Bluebonnet Belle (16 page)

Grunting, April tried to shove the ladder back into place. It wavered, wobbled, then fell with a loud thud, leaving Beulah hanging.

“
Now
what do we do, smarty?” April snapped in a harsh whisper.

A lamp sprang to life in the window, and she mentally groaned.

Oh, wonderful.

Forgetting Beulah's predicament, she bolted to the corner of the alleyway as the door to Gray's personal quarters burst open and the doctor descended the stairs two at a time.

April knew her presence in the alleyway at this time of night was not going to be easy to explain. Leaving Beulah hanging, she quickly stepped around the corner to confront Gray as he reached the bottom of the stairs.

His eyes clouded with confusion when he saw her. “April?”

Taking a deep breath, she grinned, motioning behind her back for Beulah to stifle her whimpers. Her friend was dangling from the ledge beneath the doctor's window like a broken puppet.

“Good evening, Dr. Fuller. What are you doing out this time of night?”

She smiled up into his eyes, hoping he couldn't see far enough into the alley to notice her friend in her Peeping Tom mode. If they got out of this with their reputations intact it was the last time she would let Beulah Ludwig drag her into anything. If a word of this escapade reached her grandfather's ears, or even worse if Henry heard about it…Her heart stopped when she thought of her fiancé learning that his intended had been caught peeping into Gray Fuller's window.

He stared at her, his expression bewildered. “I heard something…a cry and a thud, like someone was hurt.” He peered closer. “What are you doing in the alley at this time of night?”

“Me? Nothing.” Swallowing her pride she stepped forward to take his arm, steering him back to the stairs. April cringed when she heard Beulah fall to the ground with a soft thud. Gray stiffened and started to turn back, but she tightened her grip on his arm. “Lovely night, isn't it?”

“It's as cold as a Texas blizzard. What are you doing here? Is Riley ill?”

“No, Grandpa's fine. In fact, I've talked him into taking Mrs. Pinkham's tonic—although he doesn't know that's what it is—a couple of times a day, and he's feeling much better, thank you.”

Gray allowed her to propel him along, staring at her as if she had lost her mind. “I was just walking by when I heard you coming down the stairs,” she explained. “I hope I didn't disturb you.”

“You were just walking by in the alley at ten o'clock at night and you wanted to say hello? Is that it?”

“Yes. I like walking at night. Here.” She handed him the hat. “I found this on the woodpile. What, may I ask, was it doing out here?”

“I put it there.”

Shaking her head, she smiled and wagged a finger at him. “Francesca would be upset if she knew you were treating your hat this way.”

April gave his arm an indulgent pat, then turned him toward the steps and made herself stroll slowly on down the sidewalk hoping Beulah could collect herself. Glancing over her shoulder, she noted his expression. Stunned. So she'd surprised him. Good. He was far too full of himself, in her opinion.

Walking faster, April prayed Beulah hadn't broken every bone in her body, but it would serve her right for being so nosy!

“W
ell, that looks to be it,” Gray said, rechecking his medications list. “Thanks, Ray. Your coming by every three weeks has been a tremendous help to me.”

“Glad to do it,” Ray Grimes said, repacking his sample case and closing it.

“It's late. Are you staying in town tonight?” Gray shut the door of his medicine cabinet.

“I'd planned on it. It looks a bit like rain out there. How's the hotel?”

“Nice enough. We're having a preholiday celebration. If you're not busy, drop by. I'll introduce you to some people, and you'll get to know the town.”

Raymond Grimes smiled and nodded. “I'd like that. Being on the road all the time, I don't get to meet many people, except doctors like you.”

“Good. You get your room, and I'll come by for you around seven.”

“Thanks.”

In the two months since Ray had begun calling on Gray, the two men had formed a friendship. Gray was glad to have Ray as a supplier. His list of available medications and equipment was very good, and the personal delivery more convenient than traveling to Dallas every two weeks. Best of all, it allowed Gray to see less of Louis and Francesca. The woman was a constant thorn in his side, showing up unexpectedly, staying a few days, then leaving in a huff. If business continued to increase, Gray would soon be able to send another hundred dollars as payment on the loan. Another year, and the debt would be paid, and he could stop saving every penny and use his funds toward expanding his practice. That was a day he looked forward to.

Gray knocked on Ray's door precisely at seven o'clock that evening.

“I can see why you favor Dignity,” Ray commented as they strode across the town square.

A cool wind came up, a portent of the winter ahead. Both men pulled up their collars against the chill.

“I've fallen in love,” Gray admitted.

“Oh? You're referring to you ex-fiancée, I assume?”

