Destinations

by Murray, Tamela Hancock

  “Indeed.” Hoping to signal the end of their discourse, she feigned fascination with Helen’s botanical-patterned wall paper.

  The vicar paused. Lavonia knew he was waiting for her to offer fodder for more queries, but she remained silent.

  The vicar adjusted his spectacles and grasped for another topic. “Is the food here not delightful?”

  Lavonia granted him a cursory glance with her answer. “Indeed it is.”

  “Everyone is always trying to steal Betsy from my employ,” Helen said. “Her skill in the culinary arts is well known.”

  “Her reputation is deserved. I have had the pleasure of enjoying many dinners here,” the vicar added, clearly wanting Lavonia to know he was a close family friend. “The menus are always agreeable. If I may be so bold as to entrust you with a confidence, Miss Penn, I must admit I do not enjoy the fare at my other parishioners’ homes as well.”

  “Your confidence seems to be rather public,” Lavonia observed. “You must not be too fearful your other parishioners will take offense lest they discover your true feelings.”

  “I was merely saying your cousin is kind enough to consider my palate.” The vicar’s even tone revealed his displeasure at her challenge. “Unfortunately, a disagreeable meal causes me to suffer l’indignite.”

  “Really? How so?”

  “Too much rich food, I am afraid,” he said with a chuckle.

  Luke came to Osmond’s rescue. “I think my dear friend means to say he suffers from la dyspepsie.”

  “Indigestion?” Though Lavonia contained a giggle, she could not resist a witty retort. “I do agree, suffering from la dyspepsie is indeed an indignity!”

  “TouchО!” Helen laughed. “Our Lavonia is quite the wit, is she not?”

  The vicar’s expression had turned sour. “Yes, she is. How clever, Miss Penn.”

  “Oh, do not be so glum, Osmond!” Luke chided. “If I recall, you told me only moments before the ladies arrived how much you value wit.”

  He smiled, though not in the way of one who was pleased. “Indeed, or as the French would say, vraiment!”

  Luke gave the vicar a grin. “There now, you are as well-versed as Miss Penn in French after all, oui?”

  “Oui. Perhaps you could lend me some of your esprit to add sparkle to my Sunday sermons, Miss Penn,” the vicar suggested, apparently invigorated by the flattery.

  “I think it most wise to leave sermonizing to men of learning, Vicar Gladstone.”

  “It is rare to find a woman who appreciates a man of learning.” He let out an exaggerated sigh. “A man of faith often feels l’aliПnation.”

  “Insane? Yes, people of faith sometimes are construed as such, though they rarely are. I entertain the notion that those who do not believe in the Lord are more likely suffering such an affliction than are people of faith.”

  To Lavonia’s puzzlement, Vicar Gladstone’s face fell. She could see his jaw muscle tense, and then he turned away from her and began talking to Luke.

  Helen leaned toward Lavonia and whispered, “I think he meant to say he feels alienated, not insane.”

  Lavonia felt a rush of heat bring redness to her cheeks before she burst out with a gale of laughter.

  Helen began laughing as well. Soon the sound of giggling filled the entire room.

  Luke looked at Helen. “This is becoming a merry household indeed!”

  “A bit too merry, I should observe, for a young woman in mourning attire.” The vicar’s look betrayed his disapproval.

  “Lavonia’s time of mourning is nearly over. Can you not pardon a little mirth a few days early?” Helen pleaded.

  At that moment, the maid interrupted. “Pardon me, Mr. Syms. The doctor is here.”

  “Yes. We have been expecting him. See him to the parlor,” Luke instructed.

  Helen rose to exit, and the men stood as etiquette required. “Shall we accompany you, Helen, dear?”

  “That shall not be necessary, my dearest Luke.”

  “Perhaps I should be going.” Vicar Gladstone said.

  “Do stay,” Helen insisted. “Lavonia and I shall return momentarily. Lavonia, you do want to meet the doctor who will be treating Katherine?”

  “That would be prudent, I am sure,” Lavonia answered, rising from her chair. Even the company of an uninteresting old doctor would be better than that of this pompous boor, she thought.

  Helen slowed her pace as they entered the expansive hallway. Looking back to make certain they were out of earshot of Luke and Vicar Gladstone, Helen paused in front of a portrait of herself as a young girl displayed just above a small oval-shaped mahogany table.

