Change of Heart (12 page)

Judge Mitchell removed paperwork from his desk drawer and explained the legal details to Gertrude. She listened and then signed on the dotted line.

Becca accepted a pen and dipped it in the ink then signed.

The judge signed the papers. He handed Gertrude one to keep. “You no longer have legal custody of your son, and you have waived your rights to visit him. Do you understand?”

Gertrude waved her paper in the air. “Yeah, I got it, Judge. We gotta be off, 'cause we got some business at the bank. Ain't I right, Dr. Carrington?” She didn't wait for an answer and pushed past him.

The judge passed a duplicate to Becca. “You have full custody of the boy. I don't see the need for your sister to sign unless you would have a disagreement about Benjamin's care.”

“Ruth and I are close. I don't foresee any problems.”

“Congratulations on your legal adoption of Benjamin.”

Matt was relieved Gertrude had signed the documents and had not made any more demands. He shook hands with Judge Mitchell. “I appreciate you letting us meet with you on the spur of the moment.”

Becca clutched her skirt. “Yes, Judge Mitchell, thank you for helping us today. You've made us and Benjamin very happy.”

“After meeting those two, I am happy to do it. No little boy should be subjected to a mother like Mrs. Grossman.”

“I feel the same way.” Matt and Becca waved good-bye and found the couple pacing in the bank.

His hand on Becca's back, Matt approached the bank manager. “Hello, Mr. Campbell. I would like to withdraw one hundred dollars from my trust account.”

“Yes, Dr. Carrington. I will be happy to oblige. How would you like the money?”

Matt raked a hand through his hair. He had never used his trust account. His father set it up when he went into practice and had continued to make periodic deposits since then. He had protested, but his parents had insisted. They would receive an account of his transaction through the mail in about three weeks. He had never cared about them receiving this statement, until today. No matter. Once he explained the situation to them, he was sure they would understand and be glad he used the money to help a child. Or would they? He did not have time to ponder this at the moment. He would worry about their reaction to how he spent this money later. “In the form of a bank note, please.”

The man left and returned with the bank note. He handed it to Matt. “Is there anything else I can help you with today?”

Matt accepted the paper. “This should do it. Thanks, Mr. Campbell.”

Gertrude yanked at Matt's sleeve. “I believe this here's mine.”

He jerked his arm free and tightened his grip on the note. “Outside.”

The woman frowned and stomped out with her husband on her heels.

Matt and Becca followed and faced them in the hot sunshine. He handed Gertrude the note. “I don't ever want to find out you are in this town again. Understood?”

She grabbed the paper and waved it in the air. “Pleasure doin' business with ya.”

Matt turned his back on the couple and put his arm around Becca. “I am glad we are rid of them. We must tell Benjamin and Ruth the Grossmans are no longer a threat to him. They must be wondering what is going on.” His heart warmed. She had trusted him to solve this problem with Gertrude. Every trial they faced had brought her closer to him.

They hurried to Ruth's. Benjamin was curled up on Ruth's lap clutching a corner of the small quilt Margaret had made him.

Matt knelt and put his hand on the little boy's arm. “Your mother and her husband have left town. She signed a paper giving you to Becca and Ruth. Your mother will not be bothering you anymore.”

Benjamin's mouth stretched into a wide grin. “Did you hear what Matt said? She's gone. I don't have to worry about her coming to get me anymore. Matt said so.”

Ruth wiped her tears with her fingertips. “We have reason to celebrate. Let's have potato soup and strawberry pie.”

Matt tossed Benjamin in the air and carried him to the kitchen. He was happy to help them. He loved them, as if they were his family. Unspoiled and kind, they had taught him how unimportant material things were in life. He hoped Benjamin wouldn't grow bitter or angry from this experience. He would spoil Becca, Ruth, and Benjamin with dinners out, fishing, and anything else they wanted to do to help aid in the child's recovery.

