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

Chapter 9

August, 1871Les MadeleinesTeddy

Teddy poured tea and wiped crumbs from the table before pressing her back against the ornate wallpaper of the dining area wall of Les Madeleines. She squeezed her fingers into her palms until her nails might draw blood. Listening to these socialites recount every word and look from the evening before made her toes curl.

“Emmaline, everyone fawned over you. You’ll have first pick, of course, so you can choose whomever you like,” the girl to Emmaline’s right said.

The table of girls, their mothers’ well-meaning influences showing in their posture, waited for Emmaline’s response. They may not be aware of the power play going on, but Teddy had to restrain from rolling her eyes. For Emmaline to place her focus on one man meant she’d drawn the boundary line, and the others could fight amongst themselves for the remaining eligible residents. By not claiming her prize, she kept them in limbo.

Emmaline crossed her hands in her lap and tapped one index finger in time with the tinkling piano keys emanating from across the room. “I simply do not have enough information to decide. Looks are one thing, but they’re not always a good indicator of ability. Whomever I choose, he’ll be top of the class.”

“Surely not Jimmy Reeves,” the wide-eyed blonde to Emmaline’s left asked.

Emmaline’s condescending glare had the girl shrinking back in her chair and lowering her now-quivering chin. “Adeline, dear, Jimmy isn’t even on my dance card.”

The girl stammered in her apology. “Forgive me. I . . . it’s . . . he’s by far the smartest.”

Emmaline breathed in and released a practiced sigh. Not too much, just enough to show her displeasure, which again set the girl in her place. Teddy watched the exchanged glances, noting who felt shamed at likely having had the same thought as the girl, and who considered themselves superior and sided with Emmaline.

The drama that took place between sips and sighs was enough to gag a snipe. Teddy resisted the urge to laugh. These ladies may be educated in the arts, languages, and how to catch the most eligible bachelor, but they would be the first to have the wool pulled over their eyes when snipe hunting in her neck of the woods.

Nostalgia tugged at Teddy’s heart. Not homesickness, since she didn’t miss the chaos of her siblings, but the companionship of family where understanding occurred without speaking. She missed the carefree days of childhood.

Teddy relaxed against the wall, releasing her balled fists. She’d grown up in what many called the best poor man’s country in southeastern Pennsylvania. Her family members were hard-working farmers, tending the land and mining it of its bounty. The well-known Morse family name had become less spoken in the last ten years.

Eight siblings, all girls, and not a one of them with more desire than to marry. Except her. Her sisters only wanted children and to farm pieces of their own land, which Daddy sold to the new sons-in-law with new last names. Teddy loved the land, the animals, the freedom to walk for hours without encountering another soul. But the freedom that provided meant giving up another type of liberty.

Teddy wanted to provide for herself, to prove she was capable of more. She’d found her calling during the war and known nursing would be her way out and her path to independence. Her dream was now a reality, but her wages were not enough to live beyond the confines of the boarding house.

“Miss Morse, is there something wrong with the wall you appear to be holding up?”

Teddy sprang to attention at the harsh whisper. “No, ma’am. Sorry, ma’am.” No further words needed, Teddy resumed her duties. She slid between broad skirts and flounced sleeves, pouring tea and replacing morsels her family barn cat would turn up his nose at.

The girl across from Emmaline placed her napkin beside her plate, the sleeve of her yellow gown grazing the raspberry jam at the edge of the fine china. “I met all but one of the new students. They say his name is Thomas Shankel. Not a family name my father recognized.”

“Caroline, you asked your father about him?” Emmaline’s voice was low and controlled, but her finger began its familiar tapping in her lap.

Teddy allowed the water to leave the spout slowly, never taking her eyes off the flow.

“Of course. If Daddy is going to provide a dowry for my hand, he wants to know what he’s getting in return.”

Teddy flinched, her concentration broken, when a green sleeve lengthened with creamy lace moved toward the flowing water. Teddy used her cloth to wipe the spill from the saucer.

“Opal, please be mindful,” Emmaline said. “You might soil your American-made lace.”

