by DiAnn Mills
Excitement raced through her veins. “I think that is a most pleasant idea.”
“You do?” He looked up, and his robin’s-egg blue eyes sparkled. “I’m deeply honored, Emma Leigh.”
By this time they had reached the front of Mr. Jones’s office. Emma Leigh remembered the moment, just a short time ago, when she had collided with Thad in that very spot.
“I hope we have time to talk this evening,” Thad said, “providing your father approves of me.”
She wanted to shout her delight for all to hear, but at that instant Mrs. Weares made her way across the wooden floor. She frowned disapprovingly. “Is there a problem?”
“Not at all, Mrs. Weares.” Thad nodded at Emma Leigh and turned on his heel to leave before she could offer him a reassuring smile. Emma Leigh was certain her father would approve.
Chapter 9
No matter what consolation Thad offered himself, the fact remained that he feared speaking with Emma Leigh’s father. Once Thad had decided to ask permission to come courting, anxiety took a strangling hold of him. By now, Mr. Carter might have concluded Thad was not suitable for Emma Leigh or that her family needed her to help support them.
Lord God, I pray Your will be accomplished in this endeavor—whatever that may be.
Once he finished his work, Thad saddled his horse. He’d ridden to work because of his planned visit at the Carters on his way home. Now he wished he’d walked so he could clear his mind.
A startling revelation occurred to him. He was embarking upon what was, next to accepting the Lord as his Savior, the most important step of his life. God had given him a peace about the future, but Thad felt ill prepared to converse with Emma Leigh’s father.
A wisp of smoke from the chimney of the Carter cabin came much too quickly. Thad’s stomach tightened as he recalled his last encounter with Mr. Carter.
As Thad dismounted, Simon and Joseph rushed from the barn to greet him. “Hello, Thad,” they chorused. He noted Simon didn’t have a coat, and the sight made him want to give the boy his own.
“Hello, boys. Finishing up your chores?”
Simon nodded. He and Joseph were both shivering. “We’re done now,” Simon said.
“Your father at home?”
Simon motioned to the cabin. “He’s inside.”
With a deep breath and a prayer, Thad crunched through the snow to knock at the door. Emma Leigh answered. Her face radiated an ethereal glow, giving him courage to take on a dozen difficult fathers who might protest his courting her.
“Is your father at home?” he said.
She nodded shyly. “Papa, Thad Benson is here to see you. Won’t you come in?”
“I’d rather wait outside for your father,” he said. He smelled chicken and remembered Sarah giving Emma Leigh the remains from dinner at the inn.
As soon as Mr. Carter stood in the doorway, Thad stuck out his hand and eyed him squarely. “Good evening, sir. May I have a word with you?”
Not a trace of emotion settled upon the older man’s face. He nodded and snatched a coat from a peg. “Let’s talk in the barn away from the wind.” He caught sight of Simon and Joseph. “You boys head inside now. Your mama has food nearly ready.”
Thad tried to think of something clever to say, but the only thing bursting from his mouth sounded more like a snort about the weather than polite conversation.
“I remember the last time we talked,” Mr. Carter said, sauntering into the barn.
The scent of fresh hay, sweet and clean, met Thad’s nostrils. The horse whinnied, and a single chicken scurried past them. “I’d like to continue our discussion.”
Mr. Carter leaned against a horse stall. “I thought as much.”
Thad cleared his throat. “Sir, again I apologize for sounding selfish the last time when I talked to you about Emma Leigh.”
The man nodded. Still no emotion. Mr. Carter would not make this easy.
“I don’t want to request permission to come courting Emma Leigh.”
The older man’s features hardened.
Thad braved his way forward. “I want to ask for her hand in marriage.” His heart thumped like a scared rabbit. “I have the money saved for my schooling and some besides to live on. While I’m learning to be a doctor, I can’t give her fine things like she deserves, but I can take care of her.”
“Hmmm,” Mr. Carter said, his face stoical.
“With this in mind and providing I get your blessing, I’d like to ask you a favor, one that might help both of us.”
“And what might it be, providing I approve of your marrying my daughter?”
