A Lady in Attendance

by Rachel Fordham

  He grinned. “What are we waiting for?”

  They said goodbye to the rest of the group, then stepped away from the courthouse.

  “How do you feel?” Gilbert asked her.

  “I realized this week that no matter what happened in the courtroom, it was time to forgive myself. Not because of what the judge said but because it was the truth.” She straightened her spine, not caring if anyone recognized her. Let them stare, or let them turn away if they wished. She knew her heart. “But still, there’s something sweet about knowing others can now clearly see the truth.”

  “Tomorrow when the paper comes out, everyone will know,” he said as they rounded a corner. “And today your parents will hear the good news.”

  “I’m anxious.” She brought her hands to her mouth and blew hot breath on them. “It’s gotten cold so fast this year.”

  “Where are your gloves?”

  “I forgot them this morning. I think I was more nervous than I admitted.” She blew again.

  “Give me your hand. I’ll warm it.” He offered his hand. Hazel hesitated only a moment before accepting it and enjoying the warmth from his large hand.

  “Thank you.”

  “It’s the least I can do.” He squeezed her fingers. “Eddie said he could hear you laughing in the hall last night. He interrogated me.”

  “Ina said she could too. I had no idea I had such a boisterous laugh. Ina cornered me and asked what happened. If it hadn’t been so dark, I think she’d have seen my face burning up. I was so embarrassed.”

  “You do have a laugh that carries, but I like it. In fact, I like everything that happened in the hallway last night.” He brought her fingers to his lips and kissed them, sending waves of happiness through her whole body. “You made me promise that I’d remain only a friend. Is that still your wish?”

  She let go of his hand and moved to his other side. “This hand is cold now,” she said, taking his other one in hers. “I think I may want to take back those words. First, though, I want to see my family, make sure Mathilda is all right, and just breathe the sweet air of freedom.”

  “I don’t mean to rush you.” He took a deep breath. “But you are my favorite person to walk with, and someday if you’re willing, I’d love to laugh with you and feel your kisses on my cheek each night before bed. I didn’t think I would ever find a woman I could be comfortable around, but now I cannot imagine life without you.”

  She stopped walking and looked up at him. “Gil, promise me that when I’m ready, you’ll say all those things again.”

  He let his free hand brush her face and slowly trace the outline of her lips. “I promise you that when you’re ready, this not-so-quiet dentist who can never find the right words will give you the most eloquent confession of love.”

  “Of love?” she whispered, still reeling from his touch. “Love?”

  “Of love.” He bent so near to her, she was certain he’d kiss her. “I love you, Hazel.” His lips brushed her cheek lightly, like they had so long ago at the corn husking. And just like before, it sent a fire racing through her.

  Stepping away, he straightened his coat and said, “Don’t get any ideas. That was just a friendly kiss. When you’re ready and you give me permission, I’ll give you a real one.”

  She struggled to calm her racing heart. “Who are you? The Gil I know requires a red ear of corn to kiss the girls.”

  “You’ve changed me. Now all I need is your permission.” He grabbed her hand and led her down the street again. “Let’s get you home. The sooner you reconnect with your family, the sooner you’ll return to Amherst and we can start our life together.”

  Minutes later, Hazel and Gilbert stood in front of two enormous entry doors. She picked up the knocker but didn’t let it go.

  “Are you going to knock?” Gilbert asked in a gentle voice. “You read their letter. You know they want you back.”

  “I want them to see how I’ve changed.” She took a deep breath, then forced her hand to release the knocker. The sound of it thudding made her body tense. She waited, listening for the sound of approaching feet. When it came, her heart threatened to leap from her chest. Time moved slower as she waited for the doors that had been closed so long to her to open.

  Julia, the maid, glared at her through a crack in the door. “What are you doing here?” she hissed. “They got trouble enough with Mathilda sick. They don’t need you begging at the door.”

  Hazel cringed as a multitude of memories flooded back to her. You’ve changed, she reminded herself. But still, a tremor raced up her spine.

