Joy for Mourning

by Dorothy Clark

  The toddler’s lower lip quivered. She nodded.

  Laina’s heart swelled. “Of course you do.” She gave Emma a quick hug, then smiled down at her. “I have something for you. Look.” She freed one hand and held up the dress she’d dropped on the bed. “Billy will be so happy to see you in a pretty new dress.” She filled her voice with excitement. “Shall we put it on?”

  Laina unpinned the rose, then undid the sash that held the bunched-up towel in place and pulled the garments over Emma’s thin little body. “Oh, my!” She stepped back and clasped her hands together in front of her. “You look so pretty, Emma.”

  “She certainly does.” The doctor put the bowl back on the night table and reached for the little girl. “You look like a drop of sunshine. I think I’ll call you Sunshine.”

  Laina laughed as the doctor lifted Emma over his head and whirled in a circle. The little girl squealed and grabbed for his wrists.

  “Put her down!”

  Billy! Laina gasped as the young boy tried to raise himself up and grab his sister.

  “Ugh!”

  “It’s all right, son. Don’t try to move. I’m putting your sister down.” The doctor kept his eyes fastened on Billy as he lowered Emma to the bed. “Be careful not to bump Billy, Emma.”

  The toddler nodded and crowded close to her brother.

  “How do you feel, son?”

  Billy’s eyelids lowered. He jerked them open again and groped for his sister’s hand. “You stay here, Emma! Don’t let go of my hand, you hear?” His eyes closed.

  Emma rose on her knees to peer down at him. “Billy? We’re in a big, big house, Billy! And the nice lady gave me soup and cookies! She gave you one, too. Do you want your cookie, Billy? They said I could eat it, but I didn’t. I saved it for you. And I have a new dress…. Billy?”

  “He’s gone back to sleep, Emma. He’s very tired. You can tell him about your dress the next time he wakes up.”

  Laina couldn’t take her gaze from the doctor’s face. He had a wonderful smile, but it was his gentle expression as he spoke with Emma that touched her heart. He obviously loved children.

  Someone tapped softly.

  The seamstress. Finally. Laina turned with a swish of her long skirts and hurried to answer the door. “Please come—” She stopped, frowning at sight of the empty hallway. There was no one there but her maid. “What is it, Sally?”

  “Beggin’ your pardon, ma’am, but there’s a lad saw the doctor’s buggy. He says there’s been an accident and his da needs the doctor bad.”

  “The doctor?” Panic rushed over her. Laina whirled to face the bed. What about Billy? She didn’t know how to take care of him! She struggled to put on a brave face as Thaddeous Allen picked up his black bag and strode to the door.

  “It will be all right, Mrs. Brighton. If Billy wakes, keep him quiet. Don’t let him move around much. If he feels up to eating, give him light broth only, a few swallows at a time.” He smiled down at her. “No cookies yet.”

  Laina’s cheeks warmed. That teasing remark was meant to make her feel better. So much for a brave face—he’d seen right through her. She nodded and gave up the pretense. “You will come back, Doctor?”

  “Yes. As soon as possible. If it’s not too late.” He stepped into the hall.

  Panic struck again. “The time doesn’t matter, Doctor. Please stop back. Beaumont will let you in. I will be here with Billy.” She called the words after him as he rushed down the hallway toward the stairs. She’d never felt so inadequate, so inept, so scared. She lifted her chin a notch as he glanced back at her.

  “Very well, Mrs. Brighton, I will come back no matter the hour.” He disappeared down the stairwell.

  Laina closed the door and sagged against it. Now what? A moan and the sound of retching gave her her answer. She took a deep breath and hurried to the bed.

  Thad rushed down the elegant staircase to the large entrance hall and strode quickly toward the white-faced boy standing by the door. “What is it, Johnny? What’s happened to your father?” He pulled open the door and led the way out onto the porch.

  “He’s hurt bad, Doc. He was cuttin’ hay and the scythe slipped. He’s bleedin’ somethin’ fierce.”

  Thad nodded and ran for his buggy he’d parked in the shade beneath one of the trees that lined the drive. Gravel spit from under the wheels as Faithful leaped forward. Thad dropped his bag onto the seat and picked up the reins. Good old Faithful—he always knew when it was an emergency.

