by Barbara Goss
“She says the exercises could harm him instead of helping him.”
“Nonsense!” he roared, looked at Nora’s forlorn look, and softened. “I’ll speak with her. Don’t worry. I’ve noticed a complete change in him since you’ve taken over. He even smiles a bit now. He talks to me, and he’s been exercising regularly. I'd just about given up hope before you came.”
“In your opinion, Dr. Sharple, will he walk again?” she asked.
Dr. Sharple frowned and replied, “With spinal injuries, it’s hard to predict. He’s only partially paralyzed, and he's learned to move about quite well. I’d say even if he never regains the use of his legs, he could still live a full and active life. There is always hope. With hard work and determination, he could walk again.
“I saw the chair with wheels in the corner of his room,” Sharple continued. “It’s quite, uh… antiquated. There are modern wheelchairs now. If you could get him one he wouldn’t have to slide along the floor. He could wheel himself about, because he’d be able to turn the wheels himself with his hands. Ramps could be built for him, too. I’ve told Sylvia this repeatedly.”
“Where can we get a chair like that?” Nora asked.
The doctor scribbled on a piece of paper and handed it to her. “This man makes them. Give this to Nathan; he’ll be sure to take care of it.”
“Thank you, Doctor.” Nora put the paper in her apron pocket.
Max Sharple winked. “Keep the faith and pray— you never know. Nothing’s impossible.”
Nora couldn’t wait to give Nathan the name of the man who made the wheelchairs. When she brought the dinner trays downstairs, she walked about the first floor in hopes of finding Nathan, and heard voices in the parlor. She walked that way and stopped—the male voice she heard was decidedly not Nathan’s. She froze and listened.
“Just get Alex to sign the papers, Sylvia.”
“He won’t sign anything. I’ve tried.”
“I’ve been pressing Celeste to visit Alex, but she isn’t making any progress. He’s always had a soft spot for her, but now he won’t even look at her,” the strange voice said.
“Celeste needs to keep visiting…wear him down,” Sylvia said. “He was crazy about her once. He’s been in a better mood lately. He needs to realize that he is in no physical shape to run the mill and never will be. If anyone can talk him into the merger it’s Celeste. Have her make him promises…whatever he takes.”
Nora heard rustling in the room and then Sylvia asked, “More tea, Phillip?”
Nora scampered upstairs to her room. So, Phillip Randolph and Sylvia planned to use Celeste to get Alex to sign the merger. Nora wondered if Nathan was in on this too. Dare she mention what she’d overheard to Alex? How much could she trust Nathan?
Nora had much on her mind when she went into Alex’s room for his nightly backrub. Again, he awaited he, face down with his nightshirt up. Because of the intense thoughts on her mind, she may have massaged a bit too aggressively, but she heard no complaints from Alex. He emitted a pleasurable moan now and then. When she finished, as usual, she reached to pull his nightshirt down, but this time, he grabbed her hand, and kissed the back of it.
“Thank you,” he murmured.
“Goodnight, Alex.” She crept from his room and into hers holding the hand he’d kissed to her cheek. Two kisses within days from two brothers—her head was spinning.
Nora awoke early, quickly dressed, and made her way downstairs with the hope of catching Nathan before he left for the mill. She found him sitting at the dining room table drinking coffee and reading a newspaper. He stood when she came in.
“Nora! What a pleasure to see you.” He pulled out a chair for her. “Have a seat! Would you like some coffee?” He pulled out a chair for her.
“No, I have to get Alex’s breakfast. I wanted to give you this.” She pulled the paper from her apron pocket. “I spoke with Dr. Sharple yesterday and he suggested we buy Alex a real wheelchair, one that he can move himself. This man,” she handed him the paper, “makes them.”
“Seriously? I knew people had these chairs, but I didn’t have any idea where to acquire one. I’ll check this out today. How will this chair help Alex more than what he already has?”
“It will make him independent. The doctor suggested we install ramps throughout the house. It might even enable him to run the mill if ramps were installed there."
