Love's Sweet Beginning Page 2

  “Is something wrong with the meal, Miss Haddon?” Concern shone in his dark eyes.

  “No.” She waved her hand in front of her face. “I just feel so dizzy. I thought I was hungry, but now . . . now I’m afraid I may be ill.”

  “I’ll send someone for the doctor.”

  “No, please. I . . . we can’t pay. This will pass, I’m sure.”

  He cocked his head, an amused expression on his handsome face. “You remember Doc Stewart?”

  “Certainly. He and my friend Rosemary were married last summer.”

  A shadow passed over his features. “Yes. They were.” He drew a breath. “Since you’re Mrs. Stewart’s friend, I don’t believe you need to worry about payment. But if there’s a charge, I’ll be responsible.”

  Her mother rested her fork on the edge of her plate. “Cassie, please allow him to summon Dr. Stewart.” She gave Mr. West a bright smile. “We were just talking about the doctor before we entered your store. Possibly his wife will have a tincture that would help.”

  Cassie covered her face with her hands, wishing she could sink through the floor. Ransom Carter had called them beggars.

  Perhaps they were.

  3

  Jacob’s shoulders tensed when Dr. Elijah Stewart strode through the door of the restaurant. The sight of his rival for Rosemary’s affections continued to have that effect on him, despite the months that had passed since Rosemary and the doctor were married.

  He forced his lips into a welcoming smile.

  “Miss Haddon’s been taken ill.” Jacob gestured toward a table at the back of the room, where she sat with her head cradled in her arms. “I’ll be happy to pay your fee for this visit.”

  “Not necessary. She’s my wife’s friend, as you know.” The doctor crossed to Miss Haddon’s side and placed his medical bag on the table. Jacob followed a few paces behind.

  Miss Haddon raised her head. “You really didn’t need to come, Dr. Stewart. Mr. West was kind enough to bring me some broth and allow me to rest here until I felt better.”

  From the flush that suffused her features, Jacob felt sure she must be feverish. And who could blame her? Mrs. Bingham would wear anyone down to a nub. From what Miss Haddon had revealed while they waited for the doctor, her mother had dragged her onto the train from St. Louis without breakfast, and until they reached his restaurant, they’d had nothing to eat. Of course, Miss Haddon hadn’t said one unkind word about her mother in the telling. He shook his head and watched as Doc Stewart counted her pulse.

  After a minute or two, and several questions, the doctor lowered his burly frame onto a chair next to his patient. “I don’t find anything medically wrong. You’re overwrought. I prescribe rest—at our house.” He leaned back in the chair and grinned at her. “Rosemary will be beside herself with joy to see you—and your mother too, of course. My buggy’s waiting.”

  “I hate to impose . . .” Miss Haddon’s face flamed brighter.

  Mrs. Bingham hurried toward them. “Thank you so much, Doctor. You’re too kind. I know Cassie’s eager for a visit with dear Rosemary.” She slipped her hand under her daughter’s arm and helped her to her feet.

  While they crossed the room, Jacob ducked around them and held the door open. Miss Haddon’s gaze locked with his. Her green eyes shone. “Thank you for everything. I’m grateful for your concern.” She held out her hand, and he took it.

  “If you need anything while you’re here, I’d be pleased to do all I can to help.”

  “Just don’t forget to ask about my brother,” Mrs. Bingham said.

  Her domineering attitude raised his ire. “No, ma’am, I won’t.” He hoped he sounded courteous.

  He stood in the doorway for a moment after Doc Stewart’s carriage turned the corner and traveled south. Aside from her current state, Miss Haddon had blossomed during her time in St. Louis. If it weren’t for that mother of hers, she’d be a lovely wife for some lucky man.

  Blowing out a breath, he closed the door. The last time he’d considered a wife, she married someone else. He wouldn’t risk his heart again.

  Cassie leaned back against the seat during the brief carriage ride, her pleasure at the prospect of seeing Rosemary tainted by the circumstances. She would have given anything to visit her friend as an equal. Instead, she and Mother would come at the door as—

  She bit the inside of her lip.

