The Lady Who Lived Again (25 page)

She thought of Grandfather, and how she’d failed to cure him. It was most unfair that the one worthwhile result of her accident was so unpredictable. Despite her best efforts, some of her “patients” would live and some would die. And some would be forced to live their lives hiding behind a curtain of curls and self-consciousness.

Maddie sprang to her feet at the knock on the door. With a deep breath, she crossed the room, then pulled back the handle. Jace stood in the hall. “She’s fine,” he said at once.

Maddie exhaled in relief.

“I gave her a salve to counteract the allergy. The welts are already beginning to subside.”

Tears pooled in Maddie’s eyes. At least she’d caused Dolly no permanent damage. Not physically, anyway.

“She’s not angry at you, Maddie. She made me promise to tell you so. After her face swelled up, Gertrude forced the story out of her.”

Maddie lowered her eyes, wiping her tears.

Jace lifted her chin to face him. “She’s fine.” He nodded firmly, then released her. “We’re late. I’ll go dress for luncheon, then meet you downstairs.”

She nodded.

“Dolly promised to save me a dance tonight. I hope you don’t mind,” he added as he turned to leave.

Maddie couldn’t help smiling. He’d already managed to charm Dolly with his handsome face. This additional kindness had likely swept her off her feet. Understandable. Jace had a soft spot for outcasts. An unexpected accord with people like her and Dolly. Maddie appreciated this wonderful quality in him. No matter how horrid things got, or how low she sank, he always managed to lift her back up.

“Jace,” she called.

He stopped and turned to face her.

“Thank you.”

He winked. “I’ll see you downstairs.”

Maddie hastened to freshen up, feeling better than she’d thought possible. She donned her new crimson dress and matching hat and gazed into the mirror. To her surprise, she saw her old self staring back. A fresh and lovely young woman with the world at her feet.

Blinking, she returned from the past and made her way downstairs to the lobby where Jace waited. He looked so handsome. And so self-assured. Admiring his confidence, she straightened her shoulders, determined to follow his example. She had as much right to be here as the others. Amelia had insisted, despite the debacle with Dolly.

They took luncheon on the lakeside patio. The sun shined on the sparkling water, but the patio remained comfortably cool beneath the shade of the colorful awning. Smells of freshly cut grass blended with the aroma of grilling meat from the large cooking pit on the surrounding lawn. Everyone ate and drank champagne, greeting late arrivals, who continued to stream out to the patio from the wide glass doors.

Maddie and Jace sat at a table on the outer corner. People whispered and stared, more so than usual. Maddie felt every prick of their pin-sharp glares. Word of the incident with Dolly obviously had spread through the assembly. Gertrude’s smug smile confirmed this. As always, Pastor Hogle kept his back to Maddie, going out of his way not to face her directly. On this particular occasion, she was grateful for his rebuff. She was also relieved that Matthew Webster was conspicuously absent.

Looking around at the unwelcoming faces, Maddie decided she could no longer fool herself that she had any chance of re-entering the closed society of Misty Lake. Very few of her fellow celebrants were happy to see her here, and she secretly longed for the safety of home.

Only one more day. And then she would formulate a new plan for her life. One with realistic expectations of success.

She lifted her chin and focused on getting through it. Guests would enjoy the afternoon at the shore before retiring to their rooms where they’d dress for the rehearsal dinner and dance in the ballroom later that evening. A breakfast reception would follow the marriage ceremony tomorrow, after which Amelia and Lester would embark on their wedding tour to Niagara Falls. Then, thank goodness, it all would be over.

A flush of shame at her selfishness warmed her cheeks as she glanced to Amelia. After a moment, Maddie began to smile in earnest as she watched her friend flit from table to table, mingling with her guests. Amelia fairly glowed with happiness. She was a natural conversationalist, poised and well-liked, a vision of everything a man could want in a wife.

Everything Madeline Sutter once was.

Sighing, Maddie shook off the last of her envy and turned to Jace. “Three months ago I never would have imagined I’d be here.”

“It’s a big step,” he said tenderly. “I’m proud of you, Maddie.”

The sincerity in his words enveloped her like an embrace. Just knowing he understood was all the consolation she needed. She gazed into his warm eyes, fighting the urge to wrap her arms around his neck and kiss him fiercely. As if sensing her desire, he reached for her hand and cradled it in his.

