“That’s true.”
“So what can we do?” Palmer asked.
Anne lit up at that moment. The Palmers learned in an instant that she was very well organized and knew exactly what she was looking for. They listened, growing excited with her.
“What do you think?”
“We think it sounds wonderful.”
“It’s not a large group to invite, but do you think you’ll be able to keep it a surprise?” Lydia asked.
“I don’t know, but I’m going to try.”
“We won’t speak of it to the children,” Lydia said. “That will certainly help.”
“And you can tell Weston that you’re invited to dinner that evening,” Palmer put in. “Everyone can be here ahead of time, and he won’t suspect a thing.”
“That’s what I’m hoping.”
The three ironed out a few more details and Anne took her leave. She knew she’d been moping around Brown Manor long enough. Weston hadn’t said it in those words, but it was time to stop wallowing in her misery, replace the pain with Christ’s love and His Word, and stop thinking about only herself. As the carriage pulled away from Tipton to take her home, Anne was reminded of how wonderful it was to put others ahead of herself.
Brown Manor
Mansfield had all he could do not to laugh. The mistress of Brown Manor was nearly beside herself with excitement. She had given him a list of things she needed done, food she wished to have prepared, and instructions on how the evening should go.
“And it’s a surprise, Mansfield. We must do our best to keep it quiet.” This was all said very softly, even though they were quite alone in the kitchen.
“I shall do my best, Mrs Weston. Do you need me to devise a plan to get Mr Weston to Tipton?”
“No, I shall tell him today that we’ve been invited to dinner. Everyone will be there ahead of time. But now, Mansfield,” the lady went on. “His actual birthday is a few days later. I also want to have a special dinner that night. Ask Cook what she recommends, and please check back with me.”
“Very well, Mrs Weston.”
Anne watched him take a few more notes, waiting until he looked up.
“Do you think I’ve forgotten anything?” she asked, seeming younger than her years.
The servant looked thoughtful and then asked, “Do you have a gift in mind?”
Anne’s eyes grew large before she thanked the manservant and hurried on her way.
Alone at last, Mansfield gave in to the urge to smile. If he had to enlist the help of every servant at Brown Manor, this would be a party Mr Weston would never forget. And all the credit would go to his lovely wife.
Collingbourne
“I’m going to go to Benwick’s on my own,” Anne informed her spouse just as they came into town the next afternoon.
“Is there a reason?”
“Well, you said you had business with Mr Vintcent, so I thought I would head directly to Benwick’s.”
“All right. I’ll join you when I finish.”
“Why don’t we meet at Gray’s?”
“Oh, there’s no need for that. I’ll come and fetch you.”
“I have business at Benwick’s. There’s no need for you to come.”
“What business?”
Anne saw no help for it. “Weston, your birthday is this month.”
He looked stunned.
“It is, isn’t it?”
Anne had to laugh at him.
“Nevertheless, Anne, I don’t relish the idea of your going to Gray’s on your own.”
“It’s only across the street, Weston,” Anne pointed out. “I’ll just walk over as soon as I’m finished.”
“But if I finish first, I’ll come and find you at Benwick’s. I won’t come in, I’ll just wait for you outside.”
“But if you do that, you won’t know if I’m inside or already waiting for you at Gray’s.”
He hated to admit it but she had him. Anne hid a smile from her protective spouse and waited for him to speak.
“All right,” he agreed at last. “I’ll go to Gray’s and wait for you.”
Anne kissed his cheek and assured him, “I will be fine.”
Weston had no real reason to doubt that, and with a clear mind left her and went on his way.
In the shop, Anne browsed for a gift. She had some vague ideas but rather hoped she would spot something and know it was just right. She was still at a complete loss when someone called her name.
“Anne, is that you?”
“Lizzy!” Anne exclaimed with delight as she rushed to hug the friend who had entered the aisle. “How are you?”
“I’m very well,” Elizabeth Steele told her, smiling in delight of their meeting. “How are you?”
“I’m married,” Anne told her, her smile lighting her whole face. “I’m Mrs Robert Weston.”
“Oh, Anne, I’m so pleased for you.”
“But tell me, Lizzy!” Anne rushed on. “Are you visiting or have you moved back?”
“I’m back.”
“How long have you been here?”
“Only a week.”
“And what brought this about?”
“Several things, but mostly that my brother has left England to travel for a time.”
“Which brother?” Anne’s brows rose in surprise.
“Edward. He left in August, but it feels like forever. I told Henry that I was returning to Collingbourne, and surprisingly enough he wanted to move as well.”
“And is it just Henry, or are all your siblings back?”
“Everyone save Edward,” Elizabeth said with a smile. “A little peace and quiet in Newcomb Park would have been lovely, but we’re all home.”
“It’s so wonderful to see you, Lizzy. Things are busy just now, but when the holidays are over, I want you to come and visit.”
“I want you to do the same. I want to meet your Mr Weston.”
“And you shall. We’ll be in church tomorrow.”
“I shall seek you out.”
