Healing of the Heart: A Shumard Oak Bend Novel (Discerning God’s Best Book 4)

Chapter 1

August, 1871Boarding HousePhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaTheodora “Teddy” Morse

Teddy lifted the frame of the wire-meshed boarding house door to keep it from squeaking. The new invention allowed air to flow freely but did not permit one to enter or exit unnoticed—at least not this door. Like her exhausted limbs, the tight hinge moaned at the belabored action, pushing against Teddy’s hand in its desire to announce her arrival.

“Theodora Morse, I’m certain you are well aware your rent is due today promptly at five?”

Teddy jumped, letting go of the frame and allowing it to make a satisfactory clap back as it went back into its hold. Teddy’s exhaustion made it difficult to lift the edges of her mouth into a smile. Widow or not, Mrs. Jones ran her establishment like a proper business. She may disapprove of Teddy working nights, but the woman deserved respect.

Teddy forced the muscles in her face to cooperate. “Yes, ma’am.” She’d perfected the action of serving the hoity-toity upper class at Les Madeleines. Serving others was a gift, but it became a chore between twelve and four every day. She much preferred her night job as a nurse at the hospital.

Mrs. Joneshumphed. “No rent, no evening meal.”

Teddy didn’t have the energy to argue. If she wanted to stay on track with her savings, she could pay the rent on time, but it would mean another skipped lunch. “Yes, ma’am. I’ll have it to you this evening.”

The woman’s curt nod before leaving had Teddy taking a deep breath, using only her diaphragm. Thank the Lord she was not required to wear a corset. It would take forever to remove, and all she wanted was to plop into bed and succumb to some much-needed sleep.

Corsets were ridiculous contraptions. They kept a woman from being a full, productive member of society. The ladies at Les Madeleines were perfect examples of the effects of a too-tight corset. She couldn’t afford to get herself all riled up before bed and forced the rapidly increasing heat of her blood to cool.

Sleep. That was all that mattered. Teddy lifted her heavy feet toward the bed waiting on the second floor.

Three girls came bounding down the stairs and into the foyer, each with their eyes on the retreating Mrs. Jones. Teddy loved her roommates but felt slightly agitated, knowing they’d each had a full night’s sleep, breakfast, and were off to start their day. Teddy scolded herself. These girls were more than roommates. They were friends. The thought caused a smile to form on Teddy’s weary face.

Each girl was unique. Alone, they were disastrous, but together, they made a good team. Where Josephine led, Merriweather followed. And Birdie’s pessimistic melodrama was counteracted by Teddy’s positivity and ability to find a solution to any problem.

Josephine’s sharp tone and overly loud volume filled the foyer. “Did she fuss at you again?”

Teddy didn’t have time to reply before Birdie blurted, “She has it in for you. A day late for rent one time, and you’d think you were a criminal.”

Merriweather’s soft tone and sigh followed on the heels of Birdie’s confrontational tone. “Losing her husband so young to the war and having the responsibility of a boarding house must be difficult on her.”

Teddy mentally rolled her eyes, but her expression remained the same. Mrs. Jones had to be in her late fifties. “She simply reminded me it was due at five.”

“She never reminds us.” Josephine’s words bordered on impolite.

Birdie tied a scarf under her chin, covering a grease stain on her collar. “I can’t stand here and talk all morning. Unlike my workfellows, I’m never late. Somebody has to set the example.” She picked up the sides of her wrinkled dark blue cotton skirt, a motion she must often do if the permanent grease stains were any indication.

The screen door creaked, then slammed, making Teddy’s weary body flinch. She removed the pins from her nurse’s cap, rubbing a sore spot where one had dug in all night.

“Your hair is so pretty, Teddy. All soft and wavy. I have to cover my dirty mop with this old thing. I hope to buy a new scarf with this week’s pay.” Merriweather lowered her gaze.

