“I should get to bed, too.” Betsy tried to interject, but Cletus and Edna Petunia didn’t seem to hear her. She turned toward the stairway and crept up them quietly, hoping not to wake any of her sisters. As she walked to her bedroom, she heard the sound of something knocking over downstairs, and peals of laughter ringing through the entry hall. Edna Petunia and Cletus—those two were quite the pair.
Chapter 5
Betsy tried to put the kiss out of her head while she worked at the auction house, but it was impossible. She couldn’t forget it, or the way it had made her feel. But Charles had stopped talking to her at the auction house during the work day. Even Mr. Fitzsimmons had picked up on it and asked if there was some type of trouble between the two of them. Charles had sputtered something and looked embarrassed, but Mr. Fitzsimmons had already found something else to grumble about and didn’t mention it again.
After Mr. Fitzsimmons had gone for the day, Charles did not offer to show her anything from the auction floor. He’d made it a point to do it every day prior, and it had become a special tradition for them. She’d started to learn what Charles liked and did not like, and he even started sharing with her all the little things that indicated one item was more valuable than another.
For example, some of the furniture had special carvings that told Charles exactly who had made it and when. With the jewelry, he had a special eye piece he wore to ascertain the value of the gem. For artwork, it was a little harder for Charles to explain, but he always seemed to know which ones were special. Betsy’s favorite item was still the teapot from the very first day, but that was long gone. Charles had told her someone bought it the very next day.
But that day, instead of inviting her onto the auction floor, Charles was silent as he counted the money and prepared a deposit slip for the bank. Betsy considered asking him if something was wrong, but she felt nervous and unsure. It was not a day she was scheduled to work at the Brooks’ house, and she was done with her tasks before he had finished his work at the desk. She approached him shyly.
“I’m done for the day and think I’ll head on home. Do you mind if you lock up on your own? If you need my help, I can stay.”
Charles looked startled, as if he’d forgotten she were there. “Oh. Yes, I can lock up on my own. Good evening.”
Betsy nodded and gathered her things. “Good night.” She was practically whispering as she exited the auction house building. When she got outside, she wondered why Charles was being so cold to her. She knew it had something to do with her asking him to take it slow, but she didn’t understand why that had upset him so badly. He seemed like a respectful young man, so surely he could understand why a girl like her needed to not rush into things.
Thinking about it made Betsy feel bothered and cross, so instead of going home, she decided to go to see Ruby at the mercantile.
When she arrived, she saw Ruby through the window, sweeping the shop. Her children—three boys and four girls in all—played outside the store.
“Hi, Aunt Betsy!” Jasper called when he saw her.
Betsy waved to the children. “Hello!” She walked inside and took a seat at one of the tables. “I need some advice!”
Ruby looked surprised. “What’s wrong, Betsy? Are you okay?” She stopped sweeping and took a seat next to the younger girl.
Betsy nodded. “I have feelings for a man, but I don’t know what to do about them.”
Ruby stared at her. “Betsy Sanders! I did not expect to hear that come out of your mouth! Who’s the lucky man?”
“That’s part of the problem. He’s a man I work with at the auction house – and I also work for him at his house, caring for his four siblings. They’re all orphans, just like we were.” It felt good to spill her secret to Ruby. She had been keeping her feelings private for a long time, and it was nice to let it out. Edna Petunia had told the girls that they could always tell her anything, but there were some things one just didn’t want to tell their mother about.
“Oh, wow. That sounds complicated.” Ruby was sympathetic and put a hand on Betsy’s shoulder.
“There’s more.” Betsy looked at Ruby guiltily.
Ruby frowned. “Uh-oh. What does that mean?”
“Well, he walked me home last night. And he kissed me.”
Ruby’s eyes widened. She looked around the store, making sure no one else was near enough to hear their conversation. The store was empty except for the two of them. “Kissing is all right unless you let him go any further. Oh, Betsy, you didn’t, did you?”
“No, nothing like that. Don’t worry. But I do find myself thinking about that kiss...all the time. I can’t stop thinking about it.” Betsy confided.
