Grace, Unimagined

by Abagail Eldan

  Because she’d been so busy, Grace had not had time to apply for any jobs, knew of none that were available. Gus, also, had been unsuccessful in finding employment. They were going to have to move, whether Mother liked it or not. How else could they survive?

  And if Ward was going to be in Lonely Grove, perhaps she could look for a job near there. She couldn’t, wouldn’t, ask for a job at the school, but surely there were jobs in nearby towns. But how would Ward react to that, her following him when he had not asked her to?

  She arrived home and entered the house. She had barely had time to take off her work apron when Gus called from the sitting room, announcing they had company. Puzzled, she went in.

  Mr. Ander stood as she entered, and she blinked when she noticed Dr. Robbie also. Robbie shot a look to her mother, stood, and met Grace in the middle of the room.

  “I thought y’all were at the ranch,” she stammered out.

  Mother admonished her. “Grace! Is that the proper way to greet our guests?” But she’d said it playfully and both Mr. Ander and Dr. Robbie grinned.

  “Don’t just stand there,” Mother said. “Sit. I made tea.”

  Grace could not help but gape. Not only was there tea, but small sandwiches and cake. They’d all been served and chatted pleasantly. Grace helped herself and settled back in a high-back chair.

  Dr. Robbie caught her eye after a few minutes. “We didn’t mean to startle you, Grace. We hurried out here as soon as we received the telegram. Time is of the utmost importance.”

  Grace had no idea what she meant and could only stare.

  Mr. Ander leaned forward. “Robbie has been telling me of your work ethic and intelligence. I can see you are confused, so we will enlighten you. Would you like to tell her, Robbie?”

  Dr. Robbie rose and came to kneel beside Grace, placing a hand on her knee. Grace set her teacup back in its saucer on the table next to her and folded her hands in her lap.

  Dr. Robbie sighed softly and smiled at Grace. “You are going to make a fine doctor.” She squeezed Grace’s knee and her smile broadened. “Ander and I have been in touch with the dean of medicine at my alma mater. He has agreed to allow you to audit the classes.”

  Grace puckered her forehead. “I don’t understand...”

  “You have been accepted to study for a medical degree... although I’m not sure you’ll receive a degree.”

  Grace shook her head. “Classes cost money, not to mention the cost of traveling to Boston, living expenses—”

  Mr. Ander held up a hand. “Whoa, Miss Jansen. We will take care of it all.” He beamed at her.

  Her puzzlement increased. “But why?”

  It was Mr. Ander’s turn to look confused. “The ranch sold for more than we anticipated. My artwork is selling well, and I have been commissioned to produce several new pieces. Robbie and I have the money to do this for you.”

  Her gaze traveled around the room to stop on Gus and Mother before she refocused on Mr. Ander. “I appreciate your kind offer, but I am not able to leave my family.”

  Dr. Robbie’s eyes brightened. “But we have more good news. Gus has been accepted at the same university.”

  “What? Did you know of this, Gus?”

  Dr. Robbie, at some point, had returned to her seat. Gus glanced at her before he answered.

  “Actually, I did. We thought...”

  “That you did not need to discuss this with me? What of Mother?”

  Her mother gave a merry laugh. “I want nothing more than to see my children receive an education worthy of them. I will sell the house, invest the money, and go with you to Boston.”

  “What of Ward?” Grace whispered.

  “Who?” Mother asked.

  Dr. Robbie leaned forward and clasped her hands, looking perplexed. “Grace is speaking of her patient, Ward.”

  “Oh, yes. The strange man with that horrible scar.”

  Grace linked her fingers tightly together. “He is not fully recovered from his procedure.”

  Her mother’s eyes widened. “Does he have no family to care for him?”

  Dr. Robbie answered. “Yes. He has sisters although he has never met them, but he...”

