The older womangot upand said, “I promised your dear mother that I would look after your welfare.” Her lips quirked in a knowing manner. “And that includes your future intended as well.”
Elise could feel her face heat as the lady swept from the room.
If only…
Chapter Twelve
At one that afternoon,Elise and Grannie were at theMiracle Mercantile awaiting the arrival of the afternoon stagecoach, the snow having slacked off enough where the wagon might actually make it through to the town.Elise nearly pressed her face against the glass like a child, anticipation flowingthroughherveins, not just because she would soon see Chauncey again and reassure herself of his welfare, but she was also curious about this Mr. Grimm. If he was the wonderful attorney that Grannie had assured her he was, then perhaps he could truly secure Mr. Cade’s release.
Either way,Elise didn’t know how she might pay Grannie back for everything she’d already done. It was nice enough that shehad beenable to bathe in a porcelain tubcomplete with running waterrather thancarry buckets to heat and fillthe old metal one she kept at the cabin. But then Grannie had insisted that the dresses in Elise’s wardrobe were too outdated to make a ‘good impression’ if Mr. Cade’s case went so far as to trial, so she insisted that theycheck and see what the mercantile had in stock as far asreadymadedresses. Fortunately,they happened to have two that perfectly fit Elise as if they were made especially for her.
Together with a new black fur cloak and a matching velvet bonnet with a long flowing veil, Elise hadcaught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and blinked, sureshe was staring at a different person. With her alabaster hair pinned and tucked beneath her hat, the focus was easily drawn to her face rather than her unique coloring. Attired in a deep plum gown of the latest fashion, Elise had to admit that she was almost unrecognizable from the simple flower seller who lived in the mountains.
Proof of her alteration came in the form of one of the boys she’d gone to school with in Charming. Although he was a grown man now, she recalled that Bobby Brownstone was one of her worst tormenters.
As theyhadpassed one anotherin themercantileaisle, he bumped into her. He instantly paused and tipped his hat. “I’m terribly sorry, miss.”
When hehadlooked at her, she waited for recognition to spark, but when it didn’t, she merelynoddedher head and moved on, although he hesitated, as though he wasn’t quite ready for their ‘chance’ meeting to be at an end. However, she didn’t wish to remain any longer than necessary and have him discover her true identity and be faced with thescorn that would surely follow as it generally did as the known daughter of a “witch.”
Earlier, before she’d entered the storewith Grannie at her side,theyhadpassed the wishing well in the center of town, and shefound that shewas inclined to linger there.She had looked at the stone circle and voiced her thoughts aloud, “Do you think it really works?”
“I can’t say,” Grannie had returned, “Although my father used to believe in the magic, so I suppose that’s all we can hope for.”
Elisehadrummaged around in her purse for a coin. Holding it in her gloved palm, she closed her eyes and thought of the one thing she truly wanted and then she let the coin fall into the darkened depths. “I suppose we’ll see,” she murmured, waiting for the sound of theplunkto follow, but hearing nothing but an eerie silence.
Now, as Elisewatched thestagecoach and fourpull toacreaking, shuddering stop, she coulddo nothing butpray that her single wish would come true.
Shewalked outside with Grannie andwaitedpatiently as the passengersbegan to disembark,watchingwhiletheir trunkswere unloaded. Some of the faces were animated,either chatting about their journey, or eager tocontinueon one.Eventually, one lone man separated himself from the rest. The moment Elise spied him she knew it had to be the infamous Mr. Grimm, for he carried himself rather serenely and was dressed in simple black and white with a top hot and shiny black shoes. He was tall, with an air of authority, but had a fond smile on his face ashe spied Grannie.
As he walked over to them,Elise could see that he was older than she’d originally imagined as he offered Grannie a slight bow.“It’s lovely to see you again, Granelda, even if I was distressed to receive such an urgent behest.”
Elise raised her brows when Grannie actually blushed. It was obvious there was a certain familiarity between them.
“It’s good of you to come so quickly, Jacob.As I stated in mymissive, there’s no time to waste.” She extended her arm. “Shall we proceed?It’s but a short walk back to the hotel.”
Asshestarted to leadtheway, Mr. Grimm offered hisarmand said, “Allow me.”
Grannie inclined her head as sheaccepted the assistance.WhenElise had joined heron the other side, shefound that shecouldn’t contain her curiosity any longer. “Just exactly whoisthis, Mr. Grimm?”she whisperedin her ear.
The older woman’s mouth pinched together. “Merely an old friend who I called upon to assist us with a delicate matter,”she returned just as covertly.
Elise snorted lightly. “Your interaction seemed a bit more involved than a simple friendship.”
Granniesniffed. “I’ll hear no more about it.” With that, she turned her head to the side and put an abrupt end toany more of Elise’s questions as Mr. Grimm joined them.
***
Chauncey was sitting on the cot in his cell, his head bowed and his elbows resting on his knees when the door to the jail opened. He expected to see Dwarfville, returning to offer more threats, but he quicklygot tohis feet when he spied Elise.
However, the differencetoher appearance was remarkable.Gone was the solitary girl whohadlived in the cabin on themountain. He’d always thought Elise was beautiful, but dressed as she was in her fancy plum and black attire, she was absolutely breathtaking. This was the confident lady that he had known, the one who had taken in a complete stranger so he wouldn’t freeze to death—and the woman he had fallen in love with.
“Chauncey!” There was no hesitation in her tone as she saw him and rushed forward. She grasped his hands through the iron bars with her gloved ones and squeezed gently. Her blue eyes searched him over and he smiled in spite of her concern. “Have they treated you well?”
He nodded. “The sheriff has been more than accommodating, considering the charges that have been brought against me.”
She sighed in obvious relief, and then said, “With any luck, we will do something about that.” She released him and turned to the older couple. “This is Granelda Charming. She runs the inn in town and is a trusted friend. And this,” she gestured to the gentleman, “Is Mr. Jacob Grimm, an attorney.”
He walked forward and extended his hand, which Chauncey shook. “I believe that I can help your plight, Mr. Cade.”
