by Molly Jebber
“You will be sorry you did not take me up on my offer. Our family’s reputation means everything to me, and I will find other ways to steer Matt away from you until I succeed.” She rose and left enough money on the table to cover the bill and tip. Without a word, she flounced out the door and to the stagecoach.
Becca raised a hand to her throat. Mrs. Carrington meant what she threatened. It was apparent in her tone. The breakfast was a disaster. Not at all the truce she hoped for.
The restaurant had emptied, much to her relief. As she left and walked to the office, she thought about what she would tell Matt. She must tell him the truth. Mrs. Carrington told her she would continue to meddle in their lives until he no longer courted her. This would most likely not be the last time they would have to discuss his mamm. She stepped inside and dropped her reticule in the drawer.
Matt and Dorothy were eating oatcakes. He pulled a chair close and motioned for her. “Dorothy would not tell me where you went. What is all the mystery?”
She treasured her wise and loving friend. Dorothy must’ve had doubts she would want Matt to know about her breakfast with his mamm. Her friend had made it known to her she didn’t trust or like Mrs. Carrington. Dorothy had left it their secret. Her friend’s actions had always shown she had Becca’s best interest at heart.
She kissed Dorothy’s cheek and turned to Matt. “Your mamm stopped by minutes after you left and asked me to breakfast.”
Matt raised his eyebrows. “How did it go?”
Dorothy winked at Becca. “I am going to visit Ruth. I need buttons for a dress I am making. It will give you time to talk in private.”
Becca waited until Dorothy shut the door. She recounted the story of her time spent with his mamm.
Matt’s face flushed with anger. “I have had enough of her insults, and to offer you money to stay away from me is inexcusable. I will make it clear to her she is no longer welcome here or in my home until she agrees to be civil to you.”
She stared at her hands. “I don’t want to come between you and your parents.”
“I am going to meet with my father and ask him to reason with her. He is not as judgmental as she is.”
“Your daed doesn’t approve of me either. His eagerness to get away from me at the party made it apparent. I doubt he’ll side with you. She does have a point. I have no idea how to impress people, let alone talk about fashion and politics.”
“Those things do not matter to me. You do.” He cupped her face in his hands. “You suit me perfectly. I will talk to my father. He and I have always been able to discuss things with an open mind.”
She opened her mouth to protest but closed it. She had to at least let him try to reason with his parents.
A week later, Matt rode his horse to his parents’ home. He prayed for the right words to use when approaching his father about Becca. She was too important to him to let his mother destroy their happiness. He hoped his father would understand and want to support and help him.
Ah, the pond off to the side with horses grazing in the field made a beautiful picture. He had made good memories here as a child. He rode horses, swam, and fished. As always, the thick green grass and colorful flowers were well cared for by the gardner. He stepped to the front door.
A new butler opened the door. “May I help you, sir?”
Another new butler? He sighed. His mother’s demands for perfection were impossible to achieve. He couldn’t blame the house staff for not wanting to put up with her. She had few butlers or housemaids who could please her. “I am Matt Carrington. Are my parents here?”
His father met him in the entryway. “It is nice to see you, son. Come in. Your mother is at the neighbor’s house planning another party.”
He sighed with relief. His timing could not have been better. Mother would have complicated things had she been present. “Good. I would like to talk to you alone before she returns.”
Frowning, Dr. Horace Carrington gestured Matt to go to the dining room. “I asked the cook to prepare dinner. Your mother told me to go ahead and eat when I got hungry. We can discuss whatever you like while we dine. Smells like chicken and dumplings. Is it still your favorite?”
Matt followed him to the dining room. “Yes, and I have been craving it.” The table was massive for two people. Matt chose a chair close to his father.
Dr. Horace Carrington sat at the head of the table. The quiet cook arranged a large white and pink flowered bowl of steamy hot chicken and dumplings in front of the two men. She dipped servings onto their plates and left.
“What is on your mind?”
“Did Mother tell you anything about her visit to my office the other day? Are you aware she offered Becca Yost money to stay away from me?”
“Yes, she told me about her visit and no, I did not know about the money nor do I agree with her using it to bribe Miss Yost. She does tend to go too far, but her intention is to protect you. Your mother and I want you to choose a suitable wife, and we do not believe a simple Amish woman is a good choice.” He mashed a dumpling before taking a bite.
Matt stared at his food. His father’s words were unexpected and direct. “A wife who treats others with kindness and is more interested in caring for me than impressing politicians or anyone else is my choice.”
Horace moved his fork back and forth without taking a bite. “She wants you to choose the right woman for a wife. Whether you like it or not, you belong to a social circle where a woman like Miss Yost does not fit in. Her level of education and sheltered life are two reasons.”
“Your prejudice blinds you from seeing Becca for who she is. If you would have a conversation with her, you would learn she is an interesting woman. I am embarrassed by your and Mother’s behavior toward her.”
“I do not understand your attraction to this Amish woman. You have nothing in common.”
All hope he had of convincing his father to talk to his mother on his behalf dwindled. Maybe he could reason with him. “We have a lot in common. We both enjoy medicine, horses, picnics, and worship, to name a few. Regardless, I am courting Becca Yost, and I do not need your permission.”
