by DiAnn Mills
“I want to go with you.”
“No, Davy, your mama isn’t well enough yet. In a couple more weeks.”
“Please don’t leave.”
A soft noise from the doorway caused Livy to turn. Andrew leaned against the doorframe, observing them. “You’re leaving?”
“I’m ready, yes, but…” She tilted her head toward Davy. “I seem to have opposition.”
“It doesn’t surprise me.” He stepped into the room and sat beside her at the foot of the bed. “You want your Aunt Olivia to stay here, Davy?”
The child turned his head back and forth, not sure where to concentrate his attention.
“You’re much better now, sweetheart,” Livy persisted.
Wide-eyed, he didn’t response.
“I have no reason to stay,” she said, turning to Andrew. “Would you ask if a servant could drive me to the railroad station? I’m sure a train is scheduled for today sometime. I’m willing to wait.”
“You’re determined to go?”
“Yes, it’s for the best.” She rose, patting Davy’s arm. “I’ll see you before I leave.” She paused at the door and spoke to Andrew. “I’ll be in my room when the driver’s ready.”
Andrew watched her bolt through the doorway. His folded hands rested on his knees, and he stared at his boots. Why did she insist upon rushing away? He’d believed for a while that she might change her mind. He eyed Davy, noticing a skin rash. He pulled his nightshirt away from his neck. Not sure of the illness, he knew one thing. Davy’s problem wasn’t a cold. He stepped to the doorway and called to Livy.
Her door opened, and when she saw him, she rushed into the hallway. “What?” she asked, peering toward Davy’s room.
“Take a look. The fever and cough were only symptoms.”
“Symptoms? I don’t understand.” She followed him inside. Andrew pulled back the neck of Davy’s nightshirt. Livy eyed the red spots. “Scarlet fever?” she gasped.
“I’m not sure,” Andrew said. “Maybe only the measles. I’ll call Mother.”
Livy nodded, sinking to the edge of the bed. “Please, Andrew…there’s no need to arrange a ride for the station. I’m staying here with Davy.”
Chapter 7
Andrew rose from his bed and ambled across the room to the window seat, his mind on Livy. Two days earlier with the discovery of Davy’s scarlet fever, she decided to stay in Grand Rapids. Davy’s illness, he thanked God, seemed a light case, according to Doctor Browning, but Livy was nailed to the boy’s side.
To his frustration, Livy was with Davy or did all she could to avoid Andrew. Her most direct conversation came when she asked him a favor. He agreed and had gone to Western Union to sent John a telegraphic message, alerting him of her change in plans and alleviating their fears with the doctor’s positive prognosis.
Since that day, Andrew’s plans had changed, too. Strange visions somersaulted in his mind. Marriage had evaded him for the past years. First, he was busy building his lumber business. Then he avoided women, fearing their interest was in his money. Finally, he’d enjoyed his freedom, the unfettered life of a single man. Now he could think of nothing else but Livy.
Today he opened his Bible and stared at the scripture. The Testament had lain in a drawer for many months…years, if he were honest. But since Livy stepped into his life, he’d been driven to God’s Word.
He was thirty, no longer prompted by his parents’ guidance, yet his mother’s teachings clustered like a litany in his mind. “Marriage is a blessed union, guided by God. A happy man loves his wife, but as important, he must respect her. She instructs and loves his children and supports her husband. A Christian wife is a wonderful gift from God.”
The words his mother uttered for years described Livy. He pictured Rosie, but her allure had vanished. Since her arrival, Livy had, with slow assurance, invaded his mind…and more, his heart. He admired her grace and compassion, and she radiated beauty despite her reserved appearance. Her face glowed, and her mouth curved to a warm smile when she looked at him.
Andrew looked down at the scripture verses open on his lap. His fingers had guided him to Proverbs 31, and he lifted the leather volume and stared at the words rising from the page. “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.”
Andrew contemplated Livy’s gentleness and intelligence. He returned to the page. “She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens…. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.” He envisioned her sitting at Davy’s side, empathy and love shining in her eyes.
