A Lady's Choice (5 page)

Sarah stood to the side of the yard behind Uncle Charlie's store. The sweet smell of blooming roses drifted on the night breeze, and Japanese lanterns blinked a warm glow across Aunt Clara's garden.

One after another Uncle Charlie and Aunt Clara introduced the arriving guests to her, and Sarah wondered how she would ever remember all the names. Beside her, Uncle Charlie's voice boomed out. “Dr. Lancaster, so good of you to come.” He turned to her mother. “Julia, this is the new doctor I was telling you about. He just came to Richland Creek a few weeks ago. He's set up his office in one of those houses across the street from the store.”

Sarah glanced at the man shaking hands with her uncle. Gray speckled his dark hair, and a pair of wire-rimmed spectacles perched on his nose. His blue eyes reminded Sarah of the summer sky. “Mrs. Whittaker, I'm so glad to meet you.” He moved to Sarah and grasped her hand. “And you too, Miss Whittaker. Your uncle has told me so much about you.”

Sarah smiled. “So you're new to this area too?”

He nodded. “I am. I practiced in Memphis for over twenty-five years. After my wife died, I decided I'd like to find a place where I could have a small practice and enjoy life more. A medical school friend over at Mt. Pleasant suggested Richland Creek. And here I am.”

Uncle Charlie laughed. “And we're mighty glad to have you. Go on over and get you something to eat, and I'll talk with you later.”

Sarah watched the doctor walk away and stop to talk with some people seated at one of the tables. “He seemed nice.”

“Yes.” Her mother took a deep breath and patted Sarah's arm. “I think I'm going inside to lie down for a while.”

Sarah grasped her hand. “I'll go with you.”

“No, you stay here and meet your guests. I won't be gone long.”

Sarah watched her mother walk to the back of the store. Sarah glanced at Aunt Clara. “Do you think she's all right?”

“I think so, dear. I'll check on her in a few minutes.”

Several people crowded in front of Sarah and blocked her view of the outside staircase that led to the upstairs living area. She pushed up on her tiptoes, but it was no use. She couldn't see where her mother had gone. She turned her attention back to the guests and smiled as she shook one hand after another.

When the line of people grew shorter, Sarah glanced back at the stairway. Her mother was nowhere in sight. Her aunt grabbed her arm and pointed at a man and two women walking toward them. “Oh, here comes the Jenkins family. I've wanted you to meet Mary Lou. She's just about your age.”

Mrs. Jenkins stopped in front of her and grasped Sarah's hand. “So you're Julia's daughter, Sarah? You look just like your mother did when she married your father. Julia and I grew up together and have been good friends all our lives. I'm so excited to have you both living here.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Jenkins. I'm afraid you just missed Mama.”

“Oh no, we didn't. We met her as she was going inside and talked to her for a few minutes. She's just as beautiful as ever.” She put her arm around her daughter and nudged her closer to Sarah. “This is our daughter, Mary Lou. She's looked forward to meeting you.”

The young woman smiled as she reached out to shake Sarah's hand. “Hello, Sarah. It's good to meet you at last. I've been at my grandparents' home in Mt. Pleasant for the past few weeks, but I've heard wonderful things about you. The girls have all told me how pretty you are, and they were right.”

Sarah felt her face grow warm. “Thank you, Mary Lou. I'm glad you came tonight. I hope we can get better acquainted.”

She smiled. “Me too. Maybe after you've welcomed all your guests we can talk.” She glanced at the side of the store where two fiddlers, a guitar player, and a banjo picker huddled together. “It looks like the musicians are getting ready to play. I'll see you later.”

“I'll look forward to it.”

Sarah watched Mary Lou walk across the yard and join a group of young women. Within seconds they were laughing together, and the sight reminded her of friends back in Memphis.

It was time to try to fit in with the young women her age in Richland Creek. She squared her shoulders and braced herself to join one of the groups. A rustle behind her halted her step.

“Hello, Sarah.”

She whirled at the sound of the familiar voice and came face-to-face with Alex. Her heart lurched and joy coursed through her body. The loneliness of a moment ago lay forgotten in the thrill of seeing him.

“Alex, I'm so glad you're here. I was afraid you weren't coming.”

He moved out of the shadows and closer to her. “I worked late in the field, and I didn't know if you wanted to see me. Our last parting wasn't very cordial.”

Sarah stared at this handsome man who created strange reactions in her. His presence lifted her spirits, and suddenly the night came alive for her. She moved closer to him and placed her hand on his arm. “Let's not talk about the last time we met. Let's have a good time and enjoy each other's company. I'm so glad you're here.”