  Grace stood and Dr. Robbie stopped speaking to look at her. Grace blinked away tears, knowing Ward was to meet them tonight. It was as she had feared, but she would not cry in front of Mr. Ander and the doctor. She brushed imaginary crumbs away from her dress and attempted a smile. “It sounds wonderful, Mr. Ander, but I cannot possibly accept such a large amount of money I can never hope to repay.”

  “Nonsense,” Dr. Robbie said. “You have been a valuable asset to me, have done an outstanding job, and no one else deserves this opportunity more than you do.”

  Grace attempted a smile again, but her eyes were brimming, threatening to spill over. “I do thank you, but it’s too much. I do not deserve your kindness. If you will excuse me, I have chores I need to attend to.”

  She blindly left the room and continued outside, walking as quickly as she could. She willed herself not to cry, told herself it was ridiculous to cry over a man she did not even know, could not know in such a short time.

  Despite her words, hot tears rolled down her cheeks. She kept her face averted whenever she met the few people still out.

  At the pace she set, the town was soon behind her. Her feet had automatically sought the road to the ranch, as if searching for Ward. No, she would not go to the ranch and make a bigger fool of herself.

  Ward had planned this surprise, plotted it to rid himself of her. Her feet slowed, and she noticed the apple tree, most of the blooms fallen to the ground. She headed to it and slumped to the ground, her back against the tree. Maybe it hid her enough that no one traveling the road would see her.

  The grass was verdant, but she noted it with disinterest. The vivid blue of the sky and the dark green of the trees down by the river reflected in the shimmering river only a few hundred yards from where she sat. A gentle breeze blew, cooling, teasing away the heat from her cheeks.

  If only the wind blew backwards, as it did in tornadoes, perhaps then it would suction away his memory that lingered at the corners of her lips, pull from her the memory of the turquoise eyes, the sparkling golden copper of his hair.

  She squeezed her eyes so tightly that redness filled her vision. Hot tears managed to sneak their way through, spilling down her cheeks.

  She opened her eyes, blinking at the blinding light of the dying sun. A shuddering sigh wracked her body, and she dug her nails into her palms.

  The world was too bright, too full of color, too full of life. If God would only strike her colorblind! Then she would forget the vividness of Ward’s eyes.

  Insane yellows and greens filled her vision. Why would not the sun set and fade the world to gray?

  Yes, God, fade away the beauty or allow me to descend into darkness, hide my soul so deep in the cleft of the rock that I will forget the lines of laughter that crinkle his eyes. Strike me deaf so his voice will cease its echoing in my ears.

  She crumpled forward, her forehead on her knees and whispered the finish to her prayer. “Strike me deaf and colorblind for only then will my heart heal. I commend my soul into your hands.”

  Her muscles liquified, and she fully collapsed on the ground, her tears hot ant thick, her ears echoing with her sobs, her soul crushed.

  And the grayness of the evening crept in ever so slowly, too slowly.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Dr. Robbie informed him of all that had happened. Grace still had not returned home when she and Ander left, she said, but her mother would inform the sheriff if she did not return soon.

  Dr. Robbie patted his knee. “I’m sorry it didn’t pan out as we had hoped. However, I do have some good news. Your sisters are eager to meet you will be in the sitting room. I’ll send Thatcher in to help you dress.”

  Ward shook his head. “I can do it myself.” He hesitated and stopped her before she left. “I might need help. Please send him in.
”

  She gave him a sad smile and left. As soon as the door shut, he swung his legs from the bed, and pulled his clothes on, ignoring the pounding of his head. When Thatcher came in, he was partially dressed and at the wash basin, shaving.

  Thatcher eyed him. “Thought you needed help.” He gave a nod of approval. “Don’t look too bad—maybe you won’t scare the girls. When will you be ready to meet them?”

  “Not quite yet.”

  “Why?”

  “I have an errand that shouldn’t take long. Will you bring the buggy around for me?”

  Thatcher shook his head. “Dr. Robbie won’t approve.”

  “Not asking for approval.” He turned and moved toward Thatcher. “Please?”

  “Your sisters will be disappointed.”

  “Another hour or so shouldn’t hurt.”

