Scent of Magnolia

by Frances Devine

“Oh yes, I think I did see the faithful bench when I rode up the lane this morning.” He cut a glance at Helen. “Too bad it’s so muddy down that way. We could try it out.”

  Helen bit her lip to keep from smiling. “Pay no attention to your father, Molly. I think he’s being a little silly today.”

  Patrick’s laughter rang out. She loved it when he seemed happy like he did today.

  “I suppose you’ll be leaving now that the rain has stopped. As you can see, we’re perfectly all right.”

  “Yes, I hate to leave, but I do have a business to run.” He turned his gaze fully on Helen. “I would like to talk to you about something before I go.”

  “Flannigan.”

  Patrick turned to look toward the caller.

  “There you are.” Dr. Trent came up the stairs, a serious look on his face. “I was wondering if you could do me a favor. It’s rather an emergency.”

  “Of course. Glad to help any way I can.”

  “I need to check on one of the Blaine boys on the other side of Campville, but I also need to get some medicine to an elderly lady in Mimosa Junction.” He shook his head. “Of course, these things happen sometimes, but since you’re going there anyway, I was hoping perhaps you could drop the medicine off for me so I won’t be so late getting home to Abigail.”

  Patrick darted a quick glance at Helen and a flash of disappointment shadowed his eyes, but he smiled as he replied. “Yes, of course I will, Dr. Trent.”

  Relief washed over Dr. Trent’s face. “If you’ll come to the infirmary with me, I’ll get the bottle of medicine for you. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this.”

  “Please, don’t give it another thought. I’m glad to help.” He sent a smile of regret to Helen then opened his arms to his daughter, who flew into his embrace. “I’ll try to come next weekend. But if not, then at least the one after that.”

  With a final kiss on Molly’s cheek, Patrick headed down the stairs.

  Helen put her arm around Molly and they stood together and watched him until he entered the infirmary.

  At a sniffle from Molly, Helen drew her closer. “It’s all right, sweetie. We’ll find some way to make the time go by in a hurry. He’ll be back before we know it.”

  But what had he wanted to talk to her about? Had he changed his mind about waiting for an answer? If he had, would she have been able to make a decision?

  She patted Molly’s shoulder. “At least it’s not raining.”

  sixteen

  It was the final practice. Easter was tomorrow and the cantata would be held after dinner. Helen sat in the back of the auditorium. Abigail turned and gave her a questioning look. Helen held her clasped hands up in victory. The neighbors had all been invited, in addition to the families and the staff, so the room would be full. Abigail had been a little nervous about the children’s voices carrying all the way to the rear of the room, but Helen could hear them just fine.

  She kept darting glances toward the door behind her. Patrick hadn’t come last weekend after all. He’d promised to be here this weekend, but Saturday was half over. Molly would be devastated if he wasn’t here for the program. And to be honest, so would she. After searching her heart, she’d decided if he still wanted to court her, she would agree. Who knew? Maybe if they spent a lot of time together, they’d decide they didn’t care as much for each other as they thought.

  A short laugh escaped her lips. No chance of that on her part. She’d missed him so much these couple of weeks she’d had trouble keeping her thoughts on her teaching.

  After watching Margaret develop an attachment to Hannah that bordered on hero worship and with Abigail spending more time with Lily Ann again, Helen realized the school would do fine without her if her relationship with Patrick developed that far. P.J. would make sure everything was always in tip-top shape, and Dr. Trent was always here whenever he was needed.

  She would miss all the children and staff terribly, but she doubted they’d miss her much after the first few weeks. Life would go on for all of them. And perhaps she’d finally have a husband and child to love. For Molly was already like a daughter to her. And she was still young enough to have more children.

  The doors creaked open and Patrick sat down beside her. Heat rushed to her face. Oh dear, she already had them married with children and he wasn’t even courting her yet.

  “Sorry to be so late,” he whispered. “I had some things to tie up before I left Atlanta.”

  “You’re just in time. The song they’re getting ready to sing is the one with Molly’s solos.”

