Edith and the Mysterious Stranger Read online

  Later that night, as she lay in bed, she could not help but wonder why it was so difficult for her to accept a man at face value. Why did she find fault with every man she came upon?

  Well, no matter what sort of sweetness came from any man’s lips, she was determined not to give her heart to anyone too easily. No matter what! Her shield was up, and she would protect her heart. The man she chose had to endure to the end for her. He would never give up on her.

  Was she expecting too much?

  Chapter 14

  The Third Letter

  “Well? Tell me what he said,” Melinda whispered. “You’ve finally got your third letter. I can’t wait.”

  Edith watched Melinda as she cleaned up the picnic they had had in the meadow. The meadow was not too far from their home. According to Edith, the little jaunt should not have caused any cramping. Melinda sat near the tablecloth gathering up the leftovers and the plates, putting them into the basket.

  Gilbert lay on the grass with his hands under his head for support. His eyes were closed, and he was resting with his hat tipped toward his eyes for shade. John was chasing after their mongrel dog Shep, and David had asked Jenny to take a walk with him. So they were all alone except for the sleeping man lying beside Melinda.

  Edith looked over at Gilbert and saw his chest rising and falling with each breath he took. He was probably asleep and would not hear much. So, she took a chance.

  With excitement rising from every fiber of her being, she whispered, “Oh Melinda, I got the most wonderful letter. Do you remember what I wrote to my friend?”

  “Of course. I was absolutely shocked at your letter. I felt you were being too headstrong. So how did he respond to it?”

  “I brought the letter with me. Here, let me read it to you.”

  Edith looked over at Gilbert, and he had not budged. She pulled the letter from her pocket and smoothed it out on her lap. Then she said softly, “My Dear Charming Friend.”

  Melinda immediately held her hand up in front of Edith. “Whoa! Stop! What did you just say?”

  “Charming friend.”

  “Charming? Wow, how romantic! I’d like to be called charming.” Then with an accusatory tone, she said, “But I thought you didn’t like gushy words.”

  “Don’t get me wrong, Melinda. I love a compliment just like any other woman. I hate flattery. There’s a difference, you know.”

  Melinda nodded. “Well, I would still like to be called charming.”

  Edith grinned, then turned to the letter and continued:

  My Dear Charming Friend,

  After reading your letter, I presumed that you wanted me to know how strong your opinions were before we continued our friendship. This amused me quite a bit. It was as if you wanted to make sure I still wanted to write after you told me how strong-minded you were. For example, it would either chase me away or I would be captivated by your personality. To let you know, I felt it was quite refreshing. I’m glad you have definite opinions. I get tired of flirtatious women with no opinions of their own who hide their feelings behind a facade and never show their true selves until after marriage.

  I, too, have definite opinions. My personality is not domineering, though. In fact, quite the opposite. I allow others to have their opinions and usually try to respect them. In fact, I believe that respect is very important in a relationship, especially between a man and a woman.

  From now on, I will call you my “Charming Friend” for that is what you are. You fascinate me with your opinions and I would enjoy continuing our friendship.

  Sincerely,

  Your Friend

  Melinda swallowed before talking. She was in awe. Then she whispered, “You fascinate me with your opinions? Oh, my. I like him already. I didn’t know that a man could talk so romantic.”

  A deep, low chuckle startled the two of them. Gilbert lay with a grin on his face, tipping his hat back with his fingers so he could look at Melinda.

  “That note sounds like he’s sweet-talking her, if you ask me. I wouldn’t trust a sweet-talking man. He’s got too much honey in his letter. I say, dump him and I’ll introduce you to a real man, someone that’s mighty fine, a down-to-earth man.”

  Melinda looked at Gilbert with feigned disgust. “Ha! You don’t understand. Women like sweet talk.”

  Gilbert chuckled once again. “Melinda, do you really like sweet talk?”

  “Of course, Gilbert. What woman doesn’t?”