  “The Bradshaws are expecting her.” Gilbert put his hand on the small of Hazel’s back. “Please tell them she’s here.”

  Julia looked behind her and sighed. “Wait outside.”

  Gilbert kept his steadying hand on Hazel’s back while they waited. In a soft but strong voice, he reassured her, reminding her of her worth and importance and bolstering her resolve.

  “Hazel!” She heard her father’s voice before she saw him. “Hazel!” he called as he approached the door. Her heart that had been suffering from trepidation now leapt at the sound of his welcoming voice.

  “Father!” she called back, and then the door opened wide and there he was standing before her. His face looked older and his hair had lost its dark luster, but her heart knew him despite any outward differences.

  “You’ve come home!” He too looked at her intently as though he could not believe she were real. “You’re back.”

  “Yes, and I’m so happy to be home.” She stepped inside and put her hand on his arm and nearly cried. There he was, flesh and bone. “It’s been so long.”

  “It’s been too long.” Creases near his eyes grew deeper as he drank in the sight of his daughter. “You’re our Hazel, and you’re back.” He clung to her and she buried her face in his shoulder and their tears mixed together. The tears were sad, they were happy, they were a summary of the long years apart and their hope for the future. Warmth seeped deep inside her, filling her bit by bit as the embrace continued.

  “I’m sorry for everything.”

  “None of that matters. Not anymore.” His welcoming arms confirmed his words.

  Remembering all that had happened, she pulled away. “How is Mathilda?”

  He ran his hands through his hair. “She’s frail.” Her usually composed and serious father blubbered, “I’m worried. I’m so afraid for her.”

  “I’m sorry I haven’t been here,” Hazel whispered. She meant to sound strong, but seeing her father so overwhelmed increased her worry tenfold. “Let me help you care for her.”

  “I’ve been so afraid that I’d never again have all my children here.” He kissed her forehead. “But you’re home.”

  “I am here. I’ll help, and it’s my hope you’ll see I’m a changed woman.”

  Her father squeezed her hand and looked to Gilbert. “Who’s your friend?”

  “This is Gilbert Watts. He’s a dentist in Amherst, and I’ve been working for him as a lady in attendance. He’s one of the people who helped me clear my name.”

  “What about the money we gave you?” Her father’s brows formed a deep furrow.

  “I’ll tell you everything, but right now I need to see Mathilda. I’ve been so worried.” She tried to smile, but all she felt was concern for her sister.

  “I want to hear every detail.” He offered her his arm, then said to Gilbert, “Come meet the rest of the family. Then we’ll discuss some way I can repay you for your kindness.”

  “No need,” Gilbert said as he followed them down the hall.

  The sickroom was on the main floor beside the large master bedroom. Hazel clung to her father as they peered inside. Her first glimpses of Mathilda’s thin, frail body caused her to cover her mouth to avoid crying out. She’d grown from a child to a young woman while Hazel was incarcerated. Her skin color and sunken cheeks testified to the battle she faced physically. Hazel’s mother sat beside her holding one of the woman’s
hands, her head bent as though she were praying.

  “What’s wrong with Matty? I know she’s sick, but what is it?” she whispered to her father.

  “The doctor says she has a severe case of pneumonia. She’s never had the strong constitution you have. When she got sick . . . that’s when I realized how wrong I’d been to send you away. We should have been together.” He stared off into the sickroom. “It hasn’t looked good. Not from the start.”

  “Will she be all right?”

  “No one knows. She seems weaker every day, but the doctor says we still have reason to hope. If she will only fight, she might regain the strength she’s lost. Let me tell them you are here.” He stepped into the room and quietly spoke to Hazel’s mother. Hazel held her breath and waited. Maria’s head jerked up, and her eyes, red-rimmed and tired, grew large. She turned toward Hazel and then a sob escaped. She leaned over and said something to Matty before standing.

  “I’m sorry, Hazel.” Gilbert put a hand on her back. “Forget what I said about hurrying back. This is where you’re needed now. Stay with your sister.” Gilbert kissed the top of her head. “Be strong. That’s what she’ll need from you.”