Chuckling, Gray rephrased the statement. “With the town and its residents. They're good, hardworking people.”

“Ah, then they have accepted you. That speaks well for you.”

“They've accepted me too much.” He laughed. “The women have taken me under their wing, determined to keep me fed. I've had enough cookies, cakes, pies and pot roasts to feed two armies.”

“Guess that's the way with friendly towns.”

“Yes.” Gray smiled. “That appears to be their way.”

Light spilled from the town hall windows into the square. The decorating committee had removed most of the benches and shoved chairs back to the walls. Already the room was full. A fiddler was tuning up, and two guitar players plucked at the strings of their flat tops.

The refreshment committee put the last tray of cookies on a table that held a variety of food, along with lemonade.

“Dr. Fuller!” Mazie Bennett hurried over with a wide smile on her face.

“Mrs. Bennett. How nice you look tonight. I'd like you to meet a friend of mine. Raymond Grimes.”

Mazie looked the stranger up and down. “Pleased to meet you, Mr. Grimes.”

“Mrs. Bennett is in charge of the celebration tonight.”

“Quite an undertaking,” the salesman said.

“Oh, I enjoyed doing it. The festivities are in honor of our new doctor. We feel so privileged to have him in our town.”

“I'm sure you do.” Ray's gaze shifted to the door when Beulah and April walked in. “I appreciate being invited tonight.”

“Any friend of the doctor's is a friend of ours. You just make yourself at home. I've got to greet these folks coming in.” With that, Mazie Bennett bustled off to spread cheer and goodwill.

“Lemonade?”

“Thank you,” Ray said, his eyes straying again to the two young women, who were now making the rounds of the room.

The two men stood to one side, sipping their drinks as the musicians began the first song. Soon the floor was full of couples reeling to the quick tunes, which began melting one into the other.

“I think I'll meander around a little,” Ray said.

“Of course…and the girl you've got your eyes on is Beulah Ludwig. Her father's the pharmacist.”

Blushing, Ray set his cup of lemonade on the table. “Thanks.” He threaded his way through the crowd to where she was standing.

Gray's eyes lingered on April as she slipped off her shawl and hung it on a hook beside the door. Riley wandered off to join some of his cronies while she spoke to friends.

Lamplight shone in her hair. The dark green dress she wore made her look older, and he realized that she was the most beautiful woman in the room. She was one woman who didn't need to bake a pie in order to catch his attention. Every time he saw her, he felt that all too familiar urge to pull her into his arms.

The next song began and couples formed a reel. Gray slowly made his way across the room to where April was standing with friends. He had almost reached her when James Nelson swung her into his arms and joined the couples on the floor. Stepping back, Gray accepted a dance with Meredith Nelson instead.

When the dance ended, James returned April to her friends. Snapping open her ivory-and-lace fan, she laughed at something someone said.

Excusing himself, Gray made his way back to her.

“I believe this is our dance.”

April turned in midlaugh, her brows lifting when she saw him. “Why, Dr. Fuller, I didn't notice you here.”

“May I have this dance?”

“Of course.”

As they approached the floor, the music changed to a slow waltz. April's hand rested lightly on the front of his jacket. He held her loosely, aware that she was conscious of his palm resting at her waist, the warm clasp of his other hand around hers.

“I wasn't sure you'd dance with me,” he stated as they slowly fell into step.

“Why not?”

“I have the distinct feeling you don't like me, Miss Truitt.”

Smiling up at him, she made a face. “Why ever would you think that? If we disagree, it's on how to treat women, not on waltzes.”

“Where's Henry tonight?”

“He's away on business.”

“He's gone a lot, isn't he?” His gaze skimmed her flushed features. Couldn't she see how Long was playing her for a fool?

Her smile faded, and she didn't look gullible, just lonely. “Yes, far too often, I'm afraid.”

Gray grinned. “Let's be civil to each other tonight, all right?”

“I think that would be lovely, Doctor. Please keep it in mind when I say anything that annoys you.”

 

“Miss Ludwig?”

Beulah turned. “Yes?”

“My name is Raymond Grimes. I'm a friend of Dr. Fuller's.”

She smiled. “Yes, I've seen you in his office, haven't I?”

“I'm a salesman, medical supplies and equipment. Dr. Fuller was nice enough to invite me to the celebration tonight.”

Beulah's gaze scanned the young man from head to foot. Brown hair brushed back from a wide forehead, kind blue eyes, white shirt and brown suit, his boots freshly polished…He wasn't outstandingly handsome, but he looked nice.

“Could we visit?”

