“I can hear remnants of greatness lingering in there,” she continued.
Had . . . had she said greatness?
“I can also hear some scarring, perhaps, or residual inflammation,” she continued. “I’ll ask Dr. Wayment to clear a spot for you in the morning, if he can. We should determine your physical status at once, and then we can begin bringing out what’s been buried underneath.”
Justin was nearly lightheaded with relief. “You think you can help me, then?”
“Yes, I believe I can. I’d like to hear you sing again tomorrow to be certain of it, but I’m hopeful. It won’t be easy, though. The thing I require most is your dedication.”
“You have it. You have it in spades.”
“Then we’ll get along very well.” She rose. “I’ll send a note over to the doctor immediately. Where are you staying?”
“At the Brody Hotel by the train station.”
She nodded. “Excellent. I’ll let you know when the doctor will meet with you. Take heart, Mr. Sorenson.” She reached out and took his hand again, looking into his eyes. “We will restore your voice, and you will once again be great.”
He swallowed again, but this time it was from emotion. “Thank you,” he managed. “I can’t explain how much this means to me.”
“You don’t need to explain it. I understand completely.”
He knew she did. And that, above everything else, made her the perfect mentor for him.
Chapter Three
Kitty moved down the aisle of the mercantile, choosing some candles before making her way over to the counter. “Hello, Mr. Appleby,” she said to the proprietor. “I’ll take these, please, and my mother asks if you’ll set aside a carton of tinned peaches.”
The man grinned. “Is Geordie coming home for a visit?”
“Yes, and Mother’s planning to welcome him in style.”
Her opinion on the matter must have shown in her voice. “You’re not excited about him coming home?”
“Well . . . let’s just say I’m more likely to push him in the pond than to throw him a parade.”
Mr. Appleby threw his head back and laughed. “That’s what I like about you, Miss Clark. One always knows where they stand with you.” He jotted himself a note about the peaches, then quoted her the price of the candles. “Did you need anything else today?”
“I believe I have everything I need, and we’ll be back for the peaches when we have the buggy out.”
He nodded. “Give your mother my best.”
“I will. Thank you.”
With her bundle of candles tucked under her arm and her buttons safely in her reticule, Kitty began the walk back home, but she changed her mind at the intersection. She could see her best friend’s wagon up ahead—it looked like Miriam was visiting her grandmother, and Kitty couldn’t pass by without popping by just for a minute.
Miriam Brown had married Toby Johnson just a few months previously, and the two of them lived in a cabin just a little ways out of town. Kitty didn’t get out there as often as she wished, but Miriam did come into Topeka to visit fairly often and to do her shopping.
“Knock, knock,” she called out as she climbed the steps of the porch.
“Come in,” a voice replied from inside.
Kitty opened the door and entered to find Esther Brown hunched over the kitchen table, kneading bread dough. Miriam sat on a nearby chair, snapping beans, but she stood up and gave Kitty a hug as soon as she saw her.
“I can see that you’re busy, so I won’t stay long—unless there’s some way I can help,” Kitty said, setting down her parcel and taking off her hat.
“I think we’ve got it well under control, but thank you for the offer,” Mrs. Brown replied. “Have a seat and keep us company.”
“I’m not sure I’m the best company today,” Kitty said as she complied. “I feel all out of sorts, and I don’t know how to get them back again.”
Miriam smiled. “This is a rare occasion indeed—you’re never in a bad mood.”
“I know, but I am today.” Kitty slumped down a little in her chair, knowing these ladies didn’t care if she wasn’t being exactly prim and proper. “It’s a horrible thing to be twenty years old, unmarried, and to have everyone asking you about your future plans as though there’s a clock ticking over your head. You know I don’t care what people think, but Mother made a comment yesterday morning about how I should be thinking more seriously about marriage, and I haven’t been able to shake my gloominess since.”
“What is it about marriage that makes you gloomy?” Mrs. Brown asked.
