Lesson of the Poinsettia

by Mildred Colvin

  “I’ll be there.” Seth’s voice softened. He reached out to touch her and pulled his hand back. Such a beautiful woman. Why had she lost her sight?

  Abigail shook her head. “No, Mr. Warren. I don’t think you understand.” Her sightless eyes turned full on his face, the expression on hers almost defiant. The tone of her voice seemed to challenge him. “You would not want to escort the blind, would you, Mr. Warren?”

  He laughed. “I’d be honored to escort one very beautiful blind lady, Miss Stevens.”

  Her eyes grew wide and her mouth formed a small circle. “Then you know?”

  “Yes, I know. But, what you don’t know is that you are not the only one who cannot see, Miss Abigail.” He let his gaze roam over her flowers.

  She waited, her face turned toward his. “Until quite recently I’ve allowed bitterness and fear to blind me to what is most important. God has heard my prayer of repentance and is helping with my fears, thanks to your influence. I have been challenged and have learned from your courage and kindness.”

  He chuckled. “Much more than I can ever repay, in fact.”

  Abigail turned away again and Seth saw tears glisten in her eyes.

  He touched her smooth cheek, bringing her back to face him. “I’m sorry that you cannot see through those beautiful, blue eyes. But Miss Abigail, I think I am right when I say you see more than most of us who remain blind to the beauty around us.”

  Her eyes blinked and a tear rolled down her cheek. He swallowed, gently wiped the tear away with his thumb, and took a deep breath. “When you saw a motherless young girl who needed a friend, you stepped into that spot and filled it beautifully. Mary Ella’s life has been enriched by your friendship, and so has mine. Your faith and goodness reached across the street to change our lives.”

  “You are kind, Mr. Warren.”

  “Please, call me Seth.”

  A smile touched Abigail’s lips at his request. Her eyes sparkled. “Seth is a nice name.”

  Seth smiled. “My grandfather thought so I’m sure, since it was also his name.” When she only smiled, he persisted. “But, you haven’t answered. Will you come shopping with Mary Ella and me?”

  “I shall look forward to Saturday.” A sweet wide-eyed expression covered her face.

  Seth’s heart leaped at her acceptance. He took a step back to keep from moving forward too fast. “I, too, shall look forward to your company.”

  At her parting smile, he turned, went outside, and crossed the street. He hadn’t found out about Mary Ella’s flower, but he had done something better. He had taken a step of faith. A step back to the faith that he once embraced.

  ~*~

  Abigail kept Seth’s visit a secret until Friday evening when she sat with her sister after dinner. She kept her fingers busy with her knitting while Rachel read a book aloud. Abigail could scarcely keep her mind on the story, as her sister’s voice droned on. She kept thinking of what Seth might look like. Rachel said he was handsome with dark hair and eyes. She held her own idea close to her heart all the time, knowing that a man’s outward appearance was of little consequence. If he had a pure heart, who should care for the wart on his nose?

  She giggled, bringing an immediate response from Rachel. “You aren’t even listening, are you?”

  “Of course.” Abigail assured her. “I believe you just read that young Rebecca has gone across the fence again to visit her neighbor.”

  “You know the story already.” Rachel accused her sister. “I’ve read these same books to you a dozen times.”

  “Oh, but you read so well, and I do like the stories. Rebecca reminds me of Mary Ella.” Abigail smiled at the thought.

  “Mary Ella indeed. I know she is here almost every day, although I’ve repeatedly asked you to send her home where she belongs.”

  “I enjoy her company.” Abigail protested. “I will not send her home. Besides that, I’ve been invited to go shopping with Mary Ella and her father.”

  “What?”

  “Seth—Mr. Warren invited me to go Christmas shopping with them tomorrow morning.”

  “You cannot be serious.” Rachel’s voice rose. “You can’t go shopping. How can you walk through an unfamiliar store? You’ll trip and fall and bump into things. You could get run over by a motor car or even a carriage.”

  “Mr. Warren assured me that he will help me find my way.”

