“Can you bring me some water?” she asked Filbert, who hobbled away after nodding.
The woman hovered and Aurora fixed her with what she hoped was a reassuring expression. “Ma’am, I’ll need your help undressing him.”
The boy’s abdomen was rounded, distended unnaturally. “How long has his stomach been so inflated?” Aurora asked.
The parents looked to one another. Finally the mother spoke up. “He started complaining of a stomachache a few days ago. I’ve been giving him root tea and some boiled onion broth.”
Aurora remembered reading the best medicine for upset stomach and bloating was lemongrass, castor oil and peppermint. Leaving the family with the boy who moaned and attempted to sleep, she went to a cabinet and began opening bottles and sniffing the contents.
The child woke and began to cry. The weak sounds broke Aurora’s heart.
With the oil and a lemony smelling herb, Aurora mixed them up in a small pot and poured the contents into a clean cup.
Although the child protested vehemently, kicking at her and the parents, they managed to get most of the contents down his throat.
Within moments, the boy began vomiting. The retching sounds alarmed Aurora and she hoped to not have made some sort of mistake. Thankfully, an hour later, the boy’s stomach was dramatically flatter and he slept peacefully.
“Bless you.” The mother came to Aurora and hugged her tight. “Jules has some of his color back and is finally resting without pain.”
The sense of satisfaction was so great Aurora could not keep from smiling. “I only did what I remembered my caregiver doing for me as a child. She is quite practiced in the art of healing.”
“Well thanks be to God for that woman.” The boy’s father beamed at her. “We can’t pay you much, but will bring around the first piglet come spring.” He placed some coins in her hand. “Best we get going.” He shuddered. “It’s not a long walk, but with the storm, it takes us a while.” The man’s warm gaze went to his wife. “Come, Maureen, let’s get you and Jules bundled up.”
The couple retrieved their coats, which were drying by the wood burning stove as well as Aurora’s thick scarf she gifted to the woman.
“You’re a kind person. I will pray for you and your husband. Thank you, Mrs. Jones.” The woman hugged a stunned Aurora tightly. “You’re a godsend.”
After the couple left, Aurora picked up items and washed out the cup and pot she’d used. She should have corrected the woman in thinking she was Evan’s wife. However, it wouldn’t have been appropriate to inform others of her staying at a single man’s home. Interesting how the woman’s words had instantly sent her mind to earlier in the kitchen when she and Evan had spent time alone.
“You should consider staying on and helping Doctor Jones, Miss,” Filbert, who seemed to live there, interrupted her thoughts. “Doc sure could use it.”
Aurora considered both Maureen and Filbert’s statements on her trek back to the house. Marrying Evan Jones would mean she’d remain in town and not have to adjust to the harder life of a rancher’s wife. Additionally, he appeared to come from society, so he would definitely understand her ways. Not that she expected to continue the lifestyle of Philadelphia, but in her very limited experience there in the Laurel, it seemed the way of life was much harsher if away from town.
There was one blaring obstacle to her plan. In order to convince said doctor he had an urgent need for a wife, she would have to get creative. Somehow figure out a way to get along with him better. Admittedly, she was not opposed to him as a husband by his attractiveness. His personality, on the other hand, and how he seemed to not particularly care for her were problems.
A picture of his handsome face came to mind and her stomach flipped. Another issue that was of concern was the fact Evan didn’t seem to mind living alone. He was settled into a satisfying bachelor’s life, much too busy to be lonely. He had friends and family that visited regularly and Gladys to see to his meals and home.
However, every man had needs. Most humans held the innate desire to share their life with a partner.
Aurora considered the change in her just after a few days of knowing him. She’d gone from a strong distrust to a clear want to marry Evan Jones. The new urging was, possibly, a result of helping the young boy or, perhaps, being trapped indoors for so long. She entered the house and with renewed vision, took in the space. The dwelling felt like home to her now. The furniture arrangements, even the aroma wafting from the kitchen came from her efforts.
