Embers of Love (24 page)

Her mother smiled sadly. “I know you care about Dr. Clayton, but I’m sure the Lord will watch over him. Please promise me you won’t put yourself at risk.”

Deborah looked up in surprise. “What do you mean?”

“I know you well enough, Deborah. Do not think to slip into town unnoticed. We need you here. Promise me you’ll do as the doctor asked.”

How did her mother know her heart so well? Deborah might have laughed had the situation not been so serious. “You always know exactly what I’m thinking. I can’t fool you at all.”

Mother shook her head. “That’s no promise.”

Deborah drew a deep breath. “But what if that’s where God wants me, Mother?”

“If God wanted you there, He would have had you in town when the quarantine was set in place. Remember – this hardly took Him by surprise.”

It was a reasonable argument, and Deborah knew that her mother desired only to keep her from harm. She offered her mother a smile. “I promise I won’t sneak into town and cross the quarantine line.” She thought for a moment and then added, “Unless Dr. Clayton specifically requests me to come.”

“Thank you. I’m sure if he asks for your help that I can rest assured the worst is passed and you will not be at risk.”

Deborah waited until her mother left the room, then glanced heavenward. “So if you cannot send me to help him, please send someone else. Someone who understands medicine and who will be willing to listen to Dr. Clayton’s instruction.”

C
HAPTER
21

“I have a surprise for everyone,” G. W. announced days later as he bounded into the dining room, leather suitcase in hand.

“You’re back!” Deborah exclaimed, looking up from the table, as did the others.

“You’re late for supper,” Mother said with a look of concern. “Did you have trouble in Lufkin? Is something wrong?”

Lizzie eyed him carefully, then let her gaze settle on the leather case. “You took a suitcase just to buy saw blades?”

He laughed and placed the baggage against the wall. “Nothing is wrong. In fact, I would say things are finally lookin’ up.” He stepped aside, and Brian Decker entered the room, hat in hand.

“Hello, Daughter.”

Lizzie gave a squeal and jumped to her feet. “Father!” She ran to him and wrapped herself in his arms. “I can’t believe you’re here.” The hat fell to the floor as he embraced her.

“He was in Lufkin, where I was buying supplies.” G. W. explained. “He was fixin’ to find you when he overheard my name while I was talking with the storekeeper. God worked it all together for good.”

“Oh, indeed He did.” Lizzie pulled back. “Why have I not heard from you before now?”

“I’ve been quite busy. You gave me an assignment, as you’ll remember.” He kissed her on the head. “And I could hardly come to you or even write until I had accomplished the task.”

“Accomplished? Do you mean you have an answer for me?” Lizzie’s voice was so hopeful, and G. W. found himself feeling much the same.

“Goodness, Lizzie, let your poor father join us at the table,” Mother declared. She motioned for the man to take the seat to her left. “I’m Euphanel Vandermark.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Vandermark. I presume you’re Deborah’s mother.”

“Yes, and you’ve met my son G. W. This is my younger son, Rob, and my brother-in-law, Arjan Vandermark.”

“Good to meet you all.” He shook hands with Rob and Arjan before taking a chair.

Euphanel passed him a plate of greens. “We’ve already prayed, so please dig in.”

“But first tell us the news,” Lizzie said, slipping into the seat beside her father. “I cannot bear not knowing what you’ve learned.”

“Then let me put your mind at ease.” He pulled some papers from inside his coat. “When I received your telegram, I went immediately to Philadelphia to visit a good friend there who happens to be a judge.”

“And?” Lizzie leaned forward in anticipation.

“You, my dear, are a free woman. The marriage was not completed.”

Lizzie fell back against her chair with a heavy sigh. “Oh, thank you. Thank the Lord.”

“The judge said that it wasn’t a concern, but he thought it might relieve your mind if we went ahead and arranged an annulment. So we did. These are the papers that will confirm it.” He handed them to Lizzie. “Now your mother and Mr. Albright will be no further threat to you.”

Lizzie looked to G. W. His heart swelled. She was his. Well, she would be. He picked up the platter of ham steaks and gave himself a double portion.

“I never expected you to come here, Father,” Lizzie said gratefully. “Not only because of the distance and expense, but the typhoid outbreak.”

“Yes, G. W. told me about the quarantine, but since we weren’t going into Perkinsville, we had no difficulty getting here. I was relieved to know you were all unharmed. Typhoid is a terrible disease.”

