Change of Heart (14 page)

“All right, Aunt Becca.” Benjamin chose another train and rolled it across the floor.

She returned to the bedroom. Ruth moaned and groaned and moved her head on the pillow from time to time but stayed asleep. She checked her sister's face and forehead. Her body was cooler than before. The tension rolled out of her shoulders.

Matt tapped on the door frame and entered the room. “I checked on Benjamin. He was asleep on the floor. I put him to bed. How is she?”

“Thank you for putting Benjamin to bed. Her fever has lowered for the moment. She's resting right now.”

“Please take Benjamin and go to Dorothy's tonight. Let me take care of Ruth.”

Becca shook her head. After all Ruth had done for her, she would not leave her sister's side, even if it meant she might get sick. “No. You have patients tomorrow. I'll be fine. I would appreciate it if you would ask Dorothy to care for Benjamin.”

Benjamin entered the room rubbing his eyes. “Can I talk to Ruth?”

“She is sleeping. How would you like to come home with me? We will get up early and do a little fishing then I will take you to work with me. Dorothy loves to piece together puzzles, and I am sure she would like you to help her with one.”

Benjamin whimpered. “I don't want to leave Ruth. She might need me.”

Becca's heart swelled. The child had such compassion for her sister. “I'll tell Ruth you're with Matt, and she'll be excited to find out you're going fishing with him. Go to your room and pack your clothes, shoes, and a few toys.”

Benjamin walked toward the bed, but Becca stopped him. “I have to kiss her before I go. She would want me to.”

“You can't touch her, because I don't want you to get sick. Ruth knows you love her, and I'll tell her you wanted to kiss her good-bye. You go with Matt and be a good boy.”

He cupped her face in his small hands. “What about you? I don't want you to get sick.”

She rubbed his back. “I'll be fine. You take care of Matt and Dorothy for me.”

He puffed out his chest. “All right. I will, but can I see you and Ruth tomorrow?”

Becca kissed his nose. “Not tomorrow. You'll need to stay with Matt for a few days. Don't worry. Matt will bring you home to stay when Ruth is better.”

Matt put his hands on Benjamin's shoulders. “Take your tic-tac-toe game. We will play it at my house. Bring your tiddledywinks game too.”

Her stomach fluttered at his affection for the little boy.

He kissed her forehead. “I will come by in the morning. These pills should reduce her fever, and I hope help her sleep.”

She rose and bid them farewell.

Darkness fell. Becca stayed with Ruth. Her sister's fever spiked and lowered for the next few hours. With heavy eyelids, Becca leaned from her chair to rest her arms and head on the bed and dozed. She woke with a start, straightened, and touched her sister's cheeks. Hot and red, Ruth's skin was clammy. She hustled to the kitchen, pumped water into a bowl, and returned to Ruth's side to wipe her face and arms with the cool water.

Ruth coughed and mumbled, but Becca couldn't make out her words. She lifted her with one arm, put a pill in her mouth with her free hand, and coaxed her to swallow water with it. She blew out a breath, relieved Ruth had swallowed it without choking.

Two days later, the fever broke and Ruth slept. Exhausted, Becca climbed in bed next to her and closed her eyes. She woke to a noise. Benjamin and Matt stood beside the bed.

The little boy poked her shoulder. “It's time to get up. How's Ruth?”

Matt touched Ruth's forehead. “Her head is cool. How did the two of you do last night?”

Becca sat up and threw her legs over the side of the bed. “Thanks to you dropping by yesterday and bringing us a different medicine, she did better and I got to rest. We've been asleep for a few hours.”

He touched Becca's cheek and put his fingers to her throat to examine her neck for swollen glands. “Do you have any symptoms?”

“No. I am tired but fine. What time is it?” Becca blinked and smoothed her hair.

He glanced at the clock. “It is eleven-thirty.”

“I was up several times through the night wiping her face and arms with a wet cloth.” She yawned and got out of bed. “I'm such a mess. My clothes are all rumpled. Ruth scared me with her fever rising and falling.”

Matt sat next to her and put his arm around her shoulders. “You should go back to bed.”

“I will. Benjamin can stay here, since Ruth's on the mend.”

Benjamin held Matt's hand. “I'm having a fun time with Matt. May I stay with him a little longer?”

Matt stood and picked up his medical bag. “I will take Benjamin with me. Dorothy takes him to school and picks him up. She is enjoying him. He minds her well. We have had an enjoyable time reading and talking. We went fishing again this morning, and he caught two little blue gills but we threw them back in.” He tousled Benjamin's hair.

