Sunflower by Jill Marie Landis Read Free Book Online

that he would relish a strong drink after so many days without it.
    Without a word they exchanged dishes. Then Caleb spoke. “Thanks again, Analisa. That tasted as delicious as it smelled.”
    She stared at him in silence for a moment, stopped by the sound of her name on his lips. “Thank you, Mr. Storm, although I’m sure you were probably starving and would have eaten anything. You should regain your strength quickly now.”
    “I’m sure I will.” He turned to stare out the window as she left the bedside. Through the forest of geraniums along the ledge he saw a stylish covered buggy turn into the yard and stop near the trough. A tall, stately matron stepped out and moved with the determined march of a general toward the soddie. He lost sight of her as she reached the door.
    “It looks as if you have a caller.”
    Analisa was startled as Caleb’s words and an insistent knocking rang out in the quiet room. Drying her hands on her apron, she hurried to the door. When she recognized Clara Heusinkveld, Analisa suppressed a groan. Of all the residents of Pella, Clara was undeniably the worst gossip, taking delight in spreading tales and embellishing them with her own details. Analisa knew that if Mevrou Heusinkveld saw Caleb Storm, she would spread the story over Pella faster than a prairie fire.
    The woman was nearly through the doorway when Analisa stepped outside and closed the door. Mrs. Heusinkveld was startled by the abrupt rudeness, but Analisa feigned ignorance. Let the old cow think I’m rude, she thought. That would be better than allowing her inside.
    “I wish to place an order for a very special gown,” the visitor said. “I will need it before two weeks are over. I hope you will be able to complete the work on time. If you can, I will give you a bonus.”
    “I will certainly try, Mrs. Heusinkveld. Did you bring the material with you?”
    “Of course, as well as the picture of exactly what I want.” The woman stared at Analisa. “I’ll get them and then explain what I would like you to do.”
    As the woman returned from her carriage with the package of fabric carefully wrapped in paper and tied with twine, Edvard appeared with the water bucket. He greeted the visitor in Dutch, but she offered no more than a polite nod. Analisa continued to block the door, forcing them to stand in the hot afternoon sun.
    “Take Mevrou Heusinkveld inside, Anja,” the old man said. “Where are your manners?”
    Before she could protest, he had reached for the latch string and pulled it, swinging the door wide. Analisa closed her eyes in a brief moment of suppressed anger, then stepped over the threshold into the cool interior of the soddie.
    Clara Heusinkveld’s presence was a jarring intrusion in the small room. A high ruffled hat complete with a bobbing plume added to her already imposing height. Although Analisa was not short, the woman towered over her. A wide satin bow was tied beneath her chin, pushing the more than ample folds of skin forward. Her day dress of expensive watered silk was far grander than Analisa’s simple calico. Her height, along with her light eyes and graying brown hair, proclaimed her Dutch heritage.
    Standing aloof in the center of the room, Clara Heusinkveld let her eyes adjust to the dim light before she inspected the dwelling with a regal air. She watched while Edvard set the bucket of water near the stove and shuffled outside again. Her eyes took in the unwashed dishes stacked on the drainboard and the remnants of the finished meal on the stove. It was then that her attention was drawn to the hushed voices in the opposite corner of the room. Analisa’s heart sank to her toes as Mevrou Heusinkveld’s gaze came to rest on Caleb Storm and Kase.
    The stranger was propped up against the pillows, Opa’s white nightshirt open at the neck to reveal his smooth brown skin. Kase knelt on the trunk beside the bed, his wooden toys spread about the hills and valleys the man’s long form created