by Lisa Prysock
Mrs. Carter took the basket and sauntered off to a door behind the main counter with a gloating look of satisfaction, leaving Miss Lindford to wonder. Her heart filled with a disappointing ache for a moment that nearly took her breath away. Could this be true? Was Dr. Beckham wooing several ladies in Pelican Rapids at one time? Was he a no good philanderer? It didn’t sound like the man she’d come to know at all, but she hadn’t known him for very long. She bit her lip, her feet feeling frozen to the floor as she considered the matter.
“Don’t mind my mother,” Miss Carter said in a low voice before Jenny could regain her composure and turn away. “She’s been a little enthusiastic since the doctor arrived in town last year. We used to have to drive into Hennepin County to see a doctor, and the whole town is quite taken with him since he’s such an unusual character, not to mention he’s building a mansion fit for a king out on Main and Plum along the northeast side of town facing the river. She’ll send Amy over to his office on Plum Street in a few hours with banana bread and a persistent headache.”
“Oh,” Miss Lindford laughed and drew in a deep breath of relief. “I see. Mothers do have a way of looking out for our romantic futures. Take it from the eldest of five daughters.”
Miss Carter laughed, nodding. This only caused her eyeglasses to slide down her nose again. She pushed them back into place. “Then you know exactly what I mean. You can call me Jen, since our names are the same.”
“I certainly do know what you mean, Jen.” Jenny was glad her new acquaintance seemed like a nice person. Did she have a bit of a lazy eye hiding behind the lenses of her spectacles? Poor dear. She seemed like a sweet girl, maybe a year or two older than herself. Hopefully the eyeglasses were helping to correct her vision problem. Maybe Dr. Beckham had helped her with this, too.
“Please let me know if you need help finding anything. Are you staying in Pelican Rapids?” Miss Carter pushed her eyeglasses back up on her nose one more time.
“Yes, I’m staying at the Milton farm,” Jenny replied, reluctant to share too many details.
“Oh, I see, Ella’s place. Where are you from? Is that a southern accent I detect?” The store owner’s daughter smiled at her, appearing curious in a friendly sort of way.
Jenny nodded. “It is. I’m from Lexington, Kentucky.”
“I hope you enjoy your time here in Pelican Rapids. It’s a lovely town, just very small. Everyone knows everybody else, and pretty much everything there is to know about each person’s business. In other words, don’t tell anyone anything you don’t want to get around to the whole town in a blink.”
Jenny chuckled and nodded. “Thanks for the warning, and thank you for welcoming me. Could you direct me to your newspapers?”
“Certainly.” Miss Jen Carter motioned toward her sister, currently taking care of another customer’s shopping list. “Mother keeps a stack for sale beside the main till over there by Amy.”
Jenny nodded and headed over to the till to choose a newspaper. Then she decided to make her purchase and step away before Mrs. Carter returned. Perhaps she was upstairs in her kitchen making a banana bread to have Amy deliver to Zane. Like most store keepers, she guessed the Carters lived above their shop.
When she’d paid for her newspaper, she went outside and placed it in the buggy. Looking around while she patted the horse, still clutching her journal, she decided upon a closer look at the Lutheran church with the white steeple rising above Pelican River. She may as well take a peek inside the country church while she was there. She’d always dreamed of a church wedding in a little chapel like the one in this town, and sometimes she’d envisioned a parlor wedding. This church reminded her of the Congregational church she attended in Lexington with her family. No sense in unhitching the buggy to merely cross Oak Street.
She patted the horse Josiah had hitched up for her. “Be right back Fanny. I’ll just be a moment.”
Miss Lindford lifted her lavender skirt a bit with her free hand and drew close to the lovely church, waiting a moment for a wagon to pass before she crossed. She could hear the sound of the rushing river beyond the building as she climbed the front steps and went inside. It was peaceful and much to her relief, empty. She walked up and down the center aisle, looking around at the windows and pews, trying to imagine a small, private ceremony there.