“She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” Andrew felt as if God were describing Livy in His Word.
He read further, letting the Lord’s lesson take hold. “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.”
Andrew recalled the same verse entering his thoughts at the Christmas party. Was God speaking to him that evening? The question sent gooseflesh galloping along his arms. Though he’d never been a religious man, today his faith pushed against his heart.
He bowed his head, thanking God for the realization that flooded through him. He had to win Livy’s love. It wasn’t only God’s will, but his own.
For two days since she’d changed her plans, Livy dashed from one task to another. Besides nursing Davy, she had approached Helen about appropriate garments for the holiday.
On Tuesday afternoon, Helen searched her closets for frocks that might fit Livy with simple alterations. Livy was amazed at the number of fashionable gowns hanging in Helen’s closet.
“Now, Olivia, this one is ideal for you. A few tucks and it’ll fit perfectly. And the shade will look wonderful with your coloring. Look in the glass.”
Olivia steered her around, and Livy eyed herself in the mirror. The hunter green taffeta gown cinched her narrow waist and draped in graceful folds to the floor with a wide ruffled hem. Livy agreed, the color brightened her eyes and highlighted her dark hair.
“Well,” Helen asked again, “will it do?”
“Do? Helen, it’s beautiful. More than I could ever afford. I’m sure it’s an expensive Worth gown, isn’t it?”
“Yes, but I want you to have it. We’ll ask the tailor to take in an inch or two, then it will be ideal. No one would ever recognize the dress. And this orchid gown is lovely, and you’ll look so beautiful in it. This is fun!”
Livy’s mind raced. After the tailor, she had to visit the local mercantile to purchase Christmas gifts.
Once Helen had collected the gowns, Livy and she headed for town to complete their holiday preparations. While Helen lingered at the shop, Livy visited the general store and selected gifts for each family member: a leather brush set for Charles, a gilt-finished sewing box for Helen, a cashmere scarf for Andrew, and a wooden horse and carriage for Davy. Choosing a black velvet reticule and green ribbons for herself, she returned to the tailor shop to meet Helen.
“Olivia, I can’t wait for you to see the gown Mildred finished for me. It’ll be delivered with yours tomorrow. And not a minute too soon.”
“I waited too long to make my decision, Helen. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t worry yourself. Everything will fall into place.” She rested her hand on Livy’s arm. “Now, do you think we have time for tea?”
“Whatever you say,” Livy said. “The bells sounded three a few moments ago.”
“Then we have time. Come. I’ll take you to Birdie’s Tea Shop.” She beckoned Livy to follow. “She serves the most delicious tea cakes.”
Outside
in the brisk winter air, Livy struggled to keep up with Helen’s brisk pace to the tea shop. Before they were seated, Livy gaped at the elegant display of breads and cakes.
When they were seated, they nibbled and chatted like old friends. Sensing the time pass, Livy struggled to muster her courage. She’d wanted to speak with Helen about many personal concerns, and today, the opportunity seemed perfect. Drawing a deep breath, Livy began, “I have a confession to make, Helen. When I arrived here with Davy, it was really against my wishes. My life is usually my own, but I pushed my plans aside to help my brother and Ruth.”
Helen’s brow creased. “You were being kind, Livy, but I can understand, though my life hasn’t been my own for years.” She fingered her teacup, and a gentle grin rose on her face. “I’m not certain I’d have it any other way.”
With Helen’s admission, Livy’s heart lifted. “And that’s why I’m confessing, Helen. I’ve want to talk for so long with someone…someone who might offer me advice.”
Helen’s expression melted to tenderness. She rested her palm on Livy’s hand. “Please, treat me as you might a sister. If I can help you I will.”
Livy sighed. “I’ve had so little excitement in my life. For twenty-eight years, I hoped God would lead me to a loving husband, but I’m afraid my hope and God’s plan don’t match; so earlier this year, I decided to take the matter into my own hands.”