  “What is this obsession you have with Mr. Warren and his daughter?” Rachel closed the book with a snap. “We were doing fine until that child came traipsing over here wanting to look at your flowers. Abigail, you must listen to reason. The streets, especially at this time of the year, are no place for you. And what if some of our friends see you out with a common laborer? Have you no concern for your reputation?”

  Abigail laughed at her sister’s objections. “I see nothing wrong with an innocent shopping trip. I plan to buy my Christmas gifts, so you won’t have to. Won’t that be nice? It’s always so hard to make purchases when I have to send someone else in my place.”

  “I don’t mind going for you, Abby.” Rachel’s voice grew pleading. “Please don’t go. You can’t imagine what dangers are out there when you can see. Think how much worse it is for someone like you.”

  But the more Rachel pleaded, the more Abigail’s resolve grew. She refused to back down. She understood her sister’s fears for her. She had even encouraged them in the past. But she’d be with Seth, so there was no room for fear. Seth would take care of her. She was ready Saturday when he knocked at her door.

  “You look lovely.” Seth spoke in low tones, as they stepped off the front porch.

  Abigail smiled at him. “Thank you.”

  “Please tell me what I need to do to give you guidance. If you would take my arm, perhaps that would help.”

  “Yes, I’d like that.” Abigail slipped her hand through the crook of his elbow, as he stepped through the gate and latched it behind them. She was thankful he didn’t grab her arm and try to steer her as some well-meaning folks had done before.

  Seth helped her climb into the buggy where Mary Ella waited. “Miss Abigail, we’re going Christmas shopping.”

  Abigail smiled at the little girl’s enthusiasm. While she wouldn’t want to admit the fact, she was just as excited. “Yes, I plan to purchase all my Christmas gifts. Do you think I’ll be able to find everything I need?”

  “Oh, yes, the big store we go to has everything anybody needs. I’m glad you came, too. This will be so much fun. I’ll help you look for what you need, Miss Abigail.”

  Abigail’s breath caught in her throat at the implication of Mary Ella’s words. She looked in vain for the little girl’s expression. “Does it bother you? To be going on such a wonderful trip with a blind lady?”

  “Oh, no!” Mary Ella caught Abigail’s hand between both of hers and patted it. “I’m sad you can’t see, Miss Abigail, but I want you with us because I love you. I can see for you. If you want to know what something looks like, you just ask me.”

  Moisture gathered in Abigail’s eyes, but she smiled. “I will do that. I love you, too, Mary Ella.”

  The buggy dipped as Seth climbed on and Abigail turned back to the front. She kept her face averted while she dabbed away the tears so he wouldn’t see. How she hoped they’d have as much fun as Mary Ella seemed to think they would. She’d hate to find that Rachel had been right. Lord, please don’t let me create some sort of disaster before this day is over.

  As they rode to town, the clip clop of Seth’s horse’s hoofs on the brick streets of the downtown area sounded loud and different from the muffled thud of the horses that passed over the dirt street in front of her house. They parked the buggy and walked from one store to another. Seth tucked Abigail’s hand under his arm, keeping her close while Mary Ella skipped by their side.

  Sounds of voices calling to one another and bicycles and motor cars whizzing past heightened her nerves. Had the entire city joined their shopping trip? Bells on the streetcars jang
led with regularity, but Seth waited until they were safely past before leading Abigail and Mary Ella over the tracks when they crossed the street.

  Without meaning to, Abigail tightened her grip on Seth. It seemed right, as if she belonged with the man and child. As if she were the missing part of their family. She held the notion close, refusing to give it up.

  Talk and laughter filled every moment while they looked at everything from ready-made clothing to cosmetics and musical instruments and clocks. Seth stayed close to Abigail in the restaurant, whispering in an undertone of objects that lay ahead so she would not bump herself.

  Abigail feared she would awaken and find that she had dreamed the wonderful day. On the way home, Mary Ella’s slight weight pressed against Abigail while soft puffs of air escaped her parted lips and her eyes drifted closed. Abigail slipped her arm around the little girl and held her close, loving the feel of her precious weight against her shoulder.

