Surprise must have clearly registered on Deborah’s face, because Mother paused. Reaching out, she gently touched Deborah’s shoulder. “Don’t be so shocked by my words. It’s not like I’m sendin’ you away.” She gave Deborah a squeeze, then went back to reciting her list of blessings.
Deborah could scarcely concentrate on the words. She couldn’t imagine what had caused Mother to say those things. It hardly seemed appropriate. What must Dr. Clayton think?
“I have so much to be thankful for, and perhaps one of the sweetest gifts is that God has clearly mended my heart. I was devastated to lose your father, but over the years, I have felt release from that pain. I believe part of it came in G. W. learnin’ to forgive himself for what he saw as his role in Rutger’s death.” She looked at her elder son. “You have to know how hard it was for me to watch you suffer. Seein’ you now, having learned to let go of the past and move forward, has been a healing to me.”
G. W. bowed his head. “I didn’t know how it hurt you. I’m sorry, Mama.”
“Don’t be. You were simply dealin’ with your own grief. How can I fault you for that?” She turned to Rob. “You have always been a bit of a wild one, but I find your love of life has helped to pull me along through my mourning.”
He smiled, but Deborah was taken aback to see tears in Rob’s eyes. It wasn’t often that either of her brothers showed their emotions.
“Dr. Clayton, I’m thankful for you, as well. This community desperately needed a real doctor. You came at just the right time. You are precious to this family, and I hope you will be around for years and years to come.”
She turned to Arjan. “Last, but definitely not least – Arjan, I’m very thankful for you. You have honored me by joinin’ with my children to ensure my safety, protection, and well-being.”
“You all are my family,” Arjan said. “You won’t never be without a home or meal, so long as I have anything to say about it.”
Mother nodded and took her seat. It was Deborah’s turn. Getting to her feet, she thought of all the things that had blessed her.
“I’m thankful for so much. I love . . . all . . . of you.” She stumbled over the words, realizing she’d included Dr. Clayton. Hoping no one would make too much of the matter, she quickly hurried on with her statement. “I have been blessed by each one of you in so many ways. I am grateful to have a sister in Lizzie. We have long been friends, but now we are family. I’m blessed by my brothers, who, although they can be a bit bossy and overbearing, love me and only want the best for me. I’m blessed by my education and the life experiences I’ve had. I am completely thankful for you, Uncle Arjan. Your love and kindness to this family have truly sustained us all.”
She paused and turned to her mother. For a moment, her mother looked years younger. Perhaps it was the veil of grief being lifted from her. Maybe it was just the presence of the Lord and the blessing of fellowship. Deborah reached out to take her mother’s hand and kiss it.
“I am more thankful for you, Mother, than I have words to say. You have been a constant in my life – an inspiration to me. I thank God for you every day.”
She turned back to the table of people. “I, too, am grateful for Dr. Clayton. I’m thankful for his friendship and the way he has shared his knowledge with me.” She continued at a rapid pace. “I’m thankful to be home again. I love this place – I love Texas. I’m blessed to be back where I belong.”
Taking her seat, she tried not to think about the man sitting opposite her. She tried not to think about his broad shoulders and gentle face. She tried not to remember the times when he’d caused her to feel weak in the knees. She tried . . . but wasn’t really making much progress. It wasn’t until Lizzie took her turn and announced her pregnancy that pandemonium set upon them, and Deborah could actually consider something besides Dr. Clayton.
When Christopher’s moment to speak arrived, he wasn’t quite sure what to say. There was a great deal he was thankful for, but speaking it aloud was hard. “I love my family,” he began, “and I’m grateful for them. Like Deborah, I’m thankful for my education and also for the friendship you all have shown me since my arrival. I am thankful for this meal, to be sure, and figure you’ll be thankful if I keep my comments to a minimum so that we can eat.”
Everyone laughed and Christopher took his seat, fearing he might embarrass himself if he remained standing to say more.
