Threads of Love (26 page)

“I couldn’t possibly go anywhere looking like this,” she stated, catching a glimpse of herself in the hall mirror. “I’d frighten off the rest of the customers!”

“You look beautiful,” he retorted, loving the look of her somewhat disheveled hair.

“Why are you standing there like you’re hiding something?” she inquired.

“I’ve brought the rest of your belongings,” he said. “Would you care to come out here and take a look?” he asked, grinning at her.

Walking onto the porch, she peeked behind him and spotted a brand-new bicycle with a bright red ribbon attached to the seat. Reading the letter that had been tied to the handlebars, she burst forth in gales of laughter. Tears began to stream down her face, and she doubled over, unable to control the fit of laughter.

“I know this must be as much a surprise to you as it was to me, but I didn’t think you’d find it quite so humorous,” he stated when she had finally begun to regain her composure. Hoping she would enlighten him about the gift, Charlie attempted to hide his disappointment when, without a word, she tucked the letter into her pocket.

“Don’t I deserve to know the origin of your gift since I served as the delivery boy?” he inquired.

“Certainly,” she replied with a smile. “Why don’t you come in and have a cup of tea, and I’ll explain,” she offered.

“What about my lunch invitation?” he asked, still hopeful she would accept.

“I really can’t leave, Charlie. I have two appointments later this afternoon and need to finish a few things before then. I am a working woman, you remember,” she chided.

“Tell you what. I’ll leave now and let you get your work finished if you’ll agree to have dinner and spend the evening with me,” he bargained.

“Oh, I don’t know if I could give you a whole evening,” she teased. Charlie’s face took on a mock scowl, which caused her to laugh again. “Okay, it’s a deal,” she answered. “Now, move along, and let me get my work completed.”

“You sure drive a hard bargain, Dr. Wilshire,” he replied, walking out the front door. “I’ll be anxious to hear all about this bicycle tonight. Pick you up at six thirty,” he advised, giving her a jaunty salute.

She had to admit it was good to see Charlie. Since their breakfast the morning after her arrival, she hadn’t had the pleasure of his company. Now, ten days later, he seemed a familiar face in this new locale.
Be careful
, she thought to herself.
Remember, you’re not going to let things move too quickly
.

It had been a busy and enjoyable time getting her practice set up, although it hadn’t been enjoyable making do with only two changes of clothing. She had spent a good deal of time washing and pressing in the last ten days!

By five o’clock Tessie completed her last appointment, cleaned the office, made her notations to the files, and rushed to her room, anxious to decide which of her newly arrived dresses she would wear this evening. She finally chose the lavender one with a striped, soft silk bodice and skirt. After a quick search, she located her straw hat, adorned with a deep lilac bow. A knock at the door sounded just as she pulled her white gloves from the drawer.

She smiled at Charlie’s look of appreciation. “You look like a breath of spring. Shall we enjoy a stroll, or would you prefer riding in the carriage?”

“I’d much prefer the walk after being indoors all day,” she answered, slipping her hand through the extended crook of his arm.

“Did you by any chance issue any threats to your employees after my arrival?” she inquired as they proceeded down the sidewalk.

“Of course not. What are you talking about?” he inquired.

“I guess I’ve been surprised how easily the employees and community have accepted a female doctor. It’s one of the things my professors drilled into me during medical school—the fact that people did not approve of women doctors, and I would never gain their trust,” she explained.

Charlie laughed at her answer. “I don’t mean to make light of what you’ve said. I’m sure there are a lot of folks, especially men, who wouldn’t take a shine to female doctors. With the additional employees here, folks have been making do with the midwives or no medical care at all, unless they can force Doc Rayburn out of retirement long enough to treat someone. There wasn’t any need for me to issue threats; your training and ability speak for themselves. I had no doubt folks would be pleased to have you as their physician,” he stated.