“It is, indeed. We’ve already lost eight people,” G. W.’s mother said sadly. “But we’ve got a wonderful doctor in town, and hopefully most of the folks are on the mend. Thankfully, no one’s taken sick at the boardinghouse where Mrs. Decker and Mr. Albright are staying.”

Mr. Decker nodded and took a bowl of grits from his daughter’s hand. “That is good news. I’m sure the delay in returning east has been a hardship on Lizzie’s mother. There is to be a big suffragette rally in New York City. I know she had planned to attend.”

“That’s right – she was supposed to speak at one of the affairs. She will be greatly dismayed.” Lizzie sighed.

“I think given your father’s news,” Deborah said, picking up her coffee cup, “the rally will be the least of her concerns.”

Lizzie nodded. “Especially in light of what she stood to gain.”

“What are you talking about?” Lizzie’s father asked.

“Stuart told me he needed to marry me in order to receive an inheritance from his grandfather. Mother, in turn, was promised a helpful vote for her cause if she helped to ensure I honored the marriage.”

Her father shook his head in disgust. “I am sorry for that. Your mother has forgotten the importance of love and honor.”

Lizzie reached over and squeezed her father’s hand. “But you never have.”

G. W. was moved by Lizzie’s tenderness. Although she had spent more time in her mother’s company, he sensed her relationship with her father was much closer.

The rest of the meal passed in catching up on news from the East and sharing about life in Texas. G. W. had already spent a good deal of time talking with Mr. Decker and found the man’s company quite enjoyable. Now, however, he longed for time alone with Lizzie. He had an important question to ask her, and now that everything was settled regarding her questionable marriage to Mr. Albright, he wanted to waste no time.

“Miss Lizzie,” he said, putting his napkin on the table, “I was wonderin’ if you’d take a little walk with me?”

She smiled at G. W. and nodded. “I’d like that very much.” She got to her feet. “Let me fetch my shawl.” She hurried from the room.

G. W. met his mother’s smile as she began to clear the table. Mr. Decker eyed him with a knowing grin. “I suppose,” he said as G. W. headed for the front door, “you’ll be discussing that matter we talked about in Lufkin.”

G. W. returned his grin. “Yes, sir.”

Mr. Decker seemed more than pleased. “Good luck.”

G. W. knew he’d not rely on luck. His love for Lizzie would be all he needed. He found her waiting by the front door. “Ready?”

She nodded and fixed her gaze on his face. “I’ve been ready for a long time.”

He linked arms with her and opened the door. “Me too.”

Lizzie pulled her shawl closer. The air was slightly chilled. The dampness made things cooler and also seemed to enhance the noises of the night. They didn’t walk far from the house before G. W. turned to face her. Taking hold of her arms, he pulled her close.

“I don’t want to waste any time,” he murmured before capturing her lips in a long and passionate kiss.

Lizzie melted against him and wrapped her arms around his neck. He drew her even closer, and she felt her heart skip a beat.
This is what it feels like to truly lose your heart to someone,
she thought. Not only was he physically attractive and a wonderful kisser, but she loved G. W.’s sense of humor, his concern for family and community, his integrity.

“I know I’m rushing things here,” he said, “but Deborah is right. I need a wife.”

“Just any wife?” Lizzie asked with a teasing frown.

“Hardly,” he replied, his lazy grin spreading. “I want you.”

She felt a tremor go through her entire frame. “And I want you,” she managed to whisper.

“So will you marry me?”

She simply nodded, unable to find the words. Tears came unbidden and slid down her cheeks. She hoped it was too dark for G. W. to see them, but he seemed to know instinctively that they were there. Reaching up, he gently drew his finger across her cheek.

“Don’t cry.”

“I’m . . . it’s just . . . I’m happy. When I think of all I could have lost – knowing true happiness and love . . . well, I can’t even speak the thoughts that come to mind.”

He took her face in his hands. “Lizzie, life here in Texas won’t be easy, as you’ve already seen for yourself. It ain’t gonna be like the life you had back East.”

“I know, but I don’t care. I like working alongside your mother and sister. I know I have a lot to learn, but I will endeavor to make you a good wife.”

“You’re already perfect for me.” He brushed his lips upon hers in a brief kiss. “I told your father on the trip from Lufkin that I couldn’t ever love another woman as much as I love you.”

