She leaned down and placed a kiss on his cheek. “Good night, Papa. I love you.”
Smiling, he bid her good night with the admonition she think hard on his words. She smiled and nodded her assent as she left the room and pulled the door closed behind her.
“How is he?” Sam asked.
Delphinia jumped at the sound of his voice. “You startled me. I thought you’d gone to bed,” she said, turning to find him sitting on the stairway outside her father’s bedroom. “He’s doing pretty well. He got a bit excited and talked too much, which caused his cough to start up. I just gave him his medicine, and hopefully, he’ll get a good night’s rest,” she answered.
“I want to apologize for my behavior this evening. I didn’t mean to offend you. I care for you very much, and it’s been difficult for me not to kiss you before now,” he stated.
“Perhaps this is something we should talk about another time. I’m really very tired,” she answered and moved toward her bedroom.
“Whenever you’re ready, my love,” he said, going up the stairway.
Quickly, she made her way down the hallway to her bedroom but could not deny the small flutter she felt when he used the term of endearment.
She lay in bed thinking of the things both her pa and Sam had said. I do want children of my own, and I wonder if I’ll grow weary of raising my Kansas family and never really have time for my own, she thought.
Tossing restlessly, she questioned the excitement she felt when Dr. Finley had called her by a term of endearment.
“Can I be in love with Jonathan and still feel something for another man?” she whispered to herself.
That night her prayers were fervent for God’s direction.
Chapter 16
Delphinia awakened to a day that had dawned bright and sunny with a crispness to the air, giving notice that summer was over. Just as she finished making her bed, she heard the back door slam and Mrs. O’Mallie enter the kitchen.
“I’ll be right there to help you, Mrs. O’Mallie,” she called out.
“Take your time. I’m in no hurry,” the older woman answered.
“Here, let me take that tray,” she offered, reaching toward the huge silver platter and placing it on the kitchen table.
“It’s a beauty of a day out there, and I’ve been thankin’ the Lord for that. Don’t want anything to spoil our meeting tonight,” she said.
“You have special plans for today?” Delphinia inquired hospitably.
“Why, sure. It’s the autumn revival. Thought maybe Doc Finley might have mentioned it. All the churches get together and have one big revival each fall. It’s going to be wonderful. There’s a service every night this week, so if your pa is doing all right, I hope you’ll come,” she invited.
“I’d love to, but I’ll have to see how he’s feeling later this afternoon. Thank you for telling me about it,” Delphinia answered.
“Well, guess I better be getting back home. You give thought to coming tonight,” Mrs. O’Mallie said, leaving by the back door.
“Looks like Mrs. O’Mallie’s already been here and gone,” Sam said as he entered the kitchen.
“She just left. I’ll take Pa’s tray to him. You go ahead and eat,” she responded.
“I’ll wait for you,” he answered as she left the room.
“There’s no need to do that,” she answered, walking out of the kitchen before he could respond.
“Good morning, Pa. How are you feeling today?” she inquired, thinking he looked thinner each day.
“Not too bad, but I’m not hungry. You go eat. I’ll try to eat later,” he responded. But seeing the look of determination on his daughter’s face, he shook his head and said, “I’m not going to eat now, so you needn’t argue with me. Go!”
“All right, all right,” she answered with a smile. “I’m going.”
“He’s not hungry,” she announced, walking into the kitchen and sitting down opposite Sam at the wooden table.
“Don’t look so downcast. That doesn’t necessarily mean anything bad. We all have times when we’re not hungry. Looks to me like you’d better quit worrying about your pa’s eating and take a nap this afternoon. Those dark circles under your eyes tell me you didn’t get much sleep last night.”
“You’re right; I didn’t. I’ll think about the nap if you’ll tell me about the revival,” she said.
“Revival? How’d you hear about that?” he questioned.
“Mrs. O’Mallie told me. I’d love to go if Pa is all right. Do you think that would be possible?” she asked.
He smiled as he watched her face become animated and bright, like a child seeing a jar of peppermint sticks.
“There’s really nothing to tell. Several years ago the churches here in Denver City decided to have one big revival each autumn. They all get together and select a preacher to come, and they hold services outdoors every night. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, they go over to the Methodist Church since it’s the biggest. I don’t see any reason why you couldn’t go, but not unescorted since it’s held during the evening,” he responded.
“Perhaps I could go with Mrs. O’Mallie,” she suggested.
“If your pa’s doing all right, I’ll escort you,” he said, “at least this one evening, but you must promise to rest this afternoon.”
“I will,” she answered delightedly. “Our breakfast is probably cold. Do you want to give thanks?” she asked.
“You go ahead and do it for us,” he answered.
“Mrs. O’Mallie certainly knows how to start off the day with a hearty breakfast,” he said, having devoured all that was on his plate and wiping his hands with the large cloth napkin. “I’d better get busy on my house calls. Don’t forget your pa’s medicine this morning, and I expect you to be taking a nap when I return,” he admonished.
“Oh, I will be,” she answered, excited by the prospect of the evening.
“Guess what, Papa,” she exclaimed, almost skipping into his room.
“I don’t know what to guess except that something has made you happy,” he ventured.
