Threads of Love

by Judith Mccoy Miller

  Taking her hand, he lifted it to his lips and gently placed a kiss on her palm. “Until morning,” he said, smiling.

  Tessie watched after him as Charlie walked down the sidewalk toward the train station, and then she sat down on the porch step. The air was warm, and she leaned back, looking up at the darkening sky, where a few twinkling stars were beginning their nightly vigil.

  “Thank You, Lord. I don’t know what plans You have for me in this place, but thank You for sending me here,” she whispered.

  Chapter 4

  The morning dawned clear and crisp, a beautiful spring day. Tessie walked out the front door just as Charlie was approaching her new home.

  “Beautiful day, wouldn’t you say?” Charlie called as he climbed from his small horse-drawn buggy.

  “Oh, indeed it is! I was going to sit on the porch and enjoy listening to the birds sing until you arrived,” she responded.

  “Well, I may allow you to do just that,” he replied with a grin. “I thought it would be a splendid morning to eat outdoors. I hope you won’t think me too forward, but I stopped at the Harvey House and had them pack breakfast for two,” he said, producing a wicker basket covered by a large linen napkin.

  “What a wonderful idea,” she proclaimed, thrilled at his innovative proposal. “Shall we eat here on the porch?” she inquired.

  “I think that’s an excellent choice, Dr. Wilshire,” he responded with a mock formality, causing her to giggle.

  Tessie moved a plant from the small table sitting on the porch and covered it with a blue-and-white-checkered tablecloth she found in the kitchen. From the contents of the basket, it appeared the Harvey House took as much care in preparing breakfast as it did the evening bill of fare. The croissants were light as a feather and the apricot preserves divine. Tessie was amazed at the cup of fresh fruit, knowing most of what she was eating would not be ready for harvest in Kansas for months. She savored every bite, and Charlie was pleased that he had been the one responsible for providing her with such enjoyment.

  “That was a delightful surprise, Charlie. Thank you for your thoughtfulness,” she said, wiping the corners of her mouth with one of the cloth napkins.

  “It was my pleasure. I wish I could extend an invitation for tomorrow morning, but unfortunately, I must get back to Topeka for a few days,” he told her.

  Tessie was surprised at the sense of disappointment she felt upon hearing those words. “Will you be back soon?” she asked then chided herself for being so forward.

  “Probably a week to ten days,” he answered, “but it’s good to know I’ll be missed.”

  “It’s just that I assumed you would be here to introduce me to some of the employees, but you needn’t give it another thought. I’ve been on my own in much more foreign environments than Florence, Kansas, and I’m sure things will go splendidly,” she responded hastily, not wanting to appear overly interested in Charlie’s companionship.

  “I don’t think you’ll need much introduction. The railroaders and their families have been anticipating the arrival of a doctor for several months now. I doubt there’s much of anybody in town who doesn’t know you moved in last evening. ‘Course, I’m still hoping you’re going to miss me just a little,” he said with a crooked grin on his face.

  “I’m not sure I’d classify myself as moved in just yet. I think I’ll need a few more of my belongings before I feel settled,” she responded, avoiding his last remark.

  “I can understand that,” he answered, beginning to place the dishes back into the basket. “I’m afraid I must get back to the station. There are a few things I need to complete before the train arrives, but I hope you’ll agree to see me when I’m back in town,” he said, looking up from the table and meeting her eyes.

  “Well, of course, I’ll see you. You’re a Santa Fe employee,” she answered, wanting to avoid a personal commitment. Charlie was a nice man, but things seemed to be moving a little too fast. She had a lot of adjustments to make, and Charlie might cloud her judgment. I’ll just have to keep him at arms’ length, she decided.

  Charlie smiled and merely nodded at her answer. “I’ll see you when I get back to town, Tessie. Don’t you let any of those single ruffians from town come calling on you while I’m gone,” he added as he pulled himself up into the buggy and waved to her.

  He seems mighty pleased with himself, Tessie thought as she watched the buggy turn and head toward the train station.