“You spoke to my father about this?” She couldn’t contain her surprise. “What did he have to say about it?” They walked back toward the house. From the light glowing from the windows, Lizzie could see the happiness on G. W.’s face.

“I asked him for his blessing, and he gave it. He could tell that my love for you was real.”

Lizzie smiled, imagining her father’s thoughts as he sat through dinner, knowing what G. W. intended to ask her. Her smile faded, however, as she thought of her mother and Stuart. No doubt they would do whatever they could to stop the wedding.

“Can we marry right away?” she asked. “I mean, could we marry tomorrow?”

He laughed heartily and twirled her in circle. “You are a bold one – exactly what I need.”

She felt her cheeks grow hot. She realized too late how forward – almost risqué – her comment sounded. “I . . . well, it’s just that . . .” Lizzie knew there was no sense in trying to explain and lowered her head.

“Darlin’, don’t you go gettin’ all red-faced and shy. We can marry right this minute, if you can find us a preacher. You won’t get any argument out of me. It’s been sheer torture to spend all this time so close to you and not be able to . . . well . . .” It was his turn to look embarrassed.

Lizzie could only giggle. She put her hand to her mouth as he threw her a questioning look.

“So you think this is funny, do you?”

She nodded and giggled all the more. G. W. smiled and took hold of her once again. Pulling her tight against him, he locked her in an iron embrace. “I’ll give you something to giggle about. I’ve been wantin’ to tickle you since you first showed up. First it was because you never smiled – you always seemed so serious. Then I just wanted your smile to be because of me.”

Lizzie tried to twist in his arms, but he held her fast. When he ran his fingers lightly under her chin and down the side of her neck, it wasn’t giggling that Lizzie thought of. She sighed and her knees nearly buckled.

“So do you suppose,” she whispered, “there might be a preacher nearby?”

G. W. halted and gazed deep into her eyes before roaring with laughter. In one quick move, he threw her over his shoulder and marched toward the house. “You go pack. We’ll take the train to Lufkin tomorra.”

“Put me down before someone sees us,” Lizzie protested, pounding against G. W.’s back with her fist. “G. W.!”

He only laughed all the more. “I like a gal with some fight in her. Lizzie Decker, you’re gonna be the joy of my life.”

She relaxed against him and smiled to herself. G. W. pulled her from his shoulder and cradled her in his arms as he climbed the steps to the porch. When he reached the top, he put her down. Shaking his head, he put her at arm’s length.

His voice was a hoarse whisper. “You’d best go along now before I kiss you again.”

–––––––

Deborah awaited Lizzie’s return to their room. She was hoping that G. W. would propose to her friend, and when Lizzie walked, or rather floated, into the room, Deborah was certain the question had been asked and approved.

“So when’s the wedding?”

Lizzie gave a sigh. “Tomorrow we’re going to take the train to Lufkin.”

“Leave it to G. W. to waste no time.”

Her friend flushed. “It was a mutually agreed upon idea.”

Deborah couldn’t help but laugh. “Spoken like a true daughter of a suffragette. Stand up for your rights, and all that.”

Lizzie plopped down on the side of her bed. “Oh, Deborah, I’ve never been so happy. G. W. is everything I could ever want in a husband. He’s perfect. So kind. So smart. So gentle.”

“Goodness, but you sound completely daft over him.” Deborah shook her head. “Well, I suppose it’s a good thing you brought your own wedding gown.”

“Oh, I don’t plan to get married to him in that dress,” Lizzie said. “I’m a simple Texas woman now – not an eastern socialite.”

“That doesn’t mean you can’t dress beautifully for your wedding day.” Deborah smiled. “Although I’m sure G. W. won’t care what you wear so long as you say ‘I do’ when the preacher asks if you’ll pledge your life to him.”

Lizzie smiled and nodded. “I’m so happy, Deborah. I want to cry and laugh all at the same time. It’s like all of my dreams came true in a single moment.” She looked to her friend. “I even get to be your sister and be a part of a real family who loves each other. I’ve wanted brothers and sisters all of my life, and now I’ll have them.”

Deborah laughed and threw a pillow at the dreamy-eyed girl. “And you’ll see just how ornery siblings can be. All of this time I’ve just been being nice to you because you were a guest.”

“Well, so long as I get to marry G. W., you can treat me any way you like.”