Helen’s eyes widened. “Your own hands? What do you mean by this?”
Livy sensed disapproval in Helen’s expression, and she lowered her head. With careful detail, she described her relationship with Henry Tucker. “Helen, my real wish to go back to Detroit is that I want to be home for Henry’s Christmas visit. As I said, I’d longed for a husband who I could cherish…one who’d stir my heart. But as you can see, I wasn’t meant to be in Detroit for the holiday.”
Guilt edged up Livy’s neck as Andrew flew to her mind. “I was trying to find someone on my own. Now I wonder if Henry’s the husband God has chosen for me.”
Helen stroked Livy’s arm. “Olivia, we can’t force the Lord’s will. God’s plan for each of us is revealed in His good time, not ours. I understand your eagerness for a home and family. The problem is, we don’t see God’s full plan.”
“But Helen, look how perfect your life is. You and Ruth were childhood friends…and her brother fell in love with you. It seems the plan was laid out so carefully. But I don’t have a friend with a handsome, loving brother—”
Helen pressed her arm, her face drawn. “Olivia, my story’s not that simple. Not that simple at all. Love didn’t come as easily as you think. We all must accept God’s will and guidance by opening our eyes and our hearts.”
Livy searched Helen’s face, wanting to understand the message tangled in her words. Questions spilled to Livy’s tongue, but she waited for Helen to continue. The only sound was the clerk’s voice speaking to a customer.
“You mentioned love,” Livy said, after the silence lingered longer than she could bear. “I’ve asked myself so often, ‘What is love?’ I have a fondness for Henry. A tender affection, maybe. He’s a cordial, kind man who’d be a faithful husband and loving father. Is that love, Helen?”
Helen’s tensed mouth relaxed. “I suppose love is different for each of us…and remember, Olivia, love can grow. A small spark becomes a flame. A flame can kindle a fire that warms our days.” She quieted. Then a flush rose beneath her collar.
Livy’s skin heated at her burning questions. “If I’m too direct, Helen, please tell me.” Livy leaned toward her and lowered her voice. “Are love and passion the same? Does love ripple through your chest and take your breath away?” Amusement grew on Helen’s face, but Livy didn’t care. The questions bubbled from her. “Does your heart dance and long to…? I am embarrassed to say it.” Her hands knotted against the table, and she lowered her head.
“To be kissed and caressed?”
The words jolted her. “Oh yes. To be kissed. Is that passion or love?”
“I can’t answer that, Livy. Marriage is a warm intimate relationship between two committed people—a sharing of mind, body, and spirit. It’s a gift from God.”
“A gift from God. I’ve never thought of marriage in that way.” Livy’s mind raced at her own foolishness. Taking matters into her own hands wouldn’t be a gift from God.
“And that’s why,” Helen added, “you must let God be in charge. Wait for the gift…whatever it may be. Be assured, Olivia, if you really listen, God will guide you. He’ll show you the way…even if it’s not the path you’d planned to travel.”
“Not the path you’d planned to travel.” The words sent a ripple of excitement down Livy’s spine. “Like my trip here, Helen. It wasn’t my plan to travel. Was it God’s?” Her pulse tripped on its rushed path.
“You have to decide that for yourself. I won’t second guess God. But I will say we’ve enjoyed your company beyond words. And maybe your visit has answered my prayers.”
“Your prayers? In what way, Helen?” Without delay, the wooden heart leapt to her thoughts.
“Time will tell, Olivia. Time will tell.”
Chapter 8
You seem a little better, Davy,” Livy said.
“May I watch Aunt Helen decorate the hall?”
“We’ll see. Maybe for a while. Would you like to sit in my room and play? We’ll see how well you feel then?”
He nodded and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. Livy tugged his heavy stockings over his chilled legs and wrapped a coverlet around his shoulders. “Follow me.” Her spirit soared seeing him up and about.