  She put a hand on his forearm. “Thank you for understanding.”

  “My dear girl.” Her mother emerged from the sickroom and grabbed Hazel’s hands in her own. “You’re home.”

  “I’m home!” It was all too easy, too perfect. So many nights she’d worried over her return, unsure if she’d be welcomed. Matty was sick, and perhaps that’s what had changed everything. When life and death wrestled, everything else fell away, leaving only the most important things in their wake. “I’ve missed you.”

  They held each other at arm’s length, both staring dazedly at the other as they accepted that this dream was real. She let go of her mother and nudged Gilbert forward. “I want you to meet Gilbert Watts. I’ll tell you my whole story soon, but this man was there for me when I was alone.” Her mother pursed her lips, then smiled. Hazel sensed her concern and added, “I’ve been working in his dental office. He’s a good man.”

  “I’m grateful you had someone there for you.” She patted Gilbert’s arm. “Thank you for all you’ve done.”

  Two of Hazel’s brothers came thumping down the stairs. They stopped in their tracks when they saw Hazel and Gilbert. Both sets of eyes looked to their mother for direction. When she nodded, giving them permission to welcome Hazel, they came closer. The hallway filled with the ruckus of reunion as Hazel accepted their welcome and she in return introduced Gilbert.

  “Bernice and Fred are over at Aunt Sarah’s,” Maria explained. “I think they’ll be back soon. Go in and see Mathilda. Lift her spirits if you can.”

  Hazel and Gilbert stepped into the sickroom and sat beside the bed. Hazel put a hand on her sister’s thin shoulder. “Matty, it’s me, Hazel.”

  “Hazel?” Mathilda turned her head toward her big sister. Her voice was weak, but her eyes brightened with recognition. “Are you a dream?”

  “It feels like a dream to be back with you. I heard my Matty was sick, and I thought you might need your bossy older sister to come home and tell you to get well.” She rubbed her sister’s fragile arm. “Get well, little sister. You must. I have so many things to tell you and so many things I want to do with you.”

  “I missed you.” Her brow glistened with sweat. Hazel reached for the rag beside the basin and wrung it out. “Who’s with you?”

  “This is Gilbert Watts. He’s a good friend of mine and wanted to meet you.” She pulled Gilbert closer. “Gil, this is Mathilda. She’s my baby sister.”

  Mathilda tried to prop herself up on her elbow. “I’m not a baby. I went to a social and was asked to dance five times.”

  Gilbert leaned forward. “Five times. I haven’t even danced with Hazel that much. You must have been the belle of the ball. It’s nice to finally meet you.” He paused and smiled his warm, friendly smile down at her. “I heard you liked snow. Did you know it’s snowing outside right now?”

  Mathilda nodded her weak head. “I love snow.”

  “You get well, and we’ll all go out in it. You and I will throw snowballs at Hazel.” Gilbert elbowed Hazel, causing her to squawk involuntarily. “Do you think she’d like that?”

  “She’s got a wicked temper,” Mathilda said weakly. “But I think it’d be fun.”

  “Then we’ll risk her temper and do it. You get better as quick as you can.” He sat up straighter and spoke to Hazel. “I’m going to go back and let the others know you are with your family. I’ll have someone send your belongings here.”

  “Tell them I’m sorry I can’t say goodbye, and tell Elizabeth I’ll see her soon.” She squeezed his arm, wishing there was some way to make him understand she wanted to be here and in Amherst with him.

  He stood and moved away from the bed. “Get better, Matty.”

  “I will.”

  Hazel stood too. “Will you be back? Or is this goodbye?”

  “I think you should have time with your family. Take care of them and enjoy being back in the fold. If you need me, send word and I’ll come straightaway. No matter what, I’ll come.” He looked past Hazel toward Mathilda. “Take care of Matty. We’ve already made plans for when she is well again.”

  Hazel nodded and braced herself for his departure. “Gil.”

  “Yes.” He stepped forward, closing the small distance, and cradled her face with his hand. “Take care of yourself.”

