A Prescription for Love (31 page)

“Nope.”

“Do you happen to know if someone nearby has a horse?”

“Yep. My son does.”

“Does he live far from here?”

“Nope.”

Michael took a deep breath, to keep from shaking the woman. “Where does he live?”

She widened the door and jerked her head back. “Right here.”

He brushed past her and entered the dim room, then shook the shoulder of the man snoring on the broken-down sofa. “Excuse me, sir.”

The man gave one large snort and opened his bloodshot eyes. “What?”

“Sir, I understand you own a horse.”

“Yeah. Who wants to know?”

Michael went down on one knee to look the man in the eye. “I am in desperate need of a horse. I would very much like to borrow yours.”

The man narrowed his eyes to the point where they almost disappeared in his fleshy face. “Who are you, and why should I lend you my horse?”

“My name is Michael Henderson. I’m a pharmacist, and I own a store in Guthrie.”

“Why do you need a horse so bad? Where’s yours?”

Michael leaned away from the foul breath emanating from the man. “I was a passenger on the way from Guthrie, but the train broke down, and I really need to get to Oklahoma City.”

“Ain’t that too bad.” The man rolled over, facing the back of the sofa.

“Wait!” He grabbed the man’s shoulder. “How about if I buy your horse?”

The man peered at him over his massive shoulder. “How much?”

“Twenty dollars.”

“Twenty-five, and you got a deal. I’ll even throw in the saddle since I can’t ride ‘em anymore.”

Michael got to his feet and peeled off the bills, then shoved them into the man’s hand.

“Ma, show Michael Henderson, the pharmacist here, where the horse is.” He returned to his position facing the back of the sofa and let out a snore before they even left the house.

The older woman led him from the door, across the sagging porch, to a makeshift lean-to. An animal that may have been a horse at one point raised his weary head at their approach, swishing its tail.

Michael’s stomach dropped. The horse’s middle drooped and flies buzzed around its head and eyes. The stench from where the poor animal stood in his own waste almost equaled his former master’s breath. “How old is this horse, ma’am?”

“Don’t know, but he’s your problem now.” She spit once more and pointed to a worn-out saddle leaning against the weathered boards of the farmhouse. “That there’s your saddle.” She chuckled and shuffled back to the house.

Michael rested his hands on his hips and studied the horse.
Lord, I hope the poor animal makes it to Oklahoma City before he dies.
He glanced at his watch. Ten minutes to eleven.

Chapter 29

“Mary, it’s ten minutes to eleven. If we don’t leave this very minute, we’ll be late.” Harold glared as she fumbled through pieces of jewelry strewn over the deep green coverlet on their bed.

“I know, dear, but I can’t attend the wedding without my favorite earrings.” She swirled her fingers through the mess.
Where is that man? My God, if Michael doesn’t come in time, Heidi will actually marry a monster. No. I won’t let it happen. I’ll have to do something, anything, to delay this calamity.

“Papa?” Heidi stood in the doorway to her parents’ bedroom.

Harold turned and his face softened. He wiped a tear from his eye and walked up to her. “Don’t you look lovely.” His voice broke as he raised a palm to her cheek and caressed it. “You are the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.” Quickly recovering, he added, “Except for your mother, of course.”

“Oh, Papa, I love you so much.” Heidi threw her arms around his neck.

Father and daughter embraced for a moment, then he kissed her on the forehead and she moved away.

She peered around him. “Mother, is everything all right?”

“Yes, dear, I need to find my earrings.”

“Mary, choose another pair. We have to leave.” Harold grabbed her by the elbow and moved her forward.

“Never mind, I don’t need earrings after all.” Mary smiled at her husband. “Give me a few minutes to put these all away.”

Heidi stepped forward. “I’ll help.”

Mary waved her off. “No, dear. You won’t know where they go. Why don’t you return to your room and relax for a bit.”

“Relax?” Harold regarded her with raised eyebrows.

Mary rested her fists on her hips and faced him. “Really, dear, you’re being most unpleasant today.”

“Unpleasant?”

She shook her head. “And stop repeating everything I say. Go on downstairs, the both of you, and I’ll join you in a minute.” She laid her palms on Harold and Heidi’s lower backs and edged them to the door. “A minute.”