Alex looked down at her. “That sounds good to me.”

Uncle Charlie approached and extended his hand in welcome. “Well, Alex, I'm glad you got to come. I'm still reliving that game last week. That was mighty good pitching.”

Alex clasped Charlie's hand. “Thanks, Charlie. I thought the whole team did a good job.”

“Not one to take all the glory, huh? Sounds just like your sister. By the way, is Ellen with you?”

“She is. She's with Sarah's mother right now. We met her going inside the store when we first arrived, and she asked Ellen to go upstairs with her.”

Uncle Charlie nodded. “Julia wasn't feeling well. I'm glad Ellen went with her. She's always taking care of somebody.”

Aunt Clara's shrill voice cut through the conversation. “What's this about Ellen?”

“I was just telling Alex and Sarah that Ellen's always taking care of someone. That seems to be her mission in life.”

Fire blazed in Clara's eyes, and red splotches circled her cheeks. “I'm sure you're right.” She turned and stared at Alex. “Well, it's a surprise to see you, Alex. I didn't realize you and Ellen were coming.”

Uncle Charlie's face flushed. “Why, Clara…”

Sarah's mouth gaped open. “Why would you think they weren't coming? Alex and Ellen are the only friends I've made since coming here, and I couldn't stand to have this party without them.”

“And we're glad to have you, Alex.” Uncle Charlie grabbed his wife's arm and steered her toward the food table. “Now you two young people go have a good time. Clara and I have work to do.”

Sarah stared after them. “What was that all about?”

Alex shrugged. “It's a long story. I'll tell you sometime.”

After a moment, Sarah turned her attention back to Alex. “I'm glad you came. I've wanted to talk to you all week.”

His stony expression gave no hint what he was thinking. “What about?”

“I—I wanted to apologize to you. Mama says I speak before I think sometimes, and that's what I did Sunday. I didn't mean for it to sound like I was judging you. I'm really very happy that you've gotten a position in such a well-known law firm.”

A smile pulled at his mouth. “Thank you.”

“And I promise I won't say anything else about the head of your firm, no matter what I think of him.”

Alex threw back his head and laughed. “So you'll just keep your thoughts to yourself. Right?”

She nodded. “Yes.”

His gaze moved over her face. “Somehow I don't think that's possible for you to do, but I don't mind. I'm just glad to be with you again.”

For a moment Sarah stood transfixed. It was as if they were the only two people in the world and they didn't care. Suddenly applause shattered the night air as the musicians made their way to the edge of the yard. Sarah turned away from Alex to join in the ovation.

Uncle Charlie's voice called out from across the garden. “Come on over and put your chair in the circle. We're gonna play musical chairs.”

“That sounds like fun. I'll bet I can last longer than you.” Sarah reached for Alex's hand and tugged.

Alex wrapped his fingers around hers and laughed “Oh, you think so? How can I refuse a challenge like that?”

The guests grabbed chairs from the tables scattered about and converged on the center of the yard. Alex released Sarah's hand, scooped up two chairs, and handed one to her. “If you're determined to beat me at this game, the least you can do is carry your own chair. But I warn you. I'm a formidable foe, and I intend to win.”

She took the chair from him and batted her eyelashes. “When you get to know me better, sir, you will find that I never back down from a challenge. Consider yourself warned.”

“I will. In fact—” He stopped abruptly and frowned as his gaze swept the yard. “Did you hear somebody calling?”

“No.”

“It sounded like…” His eyes grew wide. Frowning, he raised his hand and pointed toward the store. “It's Ellen, but I can't make out what she's saying.”

Sarah tried to speak, but she choked on the fear rising in her throat. A wail erupted from her throat. “Alex, my mother…”

A sudden hush spread across the yard as the partygoers turned to stare at Ellen. “Charlie,” she yelled, “something's wrong with Julia.”

Dr. Lancaster jumped up from his chair and raced toward Ellen. Sarah wanted to follow, but her feet felt frozen to the ground. Alex grabbed her hand and pulled her forward. “Come on, Sarah. I'll go with you.”

She nodded, and Alex wedged their way through those already gathered and pulled her up the stairs until they stood on the landing next to the doctor and Ellen. Sarah tried to push past Ellen to the door, but Dr. Lancaster reached out and touched her arm.

“Miss Taylor tells me your mother has collapsed. Let me examine her first. Then I'll call you. Is that agreeable with you?”

A chill swept through Sarah's body. “She has a heart condition. There should be some medicine in her purse. Please help her.”

“I'll try.” He turned to Alex and pulled a key from his pocket. “Here's the key to my house. Will you run over there and get my bag? It's in the front room. Bring it to me inside.”

