Anna saw him coming with the buggy and hurried out, closing the door behind her. As he pulled up she climbed onto the seat and sat with her shoulders straight, her hands folded in her lap.
“Mrs. Lawrence, if I may apologize.”
“Vhy? I should not have encouraged du so.” She clamped her mouth shut.
“Ye did nay, but if ye prefer, I twill remain silent.” Beneath his calm, MacDonald felt an unease grow. This was not the animated woman he loved.
“Ja, that vould be gut for now.” She looked straight ahead not daring to look at him.
By the end of the three hour drive, MacDonald was clenching and unclenching his teeth. His futile attempts to speak, to apologize, or explain had been rebuffed; sometimes with words, but mostly silence.
At the back of the general store, MacDonald pulled up with a,