A sense of propriety took her over and, ever so slowly, her lips curved. She went to the kitchen to finish cooking the interrupted meal. While she labored, Aurora had time to come up with a plan.
Lucille would help. After all, her friend had already alluded to the fact that, perhaps, Evan was interested in her. Before leaving, she was sure Evan meant to kiss her. If not for Joe knocking at the door at that moment, it would have happened.
As she stirred a hearty stew, the activity gave her a chance to think and rethink how to proceed.
“I’m not thinking clearly,” she said out loud. What if everything up to that point was a huge mistake and she was about to compound it by making yet another?
Anxiety and doubt filled her and made Aurora consider that, perhaps, the best option was to return home and beg forgiveness. No doubt, her mother already made up all sorts of reasons for her absence. Her mother probably told people that she was caring for a bedridden aunt. It could be that, upon returning, she could just confess to Milford she had no desire to marry him. The thought of her intended made her shudder. He would not accept any excuse and would insist they marry.
Aurora rolled her neck and sighed. More than anything, she hated to disappoint her mother and ruin any chances of her younger sister entering society without ruin.
The sound of the door opening, followed by footsteps, announced someone had returned home. Aurora went to the kitchen doorway and Lucille looked up. Her face flushed from the cold, she grinned. “I have just spent the most incredible time with Gladys. We had tea, visited with her mother who is quite ill. I can’t remember the last time I had so much free time to myself.”
Aurora could not relate. If anything, the experience was very much the opposite for her. Having rearranged the furniture, dusted and cooked, it was the most housework she’d ever completed.
“I have come to an interesting conclusion and would like your opinion,” Aurora spoke as Lucille lifted the pot lid and peered into the stew. “Let’s have a cup of tea and talk.”
“Well, this is certainly an exciting turn of events.” Lucille sat back in the chair and lifted the teacup to her curved lips. Her eyes twinkled with mirth as she studied Aurora. “I don’t think Doctor Jones will be opposed to marriage. However, I am of the mind he will want to woo you, not the other way around.”
Aurora let out a huff. “By the way things have progressed thus far, it will be summer before he realizes the possibility. By then, my mother will have sent a full entourage of people to retrieve me. Imagine the consequences of returning to Philadelphia. Milford Jameson is no fool. I am sure he knows I ran away on purpose. He’ll make me suffer for it.”
Lucille shivered. “I hesitate to tell you this, but I was worried about you marrying him. His hot temper and lack of concern for anyone other than himself was rumored to be quite distressful.”
“I presumed as much. I could see the horrible way he treated the staff. He made my skin crawl by certain comments he made regarding our private time as husband and wife. Each time it would leave me repulsed.” Aurora sat straighter. “Enough about Milford. Now, back to the subject at hand. What should I do? Do you think Evan is at all attracted to me?”
“Very much so,” Lucille announced in a loud voice. “Very much so.”
Chapter Nine
It never ceased to amaze him. The bond between child and parents was immediate and strong. Both young people, upon holding the newborn girl, were transformed. Joe’s chest puffed out, he st
ood straighter, seeming to mature at becoming the provider and protector of his two females. Laura beamed, unable to look away from the child’s face. All the pain and anxiety immediately was forgotten upon the appearance of the baby. Thankfully, the labor had gone easily, the mother having the child just four hours after his arrival.
Evan left the new family after ensuring the mother would be well. Joe’s mother arrived just as the child was born and took charge of the situation, ushering him out the door with strict orders to rest.
Although it was late at night, perhaps nine o’clock, there were lights in the windows at his home. He entered the house and stopped in the entry upon spotting the table set with two lighted tapers along with a place setting and a glass he suspected held brandy.
“There is a warm meal in the kitchen for you,” Aurora said standing from a chair where he knew she had been reading by the fact she held a book.
Flushed at the thoughtfulness, he stuttered a response. Something along the lines of yes and thank you.
