Orphan Train Series Boxed Set: Books 1 - 4

by Wendy May Andrews

  “You could be right, doctor. I am not usually subject to such fits and giggles. I do hope I am not causing you offense. I don’t mean to be laughing at you, you do realize, don’t you?”

  “Of course. But I do wish you could be so well amused in my company when you are fully rested and in full possession of your wits.”

  ~~~

  His statement was met with silence while he wondered himself where his words had come from. What was he thinking to make such a leading statement? Did he really want the woman’s attention?

  “Why is that, doctor?”

  “Surely by now you could call me Wyatt, couldn’t you? We have spent the last three days saving two lives. Does that not qualify as the means for getting us past such formality?”

  Katie had stopped in her tracks, so he was forced to turn around and face her. He raised the lantern to better make out her features and try to gauge her reaction. She blinked at the sudden brightness, but it also seemed as though she were trying to blink away her confusion, too.

  “I suppose you are right, doctor, or Wyatt, I suppose. But do you think we are to be friends? Will it not cause gossip to spread about us if I were to suddenly start calling you by your first name?”

  “What sort of gossip?” he asked, wondering where she would go with her line of reasoning. He was rewarded by a becoming blush staining her cheeks.

  “The townspeople will think we’re courting.”

  “Would that be so bad?” he asked her and himself at the same time.

  She blinked again. “Doctor Jeffries,” she began, trying to sound severe, showing that her familiarity was short lived. “I do believe I am much too tired for this conversation. If I had all my faculties, I am sure I would be horrified at the thought of people thinking we were courting. But right now, it doesn’t feel nearly as bad as it should.” She giggled again before adding, “I feel as though I have had a touch too much cordial despite not having had a single drop.” She set off again. “Do hurry up, Wyatt. I am nearly falling over and am surely in need of my bed.”

  Wyatt grinned and trotted after her.

  Chapter Thirteen

  T he next morning, Katie woke up suddenly from a sound sleep with a gasp. Good heavens, did I proposition the doctor? she asked herself. From the light streaming into her room, it was certain that many hours had passed. She was actually feeling remarkably rested despite all she had been through in the past several days. Throwing back the covers, Katie hopped out of bed, the need for action spurring her on.

  After hastily donning clean clothes and scrubbing her face, Katie hurried from her room.

  “Good morning, sleepy head. I was beginning to wonder if I needed to send for the doctor. It is so unlike you to sleep late.”

  Katie started at the mention of Doctor Jeffries. “Why would you send for him?” she demanded, worry and suspicion ringing in her voice.

  Melanie laughed. “What’s up with you? Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed?”

  A part of Katie wanted to stick her tongue out at Melanie, but she couldn’t help but laugh along with her. “Maybe I did,” she admitted. “I slept like a log, so there’s no excuse for being grumpy. But I sure needed it. I have never felt so tired as I did last night when I crawled into bed.”

  “I’m glad you slept well. You weren’t making total sense when you got home.”

  Katie could feel color creeping up her cheeks, but she managed to keep her response mild. “Oh, why do you say that?”

  “You were giggling so much I couldn’t get much out of you while I was helping you change into your nightgown. You were admonishing me not to burn your gown, as though you thought I actually might do so.”

  Katie had to giggle again over this. “I had actually told Doctor Jeffries that I felt I ought to burn it after having been in it nonstop for so long. I’m glad you saw I wasn’t making sense.”

  “You were also babbling something about gossip and courting. I couldn’t get you to explain yourself, you were too far gone in your giggles and being half asleep already. I do have this to say for you. You don’t get mean when you’re incoherent, at least.”

  Katie giggled again. “I suppose that’s good to know. I’m sorry you had to deal with me in that state. I really was beside myself with exhaustion. That’s the only explanation I have.”

  Melanie waved her words away. “No apologies necessary. It was kind of cute. And actually, a little reassuring. You are always so competent and together. Seeing you a little unhinged made you seem mortal.”