“Just the expectation of it all. I want to be swept off my feet—or at the very least, knocked a little off balance. I want to be truly in love, not just agreeing to the arrangement because it’s convenient. And diapers . . . oh, gracious. If children could be born already knowing how to use the privy, it would certainly be a blessing.”
Miriam laughed. “You’re not asking a lot, are you?”
“Not at all! Children are quite clever. I’m sure they could manage it if they put their minds to it.”
Miriam dumped her bowl of beans into the pot that stood waiting on the table. “We’ll have to see if my children are that clever.” She paused. “We should be able to test it out after the new year.”
Kitty looked at her, not comprehending, and then squealing as realization dawned. “Really? So soon?”
Miriam tilted her head to the side.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t comment—that’s rude of me. I’m so excited for you, though.” Not for the first time in her life, Kitty wished she was a little less impulsive with her reactions.
“We’re excited too. Toby has all sorts of plans for fishing trips and hunting expeditions.”
“So, he’s hoping for a boy?”
“He doesn’t care either way—he’ll take a boy or a girl on his adventures.”
“Can’t you just imagine it?” Mrs. Brown said. “Toby striding down the road with a little tot galloping behind him, trying to keep up?”
Kitty grinned. Mrs. Brown did paint an appealing picture of innocent family life, and a twist in the center of her chest told her that, yes, she longed for something like that too. Someday. And not just because her mother had mentioned it—and then Mrs. Henderson, and now Mrs. Brown. Gracious—who would be next?
“I really should be on my way—I just popped in to say hello. Are you both well?”
“I’m only a little queasy first thing in the morning, so I’m feeling quite fortunate,” Miriam replied.
“And except for a little stiffness here and there, I’m fine too,” Mrs. Brown said.
“Excellent! Let’s see that you both stay that way until I see you again.” Kitty stood up, stole a bean from the bowl and ate it, then put her hat back on. “I expect a report on every kick and every doctor’s appointment.”
“Of course,” Miriam said. “I wouldn’t dream of anything less.”
“Good.” Kitty waved over her shoulder as she left, careful not to let the door slam—it did have a way of doing that sometimes. Then she walked home slowly, her desire to run completely drained out of her. Why did she have to be such a changeable creature? Why couldn’t she see her course plainly, as so many others seemed to do? Her friends were born with an innate knowledge of who they ought to become someday, and they’d moved toward that ideal with hardly a curve in the road. It had taken Miriam a little while to come around to her true feelings for Toby, but she had been the exception. Kitty seemed destined to take a dozen wrong turns before figuring out which way was north.
And it was hard not to get dizzy while trying to figure out which way to go.
“Thank you for coming to this emergency meeting,” Jane said to her friends, who had responded to her notes as though she’d announced some sort of global calamity. “I know we met just yesterday, but I simply couldn’t wait until next week’s meeting.”
“Well, what is it?” Maude asked.
“I’ve sp
oken with Kitty, and she’s not as opposed to marriage as Bonnie thought,” Jane reported. “And just as importantly, I believe I’ve found her a young man.”
Bonnie sat up straight. “You did? Where did you find him—in a catalog? There simply aren’t any in our acquaintance!”
“He wasn’t in a catalog, but he did arrive on the train with my shipment,” Jane said with a small chuckle. “His name is Justin Sorenson, and he’s a singer. He’s come to Topeka to study with Mrs. Perry.”
“A singer?” Bonnie’s eyes grew wide. “Oh, that’s wonderful!”
“Isn’t it, though? And he even looks like Kitty, too—he has blond hair and blue eyes. In fact, I’d describe him as being exactly like a cherub, except he’s not so plump.”
“And hopefully he’s dressed a bit more modestly than a cherub,” Thora said, and all the women laughed.
“So, where is he staying?” Nola asked.
“Over at the Brody Hotel,” Jane replied.
“Well, I’m sure it won’t be difficult to arrange a meeting,” Bonnie said. “There are any number of reasons why Kitty would need to walk past Mrs. Perry’s house or visit the hotel or run an errand anywhere along the street when Mr. Sorenson happens to be in transit.”
