Malinda,
Dr. Todd McWilliams may try to contact you when he goes to Baltimore for a conference. Don’t get your hopes up that he wants to see you for romantic reasons. To the doctor, you are a puzzle to be solved. Your medical condition and your culture are a challenge to him, and he always likes a good challenge. If you know what is good for you, you will promptly send the doctor on his way if he shows up at your house. Or better yet, don’t even talk to him at all.
I saw the way he looked at you in the hospital, and I’m sure the attention he gave you was flattering. Don’t think for a minute that an important, sophisticated doctor could be interested in a simple girl like yourself. He needs a woman of his caliber by his side—an equally sophisticated, educated woman—so in other words, keep your paws off!
Malinda dropped the paper as if it had bitten her. The letter had no signature, but it didn’t need one. It could only have been written by Nurse Trudy. Malinda hadn’t failed to notice the daggers the blonde, curly-haired nurse had shot at her when Dr. McWilliams wasn’t looking in her direction. Trudy had provided adequate nursing care but had seemed possessive of Dr. McWilliams. If he and Trudy had a relationship, why did he say all those things to her about staying in Ohio with him? Why did he track her down at her home to again try to persuade her to live in Ohio? Was she an experiment, a goal to be achieved?
Malinda shuddered and pulled the covers back up to her neck. She never had any intention of taking the doctor up on his offer, but it still hurt to be considered a challenge. She prayed the man was on his way back to Ohio and wouldn’t try to contact her ever again. She reached to extinguish the lamp. It seemed that Trudy and Todd McWilliams were two peas in a pod. It also seemed she would be short on sleep again tonight.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Throughout the three-hour church service, Malinda stole occasional glances at the door to assure herself no strangers entered the Hertzlers’ big barn. When Phoebe nudged her and raised questioning eyebrows, Malinda figured she’d better keep her eyes front and center—if she could keep them open at all. This day couldn’t end fast enough to suit her. She would be able to breathe easier once the weekend was over and there was no additional appearance by Dr. McWilliams.
With fall’s crisp weather, the common meal after church would be inside rather than under the shade trees, as it was in summer. Leaves had already begun to blaze with deep red, bright orange, and golden yellow hues that painted a glorious picture against the blue sky. As the men ate, Malinda kept busy by shuttling here and there replacing food and drinks until Phoebe cornered her. “Slow down, Malinda. What’s got you so jittery?”
“I, uh, I’m not jittery.”
“You could have fooled me. Grab a plate. It’s time for us to eat. You remind me of a little hummingbird flapping its wings so fast you can’t see them.”
Malinda forced a strained smile before filling a plate with food she had no desire to eat. She dropped to the bench beside Phoebe. A wad of fear filled her stomach, sending distress signals loud and clear. Mary Stoltzfus plunked down on Phoebe’s other side and kept up a steady stream of chatter, relieving Malinda of any obligation to converse. Malinda tore off a small chunk of bread to nibble at, but ended up balling it up in her napkin.
“It’s a little chilly out, but would you like to go for a short walk?” Timothy spoke close to Malinda’s ear shortly after she left the table.
“Uh, sure, Timothy. A short walk would be fine.”
Some of the young folks had started a game of volleyball and called out for Tim and Malinda to join them. Timothy glanced at Malinda. “Do you want to play?” At the shake of her head, he hollered back, “Not right now.” Younger kinner raced around the yard enjoying their own games. “Are you too cold?
“I’m fine for now.” He’s always so considerate.
“Do you want to see how the Hertzlers’ lambs are doing? They should be pretty big by now.”
“Sure. I saw them shortly after they were born but haven’t seen them since.” Malinda always liked stopping to watch the woolly black-faced sheep whenever she passed the Hertzlers’ farm. Something about their sweet expressions tugged at her heart.
Malinda and Timothy chatted about the sheep, Timothy’s work, and Malinda’s day at the market as they strolled toward the back pasture. The sound of a car’s engine and then the crunch of tires on gravel caused Malinda to freeze in her tracks.