  “What should I tell them?”

  “Whatever you want. Get the buggy.”

  “Are you always going to be this bossy?” He put a hand to his head. “Guess I owe you.” Thatcher was at the door and disappeared through it.

  By the time Ward had finished dressing, Thatcher returned.

  He smiled. “Don’t get beat up while out doing your errand.”

  “I don’t plan to get hurt.”

  “You never know, though, do you?”

  Ward pushed past him. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

  “I hung a lantern on the back if you need it.”

  “Thanks.”

  Thatcher came out and stood on the small side porch and watched him drive away.

  Ward wasn’t sure that Grace was at the apple tree, but he’d search until he found her, however long that took. It was bad timing, as far as his sisters were concerned, but maybe he’d find Grace quickly.

  Luck was with him for he saw her, standing, facing the river, silent. A full moon shone overhead, giving enough light that he didn’t need the lantern.

  She only turned her head once, to give him a quick glance, before refocusing on the river below them.

  He came to a stop beside her, and neither spoke, but stood side by side.

  She stirred after a minute. “I see you have the buggy. Will you please take me home?”

  “In a little while.”

  She took a few steps away. “I’m ready to go now. I’ll walk home.”

  She walked toward the road, and he followed her. “Hold up. I’ve got a question for you.”

  “What?” Impatience was in her voice, but she stopped.

  “Why did you turn down Mr. Babbitt’s offer?”

  She tilted her chin as he moved closer. “It doesn’t concern you.”

  “I thought my plan would please you.”

  “I figured it was your idea. Let me ask you a question—why did you concoct such a scheme?”

  Her eyes reflected in the moonlight, and his eyes searched hers. “To fulfill your dream.”

  “And to salve your conscience?”

  “To salve my conscience?”

  “You kissed me, led me on, and now you want to rid yourself of me.” She crossed her arms and gazed at the ground.

  “I do not wish to rid myself of you; not now, not later.”

  She scoffed and turned. “Goodnight.”

  “Wait. Dr. Robbie said you did not hear all she had to say.”

  She hesitated and turned back to face him. “Tell me, then. I don’t have all night.”

  “Mr. Babbitt’s mother is gravely ill, as you know. They would like for you to help care for her.”

  She made a sound of disgust. “She said nothing of that.”

  “She wasn’t sure if you’d want to take on the extra work and thought it best if you settled in before you took on the workload.”

  “Give me a chore to do so I’ll earn my keep? Mr. Ander’s mother is probably not even ill.”

  “That’s not true. She was not well enough to travel here.”

  She hesitated and then shrugged. “I will not accept such a gift.”

  “Not as long as your fists are clenched.”

  “How can I unclench them?” Her voice faded to a whisper.

  “You are worthy of this gift.”

  “You find no worth in me. Otherwise, why plot to rid yourself of me?”

  He tilted his head and laughed. “I told you I did not. That’s the part you missed of my plan. I am going with you.”

  “What?”

  “Dr. Robbie referred me to a specialist in Boston. Even if I was not seeing the specialist, I would visit you, as often as possible.”

  “So, you do plan to move to Lonely Grove?”

  “Maybe someday. I’ll see what the specialist has to say.”

  “You mean you may not be in Boston long.”

  “That, I don’t know. I’m in the same shoes as you, with little money. Luckily, I found a rich brother-in-law.”

  “And you’re willing to take his money?”

  “Well, he caused some of the damage, at least. I figured he owed me something.”

  “Thatcher is rich? I thought you meant Tristan.”

  “Two rich brothers-in-law. But, no, I don’t plan to sponge off of them. Hence the need to see the specialist. And seeing the specialist means I can travel with you.”

  “You do know that means with all of us—my mother and my brother also.”

  “You prefer I not?”

  She moved to him, and her arms encircled his waist. She tilted her face to his, and his lips lightly brushed hers, before she stepped back.

  “It is you who will prefer not to by the time the trip is over.” Her voice held laughter.

