Bluebonnet Belle (17 page)

“I'm having a marvelous time.” Her smile stretched across her face. “Want a cookie?” she blurted.

“A cookie?”

“Actually, I'm supposed to be tending the refreshment table, but Mrs. Steel said she'd watch it for me.”

“Thank you, no cookies.” Smiling down at her flushed face, Gray commented casually, “I see you have an admirer.”

Beulah's gaze traveled to Ray, who was standing on the sidelines. “He's taking pity on me. What do you know about him? He's new to the area, isn't he?”

“I just know what he's told me. He has no family to speak of. Got into the sales business in Illinois about five years ago. Likes to travel because he likes people, but hates being on the road all the time. Seems to be an honest man. Sells good equipment, doesn't try to take advantage. I like him.”

“Yeah,” she said wistfully. Her eyes returned to the medical equipment salesman and she sighed. “Me, too.”

 

“Mary?”

The woman who stood before Gray the following week was luminous. Bright color tinged her cheeks and she was smiling.

Actually smiling.

“Dr. Fuller! Look at me! I feel wonderful!”

Gray walked across the room to greet her.

“You
look
wonderful!” He assessed her healthy glow. “What have you done to yourself, Mary?”

She practically floated into the examining room. “It's that elixir you gave me. It…Well, I haven't felt so good in I don't know when. I have such…
energy!
Why, I'm cleaning my house again, doing laundry. And Severn…he says he's got his wife back.” Grasping Gray's hand, she smiled up at him. “How can I ever thank you, Doctor? I feel like a new woman!”

“The heavy flow?”

“Much lighter. So much so, I don't think surgery will be necessary.”

Gray sat back and stared at her. The change was astonishing. Surely Pinkham's compound wasn't responsible. “Well, I can't say I'm anything but pleased that we finally found something that works for you. You look radiant.”

Mary leaned forward anxiously. “I need more of the tonic.”

“Well…yes, certainly. I'll get another bottle for you.”

“Oh, good. Severn says I'm never to be without it ever again.”

Gray moved to the shelf, poured more of the elixir into a small bottle and printed Mary's name on the label. With a slight hesitation, he handed the vial to her.

She looked at the tonic as if it were nectar from heaven. “Oh, thank you, Dr. Fuller! You don't know what this means to me.”

“Just stay healthy, Mary. Follow the diet we discussed, as well as take the…tonic.”

“You want to see me again in two weeks?”

“That's up to you—”

She suddenly looked frightened. “What about my tonic? I'll need more by then?”

“Whenever you run out, come back.”

Clasping the compound to her chest, Mary skipped out of the office.

Dropping into his chair, Gray watched her disappear through the front door, singing.

Singing!

His eyes focused on the jug of compound, and he shook his head. Surely not…there was no way Pinkham's tonic had produced this wonder.

Was there?

 

Two days later, Charley Black sidled in the door of the waiting room just as Gray was about to pull down the shade and lock up for the night.

“Doc?”

“Charley. Something I can do for you?”

Charley was the town blacksmith, a great burly man who moved slowly and deliberately. Riley had laughingly commented once that he suspected Charley fell asleep between strikes of his hammer on a horseshoe.

“My Delilah says you gave Mary Rader some elixir that cured her. She says I should come and get some from you.”

Gray's brow lifted with concern. “Are you ill?”

“Well, not so pert. I work long hours, you know. Just like Severn Rader.”

“Severn Rader?”

Charley nodded. “Yeah…you know.” He winked. “Severn.”

“Are you saying you're tired all the time?”

“Delilah says so,” Charley mumbled, his skin flushing crimson beneath its deep bronze tone. Gray was aware a man didn't like to discuss his personal life.

He hesitated, then decided there'd be no harm in giving Charley some of the elixir. The change in Mary was amazing; maybe it would give Charley a needed boost.

“Wait here. I'll get a bottle for you.”

Charley shifted from one foot to the other, making the floor creak beneath his considerable bulk. Gray poured elixir into a smaller bottle and printed Charley's name on the label.

“This should help. One spoonful, twice a day. Come back in a week and let me take a look at you. All right?”

“I work long hours. Just like Severn,” he reiterated.