“Hmm,” Nathan said. “That might be a problem. Alex’s father left the mill to Alex, and the house to Sylvia in his will. We’d need her permission to build ramps here. I’ll talk with her.” He smiled brightly at her. “I owe you my future if this works, Nora. I’d like to show my appreciation by treating you to dinner tonight…at a restaurant. Please say you’ll let me!”
“Oh, that really isn’t necessary…”
“I insist!” Nathan said.
“I’d have to feed Alex first and be back by nine o’clock for his backrub—”
“That won’t be a problem. I’ll meet you in the kitchen at seven.” He rose. “Now, the mill awaits. You have no idea how I dread going there each day. Well, at least, I’ll have something to look forward to tonight.”
Nora rummaged through her meager wardrobe. Luckily she had one good church dress, a gray and white pinstriped one with a small bustle in the back. She brushed out her long wavy hair and arranged it behind her ears with colored combs.
When she brought Alex his dinner all dressed up, he stared at her, and then shook his head. As she left his room, he murmured, “Careful! Nathan knows how to get exactly what he wants.”
She turned to face him, “Alex, it’s just a dinner to show his appreciation.”
Alex pushed his dinner away and turned away from her to stare back out of his window.
Nora walked back to Alex, sat on the bed, and took his head between her hands, and turned it to face her.
“Tell me the truth, Alex. Can Nathan be trusted? I need someone to talk to, but I don’t know whom I can trust. Things don’t seem right in this household.”
“You can always trust me. But since I don’t know what your concern is about, I cannot tell you whom to trust. Regarding what?”
“Regarding you and your treatment, and the mill.”
“Since the mill is mine, I can be trusted regarding the mill. As to my treatment, I trust Nathan. He doesn’t want the mill. He wants me to walk. The reason I don’t trust him is that he has no backbone, does what ever his mommy asks, and he takes whatever he wants, even if it belongs to someone else. He always has been a sissy boy.”
“Takes what he wants? By that you mean Celeste?” she asked.
“Yes.”
“I think you should know what I overheard, then. Phillip Randolph is sending Celeste to change your mind and get you to sign merger papers. Her father seems to think she can persuade you to do anything.” Nora stood. “I thought you should be warned.”
Alex rubbed his chin, seemingly deep in thought. “I once thought I loved that woman. She hurt me deeply. But, she no longer has any persuasive powers over me.” He grabbed Nora’s hand. “I appreciate the warning, though. It’ll help me think of what I’ll say to her after I enjoy watching her performance.”
Nora patted the hand that still held hers. “And you needn’t worry about me, either. I promise I’ll only talk to Nathan about your treatment plans.” She gently removed her hand from his and moved toward the door, “I’ll be back for your backrub.”
Nathan spared no expense; he took her to an exclusive restaurant, which had Nora in awe. She’d never been in any restaurant other than a casual eating-house. She patted the pristine white tablecloth and expensive napkins. The burning candle on the table was mesmerizing. She hoped her table manners were up to the task. She silently thanked her mother for instilling in her, at least, some table etiquette.
She gave her order to Nathan, who gave it to the waiter. She ordered a fancy chicken dish with a spicy sauce over it. Nathan ordered a thick, juicy steak. They each had a sal
ad. Nora thought it the most delightful meal she’d ever eaten.
Nathan requested that they not talk about Alex and his treatment until after the meal. Instead, they enjoyed small talk. Nora liked his sense of humor and gentle demeanor and thought Nathan quite likeable. However, that same gentle and meek manner was probably what had enabled his mother and Celeste to control him.
They rode home in Nathan’s buggy. Before they reached home, he pulled the buggy over to the side of a well-lit street.
“Now we can discuss Alex,” he said dropping the reins. “Are you warm enough?”
“Yes, I’m fine.”
“I met with the man who builds the wheelchairs today. He said he’d start on Alex’s immediately. I haven’t had a chance to discuss the ramps with my mother, but I promise to do that soon. As for the mill, I checked it over. It is possible—very possible, that Alex could run the mill from a wheelchair. The only stairs are up to his office, and there is plenty of room for a ramp. Everything else is on ground level. I’m quite enthusiastic about this.”