  Following Helen’s lead, Lavonia stopped.

  “Well?” Helen asked, eagerness to make a match evident in her voice and expression. “What do you think of Osmond?”

  Unwilling to hurt Helen’s feelings by sharing the unvarnished truth, Lavonia opted for a nebulous observation. “I seem to have offended him by laughing while wearing a mourning dress. Perhaps he would have forgiven me had I been wearing my night dress instead!”

  “He is not usually so sour, I assure you. He is nervous about meeting you for the first time, and no doubt feels he must play his role as vicar.”

  “And yet he has no more sincerity than an actor.”

  “I said I had a prospective suitor for you, not someone as perfect as the Lord Himself!”

  Lavonia clasped Helen’s hands in hers. “I truly regret I cannot envision myself as a match for the vicar, Helen. I know you have my best interests at heart.”

  Helen gave Lavonia’s hands a gentle squeeze before releasing her grasp. “You know I do, Lavonia. And our vicar’s, as well. Osmond needs someone like you. You are just the woman to mold him into the best vicar he can be. Would that not be a more agreeable missionary post than your plans to raise Jane’s six children in the wilderness?”

  “No,” Lavonia blurted. Then, noticing Helen’s look of disappointment, she added, “I would make a match with the right suitor, if I am convinced God sent him for me.”

  “Better for us to turn our attention to more immediate concerns,” Helen said, conceding defeat for the moment as they neared the parlor. “Our doctor has been with us for some time. Katherine is certain to like him.”

  Lavonia nodded. She formed a mental picture of Dr. Amory: portly and bald, with a few strands of white hair combed over a shiny scalp. His expression would be like that of a father, reflecting both concern and competence. Yes, Dr. Amory will be ideal for my sister.

  “Good morning, Dr. Amory,” Helen greeted him.

  The tall man standing in the parlor, his form framed by emerald-colored draperies decorating the picture window, did not fit Lavonia’s image. Chiseled features were surrounded by a mass of black curls, and his posture, straight but relaxed, was a testimony to his self-assuredness.

  “Good morning, Mrs. Syms.” After letting his gaze rest for an instant on Helen, he glanced Lavonia’s way.

  Lavonia felt her own eyes widen in response. Is he interested in me, or is it just my imagination?

  Always the hostess, Helen said, “This is Miss Lavonia Penn. Lavonia, this is Dr. William Amory.”

  The doctor flashed a smile that lit the room more effectively than a hundred candles could have as he answered in a sonorous voice. “EnchantП, Miss Penn.”

  At that moment, all the amusing French phrases Lavonia ever knew escaped her. Hoping her voice wouldn’t quiver with excitement, she looked up into his face and uttered, “EnchantП!”

  To Lavonia’s surprise, Helen’s eyebrows shot up in reprimand. “I regret Miss Penn and her sister will only be with us a short while, Dr. Amory. I hope their brief stay will nonetheless give you sufficient time to treat her sister Katherine effectively.” The warmth had left her voice.

  “I shall do everything in the power of God and medicine to cure my new patient.” Though he was answering Helen, Dr. Amory’s deep violet eyes focused on Lavonia. His soothing voice revealed confidenc
e tempered with kindness.

  Lavonia studied his features. They were strong and clean, perfect for a fine portrait.

  “Have you sat for a portrait recently, Miss Penn?”

  “Me? Why, Dr. Amory, I was thinking to myself that you should be the one sitting for a portrait.”

  “Really, Lavonia!” Obviously embarrassed by Lavonia’s unexpected flirtation, Helen tried to rescue the situation. “You must excuse my cousin. She is quite devout and intent on becoming a missionary to America. Despite her impeccable lineage, she forgets the manners expected of her in civilized society.”

  “So you plan to be a missionary, Miss Penn?” The doctor’s voice held no reproach.

  Helen intervened before Lavonia could answer. “Miss Penn aspires to go to America, but she may find mission work here in England. In fact, Vicar Gladstone is in the drawing room with Luke now.”

  Lavonia bit her tongue to keep from disputing Helen’s implications. It seemed as if Helen were deliberately trying to discourage the doctor.

