The Courageous Brides Collection
Page 28
“No, you pack it all, please. I have something else I must do.” Elinor sat at the desk in front of the side window. She had to let William know this sorry state of affairs.
Thankful for her new metal-tipped fountain pen, she dipped it into her inkwell then wrote to William. She told of the misunderstanding and included her aunt’s name with the address of Washington, Kentucky. After folding it, she sealed it with wax then handed it to Shug. “Please take this to William early tomorrow.”
Her friend stuck it into her apron pocket with a nod.
The young women embraced, tears streaming down both faces. They’d never been apart more than a day or two. God, give me the strength to bear this trip and to trust Your good to come from it.
Chapter Three
Aloud noise startled William awake.
Hurrying to the back door, he opened it, and found Shug. “Come in.”
She handed him a folded piece of paper before running away. He unfolded the letter and glanced at the bottom. Why would Elinor write me?
Dear William,
By the time you read this I will be on my way to Washington, Kentucky, to visit Mother’s sister. Some neighbor women witnessed you catching me yesterday and told my parents we were embracing in public. I’m not sure how long I will be banished, hopefully not for long. Please do not go to my house or try to speak with my parents, as that might make things worse. Do write me if you can, and I will try to write back to you, so we can continue to converse about books and other similar interests.
Your new friend, Elinor
P.S. My aunt’s full name is Charlotte Bratcher, Post Office, Washington, KY
He couldn’t believe someone would take a gossip’s word over that of their own daughter. Might this be an excuse to keep them apart? He pulled out his quill and wrote a letter to Elinor then marched to the post office to mail it, taking his anger out on the wooden boards.
While making visits to his patients’ homes, his mood worsened. By suppertime, his distress bubbled to the surface, and he stabbed his ham hard enough to bend the fork.
“Something bothering you, my lad?” The doctor cocked an eyebrow.
How should he frame his reply since the object of his wrath was the doctor’s brother and sister-in-law? The words poured out in a rush. “Did you know Miss Peck’s parents sent her away to Washington, Kentucky?”
Doc’s eyes widened. “No, when did that take place?”
“This morning.” He related the details of what happened then asked, “Do you think this is a ploy to keep us separated?”
“I couldn’t say since I haven’t spoken to them about—”
William shook his head. “Please don’t mention it to them. She warned me not to.”
“When did you speak to her?”
“What I tell you must be kept private.”
“Of course.”
“She sent me a letter by her slave. But if her parents find out, they may punish her longer.”
“I’ll wait to see what reason they give for Elinor’s departure.”
“Thank you. It’s good to have someone I can trust. Right now it feels like some people are conspiring against me.”
“All my patients sing your praises. But you’ll find busybodies in every town, so don’t take it personally. Just continue to do your job, and you’ll be fine.”
“I hope so.” If only he could be certain. If only he would hear from Elinor soon. If only this hadn’t happened.
After soaking in the metal tub her aunt’s servant had prepared, Elinor dressed in a simple gown, glad only the two of them would be sharing dinner this evening. The jolting ride had taken hours longer than Father had predicted due to a broken carriage wheel, and she ached from toes to head.
She wished to eat then go to bed, and hoped Aunt Charlotte wouldn’t be too disappointed to wait until tomorrow to catch up on all the news.
Elinor walked down the plain wooden staircase so different from the one in her home. Aunt Charlotte’s kind and jovial manner always made visits here fun.
Her aunt drew her into her arms for the third time since she’d arrived. “My dear, I am delighted to have you here. The letter from your mother said you might have an extended stay—one or two weeks or more.” She clapped her hands. “We can shop and catch up and—” She stopped mid-sentence and fanned herself. “I’m so excited, I’m babbling. I know you’re tired and hungry, so let’s eat then get you to bed. We have days and days ahead of us.”
