When the Heart Heals (34 page)

A
s soon as Rosemary boarded a south-bound horsecar, she walked through the coach and stopped next to the driver.

“Can you please tell me if there's a line that goes west to the soldiers' home on Arsenal Road?”

“City don't run cars out there, ma'am. Too far away.” He lifted the reins. “Best take your seat. We needs to be goin'.”

She held up her hand. “Wait, please. Is there another means you could suggest?” She heard the pleading in her voice.

“Well, there's a livery stable down on Beabeau. Road from there goes out to Arsenal. You might could hire a buggy.”

The cost of renting a buggy gave her a moment's pause. “Do you happen to know what they charge?”

He pushed his cap back on his head and seemed to see her for the first time. “I believe it's a silver dollar, but you tell Mr. Rush that Winston sent you. See if'n he'll cut you a bargain.”

“Thank you.”

As soon as she reached her seat, he snapped the reins and the coach moved along the track. Rosemary squeezed her arms
around her waist. If she spent a dollar on a horse and buggy, she'd have to leave for Noble Springs tomorrow, whether or not she found her parents. She'd already used half the day on the journey to Roubillard Street. If they were no longer living at the soldiers' home, perhaps someone there would know where they'd gone.
Please, Lord, let me find them—today.
She folded her hands in an attitude of prayer.
And please help me know what to say.

True to his word, the driver stopped at Beabeau Street and pointed to a wooden building with a corral on one side. “There you be, ma'am. Good luck to ya.”

She thanked him again and strode toward the stable. The closer she got to her destination, the more pungent the air. Because her brother had spent months working for the livery owner in Noble Springs, she was accustomed to the smells. Still, she hesitated when she reached the open doors. Few women hired buggies. What if Mr. Rush refused to rent one to her?

“Help ya, ma'am?” A lean man with a weathered face walked out of the shadows. His manure-crusted boots testified to his occupation.

“Are you Mr. Rush?”

He tipped his hat. “The same.”

“Winston—he's a driver on a horsecar—sent me. I want to rent a buggy for the afternoon.” She drew a steadying breath. “A little runabout would be perfect, if you have one.” She tried to conceal her nervousness and appear confident at the same time.

“Winston sent you? Well, guess I could find something you can handle. You want to wait over there in the shade, I'll get a rig ready.” He disappeared inside the stable.

Thirty minutes later, she traveled west on Arsenal Road in a black runabout, thankful that Mr. Rush had charged her
half price since it was past noon. The bay mare he'd provided was almost as slow as her brother's horse, Moses.

The road ran straight through flat terrain dotted with small farms. A multistoried brick structure rose in the distance, a tall bell tower in front standing several stories higher than the rest of the building. The stable owner had told her she couldn't miss her destination. He was right.

A trickle of perspiration slid along her temple, more from anxiety than the midday heat. She flicked the reins to spur the horse to a trot. Within a few minutes she guided the runabout onto a curved drive that ended at a columned portico. Other horses and buggies were tied to rails on both sides of the entrance. Several men milled about the grounds, while others sat in the sun. No one paid any attention to her arrival.

After securing the reins, she pushed open the heavy door and found herself in a large room lined with tall, narrow windows. The space reminded her of the lobby at City Hospital, except the aroma floating in the air smelled like ginger cookies rather than medicine.

She jumped when a voice spoke behind her. “You here to visit a family member?” A young man wearing a blue Union uniform smiled at her.

This was the moment. She could either say yes and proceed with her plan, or flee. Rosemary gripped her hands together until the nails bit into the flesh.

“Yes, I am. Not a soldier, though. I was told Mr. and Mrs. Saxon are employed here.”

His eyes brightened. “They surely are. Mr. Saxon's out in the vegetable garden, but I believe Mrs. Saxon is in their apartment. She generally takes a rest after she sees to our dinner.” He took a step toward a hallway leading to the left. “Want me to take you to her?”

“Please.” She hated the way her voice squeaked.

She followed him to the end of the hall, where he tapped on a door. “Miz Saxon. Someone to see you.” He bowed toward Rosemary and strode away.

