“I don’t know about that harmony, Aunt Lovejoy.” April leaned forward. “I heard Dad tell Uncle Daniel that Pastor asked them to bring you and Polly in for a meeting tomorrow. Tanner thinks the doc’s behind it.”
“No reason for ever’body to get het up.” Continuing to sort through her gathering bag, Mama didn’t even trouble to look up. “We all want what’s best. Sometimes, folks jest need to have a meetin’ of the minds.”
Mama’s wise words usually gave Polly a sense of serenity, but this was different. Doc didn’t think she or Mama had any ability. In fact, he’d intimated they posed a danger to those they treated. Folks in Reliable township and the outlying area had depended on the Chances for medical care for sixteen years—but would they suddenly side with Doc, now that he had arrived with an office full of fancy stuff and a medical degree hanging on his wall?
Laurel, Kate, and April all wanted to be wives and mothers. Polly—well, she wanted those things, too, but being a healer was her calling. She’d never once imagined anyone would try to take that from her. The community had grown enormously. It stood to reason that there were more than enough folks needing help that the doc wouldn’t be able to handle them all on his own.
“Mercy me, how many currants did you pick?” April asked as Mama headed toward her horse. She raced over and helped untie Mama’s other bag from the saddle horn. “I’ve got it for you. You’re better at tying leaves. Go ahead whilst I sort through this.”
Polly flashed April a look of thanks.
“You gals are such a blessing.” Mama stretched gingerly. “If it grows much hotter, them currants might droop. Cain’t take the sun, you know. Mayhap we oughta think on goin’ back today—”
“What a good idea.” Polly nudged Kate’s foot. “Kate and I can go do that while you remove Perry’s stitches. Uncle Bryce and Tanner could come along and scout around for the hive.”
“Hive?” Laurel shivered. “I’ll stay here and help with the jam.”
❧
By midday, Polly plopped down on a log next to Uncle Bryce and surveyed the full buckets with a sense of satisfaction. “When we get home, we’ll start pressing the juice right away.”
Tanner chuckled. “May as well. You’re already stained clear up to your elbows.”
“You have no room to speak,” Kate countered.
“Yeah, well, Uncle Bryce set me to digging up those roots, so you can complain to him.”
Bryce shook his finger at Tanner. “Lovejoy taught me to make a paste from them to cure cattle. You’ll be glad we have it one of these days.”
“We ought to make you scrub the dirt and honey out of your shirt.” Kate eyed their shirts with obvious dismay. “I don’t think it’ll come clean in a month of Sundays.”
“You’ll scrub however long it takes so I’ll give you some of the beeswax for candles,” Tanner shot back.
“Brothers are an affliction.” Kate sighed. She gave Polly a resigned look. “Do you have a cure for that?”
Polly looked at the siblings and smiled. “Mama says love and time cure a lot.”
Uncle Bryce brought the lunch bucket from the buckboard. He pulled an apple from it and handed it to Polly. “Here’s the cure you need most.”
“Oh?” She accepted it.
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” he recited in a voice that held a slight edge.
Thirteen
“Then she can have mine,” April said, offering her apple.
“You’re only saying that because you want my share of the cheese.” Polly tried her best to change the topic. The whole thing had snarled into a huge mess. April was still interested in the doctor. Polly realized she was, too—but that only made this whole betrayal worse. He’d turned out to be arrogant and condescending.
Times like this, she almost let down her guard—but Mama drilled into her the necessity of minding her tongue. Things were already brewing—the last thing she needed to do was turn up the heat. “Nobody makes better cheese than Aunt Tempy, and I aim to eat my fill.”
Tanner scowled. “I used my knife to get those roots for you. Is it okay to use it on the cheese?”
“The roots are for the cattle, not for me to use as curatives.” Polly grabbed for the bucket. “Even so, I don’t think there’s a problem, because if I don’t miss my guess, Laurel and Aunt Delilah already cut the cheese into wedges. We won’t have to slice it at all.”