“There’s a revival beginning tonight, and Sam said that if you’re doing all right this evening and if I take a nap this afternoon, he’ll escort me. Isn’t that wonderful?”
“Well, it certainly is wonderful, and I’ll be doing just fine. You just be sure and get that nap and find yourself something to wear,” he said, pleased to see her so happy about going out with Sam.
“Something to wear. Oh yes. I’d not even thought of that. I’ll need to look in my trunk and see if I can find something extra special. Oh, and then I’ll need to get it pressed. I’d better get that done, or I’ll not have my nap taken before Sam returns,” she said.
“You get a move on then. I’m feeling fine, and I’ll ring the bell if I need anything,” he said.
He waved her out of the room as she blew him a kiss and headed toward the doorway. Perhaps she’s decided that Sam would be the right man for her after all, he thought, pleased by the prospect.
Delphinia lifted the lid on the partially empty trunk. She still hadn’t completely unpacked the contents. I hope I packed something warmer in the bottom of this trunk, she thought, methodically removing each item. Lifting a dark gold dress, her eyes flew open at the sight of fabric tucked within the folds of the dress. It was Sarah’s quilt top! And there, underneath the dress was a neatly folded piece of paper. She sat down on the edge of the bed and slowly opened the page.
Dear Phiney,
While you were busy with the twins, I packed Mama’s quilt top in with your dress. I want you to come back to Kansas. I didn’t know how else to be sure of your return. I’m hoping the threads of love in this quilt are strong enough to bring you home to us.
Love,
Tessie
Tears rolled down her cheeks as she read the letter a second time. The words tugged at her heart and made her even lonelier for Kansas and the family she had left behind. I’ve got to make a decision, she th
ought, folding the letter and placing it with the quilt top in her trunk. Surely God will give me an answer soon.
She carried her dress into the kitchen, searching until she found a pressing board and then heated the iron. Carefully, she pressed the gown, watchful not to burn the silk fabric. Certain all the wrinkles had been removed, she draped it over a chair in her bedroom and took the promised nap.
Later, she could hardly wait for dinner to be over in order to clear off the dishes and get ready. Sam had declared her father was doing fine, and they would leave in an hour. She took her time getting ready, pinning her hair up on top of her head and securing it with a thin black-and-gold ribbon. A white lace collar surrounded the neckline of her dress, and she placed a gold earring in each lobe. Looking at her reflection in the mirror above the walnut bureau, she remembered that the last time she had worn the earrings had been when Pastor Martin escorted her to the dance. She smiled thinking about that night when Jonathan had become their uninvited guest. It seemed so long ago, almost a different world, she mused.
“You about ready? Your pa wants to see you before we leave. I’ll wait in his room,” Sam said, knocking on the door.
“Be right there,” she answered. Taking one last look in the mirror, she pinned a wisp of hair and then went to her father’s room.
Her entry brought raves from her father, who insisted that she twirl around several times so he could see her from all angles. Sam was silent, although she could feel his eyes on her from the moment she entered the room.
“We’d better leave, or we’ll be late,” he said, rising from the chair.
“Are you sure you’ll be okay, Pa?”
“I’m sure. Now you two go on and have a nice time,” he instructed.
Sam had drawn his carriage to the front of the house and carefully assisted her into the buggy, his two black horses appearing sleek in the semidarkness.
“You look quite beautiful. I didn’t want to tell you in front of your father for fear of causing you embarrassment. Besides, it would have been difficult to get a word in,” he said, smiling down at her.
“Fathers tend to think their daughters are beautiful, no matter what,” she responded.
“Perhaps. But in your case it’s true,” he answered as he pulled himself into the buggy and flicked the reins.
“How far is it to the meeting place?” she asked, wanting to change the subject.
“Not far, just south of town. There’s a large grove, and they set up benches and chairs, whatever they can move from the churches. There’s been ample seating when I’ve been there,” he commented.
The crowd had already begun to gather by the time they arrived. Mrs. O’Mallie had saved seats, hopeful they would attend. She was in the third row, waving them forward with unbridled enthusiasm.
“Oh, there’s Mrs. O’Mallie. Come on, Sam, we can sit up front. She’s saved seats,” Delphinia pointed out, tugging his arm.
“I’d rather sit farther back, if it’s all the same to you,” he answered, holding back.
“Oh,” she said, somewhat surprised, “that’s fine. I’ll just go tell Mrs. O’Mallie. Why don’t you see if you can find a spot for us.”
The older woman was disappointed, and Delphinia would have much preferred to sit up front but deferred to Sam’s choice since he had been kind enough to escort her.
The services were all that Delphinia had hoped for. The preacher was dynamic, and the crowd was receptive to his message. They sang songs, read Scripture, and heard the Word preached; and when the service was over, Delphinia could hardly wait to return for the next evening.
“Wasn’t it wonderful?” she asked Sam as they made their way to the buggy.
“It was interesting,” he responded, saying nothing further.
Delphinia was so excited about the meeting, she did not note how quiet Sam had been, nor the fact that he had little to say the whole way home.
