No Distance Too Far

by Lauraine Snelling

  Thorliff approached her with the new man in tow. “Astrid, I don’t think you’ve met Mr. Jeffers, have you?”

  She shook her head and smiled at the man. “You are definitely not the Mr. Jeffers that I met, and I do know the story of what happened. He was an atrocious character.”

  “So I hear. The real Mr. Jeffers, my father, was a fine man, well loved by all who knew him. I hope one day we learn the entire story.”

  “For your sake, so do I. The uncertainty must have been terribly hard for your mother. And for you, of course.” Astrid liked the man’s smile. He sent a warm feeling right through her. He seemed so at ease and friendly. He would be a good addition to Blessing.

  “It was and still is. I do believe I have talked Mother into coming to Blessing in the near future.”

  “Good. To visit?”

  “No. I will be building a house here, and she is looking forward to a new life.” He glanced at Thorliff. “It sounds like we’ll all be starting a new life if our business goes the way we hope.”

  Thorliff nodded, and then acknowledged someone calling his name. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

  “Have you met many of the people of Blessing?” Astrid asked.

  “Only my business associates and those at the boardinghouse. I did meet your mother at our meetings. She is very proud of you. I can understand why. It is a noble profession you have taken on. It must be very enriching.”

  Astrid found herself blushing. “Thank you. Why don’t you come to church tomorrow and then join the Bjorklund family for dinner afterward? We’ll make sure you meet lots of the people here.” Deborah.

  This might be the man for her. I’ ll have to ask Sophie what she thinks.

  “Thank you. I’d like that.” He nodded and then added, “Could I have this dance?”

  “I’d be delighted.” Together they joined the others in a schottische, following the patterned dancers in the circle. Halfway through Astrid glanced over at the musicians to find Joshua watching her, his face sober. Would she get a chance to dance with him?

  When the musicians took a break, Joshua approached her. “I’m glad to see you here,” he said. “I was afraid you’d not make it.”

  “Mor made sure I came, and I’m glad I did. You all play so well together. What a delight.”

  “Thank you. I’m asking before anyone else can interrupt—may I have the next dance? It will be a waltz.”

  Astrid nodded as she smiled. “I think that can be worked out.”

  “Good. Come with me while I get something to drink.” He took her hand and led her through the shifting and visiting crowd. So many people expressed their pleasure at her being home again that getting to the punch bowl used up most of the break time. He took a cup from Mrs. Geddick, who was pouring, and handed it to Astrid before taking one of his own.

  He was studying her over the rim of his cup, and his smile set her neck to heating up again. What was there about him that caused such a visceral reaction? She carried the thought one further. And at the same time she’d not thought about him at all for days when she was in Chicago or Athens. Was there a difference between love and desire?

  But that was nothing to how she felt when he took her in his arms and moved to the music. Floating was the only word she found to describe it. He turned them in a circle, one hand firm in the middle of her back and the other holding hers as if she were a precious ornament. When she looked into his eyes, she couldn’t look away. Longing called to longing. Her heart quickened, and she dampened her lips with the tip of her tongue. As they turned, the music thrummed through her veins as if part of her blood.

  “May I walk you home at the end of the night?” he asked when the music faded and stopped. “I mean, if you’re going to spend the night in town again.”

  “I am, and yes, I’d like that.”

  “Good.” He squeezed her hand that somehow had stayed clasped in his. When he left to rejoin the musicians, her hand felt lonely. Perhaps things would be different between them this time.

  28

  Letter for you.” Thorliff handed his wife the mail.

  “From the Josephson Foundation.” Elizabeth glanced over at Astrid, who had just brought dinner up.

  “Well, open it.” Astrid set the tray on the table next to the chair where Elizabeth was enjoying the fresh air and sunshine from the open window.

  Elizabeth did as told and, after slitting the envelope, pulled out two sheets of paper. She unfolded them slowly, as if afraid of the contents.