The cheese tasted great. The apple—well, the first bite reminded Polly of Tanner’s words. An apple a day. . .yes, she’d like to keep the doctor away. She took a second, savage bite and chomped on it. By the fourth crunch, though, the flavor turned. Polly took yet another taste, then rotated the apple and spied a bruise on it. Without hesitation, she pitched the fruit as far as she could.
That night, back in her cabin, she snuggled under the quilts and tried to go to sleep. She’d been fighting a sick headache all evening. Laurel squirmed closer and half-whispered, “Are you going to be okay tomorrow?”
Polly moaned. She hadn’t realized Laurel suspected she had a headache.
Laurel poked her. “Need me to come along?”
“What good would you do?” April asked.
Laurel sat up. “I’d sit beside her and glower at the doctor while I prayed.”
Polly groaned—more from the loud pronouncement than the fact that Laurel stole all of the blankets when she sat up.
“I’ll go, too,” Kate promised loyally. “We all promised to stick together, and this is one of those times when unity counts most.”
“That’s right.” April sat up and immediately unraveled her night braid. Within seconds, it was undone and she’d started to wrap her tresses with rags.
Oh, this is a mess. Laurel’s ability to glower is nonexistent. April will bat her lashes and flirt, and Kate can’t sit still, so she’ll squirm the whole time. I’ve got to put an end to this right away. Trying to ignore the pounding in her head, Polly said, “Hold on a moment. I appreciate your support—”
“No need to thank us, Polly. You’d do the same if any of us was in a fix.” Kate sat up and swiped the rags from April. “We’re going to back you up, so we’ll be somber as judges.”
“And we’ll wear our black dresses,” Laurel tacked on.
“We’re not mourning!” April cried.
“We’re protecting our Polly.” Laurel dragged Polly upright and wrapped her in a surprisingly fierce embrace. “How dare that man call her before the pastor as if she were morally flawed.”
Morally flawed? Polly spluttered at that assessment. “Now just—I—”
“Don’t you worry, Polly.” Kate wrestled the hair rags from April again. “We’ll vouch for your character.”
“I’m not worried. Well, at least, not about my character,” Polly amended honestly as she managed to peel herself from Laurel’s clinging embrace.
“But you are worried, and we’ll be there. I’ll talk to Eric—”
“April,” Polly said in her firmest voice, “You will not—”
“Call the doctor by his first name. It’s simply far too forward,” Laurel cut in. “You’ll be silent. We all will. Uncle Daniel and Uncle Gideon will do the speaking, and when it comes up, I’ll be the spokeswoman for our cabin since I’m the eldest of us.”
“Polly’s older,” April muttered.
“You can’t expect her to stand there and proclaim her innocence,” Laurel pointed out.
Polly couldn’t believe the speed at which her cousins chattered. This conversation was moving faster than a locomotive in full steam. “Everyone quiet down and listen to me.”
The girls all hushed.
“I appreciate your support, but you’re not going. Mama is attending the meeting with me, and it’s best to keep matters like this discreet.”
“Discretion is important,” Laurel said slowly. “But then maybe just I ought to go along.”
“Not fair!” April protested.
“We are more like sisters than cousins, and
we’re sisters in Christ.” Polly took a deep breath. “But there are times each of us is going to need some privacy.”
“Privacy, around this ranch?” Kate snorted.
“I’ve been accustomed to having a measure of solitude,” Polly said slowly. “Don’t get me wrong—I love you all being here with me now. It’s just that with my healing, I still have times when I must handle confidential matters. I’ve resolved that tomorrow will be such a time.”
“You can’t go alone,” Laurel gasped.
“Daddy, Mama, and Uncle Gideon are accompanying me. I don’t want the doctor to feel as if the whole Chance family is ganging up on him. As much as I appreciate your caring sentiments, you’re all staying home.” Polly looked around the loft and met her cousins’ gazes. “That’s the way it’s going to be.”
Laurel pursed her lips for a moment, then nodded. “Then we’ll fast for breakfast and lunch and support you in prayer.”
“We don’t have to fast to pray,” April objected.
“And it’s our turn to cook tomorrow,” Kate pointed out.
“The Bible says, ‘Where two or three are gathered. . . ,’ ” Laurel began.