Opal lowered her gaze and withdrew, but Teddy suspected the girl didn’t grasp the slight intended to elevate Emmaline by diminishing her companion.

A tsk escaped the mouth of the girl to Emmaline’s right. “My father is close friends with Judge Pennypacker, Mr. Shankel’s benefactor.” The girl paused as if this were new information to which only she was privy. “My father said Thomas Shankel comes from a wealthy landowner and cattle farmer out west,” the girl added, her chin jutting forward and lengthening her neck.

“Missouri.” Emmaline recaptured the conversation. “The family owns most of the town.” Her eyes darted toward the lowered head of the girl to her left.

“Shumard Oak Bend,” Adeline whispered the necessary information.

“The town of Shumard Oak Bend. Strange to name a town after a tree, but I suppose if you own the town . . .” Emmaline’s voice trailed off as if bored with the conversation.

Teddy marveled at the boldness of the girls and their affinity for gossip. She knew Thomas came from Missouri, but wealth? He didn’t act or look like he had more than a few nickels to rub together.

Caroline dabbed her handkerchief at the stain on her yellow sleeve, spreading it. “If my father would allow it, I’d go to university myself.”

Silence blanketed the table with unfamiliarity. Teddy’s stomach muscles quaked for the girl, holding in the breath she dared not release.

Emmaline’s finger picked up speed. “Whatever for?”

“Whatever for? Independence. I loathe the idea of marrying only to schedule teas, attend church socials, and fulfill other ridiculous obligations.”

“If you’re married, you’ll be fulfilling more duties than are on your social calendar,” one of the six offered, making a few blush and go wide-eyed, and the rest look confused.

Emmaline made a feminine but distinct ahem deep in her throat. “Inappropriate, Louisa.”

“Inappropriate? Sounds like my kind of table talk. Hello, ladies.” A tall, regal woman placed her silk-gloved hand on Emmaline’s shoulder while the fullness of her skirt invaded the table space.

Emmaline’s now-clasped hands flew to under her chin. “Aunt Pauline. What a pleasure to see you again. When you didn’t come to the party last night, I feared you’d returned to Virginia.” A wide smile created dimples and made her usual haughty tone impossible to maintain.

The woman’s chin lowered to her shoulder. “I believe to speak of why I was not in attendance would be . . . inappropriate discussion.” She winked at the saucy girl who’d made the comment earlier, then focused her sly smile on each of the girls at the table, ending with her niece.

“Would you care to join us, Aunt Pauline?” Emmaline scooched her chair over, pushing the fabric of Adeline’s dress out of the way as if it was bothersome.

“You distinguished ladies don’t want an old fuddy-duddy ruining your fun.” The woman glanced at Teddy and gave a barely perceptible nod. Teddy pulled a chair from an empty table and placed it near Emmaline.

Emmaline patted the chair. “Please, join us. I’ve yet to hear why you’re in town.” Emmaline focused her full attention on the woman.

Teddy marveled at the transformation of the leader of the pack. It was as though she was a child sitting at the knee of a beloved aunt who promised a bedtime story.

“I came to visit an old friend and will stay with her until winter. Then I’m thinking of heading to the Carolina coast for some warmer air.” The woman pulled at the tip of each finger on her glove, exposing long, slender fingers with short nails filed and buffed close to the skin.

“Miss Whitaker . . .” Caroline began.

“Please. Keep me young for a bit longer and call me Aunt Pauline.”

Caroline’s head swayed with the extra weight. Was everything about status and connection?

Teddy made space on the table and added a place setting, then poured tea from a fresh pot. She’d become accustomed to not being seen and blending into the wall and found it easy to tune out the chatter on most days. But not this day. She was all ears and soaking up the conversation, but it was the woman’s pinched features that made Teddy pay closer attention. Was she in pain? A headache, perhaps?

As the girls oohed and aahed and asked questions of her travels, Teddy watched the overly animated answers of the woman. Light powder covered the dark circles under her eyes. Her hat sat lower than fashionable, showing only the ends of her lackluster hair. The deep red bodice of her gown bunched in places as if the dress had been made for a much larger woman. Emmaline’s Aunt Pauline looked more tired than ill, but something wasn’t quite right.