“So am I,” Nora said. “I hope your mother agrees.” When Nathan grimaced, she added, “Do you think she might refuse?”
“Probably, which is why I haven’t brought it up with her yet.” He shook his head. “I need to think of a way to tell her that will soften her resistance.“
Pained by his beaten appearance, Nora reached out to Nathan, took his hand, and squeezed. “You have to stand up for what you want. You can’t let either of them bully you any longer. You’ll never be happy, otherwise.”
“But she is my mother. She's taught me obedience since childhood. She knows exactly how to manipulate me. She’ll start by making me feel guilty, saying, ‘My only son refuses to please his mother,' or ‘your father would be ashamed,’ or ‘someday when I’m gone you’ll be sorry.’” He hung his head.
“But that’s just it, Nathan. You know it’s manipulation, so you can ignore it and do what you want with your life. She’ll get over it.” Nora squeezed his hand again.
Nathan misinterpreted her compassion. He put an arm around her, and drew her close. Before she knew it, he was pressing his lips briefly to hers. Too shocked to pull away or return the kiss, Nora sat stunned. He touched his forehead to hers and said, “I wish Celeste were more like you, Nora.”
Nora edged away from him. “I think we should go home now, Nathan.”
“I won’t apologize for the kiss. It was a token of my deep gratitude. I have never met anyone like you before—you are genuine, and you care about others instead of yourself. Dare I hope we can be a bit more than friends, Nora?” He asked, looking deeply into her eyes.
Nora was speechless, and she faltered for words.
Sensing this, Nathan said, “There's no need to answer, Nora. I know I've sprung this on you suddenly. Time will tell. For now, I consider you my friend, and I truly appreciate all you’ve done.” He picked up the reins and started the buggy moving.
Nora let out a breath of relief. She felt nothing from his kiss other than disbelief. She truly wasn’t ready for romance, especially with someone from the Vanderhorn family, as they were a mixed-up bunch, and she preferred to stay outside of their family circle.
6
While Nathan and Nora were out dining, Celeste paid Alex a visit. She dressed to accomplish her mission in a bright red, figure-hugging dress, her blond hair pulled up and away from her face. She wore lipstick the same color as her low-cut dress, and she sashayed into Alex’s room wearing a provocative smile. She did not close the door behind her, but left it ajar, as was proper.
“Alex!” she purred. “It’s so good to see you. I hear you've been doing exercises. How wonderful.”
“Celeste,” Alex nodded. He moved away from the window and she caught his eyes as they swept over her body. “All dressed up with nowhere to go?”
She was initially astonished he'd spoken to her at all. “This,” she shimmied her hands down her body, “is all for you.” She smiled and lowered her lashes.
“Easy,” he warned, “it’s only my legs that are paralyzed.”
Celeste perched on his lap and threw her arms around his neck. “I miss you, Alex.”
“Funny you've never mentioned that before.” He removed her arms from around his neck. “In fact, I believe you are engaged to my brother now.”
Celeste pouted. “That’s only because I'm not the type to deal with an invalid. You know how much I love parties and dancing.” She stroked his hair. “Although I adore you, I’m not sure I could live with your handicap." She sighed. "I’m still crazy about you, Alex.”
Nora chose that moment to walk into the room, her lotion in hand, ready to give him his backrub. She took one look at Celeste sitting on top of Alex’s lap, said, “Oops, sorry,” and backed out of the room.
“I think you’d better get off my lap,” Alex said. “You’ve given poor Nora quite the shock.”
“Probably so, she seems the prudish sort.” Celeste slid off his lap and moved to the edge of his bed. “And speaking of your…um…condition, don't you think it’s about time you merged the mill with my father’s?” She pointed to his legs. “You’ll never be able to run your mill alone, not like that. My father has offered you a generous amount for half of the mill. Won't you consider it?” She reached out and stroked his cheek.
