1910—Happy Anniversary
"Mrs. Weathers," Anna called out from the writing desk in the parlor.
"Yes, madam?" Mrs. Weathers appeared in the doorway to the entry.
"Do you realize it’s almost a year since Mr. Trent and I were married?" She did not look up from the note she wrote to Colin.
"It is, now, isn't it?" There was a pleased tone in her voice.
"How hard would it be to have a few special people come to celebrate the night with us?" Anna finished the note; sealed it, and handed it to her to have it delivered.
"It wouldn't be too difficult to arrange, Madam. Write your invitations and I’ll take care of the rest. We can let him think you made all of the arrangements. It will please him, I think," she said with a sly wink.
"It would be a miracle if I did anything that would please him."
"It doesn't matter, Madam. He was always hard to please. I've known him for most of his life. He was terribly spoiled and Mrs. Trent, your mother-in-law, was most doting on him. He is her only child."
"An only child should still be taught to respect others." Anna caught herself. "He is my husband and I should not be speaking such about him. Let's try to make him happy come Saturday, shall we?" Anna smiled. She knew Mrs. Weathers could work wonders with plans and preparations. She knew this would please Chase.
Anna returned to the desk, and thought of whom to invite.
* * * *
Chase made the surprise easy as he planned to be gone most of the day. This allowed the opportunity to have everything ready before he was expected home.
The guests, three of Chase's business associates, their wives, and Colin, were expected to arrive at six in the evening; Chase was expected between six-thirty and seven.
The guests arrived and were ushered into the parlor. Everyone chatted casually, and waited for Chase to make his appearance. As time crept slowly by, conversation began to lull and eventually an uneasy quiet fell over the room. At nearly eight o’clock, low whispers of speculation as to what could have happened to Chase could be heard.
Anna was dressed in one of Chase's favorite gowns. She mingled as well as she could among the guests, and tried to remain calm and appear happy.
"I’m sure you are all hungry. Why don't we begin the meal? I am sure Chase will arrive any moment."
Anna led the way to the dining room and allowed her guests to determine their own seating. She sat at the end of the table and left the head open for Chase. She was pleased Colin chose to sit beside her.
Mrs. Henderson directed the girls as they served. Anna listened for the sound of his trap as she poked at her food and pretended to eat. It was difficult to eat when her stomach was in knots.
By the end of the meal, Chase had not yet found his way home. All adjourned to the parlor in the hopes that the guest of honor would appear. After several drinks, some of his business associates became uncomfortable. They explained they needed to go and thanked Anna for the meal.
By ten-thirty, the only guest left was Colin. He sat in a chair across from Anna in the parlor. Mrs. Henderson brought in coffee for Colin and hot tea for Anna.
"Where do you suppose he is?" Colin asked as he filled his cup once more.
"He was to be home hours ago. I'm worried something has happened to him."
Anna walked to the front window, teacup in hand.
"Now, nothing has happened. He's just lost his way. You know how he can be."
He set his cup on the table and stood behind her. He was so close she could feel him breathe as he stood almost as close as they used to while they watched the harbor at night. "He will be along any time now. You'll see."
"I hope so. Oh, Colin, how can he humiliate me like this?" Anna complained.
"He has embarrassed me before his friends and he wasn't even here to do it."
"You have a fair-sized estate, food, clothes, chauffeured transportation, money—whatever you want. What do you have to complain about?" Colin spoke offhandedly. Anna turned a harsh gaze on him. He backed up a step, smiled, and raised his hands in surrender. "Just a question." He returned to his chair.
"You're right. I have everything I’ve ever wanted. Except that I’m alone most of the time. And tonight, of all nights, you would think he would want to be with me." She glanced once more out the window before she returned to the sofa.
"I'm here with you, Anna," Colin ventured, and moved to the sofa beside her.
"You have been here for me so many times. You are a comfort to me, Colin. Thank you for being my friend all of these years." Anna reached out and touched his hand. He sandwiched her hand between his.
"I miss those nights we used to talk for hours. Do you think we could recapture those times?" His eyes searched her hands.
"I don't see how we could. We’re a little too old to be standing out in the cold night."
"We don't have to. I have found a clever little café down by the harbor. We can see the water from inside and spend some time talking." He looked hopeful in his offer.
"Would it look respectable? I am married."
"So was I. We are friends. It is a small place quite unnoticeable to passersby. I know the owner. He is like family." Colin smiled. "I would be ever so careful of your reputation, Miss Anna."
A warm sensation spread through her. "It’s been a long time since you called me ‘Miss Anna.’ Thank you, even if it is not true any more." Anna thought about his offer. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach. An excitement she had not felt in years.
"I’ll tell you this, I will think about the café. It sounds quite harmless to have a cup of tea on a cold day after shopping."
He looked as if he were going to say something and decided against it. He stood instead, reached into his pocket, and handed her a card from the café.
"Send me a note and I will meet you there—any time. And now, I shouldn't be here when Chase gets home. It might not look good if I were. Thank you for a lovely evening, Mrs. Trent." He took her hands and pulled her to her feet.
"I’m sorry he wasn’t here to share it with us."
"I'm not." He raised his eyebrows suggestively, and made her smile. "It wouldn't have been as much fun with him here."
"You are perfectly evil sometimes, Colin," Anna noted.
"Thank you, Madam, for noticing." He leaned close to her ear. "An anniversary gift for you alone, Anna." He kissed her neck. The warmth of his lips lingered on her skin and sent a chill through her. He left the room with four strides of his long legs.
Anna stood there, surprised, until she heard the front door close. Mrs. Weathers came in shortly thereafter.
"Has Mr. Marsec left, madam?" She began to collect the service.
"Yes. Only just." Her hand moved absently to her neck, and she pressed to keep the feel of his kiss from evaporating. "He thought it not a good idea to be here when Mr. Trent gets home. It would not look proper, he said."
"Right he is, Madam. He is a true gentleman, always looking out for your reputation as he does. I've noticed it, Madam."
"Yes, he is truly a gentleman. I think I’ll be going to my room now. Thank you for the wonderful job you did tonight."
"Oh, it wasn't anything to do. I know you could have done the same. If only Mr. Trent could see it." She bustled out of the room toward the kitchen. Anna followed along and mounted the stairs, intending to prepare for bed. She slipped the card into her sleeve.
Just then, Anna heard Shaw hail Mr. Trent. She stopped for a moment, and then decided to continue on. If he forgot, why should she remind him now? She was grateful he was home safe. She continued up the stairs as the door flung open with a bang. It made her jump but she kept going.
Anna was halted only by the booming voice of the drunken man.
"There you are, Mrs. Trent." Chase struggled to hold himself upright, one hand on the edge of the door and the other gripped the door frame.
Without turning around, Anna answered, "Yes, sir, I’m here where I’m supposed to be."
He slurred, "I’m home. You will entertain me tonight, my dear."
"Lovely."
Anna continued up the stairs. She went to her room, hoping he would be unable to make the climb, and promised herself she would dismiss anyone who helped him succeed.
To Be Continued...
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© 2008 Jena Galifany/Marge Conrad
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