Teddy knew eavesdropping was improper, but she needed something in her arsenal against Dr. Whitaker. Whatever was going on between him and his sister may be the one thing she could use—

Teddy blinked. Shame on her. What an ungodly thought. She should focus more on the needs of Emmaline’s aunt and how she could pray for her.

There was something in the woman’s tone and forced smile that Teddy recognized but couldn’t distinguish. She chanced a glance at Miss Whitaker’s slim fingers, which moved constantly in her lap as she spoke. Surely this practiced socialite wasn’t nervous amidst girls several years her junior. Perhaps her hand motions provided clues like Emmaline’s and her father’s signature finger-tapping.

Teddy moved silently around the table, keeping her head down but glancing again at the fidgeting hands on red silk as she rounded the table. That’s when she saw it. A ring of exquisite filigree. A large stone twirled around and reappeared on Emmaline’s aunt’s left hand as she twisted it over and under. This was no Miss Whitaker. And the woman wasn’t nervous. She was grieving.

Adjusting her stance, Teddy placed herself in a position to grab surreptitious glances. Aunt Pauline placed a butter cookie on her plate, then took a small bite. Her mouth worked but did not swallow, as if the fragment was too dry. She sipped her tea, holding the cup with both hands and leaving it near her mouth a moment longer than needed.

Caroline monopolized the conversation with something that required the girls to lean in. She held the attention of all the girls with her whispered words. Teddy moved around the table until she was next to the aunt.

“Ma’am,” Teddy whispered without making eye contact. “May I get you anything else?”

The woman didn’t hesitate. “Orange juice. With a heavy dose of spice.” She turned slightly. “Do you understand?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Teddy glanced at the clock. Two in the afternoon and Aunt Pauline wanted alcohol? But who was she to judge? The bartender did not seem surprised at her request, and Teddy placed the etched crystal filled with orange liquid on the table without the girls even noticing.

The woman’s napkin fell to the floor, and Teddy grabbed it, prepared to offer a new one, but Emmaline’s aunt reached for it, grasping Teddy’s hand. She gave a light squeeze, then released it, placing the cloth back over her lap.

Teddy stood against the wall and replayed the exchange in her mind. Had it been intentional? A thank you of sorts? She performed her duties and perfunctorily filled teacups and replaced the three-tiered tray of finger sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats. Lingonberry and raspberry jam, lemon curd, and Devonshire cream sat in small crystal dishes with miniature silver spoons sticking out from the thick condiments.

The sweet smell of jam and tart lemon curd wafted through the air. Aunt Pauline lifted her napkin to her nose and mouth, placed it on the table, and pushed her chair back.

“It has been a delight having tea with you ladies. Emmaline, it is always a pleasure seeing you. I must be on my way,” the aunt said.

Teddy offered her arm as Miss Whitaker moved to stand. Teddy adjusted her stance to accept more force than what she’d expected, then adjusted again with the quick release of the hand on her arm. Miss Whitaker gripped the back of the chair and smiled down at her niece with pinched features.

“When might I see you again, Aunt?”

The hope in Emmaline’s eyes made emotion swell in Teddy. She hadn’t seen this side of Emmaline, who was still a girl, yet had been thrust into society as a young woman.

“We’ll make that happen soon, darling.” But there was no commitment in the words or promise in the tone.

“Emmy, I promised Mother I’d be home by three. She hired a new French tutor for me after dismissing Madame LeBlanc. It was a pleasure spending the afternoon with you all.” Opal said, her finger awkwardly pushing a stray strand of thick, dark hair behind her ear. Her almond-shaped eyes followed Emmaline’s aunt as she stood. Each girl offered a polite smile.

The moment Opal reached the door, Caroline leaned in slightly, threatening to add a lemon curd stain to the lace of her bodice. “I heard Madam LeBlanc started courting a Southern sympathizer.”

Adeline’s petite hand flew to her high neckline. “What a tragedy. They’ll need to move south like the rest of the carpetbaggers.”

Louisa looked as if this wasn’t new information. “I heard he’s a scalawag with political aspirations.”