Two week or more? Unthinkable. They sat at the plank dining-room table. Aunt Charlotte reached across to take Elinor’s hand. “Dear heavenly Father, I thank You for this great surprise of a long visit with my niece. Thank You for this food, and help her to rest well tonight and every night she is under my roof. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.” Elinor placed her napkin in her lap and smiled but inwardly groaned at the thought of a long visit. She loved her aunt, but there was only so much to do in this small town. And she needed to be in Cynthiana with a certain doctor’s apprentice she wanted to know better. She spooned potatoes from the bowl in the middle of the table then placed it closer to her aunt, who passed her the platter of fried chicken.
The servant girl rushed in with a bowl of green beans. “Sorry, Miss Charlotte. These just finished cooking.”
Her aunt patted the girl’s hand. “That’s fine, Betsy.” She passed the dish to Elinor. “Betsy’s a wonderful cook, just like her mother.”
Surprised at the closeness between her aunt and servant, Elinor wished it could be so at her house. Mother didn’t want her and Shug to do anything together like they used to. At least her mother often sent Shug to chaperone her since she’d turned eighteen, giving them more chances to talk.
“Are you still reading a lot of books, dear?”
“Yes, I’ve read all those in our library, some several times. I hope you have more I can read while I’m here.”
“Of course. We’ll check out my small library before we retire. I have a new novel I finished last week by James Fenimore Cooper—The Bravo.”
“I love Cooper’s Leatherstocking Tales. Is it another of those?”
“No. I wish he would write more in that series. This is set in Venice, Italy, and leans more toward political issues, but it’s still great writing.”
“I shall plan to read it while I’m here.”
They finished their supper then visited the library where Aunt Charlotte placed the book in Elinor’s hands. “Don’t stay up too late reading. I hope we can shop and do some visiting tomorrow.”
“Of course.” She gave her aunt a peck. “Thank you for always understanding me.” If only Mother could.
Elinor awoke to full sunlight. How long did I sleep? She tiptoed out of bed and pulled her robe around her gown, since her aunt had said they would be alone this morning.
As she descended the stairs, Aunt Charlotte appeared in the hallway. “It’s only eight o’clock. I hoped you would sleep later. But now you’re up, come into the dining room and I’ll bring in your breakfast. I cook it myself nowadays since it’s only me. Betsy comes in and fixes my lunch around noon, then cleans for a few hours, and goes home after dinner.”
Contentment filled Elinor’s heart at the familiar prattle of her dear aunt. She wouldn’t have to say much, which was a good thing. Too much conversation about her parents and her predicament might worry Aunt Charlotte.
Her aunt placed a plate of scrambled eggs and toast in front of her then added a jar of strawberry jam.
Elinor smiled. “You remembered.”
“Of course, and since strawberries are in season now, I hope we can make more while you’re here, like we did when you were younger.”
“I’d love that. Sweet memories and sweet jam.”
Aunt Charlotte’s tinkling laugh filled the room. “And I have a ladies’ meeting to attend this afternoon I think you’ll love. Have you heard of the abolitionists?”
“A little.”
“The women in Washington are small in number bu
t interested in women’s rights and slaves’ rights. Of course, we can’t vote yet, but our day will come. Even if I don’t live to see it, I hope you will, my dear. This world would be a much better place if women had a say in how things are run.
Elinor nodded. She had never heard a woman express these ideas. What other surprises awaited her in Washington?
William awoke before the doctor and penned another letter to Elinor by candlelight. Not sure how long it might be before they would see each other again, he wanted her to know he missed her.
Sounds of the doctor moving around the kitchen forced William to sign and seal the letter. He stuck it in his pocket. Rain hit the roof, the foul weather matching his mood, but doctors had to go out in all elements, so he was sure he’d get to mail the letter sometime today. He opened his door into the kitchen. “’Morning, Doc.”
“Good morning, William, even if it is a mite wet outside.” The man chuckled.
“What’s on the agenda for today?” Another thing he liked about doctoring—no two days were ever the same.