She gave his fingers a squeeze. “Thank you, again, Jace. For doing this.”

He tilted his head, lips quirking. “A deal is a deal. And you are a ruthless negotiator, my dear.” He leaned forward. “Added to that, your case has taught me quite a lot. I know I can use that knowledge to help others who suffer with trauma.”

While she supposed she should be pleased she had helped, something in his solemn expression made her feel quite the opposite. “Others like Kathy Fitzsimmons?” she asked.

Jace averted his eyes. “Yes.”

A shadow of disappointment crossed her heart. She could stand being permanently ostracized by her neighbors as long as she knew Jace wanted her primarily for herself, rather than for the educational value of her story. She wanted his promise that she meant more to him. Not forever, for she knew that was a silly girlish fantasy. But for tonight at least. “I’ve learned much from you as well.” Caressing his hand, she circled her fingertips inside his palm. “Knowledge I hope to use on you later.”

His eyes widened, and she could swear he was blushing. “I will consider it, but you must promise to be gentle,” he whispered, grinning. “If I need medical attention after you demonstrate your skills, there’ll be no one to attend to me but me.”

Before Maddie could make a saucy reply, Caroline approached, dragging David behind her. “We’re going out for a boat ride,” she said. “Care to join us?”

Jace glanced to Maddie. “I think we’ll stay here and enjoy our champagne.”

Several other guests headed down to the lake, where a line of rowboats awaited. Pastor Hogle and his family paraded by their table on their way to the shore. Maddie stiffened beneath their disapproving eyes as they ushered Dolly past. Up until now Pastor Hogle had avoided looking at her, but suddenly he was making a point of letting her know her presence would not be ignored.

“Fools,” Jace uttered.

Maddie smiled in spite of herself. “Indeed. Did you know that Pastor Hogle has arranged a marriage between Dolly and that protégé of his, Matthew Webster?” she asked. “Dolly told me about it yesterday.”

Jace’s brows shot up in surprise.

“Yes, she’s very young, isn’t she? And she’s not at all pleased by the arrangement. In fact, she’s quite angry with her uncle for making this match.”

She considered telling Jace about Dolly’s warning, that the girl feared her fiancé posed a threat to Maddie. But it all seemed a little melodramatic now that Maddie thought back on it. Dolly was at an age when emotions seemed more intense than they were in reality. In all likelihood, she had unintentionally exaggerated the man’s dislike. Maddie bit her lip as she pondered what to do. Her thoughts were soon interrupted by a shout from the doorway.

“Doctor Merrick!”

Carl Belden waved from across the room. A small crowd gathered around the balding man as his waves to Jace grew more urgent.

Something was wrong.

“Excuse me for a moment,” Jace said before he hurried to the man. Mr. Belden’s arms flailed in his distress as he spoke. Jace listened intently. Nodding, he patted the man on the shoulder, then returned to the table.

“I’ll be back shortly,” he said. “Mr. Belden’s horse has been injured, and he wants me to have a look.”

“Of course.”

Jace made his way toward the men, then disappeared inside the hotel. From their somber faces it appeared the situation was serious. She uttered a prayer that Jace would deem the injury minor and all would be well. The last thing anyone wanted to hear at a wedding was the shot of a gun, putting a sick animal out of its misery.

As much as Maddie wished to help alleviate the horse’s pain, she resisted the urge to follow. She’d had good luck healing animals, true. But after what had transpired with Dolly, she didn’t dare make a move to assist.

“Are you enjoying yourself, Miss Sutter?”

Philip had appeared from out of nowhere. Looking dapper in his fine blue suit and his slicked-back hair, he smiled before taking a seat beside her.

“I am,” she said, returning his smile. “It’s lovely here by the water.”

“My cousin certainly seems to be enjoying herself.”

Amelia swooped happily over the blue-stone patio, the sound of her laughter wafting around. She glowed in the warm attention. Watching her fluttering about reminded Maddie of the days when she and the Fair Five had dreamed of their weddings. They’d spent hours imagining and planning their futures. She shook away the memory as best she could. It would not do to succumb to grief today.

“You’ll save me a dance later, won’t you?” Philip asked. “I promise my dancing has improved since the last time we waltzed.”