  The choir started the song beautifully; then Molly stepped forward. Her glance surveyed the room, finally reaching the back. When she recognized her father, her eyes lit up for a moment then she began to sing the verse. Patrick applauded as she stepped back and the choir joined in the rest of the song.

  Lily Ann was at home with a sore throat and instructions from Dr. Trent to gargle often and eat spoonsful of honey and lemon. Abigail and Helen were praying she wouldn’t have to miss the cantata. But the child’s health had to come first.

  When practice was over and the children dismissed, Molly made a beeline for Patrick and threw her arms around him. “Papa, I was afraid you weren’t coming.”

  He put his arm around her as they left the auditorium. “I said I’d be here, didn’t I, princess?”

  “Yes, but sometimes things happen beyond our control.”

  Patrick looked at his daughter with amazement then glanced at Helen. “I think my daughter is growing up.”

  “Yes, that happens.” Helen laughed. “She’s certainly wise for one so young.”

  Molly made a sound of exasperation. “You two don’t have to talk about me as though I’m not here.”

  Patrick’s eyes danced. “I beg your pardon, young lady, and to make up for my lack of manners, how would you like to go to the hotel for ice cream? I happen to know they have some today.”

  “Yes, I’d love some ice cream.” Molly clapped her hands in very childlike fashion.

  “And I’m sure you’d like for Miss Edwards to join us?” He flashed a grin in Helen’s direction.

  Before Helen could accept, Abigail joined them. “Helen, would you mind helping me this afternoon? I have some finishing touches on the sets to make and Trent was called away earlier.”

  Disappointment seared Helen to the point that she almost made an excuse to say no. But then shame washed over her. Abigail had worked so hard to make the program wonderful for them all. Even in her condition, she’d kept going. Helen couldn’t be selfish.

  “Yes, of course, I will.” She smiled at Patrick and Molly. “Can we make it another time?”

  Patrick grinned. “Yes, we can. Could we talk later?”

  Helen nodded. “After supper?”

  “It’s a date.” He turned to Molly and offered his arm. “I guess it’s you and me, milady.”

  Abigail’s face was a picture of consternation as they walked away. “Oh, Helen, I’m so sorry. You should have told me you had plans. Go on with them. I’ll find someone else to help.”

  For a moment, Helen was tempted, but it would be a good thing for Molly and Patrick to spend some time alone. And the staff was busy. There might be no one to help Abigail.

  “Nonsense, I didn’t have plans, really. Patrick was just being kind.” She looped her arm through her friend’s and walked with her back to the auditorium.

  “How many parents are coming early?” Abigail stopped halfway to the stage, panting. “Are you all right?” Concern ripped through Helen as she eyed her friend’s moist forehead.

  “Yes,” Abigail gave a half-gasp, half-laugh. “I get winded a lot easier these days.”

  Helen ran her gaze down Abigail’s still trim figure. “Are you wearing a corset?”

  “Of course. I can’t let the children see my big stomach.”

  “Abigail, that’s not good for you. Does Dr. Trent know you’re wearing that tight thing?”

  “Actually this is
the first time I’ve worn it and he left before I put it on.” She bit her lip. “Mrs. Carey says every woman must wear them.”

  “Well, Mrs. Carey is a million years old and probably doesn’t know what she’s talking about.”

  Abigail frowned. “She used to be the midwife before there was a doctor around here. Some women still use her to deliver their babies.”

  “Some women don’t know any better. But you do, and you know very well you shouldn’t be wearing a corset when you’re with child.” Helen heaved a sigh. “That’s medieval. Or old fashioned, anyway. Why don’t you go in the back parlor and slip out of it. You can put it back on to go home.”

  “Oh, all right.”

  When they reached the stairs, Abigail went to the parlor and changed.

  She laughed as she rejoined Helen in the auditorium. “You were right, of course. I feel much better.”

  Relief coursed through Helen. “I should think so. Now I’ll answer your question. We’re expecting five sets of parents here tonight. Virgie has the maids preparing rooms for them. The others will arrive in the morning, some before church and some afterward.”

