The woman’s eyes traveled up Gerald’s frame as if he were a speci-men under a microscope. “Yes, my son has mentioned you in his letters. His infrequent letters.” She tipped her head in Gerald’s direction and extended her hand. “It’s a joy to meet you at last, Dr. Larkspur. I appreciate the care you’ve taken with my children.” Her gaze turned toward Ruby. “Both of them.”
Gerald took her hand and gave it a quick squeeze, the woman’s skin cool against his fingers.
Ruby’s posture seemed to stiffen further. “Dr. Larkspur has been generous to take us in. I didn’t realize when I arrived, Robert was living with another family.”
A chill shook Gerald. If she’d known, they wouldn’t be standing here now.
His mother took Ruby’s arm, her eyes twinkling. “And I have thanked the Lord every day for sending you to us, Ruby. You’ve brought light and life into this house—you and Robert, both. We’ve seen our share of tragedy in the past year. I’m filled with joy that the Lord has seen fit to bless us with your presence.”
Leave it to his mother to find the appropriate words for every moment. As she excused herself to the kitchen, Gerald dug into his vest pocket after his watch. “When did you arrive, Mrs. King? If we’d known, Robert or I would have met you at the Ferry Building with the car.”
She waved a hand, flicking her stubby fingers through the air. “The girls and I hired a cab. I didn’t wish to cause a disturbance.” She glanced around the room. “But I’m not certain about the accommodations. Perhaps we should have let a room at the Palace Hotel?”
Gerald shook his head. “I’m afraid the fires decimated the Palace. The Fairmont, too. And every other room is likely full.”
Ruby unpinned her hat. “We weren’t expecting you for weeks, yet. The wedding is still a month away. Why are you so early?”
The older woman lifted her chin, her presence in the room much larger than her diminutive height. “I had to meet this girl who’s stealing my Robert away.”
Gerald leaned on the back of the closest chair, his legs growing unsteady. The women moved to sit, their conversation flowing unhindered. He sagged into the cushioned seat, fighting the urge to slip away to his study. If it were anyone other than Ruby’s mother, he’d sneak off without guilt.
As if sensing his thoughts, Otto hopped up from his spot and padded over to plop on Gerald’s shoe tips.
“Where are Elizabeth and Miriam?” Ruby perched on a chair, her hat resting on her knees.
“Mrs. Larkspur was kind enough to let them rest in your room, my dear. Or should I call it Miss Fischer’s room?” She tittered, her laugh ringing off the walls. “Goodness, this is confusing. All in one house.” She glanced around the parlor, her lips pursed. “How cozy. You should have informed me, Ruby. I would have made other arrangements.”
Ruby fingers clenched and unclenched. “There are no other arrangements to be had, Mother.”
“And when will Robert and Miss Fischer be returning?” Her eyes spoke volumes.
“They’re not here?” Gerald jerked back to attention. “I thought Robert would be home from the hospital hours ago.”
Gerald’s mother returned, setting a teapot on the low table. “He telephoned earlier. He met Abby downtown, and they were picking up a few items for the wedding. They will be late for supper.”
Mrs. King sniffed. “I guess I will be forced to wait before meeting my soon-to-be daughter-in-law.”
Gerald leaned back against the seat, his energy draining away through the floorboards.
“Gerald, are you all right?” His mother’s voice cut through the din of conversation.
Gerald’s eyes popped open. He hadn’t even realized he’d closed them. He jerked to his feet. “Yes, yes, fine. If you ladies will excuse me, I’m going to clean up before supper.” He might as well disappear, it couldn’t make a worse impression than falling asleep.
“Of course.” Ruby’s soft voice broke through his weary thoughts. “You’ve had a trying day.”
Her emotion-laden words tugged at his heart, but he managed to nod and leave the room without further embarrassment. She didn’t know the half of it—and never would, if he had his way.
Gerald dragged up the stairs to his room, his hand aching as he tugged off his tie. How much tissue did Robert remove? He’d willingly accept the morphine shot now if it wouldn’t put him under the table at supper. How would he survive meal conversation in this condition? Gerald reached for the knob and swung the door open, ready to fall into the bed.
The bedcovers stirred.
