“I do belong here, Tessie. Addie had John deliver a letter to me asking that I come to Chicago. I have prayed earnestly about the operation and what my role should be. I know we disagree about the surgery, but I hope we both want what is best for Addie, not ourselves. I had just about decided to make the trip, and then I got a wire from Mr. Vance calling a meeting here in Chicago. So, you see, I had to come to Chicago. I guess some folks would say it was Mr. Vance that called me here. I think God called me here,” he finished.
“And me, too. I called you, too,” Addie stated from across the room.
“Addie, how were you able to read my lips from over there?” Charlie asked, moving toward her.
“I didn’t,” she answered. “I listened with my ears.”
“What are you telling me? Are you saying you can hear like you used to?” he asked.
“Almost. It’s just a little quieter, but it’s louder today than yesterday,” she responded with a bright smile.
“Addie, why didn’t you tell me?” Tessie inquired incredulously.
“Because I knew you wanted to learn all about the operation. I heard you tell Dr. Lundstrom today how excited you were about helping with my operation and that it was a big opportunity. I didn’t want to spoil it for you,” she answered soulfully.
“Oh Addie. What I wanted was for you to be able to hear again, and instead I’ve made you feel that all I was interested in was learning a new surgical technique. Perhaps I was thinking more about myself than you,” she answered, tears welling in her eyes.
“Don’t cry, Tessie. I wouldn’t have let you do the operation. I heard Dr. Lundstrom reminding you about that dizzy stuff I’d have after the surgery. If it hadn’t been for that, I might have let you do it, but I don’t want to be woozy and throwing up for days,” she stated.
Long after Addie had fallen asleep, Tessie wrestled with herself. Before Charlie left for his hotel, the three of them had joined in a prayer of thanks for Addie’s restored hearing, but she knew that Addie had spoken the truth. The surgery had become an obsession, and she hadn’t wanted anyone or anything attempting to dissuade her. She wanted her way in the matter, not Addie’s and certainly not God’s. Completely ashamed of herself, she knelt down beside her bed and earnestly prayed for God’s forgiveness. Forgiveness for her self-serving attitude after He had entrusted her with the care of this young child, and forgiveness for the way she had treated those who questioned her decision, especially Charlie. Climbing back into bed, she fell into a deep, restful sleep, the best she had had since meeting Edward Buford.
“No one knows exactly what causes things like this to happen,” Dr. Lundstrom stated to Tessie. “My guess is that some severe trauma in her life caused her hearing loss. I don’t know if it was the fear of surgery that caused her hearing restoration or not,” he continued.
“No, it was God. I’m really sure it was,” Addie interjected to the group of adults gathered in her room.
“I vote with Addie,” Charlie stated.
“And so do I,” Tessie remarked.
“Edward asked that you come by the house as soon as possible. He’d like to visit with you. I know you’re planning on leaving in the morning, so I told him I’d bring you home with me,” Dr. Lundstrom told Tessie.
“I have a meeting to attend so I must be on my way,” Charlie stated. “Addie, I’ll see you as soon as my meeting is completed,” he told the child and walked toward the door.
“I’ll see you later too, Charlie,” Tessie called after him.
Several hours later Charlie returned. Pulling Addie’s coat from the closet, he told her she was certainly well enough to go out for lunch with him. Over the nurse’s protest, the two of them met Mr. Vance for an elegant meal in one of the fashionable downtown restaurants. Addie charmed both of them throughout the meal and profusely thanked Mr. Vance for allowing her to come along to such a fancy place. As they were leaving, Addie told Mr. Vance it was nice to meet him and then stated, “You must come to Florence sometime. Our lunch today was very good. But my Johnny’s food at the Harvey House is even better.” Both men appreciated her remark, knowing she probably spoke the truth.
Tessie was waiting in the hospital room when they returned, and Addie quickly related all the details of the fancy luncheon she had attended. “How was Mr. Vance?” Tessie inquired.
“He’s doing just fine. He asked me to send his regrets that you hadn’t been available to have lunch with us. And your meeting with Edward, how did that go?” he inquired, knowing he might be overstepping his bounds.
