by Molly Jebber
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.
Ruth straightened the back. “You look beautiful. Matt’s parents will approve, and he will be breathless at the sight of you. This afternoon, hold your head up with confidence. Stay by Matt’s side and do not let him out of your sight. Then his mother will have to behave, or she will get an earful from Matt.” Ruth held her chest and grabbed the dresser to keep from falling.
Becca wrapped her arms around her sister and eased her onto the bed. “What’s wrong? Are you sick?”
“No. I do not know what came over me.” Ruth steadied herself.
She touched her sister’s cheek. “You’re warm and flushed. When Matt arrives, I’ll ask him to examine you. I’m going to stay home. You shouldn’t be alone.”
“You will do no such thing. I will be fine. Please do not concern Matt with my little bout of dizziness. Promise me. You are fretting over me for nothing.”
“Has this happened before?”
“No, and you are making too much of this. What woman has not experienced a little dizziness now and then?”
Becca studied Ruth from head to toe. “Have you lost weight?”
Ruth shoved her hand aside. “Maybe a little, but with Margaret gone, I have been working harder at the shop.”
She made a mental note to keep a closer eye on her sister. “Take it easy while I’m gone. Take advantage of the fact Benjamin is visiting with our wonderful neighbor, Hattie. The woman loves that child. She has helped us a bunch offering to watch him now and then. Read the newspaper and relax.”
Matt arrived to escort her to his parents’ home. He twirled her around. “You look exquisite.”
She curtsied and laughed. “Why thank you, kind sir.” His black top hat and suit fit his frame nicely. Determined to make an effort with his parents, she looped her arm through his.
They waved good-bye to Ruth and stepped outside to his buggy. On the way to his parents’ house, they chatted about patients and work.
Matt handed the reins to the stableman and walked Becca to the front door of the white two-story house.
A butler greeted and ushered them to the parlor where he offered tea. She enjoyed the piano music. Chatter among guests came from the living room. She touched the staircase rail. How many rooms were on the second floor? Mrs. Carrington gave her a cold stare. Did she misread Mrs. Carrington’s face? If not, this was going to be a long night.
Mrs. Carrington approached them. “I am glad you are here. Come in and meet our guests.” She appeared to be sincere.
Becca hooked her arm through Matt’s and followed his mamm. Mrs. Carrington introduced them to her new friends, Mr. and Mrs. Zimmerman. The elderly couple engaged them in friendly conversation. She enjoyed talking to them and relaxed.
Mrs. Zimmerman touched Becca’s collar. “Your dress is beautiful. Who designed it for you?”
Comfortable in the dress Ruth made for her, she stood straight. “My sister, Ruth Smith. She owns a mending shop in town. She designs and sews dresses for several of her regular patrons. I’m sure she would be glad to do the same for you. Stop by her shop and meet with her.”
Mrs. Zimmerman’s eyes sparkled. “I will visit her shop sometime this week.”
Matt pulled her aside and guided her into another room full of people.
The gentlemen were handsome and confident and sported formal long-tailed jackets. Animated conversation buzzed throughout the room. Matt introduced her to his friends, but she had a hard time remembering all their names. Several ladies engaged her in polite conversation about the weather, complimented her dress, and inquired about how she liked working as Matt’s nurse.
Matt conversed with the men but stood close to her.
Becca caught Mrs. Carrington’s eye on several occasions, and when she did, Matt’s mamm’s eyes darted away first each time.
The butler rang a bell and jerked her out of her thoughts about Mrs. Carrington. “Dinner will be served in the dining room. Please make your way to the table and take your assigned seat. You will find your name on a card in the center of your plate.”
Matt held Becca’s elbow and guided her to the table. He leaned close to her ear. “I heard several ladies commenting on how much they liked your dress. Ruth did a marvelous job on it, and you look splendid.”