A Heart Made for Love

by Linda Tillis

  Garth watched her parade off toward the kitchen and said a prayer of thanks. Thanks for his wonderful family, that they were all safe with him, and that Mae seemed to be coming out of her recent quiet spell. Yes, he had much for which to thank the Lord, including Eleanor and Patrick. Garth took off up the stairs at a run. The time for him to pick them up was getting close, and he needed to get washed up and changed.

  ****

  Mae was just finishing her hair for the second time that day when Cyrus knocked on the door. “Come in.”

  Cyrus opened the door and stopped abruptly. “Good golly Moses!” He inhaled sharply. “You startled me.”

  “I startled you?” Mae laughed.

  “Yes, you look just like Mama.”

  Mae took a deep breath. “Oh, sweetie, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to alarm you. I could never be as beautiful as Mama.”

  She looked at herself in the mirror. She was wearing a maroon silk gown with an underskirt of pale pink and a fitted waist that emphasized her bosom. She had pulled her hair straight back, then piled all the curls loosely on top of her head, with a pale pink ribbon woven through them. Her face was a glowing pink from her time in the kitchen, and her eyes were shining with the excitement of the day. Yes, maybe she did look a little like Mama, but never as beautiful. She walked over and kissed her not-so-little brother on the cheek.

  “Well, it’s only right.” She smiled. “You look just like Papa.” She hooked her arm through his and said, “You can escort me downstairs, sir.”

  “Oh, I forgot to tell you I saw the cars coming up the lane. The Finches and Eleanor are here.”

  “Oh!” She dropped his arm and took the stairs two at a time. Cyrus laughed all the way down behind her.

  Mae bounded out the front door just as Eleanor stepped out of the first motorcar. Eleanor was beautiful, as always, and Patrick was hopping from foot to foot, as usual. She had hugged Eleanor, patted Patrick on the head, and turned to greet the Finches when she ran smack into a solid chest.

  Mae stumbled and was immediately caught up in a pair of strong arms. She raised her head and found herself looking into the bluest eyes she’d ever seen. The man gazing down at her had dark blond hair, and smile lines around his mouth. He relaxed his hands but did not let go of her. They both smiled slowly.

  “Hello.”

  “Hello to you, sir,” she replied just above a whisper.

  “Are you the incomparable Mae I’ve been hearing so much about?”

  Mae gazed at his mouth as he spoke. Without any awareness of her actions, she reached up and touched the side of his face. “I am Mae, and you would be?”

  “Very glad to meet you,” he responded. They suddenly became aware of the people watching them. Mae stepped back as the gentleman dropped his hands to his sides.

  A grinning Doc Walters stepped forward. “All right, young man, let’s do this the right way. Miss Mae Hinton, may I introduce my nephew, Dr. Edward Finch? Edward wanted to surprise his mother with an unannounced visit for Thanksgiving. We didn’t think you’d mind one more guest for dinner.”

  Mae laughed as she threw both arms around Doc Walters. “Oh! I am so glad you could make it. I have missed you, Doc.” She turned to the handsome Dr. Finch. “And of course, sir, there is always room for one more at our table. Please, everyone, let’s go inside. Our cooks have outdone themselves. We don’t want to keep them waiting.”

  Later, as the delicious meal was winding down, Garth looked around the table. He’d never been so proud of Mae. While his heart swelled with pride, he was also filled with a sense of loss. Gone was his little girl. She had been replaced by this elegant young woman, who was obviously charming the socks off Dr. Edward Finch.

  As if reading her father’s thoughts, Mae stood and addressed them all. “If everyone would find their way to the back parlor, we could all rest for a few minutes. Martha will bring us a dessert cart later.” Everyone moaned and spoke of how wonderful all the food had been, and how they might not be able to eat again for at least a week.

  Hansu took Mae’s hand. “You very grown lady today, Missy. Mama would be proud. Thank you for big dinner. I go see to animals now.”

  Mae kissed the little man’s cheek. “Thank you, Hansu. I’ll save you some pumpkin pie.”