“We can talk about that on the train ride back to Kansas. I assume you’re leaving in the morning also?” she inquired, not wanting Addie to be a part of their discussion about the meeting with Edward.
“Yes, in fact, I was hoping you’d agree to leave the hospital now. We can get you and Addie registered at the hotel and at least have an enjoyable dinner together. That is, if you don’t have other plans,” he offered.
“No other plans. I think you have a grand idea. It will be nice for Addie to see a little of Chicago. I know I’d sleep better in the hotel than this hospital, and it would be fun to have dinner together again,” she answered.
For the most part, the trip home was pleasant, although they were all anxious to get back to Florence, making the journey seem longer than anticipated. Charlie proved to be a much more enjoyable traveling companion than Edward, showering attention on both Addie and Tessie. When Addie fell asleep on the seat in front of them, Tessie revealed to Charlie that Edward’s intentions had been honorable. He had proposed marriage and wanted her to move to Chicago. He had already discussed the matter with his brother-in-law, and the two of them had agreed that Tessie could join Byron’s practice and work at the hospital with him. He wasn’t as thrilled about the prospect of having Addie, however. His plans for her were a boarding school in England, where she would attend classes and have occasional visits with them. It would be a much better life than anyone would have ever anticipated for the “poor waif,” he had explained to her.
“You know I would never do that to Addie, Charlie,” Tessie said, watching as he bristled at the remarks.
“Yes, I know that. I also know you’d never let a man plan your life for you either. Apparently Edward didn’t know that quite as well as I do,” he said, laughing at her look of mock indignation.
“I really am sorry for all the trouble and pain I’ve caused you, Charlie. I hope you’ll forgive me. I know things can never be the same between us. I’ve ruined that with my lack of trust in you, but I hope you’ll remain our friend,” she implored.
“Tessie, I had hoped you knew my feelings for you were deeper than that. Surely you know I’ll forgive you. I love you, and with that love comes my understanding and forgiveness. It may take a little time for us to get back to where we were, but I’m certain we will. Hopefully, even further,” he said, leaning over to kiss her on the cheek.
“Thank you, Charlie,” she whispered, slipping her hand into his.
“Welcome back!” John called out to the trio as they stepped down from the train. “I got your wire saying Addie was fine, and you were coming home today. Told the kitchen help they’d better keep things on schedule ‘cause I was coming to meet my friends.”
“Johnny,” Addie called, rushing to meet her favorite chef. “I can hear now. Isn’t it wonderful?”
“You bet it is, little woman. It’s good to have you home, all of you,” he answered, amazed with Addie’s ability to once again hear. “Restores your faith, doesn’t it?” he said to the adults.
“It certainly does and then some,” Tessie replied. Charlie gave her a knowing look and squeezed her hand, leading them into the station.
“Mary, get yourself over here and take a gander. Looks like Mr. Banion’s back in the doctor’s good graces again,” Cora told her friend. Rushing forward, Mary peeked around Cora’s plump figure.
“Wouldn’t you just know it!” she seethed.
“I think you’d better give up
on this one. It appears to me they’re headed for the altar,” Cora replied, sounding smug.
“Whose side are you on, anyway?” Mary asked, noting Cora’s tone of voice.
“This time I think I’m on that little girl’s side. They make a nice-looking family, if you ask me, and there’s plenty of other men for you to conquer,” her friend answered.
“Well, thanks for nothing,” Mary replied, stomping back to her desk, while Cora stood watching the threesome gather their baggage and walk away from the station.
Tessie smiled down at Addie as she tucked her into bed. “I’m glad we’re back home,” Addie said, after they had finished prayers.
“Me, too,” Tessie and Charlie replied in unison, causing all three of them to laugh. “You get right to sleep, and tomorrow we’ll talk about enrolling you in school. It’s going to be such fun for you, with new friends, and I know you’ll be an excellent student. I love you, Addie,” Tessie lovingly told the child, leaning down to kiss her good night.