Gerald froze with one foot over the threshold, his heart leaping to his throat. Did Mrs. King say the girls were in Ruby’s room or in his?
A young woman sat up, her face appearing in the shaft of light, long blonde hair cascading over one shoulder. “Hello?” She pulled the covers up to her throat.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize anyone was in here.” Gerald retreated to the hall only to back into another woman, her hand sliding along the paneling.
Beneath dark glasses, a cautious smile lit the woman’s face, her reaching fingers traveling up his arm. “You’re not Robert. I’d recognize his voice.”
“Uh, no—I—” He pushed his back against the wall for support as his breathing settled ragged in his chest.
The young woman from the bedroom appeared in the doorway, dress rumpled. “You must be Dr. Larkspur.” She tucked her hair behind her. “I’m sorry we surprised you. I’m Elizabeth King, and this is my cousin, Miriam.”
Gerald edged sideways, the blind woman’s hand still resting on his bicep. “I didn’t intend to disturb you. My apologies, ladies.” He glanced back and forth between the two women, the house suddenly feeling very small.
Miriam smiled, her face pointed in Gerald’s general direction. “I believe we’re the ones who have disturbed you, Doctor. It’s so kind of you to take us in.”
The younger girl piped up. “And to give us your room, too. Your mother said she’d moved your things to the study with Robert.”
Gerald dug into his pocket for a handkerchief to mop his brow. Robert’s family was multiplying like rabbits. He removed the woman’s grip from his arm, passing her to Elizabeth. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, ladies. I look forward to seeing you both at supper. Now, if you’ll excuse me . . .” He turned on his heel, the floor rocking like a boat deck. Gerald caught himself on the hall table, sending the Bristol vase rocking. He waited for his equilibrium to settle before plodding down the back stairs, through the kitchen, and into the study.
Gerald pulled the door shut behind him and leaned against it. Sweat dampened his shirt. He unfastened his collar and gulped air, the room settling into a slow spin. He’d dreamed of filling the rooms with family, but in the fantasies it had always been his own family. A few weeks—that’s all it will be.
He fought the urge to slide down the door and collapse on the rug, instead managing a few stumbling steps to the divan. Gerald landed on his sore arm with a groan. He pulled himself over to his back, tucking the hand into the hollow of his stomach. Chills raced across his skin, but he couldn’t summon the energy to reach for the wool blanket folded on the far end. He curled into a fetal position and closed his eyes. A few minutes rest and he’d be fine.
* * *
Ruby gritted her teeth and tucked both hands under her knees. Mae had excused herself to make final preparations for the meal. “I’m pleased to see you, Mother, but you haven’t answered my question. Why are you here so early?”
Her mother sighed. “I told you, darling, I wanted to meet Robert’s bride before the festivities begin.”
While there’s still time to interfere. “You’re going to love Abby. She’s the perfect match for Robert.”
Her mother’s brows drew together. “One who’s traipsing through the city unescorted? I hope she understand what it takes to be the wife of an esteemed physician. She should be here, preparing a comfortable home for her husband.”
Ruby balled her fist under
her leg. “It could be a little difficult, considering this isn’t their home.” She reached for her teacup. “Abby’s quite talented with plants and flowers. Have you seen the garden, yet?”
“One can hire a gardener for such work.”
Had Ruby been this hard on Abby when they first met? A wave of self-loathing swept over her. “Trust me. Robert adores her, and it’s what counts.”
The front door rattled, sending Ruby’s stomach into a dive. If only she could warn the happy pair before they stepped into the lion’s den. She hopped up from her seat. “Excuse me a moment. I’ll see who it is.”
Mother rose unsteadily, leaning on her cane. “Are you expecting guests?”
Ruby dashed to the front hall, intercepting Robert and Abby as they walked through the door. “Mother is here.”
Their smiles froze, the color draining from Abby’s face.
Robert cupped both hands under Abby’s elbows. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. She’s going to love you. Just like I do.”
Ruby pushed down the panic rising in her chest. Was her brother really so naïve? Their mother would never convince him to revoke his proposal, but she could make life miserable for Abby in the meantime. No woman would ever be good enough for her only son.
