Colorado Courtship Read online

  It turned out Ben Charles was well acquainted with Dr. Grimes. Lenora was friendly and gracious and drew Tessa into the conversation often.

  Ben Charles enjoyed eating lunch with their neighbors. The Grimeses lived only a quarter of a mile east on the same road as the Hammonds. The doctor had a small office in town and an assistant who helped out when overnight or extended care was needed.

  “Your father was the first patient I ever lost,” Allen Grimes told Ben Charles. “I’ve lost many since, but him...well, I didn’t enjoy a good night’s sleep for a month afterward.”

  “We were only first married,” Lenora said after hearing his comments. “I wondered how in the world my new husband was going to survive as a physician when losing a patient was so devastating.”

  Allen had only been practicing a couple of years when Ben Charles’s father’s heart had weakened.

  “When I got out of medical school, I was ready to save the world,” he said.

  “You have helped a lot of people, though,” Tessa piped up. “Ben Charles said you sat with me for two nights when I was small and had a fever. It must be nice helping people recover.”

  Ben Charles absorbed his sister’s remark with interest. It pleased him to see her interacting with the Grimeses, and Violet seemed delighted to have another woman to talk with. She and Lenora discussed frosting and tea cakes as though the fate of the world hung on the correct choices. The animation in Violet’s voice and expression blessed him.

  Thomas Everett, a young man about Tessa’s age, stopped beside their table. He wore his dark blue Sunday suit and a deep red tie. His cheeks were almost the same color, and Ben Charles sympathized with his discomfort. His glance darted to Tessa and then away. He met Ben Charles’s gaze and held it. “Mr. Hammond, sir, it’s nice to see you.”

  “You, too, Thomas. How is your father?”

  “Just fine, sir. My parents are hosting a birthday celebration for me next Saturday afternoon, and I was hoping you might allow Tessa to join us. My parents and older sister will be chaperones. With your permission I would call for her and bring her back to your home.”

  “How old will you be on your birthday?” Ben Charles asked.

  “Seventeen, sir.”

  “Seventeen.” Ben Charles glanced at Tessa. Her cheeks were pink, but her eyes sparkled, and she gave him a barely perceptible nod and a soft smile. If she wanted to go, he was happy to see her join the other young people. “I’m going to be frank with you, Thomas.”

  “Please, sir.”

  His sister might not like what he was going to say, but he wouldn’t allow her to be hurt. He didn’t care that the Grimeses listened. They were his friends. “Not all of the young people Tessa’s age have been kind to her. I’m sure you’re aware of that.”

  “I am, sir, but no one who has ever been rude to Tessa will be invited.” He spoke with sincerity. “I give you my word. She will be my guest, and she will be treated with respect in our house.”

  Ben Charles’s throat tightened, and he cleared it. Thomas’s blue eyes held his in a steady gaze that held a promise. “I appreciate that, young man.” He extended his hand and when Thomas shook it, his palm was damp. “I believe your word is good, and I shall hold you to it.”

  Thomas grinned and turned to tell Tessa what time he would come for her when Saturday arrived. After he’d walked away and joined his family at another table, Ben Charles looked from person to person around their table. Allen wore an amused grin, and Lenora Grimes reached over and patted Tessa’s hand in her lap. “He’s a nice young fellow, dear.”

  Tessa’s cheeks were bright with color, but she and Violet exchanged a delighted look that assured Ben Charles she was pleased.

  He’d known this time was coming. Tessa was blooming into a woman. She wouldn’t remain with him forever. She would meet a young man, fall in love and start a life separate from his. He’d been praying for her future husband. He couldn’t select a man for her, but he had trusted God to do so. He had to trust she would follow her heart while at the same time using wisdom.

  The timing for this particular budding relationship couldn’t have been better. Tessa already thought the world of Violet, so now she had a confidante. He couldn’t wait to talk to Violet about yet another way God’s provision had gone before them and cleared a path.

  Violet caught his gaze and smiled.

