A Cold Wife, Sweet Husband

Jessica could do light alterations, but she couldn't sew a dress. Mary enjoyed acting in the theater. There wasn't a lot of money to be made in being an actress in the town theater, but she had fun with it and her father had more than enough money so she didn't have to depend on her acting job to support herself.

Mrs. Elan, who owned the orphanage, walked over to their table. ―Good afternoon, Mrs. Ritter, Miss Duff, and Mrs. Monroe. Jessica still felt strange whenever people referred to her as Mrs. Monroe. She didn't exactly hate being called that. She just wasn't used to it. There was that initial moment when she thought the person was talking to someone else.

―Who is that sweet angel? Helen asked, nodding to the sleeping boy in Mrs. Elan's arms. ―I don't recall seeing him before.

―All I know about him is that his name is Ryan and he's one. Someone knocked on the door of the orphanage and left him on the doorstep with a note tied around his neck. He was asleep when I opened the door. I assume whoever dropped him off waited to see if I took him in. The doctor came to look at him and he's healthy. He certainly is a mystery.

―He's a cute little boy, the old woman acknowledged. Ryan had light blond hair and a fair complexion. He was snuggled in Mrs. Elan's arms and had his blue blanket close to him. ―So you don't know anything else about him or his parents?

Jessica asked. ―No, I don't. He's been well cared for. Someone loved him. ―I wonder why his guardian let him go, Helen sadly commented. ―I bet the person didn't want to do it. ―Sometimes people are forced into giving up their children, Mrs. Elan admitted.

―I'm just glad Ryan's parents chose to bring him here where he has a chance of being adopted. Ryan has been withdrawn and spends most of his time s.u.c.k.i.n.g his thumb with his favorite blanket. The staff and I give him lots of affection. Children at this young age thrive better when held often. ―I'd take him in a heartbeat if I didn't live in a nursing home, Helen said.

―I want to take in every child that shows up here, but I already have my hands full with twelve children. Sometimes it's difficult to see these children without parents to care for them, but this orphanage is much better than the cases I've heard where some are abused or left to go hungry on the streets. At least here, they are taken care of.

―When did he come here? Jessica wondered. ―On Wednesday. ―He must miss the person who left him here. ―They all do for awhile. He is young enough that he will eventually forget that person. ―Can I hold him for a while?

Mrs. Elan nodded and gently placed the child in Jessica's l.a.p. Ryan stirred but didn't wake. He clutched his blanket to his c.h.e.s.t. She put her arms around him and smiled. It felt good to hold him. ―Someday, you might hold your little one, Helen commented. Jessica resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Once again, she was reminded of Leo. Would he continue to plague her thoughts?

***

Later that day when she arrived at her new home, she was greeted with a bouquet of yellow tulips in a crystal vase. Attached to the bouquet was a card from Leo that told her the color yellow symbolized friendship, which was the foundation for their marriage.

―Mr. Monroe is taken with you, Jim commented when she brought them to the kitchen to put more water in the vase. ―Taken? He's in love, Constance remarked. ―He never thought of flowers before. It's always been investments and clients. ―I knew that was all he talked about, Jessica said, satisfied that she had understood that much about him.

―It certainly isn't all he's talking about anymore, he stated. ―The only time I think of something other than food is when I'm in love. ―I take it then that you aren't in love at the moment, Jessica asked, hopeful.

―No, Mrs. Monroe. I am not. Perfect! Her plan to fix him up with Mary just might work. She examined the kitchen. It didn't seem to be the right place for the flowers. ―I suppose I should put these in the parlor with the couches and chairs. That room is more comfortable than the one with the long oval table. ―Mr. Monroe uses the parlor with the table for his business dinner parties, the maid informed her.

―The other parlor is intended for you when you wish to entertain. You may decorate it however you wish. ―What did it look like before? she wondered.

―It had a desk and lots of books. The books he reads are business books. He's not a fiction reader. And my brother and father wondered why I thought he was dull. She couldn't imagine enjoying a business book. She wondered if they did have anything in common, besides a mutual physical attraction for each other.

She had given up on convincing herself that she wasn't attracted to him. He was too good looking for her not to enjoy looking at, and his kisses and touches made her lightheaded. She shook her head. There had to be more to a marriage than physical attraction. She set the flowers in her favored parlor.