“Addie, are you all right?” Mary asked, coming up to where she and Isaac sat. “Are you sick?” She reached out to touch Addie’s arm. “I came to walk with you back to the photography studio and saw you come this way instead.”
“I’m fine.” Addie got to her feet. “Really I am. Isaac, it was nice to see you, but I have to get back to work. We’ll have to talk another time.”
“Addie, I hope we can talk about ... things ... soon.” He was on his feet and took hold of her hand. “Please.”
She nodded. “I owe you that much, but right now I’m too busy. Perhaps after church tomorrow.” She wasn’t at all sure why she’d recommended that, but now that it was out of her mouth, Addie decided not to take it back.
“All right, may I take you to lunch?”
Addie said nothing but gave a nod before turning away to join Mary. “I’m glad you showed up,” she told her friend.
“Was he bothering you?”
“No, nothing like that. Isaac is a good man. He loves me quite dearly.”
Mary smiled. “Are you two planning to marry?”
“We were at one time. I just don’t think that will work out now. Too much has happened since we spoke our promise to one another.”
An odd look crossed Mary’s face. “Too much for true love?”
Addie shrugged. “I believe so.”
At least he had her word to meet him tomorrow. Isaac fully intended to hold Addie to her promise. He would plansome simple picnic for their lunch, and that way he could have her to himself. Elizabeth’s cook would be able to help him.
“Why do you bother with her?” a female voice asked.
Isaac turned to find one of the Camera Girls looking at him. She was very pretty, and her green eyes were quite startling.
“I’m afraid we’ve not been introduced.”
“I’m Esther Danbury. Addie is my boss and not at all a very nice one.”
Isaac laughed, bringing on a scowl from Esther. “I’m sorry,” he apologized. “It’s just that I’ve known Addie since we were children, and she’s always been very nice. I’ve never known anyone to speak against her that way.”
“Well, she’s not nice to me. She threatens me all the time and promises me trouble. I’ve tried to please her, but it seems she has something against me.” She gave a shrug. “It seems she also has something against you.”
“My affairs are none of your concern.” Isaac felt irritated with the young woman. Her beauty was apparently only skin-deep.
“I didn’t mean to offend you, mister,” Esther said, frowning. “I tend to speak my mind. I forget that not everyone appreciates that. I hope you’ll pardon me for being so open.”
“Of course,” Isaac replied. “Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
He headed off toward Pay Streak. His annoyance at Esther’s comments seemed to follow him through the exposition. Despite the growing crowds, Isaac had never felt more alone. He wanted to keep his spirits up. After all, Addie agreed to meet him after church. But there was something that seemed so final in her look and tone.
Father, I’ve tried to give this to You over and over, but itwould seem each time I slip back to take it with me rather than leave it in Your hands.Isaac continued to pray as he walked through the mass of people.
You’re my only hope. If You don’t change Addie’s heart, I fear I’ll lose her. Please, Lord, don’t take her from me.
Isaac made his way home and found Elizabeth instructing the housekeeper when he came in. She glanced his way, but Isaac turned to go into the music room, knowing that if she saw his expression, she’d know something was wrong.
He didn’t make it far before she caught up to him. “Isaac, what is it?”
“What is what?” he asked innocently.
“Don’t play games with me.” She closed the pocket doors behind her and motioned to the settee. “Sit and tell me everything.”
He sighed and unbuttoned his coat. He waited until she sat before joining her. “Why do you always seem to know when something is wrong?”
