, too. Tomorrow, he would go into town and visit all three jewelry stores. He wanted something special to give her, besides his mother’s pearls.
Excitement and anticipation filled him. More than anything had since Miriam had broken his heart. Funny how he could think about his old fiancée’s name now without the deep hurt crashing through him.
When had his pain started to ease?
