Mountain Christmas Brides

by Mildred Colvin

  “I think waiting at least until tomorrow is well advised under the circumstances.”

  “I know you mean well, Dr. Stanton, but I’m over the allergic reaction. As long as I don’t touch more rhubarb, I’ll be fit as a fiddle.” Without waiting for more arguments, Maximilian rushed to the coat closet.

  Thalia rose to try to stop him, but Aunt Dorcas placed a firm hand on her shoulder. “When a man is that determined to do something, there’s no stopping him. If you try, you’ll be viewed as a nag.”

  A quick glance in Rose’s direction told Thalia she’d get no help from her friend. Thalia held back a grimace. “I guess you’re right.”

  Josiah stood. “I’ll go help him and make sure he doesn’t keel over and fall in a snowdrift.” The sardonic expression on his face took away any hint of real compassion for the other man.

  Thalia let Josiah exit without protest, but then she turned to the doctor. “Can’t you convince Maximilian not to go out in this?”

  “I did my best, but short of tying him to the bed with a rope, there’s nothing I can do to force any patient to follow my orders. If his cold symptoms get worse, common sense will prevail and he’ll come in. And I’ll be sure to go out soon to relieve him. I think he wants to prove to us he can do his part. Maybe letting him have that will do more than any amount of steam and hot soup.”

  “How can I argue with that?” Thalia smiled. “You’re a good doctor.”

  “I think so, too.” Rose’s soft expression led Thalia to believe that her words were a shallow veil for deeper feelings. The thought of Rose and Dr. Stanton becoming a couple seemed sweet to Thalia.

  “You know, I think I’ll have a bit of tea.” Aunt Dorcas placed her knitting in her basket. “Could you help me in the kitchen, Thalia?”

  Thalia knew her aunt needed no help and wondered why she wanted to speak with her. “Okay. Excuse me, will you?”

  She followed Dorcas into the kitchen. No matter how many times she entered the room, Thalia always noted how the yellow walls projected a summer feeling regardless of the weather. Cook was on break, so they had the room to themselves. Thalia closed the door behind them so the others wouldn’t hear. “What is it?”

  “You are being entirely too hard on Josiah.” Aunt Dorcas reached into the cabinet for a teacup and pulled out one with a daisy pattern.

  “What do you mean? He practically ran over Maximilian to get to his seat and then wasn’t a very good sport over cards. Really, Aunt Dorcas, I need you to get over any thought of us ever being a couple.” Thalia leaned against the counter and crossed her arms.

  “But the only reason he stayed here was because of you. And I’m glad he did. I can see you are getting entirely too attached to Maximilian. He is not for you, Thalia. He’s not for anybody.” She set her cup down in a matching saucer with more force than needed.

  Thalia knew that her aunt meant well, and she didn’t want to sound snappish with the older woman. “I know your fond desire is to see me make a match with Josiah, but I just don’t feel he’s the one for me. Even with us being in close proximity, I don’t long to be near him.”

  “You feel nothing for him?” Hurt, surprise, and disappointment evidenced themselves in her tone. “After all, he is attractive.”

  She had to stand her ground. “Yes, but still I feel nothing more than the blessings I would want for any brother in Christ. I’m sorry, Aunt Dorcas.”

  “Fine.” She poured water into the teakettle. “What about the other men who looked your way at the party? Why, there was Andrew Stallings, Ned Jones, Thomas Callahan, even Whit Tanner.”

  “Whit Tanner? That scoundrel? Please, Aunt Dorcas.” Exasperated, Thalia took a seat at the worn but serviceable kitchen table.

  Aunt Dorcas tightened her lips while she stuffed a silver steeper full of loose black tea leaves. As soon as she was done, she covered the tea tin. “Oh, all right. I admit I have heard a thing or two about him I don’t like. But the others are more than respectable. They come from fine families and would make a wonderful match for you.”

  “I know it seems that way, but none of them touch my heart.”

  Dorcas let out a harrumph of disgust as she dropped the steeper into her empty cup. “Fine then. But that doesn’t mean you should go running after your deceased cousin’s husband. Sullying her memory in such a way would raise a few eyebrows.”