The two hugged again and parted. For a time Anne couldn’t think. It was so lovely to see her friend. They had not stayed in touch over the years but had been very good friends as girls.
In the midst of this rambling, she spotted it. Anne walked toward the shelf that held the perfect gift for her husband, picking it up with gentle hands. Benwick chose that moment to join her.
“How are you faring, Mrs Weston?”
“Very well, Mr Benwick. I’ll take this. And when you deliver it, please instruct your man to leave it with Mansfield.”
“Very well.”
Her step light and wanting to fly to Gray’s in her excitement, Anne made her way across the street some ten minutes later. She had spotted two other needs before exiting the shop but was now done and ready to join her husband.
Weston had ordered and was waiting for her, standing as she took her seat and then adjusting her chair.
“Dare I ask how it went?”
“It went very well.” Anne looked downright smug. “And I refuse to give any hints, but I will tell you that I met a friend I hadn’t seen in years. She just moved back into the area. You shall meet her tomorrow.”
“I look forward to it,” Weston said as Anne poured the tea. “Will we be visiting Lucy Digby today before we leave town?”
Anne stared at her husband, marveling all over again at his kindness.
“Weston, that’s a lovely idea.”
“I’m glad you think so. I look forward to meeting your friends.”
And that was just what they did. From Gray’s they made their way to the small house of Anne’s longtime friend. Weston was at his most charming, and in a matter of moments Lucy relaxed and enjoyed his visit. The little girls—especially Meg—were delightful, and Anne could see that Weston found them adorable. Billy came in early from work and Weston was able to meet him.
“Where are you working these days, Billy?”
“I’m at Ashridge right now, but I’ll
be coming to your church soon.”
“Does the church need masonry work?” Weston asked.
“The manse does,” Billy told him, relaxing with this man as his wife had.
The men continued to speak of Billy’s work for a time, genuinely enjoying one another, before the baby began to fuss.
“Thank you for coming,” Lucy told Anne when she walked her to the door and hugged her goodbye.
“We’ll visit again,” Anne assured her as the men shook hands.
“I wanted to invite them to church,” Weston said the moment they were in the coach, “but I thought it might be best to wait for our next meeting.”
“I’ve invited Lucy over the years, but I don’t think anyone has ever reached out to Billy.”
“I’m glad to know that, and I’ll be sure Pastor knows about it before Billy starts the work there.”
Anne kissed his cheek. Weston took her hand, and they rode home in silence.
“That’s a nice coat,” Weston complimented his wife as they settled in the carriage for the ride to Tipton.
“Thank you. Your mother picked it out.”
“She has good taste,” Weston said as he picked up his wife’s hand and kissed the back. “And speaking of taste…” he let the sentence hang as he turned her hand over, shifted the sleeve of her coat and kissed the inside of her wrist.
Anne took her hand away.
“I think you need to behave.”
“It’s not my fault.”
Anne fought laughter.
“How do you figure?”
“It’s your skin. It’s so soft that I lose my head.”
“That was a charming thing to say.”
“Does that mean I can have your wrist back?”
Anne could only laugh.
They arrived at Tipton a short time later, spirits high. Anne was certain that her face was red with excitement and was thankful for the cover of darkness.
“Welcome.” Palmer was on hand to see them in, Lydia close behind. All seemed quiet and normal, and Anne thought they must have succeeded with their plan. A glance at her husband told her he didn’t suspect a thing.
“Shall we start in the salon, Liddy?” Palmer asked with all the unconcern of an actor.
“Indeed. You go right ahead, Anne and Weston.”
Moments later the doors were opened and ten friends came from behind chairs and curtains to shout their greetings of surprise. Weston’s mouth opened and closed, but no words emerged. The party-goers gathered around him, wishing him well with handshakes and hug, and Anne stood back and smiled.
“Where is my wife?” Weston was finally heard to say.
The crowed parted until Weston could see Anne.
“You, madam…” he began, still shaking his head, but he never got any further. The group was too busy laughing, and Anne had come up to take his hand. Weston dropped a kiss on her cheek, amazed that she’d pulled it off.
Games were played and food was enjoyed. Weston was blindfolded and made to guess the name of the person addressing him, even though the person was allowed to disguise his voice. Dessert was eaten and gifts were presented. Weston spent the entire evening laughing at how easily he’d been fooled.
As the evening ended and Anne and Weston made their way home, Weston turned in the carriage to stare at his wife. She was already watching him.
“I did it,” she said. “I fooled you.”
“You did that.” He shook his head a little more. “All this talk about finding me a gift at Benwick’s. I had no idea you were so deceitful.”
Anne only laughed, more than a little pleased with herself. Weston put an arm around her and pulled her close.
And that’s not the end of it was Anne’s thought as she snuggled against his side. You’ll find out just how sneaky I can be. Your real birthday isn’t until Tuesday, and I have a few more plans.
Levens Crossing
“We don’t have to do this,” Weston said, standing with Anne in the front yard of her old home. “We don’t have to let it or sell it.”