Emmaline placed her napkin on the table, signaling the end of the meal and the current thread of conversation. “Opal’s family should have hired better quality in the first place, and then they wouldn’t be dealing with this issue now. Monsieur Aubert has served our family for two generations. He taught my father and Aunt Pauline and now teaches me.”

“Your aunt didn’t answer why she isn’t staying at your home. It isn’t like you don’t have room. When was the last time she visited?” Caroline’s tone bordered on insolent. Her lifted eyebrow made the wisps of Teddy’s hair on her neck lift.

Emmaline tapped a pointer finger in her lap but never gave away a hint of emotion. “Caroline, I know you’re na?ve, but mystery can be a woman’s best weapon.”

Teddy snorted and covered her mouth and faked a cough. This girl wielded words like a sword, and stitches might be required if the conversation continued.

Caroline conceded the win and placed her napkin on the table, but she never broke eye contact with Emmaline.

“Will there be anything else today, Miss Whitaker?” Teddy asked, hoping to keep whatever the female version of a duel was called from happening.

Emmaline’s finger slowed. “We were just leaving.”

Teddy lifted the tray from the ring at the top.

Caroline huffed. “I was just asking a simple question.”

“My dear, everyone’s entitled to ask ridiculous questions once in a while, but you abuse the privilege.” Emmaline stood, the others hastening to follow. “Enjoy the rest of your day, girls.”

Teddy stood holding the tiered tray like a lantern, illuminating the remark. She knew she should close her mouth but remained statuesque. Had Teddy said such a thing, her mother would have washed her mouth out with soap at the rudeness. Someone giggled, and Teddy pulled herself together.

“Shall I put this on your father’s tab, Miss Whitaker?” Teddy questioned without making eye contact.

“Yes. I suppose I am today’s hostess and would never want to shirk my duties.”

Teddy didn’t need to look up to see the martyred look on Emmaline’s face. Her breathy words were image enough.

When the girls were all out of the way, Teddy cleared the table. She hated wasting food, but there would be happy hogs somewhere outside of the city. She longed to scoop up the remaining lemon curd and pop a scone into her mouth. Working two jobs and saving every penny didn’t seem worth it some days.

Each girl who’d sat at the table she now cleaned would likely never know the difficulty of deciding between a week’s worth of meals and a new pair of shoes.

“What’s got you in a huff?” another server asked as he wheeled a cart to the table and placed the stacked plates on it.

“Nothing a few of these scones and a crock of lemon curd wouldn’t cure.” She offered him a smile. “Do you think they realize how pampered they are?” Teddy whispered so the other patrons wouldn’t overhear while pointing her nose toward the flock at the door.

“Honestly, I don’t believe they ever think. Period. Most of those girls couldn’t form an argument to save their lives.”

He hadn’t heard the cutting retort Emmaline had formulated, seemingly without thinking. The girl was smart, but she wouldn’t be winning any awards. Teddy followed her coworker and the cart he pushed, a pile of used napkins and the soiled tablecloth in her arms.

The man turned to her. “What time does your shift end?”

The back of Teddy’s neck prickled, and she slowed her steps. “Um, now, but I’m headed to my next job, Sam, so I really—”

“Perfect. Meet me out back in ten minutes.”

Sam’s wink and smile made Teddy’s stomach drop. She didn’t have time for a relationship, and she certainly didn’t want to hurt any feelings, but there was no time to argue. He’d left her standing in the hall, arms full.

Teddy dreaded the conversation but would rather tackle the difficult now instead of setting the man up for disappointment later on.

The weight of the back door matched Teddy’s mood. Smoke assaulted her as Sam blew out between his yellowed teeth.

“Good, you’re here. This’ll cure what ails ya. Have a good rest of your day.” Sam handed Teddy a box of pleated paper with the lid tucked in, then took long strides away from the building, smoke following him and evaporating into the humid air.

Teddy glanced around, but she was alone. What had just happened? She opened the box to find a dollop of lemon curd in one corner and three broken scones. The smile that formed felt good, and she sighed contentedly.

“Thanks, Lord. A sweet treat as a sweet reminder that not all of humanity is bad, even if they still need You.”