Alex removed her hand. “Celeste, Celeste. I wonder now what I ever saw in you. Yes, you are beautiful and popular. I guess I thought, being the owner of the largest steel mill in the city, I deserved to be seen with the best, or at least, what I thought was the best. Back then, I thought I loved you, rendering me blind to your manipulative powers.” Alex sighed and shook his head. “Sitting here, day in and day out, staring out my window, I finally see things clearly enough to know that a merger with your father’s mill was your goal all along. But what I can’t figure out is why you became engaged to Nathan. How could that possibly help your father acquire the mill? Nathan doesn’t even want it, and he no longer has the power to sign a merger…Oh, could that be why you’re here offering me your charms?”
Celeste stood. “Merging two of the largest mills would serve to increase productivity and make a bigger profit.”
Alex shook his head. “Please stop, Celeste. Being a cripple hasn’t affected my brain. Rather, it's put me in a position where I have no choice but to think and reflect. That’s what it took to show me what I was missing: your maneuvering. I’ve also had time to think about the universe and God. Sometimes God puts you flat on your back and you have to look up.”
Celeste’s mouth dropped. “Now you’re religious too?”
“I’ve always believed. I was reared in the Christian faith, but when I got caught up in the mill and success, I forgot my roots. God has made it possible for me to get my old life back.” He turned to his window. “It’s time for you to leave, Celeste. Oh…and don’t bother coming back. I’ve said what I need to, and I won’t speak to you again.”
After Nora heard Celeste’s high heels on the stairs she went back into Alex’s room for his backrub, but he was still sitting in his chair, staring out the window.
“Oh,” Nora said. “You aren’t ready for your backrub, yet. I’ll come back.” She turned towards the door.
“Wait,” he said. “Come here a moment.”
She walked over to where he sat. “Yes?”
“I want to thank you for warning me about Celeste’s mission. I don’t think her machinations would have worked anyway, because I've smartened up, sitting here day in and day out, and I’ve had time enough to realize how foolish I once was. Your warning allowed me to play along to a point, which gave me time to think up a clever response. I so enjoyed throwing her out after I'd told her exactly what I thought of her.”
He looked up at Nora. “How was your dinner?”
“Delicious. I’ve never been to a restaurant like that before, and I really enjoyed it.”
“You deserved it. Maybe someday, I’ll be able to thank you for all you’ve done
for me.”
“That's not necessary," she said. "It is my job.
“You go above and beyond, and you know it.” He cracked a weak smile. “And I love your backrubs. Give me ten minutes to get ready.”
As Nora gave Alex his nightly backrub, she said, “Your stepmother has forbidden me to encourage your exercising.”
“Pay her no mind.” He exhaled, deeply, as she massaged his back.
“But she may fire me if I do, and I really need this job.”
“She can’t fire you, Nora. I’m paying your wages, so only I can fire you, and I guarantee you, your job is safe. Don’t let her bully you as she does Nathan.”
“Thank you, Alex. Now, relax, and let me work my magic.”
A few evenings later, Nathan knocked on Nora’s bedroom door. “I need to speak with you, he said.”
Nora opened the door. “Where?”
“Let’s walk to the park. I promise to have you back by nine.”
Nora grabbed a shawl and followed him down the stairs.
The sun, on its way down, splattered the park with a red glow. They sat, side by side, on the same bench as they had the last time they’d visited the park.
“I spoke with my mother,” Nathan said.
“And?” Nora held her breath.
“She's furious. She said there will be no ramps installed, and she is taking down the one Alex’s father put in when he fell ill.”
“Why is she doing this?” Nora could not believe Sylvia’s meanness. Nora also wondered why Nathan hadn’t mentioned that his mother couldn’t fire her when they’d discussed her fear of being fired before.
“She doesn’t want Alex to get better, and she doesn’t want him owning the mill.” He shook his head as if in disgust. “This has been a real eye-opener for me. I never realized how cruel she could be. She’s my mother, but I don’t like this side of her at all.”
“The wheelchair won’t do Alex much good if he can’t wheel himself around the house,” Nora said.