  “She is so sweet.” Abigail whispered so she wouldn't wake her. Clopping of the horse’s shoes against the pavement made the only other sound.

  “She thinks of you as a mother-substitute.” Seth’s voice, close beside her, was soft. “Her mother went shopping one day alone and was hit by a run-a-way wagon. For a long time I blamed myself for not being with her.”

  He cleared his throat and shifted on the seat. “She had asked me to take her that day, but I thought I should be at work instead.”

  “I’m so sorry.” Abigail’s heart stirred with compassion. “But of course a man’s job is important.”

  “I suppose. I worked as a chemical engineer in Michigan at the steel plant there, but no job should be as important as family.”

  Abigail didn’t know what to say. He continued. “After my wife’s death, I quit my job and moved here, hoping to find a new start for Mary Ella and myself. Since the accident, I’ve protected Mary Ella as much as possible for fear I would lose her, too.”

  “Like a hot house flower.” Abigail spoke without thinking.

  “Yes, too much like a hot house flower.” Seth agreed. “Although I know it will be hard, I need to let go. I need to let her be normal, do the things other children her age do. She’s behind in school, but she can catch up. She’s very bright.”

  “Yes, I’ve noticed that.” Abigail felt her heart constrict for Seth’s pain. She knew about the pain of losing loved ones. She had lost her parents to sickness within a couple of years of each other. How much harder it would be to lose a spouse in a sudden accident! No wonder he’d tried to protect his daughter. To keep her safe from injury and possible death. Now he claimed he was ready to give his fears to God. Her heart swelled with gratitude and praise for the part she’d played in helping Seth and Mary Ella.

  Seth brought the buggy to a stop. “Home safe.”

  The buggy shifted and fresh air hit her side where he had been. His footsteps crunched in the graveled road. She followed the sound until he spoke. “Let’s lay this little girl down so I can help you out.” He chuckled. “Looks like she’s out for the night.”

  His hand touched hers, and she rose to climb from the buggy. As soon as her feet reached the road, she slipped her hand around his arm.

  “Thank you for going with us, Miss Stevens. I enjoyed the day very much.”

  “As did I, Mr. Warren.”

  “I thought I told you to call me Seth.”

  Abigail’s heart thudded. She lowered her eyelids. “I believe I should request the same of you. My name is Abigail.”

  “Abigail.” His deep voice vibrated beside her, sounding so masculine and strong. She longed to hear her name come from his lips again.

  “Yes?” She turned toward his voice.

  He chuckled. “Just trying it out. Your name suits you.”

  “It does?” She stepped up to the porch.

  “Yes, it’s lovely. Just as you are.”

  Her heart pounded so she couldn’t speak even if she could think of anything to say.

  Seth stopped near the front door and spoke, his voice sounding quite near. “Mary Ella will not stay away from you. If she becomes a pest, I can keep her home.”

  Abigail laughed. “Mary Ella is no pest. I love having her visit. I would miss her sorely if you kept her away.”

  Seth sighed. “Then she has my permission to cross the street. Since she has been doing it without permission for almost three months, I believe she knows how.”

  Abigail sensed him take a step closer to her. His hands touched her arms just above the elbows before his fingers tightened bringing a feeling of security to her. He whispered. “May I kiss you goodnight, Abigail?”

  Abigail’s breath caught in her throat, and she couldn’t speak. At the old age of twenty-four, she’d never been kissed. Oh, but she wanted to. She nodded, hoping the night was not too dark for Seth to see her.

  He slipped his arms around her waist, and she felt his breath on her cheek just before his lips covered hers.

  Unexpected emotion swirled in Abigail’s chest, until she lost all sense of her surroundings. How did one participate in a kiss? The thought barely flew through her mind before Seth pulled away.

  “Very nice.” His whispered words held a smile.

  Warmth filled her cheeks. This was one activity she wouldn’t mind repeating. She stepped back with a sigh. Seth’s kiss was everything she had dreamed it would be, but so much more exciting in reality. She couldn’t stop smiling. What would Rachel say if she knew? A giggle tried to break out.