  Thalia wasn’t sure she agreed with her aunt, but she decided not to argue. “I have already given the situation over to the Lord. I don’t want to hurt anyone, either. Please, let’s see how His plan unfolds.”

  The steaming water Aunt Dorcas poured was no hotter than her anger. “As long as it’s His plan and not yours.”

  “At the rate you’re going, we’ll be here all day,” Josiah chided as Maximilian shoveled.

  Maximilian didn’t want to admit how tired he was. Each shovelful of snow seemed heavier than the last. The coal shovel was already heavy. Almost from the moment he ventured outside, he wished he had heeded the doctor’s advice to take it easy. But pride had forced him to shovel. Each day he learned more about how foolish he had been to cling to his pride. With God’s help, he tried to let go. Though their efforts didn’t reveal bare ground for long, at least by removing snow as more fell, a pathway remained visible.

  “I’ll try to move faster,” he shouted to Josiah. With determination, he picked up the pace.

  “You’ll never beat me.”

  Maximilian had only been near Josiah a couple of days, and he’d been out of commission most of that time. Yet the jerk got on his last nerve. He moved toward Josiah and set his shovel in the snow, leaning ever so lightly on the handle. “Josiah, why is everything a competition with you? Life is not one big baseball game.”

  “Everything is not a competition with me. But Thalia’s different. I may court her.”

  “Is that so?” he challenged. “You’ve had all this time to ask. And obviously Miss Dorcas has no intention of standing in your way. So what are you waiting for?”

  Josiah hesitated. “I—uh, I hadn’t thought about it. I—I reckon there’s no good reason not to ask.”

  “Is that so? I think in your heart of hearts you know the reason. She’s not interested in you, at least not in a romantic way.”

  Josiah’s face blazed crimson, and not from the cold. “What makes you think you know so much? And why do you care?” He frowned. “I know. You want her for yourself, don’t you? That’s why you came to the party.”

  “Not exactly, I—”

  “I’ll show you who’s boss.”

  Before Maximilian realized what was happening, Josiah punched his face, knocking him off balance and into the snow.

  “Ha-ha!” Josiah pointed at him and laughed. “You deserve a comeuppance!”

  Maximilian recovered as quickly as he could, staggering to his feet. He could taste blood, but a quick lick on the inside of his mouth told him his teeth were intact. Anger swelled in him. “Why, you—” He raised his fist to retaliate.

  “Maximilian! Stop!”

  Both men turned to see Thalia, without a coat, racing toward them.

  Immediately Maximilian felt remorse. He never should have let his pride get the best of him, even to argue with Josiah, much less come at him with a fist, bloody lip notwithstanding.

  “Thalia, get back in the house,” Maximilian insisted. “You’ll catch your death of cold.”

  “I saw you out here, and I could tell by the way you looked that you were arguing. What’s wrong with you? Two grown men should know better.”

  “I’m sorry. Please go in the house.” Maximilian looked skyward. “Shoveling is a waste of time for now anyway. Let’s go in.” He realized he had something else to say. “Josiah, I’m sorry.”

  “You sure are.”

  Ignoring Josiah and his attitude, Maximilian took Thalia by the elbow in a deliberate fashion and guided her back to the house. He noticed she seemed to hold back a grimace.

  “He got you good,” she sa
id. “What were you arguing about?”

  Running up beside them and keeping lockstep, Josiah glared.

  Tempted though Maximilian was to tell all, he decided that to declare victory in an argument—especially over her—could do him more harm than good. “Never mind.” He took her by the arm to help her up the icy porch steps. “Let’s get you back inside. Dr. Stanton has all the patients he needs.”

  Chapter 7

  After nearly a week of falling, the snow stopped. With an accumulation of forty-five inches, the area stayed shut down far beyond anyone’s guess. Rapid winds pushed most of the accumulation into high drifts. For the remainder of the time they were stranded, Josiah and Maximilian lived under an unspoken truce, which relieved Thalia. Once the trains resumed running, Thalia bade good-bye to Dr. Stanton and Rose as they left her house. Judging by the way they looked at each other, she could tell romance brewed.