By the time they arrived, the dinner train and its host of travelers had departed, allowing townspeople a quiet enjoyment of the restaurant. Charlie noted the turned heads and stares of admiration as they walked through the restaurant and were seated, although Tessie seemed oblivious. Reaching their table, she scanned the room, hoping to catch a glimpse of Lydia.

“Anything look particularly inviting?” Charlie asked, trying to draw Tessie’s attention back to the table.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I haven’t even looked at the menu,” she apologized, a small smile tracing her lips. “I was hoping Lydia would be working. What are you going to order?”

“Think I’ll have the steak, but I understand the chicken Maciel is one of the favorites around here,” he replied.

“In that case, I’ll try it,” she answered, just as Lydia appeared at their table.

“Evening, Dr. Wilshire, Mr. Banion. Had time to decide on what you’d like?” she asked.

“Sure have,” Charlie answered and gave her their order. She poured coffee for each of them and was off in a flurry, taking orders, pouring drinks, and serving meals, the pace never seeming to lose momentum.

When Lydia returned with their meals, Tessie decided she needed to speak quickly or lose the opportunity. “Lydia, would you and Addie like to come for tea next Wednesday afternoon?”

“Me?” the girl asked, seeming amazed at the invitation. Tessie nodded her head, assuring Lydia she had heard correctly.

“What time? I only have a couple hours off in the afternoon, between two and four,” she hesitantly answered.

“That would be fine. I don’t schedule office visits on Wednesday afternoons, so whenever it’s convenient for you and Addie, just stop by,” Tessie proposed.

“Right. We’ll do that,” she responded. She had only taken a few steps when she quickly returned and whispered, “I don’t know where you live.”

Before Tessie could answer, Charlie spoke up and gave the young woman detailed instructions. Tessie merely shook her head at his obvious need to speak for her.

“I haven’t heard about your bicycle as yet,” Charlie mentioned as Lydia hastened off to secure two apple dumplings with caramel sauce for their dessert.

“When I first arrived at medical school, I met one of the students who had recently graduated and was returning home. He convinced me to purchase his bicycle, expounding upon what a convenience it had proved for him, cycling from his boardinghouse to classes. I liked the idea of saving time and the fact there would be no additional care and expense with a bicycle. She stopped to taste a forkful of the warm apple dumpling.

“That is simply delicious,” she stated, pointing her fork at the dessert.

“It is certainly that,” Charlie replied. “But, please, back to the bicycle,” he prodded.

“Well, never having ridden a bicycle, I had no idea one needed balance or that a woman’s full skirt would cause additional problems. Feeling proud of my frugality, I paid for the bicycle, which he delivered to my boardinghouse. The next morning after breakfast, I tossed my books into the basket and began the ride of my life!”

An enormous, knowing smile sprawled across Charlie’s face. “That must have been quite a sight,” he exclaimed, bursting into laughter, the surrounding dinner guests eyeing him as if he had lost his senses.

“It’s obvious you have a good idea just how graceful I appeared,” Tessie commented. “I’m not sure what was injured most, my knees or my pride—not to mention the new skirt and stockings I ruined,” she continued, now joining him in laughter, tears beginning to collect in the corner of each eye. Intermittently interrupted by spurts of laughter, she confessed that she began wearing bloomers when cycling, although it was frowned upon by her instructors. “I was required to change into a skirt as soon as I arrived at school, but it was decidedly worth that concession since once I learned to stay astraddle the contraption, I did save immeasurable time.”

“Why did your aunt and uncle think you would want another bicycle?” he questioned.

“Both of them are open-minded enough to think that wearing bloomers is appropriate attire for riding a bicycle, and they are frugal enough to realize a bicycle is more economical than feeding and caring for a horse. Besides, they knew I enjoyed bicycling once I had conquered the metal beast. I traded mine for a medical book before leaving Chicago and had mentioned on several occasions that I missed the exercise and freedom it afforded me,” she replied.

