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

Chapter 14

December 30, 1871Teddy

Sunlight glinted off the freshly fallen snow that crunched under Teddy’s boots. Tree limbs bowed under the frozen weight. Horses trampled the falling white flakes into brown sludge, their traditional clip-clop more of a slurp-clunk.

Only two more days until the new year. She loved the holiday that meant fresh beginnings and held hope for greater things—new opportunities and friendships—like one with Thomas.

Her lips curved upward, though no one could see them under her scarf. The man was disastrous with knitting needles but could give all the boarders a challenge with games. She’d laughed until her sides hurt at his antics last evening during charades. How he’d thought they’d guess Spain’s San Fermín Festival from his gyrations, she’d never know. They had at least gotten the animal correct.

Male friendship wasn’t something she’d expected when she’d moved into the boarding house, but even Crocket’s incessant storytelling had endeared the man to her. He was lonely, as they all were, and needed to find his footing in the group. As long as he steered clear of politics, his stories were quite interesting.

Light reflected off something shiny and pulled her focus to a shop window. Mannequins behind partially frosted glass sported the latest fashions for spring, the embellishments the only flora showing color amidst the currently muted pallet of whites, browns, and grays of the surrounding landscape, with the occasional green poking through.

One more year of wearing the same dresses, and then she’d add something new to her attire, like the small blue flower print on the child’s yellow spring dress. It was oh so much more practical and fun than the layers upon layers of the woman’s dress next to it and far less finicky than the white linen and lace next in line.

Did the designers and social setters expect working-class women to wear these styles? Was Teddy relegated to dime store catalog clothes, her siblings’ hand-me-downs, or worse yet, the work of her own hands? She may knit, but she’d never mastered the tiny stitches needed to sew.

Each careful step toward the job she did not enjoy reminded her that by this time next year, she should have enough saved for a place of her own. Her spirits lifted at the thought until startling blue eyes with a forever wayward strand of brown hair threatening to cover one of them came to mind.

The blast of heat when she opened the service entrance to Les Madeleines matched her cheeks.

Her friend Sam whipped by, using his thumb to point toward the approaching manager. “Stay clear of that one. She woke up on the wrong side of the cage today.”

The manager’s no-nonsense steps and rigid form turned Teddy’s way. “You’re early for once. It’s not quite eleven-thirty. Help with the tea trays. Some oaf knocked over two this morning, and they need to be reassembled.” The manager’s abruptness and sharp tone deflated Teddy’s mood.

“Yes, ma’am,” Teddy replied. Teddy pulled her lips in, her cheeks hurting at the effort to contain her laugh. “Duly noted,” she said to no one as she hung her items in the closet, changed out her shoes, and secured the hair loosened by her knit cap.

Memorized motions from two years of training made restocking the trays quick. Teddy looked at the reservation list and removed one place setting from her table just as she heard the unmistakable voice of Emmaline Whitaker.

The girl’s words mingled with the tinkling of piano keys but still overshadowed the music. “I wouldn’t have come at all in this dreadful weather, but I would never want to disappoint my friends.”

Teddy recognized each girl as they moved to their places at the round table. She busied herself with replacing a poorly pressed and folded napkin. Mousy Adeline assisted Emmaline with her full skirts and bustle before sliding without notice into the seat to the leader’s left. Teddy assisted the others with their chairs.

Opal wore another piece of drapery from a decade ago. It was missing a button at the very top, and the girl had done her best to cover it with her thick, dark hair. As long as she kept her chin up, no one should notice.

Caroline, who had chosen a dress the same color as the jam today, settled back in her chair, words already tumbling out. “We’ve just returned from Boston. Mother said you entertained a certain someone over the holidays.”

Louisa turned and gaped, wide-eyed, first at Caroline, then at Emmaline. “Who? Do tell all.” Teddy had pegged her correctly. The girl loved gossip, her now-narrowed eyes shooting daggers at Caroline, showing disapproval at not being the first to know.

Caroline opened her mouth to speak, but Emmaline’s pointed look had the girl lifting her empty teacup instead. Caroline glared at Teddy as if the infraction was her fault, and Teddy moved quickly to fill the cup.

Emmaline placed a linen napkin in her lap, the signature pink of Les Madeleines clashing with the deep purple gown. Teddy moved her direction, finally pouring tea into Emmaline’s cup, creating the perfect opportunity for the girl to keep her secret for a moment longer. Had Teddy not cared for keeping the job, she would have blurted the familiar name herself.

“Thomas Shankel,” Emmaline admitted. “Father invited him for dinner, but I believe he preferred the after-dinner entertainment more than the exquisite meal.”

Opal nearly spilled her tea as she looked up, horror on her face.

