A Daughter's Return

by Janet Lee Barton

“Well, I look forward to finding out what it is.”

  “I think Jenny and I will go up and freshen up,” Rebecca said. “That’s where we were heading when you came in. You can see for yourself how I manage getting upstairs.”

  “I’ll take you up on that offer. Just to make sure,” he added with a grin.

  Rebecca smiled and, with the help of her cane, she started toward the doorway.

  By the time Ben reached her, Rebecca had already made it up the first few steps holding the railing and he watched until she got to the landing and glanced down at him.

  “See?”

  Her smile shot straight to his heart and it took him a moment to answer. “I do see. You did very well.”

  “Told you,” she grinned down at him. “See you at dinner.”

  Ben just chuckled and watched until she got to the top and disappeared from view.

  He was happy for her—no doubt about it. He wanted her healthy and able to get anywhere she needed to go. But at the same time, he felt a little twinge of sadness... It appeared his time of holding Rebecca in his arms had come to an end.

  Chapter Fifteen

  The next day was very busy. Two gentlemen came to apply for the room vacancies and by dinnertime, there were no more rooms to let. At least not that Rebecca’s mother was letting out now.

  “I think you’ll all be pleased with the new boarders we have coming in,” her mother announced at dinner. “There are two men and one woman who will be joining us.”

  “Wonderful, Mrs. Heaton. That was really fast,” Millicent said.

  “It appears Ben was right about putting out a sign, Mama,” Rebecca said.

  Ben grinned and nodded. “I didn’t want to say ‘I told you so.’ But I’m glad it worked well.”

  “So am I, Ben,” Rebecca’s mother said.

  “Tell us about them, Mrs. Heaton,” Matt said. “It will be good to have our numbers going up, won’t it?”

  “It will. Mostly, though, it’ll be good to see this table full again. The young woman is Emily Jordan—she is a window decorator at Macy’s.”

  “Oh, that sounds like a fun job,” Millicent said.

  “It does, doesn’t it?” Mrs. Heaton said. “She seems quit nice. And one of the men is Joseph Clark. He likes to be called Joe and he works in Michael’s building. When Michael told him I had openings, he jumped at the chance to live here. I think you’ll all like him. And then there’s Stephen Adams. He’s staying with the Johnsons down the street and saw the sign. He works at that new Siegel-Cooper department store. Should be interesting having two new people working for competing department stores.”

  Everyone chuckled.

  “It certainly might be,” Matt said.

  “Should be quite fun,” Julia added.

  Rebecca was happy that everyone seemed excited about the new boarders and she hoped they all got along. But she had a feeling they would find a way to, for her mother’s sake.

  She felt very good that evening for she was going to class with Ben and while it was still quite cool out, the days weren’t near as cold as they had been the first night she went to class. If the wind were blowing like that night, she would have felt she had to stay in. She was getting used to her cane, but a good stiff wind could knock her down. Ben had offered to call for a hack, but she’d insisted the trolley would be fine and she sent up a prayer that she would have no problem getting around.

  But there was no need to worry, for once she’d kissed Jenny goodbye, Ben was there to help her on with her jacket and give her an arm as soon as they were outside. Between him and her cane, she felt quite steady and it felt wonderful to be out and about again.

  The trolley posed a bit of a challenge, but with Ben’s help she made it on.

  “Your mother seems quite pleased with the boarders she’s chosen,” Ben said after they’d taken their seats.

  Rebecca nodded. “I think she is. And she was so excited, she forgot to tell everyone that Michael and Violet would be bringing a guest for dinner this Saturday. A friend of the family is coming up for the weekend and will be staying with them. She wants to check out teaching positions for next year. She may be moving here. Mama thought you might know of some openings coming up.”

  “Oh? What kind of teacher is she?”

  “I’m not sure, as I was away when she started teaching.”

  Ben nodded. “We have a lot of schools in the city and there are always openings come fall. I’ll ask around and find out what I can.”

  “Thank you.” That was Ben. Always ready to help anyone in need. And that’s what she had to keep reminding herself. His carrying her upstairs was nothing personal for him—he’d have done the same for Millicent or Julia.

  But would he be attracted to Georgia? They were both teachers and Rebecca remembered her as being quite pretty. Suddenly she felt a little queasy. The thought that Ben might be attracted to anyone didn’t sit well with her at all.

  They reached their stop and Ben stepped into the aisle to make room for her to scoot out of the seat and steady herself with the cane. When she reached the door, he quickly moved around her and down the steps so he could help her. Only instead of waiting for her to maneuver the steps, his hands clasped her at the waist and he swung her to the walk.

  “Easier and faster. I hope you didn’t mind,” he said, looking down at her with a grin.

  Her racing pulse had her catching her breath as he steadied her and she shook her head.

  “You ready?”

  She took hold of his arm, let out a deep breath and found her voice. “I think so. And thank you. That was much faster and I’m sure the other riders were glad to get me out of the way.”

  They took off down the block, passing the café. It held good memories and Rebecca wished Ben would ask her if she wanted to stop for hot chocolate again on their way home this evening, but she was afraid to hope.