  A startling thought occurred to him. He hadn’t prayed for a spouse for himself. He had shut off that possibility, but perhaps he hadn’t had enough faith—or courage. But it was possible God had overlooked his shortcomings and worked in his behalf regardless. Had God brought someone across the country and right into his home to show him there was still hope for him to find love?

  But Violet held strong feelings about his profession. She’d come as far as his workshop, but she found the rest of what he did repugnant. He’d seen it in her face, her body language, her discomfort at even the mention of a person’s death. How would they ever be compatible?

  Their gathering lingered over dessert, and parted at last.

  During the drive home Ben Charles mentioned to Violet that Benjamin Sperry, the carpenter, would be at the house the following morning to build her bookshelves.

  “I’ll help you this afternoon, and we’ll move the furniture away from the areas where he’ll be working.”

  “I’ll need to take down the curtains,” she told him.

  After everyone had changed from their church clothes into more comfortable attire, Ben Charles asked Tessa to join him. Together the three of them moved the bed and bureau, trunks and stacks of books.

  He stood from setting down a trunk at the same time Violet turned, and they collided. Ben Charles caught and steadied her with his hands on her upper arms. “I’m sorry.”

  “No, it was me. I wasn’t looking.”

  They remained standing that way, because he didn’t want to release her. The attraction he felt had become more and more evident with each day and every conversation. She had the appearance of delicacy, but her strength was evident. She was kind and capable and gracious. She sincerely enjoyed spending time with Tessa. She took pleasure in ordinary things most people would take for granted.

  “When Benjamin arrives in the morning, show him exactly how you want the shelves.”

  She nodded, her eyes wide and luminous. “Yes. Thank you, Ben Charles.”

  The sound of his name on her lips unexplainably touched him. He wanted to pull her close and feel her heartbeat against his. The need was a tangible ache.

  So he released her. “I have a few things to do.”

  He excused himself to go to his shop.

  * * *

  Violet stared at the empty doorway after he’d gone, her heart slowing to its normal rhythm. Things between them had become confusing. He’d made an overwhelming impact on her life. Ben Charles was her employer, but there were so many more layers to their relationship. He was a teacher, instructing by example, showing her who God is. As a mentor he’d opened her eyes and led her in the most important prayer she would ever pray. Those things exemplified who he was as a man. But these other things...

  The imprint of his touch remained on her arms. Just when she thought there might be more, he pulled away. But of course Tessa had been in the same room, no doubt puzzling over why her brother stood staring into Violet’s eyes.

  Yes, Violet was definitely confused.

  “Will you join me in my room?” Tessa asked, interrupting her train of thought. “I’d like to show you a few things. If you don’t mind.” Violet followed and she opened both doors of her armoire. “What shall I wear to Thomas’s birthday?”

  Removing several dresses, she laid them out on the bed and hung more on the armoire door.

  “They’re all lovely,” Violet assured her. “The blue would look nice with your hair and eyes.”

  Tessa held it against her and turned to the standing mirror.

  “Has Thomas always been kind to you?” Violet asked.
/>   “Always,” Tessa answered. “He told me once he was ashamed of the others who said cruel things to me.”

  Violet perched on the edge of Tessa’s bed, careful not to wrinkle a dress. “How do you feel about those others? Have you ever wished your brother did something else?”

  Tessa stood behind one of the open doors of the armoire and changed into a peach-colored silk dress. “I believe fear makes them small-minded. People fear death. They fear the unknown.” She came out from behind the door and stood in front of the long mirror. “Ben Charles provides a service to people who are going through the worst days of their lives. He makes the transition from having a loved one to being without them easier to bear.”

  At that moment Violet felt as though Tessa was the older of the two of them. Her wisdom and ability to express it went far beyond her age.

  “He is a rock in the midst of a turbulent and confusing time. People rely on him, and he meets their needs with compassion and elegance. When I see that, I’m proud of my family and how we serve our community.” She turned. “Not only our community, though. How we serve our fellow man.”