“You look very pretty in your yellow scarf, and it makes your face glow. And you wouldn’t want to stand out at the Harrison mansion.”

“Oh, no. I tuck this away as soon as I arrive. Mrs. Harrison wants us all to look the same and makes us wear ugly caps that fully cover our hair.” She attempted to tuck one limp strand back into the tight bun that pulled at her already-constricted features.

Josephine picked at her chewed nails. Why couldn’t the girl see how nasty a habit it was? A simple metal nail file would do wonders, as would a nail brush for her cuticles. Teddy rubbed the pad of her thumb over the smooth curve of her well-kept nails. Maybe she’d get a nail care set for each of her roommates for Christmas if her funds would stretch that far.

Teddy ached for a hot bath to soak her tired feet and hands but focused on her roommate. “You haven’t worn that dress in a while. What are your plans for the day?” The question had Josephine masking her expression even as she hid her hands behind her back. She placed them on her low bustle.

“Oh, the usual. I’ll see you girls this evening. Don’t be late with rent, Theodora.” She dragged out Teddy’s given name with the same tone Mrs. Jones had used. Her laughter followed her and her full skirt out the front door.

“What’s the usual?” Merriweather asked, then put her petite fingers over her mouth. “Oh, shame on me. It should be none of my concern, though I never have figured out what she does for work.”

The hall clock chimed seven thirty, and Teddy felt her body wilt. She should have been asleep by now.

Merriweather reached for her friend. “Have a good day, Teddy. And don’t let those high society ladies get under your skin. If they knew how hard you worked, they’d be kinder.”

“I doubt that, but thank you.” Likely, the ladies she served didn’t have any inkling of what actual labor was. Teddy watched as Merriweather primped a moment longer in the mirror.

Merriweather glanced at the clock. “I really must go. Make it a good day, Teddy. And get some rest. I don’t mean to sound like a mother hen, but you are working too hard.” Merriweather leaned in and gave Teddy a hug that nearly squeezed all the air from her lungs. “I snuck a biscuit from breakfast and put it on the desk,” the girl whispered before letting go.

“Thank you.” Teddy meant it for more than the words of concern and the biscuit. She looked forward to that hug every morning. It was a gift from her friend that started, or technically, ended, Teddy’s day right. It reminded her she was real, tangible, not just a server girl at the ladies’ lounge who needed to remain invisible or a nurse at the hospital, which often required the same, especially in the presence of a doctor.

“Thank you,” she whispered again, though Merriweather would not hear her over the clip-clip of her heels on the wooden porch.

The heavy clop-clop of the sturdy heels of her more serviceable shoes echoed in the enclosed stairwell to the shared room. She longed for pretty things but knew practical would have to do for now. She’d make her wardrobe and shoes last, no matter how ugly or out of style they were. She closed the bedroom door behind her and let her cares fall from her shoulders. It was her favorite time of day, and she had the room all to herself.

Even though the bed called her name, Teddy lit a match and watched the flame in her desk lamp come to life. She replaced the globe and stared as the light illuminated the room. Perfumed air and the smell of sulfur melded. The single chair squeaked as she pulled it from the desk and plopped into its hold. Her Bible was within reach on her bottom bunk, and she ran her dry hands over the soft leather, taking care not to break off the worn edges.

“Lord, may the words I read today invade my whole being and transform me. Enlighten me with your words as if they are new. Make them a part of me so I may share you with someone I come in contact with. Help me be a light to one who lives in darkness and an encouragement to one whose flame is burning low.”

Pages crinkled, and the bookmark keeping her place revealed Psalm thirty-four. Teddy lifted her hand to her unladylike and ever-widening mouth. Her eyes watered with the yawn, and she raised her gaze to the morning light from the single, soot-covered window. Dimness and fatigue made reading difficult, but Teddy was determined. She scooted her Bible closer to the lantern. “Let’s see what you have for me today, Lord.”

“I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord . . .”

