Edith and the Mysterious Stranger (17 page)

Edith laughed. Her laughter was light and
cheerful, and Martha laughed along with her.

“Mama, what if he doesn’t come?”

“Don’t worry. I know he’s coming.”

“How do you know?”

“Just a feeling.” Martha smiled and then
held up an envelope for her to see. “I have a letter for you that
was dropped by today. I’m sure it’s about tonight.”

Edith’s eyes brightened at the sight of the
envelope. “Did he tell you if he was coming?”

“Just read his response and see what he
says.”

She grabbed the envelope, tore it open, and pulled
out the note. As she unfolded it, Edith held her breath. Staring at
the words on the paper, she slowly let her breath out, and read,
“Seven-thirty tonight.”

Those were the only words on the note. Edith
swallowed and then looked up at her mother. Martha already knew
that he was coming, but she asked, just the same.

“Well? Is he coming?”

Edith nodded, not able to say a word. When it was
seven o’clock, she realized that her excitement had turned to
nervousness. And then she became pale as she started to question
herself and her feelings for this man. Doubts were coming in all
forms and directions. She was getting cold feet. The old feelings
were coming back. When she doubted the man’s ability to rise to her
expectations, she would not give the man another chance.

As she paced the floor, questions gradually invaded
her mind. What if he was not what she expected? What if he was dull
in person and exciting only in his letters? What if he had a long
nose and bulging eyes? What if he was way shorter than she? Heaven
forbid! That would be awful. Most men she met were shorter than she
was, and this dismayed her.

Oh my, this was not going well! Edith shook her
head. “No, if he had a long nose, I would love it. The person in
those letters is whom I care about, not his looks. Besides, we’re
only friends.” Then her eyes widened as she asked herself, “But
what if he doesn’t like me in person?”

After grabbing a bite to eat,
she brushed her hair once again so it lay smooth about her
shoulders. Then she walked to the sofa and sat down with a book.
She opened it and tried to read, but her mind was elsewhere. She
laid it on the sofa, took a deep breath, and let it out slowly,
hoping to release some tension. She could not sit still any longer,
so she
hopped up and ran to a mirror in the hallway and
checked her hair. Then she went into the kitchen to see how her
mother was doing.

When Martha looked up, she asked, “Why are you
so nervous?”

“Me? Nervous? Why do you ask?”

Martha slowly shook her head and pursed her
lips. “Edith, you’re my daughter. I can see when you’re anxious and
worried about something.”

“Oh.”

“Well?”

“What’s he like, Mama?”

“Don’t you know? You’ve been writing for several
months now.”

“I mean on the outside, not the inside.”

“Oh. Well, I think he’s good looking, but
everyone has his own expectations.”

A knock sounded at the door, and Edith’s eyes
widened as she gasped. “Mama, you get it.”

Martha shook her head. “I think it’s time for
the both of you to meet. I’ll be upstairs.”

Then she walked out of the kitchen and out of
sight. Edith stood frozen to the spot. Another knock came from the
door and she tried to move, but her feet were not obedient.
Nervousness had taken over, and she tried to overcome it by taking
a few deep breaths. Her hands were trembling with anticipation, and
her heart pounded furiously. When she noticed that her deep breaths
were making her faint, she decided that deep breathing was not such
a good idea after all. After a third knock, she let out a puff of
air and then walked toward the door and opened it.

Standing before her was a Spanish bandito. He
looked just like a desperado, and he fit the part perfectly. He was
dressed all in black. He had on black boots, pants, shirt and hat.
His black mask covered part of his nose and eyebrows, and all she
could see were his soft blue eyes gazing at her. Between her
uneasiness and her delight in seeing him, she was not sure how to
greet him. Should she extend her hand for a handshake or what?

Edith stood back and said politely, “Won’t you
come in, Señor Bandito?”

The bandito walked in with a grin on his face.
He shut the door behind him and then stood still as his eyes swept
over her. She was a vision of loveliness—breathtaking with her
rich, dark hair hanging softly to her shoulders and a red flower
next to her cheek. Her dark brown eyes sparkled with happiness and
her olive complexion glowed. He couldn’t help but notice how her
dress enhanced the gentle curves of her figure.