  Astrid bit down on her impatience. Elizabeth was recovering, but the pace at which she did normal tasks was indicative of her weakness. And Astrid didn’t know what else to do for her. “Who, exactly, is it from, and what do they have to say?”

  Thorliff, leaning against the doorjamb, cleared his throat.

  Elizabeth sighed and laid the paper down on her lap and then handed it to Astrid. “You read it aloud, please.”

  Astrid took the letter and started.

  “ ‘Dear Doctors Bjorklund.’ ” That made her smile. “They could have sent us each a letter.”

  “Easier this way.” Thorliff crossed his arms, his impatience locked against his chest.

  “I am hoping to find you both well by now. I know you have been through great turmoil.”

  Astrid looked up. “Did anyone tell them about your losing the baby? I wrote a note to Dr. Morganstein but didn’t think to contact anyone else there.”

  Thorliff shook his head, as did Elizabeth.

  “Then they don’t know the half of it.” She continued.

  “In our last communication, we postponed anything further on the hospital in Blessing until the winter passed. We’ve waited even longer due to my aunt’s increasing frailty. Now she insists on going forward and is pushing for this meeting to happen quickly. I know this project is near and dear to her heart, and she wants to be active in the planning. But due to her weakened strength, Dr. Morganstein will take her place for the meeting. She is anxious to see you both and volunteered to attend before we could even ask.

  “Would it be possible for us to schedule this meeting in two weeks? We would arrive on the train the night before and take rooms at your boardinghouse. If this will not be possible for you, I ask that you telephone me with an alternate plan. Or, as we hope, with your approval.

  “In the meantime I have included a list of the questions we will be discussing so that you and your community can prepare for our visit. I believe that we will want one meeting with all those interested in Blessing. The rest of the time to be used in closed sessions, with you choosing those whom you think should be there.

  “Thank you for your attention to this matter.

  “I remain respectfully yours,

  “Jason Josephson”

  “Well, what do you think?” Astrid asked as she folded the paper. Her mind skipped ahead. How could she stay here two more weeks? Her leave was nearly up, and she needed to be preparing to return to the missionary school. She bit her lip. But Elizabeth . . .

  Elizabeth tipped her head to rest on the back of the chair. “If I progress as I have been, I should be strong enough to attend the meetings.”

  “That’s a big if. ” Thorliff stared at the floor. “I’d say ask for three or four weeks.”

  Elizabeth looked to Astrid. “And what about you? Are you staying here or returning to your missionary plans?”

  The tone of Elizabeth’s voice revealed far more than her words.

  Astrid felt them stab in her heart. Lord God, what am I to do? What are you asking me to do? I have to know. She paused, chewing on her lower lip. What can I say? “I don’t know.”

  “Do you have any idea when you will know?”

  “It’s not as if I’ve not been asking God and listening for all I am worth to His answer.” Keeping the confusion from her voice—and mind—was getting harder and harder. She wanted to say firmly, “Don’t ask. I will tell you when I know.” But she didn’t. “I am thinking I must write and ask for
a continuance. You are not strong enough yet to take back the practice, and Mor is feeling the overwork.”

  “What if they say no?”

  “I will deal with that if it happens. As Mor says, ‘Today’s troubles are sufficient for the day.’ And I need to eat, get you settled, and reopen the surgery doors by one o’clock. Unless, of course, you have any further suggestions.” There the bite crept in, in spite of her. She needed to remember how grateful she was that Elizabeth was still with them and not how frustrated they all were with her slow progress.

  “The sooner we have the meeting, the better.” Thorliff looked from his sister to his wife. “Am I understanding the gist of what you are saying?”

  “I guess.” Hesitation was not Astrid’s normal way of doing things. Study it, get going, and get it done. “Would you like me to telephone them and say two weeks is fine?”

  Thorliff and Elizabeth looked to each other and then both nodded.

  Wishing she had kept her mouth shut, Astrid took the letter and made her way downstairs. Hoping that the line was busy, she picked up the receiver to a silent line.

