by Linda Broday
“I’m glad. It won’t be so bad, and I can tell you for a fact all my cousins will be standing in line for a dance. Before you’ve had a dance with those idiots, I’ll take a turn first, before you’ve suffered too much damage. Hope you don’t mind some broken toes. None of us can dance worth a hoot.”
“Thank you, Joey. It makes me feel better to know I’ll be surrounded by men who are like brothers to me.” Madeline gave him a friendly swat on the arm.
“You can count on us to get you into trouble or get you out.” He spoke as he headed back up the steps toward the kitchen. “Well, guess I better put on a warm coat and hat and head out to the tractor. Get busy with those mops and brooms, girl; daylight’s wasting.” With a chuckle, he disappeared beyond the kitchen door.
Madeline sighed with relief as she picked up the dust cloth and furniture polish from the bucket and got to work. From the barn, she heard the tractor cough into action as Joey started to work. A weight lifted from her heart at the knowledge the men she had grown up with would be at the ball to protect her from any unwanted male attention.
For a moment, her heart contracted and almost swamped her with overwhelming sadness. She could almost hear Sam play the song he had composed for her on the piano. The memory of his music drifted sweetly in her memory. It had come as quite a shock to learn from his last letter that he no longer wanted to pursue music as a career. As much as she was happy for him to have the chance to go to music school far away in North Carolina, she had been so excited to find that he had decided to become a rancher, like his grandfather. She had wanted him to be happy with whatever choice he made, but was glad she wouldn’t have to spend more time far away from him. Madeline sighed. Now, she would spend a lifetime away from him, with only memories of his smile, the light in his dark eyes when he looked at her, and his tender kisses. The pain of his loss was unbearable. Her heart physically ached in her chest. Such a lonesome feeling overtook her that she had to use every fiber of her being not to collapse in a weeping mass of grief. She dragged her thoughts away from her sadness and made herself concentrate on cleaning the clinic.
Madeline finished her work, closed the door to Dr. Wilding’s office and went upstairs to her room to change out of her uniform and into a blue, wool dress and a soft, white cardigan. After switching out of her work oxfords in to a pair of comfortable loafers, she searched her closet for a formal gown to wear to the Valentine Ball. It wasn’t right for Juliet or the Wilding women to have to supply her with a dress.
After thirty minutes of searching, to her dismay, she realized she had nothing suitable to wear to such an occasion. Well, maybe it was a sign that she shouldn’t go. It was too soon. Downstairs, the phone rang insistently from the living room.
Clomping down the stairs, Madeline hurried to answer the little black nuisance. When she lifted the handset, Juliet’s voice came over the line, “Hey Madeline, I’m at Jane’s tailor shop. Come on over. I have something I want to show you.”
Obviously, Juliet was not going to let up on the Valentine Ball. It would be easier to just give in. “I’ll hitch a ride on the tractor. Joey is clearing the road into town.”
“Great. I’ll see you shortly. You’re going to be so excited when you see what Jane and I have done.”
“I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
After she hurried to the kitchen to get her coat, gloves and hat, Madeline waved down Joey. He helped her climb on board and into the semi-comfort of the housed driver’s seat. Joey had fashioned a structure of wood and glass to fit over the driver’s space for foul weather work. The heat from the engine somewhat warmed the space to make it bearable from the penetrating cold.
“Sorry there’s not a place for you to sit, Madeline. There’s barely room to stand, but at least it won’t take long to get to Jane’s shop.”
Madeline nodded her head. “Oh goodness, I just appreciate the ride into town. Thank you, Joey.”
It took twenty minutes to chug along into town with the big blade on the front of the tractor shoving mounds of snow to the side of the road. Madeline had to hang on to Joey’s shoulders to stay upright along the bumpy ride. At last, Joey pulled the tractor to a stop in front of Jane’s shop and helped Madeline take the right steps down from the rumbling, groaning machine. Madeline waved goodbye to Joey from the sidewalk and he continued clearing the road through Hazard.