 

 

Six weeks later, Matt sat in his favorite chair at home reviewing kidney research. A rap on his door caught his attention. He peeked out the window and groaned. His parents stood on the porch. Their faces looked stern. They must have been traveling and returned to find his trust fund statement in the mail.

They marched in the moment he opened the door. His mother sat, and his father remained standing. “What is the meaning of the large sum of money you withdrew from the bank?”

Matt motioned for his father to sit. “Would either of you like something to drink?”

Horace shook his head. “No.”

“Answer your father.”

Matt told them how Becca and Ruth came to know Benjamin and why he paid the boy's mother to give them legal rights to him.

His mother got up, reached for a glass, and poured water from a matching pitcher on Matt's table. “I cannot believe you let yourself get involved in this mess. Benjamin is not your son. You should have stayed out of this situation.”

“Your mother is right. You should not have interfered.”

Matt pinched the bridge of his nose. Their disapproval of Becca was bad enough, but to not want to help this little boy, after what he told them, was mean and selfish. “When did the two of you become indifferent toward those less fortunate? You donate money to help those in need in your community. Why are you opposed to helping this one sweet child? Is it because you are not handing a bank note to someone at one of our fancy parties in front of your friends? I am ashamed of you.”

His mother slammed her glass on the table. Matt expected it to break. “You mind your tongue. You are letting Becca ruin you and turn you against us. The issue is not whether we wanted to help this child or not, it is your involvement with this Amish simpleton and the urge to solve all her problems. You made a fool of yourself bringing her to our party. She was at a loss about how to dress or act or what to say to our friends. Worse, she has gotten mixed up with a saloon trollop. Stay away from her and mind your own business. She is trouble.”

Matt rose. “You could both learn a lesson from her on how to treat people. Benjamin is a defenseless little boy who is fortunate to have Ruth Smith and Becca Yost to take care of him. I don't regret my decision to pay Mrs. Grossman to sell her child and go away, and nothing you say will change the way I feel about Becca.”

His father placed his hand on Matt's shoulder. “You have a big heart. Life is not fair and Benjamin had a bad mother. I understand why you helped the child, but you need to reconsider choosing this Amish woman as a potential wife. We don't want you to make a mistake you will regret someday. When you have children, you will understand our actions in trying to protect you.”

“Your father is right. Parents are needed to guide their children at all ages. Your father and I shall stop your trust fund until you come to your senses and cease to involve yourself in this woman's life.”

He searched his father's eyes.

“I agree with your mother.”

Matt raised his voice and fisted his hands. His parents had crossed the line this time. “I resent your interference in my life, and you can do what you want with the trust fund. I never wanted it in the first place. I am going to continue courting Becca Yost, whether you like it or not.” He was through listening to their insults and moved toward the front door.

Horace Carrington reached inside his coat pocket and pulled out his pipe. He filled it with tobacco and lighted it. “We will not make any changes to the trust fund, but you are to use it as it was intended.”

His mother straightened. “As for Becca Yost, what trouble will she get into next? Do yourself a favor. Let me find someone else for you to court.”

Matt clenched his teeth. “I am done with this conversation.” He opened the door and stepped aside.

His father puffed on his pipe and sat. “Sit. Nothing is worth sacrificing our relationship. I am sure you agree.”

His mother opened her mouth to speak, but his father put up his hand.

“I expect the two of you to welcome Becca into your lives. This is nonnegotiable if you want a relationship with me.”

His mother faced him. “You cannot force us to like her because you do. I do not understand your attraction to her, but as your father stated, we will not go on about this. You have made your decision. We will see what the future holds.”

Matt rubbed his chin. Had his mother finally listened to him? Was this a positive or negative statement coming from her?

Chapter Eleven

Becca dried the last dish and reflected on her time with Benjamin and Ruth at the pond earlier. The child had chased squirrels, ducks, and butterflies until he tuckered out. Since Margaret's death and his mamm's stressful visit, he had bounced back to his happy self these last few weeks. Earlier, she had thanked God for answering her request for a quick recovery for the little boy.