“Well, we’re four here. We’ll storm heaven’s gate with prayers.” Kate bounded out of her bed.
Polly gave in to the need to bury her head in her hands as the headache exploded.
“Don’t despair, honey.” Laurel stroked her arm. “God will help you.”
“I have faith, but I’m also fighting a headache,” Polly whispered tightly.
“Then you just lie back down. Kate, get her a cool compress. I’ll get the feverfew. April, you track down where the oil of peppermint is that the doctor used. We’ll take care of Polly and pray downstairs all night long on her behalf.”
“No sleep?” Kate moaned.
“It’s better than fasting,” April said.
Polly scrunched down in the bed and pulled the blankets over her head. She couldn’t even handle her cousins. How would she ever deal with the doctor tomorrow?
❧
When Eric heard the Chances arrive, he stepped back deep into the parlor. He’d intentionally arrived a little early. Since he’d requested this meeting, it was only fitting that he be here first. Through the window, he could see they’d come not on horses or in a buckboard, but in a buggy he’d not seen before.
“Hello, Mrs. Abrams.” Polly gave the pastor’s wife a hug.
“Hey there,” Mama said as she smiled and gave Mrs. Abram’s tummy a loving pat. “Ain’t you jest fat and sassy-lookin’ today?”
Joyous laughter trilled out of the pregnant woman. “Isn’t it wonderful? God has blessed us, indeed.”
Pastor Abe shook hands with Gideon and Daniel Chance, then motioned toward the parlor. “Come on in.”
Eric remained standing and solemnly shook hands with the men. Though this would be awkward, he’d found that civility often mediated in such situations. It didn’t escape his notice that Daniel Chance had his arm about his wife’s waist and Gideon kept a proprietary hand on Polly’s arm. These men were protective, and one look made it clear they didn’t appreciate being brought before the minister. The matter is even touchier than I thought it would be.
“Why don’t we all sit down.” The pastor’s words rang out as a command, not a suggestion. Good. He didn’t kowtow to the Chances simply because they were major benefactors of the church.
“Lovejoy, you sit in the rocker. It’s easiest on your back,” Mrs. Abrams trilled.
Daniel seated his wife and remained standing by her. Eric sensed the man would turn to stone ere he ever left her side in this situation. Thankfully, the pastor shoved a chair behind the stubborn-looking man, and Daniel grudgingly forced himself to sit down. Gideon steered Polly to the settee and sat beside her. He slid his left arm across the back of the settee and curled it around Polly’s shoulders in a move that nearly shouted, Watch yourself, mister. This is my niece you’re calling on the carpet.
Lovejoy’s face looked open and guileless as it always did; Polly’s features looked strained and pale.
Maybe she’s coming to realize things have to change.
“It’s so nice to have you all come pay us a visit.” The pastor’s wife perched on the piano stool. “Would you all care for some lemonade, tea, or coffee? I have strawberry pie, if that influences your decision.”
The pastor cleared his throat. “Sweetheart, this isn’t a social visit.”
She popped up. “Oh, dear. I’m so sorry.”
“Oh, you go ahead and sit yoreself back down—but someplace more comfortable,” Lovejoy said. “Ain’t nothin’ being said that needs to be kept secret, and I cain’t abide the thought of pushing a woman outta her own parlor.”
Eric would have preferred the matter to be handled without an audience. Then again, after this got settled, someone would need to subtly spread the word that he’d be handling all of the community’s medical needs. He eased into the one empty chair—an ornate rosewood piece built low to the ground and suited to a woman. His knees folded up ridiculously, so he eased them out until the toes of his just-polished shoes missed the hem of Polly’s gown by a mere inch.
It didn’t escape his notice that Polly kept her face averted.
“I’d like to start with a word of prayer,” Pastor said. “Heavenly Father, Thou art all-wise and all-knowing. We implore Thee, be among us and grant us wisdom and grace. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.”
Well, that was a fine prayer. A great opening to this. With God going before me, surely the road will be smoother and straighter.
“Doc Walcott came to me with some concerns,” the pastor started in. “Apparently he’s discussed the issue with Polly already, but they didn’t reach a satisfactory agreement.”