“I love you,” the child answered, “and you too, Charlie,” she said while holding her arms open for a hug.
“I’ll make some coffee,” Tessie told Charlie as they exited the child’s bedroom.
“Sounds great,” he replied, walking toward the fireplace to jostle the logs, hopeful that a little more heat would quickly be forthcoming. “Wish John had thought to get this place warmed up a bit before we returned,” he called out toward the kitchen.
“John doesn’t even have a key to the house, Charlie,” she replied.
“If I’d been thinking, I would have wired him. Doc Rayburn could have let him in. Oh well, I didn’t think of it, so we’ll have to abide the chill for a bit.”
“Maybe this will warm you up,” Tessie said, handing him a hot cup of coffee.
Taking the cup, he patted the sofa cushion. “Sit down here, next to me,” he instructed.
Obediently she seated herself and stared into the fire, her hands wrapped around the steaming cup of coffee. “It’s so good to be home. It seems as though I’ve been gone for months instead of a few weeks,” she said, still staring toward the fire.
“Tessie, if you’re not too tired, I’d like to talk a little,” Charlie stated, hoping she would allow him to continue.
“As long as I can just sit and listen. I’m not sure how much I’ll add to the conversation,” she replied with a smile.
“I’ll expect only a few words here and there,” he responded. “On the train, when I told you I loved you, I meant that with all my heart. I also meant what I said about it taking us a little time to heal our wounds. What I would like is for you to accept this,” he said, pulling a ring box from his pocket.
“Oh Charlie,” she stammered, “you told me I wouldn’t have to think…”
“Let me finish. I purchased this ring for you before Christmas. Then with all the problems, I wasn’t sure you’d ever agree to be my wife. I’ve kept it with me since the day I purchased it, hopeful that one day you would accept it. I bought this ring for you. I want you to be my wife, but we need more time. All I’m asking is that you wear this ring as a symbol of our agreement to determine if we’re truly meant for each other. If that doesn’t happen, you may keep the ring—my gift to you. However, I do feel reasonably certain I’ll be placing a wedding band on your finger in the future. Can you agree to my proposal, Tessie?”
She nodded her agreement, holding out her left hand and watching as he slipped the ring on her finger.
“You’ve made me very happy, Tessie,” he said, pulling her close and tenderly enfolding her in his arms. “I don’t know what I would have done, had you not agreed.”
The mantel clock struck nine, just as he rose from the sofa. “I think, perhaps, I’d better get back over to the Harvey House and make sure they haven’t given my room to someone else. Besides, we both need some sleep,” he said, walking with her toward the door. “I’ll see you in the morning,” he called back as she stood in the doorway waving, cold air rushing into the entry.
Two days later, Charlie and Tessie enrolled Addie as Mrs. Landry’s newest student at the small schoolhouse several blocks away. Throughout the day, Tessie found herself thinking of the child. In the midst of examining a patient or cleaning her instruments, her mind would wander to Addie and how her day was going. Shortly before the school bell clanged to announce the end of the school day, Charlie arrived at the door.
“I wanted to be here and see how she made out,” he told Tessie. “Think I’ll wait out here on the porch.”
“Charlie, it’s cold,” she protested.
“I know, but I want to see her face. I’ll know how it went when I see her face,” he replied.
Tessie smiled and grabbed her coat, pulled it tightly around her, and sat down in the other chair. “I hope she comes quickly,” she told him with a grin.
No more had Tessie uttered the words than Addie came skipping down the sidewalk, a smile from ear to ear, holding the hand of another little girl. “Hi,” she called out to the couple sitting on the porch “This is my new friend, Ruth,” she announced, pulling the youngster up the steps to meet Tessie and Charlie.
“I’d say things went well,” Charlie whispered to Tessie and held out his hand to meet Addie’s new friend.
In the months that followed, Tessie’s medical practice continued to grow, and Addie flourished in the new world unlocked to her. Their days were busy, but Charlie was still required to travel much of the time, and both of them missed him.
It was an especially lovely spring day when Tessie decided to meet Addie after school. Charlie was expected to arrive, and they would walk over to the station and meet him.