“Isn’t that rather a waste?”
“If it’s still standing empty a year from now, it would be a waste, but there’s no hurry to do this right away.”
It had taken weeks of slow work to go through everything. Anne had found things belonging to her parents she hadn’t known existed. She had read letters and studied papers that gave her special glimpses into her past. The overwhelming tone of it all had been that her parents had been very much in love, but life had changed forever when her mother died and her father grew ill.
Much of the sorting and reading had been done at Levens Crossing, but now it was complete. Most of the furniture had been sold or given away; a few pieces were moved to Brown Manor. Repairs had all been made and now the house stood clean and empty, ready for occupancy.
Anne didn’t think she would be this attached, but suddenly the thought of having strangers living there was sad to her.
“You’re right. It is too soon,” she said, thankful that Weston had given her a few moments to think. “Maybe in the spring I’ll think about it again.”
“That’s a fine plan. It’s not as if we know someone who’s in need just now.”
Anne’s face changed.
“What is it?”
“I was just thinking of Billy and Lucy. Their place is so small. Do you think they would ever desire to get out of town?”
“I don’t know. We can ask them.”
“They would be fine tenants, Weston. Billy is such a hard worker.”
Weston put his arm around her.
“You don’t have to convince me, love. If they want to live at Levens Crossing, that’s fine.”
“Thank you, Weston.”
“For what?”
“I don’t know. Always being so supportive, I guess.”
“Well, it’s a good start to the idea. I think maybe we should pray about it, ask God to lead, and watch for an opportunity to talk with them. What do you think?”
Anne nodded, feeling very good about the whole thing. Just looking at the house and thinking about her time there made her want to stay a bit longer, but the rain was coming back. Before they could even move to the carriage, the sky started to pour. Anne looked out the window as the coach pulled away, gaining a final glimpse and doing as her husband suggested: praying. If God wanted the Digbys to occupy Levens Crossing, He would show the way.
Brown Manor
“What’s this?” Weston asked when Anne set a wrapped box next to his plate at the end of dinner. They were alone in the dining room, and it was Weston’s actual birthday.
“Your birthday gift.”
“I thought the party was my gift.”
Anne didn’t comment. A smile in her eyes, she just watched him.
Weston gave her an indulgent look and tore at the paper. A moment later his look turned to one of excitement.
“Do you like it?” Anne asked anxiously.
“Yes!” Weston exclaimed as he brought out an enamel pocket watch. It was Swiss-made, beautifully painted, and when he pushed the pendant, a tiny bird sprang up and sang.
“Where did you find this?”
“Benwick’s.”
Playing with it like a child, Weston suddenly remembered to kiss and thank his wife.
“I didn’t expect this.”
“I didn’t expect you,” Anne said.
Weston’s eyes warmed when he looked at her. He set the watch aside and went to take her into his arms. Anne forgot all about the fact that a cake had been prepared and would arrive any moment. She went into her husband’s arms, wrapping hers tightly around him.
“I love you.”
“I love you.”
The two broke apart when they heard footsteps. They enjoyed the cake Cook had made, but as soon as they could manage, they retired in order to be alone.
Before they slept that night, Weston decided that the sweetest gift he’d ever received was having Anne for his wife. He would enj
oy the watch and treasure it, but if he never had anything but Anne, he would know nothing but contentment.
Epilogue
Brown Manor
Christmas Day
“Happy Christmas,” Lenore greeted Weston and Anne when she arrived downstairs on that morning.
“Happy Christmas!” they greeted her, hugs and kisses all around.
The gift opening did not take long to commence. Everyone was as excited as children to give the gifts they had selected, and in order to start they were even prepared to forego eating.
“Weston!” Anne exclaimed when she unwrapped the first package he’d handed her. “These were my mother’s,” she said, her hand touching the linen tablecloths and napkins.
“Were they?” Weston said, working to look innocent.
Anne flew to his side, her arms going around his neck, while Lenore laughed in delight.
“He’s been so excited about that gift, Anne. He told me the moment I arrived.”
And that wasn’t all. Weston had also recovered a set of silverware, some silver serving dishes, and a small stack of music. Benwick thought he might have more in the storeroom, and would continue to look, but for now Weston’s surprise had been complete.
Anne had a few surprises of her own before the morning finished, and Weston and Lenore had their own hugs and thanks to dispense.
The day was spent in a relaxed fashion. It was cool outside, so the fires were kept high.
The three Westons sang around the piano, Anne played, and they visited and ate all during the day.
That evening they went to the Hursts’ to have a celebration with them, making the day complete. Anne couldn’t remember a sweeter time, but long and tiring as the day had been, she still had one more gift to give.
Back at Brown Manor, Jenny had helped her with her gown and brushed her hair—they had not rushed—but Weston had still not made an appearance. Anne crept to the door to see what he was about and found him reading a portion of newsprint. She came up and slipped her arms around him from behind, her cheek laid against his back.
“Something interesting?”
“Yes, I never did take the time to read this today, and there’s a new bank scandal in London.”