  “How may I help you?” Gerald’s voice always sounded pleasant and steady.

  “Good afternoon, Mr. Valders. I’d like to call Chicago.” She gave him the number on the letter.

  “Mr. Valders?” With a slight chuckle, he answered, “Yes, Dr. Bjorklund, I will get the party for you. Is there someone special you would like to talk with?”

  Astrid heaved a sigh. “Yes. Mr. Jason Josephson. And tell whomever answers that this is in response to a letter he sent.”

  She waited while Gerald took care of the business and responded when Mr. Josephson said hello. “Hello, this is Dr. Astrid Bjorklund.”

  “Well, good to hear from you so quickly. How are things in Blessing?”

  “Dr. Bjorklund is improving daily. We realized we’d not notified your aunt that Dr. Bjorklund’s baby died.”

  “I’m so sorry. She has been concerned for her.”

  “Thank you. Tell her it was a boy but had a hole in his back. They call it spina bifida.”

  “That is so sad. Yes, she will want to know. I do hope you have good news for me regarding our meeting, though.”

  “We do. The two weeks will be fine. We’ll make reservations for you all at the boardinghouse. I am assuming three of you will be coming?”

  “Yes. You met Mr. Abramson and of course, Dr. Morganstein.

  “You will let us know if there is anything else needed?”

  “I will. I am looking forward to seeing you again. Give our regards to Dr. Bjorklund.”

  “I will. Thank you.” After the good-byes Astrid hung up the earpiece and climbed back up the stairs to deliver the news. Thorliff was gone, but Elizabeth was just finishing her dinner.

  Astrid glanced down at the more than half-full plate. “Well, it is set up, but now I have an order for you. Food, rest, and God’s healing sunlight and summer breezes. You will eat more, move more, and follow your doctor’s orders, or you will not be strong enough for the meetings.”

  “I can’t eat any more.”

  “Then you will eat more often and drink the eggnog Thelma will bring you. I will talk with Mor and see if there are herbs that we can add to increase your appetite. We can add some molasses and honey . . .” Astrid switched into doctor mode, all the while watching Elizabeth, who had crossed her arms and stuck out her bottom lip like Inga in a pout.

  “Is there anything you would like to say?”

  “No!”

  “Good, because I am going to help you back to bed right now, and when you wake, Thorliff will carry you downstairs so you can play with Inga on the back porch. I am going to open the surgery and telephone Mor to see what suggestions she has.”

  “You’re ganging up on me.”

  “You’re right.” Astrid held out her arm to help Elizabeth stand.

  By the time they made it across the room to the bed, the patient was panting as though she’d been running blocks instead of walking ten feet. Astrid fluffed the pillows and drew the sheet up. “Use your bell if you need something.”

  “Where is Inga?”

  “Playing over at Sophie’s.”

  “Thank you.” Elizabeth stared down at her clasped hands. “I’m sorry to be so cantankerous.”

  “I know.”

  Down in the surgery, Astrid turned the Closed sign around to Open and opened the door to let in the fresh air. Two women were sitting on the benches on the porch.

  “Rebecca, how good to see you. Come in, both of you.”

  As they followed her in, Astrid motioned to the desk. “Please sign on the lines on that register.”

  “So what are you here for?” she asked Rebecca a few minutes later, in the privacy of the examining room.

  “I think I am with child.” Rebecca’s face shone with joy.

  “Oh, my dear friend, how wonderful. How long since you’ve had your monthlies?”

  “I believe I have missed two months now. I wasn’t paying attention at first, so I am not certain.”

  “Could it be three?”

  “I don’t think so. But between Benny and the soda shop I’ve been so busy. . . .” She raised and dropped her hands. “I haven’t even told Gerald yet.”

  “Have your breasts been sore?” At her nod Astrid continued, “Nauseous in the morning?”

  “Or the evening, whenever it decides to attack, but not a lot.

  That’s why I wasn’t sure.”

  “Have you found any thickening around your waist?”

  “My skirts are tight.”

