Change of Heart

by Molly Jebber

  “You must be Becca’s best friend. She told me what a valuable friend you are to her. It’s nice to meet you.”

  Grace’s cheeks pinked. “Her friendship means a lot to me, too. I hope you will take gut care of her.”

  “Rest assured. I will. I hope you will visit us again soon.”

  “I hope to kumme with Mr. and Mrs. Yost when they visit. I’ll write to Becca and keep in touch.”

  They bid Matt and Dorothy farewell and walked home.

  Grace hooked her arm through Becca’s. “He is handsome and kind. I can tell he loves you. It’s the way he looks at you.”

  “There is no doubt in my mind. I love him. I can’t help it.” Daed had arranged for her to wed David. She didn’t know him. Would she have liked him? Would she have fallen in love with him? Those questions had flashed in her mind often before David left her alone on their wedding day. David had done her a favor. She and Matt had gotten to know each other. She liked and loved Matt. “He listens to me and offers good advice. He’s good-looking, smart, kind, and he has a good sense of humor. I respect and admire him as a person and as a doctor.”

  Grace smiled. “I’m happy for you.”

  They arrived at Ruth’s. Her parents and Grace gathered their belongings, and Becca and Ruth followed them outside.

  Mamm tied her bag. “Becca, do you need anything from home?”

  “I don’t. Grace can go through my room and take what she wants.”

  Grace’s brown eyes danced. “I would be delighted to have your things. I will think of you when I wear your clothes and kapps.”

  “You can drop whatever of mine you don’t want in the charity box.”

  “I will share your dresses with two other women who are our size.” She put her hand on Becca’s shoulder. “Do you want me to share your news with Hester, or will you write to her and tell her yourself? She’ll be excited to learn about Dr. Carrington.”

  “I’ll write her a letter and explain everything.”

  Grace put her hands on Becca’s shoulders. “I was hoping you would. She would be hurt if she didn’t hear your news from you.”

  “I understand.” Becca squeezed Grace’s hand and then left to help Daed ready his buggy and horse. Then they joined Mamm and Ruth standing outside. Becca and Ruth bid their loved ones farewell and waited until they were out of sight before heading inside the house.

  “I’m surprised they came, Ruth. They accepted my leaving much better than I anticipated they would.”

  “They did not flinch when you told them your news. I suspect they had already guessed you might stay, since you had not written and told them when you planned to come home. The fact we love God with all our hearts must also make this a little easier for them. At least I can tell it did for Mamm. I am relieved they have agreed to visit. It is truly a miracle.”

  Becca removed her kapp and smoothed her hair. “I never thought our parents would bend the Amish rules. What a relief. I suspected Grace would support my decision. I’m glad she came with them. Writing letters back and forth with Grace and our parents makes my decision to live here much easier.”

  The next morning, Becca awoke to the sweet aroma of fresh baked cinnamon rolls and coffee. She washed her face and hands and dressed. She joined Ruth for breakfast. “I’m going to get fat if you keep making these delicious cinnamon rolls.”

  “We need to celebrate this morning. I have my family back. Something I had not imagined possible. It is a great day.” She waved her hands.

  Becca moaned and bit into a soft gooey roll. She drank milk. “Yes it is.” Her sister had reason to celebrate. They both did. The fear of never seeing their parents again had been erased.

  Ruth glimpsed at the clock. “It is late, and I have got to get to work. I have a load of fabric being delivered today.”

  “I’m running late too. I’ll see you tonight.” Becca headed for the office. As she got closer, she squinted when a woman held her protruding stomach and groaned. A man opened the door to Matt’s office. She hurried to help them.

  Inside, Dorothy rushed to the couple. She stepped back when she saw Becca.

  The woman cried out. “Please, help me. My baby is coming.”

  Becca and the man supported the woman as they escorted her to the exam room and helped her lie down. The stench of vomit, sweat, and blood from the woman’s clothes filled the air. The pregnant woman’s gown clung to her body. Damp hair matted to her head framed her sickly white face.

  Dorothy fretted in the doorway. “Please meet Mr. and Mrs. Piper. What do you want me to do?”