“Uncle Albert and I have been tending to seven cows and a bull on my parents’ farm. It’s more than my aunt and uncle need once I’m gone, and they are getting on in years as well. Since my land borders yours, I’m wondering if you would take care of the cattle for me during my absence, and in return you could have all the milk you needed and any calves born while I’m away at school. I do need to sell one of the cows though.”
“Sounds like charity to me,” Mr. Carter grumbled.
“We’d be family,” Thad said. “I also wondered if you’d help me out by tending to my apple trees. You might want to use some of the land to grow a few crops.”
“Still sounds like charity.”
“Not if we split the sale of the crops. I could use the extra money to take care of Emma Leigh.”
Mr. Carter rubbed a bristled chin. “Not once have you told me your feelings for my daughter.”
Where are my thoughts? “Mr. Carter, I do love Emma Leigh. I want to take care of her always. Why, we grew up together, and I can’t imagine any woman in my life but your fine daughter.”
Mr. Carter said nothing, and Thad believed the man just might order him to leave. He prayed as Emma Leigh’s father slowly paced the length of the barn.
“Emma Leigh works much too hard,” he finally said. “She never stops to rest, always wanting to do more. We’d be lost without her, but it’s not a good reason to stop my daughter from having a life of her own. She deserves more than waiting on all of us like a servant.” Mr. Carter shook his head and wiped a single tear from his cheek. “I am getting better. The good Lord has seen fit to restore my health. You’ve given me a generous offer—one by which I could pay my debts and take care of my family proper. But more importantly, you’ve offered a way for my precious Emma Leigh to do better for herself.”
Thad swallowed hard. Is this a yes?
“I misjudged you, and I’m the one who owes you an apology. If Emma Leigh will have you, then I give my blessing for her to wed.”
Thad reached for his hand, a smile bursting through his face from deep within his heart. “Thank you, sir. I’m deeply grateful.”
Mr. Carter held on to Thad’s hand. “You’ll be a fine husband and doctor. I see much of your father in you, and I’m sure he’d be proud.” He glanced about the barn. “Would you like me to get Emma Leigh for you?”
“I’d rather this be a surprise,” Thad said, tripping over his words like a schoolboy. “So I don’t want her to have any idea of what we’ve discussed until tomorrow night.”
Mr. Carter chuckled. “I understand.” He released his grip and nodded toward the house. “I imagine she’s in a tizzy wanting to know what’s going on out here, but I’ll not say a word.”
“I appreciate that. You see, I drew her name in the secret friend celebration at the inn. I have an idea for tomorrow, something special.”
Mr. Carter smiled broadly. “You’re going to make her very happy.”
They walked toward Thad’s tethered horse. “Sir, may I come by tomorrow night and escort Emma Leigh to church?”
“By all means,” Mr. Carter whispered. “She will have the best Christmas ever.”
Thank You, Lord. I’ll not disappoint You. Thank You for showing me the way.
Emma Leigh found it nearly impossible to mask her disappointment when Papa entered without Thad. “Where’s Thad?” she said, searc
hing her father’s face. “I thought he might want to stay for dinner.”
Papa hung his thin coat on the peg and moved toward the fire. “He’s gone home.”
She hastily blinked back the tears. What had gone wrong? Why didn’t Papa want Thad to come courting?
Thad sang all the way home, making use of every Christmas carol he could remember. Neither the darkness wrapping its blanket around him nor the cold air nipping at his fingers and toes could chill him tonight. Thad understood God’s plan for his life and was confident that He intended him to marry Emma Leigh. They’d have a rich life together, rich with the blessings that come only from the heavenly Father.
He stopped at his parents’ farm and tended the cattle. Odd, he always referred to it as his parents’ when, in fact, the house and land belonged to him. Emma Leigh’s and mine.
Once at his aunt and uncle’s, Thad took care of his horse and hurried in to tell them the good news.
“I plan to ask Emma Leigh to marry me tomorrow night,” he said. “I’m not worried in the least about it. God has brought me this far, and I know His hand rests in this.”