“I need to go check on Mrs. Wells. Her baby is overdue, so I’m taking some castor oil. It works for some, but oftentimes things go pretty fast. I’ll stop by her house first, then go check on Mr. Mullen’s broken leg, then back to the Wells’ home. I may be gone most of the day.”
“What can I do?”
“Stay here, unless someone comes who needs you to go with them. If you do leave, put a note on the door saying where you’ll be so they can track you down.” Doc carried an iron skillet to the table and slid heaping portions of scrambled eggs onto the two plates. “Better eat up. We may not get to eat again for several hours.”
William forked a bite into his mouth. “You’re right.”
Doc cleared his plate then stood and grabbed his bag. “I’ll try to send word if I need to stay the night. If so, you’ll be on your own. You’re welcome to read through my medical books—something I like to do on rainy days.”
After finishing breakfast, William pulled down the book Doc had used to show him how he set Mr. Mullen’s leg. He needed to know what to do if he had to set one by himself.
A pounding on the door jarred William out of his reading. He arose to answer it.
Shug stood on the front step this time. “Master wants the Doc to come right away. The missus got an awful ache in her belly.”
He invited her in, but she shook her head. Grabbing his macintosh and stuffing the heavy book under it, he tried to leave, but Shug stood in his way.
“Master says he won’t let anyone see his wife except his brother.”
“Doc is gone to help someone in childbirth. He may be gone for hours, even overnight.”
The slave’s eyes clouded with worry. Rain streaked her face. “I don’t know …”
William rushed past her. “Dr. Peck told me to go with anyone who needed me, so let’s go.”
He ran part of the way, and Shug kept up.
She led him to the front door then left.
William knocked, his heart pounding against his ribs.
Mr. Peck opened the door. “You?” He closed the door in William’s face.
Through the door, William heard the man hollering for Shug. “What’s the meaning of this? I said to bring my brother.”
Panting, the young woman answered. “He says the doctor had to go see to a birthing. It might take all day or night.”
After another minute, Mr. Peck opened the door. “You may come in Mr. Chandler, and I’ll ask my wife if she will see you.” He almost ran up the stairs, leaving William standing on the rug, rain dripping off his coat.
William set the book down away from the wet coat then looked around. The house appeared fancier than he’d remembered. Gold lanterns lined the walls. An elegant rug ran the length of the hall. Elinor had grown up in luxury, a marked contrast from his humble farm cabin. His mind dwelled on the lovely girl whom he’d met here. When would he see her again? He found her so intriguing.
After several minutes, Mr. Peck came down the stairway. “My wife refuses to let you in her room. I’m going to send Joseph with the carriage to try to persuade my brother to come back to town with him. Where can he find him?”
“At the Wells’ house.”
Mr. Peck opened the door.
William lifted the book. “I brought Dr. Peck’s medical book and will be happy to try to find something to help her sooner if she’ll tell me what’s wrong.”
The man shook his head. “When my wife says no, there’s no use in trying. You’d best be on your way.”
William left then slogged toward the office, head down. He stopped by the post office to mail his letter—the one bright spot of this day. I hope Elinor’s day is going better than mine.
Elinor and her aunt rested while Betsy cooked dinner, giving Elinor time to process the afternoon meeting.
The other women had shared their efforts in gaining the vote for women and freedom for slaves—what Elinor wished for Shug and all her family. She told them about reading Phillis Wheatley’s book. The women were astonished, and all wished to read it, so Aunt Charlotte promised to order and share it with everyone.
She and Aunt Charlotte stopped by one fashionable shop on their walk back home. Elinor couldn’t concentrate on something as trivial as clothes after the heart-stirring conversations, so asked if they could come back another day.
Over dinner, they discussed the meeting. Elinor asked, “How often do they meet? They believe as I do—slaves are human beings just like us.”
Her aunt nodded. “I agree and am glad to see you think for yourself.”
“I hope I get to go again while I’m here.”