Caroline rolled her eyes. “Not that kind of entertainment, you ninny. They played games.”

Emmaline’s finger tapped in her lap. Teddy pinched her forefinger and thumb into her opposite hand. The sting kept her from telling Caroline to tread lightly. She was stepping on the sleeping dragon’s toes.

“We played games—and not just the usual.” Emmaline’s eyebrows lifted and lowered in quick succession.

Teddy caught the implication even if the others did not. The scone she’d eaten upon arrival sat like a stone in her stomach.

“We lost complete track of time. He’s quite the catch. Smart, handsome, and rugged in a way I find wickedly appealing.”

“Emmaline.” Adeline’s whisper pulled Teddy’s gaze to the girl.

“Don’t be such a prude, Adeline. We did nothing improper, though I entertained the thought.”

Giggles filled the air, taking all the oxygen with it. Teddy swallowed the rising bile. The discussion shouldn’t affect her. Thomas was not in her future. He bridged the gap between classes. If Emmaline had any say, he’d soon be more a part of her world than the one where he currently lived.

No fingers tapped. No sighs escaped. Emmaline manipulated the conversation, allowing each girl only a few moments to share of their holiday travels, extravagant gifts, and eccentric family members. Teddy noted Emmaline did not mention her Aunt Pauline and wondered if Dr. Whitaker had invited his sister to the gathering.

Louisa wiggled in her seat. “So, did he ask you?”

Emmaline wiped her pursed lips. “Ask me what?” Innocence was not a characteristic she wore well.

“Emmaline Whitaker, you know perfectly well what I’m talking about. You’ve attended every event this season without a beau on your arm. Not that many haven’t tried. Will you be attending the New Year’s Eve soirée with Thomas Shankel?” Louisa’s tone was terse.

Emmaline flashed a mischievous smile. “Ah, the resident sleuth. Perhaps I should start addressing you as Miss Pinkerton. As for Thomas, well, my dance card remains delightfully open.”

Teddy felt like her eyeballs would fall out with the exercise they were getting. It would have been easier to turn her head with the volley.

Caroline lifted her cup in a mock salute, but she could not break the tension building between the two girls. “You’ve been taking lessons from your aunt.”

Emmaline’s steely gaze moved from Louisa and settled on Caroline, who broke eye contact and took a sip from the raised cup.

“I’m keeping it a mystery for your own good. None of us should settle. Mother warned me men can keep their secrets for only so long before showing their true colors. Besides, Caroline, unlike Adeline, who’s had her sights set on Jimmy Reeves since primary school, you’d have loved and lost six men by this point. I’m merely keeping you from heartache.”

Adeline kept her head low, the flush covering her cheeks, making her almost pretty. Louisa attempted to cover a smirk behind the tips of her splayed fingers. Caroline shoved a most unladylike bite into her mouth and chewed wildly.

Teddy could have taken the butter knife and cut through the unease between the girls. It was going to be a long shift.

Saturday evening

Merriweather leaned into Teddy’s side, her dining room chair creaking and covering the whispered words. “Whatever’s the matter? You’ve been somber all evening.”

Teddy took the girl’s hand and squeezed it once. Merriweather did not release the grip yet righted herself. Teddy squeezed again, hoping her thankfulness for Merriweather’s concern shone in her eyes. “Later.”

Mrs. Jones clinked her fork on her water glass. Voices quieted, and forks stilled. “I received word our blustery weather will continue through the night. With tomorrow being Sunday, I propose we hold service here in the morning.” Her cocked head and raised eyebrows reminded Teddy of her mother. There would be no discussion.

Thomas spoke. “A lovely idea, Mrs. Jones.”

“I’m glad you think so, Mr. Shankel. You’ll give our scripture in the morning. Merriweather will lead us in song.”

Merriweather blanched, and Teddy reached over and grabbed the damp, yet cool fingers of her friend and held on tight.

Mrs. Jones tapped the table near Merriweather’s plate. “You will do just fine.”

“I’ll help Miss Merriweather with the music,” Mr. Ferret offered.

Teddy looked from the pale face of her friend to Reggie’s blushing one, then back to the head of the table. “What a wonderful idea, Mrs. Jones,” she added.

The boarding house owner nodded once. “In the same missive, Cook let me know she cannot return this evening. Therefore, I also propose we make do for breakfast, then enjoy a larger than normal Sunday luncheon.”

Birdie raised her hand. “I’m happy to help with that, ma’am.”

Everyone stared.

“What? Just because I work in a factory doesn’t mean I can’t cook. I grew up on a farm. I kill ‘em, clean ‘em, and fry ‘em up.” Birdie snorted at her joke.

No one joined her.

Mrs. Jones cleared her throat. “Very well. You and I will prepare the meal.”