  He braced himself as Johnny sprinted by on his horse and raced off down Walnut Street. A moment later Faithful charged into the same turn. The buggy skidded sideways in the loose stones of the drive, then righted itself as the gelding chased after Johnny.

  “Two street children! What does Laina know about caring for children?” Justin scowled. “There’s no time to talk to her about it now. I’ll go over in the morning.” He glanced into the mirror and lifted one hand to flick the frill at his neck. “I don’t like this, Elizabeth. I don’t care if it is the latest style from Europe. I’d rather wear one of my cravats.”

  “But Justin, you look wonderful in it. Here, put on your new suit coat and see how nice it looks.” Elizabeth held the black wool jacket out to him. “I’m not so sure you should speak against the children being in her home, dear. Laina was like her old self when I spoke with her this afternoon. I haven’t seen her so animated since she arrived in Philadelphia.”

  Justin shrugged into the jacket and buttoned it. “Even so, she can’t have street orphans living with her.” He tugged at the bottom of the jacket that hit just below his waistline in front. “No waistcoat, Elizabeth? I’ll have to keep this thing buttoned all night!” He swept his gaze over his image in the mirror. Patent leather shoes with gray spats, light gray, shadow-striped trousers and the frill that filled the space between the square-cut lapels of the black swallowtail jacket. He gave a disgusted snort. “I look like a dandy.”

  Elizabeth smiled at the grumbled words. “Dandies do not wear black, dear. And you’re far too masculine to ever be mistaken for one. You’re a very handsome man, my husband.” She went on tiptoes and lifted her face for a kiss.

  Justin lowered his head and obliged, then grinned at her. “All right, I’ll wear the new suit. But don’t think you fool me with your feminine wiles. I’m onto you, you saucy wench!” He pulled her close against him.

  Elizabeth laughed. “You may be onto me, but my feminine wiles still work.”

  “Umm, indeed they do.” Justin lowered his head again. He touched his lips to hers, withdrew, then came back and claimed hers fully. Elizabeth put her arms about his waist and held on. When he finally lifted his head, she was trembling—but then, so was he. He burrowed his face into her golden curls.

  “Justin?”

  “Hmm?”

  “Please don’t discourage Laina’s having those children in her home.”

  Justin drew back and looked down at her. He knew that tone. “Why, Elizabeth? Laina told you the boy’s a thief.”

  “Yes. But she also said he’s only a young boy trying to take care of his little sister.” Her eyes clouded. “Sometimes things are not as they appear, Justin. We know that better than anyone. Think of the things we once believed about each other. The truth was so very different.” She laid her hand against his chest and looked deep into his eyes. “How do we know these children are not the answer to the prayers we’ve been praying for Laina?”

  A quietness settled over him. Justin stared down at her. “I believe you’re right.” He shook his head. “You amaze me, Elizabeth. You’re so wise. I should have thought of that.”

  She tossed him one of those pert smiles he loved. “Methinks you would have if you hadn’t been distracted, good sir.”

  Justin took her hand and placed it on his arm. “Let’s go downstairs and prepare to meet our dinner guests, Mrs. Randolph…before I forget myself entirely and tell Owen to send them all home when they arrive.”

  Where was th
e doctor? Laina was hard put not to wring her hands. Billy was becoming increasingly restless and she was supposed to keep him quiet. What should she do? She winced as the young boy moaned and flopped onto his right side, his hands grabbing at the covers.

  “Emma?” Billy’s eyelids twitched. His hands groped through the air. “Emma?”

  Of course—she should have known. Laina gently pulled the sleeping Emma’s hand from beneath her feather pillow and placed it in Billy’s. His fingers curled around it. He quieted.

  Laina gave a sigh of relief, straightened the mussed cover over Billy and walked to the open window. She was exhausted. Having children was harder than she had imagined. Of course, one usually started with a baby, not with a young injured boy and his little sister.

  Laina leaned against the window frame and closed her eyes. What a day! She’d gone to market to see what was available in order to plan her garden party and come home with children. Never in her wildest dreams could she have imagined such a thing happening.

  She had children!