Mary continued to smile until the door closed. Then she scooped up the earrings and tossed them into a drawer. She paced, wringing her hands.
What in heaven’s name am I going to do?
She stopped, inhaling deeply.
I must pull myself together.

With shaky fingers, she patted her hair, then moved to the mirror over her dresser and smiled at her reflection. “It will be fine. Michael will be here.”

“Mary!” The shout from below brought her up short. She’d think of something.

She slid a pin into her hat as she descended the stairs. “Here I am, dear. My goodness, but you’re impatient today.”

“Impatient?”

“You’ve done it again, repeating my words.” She sailed past him and out the front door.

Harold glowered and strode down the steps. He helped Heidi into the buggy, then held his hand out to Mary, who studied her feet, a frown on her face.

“What’s the problem now?”

“I’m wearing the absolutely wrong shoes for this dress.” She turned to Heidi. “Don’t you think so? What about the cute little black ones I bought last week?”

“I don’t remember those shoes.” Heidi frowned.

Mary tapped her chin. “No. Black would not do for a wedding.” She smiled brightly. “I know. My lovely little beige shoes with the stitched pearls.” She turned to Harold. “They are absolutely stunning, I know they would look nice with this dress. I’ll be right back.”

She hurried away as Harold shouted, “For heaven’s sake, woman, what is wrong with you today?” He flipped open his watch and growled.

Mary raced upstairs, her gaze sliding to the clock she passed in the hallway.
Oh, God. It’s getting late.
She entered her bedroom, then twisted her handkerchief as she paced. Maybe Michael was sick. Maybe injured somewhere. What could she do? She stopped abruptly when a thought slammed into her brain. Had Michael changed his mind? Had Senator Cochran forbidden Michael to allow his name to be sullied?

No. Now that Michael knew about Clarence’s treachery, he would find a way. She had to have faith in how much he loved Heidi. Taking a deep breath, she slowly descended the stairs again.

Harold stared at her wide-eyed. “Mary, you’re wearing the same shoes.”

“I know, dear. They look fine. Don’t you think so? Should I change them?”

Harold opened his mouth to speak, closed it, then opened it again. Firmly gripping Mary’s elbow, he ushered her into the buggy. “I hope you realize your daughter will be late for her wedding. It’s already after eleven o’clock.” He took his seat next to her and slapped the horse’s reins.

After eleven, and Michael had just reached the outskirts of Oklahoma City. The horse panted and wheezed and seemed ready to drop dead. He headed for the first livery he came to and slid off the beast. “Can you keep this animal here for me and lend me a decent one?”

A tall, lanky man ambled toward him, wiping his hands on a filthy cloth. “For a price.”

Michael reached for his money clip. “How much?”
“Depends. Where ya goin’?”

“Do you know where the First Methodist church is on Rockwell?”

“Yeah, about three miles west, then ‘bout half a mile north.”

“Great. I won’t be long, then. How much?” He began to count off bills.

“Five dollars for the rest of the day, but you’ll have to leave me twenty as a deposit.” At Michael’s narrowed eyes, he added, “But I’ll return fifteen to you when you return the horse.”

“Fine.” Michael handed the man two ten dollar bills, and looked around. “Where’s the horse? I’m in a hurry.”

“You young folks is always in a hurry.” The stable master shook his head and led Michael past a few stalls and pointed to a chestnut mare. “Right there, all saddled up.”

Michael muttered his thanks, grabbed the animal’s halter, and led him outside. He swung his leg over the back of the horse and headed away from the stable. His heart thundering like the horse’s hoofs under him, he took out his pocket watch. Eleven-ten. Fear knotted his stomach as he raced toward Rockwell Avenue.

Heidi gazed at the clock in the back of the church. Eleven-ten. She clutched her papa’s arm and took her first steps toward the altar. A wave of dizziness swept over her and she grabbed onto him for support.

If only he’d supported her when she told him numerous times she didn’t want to marry Clarence. And why had he been so easily convinced she’d changed her mind? Men were so thickheaded.

“Are you all right?”

“Yes.” She spoke through cracked lips. Her mouth felt dry as a desert and her head pounded. She’d taken a treatment of Belladonna before she’d gotten dressed. But still she couldn’t fill her lungs with air. This was it. In the distance, Clarence stood alongside the Pastor, flashing a bright smile that caused Heidi’s stomach to roll.