  “Hmmm, how would you react if I told you that you bewitch me? That you have me under your spell? Would you swoon?” His eyes had a bit of mischief in them as he looked up into her eyes. “What would you say if I told you that you had the ‘bear’s ethereal grace’ or the ‘bland hyena’s laugh’ or the ‘neck of the giraffe’? By the way, those aren’t my words. They’re Lewis Carroll’s. But I think they’re quite romantic. Don’t you?”

  Melinda narrowed her eyes at Gilbert. He was making fun of her, and she knew it. She quickly reached under the shrub next to her and gathered a bunch of grass and leaves. With both hands filled, she leaned over and dropped them on Gilbert’s face. He was ready for her and immediately grabbed her arms and carefully pulled her on top of his chest, chuckling the whole time. Then he wrapped his arms around her and held her tight as he shook the leaves off his head.

  “Hey, woman! What are you trying to do to me? Didn’t my sweet talking work?”

  Melinda tried to get loose, but his hold was too strong. She laughed as she struggled for freedom. “Let go of me, you old sweet talker, you!”

  “I will if you tell me something.”

  Melinda gradually relaxed in his arms and asked, “What?”

  “Would you like me better if I sweet-talked you? Tell me honestly now.”

  Melinda thought for a moment. “I guess not. I love you just the way you are. I wouldn’t want you to change.”

  Gilbert grinned. “I thought so.”

  “But a little sweet talk wouldn’t hurt.”

  Gilbert slid one hand up to her neck and pulled her close to him. Raising his head up, he kissed her firmly on the lips and said, “I love you, Sweetheart.” He grinned. “That’s all the sweet talk I have inside of me. Sorry.”

  Melinda looked into his eyes and smiled. “That’s all I need, Gilbert. No more, no less.”

  He smiled as he enfolded her in his arms, but this time he kissed her gently and lovingly with a lingering kiss. Then he allowed her to roll out of his arms and lie down beside him. Melinda gazed at the delicate puffy clouds floating in the sky. Unconsciously, she placed her hand upon the roundness of her belly and sighed.

  Chapter 15

  Melinda, Self-Willed Woman

  The sound of the rooster in the background awoke Gilbert from his sleep, but Melinda did not stir. She was breathing evenly and was in a deep sleep. He rolled over on his side and watched her as she slept. As he gazed upon her, marveling at her beauty, he thought how lucky he was to have her. His eyes studied every curve of her face.

  He thought of the love he had for his wife and tried to put it into words, but found it difficult to describe his deepest feelings for her. Irresistible? That was it. She was overwhelmingly irresistible to him.

  With an impulse of tenderness, he touched her cheek with the tips of his fingers. As he traced his finger across her cheek and over the curves of her chin, he told her of his love.

  Melinda sighed and stretched her arms and legs. Then she opened her eyes and smiled. “Were you talking to me?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “What did you say?”

  “I was telling you that I loved you beyond words and that I was grateful you chose me as your husband. I would be nothing without you, Sweetheart. You make life worth living.”

  Melinda smiled at his confessions. “But I thought you weren’t a sweet talker.”

  “Well, I fibbed so I could sound tough in front of Edith.”

  Melinda laughed and cuddled up in his arms. Nestling her head under his chin, she clos
ed her eyes. She felt his arm wrap around her waist. It was such a safe feeling to be snuggled in his arms, like there was nothing to worry about.

  After a few seconds, she felt the movement of a tiny infant exploring the small world inside of her. When the definite thump of an infant’s foot punched against her ribs with great force, she quickly opened her eyes.

  “Oh, my.”

  Gilbert looked down at her. “What?”

  “This baby is going to be an active one when it’s born, I can tell you that.”

  “Did the baby kick again?”

  Melinda nodded.

  Gilbert furrowed his eyebrows and said in a tone of disappointment, “Melinda, I just can’t believe it. Every time it happens, I miss it.”

  Melinda smiled at his downcast expression and rolled on her back. Then she took Gilbert’s hand and gently placed it on top of her round belly.