  “Looks like all the symptoms to me. I think you’d better tell Gerald that he’s going to be a papa.”

  “He already is.”

  “You are right. I should have said again.” She told Rebecca what to watch for and what to expect when with child and hugged her before she left. “Now, this is the fun part of being a doctor.”

  She heard Thorliff bringing Elizabeth down, then went and examined her other patient, this one for extreme weariness. She asked her standard questions but had no idea when finished what the problem might be. Prescribing a tonic she and Ingeborg had concocted, she told the woman to return in two weeks. “Make sure you get enough rest and eat extra meat and eggs.”

  “Thank you, Doctor. I will try.” The woman’s pale face told Astrid nothing more but that something was indeed wrong. She had learned so much in surgery at the hospital but again realized how little she knew regarding women’s health.

  “I telephoned my stepmother this afternoon while you were seeing patients,” Elizabeth said at supper, picking at her food.

  Astrid looked up from buttering a biscuit. “Good.”

  “I told her what happened, and once we both quit crying, she reminded me that my real mother lost several babies too. She died in childbirth, you know.” She sniffed and heaved a sigh. “Do you suppose such things run in families?”

  Astrid shook her head. “I have no idea, but that certainly would be a good question to send to someone researching women and pregnancies. You might ask Dr. Morganstein if she’s heard anything like that. As you know, she keeps up on the latest information, not that there is a lot of it. Funny, or rather strange, that so many women die in childbirth and the medical world seems to ignore it.” She stared out the window before returning with another question. “Why do you suppose that is?”

  “Just remember, doctors scrubbing their hands before delivering a baby is still a relatively new procedure.”

  “So many things to learn.” Astrid thanked Thelma for refilling her coffee cup. “Did I tell you Rebecca is in the family way?”

  “No. How wonderful. So Benny will have a little brother or sister.” Elizabeth leaned back in her chair. “Have I mentioned how much I like joining everyone for supper again? That bedroom is beginning to feel like a cave.” She covered her mouth with her hand to hide the yawn.

  “Be that as it may, let me help you back to your cave.” Thorliff stood an
d pulled out her chair.

  After finishing her supper, Astrid took her glass of apple juice out on the porch to enjoy the sunset. She sat down and put her feet up on the stool, letting the cool evening breeze relax her. Hammers were still pounding nails, and she could hear men talking not far from where she sat. Who was still working this late? Curiosity took over. She set her empty glass down on the low table and drifted down the stairs, following the sounds of labor and laughter.

  “Hey, Astrid, you come to help?” Samuel asked.

  “Help how?”

  “We’re getting Joshua’s basement ready to pour the concrete. Come and see.” He turned and headed down the slanted ramp. Astrid stopped at the top of it to see what was happening. Four or five men were nailing up walls and cutting boards, and Samuel was cleaning up the waste.

  “Hey, Astrid, you come to help?” her far called, same as Samuel.

  “I didn’t plan on it.” She caught Joshua’s surprised look and smiled. There it was again, that feeling in her middle.

  “Be careful you don’t trip over something,” he said, his voice adding to the curl of warmth.

  “I’ll stay up here and out of the way.”

  “Okay, boys, let’s put this away and head on home.” Hjelmer hung his saw on a nail on a beam. “Don’t know about you, but I could eat half a steer.”

  “Besides, it’s getting too dark to work.” Solberg slapped Joshua on the shoulder. “See you tomorrow night.”

  Astrid greeted each of them as they drew even with her, Joshua being the last.

  “May I walk you home?” he asked.

  She nodded. “It’s not far.”

  “Anything is better than nothing.” He raised his voice. “Thanks, all of you.”

  They turned and walked across the lot. “I’ve wanted to show you my hole in the ground.”

  “Looks like you are close to ready for the house itself.”

  “Have to pour the concrete first. I’m buying a Sears and Roebuck house.”

  “Good for you.” Come on, think of something clever to say. They reached the back steps to Thorliff’s house. “Would you like something to drink?”