“She won’t refuse such a handsome, caring man,” Aunt Klara said, unable to conceal her excitement.
“Or a godly man,” Uncle Albert added.
“Simply pray for me,” Thad said. The seriousness of asking Emma Leigh to marry him weighed heavily upon him. What had he just done?
“Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”
Chapter 10
Emma Leigh dutifully kissed her father good-bye at the inn. She didn’t feel much affection though. Tears were ready to surface each time she thought about Papa refusing to let Thad see her.
Either Papa didn’t like Thad, and she didn’t know why, or he needed her to give all her attention to the Jones Inn and home.
No matter what the reason, the situation deemed unfair. Christmas was tomorrow, the inn staff’s celebration this afternoon, and she should be rejoicing in the Lord’s birth. But how could she when her heart threatened to break into irreparable pieces?
“But I must,” she whispered. “Mr. Jones expects me to be cheerful for the guests and the activities planned for today.” She stiffened her spine. The Lord would help her.
Opening the back kitchen door, Emma Leigh pasted on a smile and greeted Sarah with a hug. “Merry Christmas, Sarah. Are you excited about today?”
“Oh yes. I want to find out who’s been sending me such sweet scripture messages. One day last week, I came in to work and found the eggs, bacon, and potatoes all ready for me to cook.”
Emma Leigh smiled. Sarah’s face glowed as though she’d just seen Jesus, and indeed she had through all those excited about celebrating His birth.
All morning Emma Leigh looked to see Thad, but Mr. Jones obviously kept him busy—or perhaps Thad was avoiding her. In any event, his absence made it even harder for her to wish merry Christmas to the guests and staff.
While Emma Leigh set the extra long-table with Mrs. Jones’s fine English china and silver in the main dining room for the guests, the smell of turkey basted in herbs and butter wafted around her. What a splendid dinner the guests and the staff would enjoy with an array of vegetables, bread, and sweet treats. The thought made Emma Leigh a bit sad. How she longed for her family to partake in such a fine meal. She could only imagine the sparkle in her siblings’ eyes at the sight of such wonderful food.
“Are you ill, Emma Leigh?” Mrs. Weares peered into her face.
Snapped from her thoughts, Emma Leigh produced a smile. “Of course not. Merely thinking about our Christmas party this afternoon.”
“Very well. Let’s not dawdle about our duties then,” Mrs. Weares said with her typical firmness. “We all want to enjoy Sarah’s cooking.” She fanned herself furiously. “Oh my, I forgot to tell Thad about the guests wishing a sleigh ride as soon as dinner is completed.”
Will he not be here for the staff celebration?
The hours passed swiftly in a flurry of joy and Christmas carols. The time came for the staff to eat. Sarah prepared the same menu as she had provided for the guests, but she put aside a plate for Thad since he’d not returned from the sleigh ride. All were in attendance, except the man Emma Leigh longed to see. The man to whom she longed to give her heart.
She knew selfishness reigned in her heart but she longed to see Thad.
At the completion of the meal, Mr. Jones rose from the table. “I see we have gifts to be opened from our secret friends. Miss Carter, would you do us the honor of presenting the final mementos?”
The items were brought into the dining room and set on the walnut sideboard. Mr. Jones motioned for Emma Leigh to come forward. She tired of smiling, and Thad wasn’t there for any of the celebration, and he’d given her the idea.
One by one she picked up the small notes and tokens and distributed them to each staff member, setting aside a brown paper wrapping with her name and another small parcel for Thad. She’d open hers at the end.
Ooh’s and ah’s rose from the group as each one discovered their secret friend. Sarah hugged her soundly. “Such a blessing you’ve been to me. Thank you.”
From the corner of her eye, Emma Leigh saw Thad slip into the dining room. Mr. Jones greeted him and presented him with his gift. Emma Leigh watched Thad open a small prayer book and a note that identified the item as being from Mrs. Jones. Thad caught Emma Leigh’s attention and their gazes met. She saw tenderness, and her heart nearly burst.
“Now it is your turn, Emma Leigh,” Mr. Jones said, handing her the gift.
