Threads of Love (33 page)

I hope Edward has his letter written
, she thought, just as her last patient was leaving.

“Do you know of a doctor and little girl who might be interested in lunch at the Harvey House?” Charlie asked as he sauntered into the office, admiring how fresh and lovely she could look after a morning of seeing ill patients.

“Oh, I don’t think I can today, Charlie. I need to see Edward before my first appointment this afternoon,” she responded apologetically, continuing to bustle around the office to assure everything was in order for her next patient.

“Edward? Would that be Mr. Buford?”

“Yes,” she responded without further explanation.

“The last I knew, you were addressing him as Mr. Buford. When did you and Mr. Buford begin addressing each other on a first-name basis?” he inquired, his thick eyebrows raised in speculation.

“Why, he requested that I call him by his first name shortly after I began treating him,” she answered, surprised at the tone Charlie had taken.

“Are you now on a first-name basis with all your patients?” he countered, irritated at the fact she felt comfortable enough with this stranger to be so familiar.

“You’re acting childish,” she retorted. “I don’t have time to stand and bicker over such a petty matter. I really must get to the Harvey House,” she stated, tucking the letter into her handbag. “I need to get Addie, so, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be on my way,” she said, moving toward his tall figure, which was blocking the doorway.

“Let’s get Addie. We can all go to the Harvey House, see Mr. Buford, and then have lunch,” he suggested, sure he had found a solution that would force her to accept his invitation.

“You’re welcome to walk along with us, but once I see Edward, there are other errands I need to complete,” she responded, pushing past him into the parlor, where the child sat playing with a dollhouse Uncle Jon had constructed and sent to her.

“You have to eat lunch sometime, so I’ll just tag along until the two of you are ready; then I’ll join you,” he replied with a grin, feeling sure she would succumb to his offer.

Handing Addie her white fur muff, they walked the short distance to the Harvey House. “I’ll take Addie to the kitchen,” Charlie offered upon their arrival.

“No, it’s better if she comes with me. The kitchen will be in chaos with the noon rush, and she’ll be in the way,” she answered, placing an arm around Addie’s shoulder and maneuvering her down the hallway.

“Sounds as if you’re in charge,” Charlie said, watching while Addie and Tessie went directly to Edward’s room.

“This is a pleasant surprise,” Edward stated as the two of them entered his room. “I was expecting Mrs. Winter with a lunch tray, and instead I see the two prettiest women in all of Kansas,” he complimented with a large smile.

“Thank you for your kind words,” Tessie replied. “I was wondering if possibly you’d had an opportunity to write your brother-in-law,” she inquired meekly.

“Ah, so it’s not me you’re interested in but rather my brother-in-law. He’s a happily married man, and you’d be much better off with me. I’m of a better temperament and considerably more lovable,” he teased.

Tessie felt her face flush and was glad that Addie was looking out the window and hadn’t been privy to Edward’s words.

“I wanted to…I mean, I was hoping…I thought perhaps…” she stammered.

“Out with it, woman—just what is it you want? Love, money, my family name? Don’t hesitate—it’s yours for the asking,” he jested, causing her embarrassment but enjoying it too much to stop.

“Edward! Someone will hear you and take your words seriously,” she reprimanded. “I came early to inquire if you’d written to your brother-in-law because I wanted to post the letters before the mail leaves on the afternoon train,” she advised, her decorum now fully intact.

“I see,” he responded somberly, stroking his chin. “So you thought I’d have a letter written to Byron by noon today, knowing I haven’t written since I departed their home?” he asked, eyeing her in mock seriousness.

“I was hopeful,” she responded plaintively, suddenly realizing his zeal would not be the same caliber as hers. After all, he had only met Addie yesterday!

Seeing the dejected look in her eyes, he quit bantering, reached under his pillow, and pulled out a sheet of paper, holding it up for her to see.

“Do you suppose this would do?” he asked.

“Oh, Edward, thank you,” she replied.

“There’s only one requirement,” he told her stoically.

“What’s that?” she asked, her tone serious.

“You’ll have to come over here and get it,” he answered with a grin.