  Dr. Amory did not seem vexed. “In consideration of your plans, this is an excellent time for you to sit for a portrait, Miss Penn. Your family would treasure a permanent image of how you look now, just before embarking upon your life’s work.”

  “Lavonia gives no thought to such extravagances, Doctor.” Helen turned to Lavonia. “Dr. Amory studied to be an artist before pursuing medicine. He still paints the occasional portrait when he is not occupied with his chosen profession. Many women have been his muse.”

  “Are you not also to be my muse, Mrs. Syms?” he asked Helen.

  Helen began fanning her face. “Luke asked Dr. Amory to paint a portrait of me to be hung over the mantel, a present for our first wedding anniversary.”

  “What a fine gesture!” Lavonia turned to the doctor. “I hope you can do her portrait justice, Dr. Amory. She is a beautiful woman.”

  “So, Miss Penn, will you be staying here long enough to have your portrait commissioned as well?”

  “It is doubtful she will be here that long. She anticipates her move greatly,” Helen responded.

  Why does Helen act as though I have lost my ability to speak? Aloud Lavonia said, “By your leave, I will let my sister know you have arrived.”

  “A marvelous suggestion,” Helen responded. “Doctor, why do we not see the others in the drawing room? You will summon us when Katherine is ready, Lavonia?”

  Lavonia allowed herself one last furtive glance at the doctor. What a handsome portrait he would make indeed!

  Not wanting to linger lest they should guess she was admiring the doctor on the sly, Lavonia rushed up the massive staircase. Upon reaching the third bedchamber on the right, Lavonia tapped on the heavy door.

  “Yes?” a soft voice answered.

  “It is I.” Lavonia entered the sick room. In the darkness, Lavonia had difficulty making out her sister’s petite form lying in a lump underneath a pile of white cotton bedding. “How are you, Kitty darling?”

  Lavonia’s sister turned over in the bed to face her. Her dainty face, along with narrow shoulders sheltered beneath a white nightdress, seemed to melt into the down pillows and white bedclothes. Lavonia could not imagine a more angelic sight on earth.

  Katherine answered, “I am not feeling well at all.”

  Lavonia traveled around the bedchamber, opening the curtains to let in the light.

  “Must you?” The patient pulled herself up in bed.

  “Yes, I must. The doctor is here to see you, and he certainly cannot examine you in the dark.” To emphasize her seriousness, Lavonia threw open a window.

  “No! The air makes my head feel worse.” Katherine touched a hand to her forehead.

  “The odor in this room will make the doctor feel worse.”

  “Any reasonable doctor should be accustomed to the odor of sick rooms.” She pouted and crossed her arms over her chest.

  “You may regret such a cavalier attitude when you are feeling better and find yourself conversing with the doctor in society.”

  “When will that occur? The days I do feel well seem to be fewer and fewer. I do not want to see another doctor,” she wailed. “I must have seen every doctor in England. None of them can help me.”

  “You have not seen Dr. Amory.” Lavonia sat on the bed beside her sister. “Is it too uncomfortable for you to sit up-right, Kitty?”

  “I would rather lie down, but I will sit up for you, Vonnie.”

  Lavonia smiled. No one else but her sister called her by that pet name. Likewise, only Lavonia called Katherine “Kitty.” The name seemed to fit her sister—vulnerable, needing care and shelter from the world.

  “Where does it hurt?”

  “Everywhere. The side of my head, my nose, my teeth, my neck, everywhere. There is a little man inside my skull beating it with a hammer. He never stops.”

  Despite her sister’s fanciful description, Lavonia knew she suffered. “Maybe there is something this doctor can do for you that the others could not.”

  Katherine took Lavonia’s hand. “Please do not let him bleed me.”

  Lavonia could sympathize with not wanting to be sucked by leeches. She wondered how the worms knew to suck out bad blood and leave good blood for the patient to recover, and yet she said, “I am not sure how I can stop him if he thinks that is best. Who are we to question a medical doctor?”

  “Vonnie, if anyone can challenge a doctor, you can. I am begging you not to let him. It only makes me feel worse.” The plea in her eyes was more than Lavonia could bear.

  “All right. I will see what I can do.” She searched her mind for something—anything—that might help her sister. Her effort was rewarded when she recalled a letter that had arrived in the morning mail. “By the way, we received a letter from Aunt Amelia this morning.”