Crocket placed his napkin on the table. “It would be my pleasure to prepare a dessert.”

The boarding house mistress allowed her spine to relax. “That leaves Theodora and Josephine with clean-up duty.”

Josephine moaned. Cool air rushed under Teddy’s feet, and she wondered if David had opened the back door. Surely the boy was not out in the elements.

Mrs. Jones continued, not waiting for Teddy’s agreement. “Since Cook is not returning until the weather clears, if you ladies wouldn’t mind assisting with the dishes tonight, I thought I’d make hot cocoa for this evening.”

Teddy’s mouth watered. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had the creamy chocolate drink. Chairs creaked, and dishes clinked as the group assisted with cleanup.

“Thomas, would you men please ensure there is plenty of wood and prepare our evening entertainment?” Mrs. Jones asked.

Teddy pushed her way through the kitchen door. Perhaps she could liven up the after-dinner entertainment like Emmaline had. Whatever that meant.

Soapy water sloshed on Teddy’s sleeve. She let the bubbles remain and watched them pop and melt into the fabric. It felt good being in the kitchen. The satisfaction of putting a dirty dish in the scalding water and watching it come out clean was soothing.

Merriweather rinsed and dried as Josephine put the items away. Teddy used her shoulder to bump playfully into her friend. Merriweather returned the gentle shove.

Merriweather’s sweet voice added to the noise of the room. “You’re feeling better?”

Teddy nodded. She didn’t understand her feelings and wasn’t ready to discuss them.

“I’m glad you don’t have to work tonight. If we play charades, please be my partner. I always feel like such a dunce.”

The pleading eyes of the girl made any remaining stress from her day evaporate. “To be honest, I’d like nothing more than to head outside and build a snowman.”

“Oh, wouldn’t that be delightful? Can we, Mrs. Jones?” Water dripped from the plate Merriweather held as she bounced on her tiptoes.

Mrs. Jones pointed at the pooled water. “Unless you prefer ice skating indoors.”

If Teddy didn’t know better, she’d say the woman showed a hint of a humorous side.

Merriweather squealed. “Here, I’ll go tell the boys.” She shoved the plate and towel in Josephine’s hands.

Teddy dried her hands and polished the brass faucet, then dried the deep sink. She wiggled her toes in excitement. It had been years since she’d built a snowman.

Merriweather burst through the door. “They said yes, and the sky is so clear the moon will give us plenty of light.” Her breathy excitement filled the room.

Mrs. Jones cracked a smile. “You children, run and play. I’ll have hot chocolate ready for you when you come in.”

Teddy didn’t miss the sheen in the woman’s eyes, nor the softness around her mouth. “Thank you, Mrs. Jones. Won’t you join us?”

The woman shook her head. “My bones are too old for this weather. But I’ll pull up a chair by the window. Mind you, remove your shoes before you come back in.”

The terseness was back, but it didn’t diminish Teddy’s excitement as she buttoned her coat.

Birdie beat Josephine to the door. “Last one outside is a rotten egg,” she exclaimed loudly enough for all in the house to hear. The door slammed behind them, slowing down Teddy’s attempt to get outside before the men.

Crisp air seeped through Teddy’s layers, and she stood trying to catch her breath from the biting cold. Teddy prayed the leather of her boots would dry enough for her to wear them on Monday. Dampness clung to her woolen skirt, making her look like the snowman her friends were building. Something hit her shoulder, and she turned to find Merriweather’s already-red cheeks turn a deeper shade.

“Oh, Teddy. I’m so sorry.” Merriweather stood with a wooden spoon in front of her, not even trying to hide the mock trebuchet.

“Impressive distance. With some planning, you could lob a snowball clear across the front yard. That gives me an idea.” Teddy wiped the snow from her jacket and grabbed a handful, reaching deep to find the dense wetness.

Birdie smirked and did the same. “You thinking what I’m thinking?” Birdie squeezed the ball harder.

Josephine and Merriweather joined them. Their full skirts hid their growing stash. Teddy studied her roommates’ faces. “Josephine, what are you planning, or should I say scheming?”

Josephine stepped beside the snowman, her back to the men. She drew three circles and a line in the snow, then pointed to each. “Snowman, tree, tree, porch railing. Four shields to their one.” She pointed to the bottom-heavy snowman on the other side of the expanse.

Birdie’s pile grew quickly. “I won’t need shelter. I can hit a moving target at fifty feet. All I need is a solid weapon, and they’ll be the ones hiding. The secret is to make them small and compact. Like this.” She took one of Merriweather’s snowballs and crushed it to half its size.

Josephine’s laughter was deep and throaty. Her head cocked to her left, pointing to the three men lifting the last ball and placing it atop the other two. “This is going to be fun. Being the lone girl in a family of four boys has its advantages. I’m guessing only one of those three knows how to throw.”