“I think that’s perfectly normal, if you truly love this man. When Lewis was courting me, I certainly thought about him all the time. It sounds like things just started, though, so you want to be sure.”
Betsy nodded. “That makes sense. I told him I wanted to take things slow. And now he’s stopped talking to me.”
Ruby’s face hardened. “He stopped talking to you entirely? Why, that good-for-nothing…”
Betsy put up a hand. “No! No, Ruby, you’ve got it wrong. I didn’t say that right. He’s still talking to me, but it’s all formal and professional now. It’s nothing like how we were yesterday, when he walked me home.
“He walked you home? Good Lord, Betsy. That might be why he’s being strange around you. If he’s met Edna Petunia and Cletus, who knows what he thinks?” Ruby loved her adoptive parents, but they were very eccentric and had even been known to scare a few potential suitors off.
Betsy laughed. “No, it’s not that. At least I don’t think it is. I think his feelings are hurt that I asked him to take things slow.”
“If you want my advice, you did exactly the right thing, Betsy. If you and Charles are the right couple, it will all work out, even if you take things slowly. And if you are not meant to be, I’m sure you’ll meet someone else who is the right man for you.”
“Thank you, Ruby.” Betsy appreciated that her sister was trying to help her, but she didn’t want to think about the possibility Charles was not the only one for her. “I should get home now. Edna Petunia and Cletus have been worried about me ever since I took on this extra work.”
“They’re getting nervous with all of us married girls out of the house now – they don’t want to lose you, too!” Ruby grinned. “It wasn’t the same when I got married—I had only lived with them for a short time before I met and married Lewis. But you’ve been living with them so long they probably forgot what it was like without you.”
“That’s true. I wonder what would happen if all of us got married and left. They’d be all alone again.” It was hard for Betsy to picture Edna Petunia and Cletus living in that large, beautiful house by themselves. She thought they might get lonely. Then again, they seemed to enjoy their alone time.
“I don’t know about that. For that to happen, a man would have to propose to Gertie. I don’t see any suitors knocking down her door.” Ruby laughed at the thought.
Betsy frowned. “That’s not very nice, Ruby. Gertie is difficult, I know. But she deserves to find love just as much as the rest of us do.”
Ruby stopped chuckling. She felt bad. She had forgotten how goodhearted and sensitive Betsy could be. “You’re right. I’ll stop making fun of her. It’s not kind.”
“It’s okay. I think I’m just emotional right now because of Charles.” Suddenly, Betsy was exhausted thinking about all the feelings she’d experienced within the past two days. There was joy and elation, and the hope of something more when Charles had kissed her. There was nervousness and disappointment when she had asked him to take things slow. There was fear when Cletus had interrogated him. And now, there was sadness and sorrow that Charles seemed to be pulling away from her.
“It will be all right, Betsy. I know it.” Ruby patted Betsy’s back. Betsy smiled gratefully at her older sister. It was wonderful to have so many sisters who were w
illing to listen and help her with her problems.
The next day, Charles did not show up for work at the auction house. Mr. Fitzsimmons complained the entire morning about Charles’s irresponsibility, even though the man had never once arrived late or missed work before. Betsy found herself worrying about Charles throughout the morning. Mr. Fitzsimmons kept pointing out spots she had missed as she polished silverware for an upcoming auction.
At lunch, she couldn’t wait any longer. She told Mr. Fitzsimmons she needed to go home over her lunch hour and would make up the time that evening. Mr. Fitzsimmons grumbled and told her to hurry back.
Betsy rushed as quickly as she could down the familiar route to the Brooks’ family house. When she got there, she saw Matthew, Samuel, and David sitting on the porch steps. She realized she had never seen David so quiet or still before. He looked as if he’d been crying. Matthew and Samuel looked angry.
Betsy was out of breath. “I came to check on Charles because he didn’t show up for work today. Is he inside?”
Matthew nodded. “He’s in there, but you shouldn’t go into the house.”
“Charles said we’re not allowed in there. It’s not fair!” Samuel pouted.