  “Melanie Jones, of course I’m mortal. And normal. And far from competent, I can assure you.” Then with a cheeky grin she added, “But I’m glad to know I have everyone fooled most of the time.”

  The two friends shared more laughter before Melanie sobered enough to cast Katie a speculative glance. “But I’m still left wondering why you reacted so strongly to me saying I should send for the doctor. And when I add that in with remembering your mumblings last night, I have to ask, are you concerned there will be gossip about you and the doctor being cooped up with the Mitchells? Because I can assure you, from what I could glean from the townspeople I encountered while out with Annie, everyone only had good things to say about you being so kind to the Mitchells. And Matt was there the whole time, besides the Mitchells being an older, married couple. Surely there was nothing improper in the least.”

  Katie was shaking her head but couldn’t keep her blush at bay. “No, no. I know no one will think it was improper. Well, no one in their right mind, at the very least.”

  “Then why are your cheeks suddenly so rosy then?”

  Katie huffed and sat down at the table, accepting the cup of tea Melanie had prepared for her. “Doctor Jeffries told me to call him Wyatt. I thought that would give rise to gossip. I told him so. And apparently I was still going on about it when I got home.”

  “Well, with what you went through together, I guess it would seem silly and pretentious to remain formal with the man. I don’t think it would give rise to gossip, Katie. Everyone would surely understand.” She paused before turning widening eyes on her. “But being in such close quarters with a man would surely lead to warm feelings developing between him and a healthy young woman. Katie Carter, are you courting with the doctor?”

  Katie felt as though her entire body was probably red. “No, I am not,” she protested.

  “Then why are you blushing from tip to toes?” Melanie asked with a laugh.

  “I’m embarrassed by your question, if you must know. Surely you remember me telling you I have no intention of ever remarrying.”

  “I do remember you saying such a daft thing. Katie, you’re young, healthy, and vibrant. And you have a child. I know you love children. I’ve seen you with the orphans. You can’t tell me you wouldn’t like to have more. Even a little baby. Doesn’t every woman want a baby of her own?”

  Katie wanted to protest, but her heart softened at her friend’s words, wondering how much of them were directed toward her and how much she was speaking of her own desires. Katie squeezed the other woman’s hand and they were silent for a moment.

  Breaking the silence, Katie said, “Babies and children are not the only thing you get from a marriage. You get stuck with a husband. That is not always such a fun thing.”

  “That’s when you need a good solid cast iron skillet,” Melanie responded swiftly.

  Katie’s mouth hung open and only laughter could emerge. “You might have a point there, my dear friend,” she finally gasped when she was able to control her laughter to a degree.

  Melanie’s eyes lit up. “So you’ll consider the doctor?”

  “I didn’t say that, now did I? Can you imagine? We have already made so many changes in our lives in the past weeks and months. Starting our new lives out here in Missouri. I have a daughter. And are you really trying to get rid of me? What would you do in this little house all by yourself without Annie and me to keep you company?”

  Melanie grinned back at her. �
�Of course I’m not trying to get rid of you, but don’t ever let me stand in the way of your happiness, either. You and Annie deserve the very best in life.”

  “And you think the doctor is the best?”

  Melanie shrugged. “I think it would be best for you to have a mate and for Annie to have a father,” she said as lightly as she could before laughing again. “And imagine only having to do the dishes for one person.”

  Katie threw a dish towel at her while they laughed together in friendship.

  They had the small house fresh and shining in short order. When there was a light knock at the door, Katie glanced at the clock. “I thought Mary’s dad was bringing Annie home after lunch today,” she commented as she hurried to the door, anxious to see her daughter.

  She blinked in surprise when she saw it was Doctor Jeffries. Feeling color mounting in her cheeks, she offered him a shy smile. “Good day, Wyatt,” she said, barely above a whisper.

  “You look none the worse for wear,” he answered her cheerfully.