Gray assumed Charley, like most men in Dignity, didn't want to be seen coming into the office. “Tell you what. My horse is favoring the right front. I'll bring him by later this week to have you take a look at him.”

Relief flooded Charley's face. “Sure thing, Doc. Thanks.”

Charley nodded his way out of the office, and Gray wearily rotated his head and shoulders. What made a man choose medicine as a vocation? His day started at first light and rarely ended before dark. At least once a week he was called out in the middle of the night, and often didn't get back home before dawn.

Well, Gray knew why he had taken up medicine and why he was practicing in Dignity. A man had to step out in faith, following where he believed God led. Sure, the hours were long, and the pay wasn't as good as it would be in Dallas. But this was where he belonged; he'd fallen in love with the town. God was good to allow him to serve in a place where the people gave in return.

 

“Is that a letter from Henry?”

Beulah caught up with April as she emerged from the post office Friday morning.

“Finally.” She could hardly contain herself. Henry had been gone three weeks, and this was the only letter she'd received. Her eyes scanned it quickly as they walked along the street.

“How's the work going?”

“They've taken a room in San Antonio.” April glanced up. “Things are going so well that Dan has written home to persuade the family to come there.”

“San Antonio? What does that mean?”

“It means I'm out of a job, and Will will want to move there, too.”

“Do you think the Pinkhams will actually go?”

“I'm sure Lydia won't want to.”

“Henry really likes a big city.”

“Well, it would seem that he does.” She read on. “It's exciting, I guess. He went to hear Henry Ward Beecher preach, and he's attended political rallies. Henry says Dan sees the opportunity to make good contacts with druggists and patent medicine men. He thinks the business could be worth thousands if they explore the new market. It seems that finally we're making progress. Praise the Lord.”

“But what if
Henry
wants to move there?”

April was forced to consider that eventuality. “I don't know. I'll wait to cross that bridge when I get to it.”

“Coward.”

“Me? What about you?”

“I don't understand.”

“That young man you spent all your time with the other night.”

“Ray?”

“Ray?” April's eyebrows arched.

“Ray Grimes. An equipment salesman. Dr. Fuller says he's a very nice young man.”

“Uh-huh. What do you think?”

“I think…that I've never had such a wonderful time. He's coming back in two weeks and, well, we're going to have supper together.” Her cheeks turned pink. “He…he really didn't understand why I have the nickname Porky.”

“I'm glad,” April said, and she was. It was about time some man appreciated Beulah's finer qualities. “You just make sure he treats you right.”

As she walked home, April thought about the possibility of the Pinkhams moving. What would she do if Henry wanted to move? San Antonio was exciting, but she wasn't sure she'd want to live there. Nor did she like to think about leaving Grandpa, and Dignity. But if Henry were to decide to move…

For some reason, she didn't want to think about it.

 

Gray glanced out the window of his waiting room late that morning to see April and Beulah crossing the square. The sun glinted on April's light hair, and he wondered if, when his debt to Louis was paid off, he would pursue April. He laughed. If Francesca thought he was interested in another woman, she'd insist her father call for the entire balance owing at once, if not sooner.

Of course, there was one other minor problem: April was infatuated with Henry Long.

The door opened and Delilah Black came in.

Turning from the window, he greeted her. “Mrs. Black, how are you?”

“I'm fine. Just fine. Well, I think I'm fine. I don't know…for sure. It's my first, you know.”

“Whoa,” Gray cautioned. “Slow down.”

Delilah flushed as prettily as a young girl, though she was well past thirty. “I…I…well, I want to talk to you.”

“Certainly. I finished with my last patient fifteen minutes ago. Come into the examining room.”

Delilah followed him, twisting the strings of her handbag tightly around her fingers.

“Have a seat,” Gray invited, pointing to a straight-backed chair.

The woman perched uneasily on the edge of the seat.

“What can I do for you?”

“Well…” she flushed a deep red “…it's a little difficult for me.”

“Just relax.”

“I wish I could. It's just that this is so…well, personal.” She twisted her bag nervously.

“How is Charley?” Gray asked, hoping to make her feel more at ease.

