Winter Promise

by Martha Rogers

  Cory turned to look her in the eye, and heat filled her face. She hadn’t realized she still stared at him.

  “Was that a sigh? I’m sure Mrs. Newton wants only happy people at her party, and not sad ones.”

  “Who said I was sad? And besides, what’s that Mrs. Newton thing? Didn’t she ask you to call her Aunt Mabel like the rest of us?”

  “Yes, but it does feel strange since she’s my sister-in-law’s mother and not my aunt.”

  “What does that have to do with anything? Aunt Mae isn’t mine either, but that’s what I call her.”

  “That’s because everyone in Porterfield calls her that. I’d wager that a great many of them don’t even remember her name is Sullivan.”

  That was most likely true. Mae Sullivan was everyone’s aunt, and she loved playing the role. How nice to be so well regarded by the community.

  She gazed at the scenery around them and almost groaned. Here she’d sat beside Cory for this entire ride and talked about other people, and not a romantic word passed between them the entire time. What a wasted opportunity.

  The carriage slowed as it drew closer to the sprawling one-story house set back from the road. Buggies and carriages as well as horses belonging to other Muldoon family members and guests filled the yard where some of the older Muldoon children raced and played.

  After Cory helped her down from the carriage, she turned toward the house where Sarah waited to greet them on the porch. Then another figure appeared behind Sarah. Abigail’s breath hitched in her throat when her gaze locked with Elliot Jensen’s.

  What was he doing here? And why wasn’t he back helping Doc and Kate so they could come on to the party?

  Abigail stood frozen in her tracks. This was the last thing she’d expected this afternoon.

  Elliot stood transfixed for a minute and simply stared at Abigail. Why had he let Doc and Aunt Maggie talk him into coming here in Doc’s place? They all knew Abigail would be here, but Doc had convinced Elliot that he should be the one to accompany his aunt to the party while Doc remained behind to take care of the emergency with Kate. He’d be out later.

  The way Cory had helped her down from the buggy grated on Elliot. She looked light as a feather, and his hands itched to circle that tiny waist and help her down. He swallowed hard and turned away.

  Why had he really come? Had it been because deep down he wanted to see her again—and not as a patient?

  Before he went through the door, a hand touched his shoulder. Abigail.

  “Good evening, Doc Elliot. I didn’t expect to see you here.”

  “I . . . I didn’t expect to be here, but Mrs. Boatwright didn’t want anyone treating her except my uncle, so here I am in his place.” His tongue became thick as corn chowder. He had to get away from her charms and let Cory have her. “If you’ll excuse me, I want to speak with Mr. Muldoon.” How could he keep his distance from her when all he wanted to do was sit by her side?

  He spun on his heel and went into the house in search of something cold to drink. He needed to cool the thoughts that had come creeping in when he spoke with Abigail. Where was all that protection he’d had around his heart for the past few years? He must remember his vow to not get involved with another woman.

  He didn’t really need to speak with Muldoon, but that had been a good excuse for getting away. Elliot searched the room for his aunt. Perhaps if he stood by her, he’d be better off. Then he spotted Reverend Winston headed his way. Elliot’s gaze darted about the room, seeking a way of escape, but found none except to turn around and risk running into Abigail, who had remained on the porch with Sarah.

  Facing the preacher became the better of the two choices, so Elliot smiled and nodded as the young man drew near. “A fine party Sarah and Donnie have planned for Mrs. Newton.”

  “Yes, it is, and she’s thrilled that so many have come to pay their respects. She was always in the middle of things socially in Boston, so this is good for her.”

  “Yes, she does appear to be having a grand time. But tell me, how is Erin? Is she taking those pills I gave her?”

  “Oh, yes. She plans to do everything you’ve told her. She says that between God’s providence and your skills, she’ll have a very healthy baby.”

  He wasn’t sure God would have anything to do with it, but his own knowledge would help. “As I’ve assured you before, she’s in good health, so I foresee no problems at all.”