  Katie suddenly thought of something, and she felt the flush seeping from her cheeks. “Is everything all right with the Mitchells? Do you need my help again? You should have sent Matt.” Her voice was rising with each phrase, and Wyatt chuckled.

  “Hush now, everything is fine. I just wanted to check on you.”

  Now Katie frowned at him. “Should you have left them on their own like this?”

  Wyatt’s grin didn’t falter. They were on the front porch of her small house. Katie’s frown deepened. “Are you all right, doctor? You probably didn’t have as restful a night as I did.”

  “You are a worrier, aren’t you?” His tone was teasing but kind.

  Katie shrugged. “Sometimes.”

  “The Mitchells are on the mend, I swear to you. I managed not to burn the eggs I fried up for them this morning, and they ate with remarkably improved appetite, I am relieved to report to you. I will continue to nurse them a day or two longer as I don’t want to risk anyone else coming into contact with them when they might still be contagious. Fortunately for them, you left their house in such a good state, that I shouldn’t be able to run it completely aground before Mrs. Mitchell is back on her feet.”

  Katie was able to smile at this. “And how is Matt faring? The poor boy was nearly beside himself with worry for a while there.”

  “He, too, is much improved. He was actually running around chasing cats this morning when I left, and Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell were sleeping deeply. I’ll be hard pressed to keep them in bed much longer, I’m sure. Especially Mr. Mitchell. Matt has been doing well about looking after the animals, but I know Mr. Mitchell will want to see for himself, maybe even by the end of the day today. Which is why I took this opportunity to come and see you. I’ll most likely have to stand guard over them for the rest of the day, so I’ll be confined.”

  Katie chuckled. “They seemed to be a rather meek couple. I don’t think you’ll have much trouble.”

  “You’ve only seen them ill. Wait until you get to know them when they’re well. You might have a change of opinion.”

  Katie laughed again. “I look forward to making their acquaintance then.”

  “Oh yes, Mrs. Mitchell was asking about you over breakfast. She was sorely disappointed about messing up her appointment with you.”

  Katie eyed him askance. “Are you making fun of me now, doctor?”

  “Why would I do that?”

  “Surely the poor woman isn’t considering fashion at a time like this.”

  “Even sick women can be vain,” he observed.

  Katie went off in a peel of laughter. “And isn’t it good for me and Melanie that that is true? If it comes up again, assure Mrs. Mitchell that I will be happy to return when she is back on her feet.”

  “She’ll be relieved to hear it.”

  They shared a smile before Katie averted her eyes and briskly asked, “Was that what you came to tell me?”

  Wyatt’s laugh was a little more awkward this time. “No, actually, I have managed to talk all around the bush and haven’t gotten anywhere near my point. Would you be so kind as to take a stroll with me? That might help.”

  Katie’s frown returned, but then she caught her breath as he reached out to touch the small furrow between her brows. “Don’t frown, my dear, I promise it’s nothing dire.”

  The butterflies in her stomach were starting to feel more like turkeys lumbering around her midsection. Katie tried to shake off the nerves, but there wasn’t much she could do about it. She licked her lips and smoothed her hands over her skirt.

  “Well, I have a little bit of time before Annie is due to return, and I’m fairly sure my chores are looked after for now. Besides, you probably don’t have overly much time anyway. So, I will stroll with you. But mind you, we cannot go far. I have no wish to set the town’s tongues to wagging.”

  By the time she had managed to stop herself from babbling all this out, they were already well on their way. Katie was feeling slightly mortified about all the words she had allowed to tumble from her lips and couldn’t make herself make eye contact with her companion. They strode along in silence for a few minutes. It felt like hours to her, but she was fairly certain it might not have even been three minutes. Maybe not even two. Surely she was losing her mind. She tried not to fidget, but finally she couldn’t take it anymore.

  “Where are we going?”

  “There’s a lovely spot along this trail a ways,” he said. “It’s a little bit of a trek since it’s up a small hill, but I think you’ll agree that the view is worth it.”