Oh God. Don’t throw up now.

Her knees shook the entire length of the aisle. Tears rimmed her eyes and she had the overwhelming desire to scream and run from the church. Maybe Clarence wouldn’t send the information to the newspaper after all. He could have been bluffing. She took in a shuddering breath and glanced sideways, into the cold eyes of Gloria. He’d invited his mistress to their wedding!

No, Clarence wasn’t a man who would bluff. He had too much to lose and everything to gain.

When they reached the front of the altar, the Pastor smiled warmly at her and bellowed, “Who giveth this woman in matrimony?”

“I do,” Papa stated, his voice ringing throughout the church.

“Wait.” Mary stepped from the pew and joined her husband at the altar. “Don’t I have a say?”

The Pastor’s eyes grew wide. “Uh, yes, I guess you would. I never had the bride’s mother pose that question before.”

“So ask me.”

“Do you give, er, giveth this woman in matrimony?”

She tilted her head and studied the pastor. “What does that mean, exactly?”

Her father bent close to Mother’s ear. “What the devil is going on here?”

She regarded him wide-eyed. “Why, I’m only interested in the ceremony. I mean, didn’t you ever wonder exactly why they ask that question?”

Heidi glanced from Papa to her mother and despite her anxiety, she smiled. Her wedding had apparently unhinged Mother.

Papa took Mother’s arm and leaned toward to the Pastor. “She does.” He escorted her back to the pew, his face flushed.

Clarence took Heidi’s hand and gave it a slight squeeze. “You look beautiful, my dear.”

Bile rose in her throat, and she itched to slap his face.

They turned and faced the pastor.

Silence descended as the minister adjusted his glasses and opened his mouth to speak.

“My baby!” Mother’s wail reverberated off the walls, causing everyone to turn, wide-eyed in her direction.

“Mary, what are you doing?” Papa spoke out of the corner of his mouth, even as he smiled and nodded at the people seated closest to them and patted her hand.

Heidi bit her lip to keep from laughing. What in heaven’s name was her mother up to? She never drew attention to herself. Did she think maybe Clarence would change his mind if he thought Heidi came from a family of unbalanced women? She frowned. Not likely.

Mother jumped up and fumbled with her handkerchief. “I just realized my baby is getting married. Oh dear, my baby.” She brought her hands to her face and sobbed, the handkerchief waving as she shook.

“For heaven’s sake, Mary. Sit down, you’re overwrought.” Papa ran his finger under his collar.

This time Heidi giggled. Whatever Mother hoped to accomplish would certainly not work. She glanced in Clarence’s direction. Stiff-necked, and tight-jawed, he glared at her mother.

Mother sighed and patted her eyes. “If I could have a drink of water, I’m sure I’ll be all right in a bit.”

Papa nodded at their numerous guests, then left the pew. He hurried to the back of the church while Heidi, Clarence, and the preacher waited.

Clarence cleared his throat and shifted from one foot to another. His eyes narrowed and his gaze shifted from Heidi to her mother. “What sort of game is your mother playing?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she huffed.

“It won’t work, you know.”

Heidi’s fingers gripped the bouquet in her hands so tightly little pieces of baby’s breath fell to the floor.

“Here you are, my dear.” Papa shoved the glass of water at Mother and climbed into his seat.

The pastor cleared his throat and slid his eyeglasses up his nose. “Dearly beloved . . .”

“Wait!” Mother climbed over Papa’s feet and headed to the altar. “I forgot I wanted you to wear my mother’s pearls.”

Heidi could not keep in the giggles and snorted as one burst forth.

Mother fumbled with the pearls around her own neck, and then pushed aside the back of Heidi’s veil and fastened them around her. She moved her to face the congregation. “There. Doesn’t she look lovely?”

Papa extracted Mother from Heidi and with his hand wrapped snugly around her arm escorted her to the pew once more. “Mary, you are making a spectacle of your daughter’s wedding.”

“Harold—”

Papa held up his hand. “This nonsense will stop now. Sit down and be quiet.” He nodded to the Pastor. “Continue.”

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence—”

The door at the back of the church flew open and slammed against the wall. “Stop!”

“Thank God,” Mother exclaimed and slumped against the back of the pew, fanning her face with her handkerchief.

Papa blinked rapidly, his gaze going from her mother to Michael.