The door opened. The welcoming smile on her mother's face paled to a look of astonishment. “What . . . what are you doing here?”

“I might ask you the same question, Mama.” She tried to smile. “Mrs. Thorndyke told me where you were. May I come in?”

“Please do.” Her mother's voice trembled.

When she stepped inside, her mother rested her hand on Rosemary's shoulder. A butterfly touch. “I'm so happy to see you. I was afraid . . . I didn't know how . . .” Her eyes glittered with tears.

Rosemary fought to keep her own tears in check. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she took her mother's hands in her own. Now. She needed to speak before her courage fled. She drew a long breath.

“I came to apologize. I was harsh and self-righteous when you tried to explain how your brother's death affected you. To have me leave you as well must have been a double blow.” She bowed her head and focused on their joined hands. “I miss you so much. Can you forgive me?”

After a moment of hesitation, her mother gathered Rosemary in her arms. “I'm the one who was wrong. No proper mother sends her children away. To say I'm sorry isn't nearly enough. It never will be.”

Resting her head on her mother's shoulder, she inhaled the sweet powdery scent that she remembered from childhood. They held each other tight for a long moment. Then her mother stepped back and led Rosemary to the sofa.

“Tell me everything. Where do you and Curt live? Is he
teaching again?” She drew a handkerchief from her apron pocket and dabbed tears from her cheeks.

Rosemary shook her head. “First, tell me how you and Papa came to be here. Caring for Union soldiers, of all things.”

“The Lord's forgiving power is a wonder. When we heard of this place being built, my first thought was of my brother—wishing he'd survived. Then one day the idea came to me that these men are no different than he was. They just wear a different-colored uniform.” She leaned forward, enthusiasm shining from her face. “Your papa and I prayed over this decision and felt led to come here. The war is over, praise God. We're doing what we can to help those who have no families left.”

She remembered her mother caring for neighbors who were ill, and her father sharing his harvest up and down their street. A flood of love for her parents filled her heart.

“I'm proud of you, Mama.”

Her mother looked away. “I was proud of you too, when you served at the Barracks.” Her voice was a whisper. “But I couldn't bring myself to say so.”

Rosemary scooted closer until their shoulders touched. “It's all past now.” She kissed her mother's soft cheek. “Let me tell you about Curt.” She related her brother's experiences in Noble Springs, first as a stableman, now as the mathematics instructor at the academy. “He married my best friend, Faith Lindberg.”

Mama sat bolt upright. “Curt is married?”

“Last October. We wrote to invite you and Papa.” She raised her eyebrows. “You didn't receive the letter?”

“We left Roubillard Street in June. Your message never reached us. I would have welcomed a reason to visit.” Fresh tears seeped from her eyes. “Your father has been urging me to make the trip ever since we sold our house, but I was too
afraid of our reception. You and Curt must have believed we were the worst parents in the world, to ignore such happy news.”

Rosemary cringed. That's exactly what she and her brother had thought.

“It's not too late.”
For either one of us
.

R
osemary stepped down from the train in Noble Springs. Her elation at the reconciliation with her parents subsided as she gazed between the station and the building where Elijah had his office. So much had happened since Monday morning, when she'd gone to work anticipating their wedding.

And now, five days later, she had the prospect of a job and a temporary place to live in St. Louis—and Elijah had Miss Mason. Her heart twisted as she contemplated spending the next week avoiding them.
Lord, please help me through this.

A man driving a farm wagon traveled past the station. In the back, a brown and white dog wagged his tail when he saw her.

Her spirits lifted a bit. At least she'd have Bodie with her when she left next time. They'd make a new start together, as they'd done when she came to Noble Springs. Seizing the handle of her valise, she avoided Elijah's office by walking up Court Street to King's Highway. Then she turned right toward home. After changing into fresh garments, she'd go straight to the mercantile.

Within the hour, she locked her front door and hurried through the late afternoon humidity toward the center of town. Faith stood at the window rolling the shades down when Rosemary arrived.

She stopped in midtask and ran out onto the boardwalk. “I didn't expect you for another week!” She grabbed Rosemary in a hug. “I hope you changed your mind about staying in St. Louis.”