“Oh,” she practically trilled, “Charley is just
fine!
”

“Good. The tonic I gave him—”

“Is
wonderful!
”

Sensing there was something he was missing, Gray paused, trying to form his next question. “I gather he's feeling better?”

“I've never seen him feeling
better
.”

“Are you and Charley having difficulty?”

“Oh, no! Morning sickness.”

Gray nodded. “Morning sickness.”

“You don't understand. If I am…with child, I'd be most happy to spend the entire day with my head in a chamber pot.” She flushed a deeper crimson.

“So, you think you're with child?” Gray asked.

Delilah grinned. “Yes!”

“You're here to…”

“Have you confirm that I am in the family way. You see, Charley and I have been married twelve years, and I've always wanted children, but the good Lord never sent any until now. Oh, God is good!”

Mentally shaking the cobwebs out of his mind, Gray tried to follow her. “Well, before we get all excited, let's take a look.”

Fifteen minutes later Delilah Black floated out of Gray's office a happy woman. She was, indeed, with child, and was rushing over to the livery to tell Charley the good news.

Gray slowly climbed the stairs to his rooms, shaking his head in disbelief.

Interesting
, he thought as he pulled his boots off and lay back across the bed. He hoped Delilah Black would keep the news of Charley's incredible rebirth to herself, or he would have every man in Dignity flocking to his office for the compound.

“D
r. Fuller,” the proprietor exclaimed as he entered the hotel dining room. “I have a nice window table waiting for you.”

Francesca's gaze swept the diners with a haughty air. She had arrived late this afternoon to spy on Gray. Her monthly surveillance was wearing thin; it was all he could do to maintain a civil air.

He settled Francesca into her chair, and noticed that April and Riley were dining across the room. Struck by Riley's granddaughter's presence, he raised an eyebrow. The soft lamplight turned her hair to finely spun gold. She was laughing at something Riley was saying, her face animated, happy…so different from the opportunistic woman opposite him.

“Excuse me a moment.”

Rancor tinged Francesca's voice as she glanced up. “Gray, you are not going to abandon me.”

“No, I need to speak to someone.”

Her mouth firmed, but Gray ignored the warning that she was on the verge of a temper tantrum.

After pausing to speak with a young couple sitting to their right, he crossed the room to Riley's table.

“Gray,” the older man said, getting to his feet when he spotted him. “How nice to see you.”

Gray shook his hand, his gaze assessing April. “Enjoying a special occasion?”

“No, no,” Riley said. “Datha was gone tonight, so April and I decided to treat ourselves.” He looked about the room. “Are you alone?”

“No, I'm with someone. I just wanted to say good evening.” His gaze focused on April. “Miss Truitt.”

She glanced toward Francesca sitting at a window table, and her smile was almost like that of the Cheshire cat. “Dr. Fuller.”

“I've missed our checker games, but I hear you've been busy,” Riley said.

“Very busy, but I hope to see you one night this week.”

“Good. I'll look forward to it.”

Turning back to April, Gray smiled. “I trust you are well, Miss Truitt?”

“Never felt better, Doctor. And you?”

“Very well, thank you.”

Conspicuously consulting her menu, she parried softly, “Isn't that Miss DuBois with you?”

Gray turned around to look. “Why, yes, I believe it is. You have met, haven't you?”

“We've met.” She burrowed her head deeper into the menu.

He was surprised to see the blush that crept into her cheeks. He should be ashamed of teasing her, but her looks—not always friendly ones—amused him. If it wasn't for that infernal compound separating them, April Truitt would have him worried. He'd never met a woman who quite captured his attention like this….

“How is Henry? Is he still away on business?”

“Yes. He wishes he could be here, but duty calls.”

“How distressing. Are you expecting him back soon?” Gray had never noticed it before, but she was gorgeous when she was furious.

“I'm expecting him back any day now, thank you.”

“You and
Henry?
” Grandpa blustered. “What's this?”

“Grandpa, you know I see Henry on occasion,” April murmured, shooting Gray a confrontational look.

“Perhaps you and Henry and Francesca and I can make an evening of it soon?”

“I don't think so, Doctor.” She snapped the menu shut. “We're busy.”

He smiled, accepting the parry.

“April!” Riley scolded. “Where are your manners?”