Maddie laughed, remembering how clumsy Philip had been as a boy. Tall and lanky, he’d been a miserable partner who’d often stomped on her toes. Looking at him now, it seemed hard to imagine this man was that same awkward boy. “I’d be happy to dance with you,” she replied honestly.

Philip leaned back in this chair and stared off at the water. “I’ll miss the beauty of the country.” He turned back to her, looking grave. “I’ll miss it more than I’d thought possible.”

Maddie sensed he referred to more than the sparkling vista. She shifted beneath his heart-wrenching gaze, wishing Jace would hurry back. “When do you return to Boston?”

“Tomorrow afternoon.” He puffed his chest. “I’ve just purchased a house in the city and have much to do before I move in.”

“That’s wonderful, Philip,” she said. “Amelia tells me that you’re doing very well at the bank.”

Philip’s smile dimmed. “Forgive me, Maddie, but I must tell you—seeing you again has been the highlight of my visit to Misty Lake.”

Maddie lowered her gaze to her glass of champagne.

“I don’t mean to make you uneasy,” he said. “I just couldn’t leave town without saying it. And I hope you and Doctor Merrick will be very happy.”

Maddie met his eyes. His lost expression tugged at her heart. “Thank you, Philip.”

“You deserve some happiness after what you’ve been through. No matter what the fools in this town say about it. Please remember that.”

“I will,” she assured him, her hand trembling slightly as she reached for her champagne.

Maddie glanced over his shoulder to see Jace heading toward them. She sat straighter as he arrived at the table.

“Doctor Merrick.”

Jace gave Philip a nod.

“Is everything all right?” Maddie asked.

“The horse has a sprain.”

“Oh, no,” she said.

“Bad news, for sure.” Philip tsked as he stood.

“Yes,” Jace replied somberly. “We’ll see what transpires with the swelling, but more than likely the animal will have to be put down.”

Maddie swallowed.

“Well, if you’ll excuse me,” Philip said. He left the table, and Jace took his seat.

“Why was I not surprised to see Philip sitting in my place?”

Maddie couldn’t help enjoying Jace’s jealousy. “For your information, he wanted to wish us luck. With our impending marriage,” she added, though she wasn’t sure why.

Jace frowned, turning to watch Philip striding across the patio. Jace turned back to Maddie. “Did I miss anything else?”

She shook her head. “No one has bothered with me, if that’s what you mean.”

“Good,” he said, pretending he was pleased that they’d been snubbed by the other guests. “More time for us.”

She smiled, her spirits lifting. When he looked at her as he did now, the whole world fizzled away. Wrapped in the warmth of his eyes, she was safe, shielded from the hostility all around her.

Amelia announced that dinner would be served promptly at seven o’clock. The orchestra would perform in the grand ballroom, which opened to the veranda for dancing beneath the stars. It all sounded so wonderful and romantic.

“How about a walk along the shore before we dress for the evening?” he asked.

Maddie glanced around. Guests had begun dispersing, some heading toward the lake, others heading into the hotel. Pastor Hogle and his family were crowded in a boat on the water. “I’d like that,” she said. Jace pulled out her chair, and she took his strong arm.

They strolled along the water’s edge, a soft breeze on their backs. “It’s pretty here,” she said, breaking the silence.

“It is.”

“Do you miss the city?”

“I don’t miss the emergency ward,” he said flatly. “Here, I’m discovering my work on a more personal level.”

“So, you’re pleased that you decided to practice here?”

“I feel that I’m making a difference in people’s lives.”

“That’s important to you.”

“More than I care to admit.”

The simple statement revealed much about what made Jace Merrick tick. His need to matter. His father had spent his life healing the sick only to be remembered for the lurid circumstances of his death.

“It feels good to help others,” she murmured, longing to say more. The urge to confess her secret to Jace was growing as strong as her need to withhold it.

“That feeling was lost to me during my work in the city. Here I’m able to learn each patient’s case and history and follow up appropriately. I’m even beginning to see that making the right diagnosis is only the beginning of my task. I have to earn my patient’s trust with compassion—and I must listen to what they
aren’t
telling me if I want to provide the best care.”

Maddie blinked in surprise, and he laughed.