She hesitated. She seldom took time to socialize at these affairs. She usually minded the refreshment table. “I—I shouldn't leave my post.”

He looked disappointed. “Couldn't someone watch it for you a moment?”

Glancing around, Beulah spotted Mrs. Steel, smiling and nodding encouragingly. Thelma's eyes seemed to be urging her to enjoy herself.

“Well, I guess it won't hurt,” she finally said, taking the hand he offered.

She was glad for a break. A nice-looking young man had actually sought her out!

Her, Beulah “Porky” Ludwig!

She smiled, hoping to make pleasant conversation. “Do you travel through town often?”

“Every two to three weeks, depending on how things go.”

Oh, dear. Did he notice how thick her waist was? Did it matter to him? Why hadn't she worn a corset! Drat! She would have suffered through the atrocity if she'd had any idea a man would ask her to chat!

“This your hometown?”

She nodded. She wasn't good at small talk. Never had been.

“It's a nice place.”

“I think so.”

They watched the others, saying nothing, and she didn't mind. This was comfortable. Of course, he was a stranger in town and probably taking pity on her, but she didn't mind. It was worth it to see the look on Janie Anderson's face.

“Gray tells me your father runs the pharmacy.”

“Mmm-hmm. I work there with him.”

Oh. That was it. He saw her as a potential account. It didn't matter. For now, she was actually being accompanied by a man.

“What do you find to be the fastest-selling medications?”

For the next two hours they talked about medicines, over-the-counter treatments and even Pinkham's elixir. Ray didn't agree that it was a miracle cure, but he did say that for some people it seemed beneficial.

“Would you like some refreshment?”

“Yes,” she said, though she was reluctant to move. This didn't happen that often, and she wanted to make it last as long as possible.

Ray handed her a cup of lemonade and they stood at the edge of the crowd while they sipped their tart drinks.

“Hello, Porky.”

“Hello, Melinda.”

When the young woman lingered, Beulah remembered her manners. “Melinda Barnes, this is Raymond Grimes.”

“Raymond, I'm glad to meet you.” Melinda's adventurous eyes devoured her escort, but it didn't matter. He would be gone in the morning. “Are you new in town?”

“Just passing through.”

“I see.” She smiled ever so charmingly. “Well, I certainly do hope you'll come back soon.”

Melinda's attention was caught by a friend, and she hurried off.

“Did she call you…Porky?”

Beulah blushed. “That's my name.”

“Surely not.”

“Well, it's a nickname that's stuck since I was a little…since I was a child.” She'd never been a ‘little' anything.

“Why?”

“Why?”

“Yes.” His eyes softened. “I don't see that it fits.”

Beulah blinked; then her eyes suddenly welled with tears. That was the nicest thing anyone had ever said to her. He didn't mean it—she looked like a cow in this dress—but it was still a nice thing to say. “You're serious?”

“Yes.”

“You're really serious?”

“Miss Ludwig, I—”

“Because I'm a large woman, Mr. Grimes, or are you blind?” He was making fun of her. Of course. And she had almost fallen for it.

“I assure you, I'm not blind. Do you mind if I call you Beulah? You can call me Ray.”

“I do not appreciate being made fun of, Mr. Grimes.” Taking her skirt in her hand, she started to walk off, but he reached out and stopped her.

“I wasn't making fun of you, Miss Ludwig.” His eyes met hers, and she was hopelessly caught by their sincerity. “Forgive me if you thought I was.”

Now she felt foolish. The first man who'd ever shown an inkling of interest in her, and she'd accused him of poking fun at her.

Hanging her head, she said softly, “Do you mind if we just talk?”

“I'd be delighted, Beulah.”

“How did you know my name?”

“The doctor told me.”

They spent the entire evening talking, and by the time the musicians took their break, Beulah was sure that the angels in heaven had finally smiled on her. Even if she never saw Ray Grimes again, she'd remember this night for the rest of her life.

 

On the opposite side of the room, Gray visited with one young lady after another.

It seemed the women of Dignity had despaired of earning his favor through culinary bribes and had turned to charm to gain his attention.

As he tried to make small talk, his gaze kept drifting to April. Henry was absent, but she had more than her share of suitors.

Around ten, he excused himself from a young girl of seventeen and made his way quickly across the room. “Miss Ludwig, may I have the pleasure of sharing some refreshments?”

Beulah's eyes widened. “Me?”

“You, Miss Ludwig.”

“Bring her back to me,” Ray called with a friendly grin.

Taking her arm, Gray escorted her to the punch bowl.

“You look lovely tonight, Miss Ludwig.”