  Though happy for Rose, Thalia felt wistful for herself the day after they departed. In the early morning, sitting alone in the library with her Bible and cup of tea, Thalia realized that the city’s ability to spring back meant one thing—that Maximilian would be leaving. She never thought she’d mourn his departure, but she realized that after almost losing him, she didn’t want him out of her life again. She wasn’t ready for courtship as long as Maximilian’s relationship with God appeared weak, but she could stay on friendly terms with him. She would have to make herself content with that.

  She turned to the fifth chapter of Matthew: And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

  If she didn’t follow Jesus’ guidance and forgive Maximilian, and even Norma, was she better than any garden-variety pagan? How could she serve the Lord as a faithful servant if she couldn’t let go of past romantic disappointments?

  She turned to one of her favorite verses, Psalm 86:5: For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

  Had Norma ever expressed a shred of remorse for ruining her chances with Maximilian? No. At least she never shared regrets with Thalia, even on her deathbed. Perhaps Norma’s vanity and pride wouldn’t allow her to see how much she had hurt Thalia. But she couldn’t lay all the blame at Norma’s feet. Maximilian had chosen her cousin, breaking Thalia’s heart as easily as a toothpick.

  She expected anger to surge at such distressing thoughts. But it didn’t. Maybe Maximilian’s appearance at her party, seeing him again, proved to be the best thing that could have happened.

  Lord, is it true? Have I forgiven them both long ago, in my heart?

  Thinking about her reaction to Maximilian, she realized that spinsterhood was not her desire. He was. But could he ever be hers?

  A silent prayer entered her mind. She shut her eyes. “Lord, I know my thoughts about Maximilian and Norma have been unkind, but I have come to full and complete forgiveness of them. You know my sadness over Norma’s death is genuine. I do miss her, in spite of everything. Please forgive me for being so hard-hearted toward her—and Maximilian.”

  Josiah interrupted. “Thalia, I want to speak to you.”

  Jumping a little, she opened her eyes and threw her hand to her chest at the same time.

  “Did I scare you? Sorry.”

  “A little, but I’m fine.” She rested her hand on the doily-covered armrest of the couch to show she had relaxed. A flash of thought that she hoped he planned to bid her good-bye occurred to her, but she squelched it. “Sure, we can talk.”

  Thalia could feel his anxiety as he sat by her. His twitching foot made her wonder why the usually brash Josiah seemed nervous. “I—I have something to ask you. And since I’ve got to get back home, I don’t have much time, so I’ll make it quick. I–I’d like to court you. I know your aunt approves.”

  Not a shred of happiness visited Thalia. Surely when a man asked to court a woman, her heart should beat strong with love. Though Josiah’s appearance pleased her, she couldn’t imagine being his bride. If only he had seen the signs she tried to give him. Though always civil and polite, she’d done nothing to encourage him toward romantic thoughts.

  He didn’t wait long to prod her. “Well? Aren’t you going to say anything?”

  “Uh, I’m sorry. I—I didn’t mean not to answer.”

  “Happiness does that to a woman, right? Makes her at a loss for words?” Hope in his voice made it harder for Thalia.

  “Maybe sometimes, but I’m afraid not this time.” The urge to take his hand seized her, but she knew that any touch would only make matters worse. “I have no plans to marry. Ever. I’m sorry, Josiah. I know you’ll make some lucky girl a very good husband someday. She just needs to be the right girl for you.”

  A flash of hurt crossed his face before he screwed his expression into a snarl. “It’s that dandy, isn’t it?”

  “Dandy?”

  “Yeah, Maximilian.” He narrowed his eyes when he said the name.

  “He’s made no move toward me, if that’s what you mean.”

  “Oh, but he will. You can count on it.” He rose. “Go ahead. Stay with that sickly fool. You’ll play nursemaid your whole life with that one.”

  Unwelcome feelings roiled within Thalia. Josiah’s venom resulted from jealousy, and she knew Maximilian’s illness was a unique occurrence, never to be repeated as long as he shied away from rhubarb. But the truth about Maximilian’s lack of faith in the living God bothered her, enough to keep her from acting on any romantic feelings she harbored for him.

  “And to think I gave him a bloody lip over you.”