Becca blew a stray hair from her face. Her sister hadn't wakened in spite of the conversation going on around her. “Let me make us something to eat before you go.”

He tugged at her lopsided ponytail. “I brought chicken and biscuits from Dorothy for us. I have already made coffee. All you need to do is walk from here to the kitchen.”

She stood on her toes and kissed his nose. “What would I do without you? You are always prepared and looking out for me.”

With his hand on her elbow, he guided her to the kitchen. “You make spoiling you easy.”

She sat. Benjamin chattered about the book Matt read to him before bed and fishing this morning while they finished dinner.

Benjamin walked to Matt and leaned against him. “When do we leave? I can't wait to go to work with you today.” He crammed a bite of biscuit in his mouth and pulled his chair closer to Matt.

“As soon as I finish my coffee.”

Becca slumped in the chair and sipped her coffee. The three of them at the table warmed her heart. She imagined them as a family one day. Then Matt's mamm as part of their family came to mind, and a knot formed in the pit of her stomach.

Chapter Thirteen

The next day, Becca walked Benjamin to school and bought a newspaper on her way home. She opened the door and stepped inside. She glanced at the clock. She had a few minutes before she had to go to work. Ruth sat on the sofa. “I'll make us coffee, and we can share the newspaper.” She made fresh coffee and carried a mug to Ruth. She unfolded the newspaper and handed Ruth a section. She read the first page. The Carringtons were mentioned in this article. She read further. President McKinley and First Lady Ida Saxton McKinley had dinner in the Carringtons' home with a few other guests. What an honor for the Carringtons. Did Matt know about this? He hadn't mentioned it. Would he have been invited if he was speaking to his parents? She was sure he would have wanted to be there. She would have wanted to meet President McKinley and the First Lady.

“I found an article in the paper you might find interesting. It's the one about Matt's parents on the first page. President William McKinley, First Lady Ida Saxton McKinley, former secretary of state John Sherman, Senator Marcus Hanna, and their wives, and Dr. Gary Morrison and his wife and daughter visited the Carringtons. Matt isn't speaking to his parents, but I'm surprised Mrs. Carrington didn't find a way to tell him about this.”

Ruth put a hand to her throat. “The president visited the Carringtons? Eloise Carrington must be elated. I cannot believe they would keep this news from him.”

“He has not said a word to me about his parents having the president for dinner. I'm certain they didn't tell him. He would have said something to me about it if he knew. I suspect he's reading it in the paper as we speak.” Becca groaned. “I'm the reason he wasn't invited. He's missing important dinners and parties because of me. He enjoys mingling with his friends at these parties, and he meets other doctors who ask him to review their research. He isn't working with his daed any longer on research projects because they're not communicating. I'm hurting his professional life and ruining his relationship with his parents.”

“Listen, Matt did not have any choice but to distance himself from his parents after the way his mother treated you when you went to dinner at their house. I believe, in time, Matt and his parents will reconcile. They love each other. Be patient.”

A rap on the door interrupted their conversation. Becca answered the door. Kate Paulson, who worked for Ruth, stood on the porch. “Welcome, come in.”

Ruth patted the cushion next to her. “Kate, come sit with me.”

“I came to drop off samples of fabric a salesman delivered yesterday. They are beautiful. I cannot decide which ones I like best.”

Ruth fingered one of the samples. “I like this one the best. The fabric is nice, and the flowered print is lovely.” Ruth and Kate discussed which fabrics to order.

Kate rose. “I do not want to rush off, but I better get back and open the shop.”

Ruth followed her to the door. “I am coming back to work tomorrow. I'm feeling much better and sitting at home is boring.”

“What great news. Your color has returned to your cheeks and you seem much stronger. Your regular customers will be happy to see you. They have been asking about you.”

Ruth chatted with Kate then bid her good-bye. She joined Becca on the sofa. “I appreciate you and Matt finding Kate Paulson to take Margaret's place. She keeps me up to date, and I have been happy with all the decisions she has made with regard to the business. I consider her a close friend. She and I have a lot in common, with both of us losing our husbands at such young ages. She had been married for three years when her husband died of a heart attack. She was pregnant when he died, but she lost the baby a few months later. She is a delightful and capable woman.”