As she approached the bed, he quickly moved the letter into his left hand. Just as she leaned forward to retrieve the epistle, he raised up, meeting her lips with a soft, gentle kiss.

“I know I shouldn’t have done that,” he said, lying back on his pillows.

“You’re right! You shouldn’t have, and if you weren’t in that bed, I’d have your hide!” Charlie bellowed from the doorway.

“Charlie, please! There’s no need for that kind of talk, and I’d appreciate it if you’d keep your voice down. We don’t need to alert everyone in the hotel that you’re unhappy,” Tessie scolded in a hushed voice.

“I don’t know why you’re upset with
me!
You should be putting him in his place,” he replied angrily.

“Why don’t you take Addie and wait outside? We can discuss this privately when you’ve calmed down,” she suggested, hopeful he wouldn’t cause a further scene.

“Fine. Addie and I will wait outside—outside his door, not outside the hotel,” he responded, giving Edward a final glare as he took Addie’s hand.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you were promised to Mr. Banion,” he stated apologetically.

“You need not apologize in that regard. Mr. Banion and I are not promised. We’ve been enjoying each other’s company since I arrived in Florence. I do not, however, belong to anyone,” she responded, angry at Charlie for his possessive attitude. “I would, however, be willing to accept your apology for kissing me without permission,” she added.

“I’m afraid I could never apologize for kissing you. It gave me too much pleasure,” he stated emphatically, a smile playing on his lips as he handed her the letter.

“Thank you for this,” she stated, looking at the letter in her hand.

“My pleasure. I hope it will bring happiness to you. I’m afraid it’s already brought unhappiness to Mr. Banion,” he replied.

“I’d better leave now. I’ll be back to check your leg around four o’clock,” she told him, placing his letter in her handbag with the one she had written.

He lifted his hand in a wave as she left the room, pleased she would be returning later in the day.

Walking into the hallway, Tessie quickly retrieved Addie’s hand and walked directly past Charlie and out of the hotel without uttering a word. She was acutely aware of Charlie’s footsteps directly behind her as she marched toward the post office. She had almost reached the door when he took hold of her arm.

“Are you planning on walking all over town to avoid discussing this matter with me?” he questioned.

“I have a letter to mail immediately. After that, I will talk with you, but please, don’t assume that I have an obligation to discuss my personal life with you, Charlie,” she responded.

He felt as though he had been slapped in the face. She was actually angry with him when he felt that that presumptuous foreigner should be the one receiving her wrath. He didn’t understand her attitude, but wanting some form of explanation, he waited outside the post office while she posted her letters and then moved alongside Addie when they exited the building.

Addie slipped her small gloved hand into Charlie’s larger one. She didn’t know all the words that had been spoken, but it was obvious Charlie and Tessie were arguing. The air crackled with animosity. Peeking up at Charlie from under the brim of her small hat, she felt a hint of reassurance when he gave her a quick wink and squeezed her hand. Tessie wasn’t looking anywhere but straight ahead, and Charlie noted her face remained etched in a frown.

“I’m going to my room,” Addie announced, shedding her coat as they walked in the front door, wanting no part of the dissension.

“Addie needs to eat lunch, and I have only a short time before my next patient arrives,” Tessie remarked, avoiding his eyes.

“I’m not going to be the cause of Addie missing her lunch. Can you reschedule your next patient?” he cautiously inquired.

“No, I can’t. I don’t expect a patient to be inconvenienced by my personal problems,” she replied, moving toward the kitchen.

“Perhaps it would be best if I came back later in the day when we’ve both had time to give this matter some thought. I could be back about four o’clock if that would be acceptable to you,” Charlie offered.

“I must return to check Edward’s leg at four o’clock,” she answered, continuing to prepare lunch.

Charlie felt the blood begin to rise in his neck and then up his face. Edward again! He was glad Tessie wasn’t looking at him. Attempting to gain control before speaking, he turned his back and took several deep breaths. A further outburst might cause irreconcilable differences, and he didn’t want that to occur.

“Do you know what time you’ll return? I could come by after your visit—or after dinner if you prefer,” he asked, his words now spoken in a soft, precise manner.

“After dinner would be better, I believe,” Tessie responded, setting two places at the table.