What was Matt doing right now? Reviewing his research? She hadn't wanted to insist he spend the day catching up on his paperwork but knew it was for the best. He would relax once he did. She missed him and couldn't imagine her life without him. She bowed her head and prayed. “Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me where I have failed you. Thank you for bringing Matt into my life. These things I ask and pray in your name, Amen.”

Becca approached Ruth and Benjamin as they entered. She tickled Benjamin and giggled. She gently tapped his nose. “It's time for bed, little one.” Following him to the bedroom, she noticed he had grown a little taller. What was life like before Benjamin? It seemed like he had always been a part of their lives. She tucked him in, read him a story, and kissed him on the forehead.

She went to the kitchen and prepared two cups of hot tea and joined Ruth in the living room. “What would we have done if Matt had not persuaded Gertrude to leave Benjamin with us? It's been a while, and it seems like yesterday when she and her husband were here. I'm not used to dealing with people like them. Neither are you. I respect Amish order when it comes to sheltering us from people like them.”

Ruth pulled her legs up under her and blew the steam off her tea. “Yes I, too, am grateful to have been raised by Amish parents. Matt rescued us and Benjamin.” Ruth sipped her tea. “Matt is going to make a great father. He is patient and loving with Benjamin.”

“I agree, but his mamm doesn't seem like the grandmotherly type.”

Ruth chuckled. “She cannot be all bad. She raised Matt to be a gentleman.”

Becca set her mug on the table. It was true. Matt had integrity and honorable values, and he cared about others. Mrs. Carrington didn't strike her as having any of those traits, but the woman had obviously done something right. Maybe she would get a glimpse of Matt in his mamm as time progressed, but she doubted this would come true. “I dread meeting Mrs. Carrington again. I'm convinced she won't leave me alone, no matter what Matt has told her. The woman is determined to destroy any chance of a future I may have with him.”

“She is callous. Too bad his visit with his father did not go well. It would have been good if he had agreed to intervene on Matt's behalf concerning you.”

Becca wrinkled her nose. “I didn't have high hopes his daed would lend his support after the way he frowned when we met for the first time. It was no surprise when Matt told me he agreed with Mrs. Carrington that I was not a suitable potential wife for their son. I'm bothered Matt is estranged from his parents because of me. It must make him sad.”

Ruth picked up a needle and thread to sew a button on a shirt for Benjamin. “Matt made his choice. They are being stubborn by not accepting you in his life. Put them out of your mind and enjoy your time with Matt.”

Becca held up a button. “You're right.” She reached over and lifted squares of material. “I'm collecting Matt's old shirts to stitch a keepsake pocket quilt for him. I've already written a letter to him to tuck inside the pocket. I can't wait to surprise him with it.”

Ruth fingered the fabric. “What a great idea. I regret not finishing the pocket quilt I was making for Margaret before she died. I had written a letter of gratitude and hid it to put inside the pocket.”

“She knew we loved and appreciated her.” Becca sighed. “I wish Mrs. Carrington was kind like Margaret. I had hoped for a loving mamm-in-law who would welcome me into her life.”

Ruth used her authoritative tone. “If they do not accept you, you will have to settle for a life of love with Matt and your children. Not all parents are accepting of their child's choice for a mate.”

 

 

The next day, Becca sat in church next to Matt. What a relief Matt's mamm and daed attended the Methodist church and not here. Awkward would not begin to describe how uncomfortable it would be to sit next to his parents considering Mrs. Carrington's behavior toward her.

The reverend delivered his sermon, prayed, and dismissed the congregation. She waited while Matt retrieved his buggy and horse.

He stopped and she climbed in. She studied Matt as he talked about patients. What compassion he had for them. The townsfolk were blessed that he took care of their medical needs. She didn't think she'd ever stop learning from him. He read and studied the latest medications and treatments for diseases and injuries often.

