Kathryn rose and patted Petra on the shoulder. “I know you’ll excuse me. A patient needs my help.”
Petra surprised Clara. “Ja, you will make her feel better when you smile.”
Kathryn chuckled. “What a nice thing to say. Rebecca, you’d better come with me to keep those five other children out of the way and corralled.”
The two women left, hurrying toward the carriage house.
Clara left her chair and joined her aunt on the couch. “How are you feeling?”
Petra’s eyes widened. “I am well but tired from my journey, thank you for asking. Still am I a little sick from grief. Hans was a good husband and I thought we kept no secrets from one another. Learning we had money in savings was a shock and made me wonder why he has never told me this.”
Clara squeezed her aunt’s hand. “Probably he wanted to insure that you would be well-cared for after his death or that you would both have enough to remain comfortable after he retired.”
“Perhaps.” Petra frowned. “I do not think he could retire, do you? I cannot imagine him not going to his office at the university.”
“But, he was not old enough yet. Who knows how he would have felt in twenty years?”
Her aunt jutted out her chin. “I do not think he would change much.”
“I wanted to ask you something while we are alone. When my parents had died and you and Uncle Hans came to get me, I overheard you saying you did not want me to come live with you but thought I should go to an orphanage. Why did you say that?”
Her aunt’s eyes widened and she laid a hand at her throat. “Ah, what you must have thought all these years. I am sorry you heard. I apologized to Hans many times for saying those words. Frankly, I did not think I would be a good mother. I thought that an orphanage’s staff would know how to take care of you and give you what you needed.”
Clara shook her head. “Most orphanages are notoriously bad and the children are neglected.”
Petra raised a hand elbow high and shook it from side to side. “At the time, I did not know this. Once at a meeting of our church women, we had a program on local orphanages. I was shocked, appalled. As soon as I saw Hans I apologized. If I had known you heard us, I would have apologized to you.”
Petra grasped both Clara’s hands. “You must not think you were unwanted. I knew I was not very maternal. As it turned out, you were a blessing to us. Hans and I had wanted children at first but none came. We thought we would never have them and I grew to think this was God’s will for me.”
“Why did I have to sleep in that tiny room at the top of the house? There were guest rooms on the second floor.”
Petra leaned back to peer at Clara. “Do you not remember that you chose the room? When we brought you home, you were so sad you hardly spoke. We showed you through the house and you wanted to be in the top. You called it your princess tower.”
Clara struggled to control her tears. “I had forgotten but now I recall that memory. Oh, Aunt Petra, for years I thought you put me there because you did not think I was worthy of one of the better rooms.”
Petra placed her arm around Clara’s shoulders. “My poor Clara. Always Hans and I were glad you were with us.”
Clara sniffed and brushed at her eyes with her fingers. “We must make up for many years of poor communication.”
Petra dabbed her eyes. “But now we are together and able to talk to one another honestly.”
Clara hugged her aunt. “I am glad you are here.”
Petra sniffed and smiled. “Ja, me too.”
***
The next day, the dressmakers returned.
“Aunt Petra Jaager, this is Madame Thibodaux and her assistant, Sylvie. I’m sorry I do not know your last name, Sylvie.”
Sylvie sent a quick glance to her employer. “Wellburn.”
Clara kept an arm around her aunt’s shoulders. “I’m pleased my aunt is moving to McClintock Falls. I hope you won’t mind if she watches the final fitting.”
“As you wish.” Madame clapped her hands. “Proceed to the proper room. We have much to do today.”
Petra exchanged amused looks with Clara as they led the way to the bedroom.
Sylvie laid the creation on the bed and carefully removed the protective muslin.
When the garment was exposed, Petra gasped. “Dit is ongelofelijk!”
Clara stared in wonder. “I agree, Aunt Petra. It is incredible. I’m so grateful to Gran and to Madame and Sylvie.”
