Page 83 of A Forgotten Heart
Oh. She was talking about Nick.
Elsie picked up the bough and resumed her work. “Merritt, I love teaching. I love how the kids’ eyes light up when they finally understand, or how they take a hold of a concept and make it their own. Their sweet little gifts of wildflowers, and…and…”
“Being married is wonderful too.” Merritt’s voice had softened but was unapologetic.
Why couldn’t Elsie do both? Why couldn’t she keep teaching and marry Nick at the same time?
Merritt tied her bow onto the pine garland. “Have you finished your letter to Mr. Nelson?”
Elsie shook her head. After Merritt had taken her in, Elsie had told her dear friend everything. Falling for Nick five years ago, the breakup, life, her parents pushing her toward Arnold.
Merritt spoke kindly. “Elsie. Problems don’t simply disappear.”
“I know. But Mother will be so angry.” And she owed the Westons so much.
A knock on the door interrupted further conversation.
Elsie looked at the clock, heart leaping. It was still early afternoon. Was Nick here already?
She couldn’t contain the bubble of excitement rising inside of her as she smoothed her hair into place and moved toward the door.
She swung the door open wide.
But it wasn’t Nick on the other side.
As if their conversation had conjured him, Arnold Nelson stood before her wearing an expectant smile, looking dapper with his hat in his hand. The sight of him doused Elsie’s heart with icy water.
Her smile faded. “Arnold?”
It was jarring to see him here. Out of place in the doorway of her schoolroom.
Arnold’s smile didn’t falter. He stepped over the threshold, one hand reaching for her. “Darling.”
“Wh-what are you doing here?” she stammered, backing up a step.
He dropped his hand when he realized she hadn’t taken it. His attention flickered across the room. “It’s just how you described it in your letters. It has been too long. I’ve missed you.” He stepped toward her, reaching out again.
Panic swelled and she took another step away.
I want to start over. Nick’s words played in her mind.
In this moment, with her feelings for Nick at the forefront of her thoughts, it couldn’t be more obvious to Elsie that she and Arnold would never work.
What she felt for him was platonic friendship. Nothing more. What should she do now?
Awkwardness rose between them as he stared expectantly.
Merritt cleared her throat, and Arnold turned toward her as she fiddled with a bow in her hand.
He smiled. “I was so entranced with Elsie that I hadn’t realized someone else was in the room. Hello, I’m Arnold.”
Merritt nodded, but her eyes directed a message toward Elsie. “Elsie’s mentioned you.”
His smile broadened. “Did she?”
Arnold’s focus came right back to Elsie. “I read in the paper about the terrible blizzard, and I simply couldn’t wait until the New Year to see you. I was worried you’d be stranded or need help.”
Elsie’s stomach knotted. “We should talk.” Courage built in her chest.
