The Hope of Hattie Phelan: Volume I

20

Engagements

The Findlays' wagon pulled up to the barn after a few others started arriving. The idea of a group of people celebrating together sent a rush of exhilaration through my body. I was excited that Essie had arrived because it made the event seem more real—like I was really at a party.

"Oh, you both look beautiful!" Essie exclaimed after Bernie, who had gotten here moments before, helped her down. Essie's ginger hair was pulled back with twists and braids into a bun on the back of her head. She wore a simple light blue dress with darker blue borders and lace fringes.

"Same to you!" I replied, hugging her, though careful to try not to wrinkle her dress.

"You both look splendid!" Nancy gushed.

"Constance, my! You look stunning!" Essie stated as Constance neared us. Looking over at her, I noticed that Constance had done her hair up in an intricate bun which was different compared to her usually plain hairstyles. She wore a purple and navy striped two-piece with a bustle skirt, which was unlike her usual one-colored practical dresses.

Nancy quickly turned to me and whispered something in my ear. I sighed before nodding.

"Hattie has given me permission to tell you guys that she has two dances with Wally," Nancy burst out in a loud whisper as I sighed.

"As you can see it seems she is more excited about it than I am." I chuckled as Essie looked at me with curiosity. "Long story short, I am just paying off a debt and this was his price."

"She is so lucky and she doesn't even know it," Nancy said, shaking her head

"But, why?" I asked, shocked. "He is so... he's Walter. He can be annoyingly adamant and frustrating and—I don't know..."

"Handsome?" Constance filled in. I looked over at her brows raised. I glanced across the crowd to spot him. It wasn't too hard since his bright ginger head towered above everyone else. His freckles were prominent, which was handsome, I supposed. His ears were a bit large but it looked good on him. I guessed he was quite handsome, but I hadn't noticed before. He was smiling broadly at something his mother said to him. It was a gentle smile, which made me smile softly. He seemed to really care for his family, which made it even more sad to think of what he was going through with his da. He glanced up as if sensing my staring, and his deep brown eyes met mine, which startled me. His smile towards me was just as soft and kind as it was towards his mother, which took me aback. I flushed at being caught off guard.

"I suppose so." I shook off any of the warmth I felt from his smile. "But it's not that I accepted the dance because he is handsome or I have any feelings towards him. It is simply to repay the debt I owe him."

"And what debt would that be?" Essie asked as we walked through the yard.

"I was short of sixteen cents at the store a few days ago and he paid it for me." I shrugged, trying to make nothing of it, though I thought the gesture was admirable and generous. I recalled that he didn't make much money, which made my stomach flutter. Why would he offer to pay when his father didn't let him buy new tools? Does he have feelings towards me? I thought before I shook it off, not wanting any part in such futile thoughts.

"And it seems he wants to fulfill the debt, right now—" Essie whispered, looking past my shoulder. I turned to see Wally taking long strides to reach us. I smiled at him before curtsying. He bowed slightly, a smile still broad on his face.

"Good evening, Lady of the Lake," he said, crossing his arms in front of him. "How art thou faring tonight?"

"Swell, Sir Lionheart." I chuckled. "And I presume you are well?"