Madame snapped, “Try it on. Though certainly my creation is worthy, we do not have all day for your admiration.”
Clara removed her uniform and stepped into the dress. The fabric flowed over her like none she had ever experienced. “The fit is perfect.”
Petra touched her fingers to the skirt. “Ja, this is the dress of a lifetime. You look like a princess.” She smiled. “Without a tower.”
Madame snapped, “Nonsense. I can create others as wonderful anytime you wish.”
Petra pressed her lips into a fine line for a few moments. “I want a dress, Madame. I am in mourning, but I do not want to look like a drab church mouse.”
Madame’s dark eyes lit as if she visualized gold coins. “Wonderful. Remove your clothes to your chemise and I will measure you. Sylvie, fetch my tape.”
The helper scrambled through a large bag she carried and produced the tape measure, a notebook, and a pencil.
Petra nodded toward the door. “You must show the others while Madame works on me.”
Clara debated, but opened the door and closed it behind her. She glided to Daniel’s room.
He sat up and his mouth fell open. “Damn, you look like an angel. Clara, you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
“You have not seen any lately except your beautiful mother and equally beautiful sister.”
He shook his head, his eyes wide with what she thought was awe. “Wouldn’t matter.”
Clara pressed a hand on the bodice’s vee at her waist. “I will see if Kathryn and Rebecca have returned.”
The two women she sought came into the house as she entered the parlor. Both stopped and gazed at her.
Appearing exhausted, Kathryn set down her medical bag. “You are a welcome sight for tired eyes. You look absolutely gorgeous.”
Rebecca started to touch the skirt then pulled back. “I wouldn’t want to soil the fabric. We rode in the buggy and did some errands and my gloves might have gotten dusty. Clara, you look like a fairy princess from a storybook.”
Emma came into the room. “Oh, my word. Isn’t that the prettiest thing you’ve ever seen?”
Clara couldn’t suppress her elation. “I never thought I’d have such a dress. Gran outdid anything I could ever imagine. Now my aunt has decided to hire Madame to create something nice for her even though she is in mourning.”
Kathryn nodded. “Good for Petra. Every woman who sees you wearing that will want Madame to fashion something for her. Fortunately, Madame never copies one of her originals.”
“Now I’d better get changed and go back to the real world. I don’t want Daniel to laze for too long.” She walked slowly toward her room.
Madame and Sylvie were about to leave. “Since you are moving to town, Mrs. Jaager, I will see you there.”
“You know where the Barlett home is?”
“I do. I’ll send you a note to make sure the time is convenient.” She nodded to Petra and to Clara. “I can show myself out.”
Clara clasped her aunt’s hands. “I am pleased you will have a new dress you did not have to sew.”
Petra had dressed. “Turn and I will unfasten the buttons. I think she does not realize you do not have a lady’s maid.”
“Lucky I have you, isn’t it?”
Petra’s smile faded. “Please explain to me why this Gran person decided to give you the dress?”
Clara explained about the fireworks and her ruined dotted Swiss.
“This is kind of Gran. Always I liked that dress. Perhaps
I can repair it while you work with your patient.”
“That would be kind, Aunt Petra. I like the dress, too. Do you remember when we purchased the fabric and trims?”
Petra smiled. “Ja, with your first paycheck. Hans would not let you pay toward the food so you could not wait to have a new dress. We had a nice day, didn’t we?
Clara met her aunt’s gaze in the mirror. “We’ll have many more happy days as well.”
***
Two days later, Daniel leaned on the bars, experiencing a strange sensation. Could it be? He focused on moving his foot. Doing so required his complete concentration and effort.
Clara looked up at him. “Did you do that?”
He couldn’t hold back a grin. “Do what? You mean this?” He moved the other leg.
She squealed, leaped up, and hugged him. He leaned down and captured her mouth. Their kiss heated his blood. Frustrated because he couldn’t release the bars, he ended the kiss.