It was calming and inviting. She could easily picture their wedding vows being exchanged there, but she didn’t have any memories yet in this church. Eventually, she was certain she would, but it would take time to get to know the people of Pelican Rapids. It was also going to take time to get to know her future husband, and she reminded herself their relationship would grow a little more each day. Hopefully their growth would be steady and strong like some of the trees she could see outside the church windows, planted firm and tall alongside the river.
The river drew her attention away from the serene church. Stepping outside again, she circled around to have a closer look at the bubbling water as it traveled downstream in a lively dance, weaving its way through the town. The water flowed smoothly along the banks, bathing everything in its own song of life and happiness. It was both gentle and strong at the same time, rushing along to reach a destination unknown to her. It seemed certain of where it was going, having carved out a path it would travel each day wherever God commanded it. She turned to look further downstream and caught sight of one of the mills Ella had mentioned at dinner on her first night. The paddles of the large wheel turned steadily, bringing up water tipped with white foam edges streaming off of it on the upswing.
Unlike the river that seemed to know where it was going, succeeding with its job of turning the wheels of the flour and lumber mills, and providing a fresh supply of water to Pelican Rapids, she didn’t know what her destination would look like or even if it would be successful. All she knew was she had to wake up each day and try to flow like that river in the path the Lord seemed to be clearing for her, too.
Miss Lindford finally turned away from the river and headed back to the buggy. She patted Fanny when she reached the horse, then reached in her pocket to give her a piece of a carrot Minnie Jacobs had given her from Ella’s kitchen. She held her palm out while the horse plucked it right up with her teeth, swishing her tail as a response of appreciation. As the horse munched on the snack, she untied her from the hitching post.
She didn’t know many people in town yet, but she was certainly getting to know the animals, and find her way around. “Thanks for waiting for me, girl. Let’s go see the two hotels I think Josiah said are on Birch Street, and then we’ll take a drive down Ottertail toward the seamstress and tailor shop before we head home. I’d at least like to have a glance at it. I also heard there’s a wonderful English tea and bakery shop in town. Let me think now, Ella told me the name of it. Oh yes, Winthrop Tea Shop and Bakery. After that, we need to find Zane’s office on Plum Street so I know how to find it. Then we’ll head home.”
The horse whinnied a soft reply, causing Jenny to laugh as she tucked her journal under the seat and then climbed into the buggy. “I’ll take that as a yes.” She picked up the reins and made a clicking noise so all she had to do was barely snap the reins to urge the horse onward. It worked, just like it did with most of Pa’s horses back in Kentucky.
Soon the buggy was rolling over the bridge again to cross the river and pass more establishments on Oak Street, including the brand new school the Miltons had mentioned. A few people nodded as she passed, and she returned their friendly greetings with a nod, sitting up straight in the buggy. “Show me the rest of the town, Fanny girl.”
Chapter 8
“Just living is not enough...one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.”—Hans Christian Andersen, Danish Author, best remembered by his fairy tales, 1805-1875.
ON SATURDAY, ZANE ARRIVED with more fresh flowers in his hand. Ella’s entrance hall, dining room, drawing room, parlor, library, and the violet bedroom upstairs each had vases filled with fresh flowers, most of t
hem from Dr. Beckham. A few were from Ms. Milton’s garden beds, because Jenny loved making flower arrangements and Ella had invited her to pick whatever she wanted from the farm to make them.
Minnie was more annoyed than ever since she had used nearly every vase in the house. However, Jenny adored the fresh flowers and found it romantic. She was also relieved to find Zane had left his animals at home. She was ready to be alone with her fiancé and wanted him all to herself as much as possible. The few days they’d been apart had given her the time she’d needed to think about their wedding, and she was anxious to discuss it. He’d sent a local errand boy to hand deliver a note the day before, inviting her to be ready for a dinner outing with friends he wanted her to meet. The note said he’d pick her up promptly at four o’clock in the afternoon for a five o’clock dinner.