“Who could that be?” Timothy looked toward the driveway. “All the local Englischers know we don’t do business on Sundays.”
Malinda craned her neck to peer around Timothy. She gasped. All the joy of walking with Timothy drained out the soles of her feet, only to be replaced by conflicting emotions. Surprise. Anger. Fear. How dare he interrupt their Sunday?
“Malinda, are you all right? You’re so pale, and you’re trembling.”
“I-I guess I’m getting a little cold.” Her gaze stayed fastened on the red car that kicked up dust as it rolled up the driveway a little too fast. Suddenly she wanted to run. It took every ounce of willpower to keep her feet planted where they were. The car had scarcely lurched to a stop when the driver’s door sprang open.
“Do you still want to see the sheep, or would you rather go back?” Timothy rubbed one of her cold hands between his large warm ones.
“We can go on.” Actually, she wanted to tug Timothy out of sight of the man approaching the volleyball players.
Before they reached the sheep, they heard a voice shouting out to them. Again they stopped to look behind them.
“Malinda!”
“It’s Roman.” That arrogant man must have sent Roman to fetch her. “Was ist letz?” she called when Roman got closer.
“That man,” Roman panted. “He wants to see you.”
Timothy looked at Malinda. His face was one big question mark. Malinda stared at Roman, who had paused to catch his breath.
“That man says he was your doctor in Ohio,” Roman panted.
“Why has he come here?” Timothy’s face now exhibited concern. “You’re all right, aren’t you, Malinda?”
“I’m fine.” She didn’t feel so fine at this very moment, though. Please, Gott, don’t let him have told anyone about his visit on Thursday or mention any of that conversation to anyone.
“We’d better see what he wants,” Timothy said, deciding for them.
“I’ll tell him you’re on your way.” Roman sprinted back in the direction of the yard.
“I wonder what he wants,” Timothy said.
“Gut question.” Dread tugged at Malinda’s soul. The image of a sheep being led to slaughter filled her mind. Timothy must have sensed her reluctance to move. How could he not?
“Would you rather not see the doctor?” Timothy stopped abruptly, causing Malinda to bump into him.
“It’s, uh, I don’t have any need to see him. I’m not sick.” Yet.
“Englisch doctors don’t usually make social calls.” Timothy spoke mainly to himself. When Malinda did not move forward, he asked, “Don’t you think you should see what he wants?”
“I suppose I have to.” Malinda let Timothy lead her forward again.
The volleyball players and young kinner played as before. Adults were still gathered in clumps to talk. The world spun on. Only Malinda’s world screeched to a halt.
“Hello, Malinda. How are you?” Todd McWilliams flashed a wide, bright smile.
I was a whole lot better before you drove that fancy car up the driveway. “I’m fine.”
“Could I talk to you for a minute?”
From her periphery, Malinda watched her parents approach, worry etched on her mamm’s face. “Here are my parents,” she said and made the introductions.
“Danki for taking care of our dochder when she was so sick,” Rufus said as Saloma nodded.
“I’m glad I was there and could help.” Todd flashed that brilliant smile again
“Is there any problem?” Concern filled Saloma’s voice. “I mean, Malind
a is okay, isn’t she? You didn’t drive all the way here to tell us about some test results or something? It’s been several months, and . . .”
“Oh, no, no. It’s nothing like that at all. We wouldn’t have released Malinda from the hospital if we suspected something was wrong. I had a conference to attend in Baltimore, and I thought it was a pleasant day to take a drive. When I remembered Malinda lived in Southern Maryland, I headed south to see the area and check in on Malinda while I was here.”
“That is very kind of you.” Saloma’s relief was palpable. “Would you like something to eat? We still have plenty of food left.”
Nee, Mamm. I want him to leave. Don’t encourage him to linger.
“No, thank you. I ate along the way. I would like to talk to Malinda for a few moments, if that’s all right.”
“Sure. Danki again, Dr. McWilliams.” Rufus backed away.