Alex nodded and turned to Sarah. “I'll be right back.”

Dr. Lancaster disappeared into the house and closed the door behind him as Alex bounded down the steps. Sarah closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Minutes ago she'd been laughing with Alex, and now she stood alone waiting for word on her mother's condition. She should pray, but since her father's death she hadn't been on very good terms with God.

A hand touched her shoulder, and she opened her eyes to Uncle Charlie and Aunt Clara standing beside her. Aunt Clara put her arm around Sarah's shoulders. “Come downstairs and sit down, darling. The doctor will let us know something soon.”

Tears pooled in her eyes, and she looked from one to the other. “But I want to be near my mother.”

Uncle Charlie nodded. “I know you do, but Dr. Lancaster needs to take care of her right now.”

He led her down the stairs and to a chair at one of the tables. She'd just taken her seat when Alex reappeared with the doctor's bag and bolted up the steps. When he came back down, he walked over and dropped into the chair next to Sarah. “Did you see my mother?”

He shook his head. “No, she was in the bedroom. Dr. Lancaster was with her, so I gave the bag to Ellen.”

Sarah folded her arms on the table and buried her face in them. She tried to ignore the voices speaking in hushed tones around her. All she wanted at the moment was to know what was going on behind that closed door at the top of the stairs.

Then an arm circled her shoulders, and Uncle Charlie whispered in her ear. “Brother Hughes couldn't come tonight, but Alex has offered to step in and lead the folks in a prayer for your mama.”

She raised her head and stared up at Alex whose hand in the air signaled for attention. “I think while we're waiting to hear from Dr. Lancaster it would be a good idea to pray for Mrs. Whittaker. Let's all bow our heads and pray silently.”

Sarah watched as the people bowed their heads and closed their eyes. She saw lips move, but no sound came out. The people who'd come to welcome her and her mother to their community now stood offering up a plea for her mother's well-being.

The truth hit her then. Her mother had been right. She had never been alone. Her loneliness had come about because she'd refused to accept people she thought very different from herself. All she'd needed to do was reach out to her mother's friends.She looked at Alex, who stood with his head bowed, and she let her gaze drift over him. A tiny frown wrinkled his forehead, and his lips moved as he prayed. The first time she'd encountered him she'd thought him flirtatious and a ladies' man because of his thinly veiled remarks about her ankles. Neither of those assumptions had dampened the attraction she felt toward him, though.

Then she'd spent time with him and discovered she couldn't have been more wrong about him. The truth was, he stirred her in ways no one else ever had. Her father had told her many times how he'd fallen in love with her mother at first sight, but she hadn't really thought it possible. A fairy tale, she'd called it, but now she wasn't so sure. Maybe it was possible, but that didn't mean it always led to a happy ending.

An hour later most of the guests had offered their regrets and left with the promise they would continue to pray for Julia Whittaker. Sarah sat with Alex, her uncle and aunt, and the Jenkins family. They all jumped to their feet when the door at the top of the stairs opened and Dr. Lancaster came down the steps.

He stopped in front of her and smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. She'd been to enough doctors with her mother in Memphis to know he didn't have good news. He glanced at the people around her before he spoke. “Do you want me to speak openly, or would you rather we talk privately?”

Sarah turned a questioning look toward Uncle Charlie. He bit his lip, dropped his gaze to the ground, and gave a curt nod. She took a deep breath. “My mother didn't tell anyone here about her condition because she wanted to live a normal life as long as she could, but I suppose there's no need to try to hide it anymore.”

“All right. Your mother tells me she suffered complications to her heart from rheumatic fever when she was a child. The heart muscle's pumping action was damaged. Now it's developed into a condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the body.”

Sarah nodded. “That's right. The doctors have given us very little hope. She wanted to come here to spend whatever time she has left with her only family and the friends she grew up with.”

Dr. Lancaster smiled. “She tells me you've put your plans on hold for her. That's very admirable of you, Miss Whittaker.”

Sarah shook her head. “I wouldn't be anywhere else right now. I want to take care of her. How is she?”

“I've given her something to help her rest, and she's sleeping. I don't want her disturbed tonight. If she's feeling better tomorrow, you can take her home. Miss Taylor is with her and says she'll stay the night if needed.”

Uncle Charlie spoke up. “That won't be necessary. My wife and I will take care of her tonight.”

Dr. Lancaster nodded. “I'm going back to check on her once more before I leave, and I'll tell Miss Taylor.” He turned his attention to Sarah. “I'll come by your house to check on her in the next few days. In the meantime keep her comfortable. Don't let her exert herself, and enjoy your time with her.”

