At one time he and Angela had planned on a large family, and seeing the boys and girls running about in fun brought back those old longings and dreams. If things had gone as they should, he and Angela might have been strolling the streets of Cleveland with their own baby in its carriage. But that was not to be.
The town park beckoned with its many benches offering a place to rest. Elliot sat and leaned back, his face tipped to the warmth of the sun. His mind whirled with all the plans he’d made with Angela that were never to be realized. Grief tingled in the back of his throat, and he fought the tears that threatened.
He stood and walked with a brisk pace back toward home. His thoughts jumped from Cleveland and the hospital there to the infirmary here in Porterfield. Neither resembled the other, but the smaller of the two had given him peace the past few years. He’d felt pride and a sense of accomplishment in Cleveland, but here the love of the people and their trust in him had come to mean more than all the accolades he’d ever received in Cleveland.
Elliot stopped and gasped. How had he arrived at the church? He hadn’t been headed in that direction at all. God, what are You doing to me? Church was the last place he wanted to be. He turned to leave when he heard his name being called.
Reverend Winston hailed him from the porch of the parsonage next door. “Good afternoon, Doc Elliot. Wait a minute, I’d like a word with you.”
He strode across the yard, and Elliot groaned. Now he’d have to listen to another lecture about why he should be in church on Sundays. “Good afternoon, Reverend.” Whatever the man had to say, Elliot wished for it to be quick.
“It’s good to see you, Doc Elliot. I’ve been meaning to stop by the infirmary and thank you for the care you’ve given to Erin. This being our first child, we want everything to go perfectly.”
Elliot had to smile. First-time fathers-to-be were always more worried and nervous than the mothers. “I understand that, and I can assure you we’ll do our best to see that it is. With Erin’s good health, she should have no problems at all.”
“I’m glad to hear it. She’s inside resting now. We were supposed to be out at the Muldoon ranch today, but she didn’t feel up to the long ride out there.”
“She’s still about two months from delivery, but I’d say a rest is better than a carriage ride that distance any day. If that’s all, I’ll be on my way.” He turned to leave. At least he’d escaped a lecture.
The reverend grabbed his arm. “No, there’s something else I’d like to speak with you about.”
Here it comes. No way would the reverend let him off without asking about church attendance.
“I’ve been concerned about you. I know you don’t want to be in church, and you think you have no room for God in your life.” He paused.
Elliot pressed his lips together. Reverend Winston was indeed right about that. Why couldn’t he just leave well enough alone?
“Doc, don’t you see that the real answer to whatever is bothering you is with God? Even if you think you have no room for Him, the Lord will find a place to dwell if you invite Him in.” He held up his hand to quiet the protest on Elliot’s lips.
“I’m not going to say anything else about it. I only want you to know that if you ever need anyone to talk to or confide in, I’m available. The doors to my office are always open, as are God’s arms to welcome you back.”
“Thank you, Reverend, but that won’t be necessary. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be on my way.” He turned and hastened down the sidewalk in the opposite direction. The reverend’s intentions were good, but he’d never understand why Elliot had no use for God or the church.
With a determined set to his mouth and his stride, Elliot headed home. Maybe he should quit taking Sunday afternoon walks. He always ended up talking with people who asked too many questions and wanted to know too much. He stopped on the house porch to observe the boardinghouse down the way. Its porch now sat empty and silent.
Abigail must be out at the ranch since she wasn’t on the porch with the other ladies earlier. He shook his head. Where had that thought come from? He hadn’t given her a thought all afternoon, and now here she was invading his territory again. Something had to be done about the situation, but he didn’t have any idea what that might be. It became harder each time he saw her to resist her charm and warm personality, but then did he really want to resist? Of course he did, and he would.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
ANOTHER WEEK AND a half passed, and October blazed forth with all its glory. In Briar Ridge they would have already experienced a good frost or two, and the colors would be fading. In Texas the weather still offered mild days and cool nights. And Abigail had been told that snow most likely wouldn’t come until January or February, if then.