She kept her arms around him, her beautiful face glowing with delight.
Petra appeared at the door. “Is this the way you do therapy?”
Clara didn’t look at all embarrassed, thank goodness. She glided to her aunt and hugged her. “Aunt Petra, the most wonderful thing happened. Daniel made two steps.”
Petra rolled her eyes. “The way you were carrying on I thought he had learned to fly.”
Clara laughed, apparently still bursting with glee. “Please, would you find Kathryn and ask her to come and see?”
She smiled, which softened her words. “So now I am an errand girl. Ja, I will go.” She shook her finger. “No more kissing your patient.”
Daniel waited until the woman was gone from the room. “Don’t listen to her. Kiss away all you want.”
Instead, she clasped her hands in front of her chest as she returned to the bars and stood in front of him. “I’m so excited. You are going to walk on your own soon.” She motioned him toward her. “Keep walking toward me.”
His mother hurried into the room followed by Rebecca and Emma.
Mama was out of breath. “Is it true, Daniel? Show me.”
“A lot of fuss for my tiny steps.” He focused and took two more steps then two more.
When he reached the end of the bars, he turned and let his weight sag on the harness. “Whew, that’s as tiring as digging ditches.”
Clara hurriedly brought the wheelchair to him. “You deserve a ride after that workout.” When he was seated, she unfastened the harness.
Emma’s eyes were moist. “Daniel, you come into the kitchen. Let’s all have a treat to celebrate.”
“Sounds good to me.” What he really wanted was a rest, preferably with Clara at his side. Since that wasn’t on the menu, he’d take whatever sweet treat Emma devised.
They were seated around the table, laughing and eating cake and drinking milk when Pa came in.
He looked around as if perplexed. “Did I miss supper?”
That set them laughing again.
Mama rose and hugged Pa. Tears streamed down her face. “Daniel took steps today. He was holding on to those bars and they were tiny steps, but he walked. Austin, our boy actually walked.”
Pa gave Mama a big kiss and twirled her in a circle. “Yee Haw!”
He plopped on a chair and pulled Mama onto his lap. “Best news I’ve had in two years.”
Daniel enjoyed seeing the love his parents shared. That’s what he wanted for himself with Clara.
Not realizing his thoughts, Clara smiled at him. “This is wonderful news indeed. But, he must continue working on the bars. Eventually, he will not need the harness or the bars.”
He put on his innocent face. “You always want me to do the work, don’t you?”
“Of course. And now, my work will be easier because you can move your own feet. No more duck-walking backwards for me.”
He grinned at her. “So you get a vacation, huh?”
“Not to be. Putting all your weight on the bars as you walk without the harness will make your shoulders very sore and tight. I must give you longer massages.”
Emma flexed her shoulders. “My, that sounds wonderful.”
Clara scanned those at the table. “I can give a massage to you also or anyone who wishes. I would need to do this while Daniel is resting so I do not take time away from him.”
Rebecca tilted her head. “Could you teach me to give a massage?”
Clara laughed. “I will be happy to and you can practice on me.”
Mama said, “That’s a good idea. I want to learn also. I used what I know of the subject on Daniel’s legs. But, I have seen you, Clara, and your movements are more thorough and skillful.”
***
That night as they prepared for bed, Petra turned to Clara. “Do you think this massage is something I should learn?” She examined her hands.
“I’m sure you could but why would you? First, you must get moved into your new home. Then, you must meet some of the women in town and make friends. If you wish to help people, there are many opportunities in any community. You can visit the sick, take food to the needy, and support the town’s civic functions.”
“Ja, perhaps you are right. I have much to do. I am excited to live in my new home. Keeping house will be easier and so will walking to shops. I will miss the sight of the water, but not the fear of a flood.”
“When we are with others, we must take care not to say we think things in Amsterdam were better or that we think people here should do such and such like we did there. I miss the water sometimes but there are other compensations.”
