The Rescue (41 page)

“The manse does,” Billy told him, relaxing with this man as his wife had.

The men continued to speak of Billy’s work for a time, genuinely enjoying one another, before the baby began to fuss.

“Thank you for coming,” Lucy told Anne when she walked her to the door and hugged her goodbye.

“We’ll visit again,” Anne assured her as the men shook hands.

“I wanted to invite them to church,” Weston said the moment they were in the coach, “but I thought it might be best to wait for our next meeting.”

“I’ve invited Lucy over the years, but I don’t think anyone has ever reached out to Billy.”

“I’m glad to know that, and I’ll be sure Pastor knows about it before Billy starts the work there.”

Anne kissed his cheek. Weston took her hand, and they rode home in silence.

“That’s a nice coat,” Weston complimented his wife as they settled in the carriage for the ride to Tipton.

“Thank you. Your mother picked it out.”

“She has good taste,” Weston said as he picked up his wife’s hand and kissed the back. “And speaking of taste…” he let the sentence hang as he turned her hand over, shifted the sleeve of her coat and kissed the inside of her wrist.

Anne took her hand away.

“I think you need to behave.”

“It’s not my fault.”

Anne fought laughter.

“How do you figure?”

“It’s your skin. It’s so soft that I lose my head.”

“That was a charming thing to say.”

“Does that mean I can have your wrist back?”

Anne could only laugh.

They arrived at Tipton a short time later, spirits high. Anne was certain that her face was red with excitement and was thankful for the cover of darkness.

“Welcome.” Palmer was on hand to see them in, Lydia close behind. All seemed quiet and normal, and Anne thought they must have succeeded with their plan. A glance at her husband told her he didn’t suspect a thing.

“Shall we start in the salon, Liddy?” Palmer asked with all the unconcern of an actor.

“Indeed. You go right ahead, Anne and Weston.”

Moments later the doors were opened and ten friends came from behind chairs and curtains to shout their greetings of surprise. Weston’s mouth opened and closed, but no words emerged. The party-goers gathered around him, wishing him well with handshakes and hug, and Anne stood back and smiled.

“Where is my wife?” Weston was finally heard to say.

The crowed parted until Weston could see Anne.

“You, madam…” he began, still shaking his head, but he never got any further. The group was too busy laughing, and Anne had come up to take his hand. Weston dropped a kiss on her cheek, amazed that she’d pulled it off.

Games were played and food was enjoyed. Weston was blindfolded and made to guess the name of the person addressing him, even though the person was allowed to disguise his voice. Dessert was eaten and gifts were presented. Weston spent the entire evening laughing at how easily he’d been fooled.

As the evening ended and Anne and Weston made their way home, Weston turned in the carriage to stare at his wife. She was already watching him.

“I did it,” she said. “I fooled you.”

“You did that.” He shook his head a little more. “All this talk about finding me a gift at Benwick’s. I had no idea you were so deceitful.”

Anne only laughed, more than a little pleased with herself. Weston put an arm around her and pulled her close.

And that’s not the end of it
was Anne’s thought as she snuggled against his side.
You’ll find out just how sneaky I can be. Your real birthday isn’t until Tuesday, and I have a few more plans.

Levens Crossing

“We don’t have to do this,” Weston said, standing with Anne in the front yard of her old home. “We don’t have to let it or sell it.”

“Isn’t that rather a waste?”

“If it’s still standing empty a year from now, it would be a waste, but there’s no hurry to do this right away.”

It had taken weeks of slow work to go through everything. Anne had found things belonging to her parents she hadn’t known existed. She had read letters and studied papers that gave her special glimpses into her past. The overwhelming tone of it all had been that her parents had been very much in love, but life had changed forever when her mother died and her father grew ill.

Much of the sorting and reading had been done at Levens Crossing, but now it was complete. Most of the furniture had been sold or given away; a few pieces were moved to Brown Manor. Repairs had all been made and now the house stood clean and empty, ready for occupancy.

Anne didn’t think she would be this attached, but suddenly the thought of having strangers living there was sad to her.

“You’re right. It is too soon,” she said, thankful that Weston had given her a few moments to think. “Maybe in the spring I’ll think about it again.”

“That’s a fine plan. It’s not as if we know someone who’s in need just now.”

Anne’s face changed.

“What is it?”