  Violet’s chest ached. Tessa was every bit as kindhearted and straightforward as her brother. Violet felt small and selfish for her inability to overcome her squeamishness and be as accepting and merciful as these two. Both of them took death in stride as life’s final transition and were honored to help others through difficult times.

  But she had a new tool. God knew all about Violet’s aversion and the panic she felt when memories overtook her. She could pray and ask God to help her change her reactions. She didn’t want to be one of those small-minded people who let fear get the best of them. She didn’t have to join Ben Charles in his work, but she could accept it.

  That night, alone in her room, Violet opened the Bible that Ben Charles had loaned her and continued reading where she’d left off. As much as she enjoyed the stories of Moses and King David, Ben Charles had suggested she start in the New Testament and learn about Jesus. After reading the gospels, she understood the meaning of the symbols on the stained-glass windows at church, but even more importantly, she was beginning to understand God’s love for her.

  Her prayers weren’t as good as Ben Charles’s yet, but she followed his example and spoke to God with the conviction that He heard her and cared. She asked Him to take away her fear and her aversion to the mortuary.

  How long did answers take?

  Chapter Ten

  At last Marcella Wright put the finishing touches on Violet’s dresses, underclothing and coat, and Violet stored everything in her wardrobe and bureau, eager for opportunities to wear her lovely new things.

  Tessa was all atwitter on Saturday, reminding Violet she was indeed a young girl. Violet wasn’t accomplished at the task, but Tessa showed her how to heat the iron over the flame on a lamp and curl her upswept hair into long ringlets. They went through an assortment of silk flowers and ribbon and put together a small bouquet, which Violet fastened in Tessa’s hair.

  After endless deliberation she’d chosen the blue dress, and Violet had been right about the color being striking with her complexion and eyes. Tessa opened a lined wood box on her bureau and took out a gold locket. “It was my mother’s. I only wear it on special occasions.”

  Violet took the piece of jewelry and fastened it around the girl’s neck. “It’s beautiful. And so are you.”

  The bell chimed, and their eyes met in the mirror with expectation.

  Tessa picked up a gaily wrapped gift. “I hope Thomas likes the book I selected.”

  “He will appreciate that you chose it for him.” Violet found a burgundy coat with a fur collar in the armoire and held it out. “This one?”

  “Yes. It’s pretty and it’s warm.”

  Violet carried the coat downstairs, so Ben Charles could see the full effect of Tessa’s dress. He and Thomas stood in the foyer. Thomas was inspecting the plaster cherubs on the ceiling, but at their footsteps he turned his attention to Tessa’s approach.

  “You are beautiful.” Ben Charles gave Tessa a hug and helped her on with her coat. “What time do you expect the party to end?”

  “My mother thought one to five was long enough,” Thomas replied. “So I will return your sister well before six.”

  Violet stood just behind Ben Charles so she could watch as the young couple made their way to his buggy and he helped her to the seat. Ben Charles closed the door.

  Violet stepped back as he turned. “She’s going to have a nice time. He seems like a fine young man.”

  “I believe you’re right.” He took his watch from his pocket and snapped it open. “I’ll be in my shop if you need anything. Or you’re welcome to keep me company.”

  “I still have a crate of books to unpack and put away on the new shelves. I think I’ll get that finished. Then I’ll prepare supper so it’s ready at six.”

  He gave a nod and headed for the back of the house.

  It took her less than an hour to unpack, sort and place her books on the shelves. The carpenter had built them across the top of the window and along the top of another wall to look as though they’d been there all along. And he’d supplied a short ladder, so she could reach her books without using a chair.

  The house was unbelievably quiet. When she stood still and listened she could hear the ringing of Ben Charles’s chisel and mallet in the building next door. She pictured him bent over his task, wearing his goggles, his concentration focused on making precise cuts in the stone.

  Opening her wardrobe, she planned what she would wear to church the following day and what she would wear to the Ladies’ Aid recital midweek. She found the notes she’d made while talking with Mrs. Grimes and sat at the kitchen table to make a shopping list.