“Quite the contrary. I have a promise of employment.”

“That's not what I wanted to hear.” Faith's shoulders drooped. “I'll miss you terribly.” She grasped Rosemary's hand and led her into the store. “Tell me what occurred there. You don't sound very happy.”

“So much happened I don't know where to start. Some good, some not so good. Would you like the exciting news first?”

“I can't imagine that anything about you moving away would be exciting.” Faith leaned against a counter, her arms folded across her middle.

“I talked to my parents. They're coming to see Curt and meet you as soon as they can.” She grinned at the astonished expression on Faith's face. “I told you it was exciting news.”

Shaking her head, Faith dropped onto one of the chairs next to the woodstove. “This is the last thing I expected. You said you wouldn't visit them.”

“Once I was in St. Louis, I couldn't get Mama out of my mind.” She recounted passing Roubillard Street on her trip to Cassie's, and waking up the next day compelled to try for reconciliation. “Now I know how Jonah felt when the Lord sent him to Nineveh. Going to see Mama was one of the hardest things I've ever done—and it turned out better than I could have imagined.”

“How did you get them to promise to come for a visit?”

“That's the best part of all. Their lives are so different now.”

After describing the soldiers' home and her mother's new attitude, Rosemary concluded, “Mama said she'd been afraid they wouldn't be welcome after the way she behaved toward us.” She squeezed Faith's hand. “They didn't receive the letter we sent before your wedding, or I believe they would have come then.”

“Curt will be overjoyed at this news.” Faith's cheeks grew rosy. “Our child will have grandparents.”

It was Rosemary's turn to be astonished. “Are you . . . ?”

“I think so.” Her eyes shone.

Rosemary pulled Faith to her feet and wrapped her in a hug. “A new little Saxon. What a blessing.” She tried to hide the pain in her voice.

She'd be living in St. Louis when the child was born.

After locking the mercantile, Faith and Rosemary strolled toward Faith's home. While they walked, Rosemary explained her plans to leave the day after Amy's wedding.

“Mrs. Kenyon promised she'd find a place for me to live, and Dr. Harding is expecting me on the eighth.”

“How will you ever be ready so quickly?”

“I don't have that many possessions. The house was already furnished when I came here last year to live with Curt. My plants . . . I'm hoping he can move the greenhouse to your backyard. I'll put as many of the herbs as I can in pots, and take them, but some varieties don't like to be uprooted.” The more she thought about her plans, the more complicated they became. She didn't like to be uprooted, either.

Faith put a hand on her arm and stopped her in the shade of a maple tree. “We'll both do all we can for you, but are you sure you want to leave? Thaddeus told us that Dr. Stewart sent Miss Mason away on yesterday's train.”

“He sent her away?”

“Yes. She's gone. Perhaps there's still hope.”

“If he would dally with another girl's affections once, he'd do it again. I don't want to marry a man I can't trust.” No matter how much she loved him.

“Rosemary—”

She freed her arm. “Let's go get Bodie. I'm anxious to see him.”

They walked in silence until they neared the Lindberg home. Faith cleared her throat. “Bodie missed you. From what Thaddeus said, so did Dr. Stewart.”

Rosemary sighed. “For today, I'll enjoy Bodie.” She tried to keep her voice light. “I'll worry about Elijah some other time.”

“Fair enough, but don't think for a minute I'm going to drop the subject.” Faith grinned at her and climbed the steps to her porch. As soon as she opened the door, Bodie hurtled across the entryway and planted his front paws on Rosemary's skirt. His tail whipped in circles.

She dropped to her knees and hugged his wiggling body. “I'm glad to see you too.” After a few moments of rubbing his ears and belly, she stood and gazed into the vacant sitting room. A pang shot through her when she saw the mantel and thought about the decorations she and Amy planned for Amy's wedding. Closing her eyes, she imagined walking across the same room to stand by Elijah's side. Then Miss Mason's face blotted out the scene.

“Would you like to help in the mercantile tomorrow?”