Abigail breathed deeply, the fresh air invigorating her spirit. At least she’d managed to avoid more accidents. She eyed the cast on her wrist and grimaced. The itching started up again, and she reached for the wire Ada had given her. In a moment the itching eased, and Abigail sighed with relief. The cumbersome thing couldn’t come off fast enough for her. She returned to her task of posting a flyer advertising the Fall Festival on the door to the library.
Even though it was still over a week away, signs for the Fall Festival appeared everywhere in town. The celebration commemorated not only the fall season but also the town’s founding when Samuel Porterfield set up a trading post with the Caddo Indians in 1840. As more and more settlers came into the region, Porterfield grew into the town it had become today.
Abigail read the announcement about the festival again. A day full of events had been planned, and all the merchants in town were providing special merchandise for sale that day. Although the stores in general would be closed, most planned booths to sell their particular wares.
The bell over the door jingled to announce a patron. Abigail glanced up to see Erin Winston shutting the door behind her.
“Good morning, Erin. How’s that little one doing?”
“I had an appointment with Doc Elliot for my monthly checkup.” She placed a hand on her swollen belly. “This baby has begun somersaults these past few days. It must be a boy to be so active.”
Abigail laughed. “That just means he’s a healthy little one.”
“I pray so. He’s going to be a wonderful Christmas gift for Ma and Pa. With Rachel due in a few months and Sarah soon after, it looks like the Muldoon family will have its share of babies in the new year.” She glanced at Abigail’s hand. “When will you be getting rid of the cast?”
“Today, I hope. Doc Elliot is going to check it out, and if he’s satisfied, it’ll come off. Can’t be too soon either. I’m anxious to get back full use of both hands.” She picked up a book and examined its cover then peered up at Erin. “I’ve noticed that Doc Elliot doesn’t attend church. Has Seth ever talked to him about it?”
“Yes, Seth has spoken to him several times, but then he decided to leave the doc alone for a while. Sometimes even a little pressure can be too much and drive a person farther away from God. Seth believes Elliot will come to church when he’s made peace with God and himself.”
“Oh, Erin, the last time I was in to see him a few weeks ago, I saw such sadness in his eyes for a brief moment, and it pained my heart. Something terrible must have happened to him.” Perhaps if she could find out what it was, Abigail could help him.
“I’ve seen it too. The only thing we can do is pray for him every day. God will be with him.”
“But shouldn’t someone at least try to help?”
“If anyone could help Doc Elliot, it would be Doc Jensen. There’s nothing we can do.”
Abigail was a bit disappointed. Shouldn’t a pastor do more than that? Prayer was all well and good, but weren’t Christians supposed to do more to help the hurt and grieving? That made her decision to help Doc Elliot even more important to her, and she’d begin this afternoon when she saw him.
Erin pointed to the Fall Festival announcement. “I see you’re advertising th
e big event. It’s lots of fun.”
“So I’ve heard. I’d participate in the church bake sale, but that’s not my strong point. I can prepare simple things, but not cakes and pastries.”
“We’ll have plenty without you, so don’t worry about it.” She turned toward Abigail. “I came to invite you to Aunt Mabel’s birthday. Sarah has invited all of us to come out to their place for a birthday dinner this Saturday evening.”
“Oh, how wonderful. I don’t want to miss that.” Abigail reached behind the counter and pulled out some books. “Before I forget, the titles you requested came in. I’ve already checked them out under your name.”
Erin picked up the books. “Oh, this is wonderful. I like to rest my feet in the afternoon and read a good book. Thank you, Abigail.” She headed for the door and said over her shoulder, “Hope you get that cast off soon.”
When she had left, Abigail stood at the window and stared over at the infirmary. So many things could happen in one’s life to turn one away from God. Nathan Reed had overcome the tragedy of his past and returned to the Lord, and that could happen with Elliot. But how would anything ever change if no one talked to him about his past? Everyone seemed to dance around Elliot, not wanting to bother him or invade his privacy. Perhaps he needed a little disturbing.