  “Auntie Amelia!” Katherine’s face beamed. “How are things in London?”

  “As always, she is entertaining guests and being entertained.”

  Katherine sighed. “How glamorous to be part of London society!”

  Lavonia was not so certain, but she decided not to debate the point. “You can read all about it as soon as the doctor leaves. There, does the prospect give you something pleasant to anticipate?”

  “Oh yes! You can always cheer me, Vonnie.”

  Pleased, Lavonia was preparing to leave as her sister’s voice halted her.

  “Vonnie?”

  “Yes?”

  “Have you met the doctor yet?”

  Lavonia swallowed. “Yes.”

  “Do you think he is nice?”

  “Yes, I do.” She rose from the side of the bed before Katherine could ask her any more questions. “Let us try to assure his good temper by not keeping him waiting any longer. I am sure he has more patients he must see today.” As she opened the door, Lavonia turned to take one last look at her sister. Only a mass of dark tangled curls marred her beauty. “Could you brush your hair, Kitty?”

  “I was hoping you could brush it for me tonight.”

  Lavonia handed Katherine her brush. “I will. But try to smooth it just a little, for now?”

  Seeing a nod of acquiescence, Lavonia retreated. Helen and the doctor were already in the hallway.

  “I was just coming down the stairs.”

  “Our timing could not be better, then.” Helen turned to the doctor. “Miss Penn and I have been friends as well as family for so many years, our thoughts are as one.”

  “I see.” His serious expression belied his light tone of voice.

  A quick glance at Helen revealed that Helen was smiling at the doctor as if conveying a hidden message. I wonder what she is really saying to him?

  “Since I am a matron, allow me to go in with the doctor,” Helen told Lavonia. Although Lavonia wanted to hear what the doctor had to say for herself, she knew better than to argue. “If you are lucky, the vicar will still be with Luke.”

  Lavonia’s lips curled. “A good reason not to believe in luck.”

 
; Lavonia wished she could retreat to her own bedchamber to avoid bantering with the vicar again, but at Helen’s urgings, Lavonia did remember her manners. As predicted, he was waiting in the drawing room.

  “Your parishioners must be quite well taken care of if you give them all such attentiveness,” Lavonia couldn’t help but comment.

  The vicar let out a nervous titter. “As a matter of fact, I was just planning to leave.”

  “Nonsense, Osmond,” Luke intervened. “We were just about to partake of our noon meal. Will you not stay with us?”

  The vicar made a show of consulting his pocket watch. “Is it noon already? I did not intend to linger so long.”

  Luke addressed his guest in a deferential manner. “If it is an inconvenience for you to stay—”

  “Oh, it is no inconvenience, at least not on my part.”

  “Very well. An extra place will be set for you.” Luke gave Lavonia a conspiratorial smile.

  “Perhaps hospitality should be extended to the doctor, as well?” Lavonia offered.

  Luke looked taken aback by Lavonia’s suggestion, but soon recovered. “Certainly we should accommodate all of our guests. The doctor may see fit to disappoint us, though. His practice keeps him busy.”

  “Yes,” the vicar agreed. “The doctor seems to work day and night.”

  “All the more reason he should stay to eat.” Lavonia smiled. “The doctor may as well accustom himself to the food here. He will be here often once he begins Helen’s portrait.”

  “He is painting her portrait?” the vicar asked Luke.

  “Oh yes. In fact, he is scheduled to begin next month.”

  “How does the doctor find time to paint and practice medicine as well?”

  “I am not sure what you mean.”

  Lavonia was pleased to see Luke discern the vicar’s sly tone of voice. “Yes, what do you mean to say, vicar?”

  Apparently flustered, he pushed his spectacles up on his nose. “I was not aware you were planning to have Mrs. Syms’ portrait painted.”

  “I thought she would enjoy having her portrait painted, but I did not speculate those plans would interest you, Osmond.”

  “But they do. Perhaps you would consider commissioning my cousin Lloyd Maxwell, instead. He has studied art and is quite talented. He is just beginning to establish himself and is having difficulty making a living with his artwork. He has no medical training to fall back on, unlike Dr. Amory.” The vicar lowered his voice. “Though he would be embarrassed at my saying so, Lloyd could use the money.”