With Davy seated at her desk with a pencil and paper, she sat nearby, wondering what the next days would bring. Celebrating the holiday with the Mandalays had introduced Livy to new customs like cutting the tree. This afternoon, they’d decorate the hall and parlor. Helen promised tomorrow, Christmas Eve, would be filled with surprises.
When Livy rose to admire Davy’s artwork, a tap sounded against the door. In a step, she pulled it open, and Andrew peered in at her. “Mother asked me to knock. The servants are bringing in the greens, and she wondered if you’d like to join us.”
“Thank you. I’m looking forward to it.”
He peered beyond Livy to the desk. “Well look who’s out of bed.”
Davy turned with a smile, and Livy pulled back the door. Andrew stepped through the doorway and strode to Davy’s side. “You don’t look like a leopard any longer.”
Davy giggled. “Aunt Livy said I might be able to watch Aunt Helen decorate the hall.”
“If you do, Davy, you should only come for a little while. You must stay well. Tomorrow evening, we’ll open gifts by the tree. You don’t want to miss that.”
Excitement spread across Davy’s face. “Gifts? Are there gifts for me?”
“Certainly.” Andrew brandished a smile. “And gifts for Aunt Livy, too.”
An unexpected excitement rifled through Livy. “You shouldn’t have.”
“But why not? Everyone should enjoy the fun.” He rested his hand on her shoulder. “Will you be down soon?”
“Yes, I’ll help Davy dress and be there shortly.”
“I’ll see you later.” Gently patting her arm, he turned and left the room.
As he closed the door, Livy pressed her hand against her bodice, calming the riot in her heart.
Davy sat on the bottom of the staircase, his face flushed.
“I hope Davy’s reddened cheeks are from excitement and not a fever.” Livy touched his face and laughed at herself. “I sound like an overprotective mother.”
“Your cheeks are rosy, too,” Andrew said. “Or are the red ribbons throwing a reflection?”
She pressed her palms against her heated skin, hoping to hide the truth. “Too much excitement for both Davy and me. Everything looks so beautiful.”
She pivoted around the foyer, admiring the wreaths hanging at the front windows, the garland and ribbons draping the staircase, and the swags of c
edar displayed over the doorways. Unable to control her enthusiasm, Livy burst into song. “Deck the halls with bows of holly….”
“Fa-la-la-la-la…,” Andrew joined her.
One by one, the others followed. Charles grabbed Helen’s hand as she stepped from the keeping room, then Andrew clasped Livy’s hand, and forming a ring, they circled in the center of the foyer. Davy jumped up from his perch to join them.
With the unfamiliar words in the second verse, their voices faded except Livy’s until they roused again at the end of each line, booming the refrain.
“Follow me in merry measure,” Livy sang, twirling them faster and faster. “While I tell of Yuletide treasure.” The spirited circle broke rank with laughter as the final refrain died away.
Gasping for breath, Helen fanned her face. “I’m much too old for all of this,” she said, “especially since we need our energy to finish the tree.” The sound of a playful groan echoed against the high ceiling. “We have a reprieve. I believe it’s nearly dinnertime. We’ll finish after we eat.”
As if hearing Helen’s words, Grace announced the meal, and the troupe turned to the dining room.
Davy’s presence added a special spark to the family meal. They lingered over dessert until Davy yawned, and Helen offered to take him up to bed. Charles rose, saying he needed to ask the stableboy to bring in a fresh load of logs for the fireplace.
With the others conveniently gone, Andrew faced Livy, knowing the moment had come. Hurrying to her side, he pulled her from chair. “Follow me, Livy. We have one more decoration to hang before the others arrive.”
Her face filled with question, but he left her to wonder and headed to the foyer. He heard her brisk footsteps behind him, and he feared to look at her because he’d give himself away. Beneath the parlor archway, he stopped and beckoned. “Come here. I’ll lift you up to find the tack.”
She frowned but did as he asked. Grasping her small waist in his hands, he swooped her into the air level with the upper doorframe. “Do you see it?”