When they arrived at his house, she stepped inside and ran her hand along the many books lining the shelves. She paused and pulled out the book titled
The Open Boat and Other Tales of Adventure
by Stephen Crane. “Did you enjoy this book?”

“He is a great author. Take it.”

Matt sat on the piano bench and patted the other side for her to join him.

She slid in and warmth from his body ignited a fire in hers. His shoulder touching hers added to the magical moments. His big hands and long fingers glided along the keys as he played church hymns. They laughed and paused for kisses in between songs.

Hours passed and Matt rested his hands in his lap. “Come to the kitchen with me. We need to find something to eat. I am starving.”

Becca rolled her shoulders and relaxed. She trusted him. He was more than someone she was falling in love with, he was a close friend. She could talk to him about anything with confidence and rest assured that he wouldn't judge or betray her. He had taken the time to teach her about many things, such as music, medicine, and world history. She admired him. “Thank you for today. I'm enjoying being here with you and listening to the music.”

“I have enjoyed this as much as you have.”

“Amish aren't allowed to have pianos in our community. The bishop considers them a form of worldly entertainment. The only time I heard piano music was in town when I passed by the saloon going to the general store with my parents. This type of music was more enjoyable.”

He kissed her eyes and caressed her cheek. “I love playing the piano. It relaxes me and lifts my mood when I am upset. My mother taught me how to play. She plays beautifully.”

“Enough about music. What are we going to eat?” She scooted off the bench.

“We can make something together.” He motioned for her to follow him.

“Chicken sandwiches with fresh tomatoes would be great.” She held up a ripe tomato from the basket on his sink. “Do you have some roasted chicken in your icebox?”

“Yes, I do.” He stood beside her and helped slice bread and tomatoes. “I like having you in my kitchen.”

She faced him as he set the knife on the table and pulled her close. Strong and gentle hands wrapped around her. She closed her eyes as his lips pressed on hers. She leaned in closer to him and got lost in the kiss. The knife Matt placed on the table fell to the floor and jerked her out of the moment. She pulled back. A gasp escaped her mouth. “Whew, we better stop.”

He touched the tip of her nose. “You do not have to worry. You can always trust me.”

The heat in her cheeks subsided. They placed their plates, silverware, and cloth napkins on the table. Matt seated her then sat in the chair opposite hers. He lowered his head and prayed his thanks to God for the food.

Matt cut his sandwich in two. “I have something we need to discuss. My parents visited me at home two weeks ago.”

A sharp knock at the door interrupted them. Matt and Becca peeked around the corner. Mrs. Carrington stepped inside.

Becca stared at her. She opened her mouth to speak but shut it. Maybe it was best if she kept silent.

“Mother, what are you doing here? Why did you not wait for me to answer the door?”

She rolled her eyes at Matt and ignored Becca. She placed her hat on a nearby chair. “If you had a butler, I would not have to let myself in. Besides, the door was unlocked.”

“Unless you are here to apologize to Becca for your ill-mannered behavior toward her, you need to leave.”

Becca stared stunned as Mrs. Carrington walked in the room and demanded control.
How brash.

“Becca, you do not mind if I join you for dinner, do you?”

She shook her head and left the table. She went to the kitchen and fixed Mrs. Carrington a sandwich and poured her a glass of water. Becca returned to the table, placed the plate and glass in front of Mrs. Carrington, and sat next to Matt. The woman had no intention of apologizing to her like Matt had asked her to. It was obvious by the way she had talked down to her.

Matt sat quietly with his mouth in a tight line. “Mother, you have not done what I have asked of you.”

Mrs. Carrington ignored him. “Becca, I am direct with people and speak my mind. I am sure you can forgive me for looking out for my son's best interest.” She flattened her palm on the table toward Matt. “I am having a few of the surgeons your father works with at the hospital over for dinner at our house this Wednesday, and I would like you to come.” She set her sandwich on the plate and waited.