  Beggars.

  The doctor stopped the carriage in front of his house and tied the horse to the hitching post. “I’ll stable him later. Right now I want to watch Rosemary’s face when she sees you.”

  Grinning, he escorted Cassie and her mother up the porch steps and knocked. Behind the closed door, a dog barked.

  In a moment, Rosemary answered the summons. Her eyes widened.

  “Cassie! Mrs. Bingham. What a wonderful surprise.” She reached down and grabbed the sable and white dog by the collar. “Bodie, be still.”

  He wagged his tail and pushed his head against Cassie’s leg.

  Rosemary smiled. “He remembers you.” She stepped away from the entrance. “Please come in.”

  Her figure had filled out since Cassie saw her last. She wore a peach-colored dress covered by a white, full-length apron, which couldn’t quite conceal her plumpness. Her eyes sparkled when she gazed up at her husband. “What a treat. How did you manage this?”

  “I thought you’d be pleased. I’ll explain later—right now I need to stable the horse.” He bent to kiss the top of her head. “I won’t be long.”

  Cassie gazed around the spacious entry, surprised at the elegance of her surroundings. In her letters, Rosemary had mentioned leaving her cottage when she married, but she hadn’t described her new home with any detail.

  To one side, a flight of polished oak stairs led to a carpeted landing. On her right, a hall table held a fluted silver tray containing a number of calling cards.

  After hanging their cloaks on a hall tree, Rosemary gestured through an archway toward a comfortably furnished room. A lamp glowed on a table placed within the curve of a bay window, illuminating upholstered armchairs and a high-backed sofa. Flames crackled over logs in the fireplace.

  “Please, be seated. I’m anxious to hear what brings you back to Noble Springs.”

  Cassie settled onto one of the chairs near the fire and waited to hear how her mother would respond to Rosemary’s question.

  Mother took a moment to fiddle with the lace collar at her neck, then cleared her throat. “We came here planning to live with my brother. I was told—erroneously, it turns out—that he was working for the railroad in this area.”

  “You’re saying he’s not here?” Concern wrinkled Rosemary’s forehead.

  “No, he isn’t. I plan to write to the railroad company first thing tomorrow. They’ll be able to tell me where he is.”

  Rosemary leaned forward. “In the meantime, please consider yourselves our guests.” She rested a fond gaze on Cassie. “It will be like old times to have your company.”

  “You’re very kind. We appreciate it.” Mother shot an “I told you so” glance in Cassie’s direction.

  She squirmed on her chair. When her uncle Rudy told Mother they’d be his guests, the visit had stretched to nearly a year. Cassie promised herself they wouldn’t abuse the Stewarts’ hospitality in the same fashion.

  Late that evening, Cassie and Rosemary sat alone in the kitchen sharing a pot of mint tea. A plate of lemon-thyme bread rested between them on the table.

  Grateful her stomach had settled, Cassie lifted a slice and nibbled one corner, then rested the treat on a dessert plate beside her teacup. “You and the doctor—”

  “Please, call him Elijah.”

  “I’ll try. It’s hard to break old habits.” She moistened her lips and began again. “You and Elijah are so gracious to take us in like this. Mother . . . I don’t understand how she could have left my uncle’s home without—”

  Rosemary squeezed Cassie’s hand. “Having you here is a bles
sing. I’ve missed you dreadfully.” She hitched her chair closer until their knees touched.

  “But still, to arrive without warning . . .”

  “I’d have been devastated to learn you were in Noble Springs and staying at the hotel.”

  “No chance of that.” She inhaled the fragrance of mint as she sipped her tea. “Mother was so sure she’d find her brother that she didn’t think about the cost if he wasn’t here.” She lowered her voice, although her mother had retired to the guest room for the night over an hour ago. “We never should have left St. Louis, no matter how poorly my uncle treated us.”

  “Will you please stop apologizing?” Rosemary smiled and pushed the plate of sweetbread closer to her. “Try another bite or two. You’re looking better by the minute.”

  Cassie surveyed her friend. Her skin bloomed with health, and her glossy hair shone in the lamplight.