A man strode across the street in her direction. What did Henry Wilder want now? When he spotted her through the window, he waved and a moment later entered the library.
“Hello, Mr. Wilder. What can I do for you today?”
“I’m not sure. I just came from Graysons’ store, and I overheard a rumor that Allen’s brother Philip had written off for a mail-order bride and she’d be here tomorrow. You’re friends with Penelope. Has she mentioned it to you?”
Penelope had confided in her, and Abigail had promised not to say anything. Mr. Wilder could sometimes be too nosy for his own good. “Now, Mr. Wilder, I’m not one to repeat stories. Why don’t you go ask Philip about it? He’s sure to tell you what you need to know.”
“Went there first, and he’s on a freight run south of here and won’t be back until Friday. Allen wasn’t there either.”
“Well, there now you have it. She can’t be coming tomorrow if Philip is out of town. I’d be careful about those rumors.” She picked up two books to return to the shelves. “Now, is there anything else I can help you with?”
“Hmm, no, I guess not.” Then he grinned. “Had any more accidents lately?”
Heat rose in Abigail’s face, and she forced politeness to her voice. “No, I’ve been most fortunate.”
“Been seeing a lot of the young doc, I bet. Is he going to remove that cast soon?”
The nerve of this man. He tried to make everything into a news event. Well, he wouldn’t this time. He could go find something more exciting. “I don’t see that is any of your concern, Mr. Wilder. It will come off when the doctor says it is ready to come off.” She stepped away. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.”
“Well, I did have one—” The jangle of the bell above the door cut him off.
Maggie Jensen stepped through the door. “Hello, Abigail.” Then she saw Mr. Wilder. “Oh, am I interrupting something?”
Abigail narrowed her eyes at Henry. “Good day, Mr. Wilder. It was nice talking to you.” She then turned her attention to the doctor’s wife. From the corner of her eye she saw Wilder staring at her. Then he shook his head and left.
Mrs. Jensen pursed her lips. “That’s one nosy man. He won’t leave Elliot alone.”
“My sentiments exactly, and some of his questions are rather rude. I don’t blame Doc Elliot for not answering. Now, how can I help you?”
“I’m going back over to my sister’s home for a few days. She’s been so terribly ill. Doc even looked at her, and both he and her doctor say not much can be done for her since her heart is failing. She’s almost ten years older than I am and was like a mother to me.” She blinked her eyes, which had grown moist. “Anyway, I want to check out a couple of books to take with me to read while I’m there. She likes for me to read aloud to her.”
Abigail suggested a few books, and after Mrs. Jensen signed them out, she turned to leave. “Thank you, dear, and don’t forget, you are to see Doc Elliot this afternoon.”
“I won’t, but thanks for the reminder.” As if she could forget this cumbersome thing on her wrist. In the weeks since her fall, she had seen the doctor a few times, but their time together had been too short for her to engage him with any more questions. She tightened her lips. She’d make sure today was different.
She glanced at her watch and saw that it was only fifteen minutes until the time she normally closed for the noon meal. This would be a good time to walk over and see Elliot about her cast. No need to keep it on one minute longer than necessary. The first thing she planned to do when it came off was to scratch. Ah, wouldn’t that be a relief.
Elliot raised his head from his paperwork to see Abigail at the door. He jumped up as she entered. “Abigail, I wasn’t expecting you this early.”
“It seemed to me that a few hours early wouldn’t make that much difference, and I can’t wait to get rid of this thing.” She held up her hand wearing the cast and waved it in the air. “It’s really a nuisance.”
Elliot laughed. “Yes, casts do tend to get that way. Go on into the examining room while I get your files.” He couldn’t take his eyes from her. She looked especially nice today in her dark yellow dress trimmed in brown. Her clothes were more fashionable than those usually worn by the women in Porterfield, but on Abigail, they didn’t appear to be out of place. He shook off those thoughts and retrieved her files then strode toward the examining room.