Sarah reached out and stopped him as he turned back to the stairs. “Dr. Lancaster, thank you for all you've done tonight.”

He patted her hand and smiled. “I'm glad I was here to help. Your mother is very fortunate to have such a caring daughter.”

Sarah watched as he, Uncle Charlie, and Aunt Clara climbed the stairs and disappeared into the living quarters above the store. Someone touched her arm, and she glanced around to see Mrs. Jenkins next to her.

“Sarah, we're going now, but I'll be by to check on you in a few days. Mary Lou can stay if you'd like to have someone in the house with you.”

Sarah shook her head. “That won't be necessary now. Maybe later.”

Mary Lou stepped forward and grasped Sarah's hand. “Let me know if you'd like some company. I don't like to think about you staying alone with your mother so sick.”

“I will. Thank you.”

Mrs. Jenkins put her arms around Sarah's shoulders and drew her close for a hug. “We're here for you, Sarah. And we'll be praying for Julia. Don't hesitate to call on us if you need help.”

Sarah bit her lip and nodded. She couldn't take her eyes off the family as they trudged across the yard, which only a short time ago had been filled with well-wishers who'd come to welcome her and her mother to the community. Now she was left standing with Alex in the middle of empty tables and chairs.

She glanced toward the table where the food had sat earlier and for the first time noticed it had been cleared. “Where did the food go?”

“The ladies from the church cleaned it up while we were waiting for word about your mother.”

“I didn't notice. I should have helped.”

He reached for her hand and closed his fingers around hers. “They were glad to do it. They knew you were too concerned at that point and wanted to help clean up before they left.”

She looked up at the Japanese lanterns that still twinkled across the yard and then to the upstairs where her mother lay. Beside Sarah stood a man with a caring heart who'd stayed by her side tonight. His sister and a doctor she'd met earlier had helped her mother, and people she'd considered as being unimportant and having less value than her Memphis friends had demonstrated kindness.

She groaned, and tears spilled from her eyes. “Oh Alex, I'm so ashamed.”

A startled expression covered his face. “For what?”

“The way I've acted since I've been here. I've been angry because I had to leave Memphis. I've looked for all the bad things about this place, and I've never tried to see the good in it. I can't believe what a snob I've been.”

Her body shook with sobs as her tears flowed down her face. Alex put his arms around her and drew her close until her head rested on his chest. With one hand he stroked her hair. “Don't cry. I think you're being too hard on yourself.”

She shook her head. “No, I'm not. I've tried to keep my feelings from my mother, but I sensed she knew. What if I made her sicker?”

“You can't take responsibility for that. I've watched you with your mother, and I know you're a devoted daughter. As for Richland Creek, I understand why you were concerned about coming here. It's a far cry from Memphis, but the people really are good. They'll do anything to help a neighbor.”

“I'm beginning to see that. It makes me ashamed I didn't look for it sooner.”

He put a finger under her chin and tilted her head up until she stared into his eyes. “Ellen's always told me that our lives are ruled by the choices we make. Sometimes we make good ones. Sometimes we don't. It's not too late for you to make the right choice. I believe you can show the people here that you're not only a beautiful woman but that you also have a beautiful spirit. It's your choice to make.”

Sarah stared into his eyes for a moment before she spoke. “Do you really think I'm beautiful?”

His Adam's apple bobbed, and he tightened his arm around her waist. “Yes, I do.”

He lowered his head, and her heart pounded at the thought that he was going to kiss her. She closed her eyes, and then her heart plummeted as his lips brushed her forehead. Slowly his hold on her released, and he stepped back.

The sting of rejection pierced her soul, and she searched his stony features for an answer to what had just happened. “Alex…”

“I think it's time for me to leave and for you to check on your mother. Go on upstairs, and tell Ellen I'm waiting for her.”

She heard the words, but she couldn't force her feet to move. She swallowed the disappointment of moments ago and nodded. “I'll tell her.” She willed herself to take a step but stopped and glanced back at him. “When will I see you again?”

He swallowed hard and exhaled. “I don't know. Maybe soon.”

“I hope so.” She tilted her head and smiled. “It's your choice.”

She struggled to keep from laughing at the surprised look that flashed across his face. Before he had time to answer, she whirled and headed up the steps. When she reached the landing, she glanced down, and Alex still stood in the same spot watching her.

He liked her. She could tell. And he'd wanted to kiss her but hadn't. Perhaps he thought it was too soon in their friendship for such an intimate moment, or maybe he didn't want to complicate his life just as he was about to begin a new career. Whatever his reasons might be, she hoped he would visit her soon. All she could do was wait and see.