Malinda gazed up into Timothy’s eyes, willing him to stay by her side.
“I’ll check on the volleyball game.” Timothy patted Malinda’s arm.
All hope of rescue vanished. She’d have to face the man alone. At least he hadn’t said anything about his real purpose for being here. Malinda stood like a statue, her heart pounding so hard she feared it would explode. All she could do was stare at the man in front of her.
“It’s good to see you again, Malinda. You’re looking well.” Todd spoke loud enough for anyone still within earshot to hear. When he reached to touch her arm, Malinda jerked free from her inert state and leaped out of reach. “I wouldn’t hurt you, Malinda.” His voice dropped low so only she could hear him.
“I didn’t think you would.” Malinda finally found her voice. “I just don’t want you to touch me.”
“I’ve touched you before.”
“As a doctor. I was your patient. I’m not now.” She felt her face heat nearly to the boiling point. Surely the man had not touched her inappropriately when she’d been heavily medicated and not aware of her surroundings. “What are you doing here? You’ve lived around the Amish. You know Sundays are church and family days.”
“I told you I would see you soon.”
“And I told you I would not change my mind.”
“Is he your boyfriend?” Todd tilted his head in the direction Timothy had taken.
“That isn’t any of your business.”
“Of course it is. You know how I feel about you. You know I want you to come to Ohio with me. I can give you a good life.”
“My life here is fine. I’m happy here and don’t intend to leave.”
“Will that young fellow be able to take care of you when you’re sick? Will he even stay around, or will he run off in fear?”
“You make it sound like I have some horrible contagious disease. Most people here know I have flare-ups of Crohn’s. We are used to helping one another. Besides, I’ve been quite well the past few months.”
“But you won’t always feel well.”
“Who says? Are you able to predict the future?” Malinda found her fear morphing into anger. Dr. Todd McWilliams acted so sure of himself.
“I know the shape of your intestines. Flare-ups are inevitable. Surgery may very well be in your not-too-distant future. How will you manage that?”
“We do have doctors and hospitals here. My family will help me. That’s what we do. So you don’t have to worry about my medical condition.”
“What if I profess my undying love for you? Then would you come with me?”
“Then you would be telling a great untruth.”
“How can you think that?”
“Dr. McWilliams . . .”
“Todd.”
“Dr. McWilliams, we are totally different. I am grateful for your help when I was sick. Truly I am. But that’s all there is to it, and that’s all there will ever be. Go home to Nurse Trudy. I believe she cares about you and would definitely be more suitable for you.”
“Trudy? I don’t think so.”
“I need to return to my family now.”
“Your boyfriend, you mean?” The doctor’s voice turned suddenly gruff, harsh.
“Have a safe trip home, Dr. McWilliams.” Malinda willed her feet not to run, though all she wanted to do was hide behind her mamm’s skirt as she had done as a boppli.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Timothy didn’t need to shade his eyes from the sun to see the stormy expression on Malinda’s usually serene face. What could the doctor have said to upset her? Fear shot through his heart and stole his breath. Surely the doctor didn’t have some sort of bad news after all this time. He thought Malinda had been feeling well these last few months. Timothy shifted his gaze slightly to catch the doctor stomping off toward the little red car. His expression definitely displayed anger. He wished he’d stayed a little closer so he could have heard the conversation between Malinda and the man, but that would have been rude. Now he had to decide whether or not to intercept Malinda’s journey toward her mamm.
“Malinda?”
She whirled around. Timothy could see her struggle to gain control over her emotions. She blinked hard several times, probably to hold back tears. Timothy saw and heard her drag in a deep breath and let it out slowly, taking the furrows across her forehead with it.
“Jah?” Her voice came out soft, low.
“Are you all right? Did the doctor say something to upset you?”
“I-I’m fine, Tim.”
“You looked so upset, and the doctor sure left in a huff.”
“H-he probably has to hurry back to Ohio. It’s a long drive, you know.”
“Jah. He went out of his way to drive down here from Baltimore before heading to Ohio.”