Once he was seated, she brought a bowl of stew that smelled of rich spices. Next to it she placed a small plate with bread.
“I’ll join you for a bit. But I am tired and must go to bed soon.” She seemed different, almost as if softer, more amicable. “I have something to tell you.”
So she’d waited to break some sort of news to him. Perhaps the Hamiltons had found a way to come for her and Lucille. Or worse yet, she planned to return to Philadelphia. “Is it good news?” he asked, picking up the bread, although not able to eat until he heard what she’d say.
“I’ll let you be the judge of that.” Her cryptic reply did not settle him in the least. She continued. “I went to the clinic today. A family, the Johnsons, their little boy was very ill, his stomach bloated and he was feverish.”
Alarmed at the thought the child remained at the clinic, Evan started and was about to stand but stopped at her hand over his. “They’ve gone home. I treated him with castor oil and lemongrass tea. He threw up several times and relieved himself. About an hour later, he was resting and his color returned.”
For a long moment, he could do nothing by stare at the pretty woman who bit her bottom lip and attempted to smile. “I know I was overstepping, but I figured the worst that would happen was that they’d still be here waiting for you when you returned.”
Relief flooded him and, for a moment, Evan could not formulate a sentence. “Where did you come up with the idea to treat him with those two items?”
Once again, she bit her bottom lip, the act so innocent yet alluring. Temptation to lean forward and kiss the exact spot where she bit down made him shove a piece of bread into his mouth.
“Well, to be honest I wasn’t sure what to do, exactly. I remembered what my nanny used to give me when I got sick with stomach issues. As awful as the combination was, it never failed to make me feel better in the end.”
Finally, his shoulders fell and he relaxed. “I am glad you took action. Otherwise, I am afraid they would have waited for a long time and I would have probably done something similar.” He took a spoonful of food and ate it. As usual, the cooking was above reproach, the flavors well rounded and tasty. “I will miss your cooking.”
Her face softened, there was a question lurking behind the dark pools and he wondered what she thought. “Is that all you had to speak to me about?”
“Not quite.” She let out a soft sigh and drank her brandy down in one fell swoop. Her eyes rounded and Aurora gasped. “Goodness, it’s quite strong.”
Whatever she prepared herself for obviously took courage to say. He gave her time to collect her thoughts. “Did Lucille return from Gladys’ home?”
“Oh yes. She had a lovely time. Is excited about making a new friend.”
“Very good.” Evan continued eating, not looking at Aurora.
“I have to get married,” she blurted. “It is imperative I do so before spring. Is there a man you’d recommend?”
Something caught in his throat and he coughed. Without thinking, he lifted the brandy to his lips and took a large swallow only to choke on it. His coughs echoed until, finally, Evan caught his breath. “Marry? Why such a hurry?”
“I was engaged before coming here. I am afraid my parents will send someone to fetch me back. You see, my fiancé’s family is very interested in merging with mine. Regardless of how Milford and I feel about each other, they want us to marry.”
Ice formed in his veins. “What is your fiancé’s last name?”
“Jameson. The Jamesons of Philadelphia. Do you know of them?”
He more than knew that particular man. During a time when Emmett became interested in the goings on of polite society, he and his brother, Elias, had followed suit. Some of their travels had coincided with the Jamesons.
During these times, Evan became more than aware of not just the Jamesons, but of the aberrant, peculiar nature of Milford Jameson’s ways. The man was distasteful and not well liked in the least, his brother not much better. If it weren’t for their family fortune, both would be without well regard. He wondered if Aurora knew what she’d saved herself from.
“I have met him before, yes, his brother as well. Interesting how small the world can be.”
She studied him with interest for a moment. “Your family is from Pennsylvania then?”
“No, closer to Boston. However, our social circles were quite wide it seems.” He returned to the subject at hand. “Why do you feel the need to marry right away? Do you honestly think your family will come for you?”