  “That’s what I like to hear.” The reverend grinned broadly and clapped Elliot on the shoulder. “And that reminds me. Erin is usually very involved with the Fall Festival, and I want to make sure you think it’s OK for her to help out with it this year.”

  “I don’t see any reason for her not to, as long as she doesn’t plan to climb ladders or race horses.”

  “That won’t happen.” Reverend Winston tilted his head to one side. “Tell me, are you planning on escorting someone to the festivities?”

  “No, and why would you ask that?”

  “No reason. I just thought you might be taking Abigail Monroe. She’s one of the few single girls in town, and a very pretty one at that. Since she’s been around the infirmary so much, I thought maybe you two had struck up a friendship.”

  “Not hardly. She’s a patient and nothing more.” This gave him another reason for avoiding the reverend. Not only did he press Elliot about religion, but he had taken an interest in Elliot’s personal life. If only people would leave him and his personal life alone, he’d be much happier.

  “Whatever you say, Doc, whatever you say, but I think you protest a little too much. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll join Erin for some of that food Ma Muldoon is setting on the table.”

  Elliot watched his departure and blew out his breath in relief. Movement to his side caught his eyes. Abigail Monroe arranged her skirts about her as she sat across the way. Before he could think about what he was doing, his feet carried him to her side.

  “Miss Monroe, may I get you anything from the food table?” All his plans for avoiding her evaporated like morning mist in the sun when she gazed up at him and smiled.

  “That would be lovely, but please, remember to call me Abigail. Miss Monroe makes me sound ancient.”

  “Abigail it is.” He turned and hurried over to where Sarah and Mrs. Muldoon had filled two tables with meats, vegetables, breads, and all types of accompaniments. He filled two plates with slices of roast beef, a piece of chicken, wedges of potatoes, fresh bread, and corn. If he planned to take a meal to her, then he must stay and eat or be seen as being impolite.

  “Here you are, Miss . . . I mean Abigail. I hope this is sufficient.” He handed her a plate and napkin then pulled up a straight-back cane-bottomed chair to sit beside her.

  After they ate a few bites in silence, Elliot said, “Abigail, would you allow me to escort you to the Fall Festival?” His heart jumped. Those were not the words he’d intended to say, but he had no way of retrieving them now.

  Again her smile pierced his heart. “I’d be delighted to go with you. How sweet of you to ask.”

  She may think it was sweet, but it had become a bitter pill for him to swallow. Somehow he had to get his head and his heart in line with each other and prevent such mistakes in the future. For whatever reason the invitation had burst forth, he’d follow through. One afternoon with Abigail wouldn’t undo the hardness he’d allowed in his heart since Angela’s death.

  “Didn’t I see you come in with Cory Muldoon?” Elliot didn’t see the deputy anywhere around. How could he have left Abigail alone?

  “He did bring me, but that was only because Daniel had to stay behind to wait for Kate. He’s probably off discussing law with Nathan Reed or checking up on family members.”

  That meant Elliot could have her to himself for a while. He sat beside her and balanced his plate on his knee. “Tell me, Abigail, what the town of Briar Ridge was like.”

  “It’s quite nice, a little larger than Porterfield, and quite a bit older. It’s beautiful co
untry, and even when it’s too cold to be outside, the snow is so gorgeous. Of course, many people hate the snow and fuss about it all winter. I loved it. When we were all younger, Rachel, Seth, Daniel, and I had our own sleds and went down a hill not far from my home for our rides. We had a skating pond too.”

  She stopped abruptly. “I’m sorry, I’ve been babbling on like a creek in spring thaw.”

  “It’s quite all right. I’ve enjoyed listening to you.” And he had. He could imagine her flying down a hill on a sled with her hair flying out in a stream behind her.

  She leaned toward him, almost like she wanted to tell him a secret.

  “Doc Elliot, I really admire the way you took care of Annie.

  She was so worried about her café.”