  “I will.” She put her hand on top of his. “Take care of our patients, and make sure Clara feeds you. You know how I feel about poor orphans. Besides, I have plans that involve you.”

  “Plans? You aren’t going to throw snow at me, are you?”

  “No. Other plans.”

  For a long moment, they stood lost in each other’s eyes, his hand warming the side of her face as he traced the curve of her cheekbone. The moment faded as she moved his hand away and immediately felt its absence.

  “Get her better so I can find out. And be careful. I don’t like leaving knowing Patrick is still out there.”

  “I’ll be safe. I’m sure the police will bring him in any day now.”

  He nodded and with a heavy tread, turned and walked away from her. Their comfortable days spent together were over, at least for now.

  “She’s staying with her family. They’ll keep her safe. I’m sure they will . . .” Gilbert said to Ina through gritted teeth. Fear had been his companion as he walked away from Hazel. Fear for himself as he struggled to make peace with an uncertain future, fear for her as she nursed her sister and reconnected with the past, and fear for all of their safety as the last pieces of the case were wrapped up. “Her sister didn’t look well at all. She’s frail. I’ve never seen a girl so thin. Hazel’s had so much disappointment already. I pray she doesn’t lose her sister.”

  “How long will she stay?”

  He shook his head, wishing he had an answer. If he knew for certain she was returning and when, he could count down. But there was no way of putting a time limit on illness and recovery and no guarantee she’d want to leave Buffalo now that she was back.

  “I don’t know. But she needs to be there.” Gilbert looked away, afraid she’d see his worry. “I don’t know what she’ll end up doing.”

  “She’ll come back. She loves you.”

  Gilbert ran his hand along his broad jaw. “Has she told you that?”

  “Not exactly, but I know she does. It’s only there’s been so much happening. She was afraid to make any promises she couldn’t keep, and for so long she doubted herself.”

  He tightened his grip on his bag. “She’ll be welcomed back to society. She may decide she loves this life more than my quiet one. I can hardly blame her. I can’t promise her a life of excitement.” He moved toward the door. “I have to go.”

  “You did a good thing helping her.”

  “We all did. I don’t regret that. Be sure to stop by the office sometime. I’ll be there eve
ry day, same as always.” But he’d be alone. No humming, no infectious laughter. He needed to go. He needed to get away from the city and back to the fresh air. Maybe then he’d be able to fight off the queasy feeling that overpowered him. “I’ll be at the wedding too. You can count on that.”

  He went out into the cold, wintry world. Back to the life he’d known for so many years, the life that had been enough until his redheaded friend arrived and turned his world upside down.

  CHAPTER

  TWENTY-SIX

  Many things about being at home made Hazel’s heart sing with happiness. The smell of the peppermints her father was forever eating, the noise of her brothers stomping through the house, and the lump-free bed in her room. It was all so familiar, and with no effort at all she worked her way back into the everyday flow.

  The newspaper featured her story on the front page. The bold headline read DAUGHTER OF WEALTHY BUSINESSMAN FOUND INNOCENT AFTER YEARS OF INJUSTICE. Within the first hour of the paper’s distribution, the family began receiving invitations. Everyone wanted to befriend the now-famous spectacle and her family, or rather, they wanted to be privy to the details of her former life in exile. The invitations all felt counterfeit to Hazel, and she politely declined most of the requests, using her sister’s health as her excuse for remaining home.

  “I don’t feel the need to dress up and put on a show for a whole slew of people who cared nothing for me just days ago,” she told her mother.

  “Stay in all you want. I don’t like you going out too often until Patrick is apprehended.” Her mother ran a hand through her daughter’s hair. “I’m not sure when it happened, but you grew up on me. Not just in years but in wisdom.”

  “Do you think so?”

  “I do. You care for your sister with tenderness, you’ve handled the press with finesse, and you . . . well, your heart seems to have grown a great deal. I know your road has been rocky, but you have come through it well.”

  Hazel loved having her mother close, feeling her love and acceptance. They’d butted heads for so many years, but now there was an easy, comfortable peace between the two of them. “I’m sorry for all the mistakes I made.”