Laying down her fork, her aunt smiled. “I’m glad you did. You added so much to the discussion with your talk about the slave who wrote a book. The Abolitionist Society meets once a week, but I have a friend who has a visitor this week, so she invited us to tea tomorrow.”
“How nice. I hope it’s as interesting as today.”
Aunt Charlotte rubbed her temple. “I’m fighting a headache, so I think I’ll retire early tonight, dear. Feel free to check out the library again if you’d like. I’ll see you in the morning.” She arose and walked toward the steps.
Elinor hoped she hadn’t worn out her aunt with all the visiting. “We don’t have to go anywhere tomorrow if you don’t feel well.”
“A good night’s sleep, and I’ll be fine. Pleasant dreams.”
“You, too.”
Elinor browsed the library before going to bed. Then, she tossed and turned as her mind wandered from what was going on in Washington to what was happening back home in Cynthiana. Was William missing her like she missed him? She planned to write him again in the morning since she had no idea how much longer they would remain apart.
Chapter Four
The sunshine on Wednesday brightened William’s mood as he walked to the post office to mail Elinor another letter. He would write her each day unless she told him to stop, but he prayed that never happened.
Dr. Peck had returned home around midnight then left before William awoke. William had no idea about Elinor’s mother, if the baby had arrived, or why Dr. Peck had been so late. He hoped to learn the details soon.
“Good morning, Doctor.” A lady from church smiled. William was pleased to be addressed as “Doctor” even though he had a long way to go to earn the title. “Please tell Dr. Peck the Lanham family wish you both to dine with us this Lord’s Day.”
He nodded. “I’ll tell him, and I look forward to it, ma’am.”
She waved. “Don’t forget now.”
Nothing else to do on Sunday afternoon since Elinor was gone. Might she return by this weekend?
Doc stepped down from the mercantile’s porch and approached him. “Hope I didn’t wake you when I got home, William. Mrs. Wells’ baby took his own sweet time and didn’t arrive until ten last night, making my getaway after eleven. All the lights were out at my brother’s house when I got back to town, so I w
aited until this morning to check on Clarissa.”
“How is she?”
“Fine, same as the last time. She just had a little indigestion, so when Joseph showed up at the Wells’ house, I sent a package of powders with him to relieve it. The children enjoyed seeing the horses and carriage, at least.” The doctor chuckled then sobered. “Are you on your way somewhere, or can we go by the office and talk?”
“Coming back from the post office, so that’s fine.” He walked in step with his mentor.
“You’ve been writing your folks almost every day this week.”
“Well…not just my folks.”
“So you have a girl back home?”
“No, not back home.”
A frown slid across the doctor’s face, but he continued to walk.
William kept up.
When they reached the cabin, Doc washed his hands then boiled a fresh pot of coffee and cut off two pieces of sweet potato bread. “Mrs. Wells baked this yesterday morning when she was in her nesting phase before the labor began.”
“Nesting?”
“Yes, like when a mama bird lines its nest with feathers and leaves before she lays the eggs. Lots of women get a burst of energy and clean house or bake before the little one comes.”
William grinned. “I’ve got a lot to learn, and not all of it’s from books.”
“Right. A lot of it’s plain old experience.” Doc stopped. “Would the one you’re sending letters to happen to be my niece Elinor?”
A breath whooshed out of William’s mouth. “How did you know?”
“I didn’t, just put two and two together, and it adds up to trouble.”
William squinted. “I don’t understand.”
“My brother and his wife told me they thought you and Elinor were more than acquaintances, and they want me to put a stop to it.”
“Our relationship is only in the budding stage, but even if it blossoms, you wouldn’t stand in our way, would you?”
Doc chewed his upper lip. “I don’t have a choice. I borrowed five hundred dollars from my brother to buy this cabin, supplies, and a horse and buggy when I first started my practice. I haven’t been able to give him much over the years. He’s never asked me to pay what he knows I don’t have, but now he’s asking me to do something for him—make you promise to never see Elinor again, or—”