“He’s spoken with you, Polly?” Her father’s tone carried astonishment.
She nodded but gave no details.
“Actually, we’ve spoken twice.” Eric cleared his throat. “The matter is rather delicate—”
“What?” Daniel Chance bolted to his feet. His hands knotted into fists, but to his credit, they stayed at his sides. “My daughter is not that kind of woman. There’s no way she’d be—”
“Oh, dear me,” Mrs. Abrams said, her voice fluttering.
“No. No!” Eric held up his hand. “You mistake my meaning.”
Daniel glowered at him. “Choose your words better. I’ll not have you slur my daughter’s reputation.”
“Dan’l, he misspoke. Ain’t a one of us who hasn’t done the same.” Lovejoy slipped her hand into her husband’s. “Jest go on ahead and speak your piece, Doc.” Humor glinted in her eyes. “ ’Tis plain you got our attention.”
“Thank you.” He nodded his head in gratitude and respect. He’d not spent much time with Lovejoy, but she exuded warmth and kindness. If anything, that made him feel worse about the whole matter. “What I meant to say is that the topic I’m broaching is sticky.”
“Get on with it,” Gideon said. He took up more than his half of the settee, and he’d wrapped his arm more tightly around his niece.
“In the past, Mrs. and Miss Chance have done their best to care for the people of Reliable.”
“And they’ve done a wonderful job of it, too!” Mrs. Abrams chirped.
Eric wouldn’t stand for many more interruptions. He forged on ahead as if nothing had been said. “But now that I’ve come, they can relinquish their responsibilities in that arena.”
There. He’d said it diplomatically, but the issue was out in the open now.
“Me and Polly’re happy as a sparrow with two worms that you come to our town, Doc.” Lovejoy tugged on her husband’s hand. “I told Dan’l it’ll be a blessing to have someone hereabouts to handle surgery and such.”
“He wants us to stop everything, Mama.” Polly’s words hung in the air.
Gideon and Daniel exchanged a grim look. The pastor’s wife burst out, “But you promised you’d deliver my baby!”
“Yes, well�
��” Eric began.
“And we will.” Polly’s voice held quiet resolve.
“I mean no disrespect, Doctor, but I can’t imagine. . .” Mrs. Abrams blushed to the roots of her hair. “Well, I just. . .you know. Besides, this baby wouldn’t have ever come into being if it weren’t for Polly and her mama.”
Eric folded his arms across his chest. “That baby, Mrs. Abrams, came into being because God willed it and due to the—”
“Watch it,” Gideon cut in.
Eric stared at the head of the Chance clan. “You’ve just underscored part of the problem. Lovejoy and Polly are ladies. There is no denying that medical practice necessitates dealing with intimate and personal issues.”
“Precisely.” The pastor’s wife finally relaxed. “I’m so glad you understand, Doctor. I just couldn’t ever have a man attend me when my time comes.”
“I assure you, Mrs. Abrams, I’ve delivered many children. Maintaining modesty is quite simple by the application of a few draping sheets. Medical training prepares a physician to attend a woman with the latest in scientific advances.”
“Far as I know, babies have always come the same way,” Polly said tightly.
“Now let’s jest calm down. Doc, Polly and me, we’re happy to serve folks however best we cain. There’s more than enough to keep us all busier than a fly at a hop-toad party. Nothin’s a-wrong with us partnerin’ up.”
Everyone else in the room—the pastor included—smiled as if the matter had been settled amicably. Eric heaved a sigh. They simply didn’t understand. He was going to have to be blunt. “There may be sufficient work, but knowledge is lacking.”
“We’ll teach you what you need to know about folks. I recollect from when I moved here how it takes time to figger out the peculiarities. Folks all have some odd little kinks and pet remedies or notions you have to work ’round.”
“Mama, that’s not what he’s saying.”
Eric looked at Polly. She remained tucked into her uncle’s side and couldn’t even bear to face the room. . .or him. He’d known she enjoyed dabbling with her herbs, but the depth of her sadness cut at him.
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