Embers of Love

by Tracie Peterson

  She nodded weakly. Christopher gathered his medical bag and went into the next room to check on Sadie and Matthew. Both were quite ill and into their second week of the sickness. Marked by a rosy rash on their abdomens and bearing high fevers, neither was able to get up from bed without help. Two girls, no more than twelve or thirteen, had been called upon to assist with chamber pots and give water and medicine. Children seemed to have easier cases of the disease or often escaped it altogether. No one knew why. Still more confusing was why some took the disease and died, while others bore the misery and recovered with few complications.

  But mysteries such as this had drawn Christopher to medicine in the first place. Treating symptoms and searching for new remedies were always a challenge. But losing lives was a price Christopher refused to pay.

  He finished tending the Fosters and moved on to the next family. One by one, Christopher made the rounds to all of the cabins, finishing just after two in the afternoon. He had been forced to expand the quarantine area to include the black town across the railroad tracks. Thankfully, the train was still running, although it couldn’t stop in the restricted area. Supplies were brought in on the train and set beside the tracks, just outside of town. Once this was done, the train had to move on before Dr. Clayton could send men to retrieve the goods. At least this way, they continued receiving medical supplies and food.

  Walking toward the depot, Christopher suppressed a yawn. His muscles ached and he longed for a good night’s sleep. The epidemic was far from over, however, and rest would have to wait.

  “Dr. Clayton!”

  He looked up and focused his bleary gaze toward the sound. Deborah Vandermark stood just beyond the makeshift quarantine fence. He gave a wave and smiled. He was greatly relieved to see that she’d not succumbed to the disease. He ambled toward the roped boundary, stopping about fifteen feet from the line.

  “How are you doing?” she asked.

  “Not as bad as I could be. There are still some folks who haven’t come down sick.”

  Deborah frowned. “I wish I could come and help you. You look awful.”

  He chuckled. “Well, thanks for the compliment.”

  “You know I meant no insult. It’s just that you need help, and no one is qualified to give it.”

  “The risk is too big. Besides, God is seeing me through.”

  Deborah glanced toward the boardinghouse. “Have you seen Mrs. Decker and Mr. Albright? Are they sick?”

  “They seem fine. Folks at the boardinghouse haven’t come down ill. They’re nearly a quarantine unto themselves.”

  “Mrs. O’Neal is a very capable housekeeper. I’m sure she’s heeded all the warnings and suggestions you’ve offered.”

  “So far, it would appear that way. The few residents who are there seem healthy,” Christopher replied. “Although none are too happy about having to be imprisoned.”

  “They’d like it a whole lot less if they came down sick.”

  “That’s true enough. So how’s your family?”

  “We’re all fine. I’ve been boiling the water and milk and making everyone wash until their fingers are pruned.” She smiled. “I’ve never seen the boys with such clean hands.”

  He could well imagine Deborah standing over her brothers with a threatening glare. “And your mother is fine?”

  “Yes, she’s always been the healthiest of us all.” Deborah looked past him to the town. “We heard there were a couple of deaths.”

  Christopher nodded. “Sadly enough, we lost Mr. Downs and one of the Foster cousins. Amelia.”

  “Do you think there will be additional deaths?”

  He shrugged. “It’s hard to say. Some folks are recovering. Mrs. Foster has been terribly ill, but I believe she’s turned the corner. I think another day or two will show her greatly improved.”

  “Perhaps this will take some of the bitterness from her.”

  “She did tell me this morning that she thought this was punishment for her pride,” Christopher replied. “I suppose only time will tell as to whether she changes her ways. Her son Matthew and his wife are very sick. I worry that Sadie might not make it.”

  Deborah looked as though she wanted to say something more, but she remained silent. He knew she was frustrated she couldn’t assist him, and he would have loved to have had her help. But he was simply unwilling to risk exposing her to this dreadful disease.

  “Well, I need to get on over to the depot, Miss Vandermark. They’ve brought in a new shipment of supplies.”