“We’ve been invited to have dinner with Caleb and Lottie Brooks,” he announced as she greeted him, stepping out onto the front porch to be alone with him for a few minutes. “They live on the other side of town, so we’ll have plenty of time to talk on the way there. How’s your ankle?” he asked.
“It feels much better, and thank you so much for all of the flowers. They’re lovely,” she replied with a smile, breathing in their scent. She looked up at him with thankfulness in her eyes, noticing he wore his spectacles again. He’d probably worn out his eyesight reading all of those medical books she’d noticed in his library. She glanced at the pair of beautiful bay mares swishing their tails, waiting with his buggy. “I’ll just put these in water and get my wrap. Come in if you like. Ella went to join a friend at the bakery in town for a cup of tea, but I believe Josiah is waving to you from the barn right now. Minnie is fussing with her pies in the kitchen. She’s making a chicken pie for tomorrow after church.”
He looked in the direction of the big barn and saw Josiah’s wave, returning it at once. They stepped inside, and before long the bouquet of purple larkspurs were in water, she had her wrap, and he’d helped her into his buggy. Soon he’d whisked her away and they were traveling over the country roads, every now and then a farmhouse or a barn becoming visible in the distance.
Zane smiled. “I particularly hope you enjoy the larkspurs. Part of why I chose them is because not only are these a purple flower in the color you love, and not only do they bloom this time of year across the plains, but they are also known as Elijah’s Chariot.” The brownish-red bay mares began to canter along, pulling the buggy at a nice pace as he told her about the flowers. “They are considered the flower of devotion, attachment, and sincerity.”
She grinned up at him, smoothing her rose-colored gown trimmed in violet without looking down at her skirts. She was lost in the moment, afraid to tear her eyes away from him, taking in his romantic words. All of her earlier fears and jitters she’d suffered that day about marrying an almost complete stranger were fading away now that she was finally with him again. Of course her doctor would know such things about flowers with his love for botany and science. Had her father been this romantic with her mother over the years?
Zane looked so handsome in his black dinner suit, his black thin tie, his top hat worn like a crown over his blond hair, and his crisply starched white shirt contrasting nicely against the dark jacket. His words caused her heart to beat a little faster, partly because he’d scooted a little closer to her on the seat and their knees were touching. “Dr. Beckham, if you keep talking to me like this, lavishing me with such amorous indulgences, you will wrap your way more deeply into my heart faster than a bee on honey.”
It was his turn to grin. Perhaps he appreciated her southern drawl. “Ah, you’ve discovered my plan to spoil you every chance I can.”
“Well, I certainly approve and am not one to argue with a man doing good deeds for the woman he desires to marry.” She pulled her gloves up more snugly to her wrists and then checked her hat with the violet and rose colored silk flowers to be sure it was still in place. Then she tossed a stray curl from her sandy-blond hair over one shoulder.
“Have you had a chance to think about our wedding day plans?” he asked, peering down at her through his spectacles.
“I have,” she replied, smiling up at him with a coy look.
“And...?”
“I have narrowed it down to three places for the ceremony. Either the Lutheran church, Ella’s parlor, or your conservatory.”
“Our conservatory,” he corrected gently.
She looked up at him with surprise in her eyes. They weren’t married yet, but he was calling his property hers, too. She grew silent, thinking about how rare it was for a man to say such a thing, her eyes scanning the quaint and charming cottages and homes on Plum Street since they’d turned to drive through town.
“I mean that,” he said, before she could ask him if he really meant what he’d said.
Perhaps Zane would prove to be the right husband for her after all. Lord, help me trust that You know what You’re doing with my life.
“All right, our conservatory,” she repeated.
“Anything else? Would you like to invite the whole town, or did you have something else in mind?” he asked.
“No, just us,” she answered, fiddling with her gloves again as she held a hand out to admire them. It wasn’t often that she had new gloves, and these were so clean, freshly chosen for her trousseau from one of Lexington’s finest milliners.
“You don’t want Ella and Josiah there? Perhaps Minnie, maybe Lottie and Caleb after you meet them?” he asked.