  “Hmmm. If the school keeps growing, there won’t be room for them to stay the night here in the future.”

  “Maybe. There are seven empty rooms on the second floor and we still have half-a-dozen unused ones on this floor. Although they aren’t fixed up yet.” Helen glanced around. “What do you need me to do now?”

  “Did you have fun, pumpkin?” Patrick patted Molly’s hand where it rested on the carriage seat beside him.

  “Yes, but it would have been nice if Miss Edwards could have come with us.” Molly turned her hand over and clutched Patrick’s.

  “I know, sweetie. But there will be other times.” At least, Patrick hoped so. The day had been full of frustrations. He’d hoped by now to have let her know about his purchase of the hardware store and his plans to relocate to Mimosa Junction. But every time he’d thought he would have a chance to talk to her, they were interrupted, just as they’d been the last time he was here. He sighed. Maybe tonight.

  A sudden clap of thunder interrupted his thoughts and caused Molly to jump. She sat up straight and clutched his hand tighter as the thunder continued to rumble and roll. Lightning flashed in the distance.

  Patrick snapped the reins and the horses broke into a run. Even with the top up he didn’t want to get caught in a thunderstorm with Molly in the carriage.

  The first drops fell as they pulled up in front of the school. He walked inside with Molly then drove the carriage to the barn.

  Albert cast a worried glance up to the sky as he took the reins. “You may as well plan to stay the night, Mr. Flannigan. Road’s already muddy. Can’t take much more rain without flooding into the fields and bogging down all the carriage wheels. I plan to bed down in the back room here myself.”

  “I’ll see how it goes, Albert. I might just ride one of the horses to town if it doesn’t get too bad.” The words were barely out of his mouth when the sky opened up. With a wave at Albert, he took off running to the house. He pushed through the door and stood dripping on the floor. Not again.

  Sally May came ambling into the foyer, her eyes big. “Whoo-wee. You better stand there while I get some towels. And get them shoes off, Mr. Flannigan, before Virgie sees that puddle on her floor.”

  Patrick chuckled but did her bidding. A few minutes later he repeated the same actions as the last time, only with Sally May as his guide instead of Virgie.

  When he stepped back into the foyer wearing Dr. Trent’s clothing once again, Virgie stood there with a twinkle in her eyes.

  “I see Sally May took good care of you.” She gave a nod of approval.

  “Yes, she did. But I think her main motive was to keep you from being upset over the floor.” He grinned. “You must be a mean woman around here, Miz Virgie.”

  Virgie gave one of her soft velvety laughs. “I might be or maybe they just want me to be happy.”

  “I think the latter the most likely reason.” He glanced toward the stairs as a middle-aged couple came down with one of the boys between them. His eyes were shining as he walked between them.

  “Some of the parents are already here, I see,” he said.

  “All of them that’s coming tonight. It’s nice to see the children with their mamas and papas.” Virgie smiled at the couple. “The dining room right through that door. You sit anywhere you like and Bobby can sit with you.”

  At the sound of footsteps on the stairs, Patrick glanced up again, eagerly hoping to see Helen.

  “She be down in a minute.” Virgie’s look of amusement sent a heat wave to his face.

  “Who?”

  She chuckled. “Who, indeed? I might have meant Miss Molly, mightn’t I?”

  “You might have, but you didn’t, did you?”

  “Ain’t no sense in being embarrassed about it. She a sweet lady and mighty pretty, too. And you a handsome, strappin’ fellow.” She looked him up and down. “Nothin’ wrong with it at all. You marry that gal.”

  Laughter rose in Patrick’s heart. She’d hit the nail on the head. “Trouble is I’m not sure she’ll have me, Virgie.”

  Virgie gave a little snort. “She’ll have you. Be crazy if she don’t. And there she come now.” She walked away toward the kitchen, humming.

  Helen’s face radiated a very attractive pink blush and her eyes shone a welcome. He could only hope he wasn’t misreading her.