  So the fistfight did happen because of her. She didn’t respond.

  “Never mind. Well, you had your chance. Don’t come crying to me when you’re tired of nursing that dandy back to health. Good-bye.” Josiah turned and left the library. As though to emphasize the end of their friendship, he shut the door so the thud resounded throughout the house.

  Thalia knew he meant what he said. She would never have another chance with him. For some reason, the thought left her sad.

  She didn’t have time to think about Josiah before Aunt Dorcas rushed in. “What’s the matter? Josiah ran out of here as if he were a fox with hounds on his tail.”

  “I don’t think we’ll be seeing much of him around here anymore.” Realizing she’d never be able to return to her Bible reading for the day, she shut the book and set it on her lap.

  Aunt Dorcas gasped as she took a seat beside Thalia. “Did you discourage him?”

  “I did more than that. I told him I don’t want him to court me. I’m sorry, Aunt Dorcas. I know you were hoping for us to make a match.”

  “I just hope you won’t live to regret that decision.”

  “If I do, I’ll know the consequences are my own doing. Try not to worry about me so much. I know my life will turn out just fine, regardless of whether or not I marry.”

  “But once I die, you’ll be alone without me.”

  “Is that what this is about? You’re afraid for me?” Touched by her aunt’s concern, Thalia softened her voice.

  “I’ve lived my life—or most of it, anyway. Spinsterhood suited me. I had my brother and sister-in-law for company, and now you,” Aunt Dorcas pointed out. “And now, I’m not afraid of death. But you, on the other hand, have no one but me. I don’t think you should live your life alone. I may seem stern, but I want you to be happy.”

  Her aunt’s unselfish sentiments made Thalia’s eyes mist. She took her hands. “I’ll be fine. I promise.”

  Maximilian wished he didn’t have to go back to Aurora. He enjoyed staying at Thalia’s too much. Family and friends kept life at the Blooms’ exciting. Never did he feel a pall about the place. Superstitions and darkness were swept aside. Maximilian contemplated the reasons for Thalia’s successful home. Could her success be attributed to her faith?

  Seeing Thalia again brought back so many unresolved feelings—feelin
gs he had long forgotten. The desire to go to California had lessened since he arrived at the party. He had to tell his cousin whether he wanted to join him. The time for a final decision had come. He had to talk to Thalia.

  A quick survey of the house revealed her in the library, sitting with her Bible and tea.

  She greeted him when he entered. “I’m quite popular today, it seems. You’re my third visitor, and I’ve only been here an hour.”

  He stopped short at the doorway. Never could a woman but Thalia make an everyday housedress appear to be a heavenly robe. Even Norma, deservedly considered a great beauty, couldn’t have compared to Thalia. “I see you have your Bible. Am I interrupting your devotions?”

  Her smile sweetened her face even beyond its usual angelic appearance. “They’ve been interrupted so many times I’ve given up for the day. But don’t worry. God has heard my concerns.” She set the Bible on the end table.

  He approached her and sat on the sofa. “I wish I had such faith.”

  “Such faith can be yours if you trust and keep the lines of communication open with God.”

  “I heard you praying for me while I was ill.” Maximilian wanted to reach for Thalia’s hands but decided the gesture might be too bold. “Just thanking you seems so inadequate.”

  “I don’t need your thanks. I know God’s providence is the reason you recovered.”

  “I guess it didn’t hurt.”

  “Your lucky rabbit’s foot didn’t seem to do you much good.” Though her words chastised, they didn’t sound harsh.

  “Maybe it kept me from dying.”

  Thalia sighed. “Maximilian, why do you hold on to silly superstitions? You go to church—” She paused and leaned a few inches toward him, enough that he could inhale the pleasant scent of tuberose. “You do still go to church, don’t you?”

  He nodded. “Of course. And of course I do believe in God. I’m just not as sure as you are that He answers prayer.”

  “Maybe that’s because you don’t talk to Him enough.” Her eyes glinted with sadness.

  So many things he wanted to say ran through his mind, but he stopped. He couldn’t say how he really felt. Not now. Clearly Thalia wanted her God more than she wanted him. Norma must have been right. Thalia never did love him. He would have to live with that.