Nothing could have prepared Addie for the thrill of receiving that beautiful new dress and hat. Once Tessie had tied the blue silk sash and placed the straw hat upon the girl’s curly chestnut tresses, she took the child and stood her before the mirror. Leaning down and placing her head behind Addie’s shoulder, they looked at their reflections staring back at them.
“You look lovely,” Tessie told her.
“Almost as pretty as you?” the child questioned, tipping her head back to look into Tessie’s eyes.
“Much prettier,” Tessie answered. “Now, come along,” she said, extending her hand toward the child’s just as Charlie came bounding up the front steps.
“I have to be the luckiest man in all of Kansas,” he exclaimed to the pair. “There’s no other man who has the good fortune to escort such beautiful women. Turn around for me, Addie,” he instructed, twirling the child in front of him.
“Tessie got me these new clothes,” she proudly announced.
“And you look magnificent in them,” he responded, catching Tessie’s eye and giving her a smile.
His reaction pleased Tessie, who had expected him to give her a reproachful look or once again caution her about the “Baker sisters.”
The day flew by quickly. Tessie had been true to her word and allowed Addie to sit between the two adults. Although it wasn’t Charlie’s choice of seating arrangement, he did, however, bow to Tessie’s wishes once again. While at the park, he was attentive to Tessie but included Addie in the conversation and even took her down to a small stream to wade for a short time. Although he didn’t know it, his tolerance and thoughtfulness did not go unnoticed. Tessie knew she was beginning to care more deeply about him than she had anyone for many years.
“I think perhaps we should be heading home,” she told the pair as they returned from the stream. “I packed up the picnic basket while you two were off exploring. It’s almost time for you to catch your train, isn’t it?” she asked Charlie.
“I’m afraid so. I’ll be glad when I can quit traveling quite so much,” he acknowledged as they walked toward the carriage.
“That will be nice,” she answered, squeezing his arm and giving him an inviting smile.
Addie had been particularly careful not to soil her new dress, and as soon as they arrived at the house, she announced that she was going to change into her old dress and went running off to the bedroom.
“I had a wonderful time today, Tessie, and I hope there will be many more in store for us,” Charlie said, cupping her face in his large hands and placing a tender kiss on her lips. “You’re very special,” he told her, gathering her into his arms.
Tessie felt as though she could stay wrapped in his protection forever, and although she enjoyed the sensation, it confused her. She had always been so independent, never allowing herself to become overly involved with a man, and now, here she was not wanting Charlie to leave. It made no sense. I hardly know him, she thought to herself as Addie came bounding out of the bedroom.
“I’d like a hug, too,” she told the pair.
“Well, of course,” Charlie answered with a smile, opening his arms as she came running across the room toward him.
“Would you like something to eat?” Tessie inquired shortly after Charlie left.
“I’m not hungry,” Addie responded, walking through the room, running her hand across different pieces of furniture, then wandering into Tessie’s bedroom. She stared at the quilt that covered the four-poster bed and traced her fingers over the intricate design.
“This is very pretty,” she told Tessie. “I’ve never seen anything this pretty on anyone’s bed.”
Turning to face Addie, Tessie said, “My mother and my aunt Phiney and I all worked on this quilt, and it is very special because lots and lots of love went into it. If you like to sew, perhaps you and I could make a quilt. What do you think about that idea?” she asked the child.
“I only know how to sew a little. Mama didn’t have much time to show me, but I learn quick,” Addie responded expectantly.
“I didn’t know a lot about sewing when I started on this quilt either,” she told Addie. “I think you’ll do a wonderful job. Tell you what, I’ll find some fabric, and we’ll get started next week. Would that be all right?”
“Oh yes,” Addie answered, clapping her hands in delight. “I promise I’ll work hard on it.”
“I’m sure you will,” Tessie answered, just as a knock sounded at the front door.
“There’s someone at the door. I’ll be right back,” she told the child and quickly walked to the parlor and opened the door.