  “You’re the one who looks wonderful. I know it’s rude to ask, but are you . . . ?”

  Rosemary blushed. “Yes. In June sometime, we think.” She rested her hands over her abdomen. “We’re planning to turn our guest room into a nursery soon.”

  A bite caught in Cassie’s throat. Her friend couldn’t have her nursery until the guest room was vacant.

  Apparently reading her expression, Rosemary said, “Not that soon! You and Eliza are welcome to stay as long as necessary.”

  How long would that be? If they couldn’t find her uncle, she and Mother had nowhere else to go.

  Cassie stood in West & Riley’s with her arms folded across her chest, listening to her mother berate Mr. West.

  “We all know a railroad crew spent the past two weeks in Noble Springs. The Observer had a long story about how much money their presence brought to the community. What I don’t understand is why no one told you one thing about my brother. Are you sure you asked?”

  Mr. West’s face grew thunderous. “I wouldn’t lie to you, ma’am. I’ve told you before, the railroad has workers all over this part of the state. You can’t expect them to know each other.”

  Cassie stepped forward. “We appreciate your help. You’ve been very kind.”

  “Wish I could do more, Miss Haddon.” His expression relaxed. “One of these days your uncle will turn up. Just be patient.”

  Time was running out for patience. As each day passed, she felt more self-conscious about their presence in Rosemary’s home.

  “I’m trying, Mr. West.” She took her mother’s arm. “It’s a lovely day. Let’s enjoy the sunshine while it lasts.”

  With an irritated huff, Mother tugged her arm free. “I’m quite capable of walking without assistance.” She stalked out the door. Once they were on the boardwalk, her steps slowed. “I just don’t know why I haven’t heard from the railroad. They must keep a list of their workmen.”

  “It could take weeks for a response.”

  “No matter. I’ll wait.”

  Cassie’s heart plummeted. The thought of imposing on Rosemary’s kindness for an indefinite period made her cringe. She tightened her jaw as they approached the Stewarts’ two-story brick home. In St. Louis, her uncle called her useless. She’d show him. She’d show everyone.

  Rosemary’s dog, Bodie, left the porch and scampered down the walk when he saw them. Cassie bent and scratched him behind the ears. To her surprise, her mother stroked the fur on his back.

  “I thought you were afraid of Bodie.”

  “I’ve grown used to him. If we have to live here, I might as well accept the dog.”

  Cassie straightened. “We don’t have to live here.”

  “We certainly do. We can’t even buy tickets to St. Louis, not that Rudy would take us in if we got there.” The look she gave Cassie was tinged with fear. “I’m afraid I’ve brought us to a dead end.” Her lip trembled. “I don’t know what to do next,” she whispered.

  Taken aback by her decisive mother’s vulnerability, Cassie gave her a hug. “We’ll be fine.” She sounded braver than she felt. First thing tomorrow, she’d make a plan.

  Tonight, she’d pray for guidance.

  4

  The next day, while Cassie helped Rosemary wash the dishes after the noon meal, a portion of a Scripture verse that had come to her in the night circled through her mind. If any would not work, neither should he eat. She was more than willing to work. If she could escape her mother’s scrutiny for an hour or so, she’d put her plans into action.

  After drying the final plate, she draped the towel over a peg and turned to Rosemary. “I need your help. You mentioned that this afternoon you intend to call on one of Elijah’s patients who has a new baby.”

  Rosemary smiled. “Yes, Mrs. Wright. I’m eager to see her little one. I’d be pleased to have you accompany me.”

  “Thank you, but I have something else I need to do. Would you mind taking my mother instead?”

  Her friend’s cheerful expression faded. “Do you think she’d be willing? She’s done little since you’ve been here other than sit in your room reading books and writing letters.” A flush colored her cheeks. “I’m sorry. That sounded harsher than I intended.”

  “It’s the truth.” Cassie bowed her head. “While my father was alive, he made certain we were both waited on hand and foot. Mother hasn’t accepted that those days are gone forever.” She met Rosemary’s compassionate gaze. “That’s why I hoped you could keep her busy this afternoon. I’m going to go out and find a job.”