  A bell rang. She’d learned to discern which one was for this home and which was for Ben Charles’s business. That had been the mortuary’s bell. A few minutes later it rang again.

  Begrudgingly she made her way to the front of the house, opened the door and stepped out into the cold. A woman stood before the double doors next door, shivering. She wore a thin coat and no head covering or gloves. Violet hurried out. “Can I help you?”

  She was probably in her late twenties or early thirties, with fair hair. Her eyes were red and her face puffy. As she turned toward Violet, it became clear she was expecting a baby. “Is the undertaker here?”

  “He must not have heard the bell. He’s in his workshop. Why don’t you come inside and I’ll find him for you?”

  The thin woman looked over her shoulder toward the horse and wagon sitting several yards away and shook her head. “I’ll wait here. I won’t leave Joseph alone.”

  There was no one on the wagon seat, so Violet suspected the worst. Joseph must be lying in the bed of the wagon. “I’ll get Mr. Hammond.”

  She turned and ran back into the house, the soles of her shoes hitting the wood floor as she shot along the hallway to the back and opened the connecting door. The sound of Ben Charles’s hammering grew louder and louder, nearly hurting her ears when she threw open the door to his shop and darted in. He didn’t look up as she ran forward.

  Finally he caught her motion in his peripheral vision and the mallet stilled. “What’s wrong? Is it Tessa?”

  “No. No, there’s a woman out front of the mortuary. I tried to get her to come in, but she wouldn’t leave her husband. He’s...” She stumbled over the words. “He’s in the bed of the wagon.”

  Ben Charles removed his goggles, unfastened the suit that covered his clothing and stepped out of it. He ruffled dust from his hair with both hands and strode to rinse them in the basin. “Keep her company, if you will please. I’ll be right out.” He pointed to a door. “That hall leads to the front door.”

  Violet didn’t think; she just reacted, opened the door he indicated and ran along a hallway of polished wood, past an office, past rooms she didn’t look into, until she reached a foyer much like the one in the house and threw open the door.
/>
  “Mr. Hammond is coming,” she said to the woman.

  She only nodded, her narrow shoulders hunched forward.

  “What’s your name?” Violet asked.

  “Callie Jefferson.”

  “Where do you live?”

  “My husband...” Her voice caught. “Joseph and I...we have a place to the south.” She looked at the wagon. “I don’t know what will happen now.”

  To her relief Ben Charles’s boots sounded along the hallway, and he joined them. “Ma’am.”

  “You the undertaker?”

  “Yes, ma’am. Ben Charles Hammond. And your name is?”

  “Callie. My Joseph fell from the hay loft. When he didn’t come back to the house for lunch, I found him. Broke his neck I think.”

  “I’m sorry, ma’am. Do you have any family nearby?”

  “Joseph’s aunt lives in town. He looked out for her. She’s up in years.”

  “If you want to step into the drawing room, I’ll put a log on the fire so you can warm up. I’ll bring in Joseph.”

  “I’ll help you bring him in out of the cold.”

  “Let’s get you warmed up,” Violet suggested in a soft voice.

  “I ain’t never gonna be warm again!” the woman cried. “My heart is as cold and dead as my husband’s. I’m gonna stay with him.”

  Ben Charles met Violet’s eyes with resignation. “I’ll get the cart. Violet, find Callie some mittens.”

  Violet ran for a warmer coat and a pair of mittens for the young woman and grabbed a coat for herself. When she returned, she coaxed Callie to put on the heavier coat.

  Ben Charles pushed a narrow waist-high stretcher conveyance with wheels through the open doorway, and Callie followed him to the back of the wagon.

  Violet’s heart pounded. She had to keep the other woman company. She had to, but everything in her screamed out in protest. This was probably the sort of thing Tessa did to help, and she wasn’t here. It was Henry’s day off. She was the only person available.

  Her legs felt stiff as she followed and joined them. A long form was visible under a tarp, and Violet averted her gaze, keeping her attention focused on Callie’s face.