“Evening, Dr. Wilshire,” Lydia said, “hope you weren’t real busy. This is Floyd—I told you about him—the salesman I met at the Harvey House. We’re going to town for a while, so would you mind just taking Addie back over to the hotel when you get tired of her?” Lydia pressed herself close to Floyd and gave him a sensual smile. Tessie noticed the young man seemed embarrassed by Lydia’s advances, but his embarrassment didn’t deter her seductive behavior.
“I’ll be happy to walk her back, but I thought you had to work this evening,” Tessie inquired after hearing Lydia’s plans.
“I traded with Lucy,” she answered. “Floyd has to leave at ten o’clock, and Lucy owed me a favor.”
“You two have a nice time,” Tessie replied and watched as they walked down the steps, with Lydia clearly attempting to captivate the young man.
Addie was peeking around the doorway, pleased that Lydia hadn’t come to escort her back to the hotel. “Where’s my sister going?” the youngster inquired.
“She and Floyd are going into town for a while, so I’ll walk you back to the hotel a little later. Will that be all right with you?”
Addie nodded her head up and down and sat down in the parlor, facing Tessie. “Tell me about making your quilt,” she requested.
“Well, let’s see. I’m not sure how to begin,” Tessie remarked.
“At the beginning,” Addie responded laughingly.
“You’re right. I’ll do just that,” Tessie replied. “When I was a little older than you, my mother began making the quilt that’s on my bed, but she died before it was completed.”
“Just like my mama?” Addie asked, the tearful sound of her voice making Tessie’s heart ache.
“Yes, Addie, just like your mama.”
“Did your papa run off and leave you, too?” the child inquired.
“No, I had a wonderful papa, but he died at the same time as my mother. They were in an accident,” she answered.
“Oh, that was hard for you, wasn’t it?” Addie asked, her perception surprising Tessie.
“Yes, it was very difficult. There were five of us children, and I was the oldest. My grandmother lived with us, and Uncle Jon had a small house on the land adjoining ours. He and Granny were left to raise all five of us, and Granny’s health wasn’t good. So Uncle Jon decided to advertise in the newspaper looking for a young woman to come and help Granny with the chores and all of us children.”
Addie sat in front of her, eyes held wide open, not wanting to miss anything that Tessie related. “Then what happened?” she asked anxiously.
“Uncle Jon finally got a letter about a young woman who he and Granny thought would be suitable. So he left and went to Illinois to fetch her. Well, I didn’t want any other woman coming into our house trying to take the place of my mother, so when Uncle Jon returned, I was very hateful to the young woman. No matter what she did, I wouldn’t let her become my friend, but she did have a beautiful quilt on her bed that I truly admired,” Tessie related.
“Was it as pretty as yours?” the child inquired, sure that would be impossible.
“I don’t think so,” Tessie answered. “But I’m sure Aunt Phiney thinks her quilt is prettiest, because it’s special to her. One day I told Granny I thought Aunt Phiney’s quilt was beautiful. After I’d told her that, my grandmother showed me the quilt my mother had begun and suggested that Aunt Phin
ey and I complete it for my bed. Well, I wouldn’t hear of it. I said I didn’t want Aunt Phiney touching anything that had belonged to my mother.”
“That wasn’t very nice, was it?” Addie inquired, shaking her head negatively.
“No. But it wasn’t until Aunt Phiney showed me she was willing to die in my place that I finally believed she truly cared for me. It was after that the two of us set to work on the quilt. Aunt Phiney said it was sewn with threads of love because the two of us really learned to love each other while making that quilt. It took us a while, but we finally finished, and it’s been my constant companion ever since,” Tessie concluded.
“I’d like to have something like that to keep with me always,” Addie quietly commented.
“You will. It may take some time, but you will. I promise,” Tessie answered. “I’d better get you back to the hotel, or you’re going to miss curfew, young woman!”