She flanked Abby’s other side, weaving a hand through her arm for extra support. Perhaps if Mother saw their united front, she’d back down.
Robert glanced around the hall. “Is Elizabeth here, too?”
“Upstairs in our room, sleeping. I haven’t seen her or Miriam, yet. Gerald and I just arrived fifteen minutes ago.”
Robert’s brow creased. “How is he?”
“Gerald?” Ruby paused. “He seemed tired. He went up to his room. Why do you ask?”
Her brother glanced away. “No reason.” He gestured toward the parlor. “We’d best get this over with.”
Abby gazed up at him, her eyes rounding.
“I mean, it’ll be fine.” He patted her hand as he steered her toward the front room. “Mother. Such a surprise.” Robert placed a quick kiss on his mother’s cheek.
She placed both hands on either side of Robert’s face. “If you would write home once in a while, we wouldn’t have to drop in unexpected to discover news of you. It took Ruby’s arrival to entice you into telling us of your engagement.”
“With the disaster and my work, there simply wasn’t time.” Robert stood upright, freeing his face from her grip.
“No time to write your family? Tsk.” She stood on tiptoe and straightened his tie. She glanced around his side. “Aren’t you going to introduce me?”
“Of course.” Robert reached back for Abby’s hand, tugging her forward. “Mother, this is Miss Abigail Fischer, my fiancée. Abby, my mother, Mrs. Hetty King.”
The older woman glanced up and down the girl’s slight frame. “A pleasure, my dear. You two met during the quake?”
Abby pulled off her straw boater and clutched it before her like a shield. “No, Mrs. King. Months before, actually. He and Gerald were treating my sister.”
Robert cleared his throat. “I explained everything in my last letter, remember? Abby is Gerald’s cousin—second cousin.”
“Oh, yes. Dr. Larkspur. The pale young man who was just here.”
Ruby bristled. Her mother wrapped every statement with a thin insult. “Perhaps I should check on Elizabeth and Miriam. They’ll want time to freshen up before supper. You said they were in my room?”
“No.” Her mother tapped her mouth with a well-manicured fingertip. “As I think about it, I believe Mrs. Larkspur said she was placing them in Dr. Larkspur’s room.”
Ruby’s stomach tightened. Hadn’t Gerald gone up? She excused herself and hurried up the stairs. Giggles echoed down the hall as she approached. She tapped on Gerald’s door.
Elizabeth pulled the door open wide and flung herself into Ruby’s arms. “Ruby! You’re here.”
Ruby hugged her younger sister, surprised by the emotion washing over her. She pulled back and gazed into Elizabeth’s face, as if reminding herself of each sweet feature. Ruby released her and stepped into the room to grab Miriam, pulling her into a tight embrace. “I’m so glad you’re both here. I’ve missed you. I hadn’t even realized how much until now.” She pressed her palms to her own cheeks. “So much has happened since I left.”
A smile lit Miriam’s face, her face pointed toward the door. “I knew it. I knew God had big things in store for you here.” She squeezed Ruby’s arm. “I can’t wait to hear all about it.”
Ruby sighed. “Did you meet Gerald? He was coming up here.”
Elizabeth giggled. “Is he the owl-eyed fellow who ducked out of here twenty minutes ago? I believe we gave him quite a fright.”
“Oh, dear. He’s going to regret ever having any of our family to his home.” Ruby covered Miriam’s hand with her own. “Do you know where he went?”
“I heard his footsteps going down the back stairs.” A stitch formed between Miriam’s brows. “His gait seemed unsteady. I thought perhaps he’d been drinking, but I didn’t smell anything.”
Ruby’s throat tightened. Something was wrong—Miriam always seemed to know these things. “He was acting a little strange. I’ll go check on him.”
Miriam caught her hand on the way out. “Is he part of the ‘so much’ that’s happened?”
A wave of heat prickled up Ruby’s neck. She leaned in close to whisper in her cousin’s ear. “Maybe.”
A trickle of girlish laughter followed her into the hall. Where would he have gone? It was dark in the garden, so likely he headed for the study. She pattered down the back stairs. The study door was closed, but no light shone under the door. Ruby turned the latch, peeking inside.
Gerald lay sprawled over the divan, face flushed and eyes closed.