At Faith's eager voice, Rosemary banished Miss Mason from her mind and turned to her friend. “I'd love to. I want to spend all the time I can with you before I leave.”

Rosemary took her time traveling the distance between Faith's home and her own. As she passed familiar structures,
she slowed to take a second look, wanting to memorize the town she'd soon be leaving. Bodie sniffed each tree they passed, giving her ample time for reflection. When they reached Courthouse Square, she paused to admire Noble Springs's most imposing structure. Its three stories of stone reflected reddish orange light from the sunset that flared behind her. In St. Louis, the building would be one of many. Here, it stood apart.

“Rosemary! Wait.” Footsteps pounded on the boardwalk behind her.

Her breath seized. Elijah.

She lifted her chin as she turned, and speared him with a chilly stare. “Dr. Stewart.” Bodie jerked at his leash, his feet scrabbling to reach Elijah. She pulled the dog close to her side.

“Thank goodness I spotted you. I was sitting in Thaddeus's office when you walked by.” He looked more appealing than she remembered.

“We have nothing to talk about.” She kept her tone icy. “If you'll excuse me—”

He held up his hand. “Please, listen to me.”

“I can't think of anything you'd have to say that I wish to hear.” She took a step in the direction of her home.

He moved beside her and matched her pace. “Miss Mason is gone.”

“So I heard.” She walked faster. They passed the barbershop and crossed the street. Her picket fence glowed like a beacon in the setting sun.

“She was never my fiancée.” Desperation filled his voice.

Rosemary stopped at her gate. “She wouldn't have come here without a reason. Good evening, Doctor.”

“You are, without a doubt, the most stubborn woman I've ever met. Good evening, Miss Saxon.” He strode away, his broad back ramrod straight.

The next week would be more difficult than she'd imagined.

When Rosemary left her house the next morning, Sheriff Cooper waited at the hitching post.

He lifted his hat. “Morning, Miss Rosemary.”

She greeted him with a smile. “I hope you've come to tell me you caught the man who's been harassing me. Even with my doors locked, I didn't sleep well for worry.” And for thoughts of Elijah, she could have added.

“I've got a good idea who it is but can't seem to find him.” He rested his hand on his holster. “Anyway, Miz Faith said you was coming to the mercantile today. Thought I'd keep you company on the walk.”

“Thank you.” She bolted the gate and set off for town. Why couldn't the sheriff locate the man? He was probably so wrapped up in his upcoming marriage that he hadn't spent a moment paying attention to his job. She blew out an impatient sigh. Looking on the bright side, the move to St. Louis would end her uneasiness. Whoever the person was, he'd never find her in the anonymity of the city.

Once they reached the mercantile, he tipped his hat. “I'll stop by at day's end to see you home.” He rode toward the jailhouse.

Rosemary stepped into the store, savoring the special mixture of aromas from oiled floors, dyed fabric, and dozens of other items.

Mr. Grisbee waved at her from his chair next to the checkerboard. “Miz Faith said you'd be coming in, just like old times.”

“It's good to be here.”

On the opposite side of the board, Mr. Slocum shook his head. “She told us you were moving to St. Louis. This town won't be the same without you.”

Faith emerged from the storeroom. “Keep talking, Mr.
Slocum. Maybe you can change her mind.” She crossed to Rosemary, giving her a one-armed hug. “But knowing how stubborn you are, Amy and I came up with an idea last night.”

Rosemary grinned. “You're going to lock me away in a tower, like in a fairy tale.”

“Hmm. I hadn't thought of that. First we need to find a tower.” Faith giggled. “In the meantime, do you want to hear our plan?”

“Please.”

“We want to have a farewell party for you next Thursday evening—Independence Day.” She managed a smile. “The date seems to suit your departure.”

“You can't do that. Nobody will come.”

Mr. Slocum rose and stood beside Faith. “I'd be honored to attend. So would old Grisbee here. You got lots of friends, Miss Rosemary. You'll be sorely missed.”

She saw him through a haze of tears. “I'll miss you too, Mr. Slocum.” She looked at Faith and arranged her face in what she hoped was a convincing smile.

“Tell me about your plan.”