  Ten days later, a strange voice and loud banging on the front door brought Tessie running from the office, where she had been making notations in a patient’s medical folder.

  “Morning, Doc. Hope we ain’t disturbing you, but Mr. Banion gave strict instructions that we were to get these trunks over to you as soon as we got the freight unloaded,” Howard Malone, one of the new employees, explained.

  “You’re not disturbing me, Mr. Malone; you are making me immeasurably happy,” she answered, delighted to finally have more than two changes of clothing.

  “Where you want ’em?”

  “If you’ll just put the two larger ones here in the parlor and those two smaller ones in my bedroom, I’d be very appreciative,” she responded, pointing toward the bedroom doorway.

  “Mr. Banion said he would bring over the rest after a bit,” Howard called over his shoulder as he carried the last of the two smaller trunks into her bedroom.

  “Rest of it? What else was there?” she questioned when he had returned to the parlor.

  “I don’t know, ma’am. He just told us to get these trunks over here, and he would bring the rest,” he repeated. “You need us to do anything else ‘fore we get back to work?”

  “No, you’ve been a great help. Thank you again, and please tell Mr. Banion that I appreciate his kindness.”

  “Will do, ma’am,” he replied, ambling out the door and back toward the train station.

  As soon as the door had closed, Tessie raced toward the bedroom and unlocked both of the smaller trunks. It was like Christmas morning with four wonderful gifts to open.

  “This is silly. I know what’s in all of these trunks,” she reprimanded herself aloud, but that didn’t squelch the excitement of finally receiving her belongings. Aunt Phiney and Uncle Jon had carefully packed all of her clothing and personal items in the smaller trunks. The two larger ones had not been unpacked since her return home from Chicago after completing medical school.

  “I’m glad they had to pack only these two smaller trunks,” she mused, digging deeper into the second one. Slowly she pulled out the beautiful quilt that she and Aunt Phiney had sewn and lovingly placed it on her bed. It was like greeting an old friend.

  “Now I feel like I’m home,” she murmured.

  It was almost noon when she finished unpacking the trunks. Undoubtedly she would need to rearrange some of the items, but for the present, she was satisfied. Several times throughout the morning, her thoughts wandered to what other items could have arrived on the train. It appeared everything was accounted for, including her medical books and a few of her childhood toys that had always given her a sense of comfort. A knock at the door sounded just as she was carrying a small stuffed doll to the bedroom. Giving no heed to her appearance, she opened the door and was met by Charlie’s broad smile and an invitation for lunch.

  “I couldn’t possibly go anywhere looking like this,” she stated, catching a glimpse of herself in the hall mirror. “I’d frighten off the rest of the customers!”

  “You look beautiful,” he retorted, loving the look of her somewhat disheveled hair.

  “Why are you standing there like you’re hiding something?” she inquired.

  “I’ve brought the rest of your belongings,” he said. “Would you care to come out here and take a look?” he asked, grinning at her.

  Walking onto the porch, she peeked behind him and spotted a brand-new bicycle with a bright red ribbon attached to the seat. Reading the letter that had been tied to the handlebars, she burst forth in gales of lau
ghter. Tears began to stream down her face, and she doubled over, unable to control the fit of laughter.

  “I know this must be as much a surprise to you as it was to me, but I didn’t think you’d find it quite so humorous,” he stated when she had finally begun to regain her composure. Hoping she would enlighten him about the gift, Charlie attempted to hide his disappointment when, without a word, she tucked the letter into her pocket.

  “Don’t I deserve to know the origin of your gift since I served as the delivery boy?” he inquired.

  “Certainly,” she replied with a smile. “Why don’t you come in and have a cup of tea, and I’ll explain,” she offered.

  “What about my lunch invitation?” he asked, still hopeful she would accept.

  “I really can’t leave, Charlie. I have two appointments later this afternoon and need to finish a few things before then. I am a working woman, you remember,” she chided.

  “Tell you what. I’ll leave now and let you get your work finished if you’ll agree to have dinner and spend the evening with me,” he bargained.

