by Kari Trumbo
Chapter Eleven
Carol sat in the parlor stitching the bodice of her new gown, or rather her mother’s old gown. She’d managed to keep it secret from her father that she’d been up in the attic and that she’d taken a dress of her mother’s. Ivy was right; letting them sit to rot was wasteful. The fabric was rich and lush, and truth be told, Carol had desperately needed some new gowns. If she could master the sewing machine, she could alter many of her mother’s dresses and use them again. But how long until Father realized what she was up to, and would he approve?
Dr. Gentry entered the parlor and smiled at her. He stood behind her and blocked her light until she set down her sewing.
“Can I assist you with something, Doctor?” She glanced over her shoulder, and her skin prickled at his nearness.
“No, I was just noticing your neat stitches. My associate in Boston does some surgery, and his stitches aren’t half so tidy.”
The image of just what he would be stitching formed deep in her thoughts. She felt a chill run through her and she shook her head, focusing on the fire to expel them.
“I came in here because I never got an answer from you a few days ago when I asked you to the social.”
He was far too near her, and she stood and approached the hearth. “I was under the impression you only wanted me to go with you because I was the only one you knew. You now know Ivy as well; perhaps she would like to attend with you?” She refused to turn back to those stormy eyes that swept her up so quickly when she let them.
“I don’t want to go with any other woman but you.”
“Such silky words, doctor. Don’t bind yourself here when there are more women in Cutter’s Creek who may entertain you better than I. Not to mention my father does not wish it.”
She fidgeted with her hands. He certainly was making this easy for her. She desperately needed him to make her an offer by Christmas. Her father was getting worse by the day, and he would need more medical care soon...care they couldn’t afford.
“I don’t think your father would wish you to go alone. Better that I escort you there, and I don’t know any other women who want to go.” He approached her back, and her spine tingled the closer he came.
“If that is what you truly want, then I’ll attend with you.”
“Excellent.” He reached around her taking her hand and swinging her to face him. He brushed his lips over her knuckles, and nothing else in the world mattered but those blue-green eyes and the press of his soft skin on hers. “I’ll look forward to it, Dr. Gentry.”
She watched him leave the room feeling less like she’d won the battle and more like he had. She held her hand close to her chest. It was so strange how she reacted so differently to him than any other man. Even Beau did not elicit these feelings from her. What in the world was she getting herself into?
Ivy strode in carrying the green skirt. She had managed to release the seams on the narrow skirt and take the fabric which had once covered a large bustle to a gathered back, using the satin along the hem to accentuate the sweeping skirt.
“It isn’t the mode just now to wear these dark heavy fabrics, but it was then, and it is perfect for the weather here in Montana, don’t you think? How is the bodice coming?”
Carol sighed and held it up. “I’ve removed the collar as you instructed and cut the neckline down for a gown, leaving the French cuffs in place as an attractive detail. What do you think?”
“It will be wonderful, and it’s almost finished.” She laid the two together on the couch to give them a critical eye.
Carol glanced at Ivy. “I think you should come with me. I’m rather afraid to go with Dr. Gentry alone. My feelings get all a mess when he is around, and I’m sure to make a fool of myself. I’ve only ever gone to the social as a child having fun. This is the first time I will go on the arm of someone other than my father.”
Ivy backed away a step. “You know I cannot go. Mrs. Camden doesn’t know I’m here, and I would like to keep it that way for as long as I can. When word gets out, I’ll find a way to cross those mountains into Oregon territory or maybe California.”
“If you tell me what it is you’re running from, perhaps I can help? Mrs. Camden can certainly be surly, but she isn’t all bad. Her family has been here since the beginning. I don’t understand what her hold is over you.”
Ivy sucked her lips in and her eyes went cold. “That’s just it. You don’t understand, and you won’t. She is old money, and old money never talks. Please, just pray she will not find me until I’ve saved enough to go. You will keep my secret, won’t you?” She turned to Carol, her crossed arms like a barrier between them.