In the weeks that followed, Addie proved herself a quick study, and Tessie was constantly amazed at the child’s proficiency with a needle and thread. She would sit quietly watching Tessie and then take up her needle and thread with the expertise of an age-old quilter. Although most of the quilts Tessie had worked on were made from scraps, she had carefully chosen the colors and fabrics for Addie’s, wanting it to be very special. She had finally settled on cotton prints of lavender, pale blue, and shades of pink. Tessie convinced herself they could conquer the double-wedding-ring pattern, and so far she was right.
“Are you going to make me hear again?” Addie asked one crisp fall afternoon as the two of them sat in Tessie’s parlor.
The question startled Tessie, for although she had extensively examined Addie on several occasions, the child had never hinted at such an expectation.
“I don’t know if I can do that,” she responded, wishing she could give the answer Addie longed for.
“You make everyone else well,” came Addie’s quick rebuttal.
“Not quite everyone. There are some things I can’t heal, but I promise you, Addie, that I will do all I can,” Tessie concluded, hoping God would provide the answer her medical journals had failed to give her.
Chapter 6
Doc, come quick! Levi Wilson is mighty sick, and he needs a doctor now!” shouted Joe Carlin, the local blacksmith, as he came racing toward the house in a buggy drawn by a sleek black horse. The smithy pulled the animal to a rapid halt in front of the house, where it immediately began snorting and pawing at the dirt, anxious to again run at full speed.
“Let me get my bag. Addie, get in the buggy,” Tessie mouthed to the child who had arrived only minutes earlier. Rushing into the house, she grabbed her bag and some additional medical supplies. Running toward the carriage, she lost no time issuing orders to the blacksmith.
“What do you know about his problem?” she asked as the buggy sped out of town.
“Can’t breathe. I hear tell he’s had breathing problems for quite a spell now,” the blacksmith advised.
Tessie merely nodded, not sure what to expect but hoping her skills would serve her well. Once the carriage had drawn to a halt in front of a wooden shanty that appeared to be no bigger than one room, she didn’t have long to contemplate her abilities. Jumping down, all three of them made their way inside and found the patient sitting up and battling for breath. A hasty examination revealed a goiter, which was almost concealed in the chest cavity. The room certainly was not appropriate for an operating room, but Tessie knew that if something wasn’t done quickly, her patient would die. Issuing a hasty prayer for direction, she turned to the blacksmith and ordered him to remove the door from its hinges and motioned Addie to carry out several wooden boxes. Tessie placed water on the stove to boil and found two barrels, which she then moved outdoors.
“Place the door across these two barrels,” she instructed, as she pulled a sheet from the items she had gathered from home. With a snap of her wrists she watched it flutter across the makeshift operating table. Placing her instruments on the boxes Addie had carried outdoors, she watched as the smithy helped Mr. Wilson onto the hastily constructed table.
“Mr. Wilson, I’ll be back shortly. I need to scrub my hands before proceeding. Addie, come along. You’ll need to scrub also. Stay with him,” she instructed the blacksmith, walking toward the dilapidated house.
“Addie, stand by the instruments; I’ll need your help. You, too,” she instructed the blacksmith, who was heading back toward the house, not sure if he wanted to be a part of the unfolding events.
After administering ether, Tessie made an incision to expose the goiter, which was resting on his windpipe. The mass appeared to be about the size of an apple, and with only small artery forceps, she realized it would be impossible to grasp and remove it. She stood staring at the object, unsure how to proceed.
Lord, I don’t know what to do. Show me how to help this man, she silently prayed.
No sooner had her prayer been uttered than a tiny feather floated down directly under Mr. Wilson’s nose. The incision that Tessie made permitted her patient to breathe in enough air so that when the feather tickled his nose, Levi Wilson burst forth with a stupendous sneeze. As his large chest contracted, the goiter shot so far out that it lay fully exposed in the wound. Tessie quickly seized it with one hand, grabbed her instruments to clamp the lower vessels with her other hand, and completed the remainder of the surgery uneventfully.