  “Molly will be right down. And she said don’t wait for her.” Her upturned face glowed.

  “In that case, shall we go on in? I’m suddenly very hungry. The ice cream didn’t stay with me long.” He held out his arm and tucked her small, soft hand in the crook of it. Somehow it felt like it belonged there.

  He held her chair and then claimed the chair next to her. He didn’t care who usually sat there.

  She blushed and ducked her head but failed to hide the pretty smile that tilted her lips. “Poor Felicity. You’ve taken her chair.”

  “I’m sure she’ll find another with no problem.” He squeezed her hand and then released it before anyone could see. “I decided, with all the guests here tonight, I’d take my opportunity to sit where I like. Besides, I heard Virgie tell some parents to sit anywhere.”

  “Well, if Virgie said it, then it must be all right. She sets the rules in the household.”

  Molly appeared at his elbow. “Papa, will you please scoot over and let me sit between you and Miss Edwards?”

  Patrick held back a sigh and heard Helen cough in an obvious attempt not to laugh. He moved over a seat and Molly scooted in.

  “Thank you.” She turned to Helen, excitement in her voice. “Isn’t it fun having all the parents here?”

  Helen nodded. “Yes, it certainly is. I’m so glad we opened up the third floor and made all the changes. Otherwise we wouldn’t have had room.”

  Sissy and two other servers came in and served the soup.

  Patrick listened to the murmur of voices around the table and wished the meal was over so he could be alone with Helen and tell her his news.

  However, once more his plans were upset. After supper, it was pouring down rain outside and there were too many people inside to find a private place. Finally he settled down beside her in the front parlor and simply enjoyed being near her as they visited with Hannah and Charles. Virgie was too busy to join them, and Patrick rather missed the soft cadence of her voice and her gentle humor.

  He told Helen good night on the second floor landing then went up to the small room he’d been assigned at the end of the other wing.

  He was happy to see a Bible on the nightstand as his was back at the hotel. He sat on a comfortable chair by the window and opened the small book. He found his way to the seventh chapter of Luke, where he’d left off the night before. He laid the Bible down and crawled between crisp sheets.

  Lord, if You want me to marry this woman I love so much, please work it out. If not, please give me th
e peace to accept Your will.

  He’d found her eyes resting on him more than once today. Hope rose in his heart. He was almost sure she felt the same way he did. And he knew he loved her very much.

  Peace washed over him in spite of the rain that pelted the roof and hit against the windows.

  One thing he knew. Tomorrow he’d do everything in his power to find a way to talk to her in private.

  seventeen

  The sound of rain beating against the window woke Helen from a sound sleep. Would it ever stop? And on Easter Sunday.

  She jumped out of bed and ran to the window. She could barely make out the shape of the barn through the pounding rain. A clap of thunder rent the air, followed by a flash of lightning that seemed to light up the backyard and the woods beyond. Trees swayed and bent from the force of the wind. She backed away from the window.

  She lit a lamp in the darkened room and picked up the watch from her side table. Six o’clock already. Quickly she washed her face and hands then dressed in one of her Sunday dresses. They wouldn’t likely be going to church in the storm, but she still wanted to look her best.

  She stood in front of the wood-framed mirror on a stand in the corner. She pulled and twisted her hair this way and that. Finally, she wound it into a loose chignon on the back of her neck and allowed tendrils of curls to hang down the sides of her face.

  She gave herself a critical look and shrugged. She didn’t have time to stand here primping. There were guests in the house. Perhaps they could hold some sort of service in the auditorium after breakfast.

  She found a scattering of people in the dining room, including Charles and Patrick. Patrick stood at the buffet, filling a cup with hot coffee from the large silver urn.

  He turned around and their eyes met. He smiled. She blushed and returned his smile then sat on the chair he held out for her. Right beside his.

  “Good morning, Helen.” Charles tossed her a bright smile. She never had understood how he could be so friendly after she’d turned him down. Perhaps he realized he wasn’t that interested in having a relationship with her after all.