  Katie finally glanced at him. “You are enjoying living out here, aren’t you?”

  “I really am. I cannot say for certain that I would never want to move back East, but I really don’t think I will want to leave these parts. The beauty is astounding, not at all what I would have expected, and not what I would have thought would appeal to me, since Boston was what I always knew. But there’s just something so appealing about the freedom and wildness of these parts.”

  “I know what you mean,” Katie agreed. “While I was anxious for a fresh start, I didn’t think I would come to love it out here like I do. I thought I was a city girl through and through. But it’s quite amazing how exhilarating fresh air and trees can be.”

  They shared a friendly chuckle as they neared the top of the rise, and then Katie’s breath caught as she took in the spectacle before her. It was green as far as she could see with very little to mar the landscape. A few small houses could be seen in the distance with some cows and sheep dotting the fields and a few trees lining the creek that meandered through the vista. The sunshine was warm on her shoulders, and the fresh smell was sweet and clean.

  Katie finally broke the quiet. “I think it would take me decades to tire of this view.”

  “I agree,” Wyatt said.

  But he was looking at her, not at the scenery, and Katie could feel warmth creeping toward her scalp as the nerves that had dissipated while they walked returned in full force. She began to fidget once more.

  “Thank you for sharing this with me. I’m a little surprised, though, that you would take the time to do so, since you must surely be fully occupied with your patients.”

  Wyatt shrugged. “I didn’t want to visit any of my other patients just yet, in case I might be carrying the Mitchells’ illness. So far, I haven’t seemed to develop any symptoms, so hopefully I share your immunity.”

  “Well that’s fortunate,” she replied.

  “Yes,” he began, but she spoke at the same time and interrupted him.

  “I ought to get back. Annie is supposed to be coming home after lunch, and I haven’t seen her for days. I wouldn’t want her to fret if I’m absent.”

  Wyatt put his hand out and stilled her fidgeting fingers. “Just a moment, Katie, I’m trying to discuss something with you.”

  Katie’s stomach turned over in a manner that she thought might be pleasant if she could get her mind to return to function
ing. As it was, all she could do was stand still and blink at him and absorb the delicious sensation of having his warm hands engulfing her own.

  “I know I have been rather obnoxious in the past in my opinions about independent women. I think I owe you an apology.”

  Disappointment swept through her, which she considered to be completely irrational. She wished she could wave her hand nonchalantly. But since it was still clasped in his, Katie tried for a breezy tone as she said, “Please, think nothing of it. I didn’t allow it to weigh on me.”

  “That is certainly a relief,” he said with a wide smile. “I wouldn’t want you to be offended with me.”

  “Of course not, with us both being rather public people, our paths are sure to cross from time to time. It wouldn’t do for us to be at loggerheads.”

  “No, it most certainly would not do.” His voice was strained, and Katie wondered if he was laughing at her, but she again couldn’t bring herself to meet his gaze. He continued, “You see, Katie, I was thinking that I would rather our paths more than crossed from time to time. I may not have been clear in my intentions, but I would quite like it if we shared the same path, if you know what I mean.”

  “I don’t reckon that I do know what you mean, Wyatt,” Katie answered, feeling as though her emotions were in a windstorm as they tossed about from one direction to another. “Won’t it cause gossip if we take many walks together?”

  Wyatt chuckled. “Not if you would agree to me courting you.”

  Katie gasped. “Courtship? Wyatt Jeffries, are you making fun of me again?”

  Now Wyatt was left blinking at her. “Why would you think I’m making fun? I’m trying to engage your interest.”

  Katie went off in a peel of laughter. “Melanie will have a great laugh over this.”

  “This isn’t going exactly how I had envisioned,” Wyatt commented blandly.

  “You envisioned this?” Katie asked, feeling a little breathless once more.

  “I did.”

  “How did it go in your vision?”

  “Well, you didn’t consider it a joke. In fact, you thought it was a brilliant idea and flung your arms around my neck announcing your instant agreement.”