Becca curled her legs under her skirt. “I'm glad you're happy with her. Matt suggested I ask her to manage the shop while you were sick. She is a new patient of his. I trusted his judgment. It was better than closing the doors until you returned. I am glad you like her. Matt never mentioned she was a widow. She's pretty with her dark blond hair, long face, and petite frame. She has the greenest eyes I have ever seen.”

“She did not tell me about her husband or losing her child until a few days ago. She is quiet and shy. After we met a few times, she opened up to me.” Ruth adjusted the pillow behind her back. “Kate mentioned her brother is on his way here soon from Houston, Texas. He sold his cattle ranch there and bought Mr. Brown's farm located near his sister's house. Kate said he is a talented carpenter and handyman.”

Becca had to find out if Kate's brother was married. “Is Kate the same age as you? How old is he?”

“She and I are the same age. Her brother is two years older and unwed.”

Becca lifted a pillow and pressed it to her chest. “Maybe we should invite him to dinner when he arrives to welcome him to town.” If Kate's brother was as nice as his sister, he might be a good match for Ruth. “It would give us a chance to know him better.”

 

 

The next day in the office, Becca waved their next patient into the exam room. Clad in a flannel shirt, denim blue pants, shiny boots, and a black Stetson hat, he had a rugged but handsome face and callused hands and walked bowlegged.

“Hello, I'm Becca Yost, and this is Dr. Matt Carrington.”

Matt held out his hand. “Have a seat on the exam table. How can I help you today?”

He held up his arm. “I lost my footing and fell on my box of tools. I cut my arm. My name is Isaac Kelly. Maybe you know my sister. She works at Ruth's Mending Shop in town.”

Matt jotted the man's name on paper. “Welcome to Massillon. Ruth Smith owns the mending shop. She and I are friends. Becca is her sister.”

Becca helped Isaac remove his shirt. She hung it on a hook. She then untied the cloth Isaac had wrapped around his arm and disposed of it.

Matt cleaned the wound and stitched and bandaged the cut. Matt asked him a few health questions and jotted notes in his chart. “How old are you?”

“I am twenty-four.”

Matt penciled the information on his paper. Finished, he offered his hand to Isaac. “It has been a pleasure meeting you. Do you have any questions?”

Isaac shook his head. “No, you've taken good care of me. Thank you.”

She passed him his shirt. “Will you miss Texas?”

“I don't mind moving here. I liked living in Texas, except for the hot weather in the summer. Kate and I have always been close. I've missed her, and I worry about her living alone in Massillon. It will be good for us to live near each other again.”

“Your sister is joining me, Becca, and Ruth for supper tonight at Lizzie's Restaurant. Would you like to join us? Is six all right with you?”

Isaac buttoned his shirt. “Six sounds good. I will meet you there.”

Becca liked Isaac. He had a strong but kind voice. He was not arrogant but confident. She was glad Matt had invited him to supper. Her sister would like him. “See you tonight.”

After he left, Becca readied the room for the next patient. “I'm excited to tell Ruth about inviting Isaac to supper with us. I hope they like each other. It could be the start of something wonderful.”

Matt pulled her in his arms and swayed her back and forth. “He does seem nice. It would be great if they liked each other.” He kissed her cheek. “I can handle things today. You go and tell Ruth and Kate about Isaac joining us for supper tonight.”

A rap on the door startled them. Becca stepped away from Matt.

Ruth peeked in. “I hope I am not bothering you. I wanted to let you know Hattie has agreed to watch Benjamin tonight while we go to Lizzie's. She came and got him an hour ago. She is fixing shepherd's pie and bread pudding. She plans for them to work on a puzzle together. She bought him a new one last week.”

Becca approached her. “I'm glad you stopped by. Kate's brother, Isaac Kelly, was a patient in our office today. He left moments ago. Matt invited him to join us at Lizzie's tonight for supper. I can't wait for you to meet him.”

Ruth blushed and tilted her head. “What does he look like?”

Becca used her hand to show his height. “He is quite handsome. He is medium build and height. He has light brown hair and blue eyes.”

“I better go home early. I will need time to select the right dress to wear for tonight.”

What a relief. Her sister was interested in finding love again. This was encouraging news. “Wear your green and white printed collar dress, the one with the covered buttons from neck to waist. He will not be able to take his eyes off you.”

Ruth tapped a finger to her lip. “I do like your suggestion, but do not get too excited. We might not even like each other.”