“Since it appears I’m not invited to lunch, I’ll be back at seven o’clock,” he stated, trying to lighten the mood.

When she didn’t answer, he backed out the doorway and left the house, not sure how a simple invitation to lunch had turned into such a disaster.

For Tessie, the day quickly passed. She had several physicals for new railroad employees, as well as ailing townsfolk with a variety of complaints. By four o’clock she had seen her last patient, and she and Addie were on their way back to the Harvey House, both bundled against the declining temperature and cold winds.

“Could I go see John in the kitchen?” Addie requested as they drew closer to the hotel. Tessie smiled and gave her permission, aware the day’s events had been stressful not only for her and Charlie but for Addie as well.

“Looks like my patient has taken on his own course of treatment,” she stated, seeing Edward sitting in a chair with his leg propped on a stool.

“I promise I didn’t place any weight on the leg. John and one of the other cooks helped move me. Mrs. Winter took pity on me when I complained of lying in bed all day and came back with the two men to help me into the chair. However, if it means you’ll cease being my physician, I’ll return to bed and not move an inch until ordered,” he answered, giving her a charming smile.

“I’m sure it will do no harm. I had planned to make arrangements for you to be up in a chair by tomorrow anyway. I must say, you certainly seem to have captivated Mrs. Winter. She’s generally not so accommodating,” Tessie advised as she began unwrapping the leg.

“So I’ve been told by any number of people. Perhaps it’s my accent,” he offered.

“Perhaps, but most likely it’s your flattery that’s turned her head,” she surmised.

“Flattery? And here I thought it was my perfect English and extraordinary good looks,” he teased.

“I’m sure that’s helped also,” she affirmed, noting his well-chiseled features, sandy hair, and twinkling blue eyes, which seemed to laugh at her.

“And have I turned your head, Dr. Tessie Wilshire?” he asked, lifting her chin so their eyes would meet.

Tessie felt her face becoming warm and quickly looked down. “I’ve very much enjoyed making your acquaintance,” she responded, keeping her hands busy unwrapping the bandage and hoping he wouldn’t notice her fingers tremble.

“That’s not much encouragement for a man who sits waiting for your visits each day, but I’ll not ask for more right now. Be prepared, however. Once I’m up and about, I plan to pursue you with vigor, Doctor,” he said, his words carrying a fervor of determination.

“Let’s just concentrate on getting you well for now,” she replied, completing her ministrations and closing her black bag.

“If that’s what the doctor orders, I’ll agree for now,” he responded, quickly placing a kiss on her fingertips before she could object.

“Edward!”

“Sorry. I’ll try to keep myself under control,” he replied with an unmistakable twinkle in his eyes.

“I must be going. I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon. You may tell Mrs. Winter you have permission to be up in a chair for two hours each morning and afternoon and one hour in the evening if she can make arrangements to have you moved about,” Tessie formally instructed.

“Yes, ma’am!” he replied, mimicking her formality.

“Have a good evening, Edward,” she replied, unable to keep from smiling at his antics.

“It would be better if you’d return and read to me, but I suppose I’ll have to make do with Mrs. Winter,” he announced.

“You’ve convinced her to read to you?” Tessie asked, astounded by the remark.

“Of course. Since the first night I arrived,” he told his incredulous visitor. “If you’d spend more time with me, you, too, would come to know just what a charming fellow I am.”

“I don’t doubt your charm, Edward. It’s caused me enough problems already,” she remarked, pulling on her gloves.

“Speaking of problems, you might put Mr. Banion on notice that unless he’s managed to put a ring on your left finger by the time I’m out of this room, he’s going to have some stiff competition for your affection,” he stated, giving her a knowing wink.

“We’ll see, Edward, we’ll see,” she replied, picking up her bag and leaving the room.

“Don’t hesitate to come back after dinner,” he called after her as she walked down the hallway, a smile on her face.

She nearly collided with Mrs. Winter, who was turning the corner and carrying a huge dinner tray.

“Just taking Mr. Buford his meal,” she told Tessie. “Isn’t he the most delightful gentleman? If I were thirty years younger, I’d set my cap for him,” she announced.

“Mrs. Winter, you’re a married woman,” Tessie chastened.