  “Just wait.”

  Gilbert rose up on his elbow and watched intently. Melinda was almost six months along, and he still had not felt the baby’s movement. Each night, he would cuddle up to his wife and lay his hand on her belly, waiting for some sort of movement, but after a while he would fall asleep.

  One minute passed and there was nothing. Two minutes passed and still nothing. After three minutes, he gave up.

  “Well, I’ve got to get up and get started for the day. It’s getting late. Maybe the little rascal will do something later on in the day.”

  Just as Gilbert pulled his hand away, the baby gave two large thumps that even he could see by looking down at her. His eyes widened and a grin pulled at the corners of his mouth.

  “The little rascal! Just as I take my hand away, she gives a kick. But at least I was able to see her do it this time. All the other times, she would wait until I wasn’t looking.”

  “She?”

  “Yup. It has to be a girl.”

  “Why?”

  “Because she’s a stubborn little thing, not allowing her Papa to feel a kick or two.”

  Melinda burst into laughter, which brought another grin to Gilbert’s face. He enjoyed making her laugh. Her eyes would light up, and her cheeks would turn a rosy color. He realized that she hadn’t laughed for a long time, ever since her morning sickness and cramps began, and he was getting worried about it. He had made her laugh now and that cheered him up.

  Gilbert’s eyes held hers for a long moment as he watched the joy in her expression. “You know, I would like to see what you were like when you were a little girl.”

  “I’ll see if I can arrange it,” she said with a wink.

  Realizing the time, he sat up, and swung his feet to the floor. He walked over to the washstand and looked in the mirror that hung from the wall. He pulled his fingers through his unruly hair a couple times, and then poured water from the white china pitcher into the basin.

  As he lathered his face with shaving soap, his wife watched intently. Shaving was a part of getting ready that Melinda always enjoyed watching. She was not sure why, but it always intrigued her.

  “I’m taking David to Montpelier today to pick up a shipment. Jenny will be here if you need her, and Edith said she was stopping off to check up on you and see how things are going.”

  Melinda smiled. “You like David, don’t you?”

  After he took a few swipes across his face with the razor, he answered. “Yup. I’ve gotten to know him quite well. He’s a good kid. Sometimes I wonder if something is bothering him, though. I can’t put my finger on it. It seems as if he’s struggling with something deep down inside, and I’m not sure what it is. Maybe we can have a talk on the way to Montpelier.” Then he turned and smiled at Melinda. “Do you realize that you only have three and a half more months to go?”

  Melinda nodded. “If I could live a more normal life and clean the house and do my usual routine, then it would go by quicker. But as it is, each day I try to think of something new to do that doesn’t bring on any serious cramps.”

  Gilbert stopped shaving and grinned. “Or you try to get away with more than you’re supposed to.”

  Melinda frowned. “What do you mean by that, Mister Roberts?”

  There was a hint of indignation in her voice, and he could hear it. Gilbert drew his razor over the curves of his chin and then answered, “Well, simply that you won’t listen to doctor’s orders or mine. You’re so self-willed that it’s exasperating at times.”

  Melinda’s eyes widened. “Self-willed? That’s not fair.”

  She could see the twinkle in his eyes as he pulled the razor across his neck. He was having fun with her and awaiting her reaction, which he knew he had triggered. That was one word she hated since childhood and he knew it.

  She slowly and awkwardly pushed herself up to a sitting position, folded her arms indignantly, and waited for an apology.

  Gilbert finished shaving and wiped his face clean with the towel lying next to the basin. When he turned and saw her offended expression, he asked with feigned innocence, “What?”

  “Self-willed, you say?”

  Gilbert chuckled. “Melinda, you know very well that was one of the first things that drew me to you. You were so darned independent and self-willed that I couldn’t resist you. Being self-willed isn’t all bad, Sweetheart. I like your independent nature but when it comes to endangering my wife and baby, then I draw the line.”

  This softened her for the time being, and she relaxed her hands in her lap. He was so exasperating at times, but he was also honest. She was self-willed and she knew it.