Abigail perched on the edge of the examining table with her feet dangling. She hadn’t worn a hat, and her hair hung in waves about her shoulders. A fringe of bangs dusted her forehead, and her brown eyes glowed with anticipation.
“You really are ready to get that cast off. I can’t say that I blame you.” He examined the hand and tested the fingers. “Looks fine to me. I’ll get my instruments, and we’ll get this thing off.”
A few minutes later her hand was free of the cast. She turned it back and forth, and a look of dismay filled her face. “It looks awful! It’s all white and wrinkly and ugly.”
Why hadn’t he thought to warn her as to what her hand would look like? “That’s common for tissue and skin that’s been encased in plaster, like your hand and wrist were. It’ll get back to normal soon enough.”
She started scratching the palm and then the back of her hand. “Ahh, that feels so good. I almost went crazy with the itching.”
Elliot laughed. “One of the more unpleasant side effects of a cast.” He waited a moment for her to stop scratching. “Just be careful not to lift anything too heavy for a few more days or even a week. We want those bones knit tight and strong.”
“I promise I’ll be careful because I sure don’t want anything like that back on it.”
He reached for her right hand to help her down from the table. When his hand touched hers, once again a shock wave of warmth sped up his arm. His stomach clenched and his breath caught in his throat. Her smile filled him with a longing he’d long since denied.
“You can let go now, Doc. I’m steady on my feet.”
He looked down at their hands, still clasped. He dropped it like a hot coal. “Oh, sorry.”
“For a moment there you seemed to be thinking about something else.”
Elliot cleared his throat. “Um, no, I wanted to be sure you were all right.”
“How do you like living in the new house?”
“It’s fine.” Why didn’t she just leave?
“It’s much closer to the church. Maybe now you can find time to attend with your aunt and uncle. It’s always nice to see a family worshiping together.”
He fought to keep the ice from his words. “I don’t think that will happen. I have other things to do on Sunday.”
“Why, Doc Elli
ot, it seems to me that nothing is more important than being in God’s house on Sunday.”
That may be what she believed, but it didn’t hold true for him. “I have to disagree, Miss Monroe.”
She blinked her eyes and then tilted her head to the side. “I’m sorry. Something really terrible must have happened to cause you to feel that way about the Lord’s day and His house. No matter what it was, though, God can fix it.”
Now she’d done it. Harsh laughter spilled from him. “Now that’s a good one, and none of your business.” He turned away and walked toward the door. He may be rude, but he’d had enough of her probing.
Red now tinged Abigail’s cheeks. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound nosy. Guess I’ll be going now.” With that she strode through the door with her back straight and her head held high.
Elliot groaned and slapped his palm to his forehead. His uncle walked in, drying his hands on a towel. “What was that all about?”
“I was rude to Miss Monroe, and I shouldn’t have been. She was getting a little too personal with her interest in my past, and I’m afraid I offended her.” Abigail Monroe managed to get under his skin and into his mind no matter what he did to prevent it.
“I’m sure she understands.” Then he grinned. “Have you thought of asking her to the Fall Festival? That might smooth things over.”
Elliot almost snorted. “Not hardly. I plan to spend the day here in case of an emergency.” Who did Doc think he was fooling? He more than anyone knew that Angela was the only one for him, and now she was gone. Besides, he wanted no more of Abigail’s talk about church and God.
“Suit yourself, young man, but you’ll be missing out on a lot of fun.” Doc disappeared up the back stairway.
Elliot busied himself with finishing up reports about the patients he’d seen today. When he picked up Abigail’s, he stopped. Something about that girl drew him to her like a moth to a flame. He had to be extra careful in the days ahead to keep his mind from going places he’d sworn to never visit again. Just then Henry Wilder burst through the door. “Come quick, Doc Elliot. Annie’s been hurt!”
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