  The truth struck her like a hammer blow. Laina popped her eyes open and stared at the two blond heads visible above the blankets that covered the two small bodies. They were orphans. No one wanted them. No one would take them from her. She would be their mother!

  You believe—very well, you pray! And if your Lord gives me children I will serve Him all of my remaining days!

  The angry challenge she had flung at her brother rang through Laina’s mind. Her pulse raced. Had Justin picked up the gauntlet she had thrown down? Were Billy and Emma an answer to Justin’s prayers?

  Laina couldn’t stop her gaze from rising to the moonlit sky any more than she could stop the furious pounding of her heart. Did God really hear and answer prayer? How could she know? She frowned, staring at her hand, which she’d lifted to place against the glass. She was letting her emotions carry her away. She knew. It was all simply a coincidence.

  “Mrs. Brighton?”

  Laina gasped and jerked around toward the door.

  Thad gave her a polite nod. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you. When you didn’t answer my tap on the door, I thought you were probably asleep. I was going to sit with Billy.” He stepped into the room and walked to the bed. “Has he wakened again?”

  “Yes. Twice. Though not fully.” She walked over and faced him across the expanse of bed. “He hasn’t been sick. He simply retches and then goes back to sleep.”

  “That’s to be expected.” Thad set his black bag on the nightstand. “He has no food in him. It’s hard to be sick with an empty stomach.”

  “Of course. I should have thought of that.” She looked down at Billy. “I’m afraid I’m not very good at this.”

  Thad looked her way. “You’re doing fine, Mrs. Brighton. Most women in your position have their nannies tend their sick children. Or hire a nurse.”

  “Truly?” She lifted her gaze to his.

  He nodded. “Of course, I realize you haven’t a nanny available to you as yet.”

  Her violet eyes flashed. “I would be here in any case, Doctor.”

  Thad fought down the urge to smile. “I’m certain you would. I didn’t mean to offend, Mrs. Brighton.”

  Even by the light of the single candle she had burning on the nightstand, he could see the soft rose color spread across her cheeks. “Forgive me, Doctor. I didn’t mean to be waspish. I—”

  “Where’s Emma?”

  Thad looked down into brown eyes that were burning with fear and defiance. “She’s sleeping on the bed beside you, Billy. No, don’t move!”

  His warning was too late. Billy jerked to his side. “Ugh!” The boy’s hand grabbed for his head, then fell limp against the pillow. His eyelids slid closed.

  Thad lifted the boy’s wrist and counted his pulse.

  “Is he all right?”

  He could barely hear her whisper. “Billy’s going to be fine, Mrs. Brighton.” Thad gave her a reassuring smile. “He was fully conscious a moment ago and that’s an excellent sign. We’ve only to wait. The time between his waking moments will shorten, and each time he will be cognizant a little longer. What is needed is to keep him from moving so violently. That could cause him harm.”

  Laina Brighton’s face paled. She bent, turned Emma on her side and placed the child’s small hand in Billy’s. “He’s such a brave little boy. Even in his illness his concern is for Emma. He’s afraid for her. He stays quiet when he feels her next to him.” She straightened and took a deep breath. “Thank you for coming back, Doctor. But I’m keeping you from your rest. I’ll have Beaumont see you out.”

  “With your permission, I’ll stay, Mrs. Brighton. I want to be here when Billy regains consciousness, and I have a feeling it won’t be long.”

  She gave him a look of pure relief. “I’d be very grateful if you would stay, Doctor.” A frown creased her forehead. “I’m afraid cook’s long abed, and I have nothing in the way of refreshments to offer you, except…”

  She glanced at the sleeping children, then lifted something from the nightstand and held it out toward him. “Would you care for a cookie?”

  Their soft laughter rose and mingled over the bed between them.

  Chapter Eight

  Laina jerked and opened her eyes. How long had she been sleeping? She rose quietly, lifted her arms above her head and stretched up on tiptoes to work out the kinks, then yawned and stepped over to look out the window. Dawn was painting a new day on the horizon. What a gorgeous pink color. She opened the louvered shutters that covered the lower sash, lifted it to let in the refreshing morning air and glanced down at the formal gardens below. The early light illumined the leaves on the trees, bathed the hedges and flowers in its rosy glow and outlined the statuary and tables. The gardeners and painters had been working from dawn to dusk for weeks, and everything was in readiness for her debut party.

