“Surely one is never too busy to marry the love of their life.” Mrs. Jenkins’s voice took on an air of romantic charm. “They were blessed enough to find each other again. I’d say they’ve already had a lengthy engagement.”
“That’s my way of looking at it,” Isaac agreed. He looked at Addie and smiled.
Addie returned his gaze with a scowl. The entire table conversation was now devoted to her marrying Isaac. Howcould she hope to make them understand that this would never happen? Without simply declaring herself to be a soiled woman damaged by the life imposed on her, how could Addie hope for them to understand?
Pearl seemed most sympathetic, and when a lull in the conversation came, she spoke up. “I do believe it’s important to take such things slowly. Especially with so many years between childhood promises and where you are now. I would never encourage either of you to rush into anything. The years have a way of altering feelings and plans.”
“It hasn’t altered my feelings for Addie, unless it has made them stronger,” Isaac assured.
“I hardly think a dinner table is the place for such declarations,” Pearl said before Addie responded. “Perhaps you might save this for another time.”
Isaac continued looking at Addie. She knew the look on her face was one of pleading mingled with rage, praying he would drop the matter and let them return to innocent topics of the fair and life in Seattle. Addie had to force herself to remain seated. She longed to run from the room and put the entire matter behind her.
Isaac finally nodded. “Yes, I suppose you are right. Forgive me for my excitement in the matter. I’ve only just found Addie after a long many years of searching. I’m afraid my enthusiasm often gets the best of me.”
“It’s not a problem to us,” Mrs. Jenkins replied. “As spiritual leaders for our congregants, we have often had strange topics of discussion at our dinner table.”
“Indeed, we have,” the pastor countered. “And there are sure to be many more. At least a wedding is a pleasant topic.”
The rest of the dinner went off without any additionalreference to Addie and Isaac marrying. Addie felt exhausted by the time they rose to make their way to the expo. She thanked the pastor and his wife for a delicious lunch and then waited outside while Pearl and Otis said their good-byes. Thankfully, Isaac lingered behind and made no attempt to speak with her.
“Well, that was most uncomfortable,” Pearl said as they took their seats on the trolley. “I’m so sorry you had to endure that, Addie.”
“It’s over with now. I can’t blame them for their reaction to Isaac’s comments. He’s the one I hold accountable. He should never have brought up anything about marriage.”
“No, he shouldn’t have.”
“The boy clearly does love you, Addie,” Otis said, rubbing his mustache. “I’ve never seen anyone more taken by a potential mate, unless of course it was me.” He smiled at Pearl. “I was and remain completely devoted to this lady.”
Addie smiled. “You two are wonderful together. I’ve never seen two people better suited. Now, let’s just forget the lunch and conversation there. I want to put it aside and focus on the work at hand. The camera sales have been quite spectacular, and I want to see them continue that way.”
“Oh, indeed they have.” Otis shifted in his seat. “I sent off another order with a request for rush delivery. It costs extra, but we must have them. People are enjoying the cameras, and I know we’ll sell out this week if not next.”
Addie could hear the excitement in his voice. It pleased her that the plan had been successful. “The girls have done a good job of taking photographs and convincing folks that they too can master the camera for themselves.”
“I’ll soon have enough money to buy my own place downtown,”Otis said. “It will be the culmination of all my dreams and plans.”
Addie was glad she could be a part of that. Pearl and Otis were precious to her, and she wanted only for them to have what they needed and desired. They were good, sensible people, and their dreams were too. They weren’t looking for riches and wealth, just a way to make a living that would keep them comfortable for the rest of their days.
She thought of her cottage and the life she had planned to live there. It angered her that some unknown stranger had stolen that from her. It made her even angrier that she had allowed it.
“I think I’m going to return to my cottage soon.”
“Oh, but it’s only been a few days,” Pearl said, taking hold of Addie’s arm. “Don’t rush back. There could be another break-in.”
“Why should there be?” Addie asked. “Whoever broke in now knows that there is nothing of value to be had. Why would they return?”
“Well, someone else who hasn’t tried to rob the place might get the same idea. I’m not trying to scare you, but wouldn’t it just be better to stay with us until after the expo closes?” Pearl asked.
“That’s months away, and while I enjoy living with you and Otis, I want my own home.” Addie glanced around the trolley, hoping no one was listening to her. “I’ve been thinking about what you said regarding fear and doubt. I’ve let both run my life for far too long. I need to take steps toward ridding myself of those chains.”
“I know I encouraged you to cast aside fear and doubt, but not at the risk of putting yourself in danger.”
“Now, Pearl,” Otis joined in, “we must trust that Addie knows what God is calling her to do. We must all have faith that God will guide her and that she will listen. Isn’t that the better way?”
Addie looked at Pearl. “I can’t say that I’m past all fear and doubt—that would be a lie. But I am trying hard to overcome, and I want to trust God for my future. In order to do so, I need to return to the cottage. I know that’s where I’m supposed to be.”
Later that day, after the expo closed the shops, Addie made her way to the cottage, still thinking of her conversation with Pearl and Otis. With each step closer to the little house, Addie felt more and more apprehension. Was this the right thing to do? Had she just imagined that this was the direction God was leading?