Merriweather looked up. “Which one?”

Teddy could not hold back her laugh, even if it was at her friend’s expense. “Let’s strategize. Merriweather, can you throw?”

“Not well.”

Her sheepish reply melted Teddy’s heart. Had the girl never had a moment’s fun? “Then you’ll run supply. Birdie and Josephine, I’m certain you’re more accurate than I am, so if you aim low and fire in succession, I’ll just do my best to keep up. Ready? One, two, three.”

“Snowball fight!” Merriweather yelled like an Indian raider.

Thwop. Thwack.

Two well-aimed spots on each side of Crocket’s backside had him yelping.

“I’ve been hit. It’s an ambush. Initiate alert status. I repeat, ini—”

Crocket’s face registered surprise as another snowball hit his raised arm, making Teddy wish she’d visited the lavatory before heading outside.

Thomas hunkered down behind the base of the men’s snowman, its head threatening to topple from its body. “Prepare to meet your maker, ladies.” He came out from behind the creature, his arm already in motion. “Take no prisoners, gentlemen. This is war!”

Merriweather squealed and ducked behind the tree closest to the house. Teddy took over Merriweather’s job behind their snowman, making and handing snowballs to the two markswomen. Snow flew in all directions, and she laughed so hard she plopped down and held her stomach.

Ding-a-ling. Ding-a-ling.

Teddy looked to the street to see if the fire wagon was coming over the snow-filled street. The noise increased, and the voice of a very stern Mrs. Jones pulled her attention to the porch.

“You’ll have all the neighbors thinking there’s a brawl going on in my front yard with all that racket. Head in. Your cocoa is ready.”

One last snowball careened through the air. Thomas caught it. “You ladies could have shortened the war by a few years.”

Birdie threw her empty arms in the air. “That’s what I keep saying.”

Thomas bowed low before Birdie and Josephine as they made their way up the steps behind the others.

Teddy gathered her snow-laden skirts around her and attempted to stand. An equally encrusted mitten reached down.

“May I be of assistance?”

That ridiculous lock of hair had fallen over his blue eyes.

Teddy tried to stifle her giggles. “Thank you. I’m afraid I’m a bit stuck.”

“On three. One, two . . .” Thomas began counting, but Teddy couldn’t resist. She let her mittens slip from her hands, and Thomas tumbled backward, tripping over the remaining weapons cache and landing on his backside.

Teddy burst into uncontrollable laughter, then squealed as a snowball hit her knee, spraying wetness across her face. “Oh, it’s on now,” she sobered, scooping up the snow to retaliate.

Thomas scrambled to his feet. “You do not know whom you’re dealing with. Are you sure you want to do battle with the likes of me?”

Teddy scrunched up her face and sighed. She knew the moment he let down his guard. She felt the wooden spoon in her hand and flicked the snow on it into the air. The trajectory was off, and it smacked Thomas in the center of his forehead. She gasped as she watched his stiff body fall backwards.

Teddy scrambled to her knees and crawled to where the prostrate form lay. “Thomas. Oh, Thomas. I am so sorry. Are you hurt?” She touched his shoulder, then moved the remaining snow from around his eyebrows.

“Arrgghh,” Thomas yelled and pulled Teddy into the snow beside him.

“Ohhh,” she squealed before falling into a fit of laughter.

“I think your mother should have named you David,” Thomas said.

“You certainly played the part of Goliath well. Shame on you for acting hurt. You were acting, weren’t you?” Teddy turned her head in his direction. Those blue eyes shone with mirth in the moonlight, but he did not respond.

Thomas removed his glove and took her hand in his. “Your fingers must be frozen.”

His touch warmed more than her fingers.

Thomas cleared his throat and tilted his chin up. “Would you look at that?”

Teddy followed his gaze. The moonlight showed their mingling breath. Teddy pulled her hand from the warmth of Thomas’s and tucked it under her arm. “Beautiful. But if I’m right, there are several pairs of eyes brighter than those stars staring out the parlor window, and I can guarantee one pair is glowing red.”

Thomas stood, wiping snow from his legs. He offered his hand and pulled her up with ease. He held her arm until she could unwrap her skirts from her legs. Teddy willed herself to breathe. “I need to gather the . . .” She swept her hand, not remembering the names of the items.

“Let me help.” Thomas picked up the tin cups and wooden spoon and replaced the carrot that had been knocked off in the fight.

“Th . . . th . . . thank you.” Teddy’s teeth chattered, and her body followed.

“Let’s get you inside and warmed up.” Thomas placed his hand under her elbow.

Warming up was not the problem. Thawing out was more like it.