Threads of Love (38 page)

Cora shook her head at the remark. Mary hadn’t listened to a word she had said.

“Mary, bring your notebook in; I have a few things that need to be completed before I leave for Chicago,” Charlie called.

Giving Cora a wink, Mary seated herself across from Charlie without uttering a word.

“I’ll be leaving for Chicago later this morning, Mary. Mr. Vance has called a meeting of company officials, and since he is in Chicago at the present time, he’s requested I come there. I’ll wire you information once I’m sure of a date. Now, let’s get some letters taken care of as quickly as possible. I need to be ready to leave on the eleven o’clock train, and I’ll need to get home and pack my things,” he advised and quickly began dictating the first of several letters.

Rushing to board the train, Charlie knew his answer had come. Mr. Vance wanted him in Chicago, Addie wanted him in Chicago, he wanted to be in Chicago, and he now felt certain that God wanted him in Chicago. He wasn’t quite so sure about Tessie, but he was positive Edward wanted him anywhere but Chicago. Leaning back in his seat, he hoped the trip would pass quickly, and he would reach the hospital in time to be of comfort to Addie.

H
earing Dr. Lundstrom’s voice in the hallway, Tessie looked up to see the doctor walking toward their room with an attractive young woman at his side. “Tessie, Addie, this is Marie. She works at our house and very much enjoys being with children. She spends a good deal of time with Genevive, our daughter, and would like to stay with Addie so that you can join us for dinner this evening. I will not take no for an answer. Marie understands deaf children. Addie will be in very competent hands. Marie will not leave her side, and you need to have some time away from here. It’s going to be a couple of days before surgery and then the recuperation period afterward. It’s necessary for you to get out of the hospital at every opportunity to revitalize yourself,” he said, walking to the small closet and removing Tessie’s coat.

“I don’t think it would be a good idea to leave,” she stammered, looking at Addie, who was already being entertained by Marie.

Tessie walked over to Addie. “Do you mind if I leave for awhile?” she asked. Addie shook her head, giving permission, then quickly returned to the game she and Marie were playing.

“I guess I’ve been dismissed,” she said to Dr. Lundstrom, slipping her arms into the wool coat he held out for her.

“You’d better get your scarf and gloves. It’s very cold,” he instructed, as the two of them waved to Addie and Marie.

“We met Marie on one of our trips to Europe. She was employed at one of the hotels where we stayed. None of her family is alive. Genevive took a shine to her, and Marie was able to communicate with and entertain her like no one else except my wife. Since she needed a home and we needed assistance with Genevive, it turned out to be an excellent arrangement for all of us. She quickly became part of the family. Genevive adores her, thinks of her as an older sister, I believe. When Marie discovered you were here alone, she offered to make herself available so that you could have some respite during Addie’s hospitalization. We’ve agreed it would be a wonderful arrangement for all of you. Now that Genevive can hear again, she’s not nearly as dependent upon Marie. Nowadays, Marie has turned into my wife’s social secretary and confidant. I don’t think she enjoys it nearly as much as being with children,” he said, a smile breaking across his face.

“That is a most generous offer, Dr. Lundstrom. I don’t know how frequently I will feel comfortable to leave Addie, but I assure you I am indebted to you and your family for the many kindnesses you’ve extended us,” she responded as their carriage turned into an oval driveway and stopped in front of an exquisite brick mansion.

“We’re here,” he said, assisting her from the carriage. “Edward will be so delighted. He has been after me to bring him to the hospital, but with this cold, snowy weather, I thought it better that he stay indoors. If I hadn’t returned with you, I think he would have walked to the hospital. He is quite taken with you, but I’m sure you know that,” he told her, as they entered the front door.

“Tessie, I can’t tell you how grand it is to see you,” Edward said, swinging toward her on his crutches and quickly placing a kiss on her cheek.

“Edward, please don’t be so forward,” she rebuked.

“We’re all family here, Tessie. They don’t mind a bit. No one would know how to behave if I acted in a refined manner all the time,” he said, grabbing her hand and placing a kiss on her palm.

“You must be the incredible Dr. Tessie Wilshire I’ve been hearing so much about. I’m Juliette Lundstrom, Edward’s sister,” said the striking brunette who came gliding toward Tessie, her hands outstretched in welcome. “We are so pleased to have you join us. I hope it will be the first of many visits,” she continued, leading the group into the dining room.

Hours later, Tessie was startled when she glanced at the hand-carved clock sitting on the mantel. “I didn’t realize it was so late. I must get back immediately,” she said, quickly rising from her chair. “Addie probably thinks I’ve deserted her. Juliette, may I have my coat, please,” she requested.

“If I know Marie, Addie is probably fast asleep, having had a most enjoyable time this evening,” Juliette responded. “I do understand your concern, however. I’ll only be a minute, and we’ll get you back to the hospital.”

Byron and Juliette bid her good night and allowed Edward a few minutes of privacy as he escorted Tessie to the door. “I want you to promise you’ll come back tomorrow evening,” Edward cajoled. “I’m not allowing you to leave until I have your word,” he stated emphatically.

“I don’t know, Edward. I really need to be spending my time with Addie.”