“I believe we’ve had a successful surgery,” she announced to the blacksmith, who had turned ashen. “There’s no reason you need to remain close by if you’d like to check on your horse, Mr. Carlin,” was all the encouragement the smithy needed to get away from the makeshift operating room.
“I’ll help you clean up, if you tell me what to do,” Addie offered, never wavering from her duty station.
“Thank you, Addie. You can wrap those instruments and put them back into my bag. We’ll clean and sterilize them at home,” she instructed, finishing the sutures on Mr. Wilson’s incision.
“Anything I need to be doing?” the blacksmith called out from in front of the shanty.
“Why don’t you see if you can find a neighbor who can come over? He should have someone stay with him unless you’d like the job,” Tessie answered.
“Think I’d better try and locate a neighbor. I’m not too good with sick folks,” he responded.
“Really? I hadn’t noticed,” Tessie answered, giving him a quick grin.
Mr. Wilson had regained consciousness when his neighbors, the Madisons, arrived with the blacksmith. Mr. Madison and Joe supported and half-carried the patient into the house and placed him on the bed, which Mrs. Madison had quickly covered with clean linens. Tessie gave her a grateful smile.
“If you two men will dismantle my outdoor operating room, I’ll go over the patient-care instructions with Mrs. Madison,” she directed.
It was obvious that Mrs. Madison had taken care of more than a few medical emergencies, and Tessie knew Mr. Wilson would be in good hands.
“I don’t think I’ll need to see you again, Mr. Wilson. Mrs. Madison has assured me she’s removed many stitches, and she lives much closer than I, so I’ll leave you to her care.”
He nodded his head and whispered his thanks for her good care.
“I think you owe your thanks to the Lord,” Tessie advised. “He’s the One who deserves credit for the success. Someday when you’re in town, I’ll explain,” she told him, as he drifted back to sleep.
It was suppertime when the trio finally loaded back into the buggy and headed for town.
“That was quite a spectacle,” the smithy said admiringly.
“Well, thank you, Mr. Carlin. I appreciate your assistance,” Tessie replied, realizing the blacksmith was genuinely surprised at her ability.
“Thank you, too, Addie,” she said, placing her arm around the child and hugging her close. Addie merely nodded, but her eyes were full of adoration.
The buggy pulled to a stop in front of the house, and the blacksmith
quickly jumped down, lifted Addie to the ground, and assisted Tessie. “It’s been a real pleasure, ma’am. If I’m ever in need of a doctor, I sure hope you’re the one I get,” he stated.
“Well, I hope you won’t be needing my services, but I sincerely thank you for the compliment,” she replied, feeling embarrassed by his continued adulation. “Come along, Addie. Let’s make some dinner; you must be starved,” she said to the child, taking her hand and walking toward the house.
Addie proved an able assistant in the kitchen, and within a short time they had prepared a fine meal. “You are such a good helper. I don’t know what I would have done without you today,” she praised the child.
“I like helping you,” Addie answered, beginning to clear the table.
“Let’s leave the dishes, Addie. I can do them after you go home. Why don’t we just sit on the porch and enjoy the evening breeze? There hasn’t been much time to visit and enjoy each other today,” she said as they walked outdoors.
“Could I be a doctor someday?” Addie asked as they settled on the swing.
Tessie’s mind reeled. Without the ability to hear, how could anyone be a doctor, let alone make it through college and medical school? How should she answer without destroying a young girl’s dreams? Help me, Lord, she silently prayed.
“I believe that with God’s help we can do anything. You must remember that sometimes God has very special plans for us, and even though we don’t understand them, He knows best,” she answered.
“I think God wants me to be a doctor, and that’s why we’ve become friends,” the child answered, obviously pleased with her deduction.
“You could be right,” Tessie answered, hoping the child would not be disappointed, while at the same time, Tessie mentally chastised herself for not doing further research into the article on deafness she had read in the medical journal.
“I have an idea for some fun this afternoon,” Tessie told her young visitor several days later as they finished a glass of lemonade.
“What?” Addie inquired, her interest piqued.
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