When Edith saw how he was looking at her, she
blushed and lowered her eyes. The way he was gazing at her made her
feel beautiful.

Seeing that he had embarrassed her, he quickly
spoke with a Spanish accent, “
Señorita, como estas
?”

Just hearing his voice sent her spirits soaring.
It was low and gentle. Edith raised her eyes and smiled. She knew
just a little Spanish and replied, “I’m fine, thank you. And
you?”

Afraid she would recognize his voice, he tried
to avoid speaking English. If he really needed to, then he planned
to whisper. He took her hand in his and said, “
Señorita
Bonita
,” which meant “Beautiful Lady.”

Then he bowed, tenderly lifted her hand, and
pressed his lips intimately against the back of her hand, sending a
tingling up her arm and to her heart. Edith’s eyes widened as she
blushed. “Señor, do you kiss the hand of every señorita you
meet?”

“
Solamente tu
.”

“Only me?” Edith’s eyes lowered once again and
she blushed a second time.

The bandito nodded. “
Sabes Español
?”

Edith shook her head. “No, I don’t know much
Spanish, Señor. Sorry.”

The bandito smiled as if amused by her shy
mannerisms. Still holding her hand in his, not wanting to let go,
he whispered, “Señorita, you surprise me. Why are you so reserved
with me? We have written to one another for several months now. I
believe we know one another better than the average couple. We have
told one another our innermost feelings and desires in life. Why
are you holding back?”

Edith shook her head and took a deep breath. “I
don’t know.”

The bandito smiled. Edith’s attitude was
amusing. His blue eyes studied her intently, searching for an
answer. She looked so appealing to him. As he gazed warmly upon
her, he realized this woman was very special—special to him. Not
only that, he had fallen for her and he knew it. There was no
question about it.

A strong desire to kiss her rose deeply within
him as his eyes trailed to her rosy lips. With an impulse of
tenderness, he took her by the shoulders and placed a gentle kiss
on her luscious lips.

He was surprised at the depth of his emotions.
Her closeness and tender kiss had their effects on him, causing his
heart to pick up speed and turn his senses to mush. He had not
planned to be so forward, but he could not help himself. He had
fallen in love with Edith.

Without hesitation, he pulled her into his arms
and deepened the kiss. When he noticed that she was kissing him
right back, he smiled inwardly and pulled her against his chest as
he kissed her a second time with just as much passion.

When the bandido released her lips and gazed
into her eyes, delicious warmth filled his inner soul. A rush of
love spread through him. He was smitten and he knew it. He ran his
hand down the softness of her dark tresses, feeling the thick curls
beneath his fingers. The scent of it smelled like rose water. She
smelled absolutely delicious. He gently touched her face, feeling
the smoothness of her skin beneath his palm. He noticed that she
took in a deep breath and blushed as he touched her cheek.

Unable to help himself, he cupped her face
in his hand and slightly lifted her chin, and then gently pressed
his warm lips to hers once again. He slowly enfolded her in his
arms and held her close, feeling the softness of her in his
embrace, caressing her back, and falling deeper in love than ever
before. Warmth enveloped him as he finally realized his true
feelings for her and his inner desires. It was definitely time to
go. He had lost his heart and had overstayed his visit.

He slowly stepped backwards as he gradually slid his
hands down her arms, causing her to gasp. He smiled as he took her
hands in his and squeezed them lovingly. When he gazed into her
eyes, he noticed that his touch had taken her breath away. This
made the bandido grin.

He quickly backed up, bowed, and then turned on his
heels and walked toward the door. He gave a wink over his shoulder
and said with a charming smile, “
Adios, Señorita. Vaya con
Dios
.” Then he closed the door behind him.

