Once the dinner dishes were washed and the younger children put down for naps, the men, along with Pearl, Lillian and Luella left to complete as much of the move as they could. Pearl had the apartment until the end of the month, so they planned to move the furniture today while they had the wagon. If they could complete that and move Will’s few items, Pearl could get the rest of her belongings at her convenience. Lillian spoke up saying she would help with that so it would be accomplished more quickly.
~~~~~
“This is a cute house, Will,” Luella said once she’d inspected every corner. “It’s not that far from home either. That’s convenient.”
Will exchanged a look with his sister. They had commented to each other that its proximity was not one of its assets. Lillian simply shot him a wide toothed grin.
The house wasn’t large. One story, the main rooms were two bedrooms, a parlor, and kitchen. The previous owner had divided the washroom so he could add a bathing room. There was indoor plumbing, and electricity had been wired when the remodel was done.
Pearl came into the parlor from the kitchen. “My small table works well in your washroom. I’m pleased you were able to find a place for all my furniture.”
“I’ve contacted the telephone company to change the number. They will have done that by tomorrow if they haven’t already. My number will be Juniper 3742.”
Luella stepped to the window of the parlor. “Would you like Lillian and me to make you draperies? I see there aren’t any. You’ll need them right away for your bedroom and the bathing room.”
Will noticed Pearl blush at the mention of such personal rooms. “I’d appreciate that, Mother.”
“Thank you for volunteering me,” Lillian said, but she was smiling. Lillian loved to sew and would be very willing to make them. “Besides, it will give me a chance to go to Townsend and Wyatt to purchase the fabric.”
Everyone laughed. Lillian loved to shop.
CHAPTER FIVE
“How do you like living in your own house, Will?” Matthew asked. He was examining several pieces of lace Pearl had left that morning for Lillian to record and display. He’d come to the shop after he and Luella had eaten lunch. He seldom came to work for a full day anymore. He just didn’t have the stamina for the entire time. The journey on the trolley wasn’t the joy it had been when it was first installed in the city.
Will set his tool on the bench and picked up a polishing cloth. “It’s quiet. No Lillian talking all the time. I can actually hear myself think.”
They both laughed. Lillian was known to be a chatterbox.
“You aren’t lonely?”
“Not yet. It’s been less than a week.”
“Ah. I must say, your Pearl does fine lacework.” Matthew laid the lace down, straightening it.
“She’s not my Pearl. I think she may be Lillian’s though. I stayed late last night working on this brooch. It needs to be ready by Friday. The laughter I heard coming from upstairs— Let’s just say, they are enjoying living together.”
Matthew moved to a case displaying cameo brooches and pendants. Opening it he took one out and held it up. “This one is especially lovely. It won’t be here long.”
The shop door opened admitting Lillian. “Father.” She rushed to the back and hugged him. “I’m so glad to see you. How are you feeling?”
“Well enough. Your mother fusses so. I’m not as young as I used to be, but I’m not a doddering old man just yet.” Matthew set the cameo down, straightened it, and closed the display. He turned and walked toward his stool by the workbench. His legs suddenly wouldn’t hold him and he collapsed while reaching out for the bench.
“Father!” Lillian cried.
Will was at his side in an instant. “Father, what happened?”
“Legs wouldn’t support me. Went weak. Give me a moment. I’ll be fine.”
“Lillian,” Will said. “Run down the block and around the corner. The Physicians & Surgeons Building is there. You’ll be able to find a doctor there.”
“No,” Matthew protested. Lillian didn’t pay attention. She ran out the door, in her hurry letting it slam shut.
~~~~~
Vernon Strasser carried his medical bag as he walked through the lobby of the Physicians’ and Surgeons’ Building. His office was on the top floor two flights up. He was headed out to make some house calls.
The door to the building banged open, startling him. A young woman ran in and up to him.
“Are you a doctor? I need one quickly,” she asked, panic in her voice. She grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the building.
“What’s the matter?”
“It’s Father. He collapsed. Said his legs wouldn’t support him. I don’t think he can stand. Will’s with him.”
She was hurrying across the street, dragging him behind. A motorcar honked as they ran in front of it.
“How far?” Vernon asked.
“Just at the other end of the block. Bavarian Jewelry and Watch Repair Shop.”
As they ran along the sidewalk, Vernon asked the young lady questions about her father. Name: Matthew Miller. Age: sixty. Known medical conditions. Those she was rather vague about. Her name: Lillian Miller. He briefly thought to inquire as to her age but decided now might not be the best time to ask that question.
The shop was on the corner and she opened the door and ran in before him. She scurried around the counter and dropped down out of sight. Vernon followed. On the floor lay a man with a younger man kneeling beside him.
“I’m Dr. Strasser. Can you tell me what happened?”
“He was standing at that display case. He turned around to come to the workbench and his legs went out from under him. I’ve made him stay lying here until you came.” The young man stroked the older man’s forehead.
“Can you tell me your name?” Vernon asked, taking in what he could of the symptoms Matthew exhibited. He was pale, a slight sheen of sweat covering his face.
“Matthew Miller.” The words had a slight slur.