“I suppose so.”
“That was nice of him to check on you.”
Malinda shrugged her slim shoulders but didn’t comment. She also didn’t answer his question about the doctor saying something to upset her. Timothy decided to let that slide for the moment. “Did you still want to see the lambs?”
“I’d like to see them, but not now.”
Timothy watched Malinda’s face as her eyes followed the red car speeding down the driveway in a cloud of dust. Her jaw relaxed when no trace of red was visible. Glancing down, he saw Malinda’s fingers uncurl from the tight fists they’d been clutched in against her blue dress.
“I hope he slows down when he reaches the road, or he’ll kill someone. Are you sure you’re okay, Malinda?”
“I’m sure.”
Timothy trotted along beside Malinda, not willing to leave her when, despite her protests, he knew she was shaken.
“Ach, Malinda, is the doctor gone already?” Saloma scurried away from the women she’d been chatting with.
“He just left,” Timothy answered when Malinda didn’t immediately respond to her mamm’s inquiry. Tim pointed to the driveway, but the doctor had sped away so quickly not even a fleck of dust still swirled in the air. He dropped his arm when he realized he was pointing at nothing.
“I was going to send some food with him for his long drive. It was awfully gut of him to drive all the way down here to check on you, ain’t so, Malinda?”
“I suppose,” Malinda mumbled. “Are you and Daed about ready to go home?”
Timothy saw the concern jump into Saloma’s face. For sure and for certain, Malinda wasn’t acting quite right, and the color had drained right off her face, leaving her as pale as a white sheet flapping in a snowstorm.
“Are you feeling all right?” Saloma walked closer, her eyes focused on Malinda’s face.
“I’m fine. I’m just a little tired. I can sit and wait for you if you aren’t ready to leave.” The slump of Malinda’s shoulders told Timothy Malinda would rather not wait around the Hertzlers’ place any longer.
“I was going to let the buwe finish their game, but I can round them up.” Saloma took in a deep breath as if ready to holler for one of her sons.
“Wait, Saloma. If it’s okay with you, Malinda, I’ll take you home. Aden looks pretty
tired. Maybe he’d want to kumm along with us.” Timothy nodded to where Aden lay sprawled in a patch of clover. Even though he was a kinner, Timothy figured the bu would serve as some sort of chaperone so he and Malinda wouldn’t be at her house alone.
“He does look pretty beat,” Saloma agreed. She turned back to Malinda. “Is that plan okay with you?”
“Sure.”
“I’ll tell Aden to get moving. We’ll be along real soon.”
Malinda nodded and headed toward the buggies. She waved to Phoebe and Mary as she passed by. Timothy caught up in two long strides. “I’m sure Aden will be here in a minute. I’ll get the horse hitched so we’re all set to go.”
Malinda mumbled affirmatively but offered no other comment. Timothy’s concern mounted. Malinda had seemed fine when they’d set out on their walk. In fact, she had seemed excited about seeing the lambs. He knew her fondness for animals and was surprised she’d changed her mind about seeing them after the doctor talked to her. What did that man say? Would Timothy be able to find out?
Aden panted to a stop beside the buggy.
“You found the energy to run over here?” Malinda playfully punched her little bruder.
“Jah.” Aden paused and gasped for breath. “I was going to play some more, but everyone else was too tired.”
“Everyone else? It was you I saw flat out on the ground.”
“I guess I’m tired, too.”
“Hop in and we’ll be on our way.” Timothy helped Malinda climb into the buggy.
They made the short drive to the Stauffers’ house in relative silence. Timothy’s attempts at conversation were met mostly with one-word responses. Aden chattered intermittently, but mostly to himself.
“Danki, Tim.” Malinda jumped down from the buggy as soon as it stopped, as if she couldn’t wait to escape. That happened too often. Every time he thought they’d taken one step forward, she dragged him two steps back. Aden hopped down after her and ran toward the barn.
“The barn cat had kittens.” Malinda answered Tim’s unasked question. “Four of them.”
The Mending Page 16