“Well, maybe, but I’ll have to ponder that a bit. I would like the preacher and his wife there, but they are the only guests I’m sure of at this point. I would like it to be an intimate, elegant, simple ceremony,” she said. “I have a wedding gown ready that my mother ordered for me, and I’d like to carry a bouquet of purple wildflowers. Perhaps some lavender or purple heather. I’m particularly fond of wild violets since they grow in Kentucky, if we can find any, but really, any purple flowers will do as long as it is something simple, tied with a purple ribbon.
“I think we can manage that,” he said, smiling. He appeared to approve of everything she’d said so far. “Have you given any thought to what the groom should wear?”
She looked at him. “Something like what you are wearing right now would be best. Black looks nice with purple and white, which is what I’ll be wearing, of course.”
“Easy enough,” he nodded. “When would you like this ceremony to happen and what time of day?”
“I’d prefer something in the afternoon, followed by perhaps a romantic dinner on your garden terrace, just us. Facing the rose garden and the gazebo with the swing...a view of the river in the distance, perhaps some candles. A simple meal, prepared by your cook would be fine.”
“Any food preferences?” he asked.
“I like fruits and vegetables, salad greens, tomatoes, cucumbers...boiled parsley potatoes, and whatever meat you would like. I know you like roast beef. Mama has given me a recipe for fried chicken, if you would like your cook to make roast beef and chicken. It would remind me of home.”
“Where would you like to honeymoon?” he asked with a grin.
She blushed, looking down to toy with her glove. “It would be nice if we could enjoy being at the mansion and work on decorating it together. If you could take a few weeks off to be with me, I think we’d both enjoy it. It’s a shame to not have the decorating and furnishings finished inside. I’d like to spend our entire first month getting to know each other, and as we have time, selecting the furnishings, drapes, fabrics, carpets, and so forth for all of the rooms in your new home.” She decided to tuck her arm into the crook of his elbow when the buggy rumbled over the bridge going across the Pelican River. Clinging to his strong arm helped to keep her from bouncing around as the buggy seemed to fly over the bridge behind his bay mares.
“Our new home,” he corrected her again.
She laughed. “It’s going to take some time to become accustomed to this, but yes, our new home.”
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He nodded. “I understand. I know this is a big step, and for both of us. I like everything you’ve mentioned. So all we need is a date, the time of afternoon, and you’ll need to narrow down the location you prefer. Perhaps a cake to share with any guests? Maybe something small?”
“I guess it depends on if we have a small guest list or not. Perhaps Minnie would make us something, or maybe we’ll order something from the tea shop and bakery in town. It’s the most delightful looking place. I saw it the other day when I went exploring.” She studied his mares as they swished their tails, admiring them as the well-matched team carried them swiftly along now that they were heading out into the countryside. “I’m thinking three o’clock in the afternoon, perhaps this coming Tuesday.”
“Tuesday!” Dr. Beckham pulled the reins tight, bringing the horses to a complete stop in the middle of the road.
Her eyes widened, wondering what he was doing. “Are we there?” She looked around, but she didn’t see a farm. They’d passed one after the bridge, but presently, the only thing visible were meadows and trees on both sides of the dirt road. They couldn’t hear the river anymore, either. Even the horses appeared uncomfortable as one stamped her feet and the other turned to look back at them, ears twitching.
“Tuesday?” he repeated, putting the break on and allowing the reins to drop onto his knee. Turning to her with a wide smile, he drew her into his arms. Then he planted a sweet kiss on her lips, giving her the sensation of melting in his embrace. When he drew away and picked up the reins again, he added, “This is a wonderful surprise to my ears, Jenny. I won’t have to wait so long to hold you in my arms.”
Then he made a clicking noise the horses understood, gently snapping the reins on the team to signal them to continue. “Now all you need to do is decide where, and I’ll speak to the minister, the cook, the bakery, and gather some flowers for you. Tuesday afternoon at three. I’ll put a sign up letting my clients know the office is closed, and I’ll only take patients on an emergency basis until the end of June.”