  “Oh, I don’t know if I could give you a whole evening,” she teased. Charlie’s face took on a mock scowl, which caused her to laugh again. “Okay, it’s a deal,” she answered. “Now, move along, and let me get my work completed.”

  “You sure drive a hard bargain, Dr. Wilshire,” he replied, walking out the front door. “I’ll be anxious to hear all about this bicycle tonight. Pick you up at six thirty,” he advised, giving her a jaunty salute.

  She had to admit it was good to see Charlie. Since their breakfast the morning after her arrival, she hadn’t had the pleasure of his company. Now, ten days later, he seemed a familiar face in this new locale. Be careful, she thought to herself. Remember, you’re not going to let things move too quickly.

  It had been a busy and enjoyable time getting her practice set up, although it hadn’t been enjoyable making do with only two changes of clothing. She had spent a good deal of time washing and pressing in the last ten days!

  By five o’clock Tessie completed her last appointment, cleaned the office, made her notations to the files, and rushed to her room, anxious to decide which of her newly arrived dresses she would wear this evening. She finally chose the lavender one with a striped, soft silk bodice and skirt. After a quick search, she located her straw hat, adorned with a deep lilac bow. A knock at the door sounded just as she pulled her white gloves from the drawer.

  She smiled at Charlie’s look of appreciation. “You look like a breath of spring. Shall we enjoy a stroll, or would you prefer riding in the carriage?”

  “I’d much prefer the walk after being indoors all day,” she answered, slipping her hand through the extended crook of his arm.

  “Did you by any chance issue any threats to your employees after my arrival?” she inquired as they proceeded down the sidewalk.

  “Of course not. What are you talking about?” he inquired.

  “I guess I’ve been surprised how easily the employees and community have accepted a female doctor. It’s one of the things my professors drilled into me during medical school—the fact that people did not approve of women doctors, and I would never gain their trust,” she explained.

  Charlie laughed at her answer. “I don’t mean to make light of what you’ve said. I’m sure there are a lot of folks, especially men, who wouldn’t take a shine to female doctors. With the additional employees here, folks have been making do with the midwives or no medical care at all, unless they can force Doc Rayburn out of retirement long enough to treat someone. There wasn’t any need for me to issue threats; your training and ability speak for themselves. I had no doubt folks would be pleased to have you as their physician,” he stated.

  By the time they arrived, the dinner train and its host of travelers had departed, allowing townspeople a quiet enjoyment of the restaurant. Charlie noted the turned heads and stares of admiration as they walked through the restaurant and were seated, although Tessie seemed oblivious. Reaching their table, she scanned the room, hoping to catch a glimpse of Lydia.

  “Anything look particularly inviting?” Charlie asked, trying to draw Tessie’s attention back to the table.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I haven’t even looked at the menu,” she apologized, a small smile tracing her lips. “I was hoping Lydia would be working. What are you going to order?”

  “Think I’ll have the steak, but I understand the chicken Maciel is one of the favorites around here,” he replied.

  “In that case, I’ll try it,” she answered, just as Lydia appeared at their table.

  “Evening, Dr. Wilshire, Mr. Banion. Had time to decide on what you’d like?” she asked.

  “Sure have,” Charlie answered and gave her their order. She poured coffee for each of them and was off in a flurry, taking orders, pouring drinks, and serving meals, the pace never seeming to lose momentum.

  When Lydia returned with their meals, Tessie decided she needed to speak quickly or lose the opportunity. “Lydia, would you and Addie like to come for tea next Wednesday afternoon?”

  “Me?” the girl asked, seeming amazed at the invitation. Tessie nodded her head, assuring Lydia she had heard correctly.

  “What time? I only have a couple hours off in the afternoon, between two and four,” she hesitantly answered.

  “That would be fine. I don’t schedule office visits on Wednesday afternoons, so whenever it’s convenient for you and Addie, just stop by,” Tessie proposed.