Thud, thud, thud.“Miss Teddy, you in there? Miss Teddy!”

Teddy’s hand flew to her mouth in an attempt to keep the scream that wanted to escape inside. Whatever could be so urgent? She didn’t smell smoke, but fire was the first thing to cross her mind.

“Goodness, what’s all the fuss, David?” Teddy’s heartbeat did not match her calm tone or steps and increased when the boy’s flushed face was before her.

“Miss Teddy, I know it’s your Bible time, but Cook cut her hand real bad. She dun ruined a loaf of bread.”

Her time with the Lord and sleep would have to wait. “Extinguish my lamp, please, David, while I fetch my things. And shut my door behind you.” Teddy grabbed her medical bag with shaking hands and hurried out the door.

“Yes, ma’am.”

She heard the familiar click of her door as she hurried down the stairs and into the kitchen.

Cook, a portly woman in a too-small apron, sat on the potato-peeling stool, her back against the wall. Only one of the three legs showed under her girth. Her round knees peeked out from her skirt, and she cradled her hand in their folds. Her raised hem revealed stockings pooled around swollen ankles.

When Teddy entered, Cook looked up and feigned a smile, though the tense lines around the woman’s eyes didn’t relax. “Oh, good. The doctor is here. I’m so sorry to interrupt you, dearest.” Red oozed from the cloth surrounding Cook’s hand.

“I’m no doctor, but you’ll likely only need nursing.” Teddy’s heart raced as she unwrapped the soiled apron and skirt and examined the laceration. The sounds of something boiling matched the noises in her ears as blood rushed through her veins. Teddy worked to calm her racing mind. She’d need a level head and steady hands.

“So silly of me.” Cook’s voice wavered.

Teddy forced a calm tone. As if she’d donned her nurse’s cap, she covered her racing adrenaline and began giving orders. “David, please pull that crate over, and get Cook’s feet up. Thank you. Please start another kettle or two of water. This dress is going to need washing when we’re through.”

“Yes, sir, I mean, ma’am, Miss Teddy.”

Teddy washed her hands, then laid out her supplies. Cook’s thumb would require several stitches, but the most critical concern was cleanliness. She bathed the wound, talking through the process as if this gray-haired woman were a child.

“Let your arm rest on the table while I stitch this up.” Teddy moved in swift, practiced motions, tying off the last stitch moments later.

“All finished.” Teddy washed her hands and began cleaning her instruments. “Keep that hand above your heart, or it will throb.” Teddy replaced the items in her bag and pulled the woman’s skirt down farther to cover her ankles. “Let’s get you changed, then for the next hour, you’ll sit here with your feet and hand raised and direct David to do your bidding.”

“Doctor’s orders?”

The sparkle in Cook’s eyes soothed Teddy’s nerves. “Nurse’s strong suggestion. David is a capable young man, and you’re a fine teacher. I’m certain whatever you are preparing for the evening meal will be spectacular as usual.”

Cook leaned closer. “Well, Cook’s strong suggestion is you take one of the cookies I made with a cup of coffee up to your room. You didn’t make it back in time for breakfast again.” Cook’s whispered words settled over her like one of Merriweather’s hugs. Softer, but it still took her breath away.

Teddy helped the woman stand and ensured she was steady on her feet.

Cook blew a quick stream of air through the space between her front teeth. “I hurt my thumb, not my legs. I can change myself, though I might need help with the buttons.”

“Of course.” Teddy opened the door off the kitchen into Cook’s quarters and closed it behind the woman as the back door opened.

Light surrounded David’s matted hair. Tufts stuck up from the back like a poorly made thatched roof. “Since you said the water was for laundry, I set the wash kettle up outside. I only filled it half full since it ain’t wash day.”

“How smart of you, David.” She wanted to suggest that he wash his clothes while they were still on his body but kept silent. Dirt may cover the boy’s face and hands, but his smile shone brightly.