When they finally reached the porch, she said, “Do you think we could go tomorrow?” She sounded so full of anticipation. He thought once again of a child being offered candy.
“I don’t think so,” he answered, watching as her face became void of the animation it had held just minutes before.
“Why? Do you think it unwise to leave Pa again?” she asked.
“No, that’s not why. I think one night of observation is sufficient,” he answered.
“Observation? What an odd thing to say. Attending church or revival is not something one observes. It’s something you do. It’s worshiping God,” she said, looking at him through a haze of confusion.
“Not for me,” he responded.
“Whatever do you mean, Sam? You believe in God. You’ve accepted Jesus as your Savior…haven’t you?” she asked, doubt beginning to creep into her thoughts.
“I attend church because it’s the respectable thing to do, and people expect it of a doctor. As for your question, however, the answer is no, I don’t believe in God.”
With that pronouncement, Delphinia almost fell onto the chair just behind her and stared at him in openmouthed disbelief.
“I’m sure that comes as a shock to you, but I consider myself an educated man. I believe in science and have studied in some of the best schools in this country and Europe. There is absolutely nothing to support the theory of your God, Delphinia. I realize most people have a need to believe in some higher being and so they cling to this God and Jesus ideology. I don’t need it. I believe in myself and when life is over, it’s over,” he said, sitting down opposite her.
“But, but, you’ve acted as though you believe. You went and got the pastor for my father, and you attend church, and you talk to Mrs. O’Mallie about God, and you pray—”
“No,” he interrupted, “I do not pray. I allow others to pray over their food, and I discuss God with Mrs. O’Mallie because she enjoys talking about such things. You have never heard me pray, and you won’t. When a dying patient wants a preacher, I see to it. That doesn’t mean I think it’s needed,” he answered.
“I don’t know what to say. I just can’t believe you’re saying this,” she said, rising from the chair and pacing back and forth. “I know you place great value on your education, but I hope you’ll heed the words of 1 Corinthians 3:18, where it tells us that if any man seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool so he may become wise,” she said, hoping he would listen, but realizing from his vacant stare that he did not care to hear.
“I’ve heard that rhetoric preached all my life. My parents took me to church every Sunday. My mother was devout, although my father confided to me in later years that he never believed; but for my mother’s sake, he acted like he believed,” he said.
When she did not respond, he continued, “I wanted you to know how I felt before we marry. I’ll not stop you from attending church, and on occasion I’ll escort you. But I’ll not want you there all the time, nor would I want our children indoctrinated with such nonsense,” he added.
“Before we marry? I never said I would marry you. I never even gave you cause to think that,” she fired back at him.
“I never doubted you would accept. I realize how much I have to offer a woman. A nice home, security. I’m kind and, I’ve been told, good-looking,” he said with a smile.
“I’m sure to many women those would be the most important qualities, but your confidence in my acceptance is unfounded. I would never marry a man who didn’t believe in Jesus Christ as his Savior. I feel sorry for you, Sam, if you’ve hardened your heart against the Lord, but I want you to know I’ll be praying for you,” she said, walking toward her father’s room. “I think I’d better check on my father and get ready for bed. Good night, Sam.”
“Good night, Delphinia. I’ve not accepted what you said as your final word however. We’ll discuss this further tomorrow,” he answered, not moving from the chair.
Her father was fast asleep when she stepped into his room. She backed out quietly and made her way down the hall to prepare for bed.
>
Sitting at the dressing table, she gazed at the reflection of herself. How could I have been so blind? She forced herself to think back over the weeks she had lived in this house. It was true; she had never seen Sam pray. At meals he always deferred to someone else, and now that she thought about it, whenever she would pray with her father, he would leave the room. When she had tried to discuss the sermons they had heard on Sundays or ask his opinion about a verse of Scripture, he would always change the subject.
She slipped into her nightgown, dropped to her knees beside the bed, and earnestly thanked God for answered prayer, certain His intent was for her to return to Kansas and be joined with a godly man. She prayed regularly for those she loved, and tonight she added a prayer for the salvation of Dr. Samuel Finley, an educated man, walking in darkness.
Arising the next morning, Delphinia hastened to get herself dressed, wanting to talk with her father. Sam was waiting in the kitchen when she entered and requested she join him for breakfast.
“I’d rather not this morning. I’m not very hungry, and I’d like to visit with my father. I didn’t spend much time with him yesterday, and we need to talk,” she said, lifting the tray of food and moving toward the door.
“We will talk later,” he said tersely.
“There is no doubt about that,” she answered emphatically, without looking back.
Who does he think he is? she thought, marching down the hallway to her father’s room. She stopped before entering, knowing she must change her attitude before seeing him and took a moment to issue a short prayer that God would assist her in this discussion.
“Good morning, Papa,” she greeted, smiling brightly.
“Good morning to you,” he said, indicating the chair by his bed. “Sit and tell me all about your evening.”
“I plan to do just that, but first, you must eat,” she told him, lifting a napkin off the tray and placing an extra pillow behind him.
“I’ll eat while you talk. Have we got a deal?” he asked.
“As long as you eat, I’ll talk,” she said, glad to see a little more color in his cheeks.
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