  “Right. We’ll do that,” she responded. She had only taken a few steps when she quickly returned and whispered, “I don’t know where you live.”

  Before Tessie could answer, Charlie spoke up and gave the young woman detailed instructions. Tessie merely shook her head at his obvious need to speak for her.

  “I haven’t heard about your bicycle as yet,” Charlie mentioned as Lydia hastened off to secure two apple dumplings with caramel sauce for their dessert.

  “When I first arrived at medical school, I met one of the students who had recently graduated and was returning home. He convinced me to purchase his bicycle, expounding upon what a convenience it had proved for him, cycling from his boardinghouse to classes. I liked the idea of saving time and the fact there would be no additional care and expense with a bicycle. She stopped to taste a forkful of the warm apple dumpling.

  “That is simply delicious,” she stated, pointing her fork at the dessert.

  “It is certainly that,” Charlie replied. “But, please, back to the bicycle,” he prodded.

  “Well, never having ridden a bicycle, I had no idea one needed balance or that a woman’s full skirt would cause additional problems. Feeling proud of my frugality, I paid for the bicycle, which he delivered to my boardinghouse. The next morning after breakfast, I tossed my books into the basket and began the ride of my life!”

  An enormous, knowing smile sprawled across Charlie’s face. “That must have been quite a sight,” he exclaimed, bursting into laughter, the surrounding dinner guests eyeing him as if he had lost his senses.

  “It’s obvious you have a good idea just how graceful I appeared,” Tessie commented. “I’m not sure what was injured most, my knees or my pride—not to mention the new skirt and stockings I ruined,” she continued, now joining him in laughter, tears beginning to collect in the corner of each eye. Intermittently interrupted by spurts of laughter, she confessed that she began wearing bloomers when cycling, although it was frowned upon by her instructors. “I was required to change into a skirt as soon as I arrived at school, but it was decidedly worth that concession since once I learned to stay astraddle the contraption, I did save immeasurable time.”

  “Why did your aunt and uncle think you would want another bicycle?” he questioned.

  “Both of them are open-minded enough to think that wearing bloomers is appropriate attire for riding a bicycle, and they are frugal enough to realize a bicycle is more economical than feeding and caring for a horse. Besides, they knew I enjoyed b
icycling once I had conquered the metal beast. I traded mine for a medical book before leaving Chicago and had mentioned on several occasions that I missed the exercise and freedom it afforded me,” she replied.

  “In that case, I would say they’ve given you a fine gift,” he responded as they rose to leave the restaurant.

  Catching Lydia’s eye, Tessie raised her hand and called out, “See you and Addie on Wednesday.”

  Lydia nodded and smiled as she continued jotting down another customer’s order.

  “Why the persistence about Lydia coming to visit?” Charlie inquired.

  “I’m concerned about Addie and how she’s managing with all the changes in her life. Lydia seems to resent being thrust into the role of provider. Perhaps if I can ease the burden a bit for Lydia, it will make things better for both of them,” she declared, not wanting to discuss the topic further.

  “You need to be careful about overinvolvement. I’m sure Lydia is the type to take advantage,” he counseled.

  “I think I’m quite capable of deciding my level of involvement with people,” she responded, irritated with his condescending manner.

  “I didn’t mean to interfere,” he apologized. “It’s just my nature, I guess.”

  Tessie didn’t respond but tucked his words away for future reference. If it’s his nature to interfere, she thought to herself, I’m not sure he’s the man for me.

  “I’ll be leaving in the morning, but I’ll be back late Wednesday afternoon,” Charlie said, bringing her back to the present. “How about dinner?” he asked.

  “I suppose that would be fine,” she answered without much fervor. She was thinking about the upcoming visit with Addie and Lydia rather than her handsome escort.

  “Here we are,” Charlie announced as he leaned down and unlatched the gate, hoping for an invitation to sit on the porch and visit awhile longer.

  “So, we are. Thank you for dinner, Charlie. I hope you have a good trip tomorrow. See you next week,” she stated without any hint of wanting to prolong the evening.