“Very good. That’s what your daughter claimed it was. I’m glad she was correct.” His small joke brought a slight grin to the right side of Matthew’ face. “Look up at me, please.” When he did, there was a droop to the left eyelid.
Taking hold of both hands, Vernon said. “Squeeze my hands, please, as tightly as you can.” The right hand was much stronger than the left. He lay his patient’s hands on his chest. He placed his hand on Matthew’ left leg. “Press up.” The leg pushed. It wasn’t as strong as he’d hoped.
Vernon sat back on his heels. “You are exhibiting the symptoms of apoplexy. I think it is mild, but we’ll need to do more testing to determine how badly you are affected.”
Lillian gasped. “Oh, Father.” She took hold of his hand.
“Now, Lillian, don’t you fret. I’ll be fine.” Matthew squeezed her hand reassuringly.
“I’d like to have you transported to Elsworth Hospital. There…” Vernon began, but Matthew cut him off.
“Just what are they going to do for me there?”
“Well, we can assess your symptoms and determine how much damage has been done.”
“Are there assessments you can do there that you can’t do at my home?”
“Well, no. From your ability to speak and move your arms and legs, it appears to have been a mild apoplexy.” He went on to explain what had occurred and what the outcomes might be. Vernon glanced at Lillian. Tears were slipping down her cheeks.
“Since there’s not much benefit to being in the hospital I’ll just head home. If you want you can do further assessments there.” His speech was improving. There wasn’t as much slurring of the words.
“Father,” the young man said. “If the doctor thinks you should be in the hospital, then you should listen to him.” He turned his attention to Vernon. “I’m William Miller. Father and I run this shop together.”
“Pleased to meet you, though not under these circumstances. Dr. Vernon Strasser.” Vernon held out h
is hand, and Will shook it.
“Mother needs to be told,” Lillian said.
“Yes, but don’t call her on the telephone. That will only frighten her. You go fetch her, Will, and bring the buggy,” Matthew said. “I’m not sure I can walk home, even riding the electric trolley most of the way.” He began to roll over, seemingly intent on getting up. Vernon and Will helped him onto his desk chair.
Will stood looking at his father, then turned to Vernon. “Do you think he can get upstairs to the apartment?”
“Between us, I think we can get him there safely.”
Although Matthew was weak, he was able, with Vernon and Will’s support, to climb the stairs. They settled him on Lillian’s bed while she fluttered around trying to help but also stay out of the way.
~~~~~
Will jumped off the trolley and hurried down the street. There were three blocks to traverse before he came to the house where he’d grown up.
How was he going to tell his mother what had happened? It was a question he’d thought about ever since he left the shop.
Dr. Vernon had left at the same time. He was going to return once he finished his house calls. He estimated it would take him approximately the same amount of time it would take to fetch his mother. Lillian would stay with their father. Will had locked the shop. Any customers would just have to come back another day.
He bounded up the front steps to the porch two at a time. Not bothering to knock, Will went into the house, calling for his mother. She came from the kitchen into the front hall wiping her hands on a towel.
“Will, what are you doing here?” It was evident she knew something was wrong.
“Mother, Father has had a spell. The doctor says it’s an apoplexy. It was mild, and he’s able to speak and walk, but he’s weak. We need to take the buggy so we can bring him home.”
Luella leaned against the wall.
“Mother, are you all right?” Will cupped her elbow in his hand.
“Just shocked. Give me a moment.” She raised a shaky hand to her forehead and took a deep breath. She straightened and said, “How is he? What does he need? Let me get my hat. You go get the horse hitched. I’ll be out in a jiffy.” She headed for the stairs pulling her apron ties as she went. “Wait. No, go. I can’t think.” She covered her face with her hands.
Will placed an arm around his mother and gave her a hug. “His speech is a little slurred and his left side is weaker than the right. The doctor said it was a mild episode. Lillian is with him. He’s resting in the apartment. He wouldn’t go to the hospital. He just wants to be home with you.”
“He said that?”
“Maybe not in so many words, but yes.”
Luella chuckled. “No, he wouldn’t say so.” She patted Will on the cheek. “Go get the buggy ready. I’ll meet you out front.”
By the time Will drove around the house, Luella had changed from her work dress to a walking dress, was wearing her spring hat, and was standing on the sidewalk. Will secured the reins and began to get down to help her, but she was already climbing into the buggy.
“Let’s go. No time to waste.”
On the drive through town, Will explained more fully what had happened and what Dr. Strasser had said. His mother listened, asking a question occasionally. Then, silence fell between them.
Will halted the horse on the less traveled street by the shop which was on the corner, jumped down and tied him to the electric pole. He helped Luella down, and followed her into the shop after he unlocked the door. They hurried over to and up the stairs. Lillian met them at the top. The women hugged.
“He’s sleeping. Dr. Strasser hasn’t returned. He hasn’t telephoned either. He said he would before he returned. I gave him our number.”
Luella laid her gloves on the table and placed her hat beside them. “I’m going to go see him. Please give me a moment before you come in.”
Will and Lillian waited while their mother went into the bedroom.
