“I hope you have an enjoyable afternoon, Ellie. This will be a wonderful time for you and Carter to get to know each other better.” The older woman smoothed out the skirt of her dress. “I’m so glad to know you won’t have to spend the day alone.”
Eleanor could hardly think, let alone figure out what to say. She gave Marvella a slight smile and nod. She was almost desperate enough to try and pray her way out of the situation. ...
“Hello, Mrs. Ashbury, Miss Briggs.”
The soft voice of Mrs. Andrews floated up into the surrey. Eleanor whipped around and found the dark-haired beauty and her husband approaching their conveyance.
“Well, hello, Mr. and Mrs. Andrews,” Marvella chirped. “You are both looking quite dapper this fine Sunday morning.”
Mrs. Andrews blushed prettily. “You’re kind, Marvella.” Her gaze shifted to Eleanor. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Miss Briggs. I was wondering if you were free for lunch this afternoon. Mark and I would like to host you in our home if you’re agreeable.”
Eleanor’s heart pounded. Had God actually heard her feeble prayer? She swallowed. It was unlikely. Yet she felt a keen sense of gratitude.
“Oh, you’re too kind, Rebecca. But Miss Briggs was—oof!” Marvella squeaked and looked at her husband. “Now just what was that about, my dear?”
Eleanor looked at the Judge, who dropped a wink her way. “I think Miss Briggs is capable of answering for her own schedule.”
She could have given the man a hug. She glanced over at Carter, who was observing the whole fiasco with a bemused smile. Eleanor tipped her head toward the Andrewses, hoping he would understand her nonverbal question.
He nodded and gave her a little wave.
Relief rolled through her. “I would be delighted to join you for lunch, Mrs. Andrews.”
“Wonderful!” Mrs. Andrews smiled. “Our house is just a few blocks from here. It’s a lovely day for a walk.”
Eleanor turned to her hosts. Marvella’s mouth was clamped shut, but her eyes still sparkled. The Judge’s smile was wide and easy. “Go have fun with your friends, Eleanor.”
“Thank you.” She whispered and turned to get out of the surrey. Carter was there, his hand extended. She slipped her fingers into his grasp, tingles racing up her arm. Once she was on the ground, she snatched her hand back. “Iapologize I won’t be able to join your family for lunch today.”
Carter grinned. “It’s quite all right, Ellie. Mom and Dad will miss your company, but I think time with Mark and Rebecca will be enjoyable for you. They’re two of my favorite people in Kalispell.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” Mark’s voice cut into their conversation. He shook Carter’s hand with a grin. “If you don’t mind, friend, we need to steal Miss Briggs.”
Eleanor bit her lips together as Carter held up his hands and stepped back as Mark Andrews offered his arm to her. “Are you ready?”
She nodded and rested her hand lightly on his arm. His wife leaned forward and grinned. “I’m so pleased this worked out.”
“I am too.” Excitement bubbled up into her voice. Maybe Godhadheard her prayer today. If so, it was the best one He’d answered in a long time.
The Andrewses’s house was cozy and warm. Rebecca and Mark—they had insisted on being called by their first names—made Eleanor feel welcome. Over their delicious lunch, they asked Eleanor questions about growing up on the East Coast. Rebecca even shared a few stories about growing up in Chicago. And Mark had them laughing with incidents out at his dad’s ranch when he was little.
Eleanor couldn’t remember a time when she felt so full, both physically and emotionally. She actually felt like she could become good friends with the Andrewses. And she hadn’t had good friends in a very long time. After the meal,Mark waved off Eleanor’s offer to do the dishes. “I do them on Sundays, and I know Rebecca has been itching to have time with you.”
His wife let out a laugh. “You’re making me sound obsessed.”
Eleanor laughed along with the couple. “I will confess, I’ve been longing to get to know you better too.”
“See?” Rebecca patted Mark on the hand. “Shewantsto be my friend.”
Mark plunged his hands into the soapy water and let out a chuckle. “Go have fun, you two. But if my wife starts grilling you, just say the word. She can get a bit intense.”
Rebecca stood. “Don’t listen to him, Eleanor. We are going to have a lovely time. Would you like to sit out back with me? It’s a small yard, but it is comfortable for an afternoon chat.”
“I would love that.” Eleanor followed her hostess out to their small yard, pleased to find a small swing close on the small back porch.
The two women sat and Rebecca ran her hand along the smooth wood of the swing. “Mark surprised me with this when we moved in.” She smiled. “Living in the city, I’d never had one. But there is something so soothing about being able to sit and swing. Almost like I’m a little girl again.”
Eleanor relaxed into the back of the swing. “I agree. The Brunswicks have a big one on their home porch. I think Mrs. Brunswick and I sat out there for hours, just enjoying the scenery.”