  She liked them at first sight. Both were short, medium build, and could have been mistaken for brother and sister with their small frames, dark hair, and round, pale faces. “I’m Becca Yost. Please call me Becca.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Dorothy, where’s Dr. Carrington?”

  “He is not here yet. He had some errands to run this morning.” Dorothy twisted her fingers. “Do you want me to find him?”

  “No. I’ll be fine taking care of Mrs. Piper. Would you mind making us some fresh coffee?” She didn’t want Dorothy to worry and, at the same time, wanted her to feel useful.

  The man wiped beads of sweat from his forehead. “My wife, Gretchen, has been in pain all night. I fear something is wrong with the baby.”

  “I’m an experienced midwife. Dorothy makes great coffee. Go relax and have a cup with her while I examine your wife.”

  Color returned to his face. He kissed his wife’s forehead before he hurried to leave.

  When he shut the door behind him, she stifled a chuckle. He was obviously relieved to escape. Dorothy would keep him occupied until his bundle of joy made his or her appearance. His absence would allow her to fully concentrate on Gretchen. She missed helping mamms birth their boppli. How exciting. She pulled clean sheets from a drawer. “How long have you been having severe pain?”

  The woman winced and gripped her stomach. “The pains have gotten worse the last few hours.”

  Becca washed her hands then lifted the woman’s skirts and draped her with clean sheets. The boppli was in position. She rushed to pull two pillows out of a cabinet. “I’m going to stuff these behind your back and help you into a sitting position. Get ready to push.” She then positioned herself to help the boppli enter the world.

  “Gretchen, push on the count of three. One, two, three, push.”

  The patient screamed. Sweat dripped from her forehead as she pushed.

  “The boppli is crowning. Push again for me.”

  The young mamm screamed and pushed again.

  Becca helped ease the boppli out the rest of the way. She placed the squalling boppli on Gretchen’s chest, cut the umbilical cord, and clamped it with a clothespin. “You have a son.” She lifted the infant from the mamm’s chest. “Your boppli needs a little attention. You relax and get ready to hold him in a few minutes.”

  She cleared his mouth and nostrils then checked him to make sure he was healthy and washed him. After swaddling him in a boppli blanket, she placed him on the mamm’s chest. “The blanket is a gift to you from Dr. Carrington. Your son’s a handsome little fellow.”

  Becca removed the afterbirth from Mrs. Piper and discarded the bloody mess in the trash bin. Relieved Gretchen didn’t require suturing, she dipped a rag in clean water and washed the woman’s sweaty, beaming face. She then slid a clean sheet under Gretchen. “Would you like a clean dress? We keep a few here for new mamms. They are plain, dark blue, and are not formfitting. It would be suitable for you to wear home. You may return it if you wish.”

  “Yes. Thank you. You can throw my soiled dress away. We own a farm, and I ripped the hem of the dress yesterday helping my husband feed the animals.”

  Becca helped her change, while Gretchen balanced the newborn in her arms. She covered her with a thin blanket.

  Matt poked his head in. “Are you doing all right in here?”

  Becca waved him in. “Yes. We’re doing great. Would you ask Mr. Piper to come in?
”

  Matt opened the door wide, and Mr. Piper walked in and smoothed his wife’s hair. “He is tiny.” He shook Matt’s hand. “Thank you both for your help.”

  Gretchen touched Becca’s arm. “You did a great job taking care of me and my baby. I am going to tell my friends about you.”

  “You’re too kind. I’m glad you and your son are healthy. Enjoy him.”

  Becca and Matt left the couple alone for an hour to relax. Mr. Piper and Matt supported the new mamm and walked her to the buggy. Becca carried the boppli and followed them.

  She, Matt, and Dorothy waved good-bye.

  Dorothy chuckled. “The poor man did not have a chance to take his buggy to the livery. It is a good thing the baby did not take long coming into this world, or their horse would not be fit to take them home.” She linked her arm through Matt’s. “Becca did a great job. She helped bring the infant into this world with ease. She calmed Mr. Piper and comforted his wife, all at the same time.”