“What? What happened?” Betsy didn’t want to overstep if this was part of one of Charles’s rules or consequences for the children. But something was clearly wrong.
“Amy’s sick. Real sick.” With that, David started to cry again.
“Stop crying!” Matthew yelled as he stood up and found a small stone near the garden. Frustrated, he cast it off into the distance.
Betsy took a deep breath. “Do you know what’s wrong with Amy?”
Samuel shook his head.
Betsy stared at the house, thinking she might be able to see Charles or Amy through the window. “I know Charles said you’re not allowed in there—that’s because he cares about you and doesn’t want you to get sick like Amy. But I’m an adult, and I’m going to go help Charles take care of her.”
Betsy was worried that the boys would protest, but they didn’t. She walked past them and pushed the front door open. She called out softly, in case Amy was sleeping. “Charles, it’s Betsy.”
Betsy didn’t hear a response right away, but she did hear footsteps, creaks in the floorboards, and a door being drawn shut. She walked toward the kitchen and found Charles there.
“Shh…she’s finally asleep.” Charles motioned for Betsy to sit down at the kitchen table. “What are you doing here? It’s not even one o’clock.” Charles looked sad and scared. Betsy longed to reach out and touch his hand, but she didn’t dare.
“I was worried when you didn’t show up for work today, so I convinced Mr. Fitzsimmons to let me come here on my lunch break.” Betsy didn’t mention the part about how she couldn’t stop thinking about him.
Charles forced a smile. “You got Fitzsimmons to let you escape for lunch. That’s impressive.”
“What’s wrong with Amy?”
Charles’s voice faltered as he tried to explain. “She’s so small, Betsy. So small and frail. She has a bad fever and hasn’t been able to eat anything since yesterday morning.”
“Has Dr. Harvey stopped by?” Dr. Iris Harvey had seen many of the Sanders girls through various ailments and sicknesses since they had moved to Nowhere. Edna Petunia had worked for Iris, and they were quite fond of one another. Iris was the town doctor and never turned away a sick patient.
“No, she hasn’t.” Charles’s face grew dark.
“What’s wrong?” Betsy wondered if Charles didn’t care for Dr. Harvey for some reason.
Charles looked around nervously. “The last time Dr. Harvey was in this house was when my parents had their accident. They passed shortly after. I don’t want her to scare them.”
Betsy couldn’t help herself—she wrapped her arms around Charles. He leaned his head down on her shoulder. Despite the circumstances, Betsy felt her pulse quicken. They stayed that way until they heard a wail from the bedroom. Charles bolted upright and raced into the small room. Betsy followed him slowly.
Betsy’s chest hurt as she saw Amy lying in the bed, crying. Although she had always been small for her size, there was even less of the girl now. She was bundled up in several blankets in the bed in the center of the room.
Charles put his hand to Amy’s bright red forehead. “She’s still running a fever. It’s been nearly an entire day.”
Betsy needed to get back to the auction house—Mr. Fitzsimmons would be fuming if she didn’t return on time. But she knew Amy needed to be seen by a doctor. Betsy thought about it for a moment, then decided what she had to do. “I’m going to get Dr. Harvey. I’ll tell the children that she’s coming so they won’t be shocked or upset when she arrives.”
“But—” Charles began to protest, but Betsy held a hand up.
“I’ve made up my mind. Amy needs to see a doctor. I’ll see you this evening.” With that, Betsy rushed out of the cabin and asked Matthew, Samuel, and David to sit with her for a moment. They grudgingly agreed, surrounding her on the creaky porch.
“Your sister is sick – so she needs medicine.” Betsy began. “Only doctors can give her the kind of medicine she needs, so I’m going to get Dr. Iris to come here. I believe Dr. Iris has been to your house before, so she’ll look familiar. Do you understand?”
The boys nodded. Matthew pretended he didn’t care, but Betsy could see the worry in his eyes. David looked like he was going to start crying again.
“Dr. Iris is my doctor, too. It might seem scary that a doctor is coming to your house, but it’s just because Amy needs medicine. If she doesn’t get medicine, she won’t be able to get better. So there’s nothing to be scared of. Okay?” Betsy hoped the boys would understand.