“Of course I will. I’m sorry. You have become a good friend, and I just wish you could join me.”
Ivy frowned. “I would if I could, but the cost would be too great if I were discovered. Someone also needs to stay here with Carlton. He cannot be left alone. I’m sorry. I’ll be in the attic finishing your skirt.” She grabbed the skirt up and rushed from the room.
Chapter Twelve
Carol stood away from her dressing table and let Ivy help her with her stays and getting dressing for the social. Ivy sat her in front of the mirror and brushed her hair, sweeping it up off her neck and piling it elegantly on her head. Carol couldn’t help but be thankful for the attention. She was far too nervous to do her own hair or close buttons. Her head felt light and her step as if she were walking on clouds.
“I simply can’t figure Dr. Gentry. He makes me so nervous, yet I feel like I must seek out his attention...yet every time I do I feel as if my stomach is going to flutter away.”
“You are young. Be careful of that feeling because men are not what they seem. They will take advantage of you and try to mould you into just what they want you to be. They never seem to just care unless it suits their motives. Even those related to you never seem to really care always watching for your flaws.” Ivy seemed to shrink in on herself.
“Oh, Ivy, I don’t think that’s always true. My father cares, he really does.”
Ivy frowned and caught her gaze in the mirror. “If that’s true, what do you think your father would say if he knew Dr. Gentry was the one taking you tonight? You do realize he’s never asked your father’s permission to take you, don’t you? I’ve heard them discussing you and your father wants him away from you. He’s even considered sending the doctor home early to keep him away from you.”
Carol covered her lips and shook her head. “That can’t be true. It can’t be. He wouldn’t have asked me if he hadn’t spoken to father. He told me father wouldn’t want me to go unescorted, and since Father never asked me who was taking me, I assumed he knew.” She put on her own necklace, one of the few she had, to give her hands something to do.
“As I said, dear, guard your heart. I don’t think Manning has your heart in mind. If he respects you so little that he would skirt your father, he isn’t worth giving your time and especially something so precious as your heart.” She squeezed her shoulder and left. Carol sat regarding herself in the mirror and held her shoulders back with her chin up as Ivy had shown her. She narrowed her eyes and shifted her head so the baubles hanging from her ears caught the light and shone back at her. Though her gown was far from new, it was beautiful, and Ivy had made sure it was the latest style. She stood and inspected the dress from every angle, making sure everything was just so before she went down to meet her doctor. A giggle erupted from her. Her doctor, what a thought!
She stood at the top of the stairs and waited momentarily. The room below was quiet, and Dr. Gentry wasn’t ready. He wore the clothes he’d worn all day. Her father smiled up at her from his seat by the fire.
“Aren’t you lovely, my dear. Is anyone escorting you to the festivities tonight? Is Josiah stopping by to get you?” He smiled up at her.
Carol slowly walked down the stairway, careful not to catch her toes on the fabric as she walked to avoid tripping. Her glance cut to Dr. Gentry. “Why yes, D—”
&n
bsp; Manning interrupted her. “She is quite lovely. I’m sure whomever is taking her is a lucky man. I would be happy to sit here and wait for him, if you would rather rest now that you’ve seen her gown.”
“No.” He scowled at Manning. “I think I’d like to see who she is attending the social with in my absence.”
Carol glared at Manning and turned to her father, taking his hand. “I’m sorry, father. I had asked Dr. Gentry to escort me for the walk over, but he is not dressed, and it starts shortly. I guess I won’t be attending with anyone this year.” She knew her voice cracked, but hopefully neither man would notice. She held her breath then stood up straight clasping her hands in front of her. “You asked me to slow down, so I’ve heeded your direction and am going alone.”
“Well, I don’t mind saying I’m disappointed you’re walking there by yourself. I had hoped that Hanover boy would come to his senses, but perhaps that’s just wishful thinking.”