  “I’m taking you home now. I’m to meet my sisters tonight.”

  “Oh, how I long to see that! You will have to tell me all about it.”

  “Why not come with me?”

  “I can’t horn in on your reunion.”

  “I might need a nurse. This type of thing may be taxing.” He grinned.

  She studied him closely, a smile curling her lips. “You do look a mite peaked.”

  “In that case, let’s go. You can drive.” He guided her toward the buggy.

  “Are you up to this?” she asked as he helped her settle on the seat.

  “Whether I am or not, I’m doing it. I’ve waited long enough to meet my sisters.” He settled beside her. “Let’s go.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  As they drove back toward the ranch, Grace reconsidered her impulsive decision to meet Ward’s sisters. Her face must be blotchy and red, her hair disheveled. She’d have to tidy up in the infirmary when they arrived.

  She cast a glance in Ward’s direction. His face was pale although he showed no other distress.

  “Ward, you explained how I can help repay the Babbitts for their kind offer, if what you say is true...”

  “Neither Mr. Babbitt’s mother nor wife accompanied him because of his mother’s illness. He said the doctors are stumped. I am only repeating what I was told.”

  She nodded. “I will give her the best care that I can. However, I wished to inquire of my brother. He is also being given a great gift, and he has squandered such in the past.”

  “And may well do so with this one. One’s actions in the past are often repeated, although not always.”

  “But then my family will have incurred a double debt.”

  “Mr. Babbitt discussed this fully with your brother, after you left. He has given your brother a series of expectations. The first on the list is to find employment.”

  “Mr. Babbitt expects him to attend school and work?”

  “You will be if you care for Mr. Babbitt’s mother. He can do the same. As a matter of fact, Mr. Babbitt is in need of an assistant and will employ your brother on a trial basis. If he proves unsatisfactory, he will be expected to find employment elsewhere.”

  “That’s reasonable. What do you know of Mr. Babbitt?”

  “Not much.”

  “We will have to wait and see how my brother fares.”

  “T
here’s no need fretting over it. Your brother holds his own fate in his hands.”

  “But Mother...”

  “She received her own series of stipulations, and the main one is to break off contact with her son until he has proven himself to Mr. Babbitt’s satisfaction.”

  “Oh.” It seemed Mr. Babbitt had considered everything, possibly with Dr. Robbie’s help.

  She turned to Ward once more as she pulled the horse to a stop at the door of the infirmary. “Still, I plan to repay Mr. Babbitt and Dr. Robbie. I do not wish to be in debt to anyone.”

  “Understandable.” He got down from the buggy as she set the brake and leaned against it for a few seconds while she clambered down.

  She placed a hand under his elbow. “You should not have come after me. You could have told me all of this later.”

  “Too late now. The deed is done.”

  “Let’s get you inside.”

  The family must have been watching for them from inside for Tristan came out to meet them and helped get Ward inside and to a chair in his room. Grace left them with a promise to be back quickly.

  She tidied her hair, splashed water on her face, and brushed her dress as clean as she could. She re-considered her decision. He and Tristan could go ahead, and she’d watch from the doorway. When she met them formally, she wanted to look more presentable.

  She went back to Ward’s room and knocked before she entered. Ward’s face had regained some color.

  He smiled at her. “Trist made me tea. I feel better.”

  She gave a nod of thanks to Tristan and then said, “You two go on ahead. I don’t want to intrude but would like to watch from the doorway, if no one will mind.”

  Tristan glanced at her. “I have no objection and don’t believe the rest of the family would either. You are Ward’s nurse, correct?” His eyes twinkled.

  She gave a nod. That explanation would do nicely. Ward was on his feet, ignoring their offers of help.

  She trailed behind, noting he did not stumble or sway.

  They stopped in the doorway. Tristan’s gaze went from her to Ward. “Wait and I’ll go tell them we’re here.”

  He went in, and Dr. Robbie came out to join them. “We’ve been chatting while we waited for Ward’s return.”