“I was just thinking of Billy and Lucy. Their place is so small. Do you think they would ever desire to get out of town?”

“I don’t know. We can ask them.”

“They would be fine tenants, Weston. Billy is such a hard worker.”

Weston put his arm around her.

“You don’t have to convince me, love. If they want to live at Levens Crossing, that’s fine.”

“Thank you, Weston.”

“For what?”

“I don’t know. Always being so supportive, I guess.”

“Well, it’s a good start to the idea. I think maybe we should pray about it, ask God to lead, and watch for an opportunity to talk with them. What do you think?”

Anne nodded, feeling very good about the whole thing. Just looking at the house and thinking about her time there made her want to stay a bit longer, but the rain was coming back. Before they could even move to the carriage, the sky started to pour. Anne looked out the window as the coach pulled away, gaining a final glimpse and doing as her husband suggested: praying. If God wanted the Digbys to occupy Levens Crossing, He would show the way.

Brown Manor

“What’s this?” Weston asked when Anne set a wrapped box next to his plate at the end of dinner. They were alone in the dining room, and it was Weston’s actual birthday.

“Your birthday gift.”

“I thought the party was my gift.”

Anne didn’t comment. A smile in her eyes, she just watched him.

Weston gave her an indulgent look and tore at the paper. A moment later his look turned to one of excitement.

“Do you like it?” Anne asked anxiously.

“Yes!” Weston exclaimed as he brought out an enamel pocket watch. It was Swiss-made, beautifully painted, and when he pushed the pendant, a tiny bird sprang up and sang.

“Where did you find this?”

“Benwick’s.”

Playing with it like a child, Weston suddenly remembered to kiss and thank his wife.

“I didn’t expect this.”

“I didn’t expect you,” Anne said.

Weston’s eyes warmed when he looked at her. He set the watch aside and went to take her into his arms. Anne forgot all about the fact that a cake had been prepared and would arrive any moment. She went into her husband’s arms, wrapping hers tightly around him.

“I love you.”

“I love you.”

The two broke apart when they heard footsteps. They enjoyed the cake Cook had made, but as soon as they could manage, they retired in order to be alone.

Before they slept that night, Weston decided that the sweetest gift he’d ever received was having Anne for his wife. He would enjoy the watch and treasure it, but if he never had anything but Anne, he would know nothing but contentment.

Epilogue

Brown Manor
Christmas Day

“Happy Christmas,” Lenore greeted Weston and Anne when she arrived downstairs on that morning.

“Happy Christmas!” they greeted her, hugs and kisses all around.

The gift opening did not take long to commence. Everyone was as excited as children to give the gifts they had selected, and in order to start they were even prepared to forego eating.

“Weston!” Anne exclaimed when she unwrapped the first package he’d handed her. “These were my mother’s,” she said, her hand touching the linen tablecloths and napkins.

“Were they?” Weston said, working to look innocent.

Anne flew to his side, her arms going around his neck, while Lenore laughed in delight.

“He’s been so excited about that gift, Anne. He told me the moment I arrived.”

And that wasn’t all. Weston had also recovered a set of silverware, some silver serving dishes, and a small stack of music. Benwick thought he might have more in the storeroom, and would continue to look, but for now Weston’s surprise had been complete.

Anne had a few surprises of her own before the morning finished, and Weston and Lenore had their own hugs and thanks to dispense.

The day was spent in a relaxed fashion. It was cool outside, so the fires were kept high.

The three Westons sang around the piano, Anne played, and they visited and ate all during the day.

That evening they went to the Hursts’ to have a celebration with them, making the day complete. Anne couldn’t remember a sweeter time, but long and tiring as the day had been, she still had one more gift to give.

Back at Brown Manor, Jenny had helped her with her gown and brushed her hair—they had not rushed—but Weston had still not made an appearance. Anne crept to the door to see what he was about and found him reading a portion of newsprint. She came up and slipped her arms around him from behind, her cheek laid against his back.

“Something interesting?”

“Yes, I never did take the time to read this today, and there’s a new bank scandal in London.”

“Does it involve our bank?”

“No, but I wonder if it might eventually.”

Anne held him for a moment and then spoke.

“I have one more Christmas gift for you.”

“Do you?” Weston sounded as distracted as he was, but Anne kept on.

“A little news of my own.”

“Um-hmm.”

“We’re going to have a baby.”