  “I keep feed in the shed outside. I fed and watered their horse earlier.” He rubbed Becca’s shoulder. “I am blessed to have her here.”

  Becca thought her heart would burst at hearing his words.

  “I will leave you two alone to catch your breath before another patient shows up. Besides, I have some work to do.” Dorothy squeezed Becca’s hand before returning to her desk.

  Becca and Matt headed for the exam room.

  Matt leaned back in a chair. “You did a great job with Mr. and Mrs. Piper. I should have been here to help you.”

  “I enjoyed birthing the couple’s boppli. It allowed me to practice being a midwife again.” She flattened her palms on her lap and leaned forward. “All right. Enough talk about Mr. and Mrs. Piper. The anticipation of what you think of my parents is keeping me on the edge of my seat. How did you like meeting them?”

  “It stunned me they came to visit you and Ruth, because of their strong belief to shun her for leaving the Amish community. I enjoyed meeting them.”

  “They surprised us. We are thrilled they’ve agreed to write and visit us. Ruth and I consider it a miracle from God.”

  “I am relieved you have decided to stay here. I cannot imagine what I would do without you.” He moved closer to her and clasped her hand. “Becca, you are more than a friend to me. I have grown fond of you. Will you please allow me to court you?”

  Her heart raced. “Yes! Yes! I hoped you would ask.”

  He stood and gently pulled her to her feet. He pulled her close and lowered his head to kiss her.

  Her heart raced. She closed her eyes and lifted her chin in anticipation of their first kiss. His lips touched hers. Nothing could have prepared her for the overwhelming joy and burst of excitement she felt. She and David hadn’t courted, hadn’t shared past life experiences or had meaningful conversations. An arranged marriage seemed strange to her now that she had met and gotten to know Matt. She wanted to meet his parents, spend more time with him, and find out if they were right for each other. When would she meet his parents? Ruth didn’t have anything pleasant to say about Mrs. Carrington. Her sister’s words echoed in her mind.

  Chapter Four

  A week later, the bell clanged in the waiting room. With the tone of a squeaky wooden door hinge, his mother spoke to Dorothy. He groaned and rubbed his temples. Why was she here? A meeting with his mother was not the way he wanted to start his day. Her heels pounded the floor as if she were headed into battle. He had avoided talking to Becca about his parents. He slapped a hand to his head. Big mistake. No telling what his mother would say to her, and there was no time to warn her.

  Eloise Carrington swung open the door. “Do not stare at me. Say something. Why have you not bothered to visit your father or me?” She darted her eyes from Becca to him. “Is this the woman I have been hearing about?”

  Matt rose. His mother’s entrance and dramatic performance as she pulled off her thin white gloves sent needles up his spine. His mother had not paused between questions to allow him to answer her. Of course, this was nothing new. She had not been in his office five minutes, and she had insulted Becca already.

  He put his hand on Becca’s shoulder. “If you are referring to the nurse I have hired, then yes, this is Becca Yost.” He gestured to his mother. “Becca, this is my mother, Eloise Carrington.”

  Matt raked a hand through his hair. He did not want to risk his mother insulting Becca further. He would rather she be in a pleasant mood when she and Becca had a chance to get to know each other. “Becca, would you mind going over the supplies we need to order with Dorothy?”

  Becca bowed her head. “I would be glad to. Mrs. Carrington, it was nice to meet you.”

  Mrs. Carrington gave her a curt nod, as if to dismiss her.

  Becca left and shut the door behind her.

  Matt gritted his teeth to keep from saying something he would regret.

  His mother crossed her arms against her chest. “Are you out of your mind? An Amish girl is not a suitable nurse for you.”

  He did not want to discuss Becca with his mother. Her prejudice had always troubled him.

  She pointed at his chest. “You must consider your reputation. It is unusual for an Amish girl to work with a man outside her community. Gossip is you are rather comfortable around each other. I do not understand why you would want to work and associate with a girl who has lived such a backward life. Her dowdy Amish clothes are disgusting.”