  They entered the Y and she looked up at the stairs. She could do this. She had to do this. She took the first step and grabbed the handrail.

  “I’ll be right behind you. I’m not going to let you fall.”

  “I trust you won’t.”

  “But if you get tired, let me know. We’ll stop or I’ll carry you the rest of the way.”

  The temptation to take him up on his offer was strong and swift. But it had nothing to do with her being tired and everything to do with being far more attracted to him than she should be. And she had to put all that out of her mind.

  She could just imagine the looks on her classmates’ faces should Ben carry her into the room. So instead, she sent up a silent prayer asking the Lord to take that temptation away, to help her get her attraction to Ben under control and give her the strength to manage the stairs under her own steam.

  * * *

  Ben’s admiration for Rebecca rose with each step she climbed. The woman was independent to be sure. But he felt sure she would accept his help should she need it. However, he had a feeling she was determined not to require it here.

  He didn’t know who was more relieved to reach the classroom—Rebecca or him. Her breathing was a bit labored, showing him that it had been a real effort to climb the two flights of stairs, but she took a deep breath and entered the room with a smile.

  “Rebecca! You’re back,” Sarah said. “Come sit by me.”

  Ben was glad the seat was near the front of the room as Rebecca made her way to it.

  “How are you feeling?” Molly asked from the desk behind.

  “I’m feeling much better. I hope to be able to get around by myself soon.”

  “Well, don’t push it,” Sarah said. “That’s a lovely cane.”

  “It is and I’m thankful to the friends who bought it for me,” Rebecca said.

  Several of the others came up to tell her
they were happy to see her. Ben was sure he’d done the right thing by asking her to be a mentor, even though she hadn’t had much opportunity to do so since spraining her ankle. Maybe now that they were beginning to know her, they would open up a bit more. He hoped so. She’d be a good example for them to look up to.

  Hoping to get out fairly early, he began class right away and, as always, he was pleased with how prepared everyone was.

  Rebecca had managed to keep up with the class very well and he was proud of her. And she seemed happy for everyone who came to the board to work a problem and got it right. Sarah seemed a little distracted when she took her turn at working a problem, but she finally managed to get the correct answer. She didn’t seem herself, though, and Ben wondered if something was wrong.

  He was glad she lingered behind to speak with Rebecca after class, while he was cleaning the board and answering questions from some of the others.

  But Rebecca’s expression showed concern when he joined them and Sarah suddenly stopped speaking.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt. I just got the impression you weren’t feeling well tonight and wanted to make sure you’re all right, Sarah.”

  Sarah’s smile was tight but she said, “I am. Thank you for your concern, Mr. Roth.”

  She turned back to Rebecca. “Are you sure it will be all right if I drop by for a visit tomorrow after lunch?”

  “Yes, and I look forward to visiting with you.”

  “I’ll see you then. Good night.” The young woman picked up her books and hurried out of the room.

  “She seems—”

  “She’s not feeling well. Said she was a bit nauseated and had been for several days,” Rebecca said.

  “Oh...well, I hope she feels better soon. I’m sorry I interrupted your talk.”

  “It’s fine. We were just setting up a time for her to visit.” She stood and Ben helped her on with her coat. Then she took her cane from the back of the seat.

  “Are you ready to make it down? Should I walk beside you or in front this time?” Ben asked.

  “I think I’ll be able to manage, but perhaps beside me might be best—I’d hate to knock you down the stairs should I fall.”

  “That’s the point—I’d break your fall.”

  “And no telling what else,” Rebecca said. “I’ll go down slowly. Hopefully most everyone has gone down by now, and I won’t hold anyone up.”

  “Doesn’t matter if you do.”

  By then they were at the head of the stairs and Ben let Rebecca take the lead. It was slow going, but she made it down and they both released big sighs at the bottom.

  “Why don’t we stop and have some hot chocolate to give you a rest?” he asked.

  “Thank you, that would be nice.”

  Ben was glad the café was just up the street, because Rebecca was beginning to look weary to him. And she must be, for he didn’t know if she’d have agreed to stop otherwise. After all, the last time he’d suggested it, she’d turned him down. But she hadn’t this time and he was glad to have her to himself, even if just for a bit.

  Once they were seated at the same table by the window that they’d had before and given their order, he leaned back in his chair and looked at Rebecca. She had a little color in her cheeks now—probably from the stairs and the walk here. “Are you sure you feel all right?”

  She smiled and nodded. “I’m fine. Just a little out of breath, but I feel excited that I managed two floors! I’m on the mend for certain. Perhaps tomorrow I’ll go up and see what’s being done on the third floor at Heaton House.”

  “Please don’t overdo it.”

  “I won’t. I promise.”

  “So how did the impending visit with Sarah come about?”

  “I asked if everything was all right with her other than the nausea and she said she needed to talk to someone and I—”

  “Volunteered.”

  “I had to. She looked so forlorn.”

  Ben smiled over at her. “You are your mother’s daughter, you know.”

  “I’m glad I inherited some of her wonderful qualities, but I’m not sure I’ll ever be the woman she is. I’m just thankful she’s my mother.”