“What a pleasant surprise,” Charlie exclaimed, walking into the station and giving Addie a big hug while kissing Tessie’s cheek. “To what do I owe this unexpected event?”
“It’s such a beautiful day; I met Addie after school. We thought it would be nice to greet you here at the station and walk to the house with you,” she replied, pleased she had made the decision.
“Just let me drop my bag off with Mrs. Winter in the hotel, and we can be on our way.”
They walked slowly, enjoying each other’s company as well as the budding trees and flowers. “Is someone sitting on the porch?” Addie asked, squinting to get a better look.
“It does look like there’s someone in one of the chairs,” Charlie replied as they continued moving toward the house.
“It appears to be a woman and baby. Probably someone with a sick child waiting to see me,” Tessie stated, quickening her step.
“No,” Addie said, coming to a halt. “It’s Lydia.”
“It is Lydia,” Tessie answered, attempting to conceal her fear. “I wonder what she’s doing in Florence,” Tessie said, looking toward Charlie.
“Well, she does have a sister here,” Charlie reminded her.
“Yes, I know, but she’s been gone all this time without a word, and now suddenly she appears on the front porch.”
“Don’t get alarmed. Let’s just remain calm and welcome her,” he said, opening the gate, although he noted that Addie hung behind not overly anxious to see her sister.
“Bet you’re surprised to see me,” Lydia said rising from the chair and adjusting the small child on her hip. “This here’s Floyd Jr.,” she announced to the three of them.
“Well, he certainly is a fine-looking boy, isn’t he?” Charlie observed, glancing at Tessie for confirmation.
“Yes, he is,” Tessie replied. “How have you been, Lydia?”
“Well, right now I’m hot and tired. Any chance I could get something to drink and maybe a bite to eat?” she inquired. “Hi, Addie,” she said to her sister without so much as a hug, brushing by her to follow Tessie into the house.
It was obvious that Lydia wasn’t going to divulge what was on her mind until she was good and ready. She had always been deceptive, and although Tessie had been slow to learn that lesson, she was on guard. Quickly, she prepared cold drinks
and arranged some cookies and biscuits on a plate. Returning to the parlor, she found Charlie and Lydia engaged in polite conversation. Addie had disappeared from sight.
“Here you are, Lydia,” Tessie stated, offering a glass of lemonade and the plate of cookies.
“I was hoping for something a little more substantial than cookies but guess they’ll do for now,” she answered, quickly devouring several.
“So how are things going with you and Addie? Must be okay since you didn’t put her in an orphanage or get rid of her,” Lydia stated, slapping the baby’s hand when he reached toward the plate of cookies. Tessie inwardly winced at the punishment.
“They’re going fine, Lydia. I’ve grown to love Addie very much; she’s like my own child. I’ve often wondered how things turned out for you and Floyd.”
“Well, it ain’t been no bed of roses; that’s for sure. Floyd was gone all the time with his sales job, and me, I was home alone with the baby. Then one day Floyd tells me he’s met up with someone else, and he’s leaving me. I’ve been trying to make it on my own, but with Floyd Jr., I just can’t. That’s why I’m here,” she announced.
“Why?” Tessie asked, still unclear what the connection might be.
“Because I need someone to take care of Floyd Jr. so I can work. I figured Addie ought to be good for that. If she watches him careful, she could handle him even if she is deaf. So I came to take her off your hands,” she stated, as if those were the words Tessie had been waiting to hear.
“Take her off my hands? What are you thinking, Lydia? I’m not going to allow you to take Addie. It was you that made the decision to leave her, and here she’ll stay,” Tessie snapped in response.
“You’ve no right to her. She’s my blood, my sister. If I say I’m taking her, that’s how it will be, and I don’t think there’s much you can do about it,” Lydia retorted.
“Ladies, women,” Charlie interrupted. “I think we all need to calm ourselves a bit. Lydia, I’m sure you’re tired after your journey from—where did you come from, Lydia?”
Threads of Love Page 29