Edith was dazed and her breathing was shallow. She
swallowed and then drew in a breath, feeling a little lightheaded.
What had just happened? She knew what had happened. That kiss had
not only sent her a message of his adoring love, but it completely
changed their relationship. He had actually sealed his love with a
simple kiss. That was what had happened. In fact, it was more than
just a simple kiss. That kiss definitely had its effects on her,
causing her heart to beat erratically.

Edith was surprised when he had taken her
into his arms. It was completely unexpected. She was not only
unprepared, but she was surprised at the emotions spreading through
her. She felt happier than she had ever been in her entire life.
And she knew this was what it felt like to be in love and to be
cherished by another. His hands were strong and his gentle touch
made her heart sing. When he had pulled her into his arms, her
spirits rose, and a warm glow filled her heart. His lingering kiss
had made her heart skip several beats and she realized she could
not love anyone but this mysterious stranger.

From now on, she would not think of him as just a
friend. She knew that much. Not after that delectable kiss. Not
after it had made her feel wanted and needed.

Edith collapsed upon the sofa. As she tried to
relive what had just happened, she realized that his voice was low
and pleasant sounding. She was not disappointed in him at all.

“
Vaya con Dios
,” she thought to herself. She
knew what that meant. He had told her, “May God be with you.” She
smiled to herself.

That was such a nice thought.
She relaxed into the comfort of the sofa with a smile playing at
the corners of her
mouth
.
Edith’s mind lingered
on his words and his intimate kiss.
Her eyes
closed as she recalled the evening and the softness of his lips
once again…and again…and again.

The Halloween party at Gilbert and Melinda’s
home had been going on for an hour. The atmosphere was joyous. The
laughter of excitement and friendship filled the room. Everyone was
dressed in festive colorful costumes except for Joseph. When
Gilbert questioned him, he claimed to be a champion bronco rider.
Gilbert burst into laughter.

While Gilbert was talking to Henry and Joseph,
Melinda was seated on the sofa, listening to the men’s
conversations. Gilbert was telling the men about the wonderful
change of attitude that had come over David when Edith arrived in
her Spanish Senorita costume.

As the family entered, Melinda stood and greeted
them. William gave her a little hug and then joined the men to
chat, while Martha and Edith sat beside Melinda and asked how she
had been doing.

“Oh, I’m much better. I have a tougher time
getting up from the sofa, but that’s all. At least I’m not waddling
like a duck, as of yet.”

The women’s laughter spread through the room
and drew the men’s attention. Edith noticed Henry watching her
intently, grinning from ear to ear. And Joseph’s countenance was
sober and intense as his eyes met hers.

Melinda took Edith’s hand in hers and they
leaned toward each other, heads touching. She looked into Edith’s
eyes and whispered, “So, tell me about tonight. How did it go?”

“Oh.” It came out breathlessly. “It was
wonderful. He was wonderful. Everything was wonderful.”

“Is that the only description you know?”

“Breathtaking!” she blurted out.

Melinda laughed under her breath. “Do you
know who the mysterious stranger is yet?”

Edith instantly became serious. “Melinda, I
don’t know who he is. There’s one thing that I feel certain about,
though.”

“And what’s that?”

“I believe he’s someone that I haven’t even
met.”

“But how about Henry?”

“Henry’s kind, intelligent, diplomatic, and
a well-mannered gentleman. But at the same time he’s so confident
and sure of himself that I fear he would always be right, and I
would always be wrong, no matter what subject we discuss. But on
the other hand, he’s just so darn sweet, wants to help me all the
time, always complimenting me, and treating me like a defenseless
female.”

Melinda giggled, covering her mouth with her
hand.

Martha smiled and then rested her hand upon her
daughter’s and said, “How about Joseph?”

Edith rolled her eyes in dismay. “I don’t
know, Mama. I don’t really want to talk about it. Okay?”

Martha nodded and smiled, as if pleased for
some reason.

Melinda was eager to know more details of the
evening, so she whispered softly, “Tell us about the visit with
your mysterious stranger.”

Edith smiled. “Melinda, he’s so special. He’s more
than I had expected.”

Melinda said anxiously, “Tell me what happened to
bring on this mood of yours.”