  “Yes, so am I. And I’m thankful you’re Jenny’s. She seems to be thriving.”

  “Jenny is such a blessing to me. I wish—”

  She paused and Ben wanted to ask what she wished for, but the waiter brought their hot chocolate just then and he didn’t want to appear pushy. If she wanted him to know, she’d tell him.

  She took a sip and closed her eyes. “Mmm, this is wonderful. Thank you for suggesting we stop, Ben.”

  “You’re welcome. I’m glad you agreed. It helps me to wind down a little after a full day. I visited the orphanage today. There are several young people who are graduating from high school this year and I try to help them decide what they want to do next, and if they want to go on to college, I look into seeing which one would fit them best and see what I can do about getting them in.”

  “That’s a wonderful thing to do.”

  “No more than you agreeing to be a confidante to some of the young women in class.”

  “It feels good to be able to help others, especially after I’ve received so much.” Rebecca blew on her cup and took another sip.

  “It does. And there is a lot of need in this city. I think that’s why I love being at Heaton House. I don’t know anyone there who doesn’t reach out to help in some way or another.”

  “That’s true. I hope the new boarders fit in well.”

  “I’m sure they will. Your mother has a knack for finding people who do. She always has. I’ve never met anyone who wasn’t drawn to her. And I think her boarders are better people for knowing her.”

  “Well, I’m not going to argue with you on that.” Rebecca smiled across the table and then she swiftly changed the subject. “The lady at the orphanage...is she good at her job?”

  “Mrs. Butler? She’s wonderful. She’s cared for each child who’s brought in and that’s rare in this city of orphanages. As far as I know, none of the children in her care were ever sent out on the Orphan Trains. And she’s taught others, so when she does retire, and I believe that might be soon, the change will be as easy as possible on the children.”

  “She sounds like a very admirable woman.”

  “She is. Mrs. Butler was the only mother figure I ever had until I moved to Heaton House. Now your mother pretty much fills that roll.”

  Rebecca smiled. “I’m glad. And speaking of home, I suppose we should be getting back so I can check in on Jenny. I think that may be our trolley coming now.”

  “Of course. Why don’t I have the waiter call for a hack? It’d be much easier on you.”

  “No, I need to try to make it on my own, Ben. But that’s very thoughtful of you.”

  He stood immediately, took some bills out of his pocket and paid the waiter who came forward. Rebecca made her way to the door and he opened it for her, thankful it wasn’t near as cold and windy as it’d been the last time they’d been here.

  Much as he wanted to pick her up and carry her onto the trolley, he stood behind her and let her use her cane and then followed her up the aisle only a short way to the first empty seat. He slid in beside her and smiled. “You did it. I think we’ll be out skating again before you know it.”

  Rebecca shook her head. “I don’t know. I must admit, I’m a little afraid to try again.”

  “I’ll skate with you and I won’t let you fall. And you know, not all falls result in sprains or broken bones.”

  “I do, but still—”

  “No need to worry about it now. It’s supposed to start snowing tonight. If we get enough this week, maybe we can plan a sleighing party one night, instead. I’m sure Jenny would like to go.
”

  “She’d love it and so would I. It’s been a very long time since I went sleighing.”

  “Maybe this weekend would be a good time, with Michael and Violet and their guest coming over.”

  “It might be. I’ll speak to Mama about it.”

  Rebecca was rather quiet after that and Ben put it down to her being tired. But as their trolley came to its stop near Heaton House, and he moved to let her out into the aisle, he knew she was determined to get down by herself. He could only trust that the Lord would nudge her to ask for help, should she need it. But would she listen?

  Chapter Sixteen

  When Sarah came to visit the next day, Rebecca took her to the small parlor and asked Gretchen to bring their tea there. Earlier, she’d told her mother about the visit and she’d offered to take Jenny to see baby Marcus so they wouldn’t be interrupted.

  If anything, the young woman appeared more stressed than she had the night before. Rebecca waited until Gretchen brought their tea and then asked, “Sarah, please tell me what’s wrong. Are you ill?”

  Sarah gave a brief shake of her head. “Not ill, not really. I...” She took a deep breath. “I have to tell someone, Rebecca and I’m not sure how to even get it out.”

  “But you need to.” Rebecca had her own suspicions about what was troubling the young woman. “Sarah...are you expecting a child?”

  Sarah covered her mouth and closed her yes. She nodded. “I am. And I’m not sure how to tell the baby’s father. I’m afraid he’ll be angry and—”

  “It doesn’t matter if he is or not. You must tell him, Sarah.”

  “I know. But what if he leaves me? What if my parents disown me? I—”

  “Sarah, I can’t tell you none of that will happen, but I can assure you that I’ll be here for you if it does.”

  “You will?”

  Rebecca nodded. “Yes. Tell the father first. Give him a chance to take responsibility. He might, you know.”

  “I’m not sure he will.” Sarah’s voice broke and she began to sob.

  Rebecca hugged her and rocked her back and forth. “Then you’ll have to tell your mother. And I’ll go with you for that, if you need me to. But you don’t know that you will. Not yet. Are you afraid of the young man? He wouldn’t hurt you, would he? If so, I’ll go—”