She waved once more before she opened the door and went inside.

The next afternoon Alex pulled his buggy to a stop in front of the house where Sarah and her mother lived. He glanced over at Ellen in the seat next to him. Neither of them had said much since they left home.

His gaze drifted over the small farmhouse and back to Ellen. “Well, here we are.”

Ellen frowned at him. “You don't seem too happy about it. I thought you wanted to come.”

“I did. It's just that maybe it's too soon for me to be showing up at Sarah's house.”

Ellen regarded him with a puzzled look. “Too soon? I told Sarah I'd be by today to check on her mama. If you didn't want to come, you could have stayed home. I've been driving a buggy by myself ever since I was old enough to hold the reins. Don't you go a-thinkin' I can't still do it.”

He laughed and climbed down. “I know you can do whatever you want. I just meant that maybe I shouldn't have come.”

He tied the horse's reins to a tree and stepped back to help Ellen climb to the ground. “Why didn't you want to come?”

“I like Sarah a lot, but I don't think there's any future in it. I'll be leaving for Memphis soon, and she'll be staying here.”

Ellen nodded. “I see. Well, I won't ask you to drive me here again. Next time I'll come alone.”

Alex didn't answer. Instead he reached back into the buggy and pulled out the basket of food Ellen had brought. Then he took a deep breath, grabbed her elbow, and held her arm as they climbed the steps to the porch. “Okay, let's go see how Mrs. Whittaker is today.”

When they reached the front door, he doubled his fist and rapped his knuckles against the screen door. Sarah's voice rang out from the back of the house. “I'm in the kitchen. Come on in and make yourself comfortable.”

Alex looked down at Ellen, and she shrugged. Together they walked into the house and entered the parlor to the right of the front door. Ellen sat down in a wing-backed chair to the side of the fireplace, and Alex set the basket beside her. As he straightened, he caught a glimpse of several framed photographs on the mantel. He walked over and picked up the first one, a picture of Sarah's parents. Their unsmiling faces stared at him from behind the frame's glass.

Sarah's hair and complexion resembled her mother, but she had her father's eyes. Another picture sat next to her parents', and he picked it up. His chest tightened so that he could hardly breathe as he gazed at Sarah's profile. Never had he seen anything so beautiful in his life. She reminded him of the illustrations he'd seen of Charles Gibson's ideal of feminine beauty.

Soft footsteps padded on the wood floor of the hallway. “Uncle Charlie, you didn't have to…”

Alex turned toward the sound of her voice and almost staggered backward at the sight of her standing in the doorway. She stood there gaping at them as if she couldn't move. Damp tendrils of hair lay plastered to her forehead, and smudges of dirt covered the apron over her dress. His gaze swept over her and came to a stop at her bare feet. He glanced at her then back to the photograph in his hand before he set it back on the mantel.

Trying to stifle the laughter that rose in his throat, he turned back to her. “I hope we haven't come at an inconvenient time.”

“N–no,” she stammered. “I thought you were Uncle Charlie. He was supposed to come back this afternoon.”

Ellen rose and picked up the basket. “I brought some food for you and your mama. I'll put it in the kitchen and then go check on her. No need for you to show me the way. I reckon I've been in this house enough times to know where the rooms are.”

Sarah nodded but didn't take her eyes off Alex. “Mama's in the bedroom at the top of the stairs. She was sleeping when I was up there earlier.”

“Well, I'll just peek in on her.” She cast a glance at Alex before she pushed past him and Sarah and left the room.

Sarah reached up and pushed her wet hair off her forehead. “I didn't expect company. I've been working in the garden.”

He struggled to keep from smiling, but it was no use. “Are you going to get mad at me again?”

She frowned. “Why?”

He pointed to her feet. “You nearly took my head off when I saw your ankles. There's no telling what you'll do now that I've seen your feet.”

Slowly she bent her head and looked down. Her eyes grew wide, and she let out a loud shriek. “Oh, my goodness! I forgot I don't have my shoes on.”

Without another word she turned, ran from the room, and dashed up the stairs. Alex collapsed in the chair Ellen had sat in minutes ago and laughed at what had just happened. One minute he was looking at her picture and comparing her to a Gibson girl and the next she was standing there looking like an urchin from a Charles Dickens novel.

One thing about Sarah—she wasn't predictable. He never knew what the next minute would bring with her. And to his surprise he found that it just increased his attraction to her. He'd never met anybody like her, and any idea he'd had of keeping his distance had just died.