Horace hissed and lifted the bread basket. “You cannot sway me on this one. I still disapprove of her. What is wrong with Beatrice Bloomingdale?”
Matt stared at his father. “Miss Bloomingdale is Mother.”
“Why do you find this to be a problem? Your mother is attractive, clever, and a wonderful wife. In addition, she is a perfect hostess and planner. She fosters influential relationships. You need a wife who can offer you these same things. You should consider Miss Bloomingdale.”
Matt scooted his chair. “Miss Bloomingdale is out of the question, whether I was courting Becca or not. You and I have always been able to talk freely. I thought for certain Mother poisoned you on this matter, but I believe you are as narrow-minded as she is.”
“You need to listen to us. We have your best interest at heart. The right wife can make or break you in life.”
“If you want to maintain a relationship with me, you will need to accept Miss Yost and treat her with respect.”
“You are being foolish.”
“No, I am not, and until you and Mother can accept Becca, neither of you are welcome to visit my office or my home.”
Early the next morning, Matt stared at the pages of a medical book while seated in his favorite chair at home. He pondered his conversation with his father about Becca. He had always been able to communicate with him more than with his mother. His father had made it clear he would not budge on his opinion of Becca. Was this the end of his relationship with his parents?
His heart sank. He would miss talks about life and medicine with his father. And in spite of his mother’s direct and strong opinions, he knew she loved him. He disliked having to ask them not to visit him, but he would not change his mind.
He retrieved his doctor’s bag and headed to his practice. How would Becca take the news about his father’s rejection of her? He did
not want his parents’ objections to their courtship to come between them.
Matt left his horse and buggy with the liveryman and walked to his office. Inside, Dorothy and Becca were giggling. He put his bag on the floor and approached Dorothy’s desk, tore off a piece of Becca’s apple bread, and popped it in his mouth.
Dorothy handed him a cloth napkin and a large piece of the bread. “Do not steal hers. Get yourself a slice. We are laughing because Becca is not used to our corsets. Not something we can discuss with you.”
Matt chuckled and snatched the bigger piece of bread. “I do not know anything about corsets, nor do I want to.”
Becca followed him into the treatment room and straightened the sheet on the exam table. Matt turned her to face him and circled his arms around her. To spoil her good mood with his bad news saddened him. “I visited my father yesterday.”
“Do you have good news?”
“No, I am afraid not. He and Mother are convinced I should choose a daughter of one of their friends to court. I told him I do not agree. Please understand my father disapproved of my mother offering you money to stay away from me. Nonetheless, I told him they are not welcome here or in my home until they accept you in my life.”
She held on to him. “You’ve always been close to your daed. It bothers me to be the reason you’ll no longer communicate with your parents.”
“Put them out of your mind. They are the ones being simpleminded. I am hoping my father will mull over our conversation and reconsider accepting you. If he does, then maybe he will talk some sense into my mother.”
Ruth burst through the exam room door. Her face was pale.
Startled, Becca rushed to her. “What’s wrong?”
Her voice shaky, she grasped Becca’s arms. “I found Margaret on the floor in the supply room, and she will not respond or wake up. I left Benjamin with her.”
Matt grabbed his bag. Becca pulled Ruth with her as she ran to the mending shop.
Benjamin sat cross-legged beside Margaret with tears streaming down his cheeks. “Please help her.”
Matt knelt and listened to the woman’s heart with Becca by his side. He placed two fingers on her neck and checked for a pulse. He found none. He breathed air into her mouth and did chest compressions. Again, he checked for a pulse. Her lips were blue and her skin pasty white. She was unresponsive with no pulse. He repeated the actions several times then stopped. It was no use. Margaret had died. He covered Benjamin’s hand with his. “Little one, there is nothing more I can do for Margaret. She is gone.”
Ruth reached for Benjamin. He jerked away and placed his head on Margaret’s chest with his arms stretched over her body. His little body shook with each heartbreaking sob. Becca pleaded with him to come to her. “Benjamin, please.” She pulled him close.
Matt rubbed the child’s back. “I am sorry, Benjamin. I know how much you loved her.” He draped a quilt over Margaret’s body and then wrapped his arms around Becca, Ruth, and Benjamin. He stepped back and cleared his throat. “Becca, you and Ruth take Benjamin home. I will alert the sheriff, reverend, and undertaker about Margaret’s death.”
Benjamin hugged Matt, wiped his tears, and clasped one hand in Becca’s and the other in Ruth’s. The three of them walked home.
Matt waved good-bye to them. He spotted the sheriff across the street and approached him. He explained what happened. He remained patient as the sheriff directed two deputies to take Margaret’s body to the funeral parlor. He chatted with the sheriff a few more minutes then went to the chapel and informed the reverend about the woman’s death. They set a time for the funeral then he informed the undertaker of the details. “I will pay for the funeral. Margaret did not have any relatives.”
The undertaker stepped out from behind his desk. “You are a kind man. I was friends with Margaret, and the couple who lived next door to her bought her place some time ago. They treated her like family. They allowed her to stay on and pay them a small sum each month. I will ride out there and tell them the unfortunate news. They will clear out her belongings.”