“In that case, I would say they’ve given you a fine gift,” he responded as they rose to leave the restaurant.

Catching Lydia’s eye, Tessie raised her hand and called out, “See you and Addie on Wednesday.”

Lydia nodded and smiled as she continued jotting down another customer’s order.

“Why the persistence about Lydia coming to visit?” Charlie inquired.

“I’m concerned about Addie and how she’s managing with all the changes in her life. Lydia seems to resent being thrust into the role of provider. Perhaps if I can ease the burden a bit for Lydia, it will make things better for both of them,” she declared, not wanting to discuss the topic further.

“You need to be careful about overinvolvement. I’m sure Lydia is the type to take advantage,” he counseled.

“I think I’m quite capable of deciding my level of involvement with people,” she responded, irritated with his condescending manner.

“I didn’t mean to interfere,” he apologized. “It’s just my nature, I guess.”

Tessie didn’t respond but tucked his words away for future reference.
If it’s his nature to interfere
, she thought to herself,
I’m not sure he’s the man for me
.

“I’ll be leaving in the morning, but I’ll be back late Wednesday afternoon,” Charlie said, bringing her back to the present. “How about dinner?” he asked.

“I suppose that would be fine,” she answered without much fervor. She was thinking about the upcoming visit with Addie and Lydia rather than her handsome escort.

“Here we are,” Charlie announced as he leaned down and unlatched the gate, hoping for an invitation to sit on the porch and visit awhile longer.

“So, we are. Thank you for dinner, Charlie. I hope you have a good trip tomorrow. See you next week,” she stated without any hint of wanting to prolong the evening.

“Good night,” Charlie called back as she entered the front doorway, hopeful she would forget his transgression by the time he returned.

Wednesday afternoon finally arrived, and Tessie found herself peeking out the lace curtains in the parlor every five minutes, hoping to glimpse her expected visitors. She had almost decided they wouldn’t arrive when a light knock sounded at the front door.

“I had almost given up,” she said, smiling at the two girls as she led them into the parlor.

“We can’t stay long ‘cause I have to be back in half an hour,” Lydia replied. “A friend of mine came through on the train, and I wanted to visit with him. That’s why we’re late,” she explained.

“How wonderful! Is it someone from back home?” Tessie asked, excited the girls had a friend who was interested in their welfare.

“No, he’s a salesman I met since working at the restaurant. We’ve gone on a couple of outings when he’s stayed over a few days. We’re going out after work tonight,” Lydia answered, obviously pleased with her suitor.

“That’s nice, Lydia. Does he sell his goods to Mr. Alexander at the general store?”

“Oh no. He sells at the Harvey House. There’s a room where the salesmen set up their merchandise when they’re traveling through, and townspeople can stop by and do their shopping. You ought to come over and see all the things they have for sale. There’s almost always someone set up there,” she stated, all the while her eyes were darting about the house, clearly impressed with the furnishings.

Tessie placed a cool glass of lemonade in front of Addie and poured cups of tea for Lydia and herself. A large plate of freshly baked cookies sat in front of them, although neither of the young women reached for one until they’d been offered.

“What have you and Addie been doing in your spare time?” Tessie asked, watching the younger girl devour her cookie.

“I’m so tired by the time I get off my shift, I just about fall into bed at night,” Lydia exclaimed. “I’m off a couple of hours in the afternoon, and that’s it except for my one day off. Even when we don’t have customers, we’ve got to polish silver, set tables, scrub counters, and change linens. ‘Course if Floyd’s in town, I squeeze in a little time for fun where I can,” she said, flipping her head to one side. “When I get married, I’ll have a house as nice as this,” she proclaimed.

“I’m sure you will,” Tessie responded. “And what about Addie? Is she working all the time also?”

“No, I told ’em she could, but John, the chef, said she was too little for long hours. He’s got her washing dishes for the first two trains each day; then she’s done. I should have it so good!”