  “Until you stepped in to take over and help her out. That must have been hard.” He tried to picture her with trays of food and a big white apron, but he couldn’t quite make it appear.

  Abigail’s laughter rang like music of the greatest symphony in his ears. Spending the afternoon with her at the festival would not be a hardship.

  “I tell you one thing, I wouldn’t have that job full-time no matter how much it paid. My feet have never hurt like that.”

  Such pretty feet too. He’d noticed them right off when he had treated her ankle. Soft, smooth skin with no calluses or corns or bunions was a beautiful sight after some he’d examined. He took in a deep breath. That was not the direction his thoughts should be headed.

  “Have you thought any more about coming to church with your aunt and uncle? Seth’s sermons this month have been on the Book of John and some of Jesus’s miracles. I always marvel at how Jesus worked among the people, much like you do here in Porterfield. It takes special skills to be a doctor, and you learned well in Cleveland.”

  She may as well have thrown ice water over his head. Cleveland was the last place he wanted on his mind tonight.

  “What hospital did you work in there?”

  His lips tightened. “Cleveland General.” “Why, that’s a wonderful hospital with a great reputation. Why on earth would you leave there and come down to Texas and this small infirmary?”

  Now she’d gone to meddling again, stepping into places she shouldn’t enter. “Let’s just say things were not running smoothly.” He picked up his glass. “I think I need a refill.” He had to get away.

  When he looked in on her later, she was busy chatting with friends. She wouldn’t miss him, and neither would anyone else. He thanked Donavan for the invitation to the party and slipped out when no one was looking.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  ELLIOT FACED HIMSELF in the mirror and grimaced. He still didn’t understand what had prompted him to ask Abigail to attend Fall Festival with him. He’d only seen her once this week since the party at the Muldoon place, and that had been to check on a medical book Doc had wanted Abigail to order for him. He’d found himself wandering up to the window and gazing across at the library several times this past week. No matter what else he did, his thoughts kept turning to Abigail. Just yesterday he’d seen her with a group of young students at the library, and her enthusiasm and excitement had been visible from his vantage point at the infirmary window.

  Aunt Maggie had been thrilled when she found out he planned to be with Abigail today. She’d even cut short her visit with her sister to return for the festival. He’d have to be very careful today, or his aunt would be reading more into it than was really there.

  Nothing he could do about that now as it was time to meet her and join in the fun that could be heard even here on the outskirts of town in the new home.

  At a few minutes before noon, he stopped at the open door to the library. Several patrons walked out with books in their arms and greeted Elliot. Maybe Abigail would choose not to close the library with so many people there. Then he wouldn’t have to worry about escorting her around town.

  He had no such luck. Abigail spotted him and waved. He stepped inside as she rang a bell and announced that the library was now closed. Patrons scurried about either to leave or to get their selections checked out. With each one, she had a few words and a smile.

  In less than five minutes the building had cleared and Abigail had donned her hat. She met him at the door. “Just let me lock up and we can be on our way.” She used a key from a ring in her hand then dropped the keys into the handbag on her wrist. “Now we’re all set. Where to first?”

  Elliot hadn’t thought that far ahead. “Why don’t we walk over to town hall and check out the schedule posted there?”

  “That sounds like a good idea.” She hooked her hand into the bend of his arm and tilted her head to peer at him. “I’m surprised the weather is so nice. It’s a beautiful day for the celebration.”

  As they headed down the boardwalk toward town hall, several people greeted them with smiles and knowing looks, which meant he and Abigail would be the topic of a number of conversations later in the day. He could do nothing about their talk, but he could keep it light between Abigail and him. “With our climate, we have many sunny, mild days on into December and January. It makes the hot, humid, summer days much more bearable.” Talk about weather bored him, but it was safer than others he could think of.

  “We have a founder’s day celebration at home, but it’s in February and usually accompanied by very cold weather. Everything has to be indoors. I love being able to have outdoor activities even this late in the fall season.”

  Another safe topic. Elliot grinned. “Tell me more about what you did for fun.” As long as he kept the conversation light, the afternoon would be just fine.