  Laina gave another delicate yawn and rested against the window frame watching the sunrise. Elizabeth was coming today to help her finish the invitations. She’d have to send word to her not to come. There would be no garden party—at least, not now. Perhaps after Billy was better and he and Emma were comfortable in their new home. A smile curved her lips. She shook her head. How quickly one’s life could change.

  She pushed away from the window, fluffed her curls with her hand, smoothed her skirts and hurried to Billy’s bedroom. The doctor was bent over Billy, holding the struggling boy still. Laina pushed the door wide open and hurried forward to offer help.

  “I’m a doctor, Billy—Dr. Allen. You were hurt when a horse and carriage ran you down. You cracked your head on the cobblestones when you fell and I had to stitch it up and bandage it. That’s why you can’t move quickly. You’ll hurt yourself.”

  Laina listened to Thaddeous Allen’s calm, soothing voice, watched some of the fear leave Billy’s eyes. The doctor needed no aid from her.

  “I’m going to take my hands away now, Billy. Remember, you need to stay still.” The doctor straightened. “Tell me how you feel, son.”

  “My head hurts.” There was belligerence in Billy’s tone. His hand tightened around Emma’s.

  Thaddeous Allen nodded. “That will be better in a few days if you do as I say.”

  Billy glared up at him. “I got no money to pay you.”

  “I want no money, Billy.”

  “Then what?” Fear burst full-blown into Billy’s eyes. “You ain’t hurtin’ Emma! You ain’t touchin’ her!”

  Laina gasped. What sort of life did this little boy lead? She jerked forward and instinctively reached for his free hand. “No one’s going to hurt you or Emma, Billy. Not ever. I promise!”

  The little boy yanked his hand away and glared at her. “Who’re you?”

  “Don’t be mean, Billy. She’s the lady that gave us a cookie!” Emma rubbed her eyes still filled with sleep and looked at her brother. “An’ she gave me soup. An’ a pretty new dress. See my dress, Billy?” She rose to her feet, tottered on the uncertain f
ooting of the soft feather mattress and plunked down on her behind. She giggled, then looked down at her lap and sobered. Her lower lip trembled. “Where’s my pretty dress?”

  The words ended in a sob that wrenched at Laina’s heart. “Your dress is here, Emma.” She picked up the folded garment and hurried around the bed. “I took it off when you went to sleep so it wouldn’t wrinkle. Do you want to put it on so Billy can see it?”

  Emma’s tears stopped. Her face brightened. She smiled and nodded. Laina helped her stand on the bed, then slipped the dress on over her chemise. “There you are.”

  “See, Billy?” Emma tried to turn toward her brother, and promptly plopped onto her behind again. She giggled and bounced up and down.

  “Ugh.”

  “Emma, you mustn’t bounce. You’ll hurt Billy’s head.” Laina snatched her off the bed. “Are you hungry?” She smiled down at her. “Shall we go have breakfast while Dr. Allen is caring for Billy?”

  “She’s not goin’ anywhere with you!” Billy made a grab for Emma, groaned and fell back on the pillow.

  “Stay still, son.” Thaddeous Allen reached for the boy as he started to retch.

  Emma burst into tears. “I want to go, Billy. My tummy’s hungry.”

  Laina hugged the little girl. “Hush, Emma. You shall have your breakfast.” She looked down at the young boy in Dr. Allen’s arms and tears welled in her eyes. “I’m sorry, Billy. I promise you Emma will not leave this room until you are better. She will have her meals right here on the bed beside you, on a tray. Please don’t worry about her.” She lifted her gaze. “I’m sorry, Doctor. I didn’t mean to upset him.”

  He nodded his understanding while checking Billy’s pulse.

  Laina drew in a long breath, blinked the tears from her eyes, moved to the bellpull at the head of the bed and gave it two quick yanks. At least this she could handle. She knew how to plan meals. She formed a quick menu in her mind. An omelet, potatoes, toast with jam, bacon, ham, tarts…and chocolate! Had Emma ever had hot chocolate? A smile touched her lips.