“Exactly, but I do think we should move on this quickly and not dally,” Jane replied. “He’s not sure quite how long he’ll be in town. He has to determine if Mrs. Perry will work with him after all. If she refuses, he might leave right away.”
“Well then, she’d better not refuse,” Viola said from the corner, lifting a trembling finger. It was the first comment she’d made in regards to Kitty’s situation, and as always, it was right on.
“I must say, I’m in total agreement,” Esther said. “Kitty was at my house yesterday afternoon, and I prodded a bit myself to see where she stood on the subject. She might be making derogatory comments about the institution, but she does indeed want to marry. You should have seen her face when Miriam shared her good news.”
“Her good news?” Nola asked.
Esther beamed. “That’s right—I’m to be a great-grandmother.”
The ladies burst into chatter, congratulating Esther and making their predictions as to the child’s gender. Jane let them have their fun for a few minutes, but then she interrupted.
“I’m sorry, ladies, but if Mr. Sorenson is leaving us soon, we need to come up with a plan for this meeting.”
“How shall we arrange it?” Esther asked. “Bonnie’s right—there are so many possibilities.”
“I believe the simplest way would be for Kitty to pay a call on Mrs. Perry this afternoon,” Jane replied. “Doesn’t Mrs. Perry lend Kitty sheet music from time to time?”
Bonnie nodded vigorously. “Yes, she does. I could tell Kitty that I have a strong desire to hear one of my favorite pieces of music for my birthday next week and ask her to learn it. Then I could suggest that Mrs. Perry might have it.”
“I think that’s a wonderful idea,” Esther said. “Do we know for sure that Mr. Sorenson is likely to be there?”
“If he’s not, I’ll hunt him down wherever he might be!” Bonnie looked determined, and Jane knew Mr. Sorenson would indeed be found. Bonnie was gentle and kind, but once she made up her mind, she was like a tenacious bulldog, refusing to give up on her objective.
“Then we’re agreed.” Jane gave a nod. “All right, ladies—let’s give Bonnie our good wishes in convincing Kitty to visit Mrs. Perry today. If that falls through, we’ll come up with another plan, and one way or another, they will meet.” She gave a satisfied sigh. One meeting was all it would take. They were so perfect for each other, everything would fall into place with no other required effort. She was sure of it.
Chapter Four
“I believe, Mr. Sorenson, that your throat will always feel a little raspy on that one side, but it shouldn’t keep you from singing,” Dr. Wayment said, removing the tongue depressor from Justin’s mouth. “You have some scar tissue there, but not enough to be a real threat to your career.”
“Thank you,” Justin replied, relief flooding over him. “What else should I do to take care of my voice? Mrs. Perry said you were tremendously helpful in recommending a daily routine.”
The doctor nodded. “I’ll write down everything I have Mrs. Perry do. She takes a concoction morning and night made of soothing herbs, and she drinks quite a bit of water. In your case, because your illness was so recent, a warm poultice on the throat would be helpful, and I’ll send along some other tinctures that might numb the throat if it should become more painful. Those aren’t to be taken regularly, though—only as needed when pain is present.”
“I appreciate that. Anything that can be done to preserve my voice.”
Dr. Wayment grabbed a sheet of paper and began scribbling on it with a pencil that squeaked on every third or fourth letter. Justin tried to ignore the unpleasant sound and concentrate on what the doctor was saying instead.
“I’ll provide you with enough supplies for the week, and then you must come back for more. I’m nearly out, you see, but I should be back in stock Monday.”
“Monday,” Justin repeated so it would be committed to memory.
“In the meantime, follow Mrs. Perry’s instructions carefully. She has done quite a bit of study into how to use one’s voice with as little strain as possible, and her advice will be invaluable.”
“That’s why I’m here. I trust her guidance.”