G. W. was quick and to the point when he declared his greatest blessings were his wife and unborn child. He spoke of his happiness and the knowledge that God had truly brought it all about. Then Rob stood and told them he was glad they had avoided the typhoid. Everyone nodded, knowing that this alone had been a huge blessing for them.
“I’m thankful, too, that I’ve never been punched in the eye by Deborah. I’ve seen what that can do.”
Mother cocked a brow. “What are you talkin’ about?”
Deborah looked as though she’d like to melt under the table. Christopher waited for Rob’s explanation with great curiosity.
“When we were in Houston, it seems little sister decided to go out on her own. She met with trouble, and Mr. Wythe . . .” He paused and looked directly at his mother. “You remember Mr. Wythe, the man who pulled Deborah out of the path of the freighter?”
Mother nodded. “I remember him well.” She looked at Deborah while Rob continued.
“Anyway, Mr. Wythe showed up to rescue her once again when a man accosted her and Lizzie.”
“Oh my! Is this true?”
Deborah nodded. “It wasn’t my best decision.”
“Well, she was wallopin’ the guy when Mr. Wythe showed up to help her. But it seems the robber ducked and Mr. Wythe took Deborah’s blow to the face. Anyway, I wouldn’t be surprised if Mr. Wythe don’t show up for a visit. I think he’s rather sweet on Deborah.”
“I hope you won’t take another chance like that again,” Uncle Arjan declared.
Deborah gave a quick look in Christopher’s direction. She blushed and nodded. “No, sir. I don’t intend to.”
Christopher found himself almost more troubled by Rob’s comments about Mr. Wythe than the assault. After all, though Deborah was safe from the man who would have hurt her, she apparently wasn’t free from this Mr. Wythe.
He remembered Euphanel’s warning about someone else making a claim on Deborah. It seemed there was already a potential suitor. He didn’t like the way this news made him feel. It was stealing his Thanksgiving joy and peace. Maybe he should have a talk with Deborah about his feelings. At least that way, he could be the first one to bring up the subject.
Frowning, he shook his head. But what subject was he going to bring up, exactly? Courtship? Marriage? The very thought left him struggling to concentrate.
CHAPTER 29
DECEMBER 1885
The Christmas dance was only a week away, and Deborah couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable. She had been asked to accompany no fewer than five different would-be suitors and had turned them all down. At this point, she wasn’t sure she even wanted to attend the dance. Not to mention that Dr. Clayton wasn’t among the five who’d asked her to attend. Not that it mattered. Or did it?
“It shouldn’t,” she told herself. But lately, Deborah wasn’t convinced that her heart was listening to her.
“Brought the mail,” Rob announced, striding into the room. He gave the stack a toss to her desk. “It looks like Vandermark Logging is startin’ to exchange lots of letters with folks. I ain’t never seen so much mail.”
“Hopefully it won’t just be a bunch of bills,” Deborah said, glancing through the missives. It took her by surprise to see the decidedly feminine script of her friend Jael Longstreet.
“No, she’s an Albright now,” Deborah remembered.
Rob raised a brow. “What did you say?”
Deborah opened the letter. “Nothing of importance. I was just noticing a letter from a friend.” She glanced at the opening line and smiled. Jael was worried she had somehow broken th
e most important rule of friendship – never steal a girlfriend’s man.
“I’m heading out to the logging site. I’m sure the boys are missing me,” Rob said with a grin. “After all, I do more work than any of ’em.”
“It’s a surprise, then, that Uncle Arjan sent you to town for the new saw blades and axes.”
Rob just laughed. “He knows I’m the best at gettin’ a good price, too. I can barter better’n anyone.”
“Well, get on with you now. It won’t stay light forever.”
Once Rob closed the office door, she began to read the letter.
I never imagined myself married to Stuart, but there are circumstances that brought about this arrangement. One day I will explain. I hope that Lizzie isn’t angry with me. I took it upon myself to believe that since she rejected Stuart at the altar, and then again in Texas, she couldn’t possibly remain attached. I pray this is so. I would never have wanted to hurt her.