“No. I told you, I am not going to associate with you or Father.” He straightened. “Why did you come here?”

“Becca understands how important a meeting like this is for your career. She would want you to attend.” She patted Becca's hand and used her most condescending tone. “Right, dear?”

Could she be more condescending?
Mrs. Carrington had plowed ahead with her invitation to Matt and didn't allow her to even respond to the woman's offensive words, and there was certainly no apology. What was she supposed to say to such a rude remark? She had to get out of there. Instead of answering Mrs. Carrington, she rose. “I should be going.” She grabbed her reticule.

Matt rose. “Becca, wait.” He faced his mamm. “I am not going to attend the dinner meeting at your house. I meant it when I said you are no longer welcome here. It is time for you to leave.”

His mamm stared at her folded hands on the table for a moment. “All right, you win. Becca, I am having a few friends over for dinner Saturday. I would like it if you and Matt would come at two. We will enjoy good company and delicious food. What do you say?”

Matt held Becca's hand. “No, Mother. We will not attend.”

She closed her eyes for a moment. What should she do? Was this Matt's mamm's way of apologizing? Maybe this would be a new beginning. She wanted to get along with Matt's parents more than anything. She had to find out. “If it is all right with you, I would like to accept your mamm's invitation.”

“No, I do not think it is a good idea.”

“We must give them another chance.”

Mrs. Carrington patted Becca's arm. “Thank you, dear. I will see you both Saturday.” She walked briskly to the front door and left.

He guided her to the sofa. “I hope you did not feel pressured by her to accept her offer. We should not succumb to her wishes.”

She sighed. “I'm not used to such prejudice and blatant rudeness as she displays against me. I have my doubts about how she will behave at this dinner, but I must go and find out. This time, I hope she is sincere in wanting to mend fences with us.”

“If they are impolite to you, we will leave.”

“Yes, I agree. I want to return to the conversation you and I were having before your mamm interrupted us. You were going to tell me why your parents visited you a couple of weeks ago. What did they want?”

Matt rose and poured water in two glasses from a pitcher sitting on a side table. He passed one to her. “They receive a statement in the mail from the bank every month concerning my trust fund account. I did not care about this before because I have not used any of the money since my father set it up for me at the bank several years ago. They wanted to know why I withdrew such a large sum of money without consulting them first. I told them about Benjamin and why I chose to pay Gertrude off. They disapproved of my decision. I told them it was none of their business and we would have to agree to disagree on the matter.”

She pushed her back against the chair. “It was a large sum of money, but I thought once you explained the situation, they would understand.”

“It did not matter to me what they thought about my decision to help Benjamin. I did not waver in my stance or apologize. After a few minutes, my father softened and said he understood why I had to help the child. Furthermore, I told them I am courting you and, until they are ready to welcome you with open arms, to stay away from us. I should have asked her to leave on the spot today. She knew better than to show up unannounced.”

Becca bit her upper lip. “Did your mamm let your daed do the talking, or did she voice her concerns on this matter too?”

“She let my father do most of the talking. She was angry when they arrived but seemed calm when they left.”

“From what you've told me, they don't appreciate me dragging you into my problem with Gertrude.” She bit her lip. “I'm surprised your mamm invited us to their house for dinner.” She didn't trust Mrs. Carrington. She hoped this dinner didn't turn into a disaster.

“It is not too late to decline her invitation.”

“No. I want to go. We need to fix things with them.”

 

 

On Saturday, the morning of Matt's parents' party, Becca sorted through the dresses she had bought and the ones Ruth had made for her. She chose an elegant soft pink dress with puffed sleeves with buttons lining the thick cuffs halfway down each arm. She loved the high neck in the front. The lines of lace on the dress from her neck to her waist added an elegant touch. She twisted her hair in a bun and put on a hat with flowers and ribbon matching the dress. She blew out a breath. Matt would be arriving soon to take her to the party at his parents' house.