Dr. Wayment nodded again. “Excellent. Here you go, and don’t hesitate to check back if you have any questions or complications.”
Justin put the offered piece of paper in his pocket and shook the doctor’s hand. When he left the office with a small package of potions and tinctures, he felt more hopeful than he had in quite some time.
As he approached Mrs. Perry’s house for their lesson, he noticed a beautiful blonde young lady coming toward him on the sidewalk. She wore a lavender dress that made her look like a garden flower come to life, and her hat framed her face like a picture. A piece of music instantly came to mind, one without words, but it made him feel the way he did as he looked at this woman. He would speak to her when they passed, even if it was merely to wish her a good afternoon. Letting her go without making some sort of connection would be to cast aside something rare and important.
He was startled when they reached Mrs. Perry’s gate at the same time and nearly ran into each other as they both came to a halt.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” he said, taking a step back. “I didn’t mean to interrupt you—only to tell you hello.”
“Well, hello,” she replied, then paused, looking at him curiously. “And now that we’ve taken care of that, I wonder if you’d mind stepping out of my way.”
“Of course.” Justin’s face grew hot. This wasn’t going at all how he’d envisioned it. “I’ll move right now.” He reached out to grab the latch on the gate, thinking to sidestep into the yard and give the young lady all the room she needed to go around him down the sidewalk, but she had reached for the latch as well, and he ended up grabbing her hand.
“I beg your pardon?” She snatched her hand away. “I thought you were going to move!”
“I am moving! I’m entering this yard so you can go around me!”
“But I don’t want to go around you. I want to go through this gate! Honestly, sir, your attention is flattering, but you’re becoming quite rude.”
“I’m not paying you attention, and I’m not trying to be rude—I’m simply trying to go about my business!” Justin retorted.
“Well, you need to examine your business and make certain that you’re not interfering in mine!” she snapped back.
They stared at each other for a long minute, daring each other to speak. Justin hadn’t expected such a temper from someone so beautiful. He’d misjudged her entirely.
Finally, he said, “Am I to understand that you’re here to see Mrs. Perry?”
“Of course! Why else would I be trying to go through this gate
?” She paused. “Are you here to see her too?”
“Of course!” Justin was exasperated as well as embarrassed. “Let’s do this—you go through the gate, I will count to ten, and then I’ll follow you. Is that acceptable?”
“Yes, I believe that will do very well.”
Justin took an exaggerated step backward and motioned toward the gate with a flourish. “It’s all yours.”
“Thank you.” She lifted her nose in the air, unfastened the latch, and walked through, purposely closing the gate again after herself instead of leaving it open for him.
Now who was being rude?
Justin counted to ten, then added on another ten for good measure as the young lady knocked on Mrs. Perry’s door. When it opened, he stepped through the gate himself, greeting Mrs. Perry as he stepped onto the porch.
“Hello,” she said, a bemused look on her face. “I see you’ve met Kitty Clark.” She nodded over her shoulder to the young woman, who now stood in the entryway.
“We met on the sidewalk just now.” He took off his hat and placed it on the table inside the door, along with his parcel. “Thank you for recommending Dr. Wayment. He was very knowledgeable.”
“I’m glad he’ll be helpful.” Mrs. Perry closed the door and motioned for both her guests to go into the parlor. Justin gave the girl a wide berth, not wanting to have another disagreement over who should enter the room first.
“Kitty, this is Justin Sorenson, who has come here to study with me,” Mrs. Perry said.
Justin gave Miss Clark a nod. “I’m pleased to meet you.”
She raised an eyebrow. “I’m trying to make up my mind whether or not to forgive you. Gate blocking is a most horrible offense, as I’m sure you know, and given that you blocked it twice, it might take me twice as long to recover.”
Justin picked up a note of humor in her voice and decided to test it out. “Perhaps I should apologize twice as vociferously, then.”
“Perhaps you should. And a bit of groveling would be a nice touch.” She turned to Mrs. Perry. “What do you think? Would groveling be appropriate in this case?”
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