  “Doing what?” Rosemary blurted, then clapped a hand over her mouth. Her expression softened. “I mean, you’ve never really worked either. I don’t think—”

  “I’m not useless. You found a job and took care of yourself. Why can’t I?” She turned toward the entrance to the dining room. “If you don’t want Mother’s company this afternoon, I’ll find another way.”

  “Why don’t you just tell her what you plan to do?”

  Cassie pivoted to meet her friend’s puzzled gaze. “She’d never let me go. To her way of thinking, ladies don’t soil their hands with work. But if I present her with the fait accompli, she’ll have to agree.”

  At least, she hoped that’s how things would turn out. Last night the solution to their dilemma seemed so clear. Now the doubt in Rosemary’s eyes brought out her own uncertainty.

  Then a glance at the dress her friend wore—gathered under the bust to conceal her condition—reminded Cassie that she and her mother must find a home of their own, and soon. For that to happen, she needed a job.

  “Where do you plan to seek employment?” Rosemary’s soft voice cut into her thoughts.

  Hope shot through her. “Does that mean you’ll take Mother with you this afternoon?”

  “Yes, I’ll be happy to.”

  She threw her arms around Rosemary. “Thank you. You’re a blessing. I’ll go help her get ready.”

  “Now, tell me where you’re going.”

  “I’ll tell you when I return.” She left the kitchen and sped up the stairs.

  As soon as Mother departed with Rosemary, Cassie drew her green plaid taffeta walking dress from the wardrobe in their bedroom. Once the frock had been her best choice for paying calls. But after more than a year, signs of wear showed around the hem and sleeves.

  By folding the cuffs to the inside, she hid their frayed edges. If she had time, she’d also stitch the hem up an inch, but at best she had an hour or so before Rosemary returned from her call on Mrs. Wright.

  Cassie slipped out of the simple blue cotton garment she wore and stood in her petticoat, nerves fluttering. She didn’t know which worried her the most—the reception she might receive when she asked for work, or her mother’s reaction if she were fortunate enough to be employed. After a moment, she took a deep breath and dropped the green taffeta over her head. The time had come to step out in faith.

  Standing in front of a framed wall mirror, she settled her straw bonnet over her auburn braids, then tied the emerald green ribbons beneath her chin. A closer scrutiny in the glass revealed pale sk
in. She pinched color into her cheeks, then hurried down the stairs.

  Bodie met her at the door, tail wagging.

  She rubbed his ears. “Not now. I’ll walk you when I get back.” She slipped outside and closed the door in his hopeful face.

  Moving briskly, she crossed King’s Highway and strode north. At the corner of High Street, she straightened her shoulders, drew a breath, then marched through the door leading to West & Riley’s restaurant.

  Since the noon hour had passed, no patrons sat at the tables, although stacked dishes here and there testified to their presence earlier. The room smelled faintly of ham and scorched cornbread. She heard voices and the clinking of cutlery coming from the kitchen, so she turned in that direction. The door swung open before she reached the entrance.

  Mr. West blinked at her as if he’d seen a vision.

  “Miss Haddon? Are you in need of groceries? My helper should be somewhere about.”

  “I came to see you.” She squelched the tremor in her voice. “About a job.”

  He raised an eyebrow. After a glance at her attire, he shook his head. “I’m sorry. I don’t need any more help.”

  “I beg to differ. From the looks of the tables, you are lacking a waitress to fetch and carry plates in and out of the kitchen. I noticed the other evening that you were doing the serving.” Perspiration moistened the palms of her gloved hands as she continued with her rehearsed speech. “As the owner of the business, that’s hardly the best use of your time. There may be customers in the grocery right now, and no one there to assist them.”

  One corner of his moustache twitched as he appeared to fight a smile. “Well said. But you’re a lady—a real lady. This is no place for you.”

  She peeled off her gloves, draping them over the back of a chair, then moved to one of the tables. After stacking soiled dishes together, she swept up knives and forks and dropped them onto the top plate.