  Mae led her guests to the back parlor. The girls had opened the drapes to a beautiful view of the lake. The water was dotted with birds resting from their winter trip south.

  There was a small fire in the fireplace, filling the room with peaceful warmth. Patrick grabbed a checkerboard from the sideboard and placed it on the small bench in front of the fire. “Okay, who wants to be beat at checkers?” He grinned.

  “Well!” Dr. Finch laughed. “I cannot pass up a challenge like that.” The tall man pulled a chair over to the bench, and the game was on. Mae stared from across the room. There was something very endearing about a man who would meet a child on his level. Mae was aware that she was inexperienced where men were concerned. This was the first time she had cared about impressing any man other than her papa.

  She wanted this man to see her as a woman. A new and exciting feeling had run through her when she’d been in his arms. When those blue eyes met hers, it was as if they could see into her soul.

  Ruth had told Mae the story of how Grandma Rebecca had met Grandpa Harding. She’d been a spinster helping her pa run his farm. She’d gone to take food and healing herbs to a sick neighbor one day, and as she was loosening the basket from the horse, a deep, melodious voice said, “Here let me take that.” When she’d turned, she was looking up into the bluest eyes she’d ever seen. She had known this was the gift the Lord had sent her for being patient. But had Grandma experienced a sweet burn when Grandpa touched her hand? Had she been excited but also a little frightened?

  When Doctor Finch met her gaze over Patrick’s head, Mae was embarrassed to realize she had been caught staring. Her face burned, as she turned to gaze out the French doors.

  She heard the doctor say, “That’s it for me, young man; I’m not up to your skill. You’re going to have to find another pigeon.” As Patrick was trying to rope Samuel into a game, the doctor walked over to Mae.

  “I remember visiting here once before I left for England, but I don’t think I’ve seen the grounds. Perhaps we could get some air and you could show me around, Miss Mae?”

  Mae stood, and stuttered, “I…I would have to get a wrap…I…”

  Eleanor saved her from further embarrassment. “Here, dear, take my shawl.”

  The doctor took the extended wrap and placed it around Mae’s shoulders. She looked into those eyes again, and a peaceful calm washed over her. There was nothing frightening about this man.

  This feeling was right, meant to be, and blessed from above. She looked up at him, and her heart told her she would always be comfortable with this man.

  With a smile, she told him, “Yes, I would love to show you around.”

  He opened the French door and placed his hand in the small of her back, and they moved outside.

  There was a moment of silence in the parlor as Patrick reset the board, but everyone else was watching the couple standing on the lawn.

  Each of them experienced different feelings as the handsome couple strolled toward the lake.

  Garth’s mind turned to Ruth and how she would have loved seeing Mae blossom.

  Eleanor worried over Mae’s past and wondered how she would find the courage to tell a young man her story.

  Mrs. Finch was giddy with happiness. She had dreamed Edward would find some nice young woman here, not in England, and settle down.

  Mr. Finch was thinking, “Well, son, if you have to fall for a young woman, you couldn’t find a better one.”

  Doc Walters was filled with pride. He had seen the potential in Mae years ago. And now here she was, grown, beautiful, and accomplished, and impressing the heck out of his young nephew.

  Samuel only wanted what was best for Mae; if this was the man who would give
her all the love and care she deserved, then Samuel would be his strongest supporter. If not, then he’d better watch his step.

  ****

  “So, Miss Mae, my uncle tells me you are a progressive woman who wants to help fix the world.”

  Mae stopped walking and turned, about to defend herself, when she caught the teasing look in his eyes. He laughed out loud. “I was afraid for my life. There for a moment, you looked like you were about to strangle me.”

  Mae blushed and smiled. “I’m not so foolish as to think I could fix the whole world, sir, but there are women who could use a hand up in the world.”

  “I apologize, Mae, if I sounded condescending. My experience as a doctor has shown me that the least of us, the women and children, are often treated the worst. Anyone who works toward correcting such is a hero, as far as I am concerned. I have to ask, though, what set you on this path?”