With a big smile plastered on her face, Madeline opened the shop door and entered to the greetings of Juliet, Jane and Maggie, Sam’s mother. The delightful fragrance of scones and hot chocolate wafted through the room. Cheerful energy permeated the shop. Maggie seemed a little happier than she had in months. Her blue eyes still held some sadness in them, but her smile was genuine. She seemed to be moving toward some acceptance with the loss of her oldest son. Everyone had begun to move past the pain, Maggie thought, except her. What was wrong with her? Why couldn’t she let go?
“Come on in here, Madeline, and see what we’ve found,” Juliet said with a broad smile. “You are going to love, really, truly love the ball gown Maggie brought for you.”
Jane Red Sky waved Madeline into the room. There, draped across the blue brocade chair lay a rich, red, satin gown. Madeline quickly hung her coat and hat from a peg in the vestibule and placed her boots on the wooden rack provided for them. Upon entering the room, she approached the gown with reverence. “It’s beautiful.” She spoke with hushed words. “Where did you find it?”
Maggie ran her hand over the silken material. “I hope you don’t mind; it was a dress I wore to a Christmas dance with Banjo.” She smiled, her eyes warm with memories. “I hate to see it just lay in a box, collecting dust. I have no daughters to give it to since all my children are rowdy boys.” She placed her hand on Madeline’s arms and drew her closer. “I had always hoped to have you as my daughter, so I wanted you to have this dress.”
A lump formed in Madeline’s throat, preventing her from speaking. Sam had been so blessed to have parents as loving as Maggie and Banjo, and lucky to have two brothers who loved him so much. Madeline didn’t hold any grudges against her own parents who left her at The Sisters of Mercy Orphanage; after all, they’d been in the midst of the Great Depression. People were starving and homeless. They may have saved her life by leaving her there. For years, she believed they would come back for her when things got better, or at least, write to her and see if she was okay. But that never happened. The only reason she even knew her name was because it was written on a note attached to her blanket: Madeline Andrews. Please take care of our baby.
Maggie hugged her close and took her from her thoughts. “I know you miss him terribly. Sam’s just not that easy to forget. I know I’m his mother, so I’m prejudiced on his behalf, but he’s a very special person.” When she smiled, it didn’t quite make it to her eyes, but Madeline knew she was struggling to maintain her composure. “Now, let’s get you to try on this dress and see if we can get it to fit you.”
Madeline nodded and took the dress to a small changing room to try it on. Once she donned the dress, she gazed at her image in the mirror. The brilliant red satin complimented her dark hair and hugged her figure. The bodice was a little too large and the dress a couple of inches too long, but she felt beautiful in it. If only Sam could see me in it.
“Come out darling, and let us take a look,” Jane called to her.
They clucked like a flock of chicks when she stepped out of the dressing room.
“You look like a queen,” Juliet said.
“You’re beautiful, sweetheart, just beautiful. This dress looks so lovely on you.” Maggie stood back and gazed at Madeline.
“Don’t you worry, Madeline, I can get this bodice and hem altered in no time.” Jane peered at her with appraising eyes. “Your dark bounty of curls and crystal blue eyes are such a magnificent contrast to the rich red of this satin. We might have to lock up all the men in Hazard to keep them away from you.” Jane chuckled as she began to pin a tuck here and there and then measured th
e hem to begin pinning it just an inch above the floor.
“I have the perfect shoes to go with this dress.” Juliet brought out a box from behind a chair and presented it to Madeline.
Inside the box nestled a brand new pair of red, satin shoes with two-inch heels and a cluster of rhinestones on the sides, near the toes. Madeline gasped with pleasant surprise. “Juliet, you shouldn’t have!”
“Actually, I didn’t. Mrs. Brandon from the mercantile found them in the back storage room and—oh, I almost forgot. She also found this lovely white, wool shawl with a beaded fringe and a beaded red handbag for you.” Juliet sighed. “You will look magnificent.”
The backs of Madeline’s eyes burned with unshed tears. “I can never thank you all enough for these gifts and the kindness you always show me. Even though I’m going to the ball with an empty heart, I won’t waste these gifts. I’ll dance with every man who asks me.”