“Okay.” David jumped to his feet. “Can we play now?” Betsy wanted to laugh despite herself. The little boy was clearly done with conversation.
“You be good and behave yourselves for Charles. I’m going to get Dr. Iris and send her here. I’ll be back later.” Betsy dusted herself off and prepared for the trip to Dr. Harvey’s practice. The doctor’s office was close to the house where she lived with her husband and their children, but it wasn’t close to the Brooks’ house. Betsy rushed off, hoping she wouldn’t be too late.
Chapter 6
When Betsy finally made it back to the auction house, Mr. Fitzsimmons was leading the day’s auctions. It was nearly three o’clock, and she knew he’d be angry when he finished presenting, so she busied herself by cleaning all of the outside windows. She knew Mr. Fitzsimmons felt it was important to keep up the appearance of the exterior of the building, and she hoped it would allow her to keep her position.
Dr. Iris had understood immediately what was wrong as soon as Betsy had described Amy’s appearance to her. She had thanked Betsy for coming to get her and promised she would take the family’s wagon right away to get to little Amy. She offered Betsy a ride, but Betsy knew she needed to get back to the auction house first and finish her daily chores.
As she cleaned, all she could think about was little Amy. Charles and his family had already been through so much grief and loss. If anything were to happen to the youngest child, it would be devastating.
Once the auction was finished for the day, Mr. Fitzsimmons came to find Betsy. “Where on earth have you been, girl? Both my employees run off on me in one day? Unacceptable!”
“Charles’s younger sister is very, very sick. I was late because I went to see her, and then I went to call on Dr. Harvey. I’m very sorry, sir.” Betsy steeled herself for whatever consequence was to come.
To her surprise, Mr. Fitzsimmons’ face softened. “The little one? I saw her once, at his parents’ funeral at the church—just a sweet, tiny little thing. I’m sorry to hear she’s taken ill.”
Betsy could not believe her ears. She had been sure Mr. Fitzsimmons would tell her she had lost her job on the spot. More than that, he seemed to be displaying kindness and love for another person. She wished Charles h
ad been there to witness it. She knew he would have laughed with her afterward.
Thinking of Charles made Betsy snap back to attention. “I won’t let it happen again, sir. Is there anything else you need from me today? I’d like to get back to Charles’s house to see if there’s anything I can do.”
Mr. Fitzsimmons nodded and turned to face the auction hall. “Just a few things, and then you can be on your way. Aisles two, three, and six need dusting, and seven and nine need a polish. Then you can go, and I’ll lock up. How’s that?”
Betsy nodded quickly before Mr. Fitzsimmons could change his mind. “Thank you very much, Mr. Fitzsimmons. I won’t forget it.” Mr. Fitzsimmons shook his head as if to say it was nothing. Betsy blazed through her chores faster than usual. She called out to Mr. Fitzsimmons as she rushed out the door. “Good evening!” Mr. Fitzsimmons grunted.
Instead of going directly to Charles’s house, Betsy knew it was important for her to stop somewhere else first.
When Betsy arrived at the church, it was completely empty. She knew that Micah, her sister Sarah Jane’s husband and town pastor, was likely in the parsonage, but this wasn’t a social call. She went into one of the pews and took a seat.
Betsy bowed her head and began to pray. Ever since she and her sisters had moved to Texas, the church had always been a safe place that provided comfort and joy. She was glad to have a few moments of peace and quiet after all the rushing around of the afternoon.
When Betsy had finished praying, she left the church and set out for Charles’s house. As she walked up to the house, she saw Dr. Harvey getting into her buggy. Dr. Harvey waited for Betsy to get closer.
“How is she?” Betsy could barely catch her breath. Her legs ached and her chest heaved after all the walking across town.
Dr. Harvey frowned. “She still has a very bad fever. There wasn’t much I was able to do for her. It’s very important that the other children not be near her right now. We don’t want them getting sick, too.”
Betsy (Orlan Orphans Book 8) Page 4