  He removed her finger from his chest. “The Amish are plain, hardworking people who make God a priority in their lives. Fancy clothes and material possessions do not matter to them. For your information, she has left her Amish life. She will remain in Massillon and live with her sister, Ruth. She is a sweet woman, who I admire for many reasons, and we are officially courting.” He stood straight and refused to turn his eyes from hers.

  Eloise jutted her chin. “You are out of your mind. She has been raised in a sheltered community and could not begin to fit into our society.” She broke their gaze. “You need a refined woman. I will find you one.”

  Matt stepped back. “I resent your insults about Becca. She has all the qualities I am looking for in a woman. I expect you to treat her with kindness. If you refuse to honor my request, then we have nothing more to say to each other. You ruined my courtship with Mary Stetson. Do not try and do the same thing with Becca.” The minute the words flew out of his mouth, he regretted them. He did not want to talk about Mary Stetson with his mother ever again.

  Eloise Carrington narrowed her eyes. “She wanted your money. I saved you from her. She came from a poor family and did not know the first thing about etiquette or how to fit into our world.”

  He matched her glare and stood firm. “I did not care. I loved her.”

  “She did not love you, or she would not have taken the generous bank note I handed to her on the condition she leave town.”

  “You lied to her. You pushed her away with your rude behavior. You convinced her she did not fit into our social circle and never would because she came from a poor family. You caught her alone several times and continued to humiliate her.”

  She scoffed. “I did you a favor running Mary off.”

  “She left because she could not imagine having you for a mother-in-law. She accepted your money because her father was dying and needed expensive treatment.”

  “How do you know?”

  “I received a letter from her weeks later. Her father died, and she did not want me to think she had taken the money for herself. I would have gone to her, but she told me in the letter she had met someone.” The agony of the letter came rushing back to him.

  “I believe she lied about her father. Furthermore, she would not have fallen in love with someone else so soon if you were important to her.”

  “I am not convinced she did meet someone. I believe she knew I would try to persuade her to come back but had made up her mind she could not put up with you, Mother.”

  Her nostrils flared. “Nonetheless,
she must not have meant too much to you, or you would have gone to her and found out if she had met someone.”

  “Communication is important to me in a relationship. She should have trusted me enough to tell me about your disgusting offer. I would have refused to have anything to do with you and given her the money myself. Nonetheless, it is over and done with, and I will not discuss this with you any longer.” It had taken time, but he had forgiven his mother for causing his and Mary’s separation two years ago. It did not do either of them any good to argue about Mary.

  “I agree. There has been enough said about Mary Stetson.” She patted his arm. “Besides, I have some exciting news to tell you.”

  Matt read the determination in her face. He dreaded her announcement. He abhorred her arrogance but admired her spunk, drive, and elegant taste. She had always doted on him and, even though she was opinionated, he had forgiven her shortcomings.

  Moving to the mirror on his wall, his mother pinched her cheeks and righted her hat. “Beatrice Bloomingdale will arrive on the afternoon stagecoach to dine with us at the Massillon Restaurant. She is a beautiful girl from a fine family. Her father is a surgeon at Columbus Hospital. She helps her mother plan the most successful and wonderful parties.” She brushed a thread from his shoulder. “Her parents are friends with many prominent physicians in Boston, New York, and Chicago. I expect you to join us for supper.”

  She knew he was courting Becca. Why was she matching him with Beatrice Bloomingdale? He gritted his teeth. He would bring Becca. “I will be happy to come and meet Miss Bloomingdale if Becca is invited.”

  “Fine. Bring her.” Eloise fluttered her fingers at him. “I will meet Beatrice at the stagecoach. We will meet you and Becca at the Massillon Restaurant around six-thirty. Beatrice is staying with your father and me. She leaves on the morning train to go back to Canton.”

  Matt followed his mother to the door and waved good-bye. Well, what a surprise. She had not argued about Becca coming to supper. What did she have up her sleeve? He shrugged. Whatever plan she had in mind, he would not stand for her being rude to Becca. He would take her with him, and if his mother misbehaved, they would leave.