Matt patted the undertaker on the back. “I appreciate your help and theirs. I do not want Ruth and Becca to have to pack and donate her things.”
The undertaker shook his head. “Benjamin has suffered a lot of pain for such a small child. He sure did bring a lot of joy into Margaret’s life. She loved the child as if he was her grandson.”
“He has brought such joy to all our lives. Margaret was like a grandmother to him. He is taking her death hard, but over time, he will adjust. We’ll take good care of him. Thank you for your help.” Matt bid him farewell and closed the door behind him.
Benjamin had endured way too much pain and sorrow at such a young age. He would spend time with him, listen to him, and do what he could to make life better for the child. He’d ride horses and fish with him. Benjamin’s happiness and feeling of security were important to him. He wanted him to feel loved and protected.
Chapter Ten
Two days later, Becca held Benjamin’s trembling hand. She listened to the reverend’s words about God’s love and Margaret’s kindness toward others. She observed the sky. Gray clouds moved across it and covered the sun. The wind blew her dress against her legs and threatened to remove her hat. She gazed at the bundle of white roses tied with a pink ribbon on top of Margaret’s coffin. They were the woman’s favorite flowers. Matt stood close on her other side. Ruth stood quietly on the other side of Benjamin. Margaret’s friends huddled together holding handkerchiefs.
Benjamin’s little sobs escaped as he leaned against Becca. He tightened his grasp on her hand. She wished she could erase his pain. Margaret had played such an important part in his life. The lovely woman had taught him how to play games, baked his favorite treats often, invited him to stay overnight at her house at least once a week, and read him his favorite books. She had loved him unconditionally.
Marked gravestones in uneven rows caught her attention. The dash between the dates of Margaret’s birth and death would represent her life on a tombstone. It would hold all her years of innocence, youth, and adulthood. The older woman had been like a mamm to her and Ruth. She was wise, dependable, and loving. Her laughter would no longer ring in their ears. Her hugs and words of wisdom were gone. Memories were all they had left.
The service ended and everyone turned to leave the gravesite. Ruth stopped to talk to some of Margaret’s friends. Benjamin tugged on Becca’s hand. “Wait.” His shoulders slumped and tears trailed down his cheeks. He dragged his bony legs to Margaret’s coffin. He paused and pulled out a note from his shirt pocket.
He tucked the folded paper under the flowers on top of Margaret’s coffin. “You’ll probably miss me, so here’s a picture of you and me for your pocket quilt in Heaven to take with you. I’ll ask God to give you a real pretty quilt.” He wiped his nose with his shirttail. “I miss you already.” He cried, covered his face, and fell to his knees.
Becca rested her hand on her heart and prayed, “Dear Heavenly Father, please spare Benjamin a long mourning period. Please give him peace and wrap your loving arms around him. I praise you and thank you. These things I ask and pray in your name, Amen.”
Ruth joined them and put her hand on the child’s back. Red splotches dotted her cheeks. She wiped her watery eyes. “I listened to what he said to Margaret, and I watched him hide the picture he drew for her. What a sad and sweet picture to witness.”
Becca circled her arm around her sister’s waist. “Benjamin wanted to share our tradition with Margaret, like she did with him. He’s compassionate and loving like Margaret.”
Benjamin leaned into Ruth, and she kissed the top of his head.
Matt bid farewell to Margaret’s friends and joined Becca, Ruth, and Benjamin. He scooped Benjamin into his arms. “You and Margaret shared a special friendship. It is tough to lose someone you love. It is hard to understand, but the sadness you feel for Margaret’s loss today will get better over time. Then you will be able to remembe
r your happy times with her without tears.”
“I can’t stop crying.”
Matt held him tight. “You will in time, little buddy. In the meantime, you can cry on my shoulder for as long as you need.”
Benjamin nestled his face in Matt’s shoulder as he carried him to the buggy.
Matt passed him to Ruth. He then faced Becca. “Are you having guests?”
She shook her head. “We didn’t invite anyone over after the funeral because we wanted to concentrate on Benjamin. Several of our friends delivered food last night. We’re going to warm potato soup for dinner. Would you like to join us?”
“Yes. After I drop you off, I need to stop by the office and pick up paperwork I would like to review at home later.”
“We’ll have everything ready by the time you get back.”
Benjamin lay asleep in her sister’s arms. She combed his hair with her fingers. “He’s worn out.”
Ruth caressed his cheek. “Maybe I can cheer him up with a few games of tic-tac-toe after dinner.”
“He loves playing games with you. What a great idea.”
Matt stopped in front of Ruth’s house and secured his horse. He then carried Benjamin inside and lowered him onto the bed.
Becca removed his shoes and socks. She kissed his cheek. She closed the curtains and covered him with a quilt. They tiptoed out and closed the door.
Matt kissed her forehead. “I will be back soon.”
In the kitchen, Ruth stood stirring the soup over the fire. Becca removed bowls from the cupboard and placed all but one on the table. “I talked Matt into having dinner with us. He went to his office to pick up some paperwork and will return soon.”