  “Do you have everything you need? Is there anything we can make for you?”

  He considered the matter for a moment. “No, I think at this point I have all I need. Mrs. Perkins sends over food for me to eat – when I get a chance.”

  “You must take care of yourself, Dr. Clayton. We’d be in a dire situation without your healing care.”

  He smiled. “A few weeks back, I couldn’t beg patients to come see me.”

  “Mother said it often takes a situation like this to change the hearts and minds of a community. It’s sad, but maybe now folks can see how important a doctor is to this town.”

  “Yes, perhaps you’re right . . . but then I must hold myself partially responsible for this epidemic.”

  She frowned and shook her head. “How can that be?”

  “I prayed for God to cause the people to put aside their fears and prejudices and allow me to help them. I suppose I should have been more careful with my request, as I didn’t stipulate how I would like to see that change accomplished.”

  Deborah shrugged. “God’s ways are often a mystery. You need to trust that He has heard your prayers and answered them by His design – not so much with typhoid, but with your ability to be the one who can help these folks.”

  “I suppose you’re right.” Christopher took out his pocket watch and noted the time. “I need to go. Please give my regards to your family and send word if anyone falls ill.”

  “I will. And Dr. Clayton, I will be praying for you – for your safety in the midst of this work.”

  She sounded so concerned that he couldn’t help but smile. “Never fear, I will wash my hands and wipe down everything . . . twice.”

  –––––––

  Deborah returned home, feeling only marginally better. She was relieved to finally see Dr. Clayton, but it did little to allay her fears. He looked terribly tired. How long could he go on like this?

  “Oh, Lord,” she prayed as she sat down to attend the logging books, “please send someone to help him with this sickness. Don’t leave him to face this on his own. There are so many to care for.” She considered the possibility of sneaking back to town. Perhaps if she crossed the quarantine line by coming through the back side of town through the woods, Dr. Clayton would have no choice but to accept her help. “Once I’m in there, he can hardly send me away. Oh, show me what to do, Lord.”

  “Deborah? Did you say something?” Her mother came to the office door. “I thought I heard you call.”

  “I was just praying. I saw Dr. Clayton in town. He looks exhausted, and I was asking God to send someone to help. The doctor won’t allow me to assist him, for fear I’d take ill.”

  “I’m glad for that.” Her mother looked at her sternly. “There’s nothing to be gained by even one more person getting sick.”

  “But I know about the precautions. The things I’ve read and heard about avoiding typhoid are quite simple: Bacteria are spread because of a lack of cleanliness. I would pay attention to such things whether here or in town.”

  Her mother smiled sadly. “I know you care about Dr. Clayton, but I’m sure the Lord will watch over him. Please promise me you won’t put yourself at risk.”

  Deborah looked up in surprise. “What do you mean?”

  “I know you well enough, Deborah. Do not think to slip into town unnoticed. We need you here. Promise me you’ll do as the doctor asked.”

  How did her mother know her heart so well? Deborah might have laughed ha
d the situation not been so serious. “You always know exactly what I’m thinking. I can’t fool you at all.”

  Mother shook her head. “That’s no promise.”

  Deborah drew a deep breath. “But what if that’s where God wants me, Mother?”

  “If God wanted you there, He would have had you in town when the quarantine was set in place. Remember – this hardly took Him by surprise.”

  It was a reasonable argument, and Deborah knew that her mother desired only to keep her from harm. She offered her mother a smile. “I promise I won’t sneak into town and cross the quarantine line.” She thought for a moment and then added, “Unless Dr. Clayton specifically requests me to come.”

  “Thank you. I’m sure if he asks for your help that I can rest assured the worst is passed and you will not be at risk.”

  Deborah waited until her mother left the room, then glanced heavenward. “So if you cannot send me to help him, please send someone else. Someone who understands medicine and who will be willing to listen to Dr. Clayton’s instruction.”

  CHAPTER 21

  “I have a surprise for everyone,” G. W. announced days later as he bounded into the dining room, leather suitcase in hand.