Carol shrugged her cape over her shoulders and collected the leather skates she’d gathered earlier by the door. “Good evening, Father. I will not be late.” She closed the door behind her and wiped a tear from under her eye. She’d managed to keep them in check while she’d stood in front of the men. Ivy would be proud of her. Ivy would also say I told you so.
She wrapped her hood carefully over her hair and quickened her steps to the little red chapel, her skates lying heavily over her shoulder much like the heaviness in her heart. The church glowed from within, and she could see people moving about. The party was in full swing. Mrs. Jemma Jansen met her warmly at the door and gave her a quick squeeze.
“I haven’t seen you in an age. How is your father?” She went around to her back and peeled the heavy wool cape off as Carol lifted the skates.
“He is doing well, though this weather seems to be bothering him more and more. Thank you for asking. And how is Nick?”
“Doing well, thank you,” she smiled. “Why don’t you hang your skates over here for later. The party is already begun.” She shifted on her heel waving to another new arrival. She looked over the room, and her glance flitted from one happy couple to another. Cutter’s Creek was full of good folks who took care of each other, so why did she suddenly feel so out of place and alone?
“What are you up to, little sister.” Josiah draped his arm protectively over her shoulder. “You looked lost there for a minute. Church is a good place to get lost, you might get found quick.” He smiled and waited for her to banter back, but she couldn’t quite make herself be fun.
Penny came forward and took her hands. “What’s the matter? I know we’ve been scarce lately, but the snow has kept us housebound. Josiah picked a house on the mountain end of town for the privacy, but it also gets the brunt of the snow. It was clear up to the roof in the front. Holston and Father had to come and help us dig out.”
Carol squirmed. She couldn’t very well admit she’d agreed to come with a man her father did not approve of, however silly she felt the reason was. She shifted her gaze back up to her brother, realizing her folly right away. It was a good thing the doctor hadn’t come. Josiah would’ve mentioned it to her father, and he would be furious. She notched up her chin as Ivy had shown her and tilted her lips in as much of a smile as she could. “Nothing is wrong. I was merely searching for friendly faces.” She bowed slightly and backed away from the happy couple.
Early spring when the serviceberries had ripened, she’d helped other pick enough for the contest, but she hadn’t done any of her own, feeling too young and inexperienced to join in the festivities. Now she wished she’d at least tried.
Mrs. Camden eyed her from the corner, and she groaned inwardly as she saw her leave her protective clutch of admirers and glide her way. Shoulders back, chin up. She’s just a woman like every other woman in the room.
“Good evening, Miss Williams. I’m so glad you decided to attend.” She turned away and glanced over the room. “Did you bring anything to share with the group?”
“I’m afraid I didn’t, but my brother assured me Penny brought enough to feed everyone.” Carol laughed a little too loudly and stifled it.
Mrs. Camden frowned. “I would have thought with your new help you would have been able bring something?”
Carol searched her eyes and knew she was fishing for information. “I’m sure I don’t know what you mean. It took every minute of my time just preparing my gown for the evening.”
“Ah, yes. Lovely gown, dear, though the fabric is rather dark for such a happy occasion.” She swept away in a swirl of silk. If Ivy hadn’t been helping her, she would’ve made a face at the old woman. She settled for a scowl.
“I thought you saved that particular look just for me,” whispered a voice over her shoulder.
She gasped and turned to find Dr. Gentry standing behind her in a fine tailored suit. It fit every angle, widening his shoulders and accentuating his narrow waist. She turned back around. “As often as I’ve given it to you, it practically should have your name. What are you doing here?”
“Forgive me,” he started. “You know how your father feels about us. I couldn’t exactly escort you out of the house. Ivy put him to bed shortly after you left and I hurried to prepare myself and follow you.”
“Perhaps it’s alright for you to dishonor my father as he is nothing to you, but I won’t.”