Teddy heard bubbles popping in the pot and checked to ensure it wouldn’t boil over. “You go on, and continue with your chores. I’ll clean up here. Then you can be Cook’s helper.”

“Think she’ll let me have a cookie?”

“I’ll put in a good word for you.” Teddy did her best not to laugh as the boy bounded down the stairs and out of sight into the side yard.

The unusable loaf of bread went into the slop bucket at the side of the stove. The chickens would eat well today. Teddy used boiling water and soap to clean the countertops. Cook had taken her advice and used a wooden board for cutting meat, but eggshells sat in a pile directly above the slop bucket. Her eyes closed as she took a deep breath. Nursing was one thing; teaching was another. She doubted she’d ever help the older woman understand the importance of keeping a clean kitchen work surface.

“I’m not decent. Can you lend a hand?” Cook peeked out from the crack in the door of her room off the kitchen.

Teddy’s heart clenched when she looked into the woman’s pain-filled eyes. “Absolutely. Give me a moment to hand your soiled dress to David.”

The boy must have heard her, for he appeared on the back steps with arms stretched and eyes closed to take the load. “I’ll get this soaking, then be right in.” He peeked one eye open and fixed it on the cookie jar before he left.

Cook’s back was all that showed through the slim opening. Teddy reached for the button at her neck, securing it first, then opening the door a bit more to tie on a clean apron.

“Thank you, dearie. That David is such a helper. Would you stir the pot? I can’t have the bone broth ruined. We’re already down one loaf of bread.” Cook’s voice shook.

Teddy stirred the pot again, then helped the woman adjust her skirts to sit. David reappeared, pushed the crate forward, and helped lift the woman’s swollen ankles.

Teddy knew Cook would have good care with David nearby. “If you two can do without me, I’ll head back upstairs. I believe David’s earned a cookie.” Teddy winked at the boy, who wiggled like an excited dog.

“Thank you, sweet girl. You’re a godsend.” Cook’s head tilted. “And you, young man, deserve two, as does Miss Teddy. Crawl up there, and grab the tin.”

With coffee in hand and two molasses cookies tucked in her pocket to add to her drying biscuit, Teddy allowed her heartbeat to slow to the cadence of her steps. With the adrenaline rush gone, she was bone weary and hoped she could make it back up the flight of stairs.

Teddy’s Bible lay open, but she couldn’t focus. She savored each bite of the biscuit and cookies, chasing them down with a sip of the dark brew until all was gone. Her bed called to her, and she’d have considered crawling in fully dressed, but she needed her nurse’s uniform ready for her evening shift.

The soft cotton of her nightgown caressed her, snagging on the dry skin of her fingers. Her skin was as rough as Josephine’s nails. The whipped beeswax felt heavenly as she coated her tired hands, rubbing them like she had the back of a child in the night, lulling the patient to sleep. She lay back and continued to massage, moving up her tired forearms.

Rap, rap, rap.

Teddy could not identify the sound or where it was coming from.

Bang, bang, bang.

“Miss Teddy, wake up. You’ll be late. Didn’t you hear the hall clock strike eleven-thirty?”

Sunlight fought through the soot-covered window. Teddy bounded from the bed.

“Thank you, David.” She called toward the closed door. Teddy wasted no time changing into the out-of-style service uniform. Her shoes needed a good polish, but it would have to wait. She tied the laces, then did her best to focus her tired eyes on the form standing in front of the full-length mirror.

Her hair was a mess. The neat bun she’d so painstakingly put her dark, unruly mop into before last night’s shift now hung limp and to one side. Waves of loose strands stuck to her damp face. A nine-hour night at the hospital and less than three hours of sleep caused wisps of brown to curl around her face.

“I could use a miracle, Lord.” Her fingers worked through the tangled mess. Her brush pulled the strands into a chignon that was barely passable, but it would have to do. Teddy had not a moment to lose and rushed down the stairs straight into the arms of a man.