“Tell me you haven’t enjoyed the adult companionship and some decent food. Tell me it hasn’t refreshed you to be away for a few hours. I’m going to expect you here tomorrow evening. Edward’s carriage will bring Marie and fetch you back. I know Addie won’t care a bit. There’s not a child who doesn’t love to be with Marie. If Addie is completely unhappy with the arrangement, you send Marie back with the message, and I’ll force Byron to allow me a visit with you at the hospital. Do we have a bargain?” he pleaded.

“You are so difficult to refuse, Edward. I have enjoyed the evening. Your sister and niece are so lovely, and of course, you know how much I admire Byron. I guess we have a bargain,” she responded, pulling on her gloves and looking up at him.

He seized the opportunity and leaned forward on his crutches, pulling her to him. “Don’t back away, my love, or I’ll fall on the floor,” he whispered in her ear, embracing her. “Oh, Tessie, I’ve missed you so,” he murmured.

“Edward,” she began, bending back to meet his eyes but was stopped short as he quickly lowered his head, placing a lingering kiss on her partially open lips. “Edward, you must stop, or I will leave you lying flat on the floor,” she breathlessly chastised him. He smiled, gave her one more fleeting kiss, and backed away, knowing his kiss had left its mark.

“Ah, Tessie, you are the woman of my dreams,” he told her. “And I intend to have you!”

“I think I’ll have some say in the matter,” she replied as he opened the front door.

“That you will, that you will,” he retorted. “See you tomorrow evening and thank you for coming,” he called after her.

Juliette had been right. Addie was fast asleep, and Marie was busy with her embroidery when Tessie returned to the hospital. Addie’s exuberance the next day assuaged any feelings of guilt that Tessie had about returning to the Lundstrom’s for dinner again that evening. In fact, Addie encouraged her to go. Marie had promised to bring a new game for them to play, and it was obvious she was looking forward to spending more time with the young woman.

“You’re sure you don’t mind?” Tessie asked for the third time as Marie came walking down the hallway of the hospital.

“No, go,” Addie answered. “Marie and I will have fun,” she answered, just as Marie entered the room carrying a satchel that immediately caught Addie’s attention.

Several hours later, a noise in the hallway caused Marie to look up. Standing in the doorway was a tall, handsome man, a valise in one hand and a gaily wrapped package in the other.

“Charlie!” came the resounding call from Addie. “Oh Charlie, you came to be with me,” the child cried, bounding into his arms.

“And who might you be?” Charlie inquired, looking directly at Marie and noting she was the only other person in the room.

“I’m Marie, an employee of Dr. Lundstrom and his wife,” she replied. “Who are you?” she asked, although it was obvious that Addie knew this man well.

“Charlie Banion. A friend of Addie’s. Where might Dr. Wilshire be?” he asked, hoping she would be pleased to see him.

“She’s gone to the Lundstroms’ for dinner. Dr. Lundstrom thought she needed some relaxation away from the hospital, and of course, Edward has driven everyone mad since Dr. Lundstrom wouldn’t allow him to leave the house and visit Dr. Wilshire here at the hospital. He’s truly smitten with her, and I can certainly understand why. So beautiful and such a fine woman,” she confided, not realizing the impact her words were having on Charlie.

“Yes, she is beautiful,” Charlie answered. “You know, I’d really like to spend some time alone with Addie, and I’m sure you wouldn’t mind having some extra time for yourself. I’ll take over your duties here, and you can go ahead and return home,” he said, his voice carrying enough authority that Marie knew she had been dismissed.

“Marie, what are you doing home?” Dr. Lundstrom called from the dining room as the young woman entered. Tessie immediately rose from her chair, concern etched on her face.

“Sit down, Dr. Wilshire. Everything is fine. A friend of Addie’s is staying with her. She assured me you wouldn’t mind a bit. It appeared they wanted to visit privately, and he bid me leave them.”

“He? Did you get his name?” Tessie asked, still alarmed at the turn of events.

“Oh, of course. Mrs. Lundstrom would have my hide for such an omission,” she answered, giving her mistress a smile. “His name is Charlie Banion. A fine-looking man, I might add. Will you be needing me for anything further this evening, Mrs. Lundstrom?”

“No, nothing else, Marie. Thank you,” Juliette responded, noting their guest had turned ghostly pale.

“I really must return to the hospital,” Tessie stated, again rising from her chair.

“But you haven’t eaten. Sit down and finish your meal. I’ll have the driver return you immediately after dinner,” Dr. Lundstrom ordered.

She certainly didn’t want to insult the doctor. Even though she knew that staying was a mistake, she couldn’t afford to offend him. After all, he would be operating on Addie soon. Slowly she sat down and finished the longest meal of her life, dreading the meeting she would soon have with Charlie and knowing what he must be thinking when she didn’t immediately return.

Hearing the
click
of shoes coming down the hallway, Charlie glanced at his pocket watch. It was almost 8:30
P.M.
He was sure it must be Tessie. When she hadn’t returned shortly after Marie left, he knew she was sending him a message, a message he didn’t want to receive. His heart skipped a beat as she entered the room, her cheeks flushed from the cold, even more beautiful than he remembered. He had vowed to keep things civil—not lose his temper. The last thing he wanted was to drive her further into Edward’s arms.