  Mae stared out across the lake for several long heartbeats. At last she met his gaze. Her eyes were shining, not quite tear-filled.

  He understood his question had caused her pain. He couldn’t imagine why, but he would not question her further.

  “Doctor Finch, one day I will tell you what set me on this path, but not today, sir.”

  He took her hand and pulled her arm through his. “Please, call me Edward. And someday, when you are ready, I will be humbled to have you confide in me.”

  Mae gave him a grateful smile. “Now, please, Edward, tell me all about your work in England.”

  They spent the next half hour strolling around the property while Edward filled her mind with descriptions of the people he worked with day to day. He told her about the baker in London who bought a newfangled machine to slice his bread and promptly lost a finger, and the boy who lived on the streets and developed pneumonia. He had allowed the lad to sleep in his offices until he healed. He then found the boy had robbed him blind. There was also the tavern wench who gave birth to triplets. Mae believed she could listen to his voice forever; however, she was neglecting her other guests.

  “Edward, much as I love listening to these accounts, I am afraid I’m being a rude hostess by allowing one guest to monopolize my time. I believe we should return to the others.”

  Edward was still holding her hand in his. He smiled down at her in such a way her heart swelled, and she caught her breath.

  “You are right, of course. I have been selfish. I will share you with the others, but only on one condition. You have to promise that tomorrow you will allow me to monopolize you again, and the next day, and…” They were nearing the house now, and the folks inside could hear Mae’s laughter. It was a beautiful sound to all of them.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  They were going riding today. Yesterday, they had attended an afternoon tea at the Finches’ home. Mae had been somewhat overwhelmed at all the attention. The guests had all been school friends of Edward’s, and while it had been a last-minute invitation, there had been at least twenty people in attendance. The guests had all been older than Mae. The men were successful businessmen and local leaders. Their wives had either their charity work or small children to talk about. When questioned, Mae had talked about her plans. Some of the women had asked polite questions, while others had looked at her askance, as if she had no idea what she was undertaking. While Mae had been, understandably, a little intimidated, Edward had been at her side most of the afternoon. He’d been a tower of support.

  Mae had taken great care with her appearance. She wore a lovely rust-colored suit. The pattern was the latest out of Paris, and several of the women had commented on the style. The jacket had wide lapels, shoulder pads, and was nipped at the waist, with a peplum, which gave Mae a deceptively willowy appearance, as if she might break if someone bumped her. She had chosen to go with the suit a very simple saucer-style hat, with one silk rose, in the same peach shade as her blouse. While the other ladies may have been more sophisticated, with more social experience than Mae, none were lovelier. Edward told her so on the ride home.

  It was late evening when they headed to the manor. Edward stopped the motorcar as he left the main road. He turned to Mae and said, “I cannot thank you enough for sharing today with me. I know my friends can be a bit stuffy, and perhaps a little condescending, but social standing is very important to my mother. She always tries to keep me in the circle when I am home. She doesn’t realize how little knowledge some of them have of the real world. She likes to pretend I only treat English aristocrats.” Edward shook his head. “I have learned more medicine from the ‘street doctors’ of London than I ever did from my professors, but Mother wouldn’t want to know this. And you, well, you just fit right in, as if you’d visited with each of them before. I must say, I was very proud.”

  Mae blushed. “Thank you, sir, for staying close and guiding me through it all.”

  Edward smoothed a stray curl back into place. “Staying close to you is becoming easier each time we’re together, Mae. I’m not a young schoolboy, and I would be lying if I said I’d had no previous interest in women, but I can say, with all honesty, you intrigue me. This feeling is new to me, and I very much want to explore it with you.”

  Mae could feel her heart pounding. “Edward, these feelings are new to me, and it is a little frightening. I want to know everything about you and your life, and…” She stopped as Edward took her hand and placed a kiss in the palm. Mae closed her eyes and tried to steady her breathing.

  Edward closed her hand over the kiss. “It is enough for now, to know that you do not find me completely boring and unacceptable.”

  With her eyes still closed, Mae gave a shaky laugh. “Oh, Edward, I find you very acceptable.”

