Page 45 - MailOrderBrideFlipBook

cane, “Oh, yes. Kitchen.” Eli felt frightened at being alone with Anya again and wanted to follow them. “But I don’t think that...” Jim poked him with his cane, pushing him back toward Anya. “Eli, do as you’re told.” Agnes herded everyone else away. As Jim and Whitman went off, they stole one more glance at Anya, and then looked at each other, and each shook his head. Eli knew neither could believe this was the same girl that earlier in the morning had looked like a peasant and smelled like a cow. Eli stood there for a moment, Anya’s arm through his. He didn’t know what to do, so he led her to the couch. She seemed unsure for a moment, but finally sat on the very end. Eli sat at the other end. Distance seemed to make the situation somewhat more comfortable. The silence was deafening, so Eli decided to try to start a conversation. “So, um, how was your voyage?” “Fine.” “Did they treat you well? I mean, were the captain and his men nice to you?” “Men feed Anya good, and not bother.” They sat quietly for another short, but eternal amount of time. The tick-tock of the mantle clock was the only sound, seeming to pound like a timpani. Finally, Eli could stand it no longer and tried again. He turned to face her. “Anya. Anya, please look at me.” Anya turned slightly toward him, but did not look at him directly. “Anya, I think we’re both confused and not sure what to do. Maybe you could tell me a little more 42