“Come now, Miss Williams…may I call you Carol? It isn’t about dishonoring him. It is about a growing relationship between us. Certainly you feel it?” He touched her arm.
She moved to the side out of his reach. “You have a lot to learn about what is honorable and what is not, Doctor.”
“Can’t we simply forget the first part of this evening and have a good time the remainder? I will only be here another few weeks. Let’s enjoy the few stolen moments we have.”
She felt his gaze burn on her bare shoulder. “Pretty words may work on the women in the East, but not here. My father is all I have left. I wrongly assumed if you asked to bring me here, you had the decency to ask my father and had somehow gotten him to see reason. I was wrong. If you’re staying tonight, I’ll go home.”
He stood up straighter, and a strange smile she couldn’t read crossed his face. “No need for either of us to leave. We can both enjoy our evening separately. That is a lovely gown. I do hope you will at least dance with me once as the friend that I am?”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “We shall see.” She desperately wished for Ivy’s companionship. Ivy would know what to do and how to handle the doctor. Everything he said was so confusing. One minute he seemed to genuinely care about her, the next she felt like a fish on a hook. She turned away from him and surveyed the room. Very few people were there without someone else. Ruby, a young woman she’d met briefly at her brother’s wedding, stood along the wall pulling at her sleeves and shifting where she stood, appearing just as uncomfortable as she felt and Carol rushed over to see her, leaving Dr. Gentry to find his own companionship.
“Ruby! I haven’t seen you since Josiah’s wedding. Are you still staying with the Hanovers?”
Ruby gave her a confused glance for just a moment then shook her head, recalling herself. “Carol was it? No.” She laughed pleasantly. “I moved on over with Lily, to her room above James’s aunt’s, after Penny was married. The Hanovers have some big plans, and Lily hated living alone, but I think she’ll be married next summer. Then I won’t know where to go. I’m sure they won’t toss me out of town though.” She blushed.
“Certainly not.” Carol peered over and saw Manning watching her. She felt her skin go warm.
“I’m glad you came on over here. You’re the only one here that would know, I haven’t talked much with Josiah and Penny since the wedding. Have you seen hide or hair of his friend Beau?” Her eyes turned hopeful, and Carol frowned. The thought of Beau didn’t charm her as it once had. Though she’d seen the furtive glances he’d given to Ruby then and they had infuriated her. She waited for the feeling of jealously to take over a
s it had when she’d thought Manning was looking at Ivy. It never happened. Good, that meant she could let Beau go.
“He left so quickly afterward, and I haven’t seen him since. Everyone talked for a few weeks about you both disappearing in the hall, but then he was just…gone. Josiah mentioned he’d offered to help and would probably be back… He didn’t do anything to you, did he?” Carol held her hand to her neck.
“Oh, no! Gosh, nothing like that! I was just hoping maybe he… Hoping he would...” She twisted her hands, knotting them at her waist and pursed her lips. “Oh, just never-you-mind. It’s not important.” She nodded behind Carol. “I know I’ve never met the young man you were talking to, you could introduce me, if you’ve got nothing else to do?”
Carol looked up again and Manning glanced away. She wondered if he planned to keep an eye on her all night. The thought gave her stomach a little flip, and she held her hand over her waist. Ruby gave her a small smile.
“I’d rather not, if you don’t mind,” Carol said. “Let’s go sample some of the pies, shall we?”
Ruby’s eyes grew wide as her gaze swept the table. “Oh, well. If that’s what you’d like to do.”
Carol grasped her arm and dragged her over to the long tables laden with all types of sugar plum treats from pies to tarts on one end and syrup and mead at the other. There was enough to keep them busy for some time. Mrs. Cahill handed each girl a sheet of paper with numbers on it corresponding to the numbered treats on the table.
“Good evening, ladies. Remember, you must try everything, or your card won’t be counted.” Mrs. Cahill gestured down the table and smiled.