Perhaps the biggest surprise came toward the end of the letter. Jael wrote of her father’s desire to come west and check into the Texas lumber industry. If he did make a trip to Texas, she intended to accompany him. She was certain that Stuart wouldn’t mind, and she would simply love to see Deborah and Lizzie.
Deborah finished reading the letter and pondered the situation. Jael never spoke of loving Stuart. Never once mentioned anything that suggested the two had enjoyed a whirlwind romance. Jael also never said a word about Ernest Remington, her previous beau. It was all very curious.
A knock sounded on the office door and Lizzie came in. “I thought I’d come and see what I could do to help you. Your mother and Sissy seem to have the kitchen under control.”
“I was hoping you’d stop by,” Deborah said, motioning to a straight-back chair. “Come sit here and read this letter from Jael.”
“Jael? Goodness, I never expected to hear from her.” Lizzie swept into the room, wearing a simple gown of dark pumpkin. Orange wasn’t a color Deborah had ever cared for in clothes, but with Lizzie’s coloring, the dress looked quite lovely.
“So what does she have to say?” Lizzie asked as she took her place beside Deborah.
“Here. I’ll let you read it for yourself. The news is rather interesting.”
Lizzie took the single sheet of paper and scanned it quickly. She looked up and met Deborah’s gaze. “I can’t imagine what kind of circumstances could come about to cause Jael to give up her interest in Mr. Remington for Stuart.”
“I couldn’t either. I thought maybe it was something his father wanted, but she also hints that things are not good between the Albright men.”
Lizzie nodded and handed the letter back to Deborah. “It doesn’t surprise me.”
“It would be nice to see her here in Texas, however.” Deborah tucked the letter into her desk drawer. “I’m surprised by the entire matter, however. I thought perhaps your mother had erred in reporting the marriage, but obviously that’s not the case. I simply cannot imagine the two of them together.”
“Nor can I. I thought about the situation for quite some time, and it makes little sense on Jael’s part. I can well understand why Stuart did it – he was desperate to get his inheritance. But Jael always had more sense than that. I don’t know what could have happened to make her do this.” Lizzie’s expression was one of worry. “I hope her father didn’t force her to marry him.”
“Maybe since Jael was the only child still at home and with her mother’s passing, her father felt it necessary to see her wed.” Deborah began to thumb through the other letters. “If she does come for a visit, we shall have to clarify the matter.”
“I agree.”
Seeing nothing that couldn’t wait, Deborah set aside the mail to take up the balance sheet she’d been working on earlier. “I guess we can begin with this,” she told Lizzie. “Although I don’t know why you’re even bothering with office work now that you’re expecting. You have more than enough to occupy yourself in making baby clothes and preparing for this wondrous event.”
Lizzie looked rather embarrassed. “I’m afraid I know very little about childbirth. Remember – while you were studying biology, I was learning about European art.”
“I know the medical information – at least the portion I could find in books; but you would do better to talk to Mother about the experience. She’s done this three times; I’m sure she’ll have all the answers you need.”
“I feel silly being a grown woman and not knowing. My mother was so remiss in teaching me much of anything that had to do with being a wife and mother. If left to her example for guidance, I’m sure poor G. W. would never have wanted me.”
Deborah laughed. “That’s hardly possible. G. W. would have loved you no matter. I’ve never seen two people more smitten.”
“And what of you, Deborah?” Lizzie’s expression turned quite serious. “When do you plan to open your heart to someone?”
“I . . . I hardly know how to reply.” Deborah abandoned her place at the desk and moved to close the office door. Rather than return to her seat, however, she strode to the window and gazed out at the overcast December day.
“What’s the matter?” Lizzie questioned. “You’ve never had any trouble speaking your mind before.”
“I know. I’ve always been able to talk to you or Mother, but this time I feel a bit tongue-tied.” She turned and met Lizzie’s inquiring expression. “I had honestly figured to stay here – remain single and help my family. Mother is totally opposed to that idea, but all of these years, I thought it was what she and Father wanted. Having me handle the office freed up the men to take their needed places in the forest. Mother and Sissy were then able to handle the animals and the kitchen, and of course now that you’re here, they certainly don’t need me for household chores. Well, at least not as much.” Deborah smiled for a brief moment, then frowned.