“I am excited to learn who has my name.” For the first time, she sensed a lilt in the celebration. Now she could properly thank the giver.
Mr. Jones handed her the brown parcel, and she sat to open it. Pulling away the wrapping, she gasped at the small wooden box embellished in red-orange flowers and an ornate border. “How beautiful,” she whispered, tracing the flowers with her fingertips. Curiously, she lifted the lid and saw a piece of paper inside. Now she’d learn for sure that Mr. Jones had indeed drawn her name. How she appreciated his generosity.
Unfolding the paper, she read:
A candle’s flicker in the darkness,
A fire’s warmth to greet the weary,
Only Jesus shines more brightly
Than my lovely Emma Leigh.
Love,
Thad
Tears brimmed her eyes, and her gaze flew to his face. “You.” She swallowed her joyful tears. “I never thought…I never imagined.”
It seemed she and Thad were the only two people in the crowded dining room. He stood before her and bent to one knee.
“Then you are pleased?” he said.
“Oh Thad, all the things you gave me—so extravagant, so generous. I don’t deserve your goodness, but I do thank you.”
A smile spread over his face, and she saw an image of herself in his blue eyes. “Good. I’m pleased. Tonight we can talk, for your father has given me permission to come calling.”
A tear trickled over her cheek. Emma Leigh quickly wiped it away. “This is the best Christmas I’ve ever had.” Her cheeks flushed warm, and joy abounded through every inch of her.
Thad rose to his feet. His adoring look promised what her heart felt. Never had she known such contentment.
Thad counted the hours until he could leave the inn and ride to the Carter home. Once Mr. Jones had learned about Thad’s plans for the evening, he’d given him use of a carriage to escort Emma Leigh to church. He could return it later when he came by the inn to get his horse.
Too excited to think, his stomach toying with a game of leapfrog, Thad drove to the Carter home. In his pocket, he had his mother’s ivory cameo brooch as a token of his love and devotion to Emma Leigh.
Once he caught sight of the cabin, he believed the firelight from the windows shone more cheerfully than usual. Tonight, he’d ask Emma Leigh to marry him and later escort her to Christmas Eve services.
<
br /> Mr. Carter answered the door as soon as Thad’s gloved knuckles tapped against the wood. “Welcome, Thad, and merry Christmas to you.”
“And the blessings of Christmas to you, too, sir.”
Mr. Carter stepped back to usher Thad inside. The older man winked. Surely the ‘goodwill toward men’ sentiments had taken hold. “Emma Leigh, Thad is here to see you.”
Thad’s gaze flew to her face and took in the sight of her. She’d woven a red ribbon through her dark hair, and the bobbin lace decorated her throat, but their beauty did not compare to the love he saw in her eyes—eyes reminding him so much of an innocent doe. For a moment he couldn’t speak until the sound of the children’s laughter shook him to his senses.
“Hush, children.” Mrs. Carter’s face blushed nearly as radiantly as Emma Leigh’s. “Good to see you, Thad.”
“Good evening, Mrs. Carter.” Thad swung his attention to Emma Leigh. “Would you like to take a ride with me before going to church?”
She glanced at her father, and he nodded. “You have my permission.”
Once she gathered her scarf and gloves, Thad offered his arm, much to the giggling of Simon and Joseph, and stepped out into the cold, crisp night.
“Oh,” she breathed. “You have one of the inn’s carriages.”
“Only the best for my Emma Leigh,” he said, glad for the darkness settling around them so she wouldn’t see his reddened face.
“I don’t know what to say except thank you.”
He assisted her up onto the seat, marveling at her lightness, then lit the kerosene lanterns on both sides of the carriage.
Soon they were on their way down the road leading to his parents’ farm. Thad had so much to say, but the words simply wouldn’t form on his lips. He’d thought of little else but this moment for the past twenty-four hours.
“Are we going past your land?” Emma Leigh said. The wind whistled, and she snuggled against his shoulder.
“Most assuredly. Remember all the winter days we skated on the pond behind the barn?”
She laughed. “And all the times we fell until we learned?”