She nodded reverently. “Oh yes. At some point, the excuses I’m sure Mother is making will run out. They will send for me. As I’m also certain telegrams are piling up at the station now. My father was the only person aware I came here. However, Mother will not allow me to ruin the family’s station in society and will have gotten the information from him by now.”
“So your father allowed you to leave then?”
Her lips curved to a warm smile and Evan wished one day a woman would smile as fondly when speaking of him. “He is a dreamer. Encourages young people to chase after adventure and live life to the fullest. Although he was excited for me, it was understood he’d not keep it from my mother.”
Her gaze went to the brandy bottle and nodded when Evan picked it up to refill her glass. “All I ask is that you give my circumstance some thought and, perhaps, make introductions for me. I am willing to consider anyone you hold in high esteem. Perhaps one of your brothers is in need of a wife?”
Evan’s mouth fell open. Thankfully, he managed to hold back an improper retort. Although both of his brothers were good men, Elias was still young and brash and Emmett…well, his older brother was not quite ready to settle. At least that is what Evan told himself.
“Good night, Evan. I hope you rest.” She breezed from the room leaving him alone with his thoughts.
Marriage? Why did the idea of introducing Aurora to anyone seem so foreign? Had she not even considered him? Why, the woman even mentioned his brothers and skipped right over the obvious choice.
Evan coughed at the thought. Would she rebuff him if, indeed, he proposed?
After all, a wife would suit him quite well. If beautiful and willing to do as much as Aurora did without being married, then as a wife he could only imagine how perfect life would be.
Pushing the bowl of now unappealing food away, he let out a huff. Introduce her, indeed. He would do no such thing. If anything, this week would be a perfect time to court Aurora Middleton. By the end of the seven days, she’d be more than willing to marry him.
Aurora woke to the sound of whistling and smell of bacon. Her stomach grumbled at the thought of a hot breakfast and a hearty cup of tea.
It was time to see what effect the conversation of the night before had on Evan. Her lips curved into a wide smile. He’d been shocked by her proposition of being introduced to his brothers. Lucille was a genius. It was she who suggested Aurora mention the brothers. Sibling rivalry being what it
was, if he was at all interested, there was no way he’d introduce her to either of his brothers.
Humming the entire time, Aurora completed her morning ablutions, washed her face and dressed. The simple dress she donned accentuated her waist. Although she was short of stature and of average size, she did have a small waist.
When she pinned up her hair, Lucille entered. Her bright eyes met Aurora’s in the looking glass. “Our doctor seems a bit anxious this morning. Has asked me twice if you were seriously seeking to marry someone here.”
“Truly?”
Lucille nodded. “Indeed. I told him we’d discussed it and it would be the best way to keep you from being forced to return. Of course, I added that you wouldn’t have a problem finding a good husband.”
Aurora placed her palm against her breast. “Oh Lucille, as much as this is entertaining, every day that passes makes me more nervous. What if I don’t find a husband? If Milford himself comes, I won’t have any recourse. I gave my word. He can accuse me of breach of promise.”
The sobering thought made them both appear at the dining room in a somber mood. Aurora could not stop the sighs that escaped and, every so often, she’d glance to the door. Mentally, she attempted to consider different scenarios back in Philadelphia. How long would her mother’s excuses last before the Jamesons became suspicious and sent someone for her?
“You seem upset.” Evan’s statement startled Aurora. “Is something wrong?”
“No. I’m sorry, I’m just in my head too much today. Although I prefer to think of the positives, every once in a while a small bit of worry inches in.” She bit the piece of bacon enjoying the smoky flavor. “This is most delicious.”
“The butcher brought this thick cut bacon to the clinic early this morning. Lucille did a wonderful job at seasoning it.” As Evan ate, every so often his gaze lifted to her.
Aurora sipped her tea and cleared her throat. “As you can imagine, this entire situation kept me from finding restful sleep last night. I keep wondering how long before someone shows up looking for me.”
Aurora, A Romantic Bride (Brides for All Seasons Book 2) Page 6