“Well, there are plenty of men in Hazard eager to dance with you, Madeline darlin’,” said Lola as she stamped the snow from her boots, removed her coat and joined the women in the tailor shop. “They’ll be slobbering all over themselves at the sight of you in this delicious dress.”
“You certainly have a way with words, Mama.” Juliet laughed as she greeted her mother with a hug. “Is Lilith with you?”
Lola shook her head. “The poor dear is at home suffering another bout of morning sickness. I offered to stay with her, but you know your sister, she has to do everything on her own.”
Juliet grinned. “Pig-headed thing. She’s just like Daddy.”
Lola chuckled. “My thoughts exactly, but they’re both so adorable I guess we’ll just have to tolerate their mule-headed ways.”
“Okay, I’ve got you pinned,” Jane spoke with a mouthful of straight pins. “Go ahead and take it off. I’ve made a batch of strawberry and date scones and a pot of orange spiced tea for us.”
The ladies spent the rest of their time together enjoying Jane’s good cooking and talking about the Valentine Ball.
****
Madeline, Juliet, and Joey arrived a little late to the ball. The musicians were already playing a waltz, and ladies dressed in colorful ball gowns along with men in dinner jackets twirled on the dance floor. Some elderly ladies and gentlemen had congregated around the refreshment table deep in conversation while they sampled Juliet’s delicious pastries and exquisite hors d’oeuvres. Twin punch bowls set on either end of the table, surrounded by little glass cups, offered red punch or lemonade. Against the wall, another table held large coffee urns, bowls of sugar, pitchers of cream, china cups with gold trim, and platters of heart-shaped cookies and chocolate bonbons.
Glittery hearts and cupids hung everywhere in festive display. Madeline thought the whole scene was exciting and beautiful. Lola and Juliet really knew how to throw a grand party. Everyone, from old to young, seemed to be having a wonderful time. “It’s all so magnificent,” Madeline said to Juliet.
“Thank you, Madeline. It would have been nice if we could have arrived on time for the grand entrance, but Joey here, had to drive ten miles an hour—even though he had chains on the car. So we missed all that.”
“I didn’t want to take a chance on having an accident on the icy roads with two lovely ladies in my care. It’s not important to be early, Juliet; it’s important to arrive in one piece.” He gave Juliet a narrow look of annoyance.
“Maybe you’re right, Joey. We’re here now all safe and sound, so let’s get in there and have some fun,” Juliet allowed.
They exited the car, walking carefully to avoid icy patches on the walk leading to the entrance. Joey opened the door for them and ushered them in as one of the young waitresses hurried to take their wraps before they entered the ballroom. “I see John Calloway has spied you and he’s on his way over to ask you to dance, Juliet. Come, Madeline, let’s get out of the way. Will you honor me with a dance?” Joey extended his hand to Madeline and they moved to the dance floor.
Joey was tall like his father, and blocked most of her view. Something felt off. Madeline couldn’t put her finger on it, but something was different. Although sadness devoured her on the inside, she also experienced a thread of something akin to excitement. She burned with a tingle of inexplicable anticipation.
And then, the music changed.
The instruments all silenced except for the sound of the piano. The tune was one hauntingly familiar to her. Joey paused as they danced, his steps coming to a halt. “My God, I can’t believe it. That sounds like…” His words evaporated mid-sentence. Slowly, Joey turned with her to face the musician’s stage, his hands placed on her shoulders. At the piano with his back to her, sat a soldier. He appeared thin and pale with thick, black hair. The room fell silent. The soldier stopped playing, stood, and turned to face her.
Sam! Madeline’s heart leaped in confusion and unrestrained joy. Her mind felt dizzy. For a moment she thought she might faint, but Joey clasped her waist in his strong hands to keep her from crumpling. “Steady now, Madeline.” His words were soft but firm in her ear. “I can’t believe it. Our Sam is home.” His voice choked off as he squeezed Madeline’s shoulders.
Madeline nodded, unable to speak or move as a throng of family and friends surrounded Sam eager to greet him. Maggie and Banjo rushed to him and hugged him fiercely in their arms. The twins, Hank and Kit, joined in. The crowd went crazy with everyone rushing to Sam’s side. Laughter and tears followed as the ballroom turned into chaos.