  “You’re back!” Deborah exclaimed, looking up from the table, as did the others.

  “You’re late for supper,” Mother said with a look of concern. “Did you have trouble in Lufkin? Is something wrong?”

  Lizzie eyed him carefully, then let her gaze settle on the leather case. “You took a suitcase just to buy saw blades?”

  He laughed and placed the baggage against the wall. “Nothing is wrong. In fact, I would say things are finally lookin’ up.” He stepped aside, and Brian Decker entered the room, hat in hand.

  “Hello, Daughter.”

  Lizzie gave a squeal and jumped to her feet. “Father!” She ran to him and wrapped herself in his arms. “I can’t believe you’re here.” The hat fell to the floor as he embraced her.

  “He was in Lufkin, where I was buying supplies.” G. W. explained. “He was fixin’ to find you when he overheard my name while I was talking with the storekeeper. God worked it all together for good.”

  “Oh, indeed He did.” Lizzie pulled back. “Why have I not heard from you before now?”

  “I’ve been quite busy. You gave me an assignment, as you’ll remember.” He kissed her on the head. “And I could hardly come to you or even write until I had accomplished the task.”

  “Accomplished? Do you mean you have an answer for me?” Lizzie’s voice was so hopeful, and G. W. found himself feeling much the same.

  “Goodness, Lizzie, let your poor father join us at the table,” Mother declared. She motioned for the man to take the seat to her left. “I’m Euphanel Vandermark.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Vandermark. I presume you’re Deborah’s mother.”

  “Yes, and you’ve met my son G. W. This is my younger son, Rob, and my brother-in-law, Arjan Vandermark.”

  “Good to meet you all.” He shook hands with Rob and Arjan before taking a chair.

  Euphanel passed him a plate of greens. “We’ve already prayed, so please dig in.”

  “But first tell us the news,” Lizzie said, slipping into the seat beside her father. “I cannot bear not knowing what you’ve learned.”

  “Then let me put your mind at ease.” He pulled some papers from inside his coat. “When I received your telegram, I went immediately to Philadelphia to visit a good friend there who happens to be a judge.”

  “And?” Lizzie leaned forward in anticipation.

  “You, my dear, are a free woman. The marriage was not completed.”

  Lizzie fell back against her chair with a heavy sigh. “Oh, thank you. Thank the Lord.”

  “The judge said that it wasn’t a concern, but he thought it might relieve your mind if we went ahead and arranged an annulment. So we did. These are the papers that will confirm it.” He handed them to Lizzie. “Now your mother and Mr. Albright will be no further threat to you.”

  Lizzie looked to G. W. His heart swelled. She was his. Well, she would be. He picked up the platter of ham steaks and gave himself a double portion.

  “I never expected you to come here, Father,” Lizzie said gratefully. “Not only because of the distance and expense, but the typhoid outbreak.”

  “Yes, G. W. told me about the quarantine, but since we weren’t going into Perkinsville, we had no difficulty getting here. I was relieved to know you were all unharmed. Typhoid is a terrible disease.”

  “It is, indeed. We’ve already lost eight people,” G. W.’s mother said sadly. “But we’ve got a wonderful doctor in town, and hopefully most of the folks are on the mend. Thankfully, no one’s taken sick at the boardinghouse where Mrs. Decker and Mr. Albright are staying.”

  Mr. Decker nodded and took a bowl of grits from his daughter’s hand. “That is good news. I’m sure the delay in returning east has been a hardship on Lizzie’s mother. There is to be a big suffragette rally in New York City. I know she had planned to attend.”

  “That’s right – she was supposed to speak at one of the affairs. She will be greatly dismayed.” Lizzie sighed.

  “I think given your father’s news,” Deborah said, picking up her coffee cup, “the rally will be the least of her concerns.”

  Lizzie nodded. “Especially in light of what she stood to gain.”

  “What are you talking about?” Lizzie’s father asked.