Ruby hurried over and knelt at his side. “Gerald?” She placed a hand on his cheek, the heat from his skin making her draw back. “Gerald?” She gave his shoulders a gentle shake, and his bandaged hand tumbled to his side, catching her arm on the way down toward the floor. Ruby gathered it into her own, turning his palm upward. A spot of fresh blood showed in the center of the gauze.
She tucked it close to his side and reached for the blanket, drawing it over him.
His lids flickered open, eyes glazed. “Ruby?”
“Shh. You’re not well. Why didn’t you say something?”
He groaned, shifting on the cushion. “Robert said he wouldn’t tell you.”
A hot poker lodged in her throat. Her brother knew? “Lie still. I’ll get you some water. You’re feverish.”
He gripped her forearm for a moment before wincing and dropping the wounded hand back to his chest. “No. No one must know.”
She pushed to her feet. Why do doctors believe they should be immortal? Ruby tucked the blanket around his chest, but stopped short of kissing his forehead, memories of their last conversation flooding her mind. She hurried to the parlor.
Entering the room, she spied her mother grilling Abby with questions, Robert hovering nearby. Ruby grasped his arm and pulled him to the hall.
“Ruby, I’m not certain I should leave them alone. Mother is acting like a lioness on the prowl.”
She shook his arm, a storm brewing in her chest. For the moment, she didn’t care what Mother said to Abby. “What’s this about Gerald being ill, and you not telling me?”
His jaw dropped. “What?”
She clamped hands on her hips, squeezing until she could feel the corset boning under her fingers. “He’s in the study, burning up with fever.”
Robert took two quick steps. He cast a quick glance at Abby before turning and dashing toward the study.
* * *
Gerald gripped the edges of the cushion as the room swayed. Another earthquake? He pushed his eyes open and tried to rise, but a hand met his chest, pressing him back into the soft surface. He squinted against the dim light.
Robert stared back, his face blurred by the shadows.
“What’
s—” Gerald paused, clearing the rasp from his throat. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m trying to figure it out.” Robert’s mouth pulled down into a pinched frown. He pressed the back of his hand to Gerald’s forehead.
Gerald tried to swipe away Robert’s touch, but his arm refused to cooperate. “I’m just overly tired.”
“Tired doesn’t cause fever.” Robert stood and turned on the floor lamp above the divan. “What else is going on?”
Robert’s voice faded to a hum as Gerald closed his eyes against the bright light. Too tired. Too heavy. A second voice tickled at his consciousness. Ruby? He forced his eyes back open, the light stinging at his pupils. The resemblance between brother and sister blurred together for an uncomfortable moment. Gerald turned his face from the light. “Why’s everyone in my room?”
Robert leaned forward, his head framed by the lamp’s glowing corona. “Were you ill this morning? When did this start?”
How was he supposed to answer questions when the man never paused for two seconds in a row? A dense fog settled over Gerald. “Don’t know. Go away.”
“Not a chance. How’s your throat?” He gripped Gerald’s chin, pulling it downward and to the side.
Gerald managed to grip Robert’s wrist, but the pain in his palm jerked him back with a groan. He closed his eyes and let his arm fall back to his chest. Let Robert do as he wished. Then maybe he’d leave.
* * *
Ruby’s heart thrummed as she shook her hands loose. There’s no need to panic over a minor fever. Bad timing, sure. She glanced over her shoulder. How many guests?
The curve of Robert’s spine as he perched on the edge of the sofa sent a second wave of flutters through her chest. “It’s not serious, right?” She edged closer, gazing over his shoulder. Gerald’s eyes rolled shut, strands of damp hair sticking to his forehead. Her throat tightened.
“Can you find me a better light? I want to look at his throat.”
Ruby strode to the desk and lifted the lamp, but the cord wouldn’t reach. She found a small oil lamp on the shelf with a book of matches. She lit the lamp, replaced the chimney, and brought it to Robert’s side.
“Hold it steady.” Robert tipped Gerald’s head back and lowered his chin. Gerald groaned and turned away, but Robert held him firm. He glanced at Ruby. “Can you locate a tongue depressor as well?”
Beyond the Ashes Page 26