~~~~~
“Plaza 8585, please,” Dr. Strasser told the operator. He was finished with his house calls and was using his patient’s telephone to contact the Millers. The number rang several times before it was answered.
“Hello? Bavarian Jewelry and Watch Repair Shop.” The voice was Lillian’s. Vernon knew he should think of her as Miss Miller but didn’t want to.
“This is Dr. Strasser. I’ve finished with my calls and will be coming to check on your father now. How is he doing?”
“He’s sleeping. Mother is here and with him.”
“Good. I’ll grab the trolley and be there as soon as I can.”
“Thank you.”
Vernon left the house and hurried to the trolley stop. When he arrived at the shop, Lillian was waiting at the door. Letting him in, she locked it and they hurried upstairs. The sway of her hips as she preceded him caught his eye. He pushed the thought away.
Vernon was used to seeing worry and concern on people’s faces. It was part of the stressful profession he’d chosen. Lillian’s expression made more of an impact on him though. She seemed so vulnerable. So afraid she would lose her father. It made him want to wrap his arms around her and give her what comfort he could. That wouldn’t be appropriate behavior for either a doctor or a single man to a single woman, of course. Especially one he’d only met a few hours before.
Rather than wake his patient, Vernon had the rest of the family move to the parlor where he explained what had happened and what to expect in the days to come. “He’ll need to rest. His body has gone through a shock and needs to recuperate. I’ll come by every couple of days to check on his progress. In about a week, he’ll have an exercise regimen to do daily. It will help him regain his strength.”
Vernon pulled out his pocket watch. “It’s late enough in the day, I can stay until he wakes and help him down the stairs.” He didn’t want to leave. There was a young lady who piqued his interest.
“I’d be most appreciative, Dr. Strasser,” Mrs. Miller said. “My sons-in-law are still at work. Having another strong man along with Will to help my husband down the stairs takes a worry off my mind.”
They sat in the parlor wanting to give Mr. Miller as much rest as they could before moving him to his home. Lillian made tea and served it with a plate of cookies. Vernon couldn’t keep his eyes off her. She was cute and perky and talked a lot.
The bell attached to the front door of the shop jingled. Will stood. “That will be Pearl. She lives with Lillian.”
Another pretty woman came in. She didn’t look like any of the Miller family.
“Oh, hello. I didn’t expect to see so many up here,” she said.
“Mrs. Ward, this is Dr. Strasser. Father suffered an apoplexy seizure. He’s in Lillian’s room sleeping.” Will moved across the room and laid a hand on her arm.
“Oh, I’m so sorry. Will he be all right?”
Vernon watched as Will explained. He wondered why Mrs. Ward was living with Lillian.
“Is there anything I can do to help?” she asked. Mrs. Miller assured her that they would let her know if there was a way for her to.
“Luella.” Mr. Miller's call brought them all to their feet. His wife hurried into the bedroom. Vernon followed Will and Lillian.
Soon, they were helping him down the stairs and into the buggy. Will drove his parents home, leaving Vernon with Lillian and Mrs. Ward standing on the sidewalk watching the buggy depart.
CHAPTER SIX
Pearl crossed her arms over the calendar lying on the table and dropped her head to rest on them. What was she going to do? Just when things began to look up, now this. Being offered the opportunity to live with Lillian had been a Godsend. It had lowered her expenses dramatically.
But now— now she was going to lose her job. There was no way she could support herself on what she could make crocheting lace. Not herself and a baby.
When she missed her first course, Pearl had thought it was due to the stress of Patrick’s death. There was no reason other tha
n one to have missed the second. She must have conceived just before Patrick became sick.
At least she now knew why she was so tired. Pearl was grateful she wasn’t suffering from morning sickness and hoped that blessing would continue. She didn’t know what she would do if she started becoming ill at work, or so she couldn’t go to work.
Living only three blocks from the dry goods store now was a blessing for several reasons. It meant she didn’t have to ride the trolley both ways. That saved her money. Money she needed to save for the baby. The time she saved not having to wait for the trolley and ride it definitely was beneficial. It gave her nearly an hour more of sleep in the morning.
Pearl had hoped to fill the time crocheting both before and after work. Her fatigue took over though, making it impossible to stay awake after she returned to the apartment in the evening.
Pearl couldn’t decide whether she was happy to be having Patrick’s child or not. Having a part of him live on brought joy, but knowing she would be out of work as soon as she began to show was distressing. She thought she was about two months along. If she was fortunate, she might be able to keep her condition secret for three more months at the longest.
It was Saturday, so she wasn’t working at the dry goods store. That meant she could spend the day crocheting. Larger items like shawls and tablecloths made the most money, but they also took the longest to make. Gloves sold well also, especially with June weddings coming. She’d already sold several pairs.
Pearl put the calendar away and got her basket containing her thread and hooks. Not wanting to be upstairs alone, she headed down to the shop. Lillian would be there, as would Will. Maybe they would allow her to sit out of the way and do her crocheting there.
Will looked up and smiled when she came down the stairs. “Good morning. We were hoping you would join us. No sense in you hiding away when we can keep each other company.”
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