With a disarmingly generous surrender, Gray said, “It's all right, Riley. I understand when a person is busy. Please give Henry my regards, Miss Truitt.”

She sent him a scornful glance.

Chuckling, he clasped Riley warmly on the shoulder, and returned to Francesca.

“What's this about Henry?” Grandpa was saying as he walked away.

Gray grinned. That would teach her to mess with him.

 

The following month the community was struck down with colds and congestion. Gray was up half the nights and worked long days. His temper was frayed as he made the long trip to Dallas midmonth. Louis had summoned him. Did he intend to demand repayment of the loan now that Francesca had informed her father the marriage was off? If he did, Gray would have no choice but to close his practice and move to a larger city. The loan was sizable and must be repaid. Citizens in Dignity did not always have the funds to pay for medical services in cash, and he kept his fees nominal.

The air had a bitter feel. Gray wouldn't even be surprised to see snow, he decided, as the buggy pulled up in front of the DuBois mansion. The house was outrageously ostentatious, and he didn't have time for dalliances.

A party was in full progress, light streaming from every window. He was shown inside by a black-suited servant. Francesca saw him immediately and latched on to his arm.

“Darling!”

“Francesca.”

“Gray, my boy,” Louis boomed from across the room when he saw them. “Come over here, son. There's someone I want you to meet.”

Crossing the room with Francesca on his arm, Gray approached the senior physician.

“Hampton, I want you to meet Gray Fuller. Gray, Hampton Brinkman. Gray has recently opened a practice in a nearby coastal town. Dignity. Ever hear of it?”

“Can't say that I have.”

Louis laughed. “Don't feel bad. Nobody else has, either!”

Gray shook hands with Hampton.

“Hampton is interested in having you join him in his clinic. You two might want to discuss—”

“Not this evening,” Gray interrupted with a polite but firm refusal. When Louis frowned disapprovingly, he softened his stance. “I've had a long trip, and an even longer week, and I don't wish to discuss business this evening. I'm afraid I would be a poor conversationalist.”

Louis looked perturbed, but recovered sufficiently to give Hampton a jovial slap on the back. “Perhaps tomorrow at dinner, Hampton. I'm sure Gray can—”

“Sorry, but I'll be leaving before noon.”

“Oh, Gray, I've made plans for tomorrow evening,” Francesca protested. “Surely you can stay a
few
days. Adele Mason's having a holiday soiree Sunday evening, and I told her we would attend.”

“I'm sorry, Francesca. I have a patient who is running a high fever. I have to return immediately.”

“Gray—”

“Louis. Hampton? Perhaps another time.”

Gray threaded his way back across the room. Francesca would be furious, but he couldn't do it. He couldn't spend another night in the company of swine who swore to uphold the medical oath based on the principles and ideals of the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, but thought of nothing more than lining their pockets at the expense of the ill.

“Your hat and coat, sir,” the butler said.

“Gray, you were
rude
to Mr. Brinkman,” Francesca murmured as she caught up with him.

“It was rude of your father to summon me all this way only to waylay me. I will not go into a clinic. Do you understand me, Francesca?” He paused, his eyes meeting hers directly.

“I don't know what's happened to you—I barely recognize the Gray I once knew.”

“I am the same man. You have chosen to ignore every word I've said to you since I moved to Dignity.”

“My father wants the best for us!”

“Come with me, Francesca. We'll walk in the park and discuss this. I can't stay here.”

She gazed at him, sure of her power to control. “No. You stay, and we'll discuss our differences later.”

“Don't make this more difficult, Francesca. Come with me now.”

With a shake of her curls, she dismissed him. “You know I can't leave. Papa would never forgive me. He has important associates here tonight, Gray. He expects you to mingle and help entertain. Why are you acting this way?”

He gazed at her intently. “In the future, I suggest you consult with me before you plan my life.” He opened the door. “Are you coming?”

Her eyes were filled with angry humiliation. “No.”

“Then I bid you good night.”

“Gray!” she called as he strode quickly toward his carriage. “Gray! I will
not
have you walking out on me like this. What will people think?”

He stepped into the waiting buggy, picked up the reins, and the horse trotted off.