“I suppose I’m uncertain as to what I should do. I’ve planned for one thing all of my life and now that thing seems . . . well . . .”
“To have disappeared?” Lizzie asked.
“No. It’s more like it never existed at all. It’s as if I invented something in my mind that had no physical substance. Like a child creating an imaginary friend.”
She sat down beside Lizzie and gave a sigh. “I feel confused by the entire matter. Mother wants me to marry and start a family. She says she’s not, but it’s like she’s trying to get rid of me.”
“Oh, Deborah, that isn’t even possible. Your mother has always held a special place in her heart for you. However, I know she’s concerned that you would let life and love pass you by, in favor of what you consider duty.”
“She said that?”
Lizzie nodded and reached out to take hold of Deborah’s hand. “You must understand: She only wants good things for you. She is proud of your intelligence. Proud of the things you’ve accomplished. She wants you to live life in a way that pleases God, of course. But she also wants it to please you.”
“And she believes marriage would be pleasing to me?”
“Who can say? I know she sees the interest young men are taking, and she wants you to feel the liberty of sharing your heart.”
Deborah started to reply when they heard a commotion outside. It sounded like Rob calling for help. Getting to her feet, Deborah headed for the office door. “I hope no one is hurt.”
She made her way outside as the driver pulled back hard to bring the team to a stop and Rob rose up from the wagon seat. Lizzie came to her side, and it wasn’t long before Mother and Sissy were there, as well.
“Come quick!” Rob yelled. “It’s G. W.!”
Lizzie swayed and reached for the porch post. “No!” She started for the wagon, but Deborah grabbed hold of her. “You wait here and let me see how bad it is.”
Mother and Sissy were already at the wagon. Deborah heard them ask if anyone had gone for the doctor and knew it must be very bad. Lizzie seemed to sense this, too.
“I’ll wait,” she said, “but please hurr
y.”
Deborah nodded and ran to the wagon. The sight there was not one she had anticipated. For a moment, she thought she might very well swoon. She steadied herself against the edge of the wagon and noted the blood that had soaked through to the wagon bed.
“Rob, what happened?” Mother asked, staring down at her unconscious son.
“He climbed up to top a tree. Somethin’ went wrong and the tree snapped and G. W. fell. A branch impaled his leg. I was just heading out to join them when I spied Klem here driving the wagon like there was no tomorra.”
Deborah didn’t wait for her mother to comment. She took charge without even thinking. “We need to get him inside. Mother, it would be best to lay him out on the dining room table.”
Mother looked at her for only a moment and nodded. “Rob, can you and Klem manage him?”
“We’ll do it,” Rob assured her. “You just hold the door for us.”
“I’ll fetch an oilcloth for the table,” Sissy said. She was gone before Deborah could so much as comment. She looked to the porch and could see that Lizzie was crying.
“Lizzie, go help Sissy. We’re going to need clean towels, bandages, and hot water – lots of it.”
Deborah didn’t wait to see if Lizzie did as she bid. She turned to her mother as Rob and Klem worked to move G. W. “Mother, this isn’t good. He may well bleed to death. I’ll do what I can if you’ll allow me to. I’ve observed several procedures and assisted Dr. Clayton. Hopefully, I can do the preliminary things before he gets here.”
Her mother took hold of her arm. “Do whatever you can to save him, Deborah. Tell me how I can help.”
Deborah drew her mother toward the house. “I’ll need your good sewing shears and some tweezers.” She noted the piece of tree branch protruding from G. W.’s leg along with bone. It wasn’t a simple fracture. Fortunately, someone had strapped a belt around his upper thigh. “We may need some pliers, and get some of the soft soap and melt it in a pan of hot water. After it’s melted, cut it with half again as much cold water so as not to burn the skin. We’re going to have to clean that wound and see just how bad things really are.” She began rolling up her sleeves as she walked toward the house. She could only pray that something she’d learned could now benefit her brother.
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