  “We have booths like you have here, but they are in the school building where they have a big gymnasium blocked off. The speeches and such are all indoors at our city hall where they have a big dinner at night. That’s followed by a dance, and I must say it’s nothing like the dances you have here.”

  “You have a full day of fun activities.” They arrived at the entrance to town hall and stopped to read the announcements.

  Abigail squealed. “A real shoot-out and horse race! Oh my, that’s exciting.”

  Elliot laughed. “I would imagine that just about every town in Texas has competitions just like this. Some even have calf-roping and bronco riding.”

  “Bronco riding? What’s that?”

  “Men ride untamed horses, and whoever stays on the longest wins a prize.” He’d tried it once then decided falling off of a bucking horse was not his idea of fun.

  “Now that sounds dangerous, but exciting to watch.” She leaned in for a closer look at the schedule. “The shoot-out is at three thirty and the race is at four. That gives us time to eat, check a few of the booths, and see the contest as well.”

  He didn’t have the heart to tell her that Donnie and Cory Muldoon usually ended up as the last two competitors, and one of them always won. He’d rather she enjoy it for the first time without knowing who always won. As for the horse race, it would be much more interesting this year since several newcomers had posted their names.

  Elliot placed his hand over Abigail’s hand, still on his arm. “Shall we investigate the food wares? I understand they have a new concoction called a ‘red hot.’ Sam over at the bakery is making them.”

  “Oh, yes, I heard him talking about them. It’ll be interesting to see what they taste like.”

  They walked up toward the food booths set up around the county courthouse lawn. Elliot had no trouble spotting the red and white bunting adorning the baker’s wares. Not only did he have the sausages in a bun, but he also displayed fancy cakes and pastries that tempted the senses.

  Abigail stopped to investigate. “These look delicious and smell heavenly.”

  Sam grinned at them from behind the counter. “Ready to try my new sausage in a roll?” He picked up a bun about five inches long and placed a hot sausage in it then doused it with mustard.

  “That looks good. I’ll have two for me and one for the lady.” Elliot turned to her. “That is unl
ess you would like two.”

  “No, one is fine for me.” She eyed them with wariness. “I’d like two of those chocolate frosted pastries though.” Abigail grinned and pointed to the pastry tray.

  Sam prepared the meat and rolls and placed them on squares of paper. “I predict that these are going to be very popular in the coming years. Many people who had one have come back for more.”

  Elliot had no doubts about that. The spicy aroma of the sausage already made his taste buds ready for the first bite. Sam handed them the rolls then wrapped the two pastries in paper and handed them to Abigail. Elliot paid the man then led Abigail to an empty park bench.

  At the first bite, he savored the taste on his tongue before swallowing. “Ahh, they do live up to his predictions.”

  Abigail’s eyes opened wide. She finished chewing then swallowed her morsel. “That is quite good. Sam may have something there. I heard about these from a friend who had one in Baltimore a few years ago, but they didn’t sound very appetizing then.”

  They continued to eat in silence with Elliot enjoying every bite. The volunteer town band set about their playing and provided a rousing background to accompany their meal. The men who played brass instruments had been practicing for weeks, and the sounds coming from the music stand filled the air with delightful music.

  After they finished eating, Elliot disposed of their trash in one of the receptacles. “Would you like to visit the booths?”

  “Yes, let’s do.” She gazed around. “There’s such a big crowd, and I see a lot of strangers. Do all these people live here?”

  They began strolling toward the other merchant booths. “We have visitors from all over this area, including adjoining counties. People everywhere like to have fun.” The large crowds had surprised him the first year too, but then he realized everyone flocked to these types of festivities all over East Texas.

  Elliot observed Abigail as she exclaimed and commented on all the different wares exhibited in the booths. Her enthusiasm sparkled when she talked with merchants to learn more about them. For a petite woman, Abigail had more energy than anyone else he’d seen except Kate Monroe, and it had begun to affect him.