And then, the crowd parted, as Sam made his way toward her, his eyes connected with hers. She noticed his uneven gait, the pale skin that was usually tan from working outdoors… and he was so thin! He had suffered. But he was alive. He was alive! Joey released his grip on her shoulders and stepped back as Sam reached for her. Joy filled her, bright as sunshine, and spilled out in the form of tears as she stepped toward Sam. He wrapped his arms around her, so strong in spite of his frail appearance. Overcome by emotion, she couldn’t say a single word. She turned her head into his neck, and wept.
Sam spoke softly into her ear. Over the clapping and cheering of those around them, only she could hear his words as he leaned his head down close to speak. “Your love gave me the strength to live through the hell I had to bear. Nothing mattered except getting back home to you. The years of loneliness and pain are behind us now. I’m home. Where you are is home to me. I never want to leave again. I love you, Madeline.” He pulled her up closer. “Please don’t cry darlin’. That’s it. Just take some deep breaths and look at me. That’s it.” He dabbed the tears away with a crisp, linen handkerchief.
Once again, the room fell into silence. Sam raised his voice a little so the townspeople and family surrounding them could hear his next words. “It took me a long time to get home, against my wishes, I might add. I arrived just an hour ago. I called everywhere, but no one answered. And then I realized this is Valentine’s Day, and Lola always has her Valentine’s Ball. Sure enough, I saw all the lights and heard the music coming from the hotel so I snuck in the back door through the kitchen. I asked the conductor to let me play on the piano to get your attention. Now that I have it, there’s something I need to say to someone special.” His eyes held hers as he spoke more softly to her. “I think we’ve waited long enough to get married. So, if you still want me, I’d like to marry you right now.” He searched the assembly around them and raised his voice. “Is Preacher McLean here?” The crowd opened to allow the preacher through.
Madeline gasped and then found her voice. “But, I’m wearing a red dress.”
The crowd laughed.
Juliet hurried to her side and spoke confidentially to Madeline. “If I had known Sam would be here and a wedding about to happen, we would have figured out a white ball gown for you. Does it really matter? Jane and I can get a white one ready for you in no time, if you want one…but it will postpone your wedding…”
Madeline laughed. “From this moment on I will consider red my lucky color.” She squeezed Sam�
�s arm. “I don’t care what I wear, Sam, even if it’s just a flour sack. All I care about is you. You’re really alive and you’re home. I can’t believe it. Yes, oh yes, I want to marry you right now. I don’t want another minute to pass without you by my side. I love you so much, Sam.”
Sam laid his cheek on the top of her head. “No matter how much you love me, I’m always going to love you more.” He stepped back and bent on one knee before her. The motion sent a shadow of pain across his face.
“Sam, don’t. You’ve been injured—”
“Don’t concern yourself, darlin’. I want to make this moment mean as much for you as it does for me. And I need to do this properly.” Searching the crowd that gathered around him, he set his gaze on his brother. “Do you have that Brownie camera of yours with you, Hank?”
“Got it right here, brother.” Hank stepped forward with the camera ready, a fresh flashbulb in place. “Go ahead and ask her. Kit’s gone to fetch the rings—if they’re still in the same place you hid them before you left.”
Sam smiled. “They’re there.” He turned back to Madeline, took her left hand in his. His lips touched the little gold ring she still wore, the promise ring, with a gentle kiss. “You never took it off,” he whispered. Then, with his black eyes steadily gazing into hers, he asked, “Madeline Andrews, I am a man unaccustomed to fancy words, but I want you to know my heart. I have loved you, body, mind and spirit since the first time I laid eyes on you in the school yard when we were kids. Your letters sustained me throughout the war. And when I was taken prisoner, it was my memories of you that gave me hope and kept me going. I determined if it was the last thing I ever did, I would get home to you and kneel before you as I am now, and ask you to please be my wife.”
The flash from the camera blinded Madeline for a moment. Once she readjusted her sight, she peered into the loving eyes of Samuel Benjamin Wilding and smiled. “That’s the most words you’ve strung together at one time since I’ve known you.”