  Gilbert sat down on the bed, pulled his pants on, and buttoned his shirt. Then he leaned toward Melinda and grinned. He liked her spunk. He wished he had more time with her, but David was waiting.

  He took her by the shoulders, pulled her close to him, and planted a warm lingering kiss firmly upon her lips. “I love you, Sweetheart. Take care. I’ll be back this afternoon.”

  His tender kiss and sweet voice warmed Melinda’s soul as she smiled lovingly and said, “Don’t worry about me, you ‘ole sweet talker, you. I’ll be just fine.”

  “Now don’t you tell a soul about that, or I’ll have to quit my sweet talking ways.” He grinned and added, “Don’t want to ruin my reputation for being a tough guy, ya know.”

  She felt the mattress relax slightly as he stood. “Of course not.”

  Melinda smiled and waved as he slipped out the door.

  Chapter 16

  More Letters

  Edith continued seeing Henry and Joseph, but only as friends. And the letters continued to flow between her and this mysterious stranger. Each letter brought her great satisfaction. Since Edith had been so bold in her second letter, they had become more like friends than strangers.

  Her letters were much more relaxed, without fear of any commitment whatsoever. Each letter that he wrote began with “My Dear Charming Friend” and Edith warmed up to the sweet words he wrote. She would fondly place each letter in her upper drawer along with the others, all tied together with a pink ribbon. And consequently their friendship blossomed:

  Dear Friend,

  I love sitting in a peaceful meadow with the sound of bubbling streams. While I’m there, I enjoy opening a book and relaxing into a world of my own. I just finished “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott. I wept, I laughed, and I felt the love of this family as I read. I found myself realizing how strong a family unit should be. That’s what I want in my life. What kind of books do you enjoy?

  Sincerely, Edith

  My Dear Charming Friend,

  Last night I went camping with some friends and the old moon looked so friendly to me, shining down between the jagged peaks of the rugged old mountains here, the river glistening as it dashes over the rocks, and lots of trout and even beaver. It’s only an hour and ten minute drive up here from home. I’ll have to bring you up here sometime.

  I received your letter just before I left. I look forward to each one I receive from you. In fact, I enjoy reading them over and over. No, I’m not kidding! />
  I have a proposition to make. When it’s time to finally meet, I’ll have a nice big full moon all ordered for us. Hey, I was just thinking that maybe I wouldn’t want even the old man in the moon to know too much. I’m liable to wipe him and the stars and everything out so we can be alone.

  To answer your question, I enjoy adventure books, mostly. I am curious about something. I know you sing very well. How do you feel when you sing for others? Do you sing simply to lift people’s spirits and bring joy into their lives?

  Sincerely, Your Friend

  Edith was elated when she received his letter. This was the first time he had mentioned her singing, and she was excited to answer his questions. Music was a part of her life, and she was glad he realized it. She had not mentioned it to him, but he knew about her love of music.

  Dear Friend,

  It sounds like someone has told you an awful lot about me. To answer your question, singing has always been a part of my life. At first, it wasn’t easy. I found myself quite nervous standing in front of others. I could never figure out why, because I loved singing. And, yes, I wanted to bring joy into people’s lives.

  I finally asked myself, why do I become so nervous when I’m doing what I love most? It finally dawned on me. I was actually pouring out my heart and soul to these people, in the form of song. In fact, I was vulnerable and I knew it. When I would sing a sad song, I felt it deep inside my soul. When I sang the praises of God, then my soul would rejoice in what I was singing. You see, I was actually bearing my soul to these people. So just before each performance, I decided to have a prayer and ask God to help me spread joy into the lives of others and to not be so nervous. I hope this answers all your questions.

  By the way, are you a poet? Your last letter was so poetic as you described the scenery. I hope you had fun camping. Do you like hiking, too?

  Okay, when we meet, we’ve just got to have the moon or stars. We need some sort of light to see one another. What do you say?