Page 77 of Dear Henry, Love Edith
Henry caught the napkin in one hand, turned, and threw it into the trash. When he turned back, the light had gone out of his eyes, and he was wearing the same expression he had on when she first entered the kitchen.Defeat.
“Henry, is everything all right?”
He absently ran his hand back and forth across the back of his neck, slowly shaking his head side to side. “Not really.”
She stared, waiting for him to elaborate.
“I went out for coffee and scones this morning.”
“Yeah,” she said, drawing the word out in question.
“What I mean is, I went to Julie’s bakery.” He finally met her gaze again. “And it’s worse than I realized.”
She had a feeling where this was heading. “Does this have anything to do with the engagement?”
He nodded. Then with a sigh, he retrieved a newspaper she hadn’t noticed sitting on the counter and slid it toward her. On the front page was the picture of the two of them and the baby, looking like the all-American family, with the headline “ENGAGED COUPLE RESCUES BABY.”
Edith knew she could catch flies with the way her mouthgaped open, but she couldn’t help it. “The front page?” She lifted the paper, examining the picture more closely. “Look at us. This is ridiculous.”
She couldn’t help the bubble of laughter that escaped. “I’m looking at you like you’re a returning war hero or something. How did they get this picture? I mean, Iknowhow they got this picture. I was there. But is this really what we looked like? All googly-eyed and—” She stopped herself before she saidin love.
“Oh, well,” she said, tossing it back on the island. “It’s a small town. I don’t imagine that many people still read the newspaper, right?”
“It’s not just a town newspaper. It’s regional. It covers several counties. And lots of people around here still read it.”
“You’re kidding.”
Henry shook his head.
“Okay. Still. It’s just a picture.”
“Edith, did you even look at the article? This is more than just a picture. This is a public engagement announcement.” He sank onto the stool next to her. “You should have seen everyone at the coffee shop this morning.” He dragged his hands through his hair. “I haven’t had so many people that proud of me since... I mayneverhave had so many people that proud of me.”
They sat in silence for several minutes. Finally Edith asked, “What do we need to do?”
“I don’t know.” Henry looked at the picture in the paper again, then ran a hand down his face. “I don’t know,” he said again as he stood and began to pace.
Edith had time to finish one scone and was halfwaythrough another before Henry stopped blazing a trail between the refrigerator and the sink and settled into the stool next to her.
“Edith,” he said hesitantly. So hesitantly that Edith instinctively slid the remainder of her coffee and scone away from her and turned to face him. She had a feeling whatever he was about to say required some space.
Several beats of silence passed before he said, “Why can’t it be true?”
“Henry.”
“No, I mean it. Why can’t we be engaged?”
“You know why.”
“I don’t.” He reached for her hands. “Seriously, Edith. Why? I know you care for me. I know youloveme. You said so in your letter.”
“No.” Edith tried tugging her hands away. “No. That’s not... the exact verbiage... Besides, I’m leaving, remember? I’m leaving.”
“Why?”
“I told you. I’ve already gone down the marriage route. I’m no good at it, remember?”
“It’ll be different this time.”