  Chapter 7

  Memory of her first kiss lingered in Abigail’s mind as she dressed for church the next morning. She always brushed and arranged her hair in a simple low bun, but Rachel insisted on doing a check before they left to make sure everything was in order.

  “You look fine.” Rachel’s skirts swished and her perfume trailed behind as she circled Abigail. “What is so amusing? You look like you’re about to burst out laughing.”

  “Nothing.” Abigail quickly schooled her features. “Can’t a person smile around here?”

  Rachel sighed. “I suppose. Just don’t get your heart broken, Abigail. That’s all I ask.”

  “I won’t.” Abigail followed her sister to the buggy where Mr. and Mrs. Marshall waited to drive them to church.

  They had scarcely gotten settled into their favorite pew when someone slipped in and scooted close beside Abigail. “Mary Ella?”

  The little girl giggled. “How’d you know it was me?”

  She slipped an arm around her and hugged her close. “Because you smell and sound so sweet.”

  “Are you serious?” Seth’s baritone vibrated from the other side of Mary Ella.

  “Oh, yes.” Abigail couldn’t stop smiling. Seth and Mary Ella were in church.

  For the rest of the service, she scarcely knew what went on. Rachel’s disapproval was like a tangible thing Abigail sensed through her sister’s stiff posture and clipped speech after the final prayer.

  Abigail turned from her and touched Mary Ella’s shoulder as they stood to leave. “How did you like church today?”

  “It was all right, I guess.”

  “That doesn’t sound as if you enjoyed it.”

  “Yes, I did, really.” Mary Ella's voice wavered. “I mean I really liked the singing. Why can’t they sing all the time? Is all that talking the man did really necessary?”

  Abigail laughed, but Seth reprimanded his daughter. “Mary Ella, we come to church to learn about God. The minister was preaching, and if you’d listen, you might learn something useful.”

  Mary Ella didn’t sound the least put out by his rebuke. “Does that mean we’re coming back, Papa?”

  “Yes, I believe we will.”

  “Good, ‘cause it’s so much nicer than staying at home.” Mary Ella slipped her hand in Abigail’s, and they walked out together.

  Abigail heard Seth mutter under his breath. “If we don’t come back, I may have a heathen for a daughter.”

  Abigail snickered.

 
~*~

  Through the next week Seth’s revelation that he was a chemical engineer continued to run through Abigail’s mind. Rachel had been working with Robert for some time on a problem at work concerning one of their engineers. In fact, Rachel had been so occupied with Robert for several days now she scarcely noticed Abigail’s activities. Which, of course was not a bad thing. Abigail liked Robert and suspected Rachel’s interest in him was more than business. Nothing would suit her better than for Rachel to find a husband. Then maybe she would allow Abigail the freedom to live her own life.

  One evening after dinner as they relaxed in the sitting room, Abigail turned toward Rachel. “How are you coming along with the engineer problem at the plant?”

  “Oh, Abigail, don’t worry about such things. Robert and I will take care of it.” Rachel, as usual, brushed off her concerns.

  “Am I not part owner of Stevens’ Steel?” Abigail lay her knitting aside.

  “Yes, of course you are. You know that.”

  “Then, I would appreciate an answer. Are you planning to hire a replacement for Mr. Jones?”

  Rachel’s sigh indicated her annoyance with her sister, but she answered. “Yes, we will be holding a board meeting tomorrow, as a matter of fact. Robert is hoping to bring our problem before the board and begin the search for a replacement. Now, are you satisfied?”

  Abigail smiled. “Yes, Rachel. Thank you so much for telling me.”

  Rachel simply harrumphed and turned away.

  ~*~

  The next day Abigail dressed carefully before calling Mr. Marshall from his other duties to drive her to Stevens’ Steel. With his assistance, she went first to the business office where she requested a file, and then she went to the boardroom.

  “Abigail, what are you doing here?” Rachel’s voice greeted her as she entered the meeting room where important decisions regarding the manufacturing plant were made.

  Abigail ignored her sister and spoke to her escort. “Thank you, Mr. Marshall. I’ll be fine now. If you’ll come back in about an hour, I should be finished.”