“You are beautiful, talented, smart, and sweet. Why wouldn't he like you?”

“Maybe I will not like him.”

Becca shut the door behind her sister. This was going better than she had planned.

 

 

Later in the day, Becca walked to Lizzie's with Matt on one side and Ruth on the other. Balmy and warm, leaves fluttered in the light breeze. “What a pleasant evening.”

Matt squeezed her hand. “You two ladies look lovely, as always.” He chose a table and motioned for Isaac and Kate to join them when they arrived.

Matt introduced Ruth.

Isaac held his hand out to her. “It is nice to meet you.”

Ruth's cheeks pinked. “Your sister helped me in my time of need. I recently recovered from a fever and exhaustion. She did an excellent job taking over the shop for me. In such a short time, we have become close friends.”

Covering Kate's hand with his for a moment, Isaac said, “She is a strong woman and a diligent worker. I am proud of her.”

Becca leaned into Matt. “I have a positive feeling about these two.”

He put his lips to her ear. “Yes, they do appear to like each other.”

Lizzie shifted her overweight hip to the side, penciled their orders, and left to wait on another table.

Matt and Becca listened while Isaac talked about the farm he'd purchased and his love for carpentry. Ruth's eyes danced with excitement. She laughed at his stories and answered his questions.

Becca was encouraged by Ruth's obvious comfort with Isaac. It was the way she hung on his every word. They were off to a great start. If things progressed between Isaac and her sister, he and Kate could possibly end up family one day. She liked the idea. Maybe she and Matt should give them some time alone. She pushed her plate aside. “Would you excuse us? Matt and I are going to take a walk. Take your time and chat.”

“I am ready to call it a night, too.” Kate yawned and stood. “It has been a long day. Thanks for paying for supper, Matt.” She waved to Ruth and Isaac. “Have a nice evening, you two.”

Matt and Becca walked Kate to the livery to get her horse. Later, on their way to Ruth's, Becca linked her fingers through Matt's. “Ruth and Isaac didn't have any problem finding things to discuss. I'm interested to see what the future holds for them.”

“I believe he is interested in her. He could not keep his eyes off her, listened to her, and seemed at ease. Ruth talked more than usual. It would be nice if they courted. They do not have anything standing in their way.”

The evening stagecoach stopped a few feet away from them. A striking woman with shiny auburn hair in ringlets and an elegant dress stepped out.

He gasped in obvious surprise. “I know her.” He pointed at the woman. “Her name is Laura Morrison.”

Becca stared at the striking woman with an angelic face and a perfect frame walking toward them.

Laura outstretched her arms as she raced forward. “It is wonderful to see you.”

He wrapped his arms around Laura and twirled her around before letting her go. “What are you doing here? It is nice to see you, too. It has been years since we last laid eyes on each other.”

“I attended the dinner at your parents' home honoring President McKinley. I was disappointed you were not there. Your mother suggested I come and surprise you. You are as handsome as I remember.” She brushed a thread from his shoulder. “I hear you are a fine doctor.”

Oh no
. Mrs. Carrington suggested she visit Matt. How convenient. His mamm was quick to devise yet another plan of attack on them. She had barely had time to recover from her ordeal with Miss Bloomingdale. The familiarity between Matt and Laura was more than a little unsettling. His face showed his happiness to see her. Jealousy reared its ugly head at their display of affection. She wanted Laura to step back in the stagecoach, go home, and forget about Matt.

He dropped his arms from Laura's waist and grasped Becca's hand. “You are too kind. This is Becca Yost. She works with me in my office, and we are courting. Becca, this is Laura Morrison. We were childhood friends. I have not seen her since I left for medical school.”

“Hello.”

The beautiful woman didn't move her eyes off Matt. “It is nice to meet you, Becca. Matt, we have to get together and catch up. Right now, I have got to get some rest. Traveling here has worn me out.”

Becca sighed. Would their talk rekindle feelings he might have had for her in the past?

“Are you staying at the Massillon Inn?”

Laura batted her lashes. “No, I am staying at the Rose Inn. I will visit you at your office tomorrow and set up a time to meet.” She blew him a kiss and left.

“I am glad Laura came to visit. It will be good to catch up on what has been going on in our lives since we last met. Her father and mine were colleagues. They had practices in Columbus until her father moved his to Washington, DC. Mrs. Morrison was not fond of my mother. She tolerated Mother because their husbands were close. You will like Laura. She can be quite amusing.”