  “Good. Then you won’t run right out and look for someone else to keep you entertained when I leave for England.” He gave a short laugh.

  Her eyes flew open and widened with shock. “You are leaving? So soon?” she whispered, tightening her hold on his hand.

  “Oh, Mae, don’t look at me that way. It makes me want to sweep you up in my arms and never let you go. Let me get you home before I lose my sense of decency. I will come out tomorrow, and we can go riding. Maybe your wonderful cook can pack us a lunch, and we can discuss my return to England, all right?”

  ****

  Mae was unable to sleep for quite some time. She sat in the dark on the window seat, gazing at the stars. Finally, she prayed. “Lord, thank you for this wonderful gift, this man who makes my heart swell with what must be love. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to share all the blessings you’ve given me. Lord, I just ask you to guide me, to direct my steps and behavior, so I would do nothing to displease you, or dishonor what I have been given. Amen.” At last she slept.

  ****

  Mae checked the mirror one last time. If she’d been going riding with Samuel, she would have just slipped on a pair of trousers and been off, but this was Edward, so she had donned a split riding skirt with matching vest, both in a forest green, and a pristine white, long-sleeved blouse with a high, ruffled collar. Her boots and gloves were black. She had twisted her hair into a secure bun at the nape of her neck, leaving one or two stray curls teasing her face. She pinned a small, black, silk riding hat on top of her head, with just a little tilt to the left. She looked at the mantel clock. Another half hour before he gets here. All right, good. She had time to calm down and make sure the horses and picnic were ready.

  Mae met her papa and Mr. Bennett in the library. They were going over the layout for the village. Garth looked up and smiled. “Guessing from your riding outfit, I’d say you are not going to be joining us, right?”

  “Don’t tease, Papa. I told you last night Edward would be here at ten this morning and we were going riding.”

  The smile left Garth’s face. “Has Edward been advised of what happened to Margaret? He should be told so he can be alert.”

  Mae looked into her Papa’s face. She could see the worry in his eyes. While keeping eye contact with him, she reached into the pock
et of her skirt and removed the little beauty.

  With a slow, sad acknowledgment, Garth nodded. “All right, baby girl, just don’t become so wrapped up in Edward you forget to keep an eye on your surroundings.”

  Mr. Bennett was startled when Mae pulled the small pistol out of a pocket in her skirt. The longer his association with this family, the more he was amazed. They were the epitome of the pioneer spirit, with young men who could carve and assemble beautiful pieces of furniture, or nurture and heal small animals. Then here was this young woman who carried her own pistol. Garth had certainly raised a diverse brood.

  Mae put the pistol back in her pocket, kissed her papa’s cheek, and thanked Mr. Bennett for being so diligent and helping Papa. Then she took off for the kitchen. She had asked Mrs. Peters to put together a light lunch for two.

  Mae blushed when the woman teased. “Is this for the doctor gentleman who was here the other day? So, the winds are blowing in his direction, eh? I caught the young man eyeing you across the dinner table on Thanksgiving. He had the look of a man who’d just won a great prize. But you make sure he has to work hard for the prize, young lady. Don’t be makin’ the winning too easy for him. Now, that’s all I’ll say on the matter. There is some sliced ham, cheese, a small loaf of bread, and some of my bread-and-butter pickles in this basket. Cook added some cookies for good measure.”

  Mae took the basket. “Thank you for the lunch and the good advice. I shall keep it in mind.” She grinned as she headed out the side door.

  She was almost to the barn when she heard the sound of an engine. She looked back over her shoulder and smiled as the Finches’ motorcar pulled up to the paddock rail. Edward climbed out, stretching to his full six foot four inches. The sun was shining behind him, turning his hair a golden hue.

  Mae had never paid much notice to how men looked. Her Papa was a very handsome man, and Samuel and Cyrus already had his looks, but she’d never given much thought to men outside her family until now. Edward was tall and lean. He walked with a long graceful stride. His teeth were very white and even. Today he was wearing black riding britches and a tan shirt, with the sleeves rolled up to reveal muscular arms.