  “Stuart told me he needed to marry me in order to receive an inheritance from his grandfather. Mother, in turn, was promised a helpful vote for her cause if she helped to ensure I honored the marriage.”

  Her father shook his head in disgust. “I am sorry for that. Your mother has forgotten the importance of love and honor.”

  Lizzie reached over and squeezed her father’s hand. “But you never have.”

  G. W. was moved by Lizzie’s tenderness. Although she had spent more time in her mother’s company, he sensed her relationship with her father was much closer.

  The rest of the meal passed in catching up on news from the East and sharing about life in Texas. G. W. had already spent a good deal of time talking with Mr. Decker and found the man’s company quite enjoyable. Now, however, he longed for time alone with Lizzie. He had an important question to ask her, and now that everything was settled regarding her questionable marriage to Mr. Albright, he wanted to waste no time.

  “Miss Lizzie,” he said, putting his napkin on the table, “I was wonderin’ if you’d take a little walk with me?”

  She smiled at G. W. and nodded. “I’d like that very much.” She got to her feet. “Let me fetch my shawl.” She hurried from the room.

  G. W. met his mother’s smile as she began to clear the table. Mr. Decker eyed him with a knowing grin. “I suppose,” he said as G. W. headed for the front door, “you’ll be discussing that matter we talked about in Lufkin.”

  G. W. returned his grin. “Yes, sir.”

  Mr. Decker seemed more than pleased. “Good luck.”

  G. W. knew he’d not rely on luck. His love for Lizzie would be all he needed. He found her waiting by the front door. “Ready?”

  She nodded and fixed her gaze on his face. “I’ve been ready for a long time.”

  He linked arms with her and opened the door. “Me too.”

  Lizzie pulled her shawl closer. The air was slightly chilled. The dampness made things cooler and also seemed to enhance the noises of the night. They didn’t walk far from the house before G. W. turned to face her. Taking hold of her arms, he pulled her close.

  “I don’t want to waste any time,” he murmured before capturing her lips in a long and passionate kiss.

  Lizzie melted against him and wrapped her arms around his neck. He drew her even closer, and she felt her heart skip a beat. This is what it feels like to truly lose your heart to someone, she thought. Not only was he physically attractive and a wonderful kisser, but she loved G. W.’s sense of humor, hi
s concern for family and community, his integrity.

  “I know I’m rushing things here,” he said, “but Deborah is right. I need a wife.”

  “Just any wife?” Lizzie asked with a teasing frown.

  “Hardly,” he replied, his lazy grin spreading. “I want you.”

  She felt a tremor go through her entire frame. “And I want you,” she managed to whisper.

  “So will you marry me?”

  She simply nodded, unable to find the words. Tears came unbidden and slid down her cheeks. She hoped it was too dark for G. W. to see them, but he seemed to know instinctively that they were there. Reaching up, he gently drew his finger across her cheek.

  “Don’t cry.”

  “I’m . . . it’s just . . . I’m happy. When I think of all I could have lost – knowing true happiness and love . . . well, I can’t even speak the thoughts that come to mind.”

  He took her face in his hands. “Lizzie, life here in Texas won’t be easy, as you’ve already seen for yourself. It ain’t gonna be like the life you had back East.”

  “I know, but I don’t care. I like working alongside your mother and sister. I know I have a lot to learn, but I will endeavor to make you a good wife.”

  “You’re already perfect for me.” He brushed his lips upon hers in a brief kiss. “I told your father on the trip from Lufkin that I couldn’t ever love another woman as much as I love you.”

  “You spoke to my father about this?” She couldn’t contain her surprise. “What did he have to say about it?” They walked back toward the house. From the light glowing from the windows, Lizzie could see the happiness on G. W.’s face.

  “I asked him for his blessing, and he gave it. He could tell that my love for you was real.”

  Lizzie smiled, imagining her father’s thoughts as he sat through dinner, knowing what G. W. intended to ask her. Her smile faded, however, as she thought of her mother and Stuart. No doubt they would do whatever they could to stop the wedding.