“Ja, Clara, I understand what you are saying. I will be…,” she pretended to curtsy, “warm and delightful.” She even giggled. “I see how this family acts. Can you imagine Hans kissing me and swinging me around in front of others?”
Clara shook her head. “Yet, I know he loved you very much. He just didn’t show his feelings as the members of the McClintock family do. Perhaps he didn’t know how.”
“Only when we were alone did he let his love show. I am trying to learn how people here act. I noticed the grandparents are more formal.”
“Not Grandpa, but certainly Gran is. She is also formidable and the queen of the town’s society. Maybe not now, but I’ll bet she still holds much sway.”
“She was nice to me. I hope she will remember to invite me to tea.”
“If she forgets, invite her to tea with you.”
An incredulous expression appeared on Petra’s face. “What a good idea. I will.”
***
When Red returned from town with mail, the family was sitting at the supper table. Austin accepted the mail with his thanks to Red then sorted through the parcels and envelopes.
“Here’s one for you, Clara. Looks official.”
She accepted the missive with curiosity. “Since my aunt is here, I wonder who would write to me.”
Daniel said, “Opening it would be a good way to find out.”
“If no one objects my foregoing good manners, I will do so even though we are at the table.”
Austin gestured. “Go ahead. You know we won’t mind.”
Rebecca giggled. “Especially if you tell us what the letter is about.”
Clara turned the envelope over and slit the seal. When she extracted the letter, she saw it was from a hospital in St. Louis.
Dear Miss Van Hoosan,
You have been highly recommended by Dr. de Wees in agreement with your colleagues in Amsterdam. Our hospital is expanding and we are setting up a mechanotherapy section as part of our new orthopedic wing. We would like to talk with you about joining our hand-picked staff of professionals.
Please reply to this letter and let us know about your availability.
Yours sincerely,
Louis Arnoldson, M.D.
Head of Orthopedics
Rebecca stared at her. “Well, are you going to share the secret?”
Clara’s head spun with possibilities and she had difficulty focusing to
speak. “It’s… It’s from a doctor in St. Louis who got my name from Dr. de Wees in Amsterdam. This Dr. Arnoldson wants to talk to me about joining the staff of a new orthopedic wing’s mechanotherapy unit.”
She looked up from the letter. “That doesn’t mean they would choose me, of course, just that I am being considered. I imagine it will come to nothing. Besides, I will be working with Daniel for quite some time.”
Petra beamed at her. “This is an honor, Clara. Now you do not have to wonder about where you would go next if you decide to leave here.”
“Having choices is always nice.” She sensed Daniel’s eyes on her but couldn’t bring herself to meet his gaze. She folded the paper and slid it back inside the envelope.
But, the prospect did not bring her the happiness she would have expected. When she had arrived here, concern about what she would do and where she would go after this assignment weighed heavy on her mind. Silly woman, now she hated the thought of leaving Daniel and his family. What was she to do?
That evening in their room, Petra got ready for bed. “That is a good offer from this doctor, is it not?”
Clara hung up her uniform. “Yes, but I do not know what I will decide. Of course, I will write him right away and tell him of my obligations here. That will probably end the matter as I am sure he wants someone immediately.”
Petra shook her dress and laid it on a chair, ready for the morning. “Tomorrow night we each will be alone. I look forward to moving into my nice little house but I will miss seeing you each day.”
Clara was able to answer truthfully, “As I will miss you, but I will visit when I can. I am excited for you and all the possibilities opening for you.”
“Ja, I am filled with… warm feelings.” Petra grinned at her.
“I know you miss Uncle Hans, as I do, but you will be happy in town. I am sure of this. You have seen from Kathryn how to make friends and keep them. Soon, you will be the toast of this small town.” She pulled her gown over her head and tied the ribbons.
“Clara, I have something to say to you before we part tomorrow. I-I hope you will not be offended.”
“Whatever you are thinking, please tell me.”
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