Change of Heart (11 page)

 

 

Early the next morning, Matt stared at the pages of a medical book while seated in his favorite chair at home. He pondered his conversation with his father about Becca. He had always been able to communicate with him more than with his mother. His father had made it clear he would not budge on his opinion of Becca. Was this the end of his relationship with his parents?

His heart sank. He would miss talks about life and medicine with his father. And in spite of his mother's direct and strong opinions, he knew she loved him. He disliked having to ask them not to visit him, but he would not change his mind.

He retrieved his doctor's bag and headed to his practice. How would Becca take the news about his father's rejection of her? He did not want his parents' objections to their courtship to come between them.

Matt left his horse and buggy with the liveryman and walked to his office. Inside, Dorothy and Becca were giggling. He put his bag on the floor and approached Dorothy's desk, tore off a piece of Becca's apple bread, and popped it in his mouth.

Dorothy handed him a cloth napkin and a large piece of the bread. “Do not steal hers. Get yourself a slice. We are laughing because Becca is not used to our corsets. Not something we can discuss with you.”

Matt chuckled and snatched the bigger piece of bread. “I do not know anything about corsets, nor do I want to.”

Becca followed him into the treatment room and straightened the sheet on the exam table. Matt turned her to face him and circled his arms around her. To spoil her good mood with his bad news saddened him. “I visited my father yesterday.”

“Do you have good news?”

“No, I am afraid not. He and Mother are convinced I should choose a daughter of one of their friends to court. I told him I do not agree. Please understand my father disapproved of my mother offering you money to stay away from me. Nonetheless, I told him they are not welcome here or in my home until they accept you in my life.”

She held on to him. “You've always been close to your daed. It bothers me to be the reason you'll no longer communicate with your parents.”

“Put them out of your mind. They are the ones being simpleminded. I am hoping my father will mull over our conversation and reconsider accepting you. If he does, then maybe he will talk some sense into my mother.”

Ruth burst through the exam room door. Her face was pale.

Startled, Becca rushed to her. “What's wrong?”

Her voice shaky, she grasped Becca's arms. “I found Margaret on the floor in the supply room, and she will not respond or wake up. I left Benjamin with her.”

Matt grabbed his bag. Becca pulled Ruth with her as she ran to the mending shop.

Benjamin sat cross-legged beside Margaret with tears streaming down his cheeks. “Please help her.”

Matt knelt and listened to the woman's heart with Becca by his side. He placed two fingers on her neck and checked for a pulse. He found none. He breathed air into her mouth and did chest compressions. Again, he checked for a pulse. Her lips were blue and her skin pasty white. She was unresponsive with no pulse. He repeated the actions several times then stopped. It was no use. Margaret had died. He covered Benjamin's hand with his. “Little one, there is nothing more I can do for Margaret. She is gone.”

Ruth reached for Benjamin. He jerked away and placed his head on Margaret's chest with his arms stretched over her body. His little body shook with each heartbreaking sob. Becca pleaded with him to come to her. “Benjamin, please.” She pulled him close.

Matt rubbed the child's back. “I am sorry, Benjamin. I know how much you loved her.” He draped a quilt over Margaret's body and then wrapped his arms around Becca, Ruth, and Benjamin. He stepped back and cleared his throat. “Becca, you and Ruth take Benjamin home. I will alert the sheriff, reverend, and undertaker about Margaret's death.”

Benjamin hugged Matt, wiped his tears, and clasped one hand in Becca's and the other in Ruth's. The three of them walked home.

Matt waved good-bye to them. He spotted the sheriff across the street and approached him. He explained what happened. He remained patient as the sheriff directed two deputies to take Margaret's body to the funeral parlor. He chatted with the sheriff a few more minutes then went to the chapel and informed the reverend about the woman's death. They set a time for the funeral then he informed the undertaker of the details. “I will pay for the funeral. Margaret did not have any relatives.”

The undertaker stepped out from behind his desk. “You are a kind man. I was friends with Margaret, and the couple who lived next door to her bought her place some time ago. They treated her like family. They allowed her to stay on and pay them a small sum each month. I will ride out there and tell them the unfortunate news. They will clear out her belongings.”

Matt patted the undertaker on the back. “I appreciate your help and theirs. I do not want Ruth and Becca to have to pack and donate her things.”

The undertaker shook his head. “Benjamin has suffered a lot of pain for such a small child. He sure did bring a lot of joy into Margaret's life. She loved the child as if he was her grandson.”

“He has brought such joy to all our lives. Margaret was like a grandmother to him. He is taking her death hard, but over time, he will adjust. We'll take good care of him. Thank you for your help.” Matt bid him farewell and closed the door behind him.

Benjamin had endured way too much pain and sorrow at such a young age. He would spend time with him, listen to him, and do what he could to make life better for the child. He'd ride horses and fish with him. Benjamin's happiness and feeling of security were important to him. He wanted him to feel loved and protected.

Chapter Ten

Two days later, Becca held Benjamin's trembling hand. She listened to the reverend's words about God's love and Margaret's kindness toward others. She observed the sky. Gray clouds moved across it and covered the sun. The wind blew her dress against her legs and threatened to remove her hat. She gazed at the bundle of white roses tied with a pink ribbon on top of Margaret's coffin. They were the woman's favorite flowers. Matt stood close on her other side. Ruth stood quietly on the other side of Benjamin. Margaret's friends huddled together holding handkerchiefs.

Benjamin's little sobs escaped as he leaned against Becca. He tightened his grasp on her hand. She wished she could erase his pain. Margaret had played such an important part in his life. The lovely woman had taught him how to play games, baked his favorite treats often, invited him to stay overnight at her house at least once a week, and read him his favorite books. She had loved him unconditionally.

Marked gravestones in uneven rows caught her attention. The dash between the dates of Margaret's birth and death would represent her life on a tombstone. It would hold all her years of innocence, youth, and adulthood. The older woman had been like a mamm to her and Ruth. She was wise, dependable, and loving. Her laughter would no longer ring in their ears. Her hugs and words of wisdom were gone. Memories were all they had left.

The service ended and everyone turned to leave the gravesite. Ruth stopped to talk to some of Margaret's friends. Benjamin tugged on Becca's hand. “Wait.” His shoulders slumped and tears trailed down his cheeks. He dragged his bony legs to Margaret's coffin. He paused and pulled out a note from his shirt pocket.

He tucked the folded paper under the flowers on top of Margaret's coffin. “You'll probably miss me, so here's a picture of you and me for your pocket quilt in Heaven to take with you. I'll ask God to give you a real pretty quilt.” He wiped his nose with his shirttail. “I miss you already.” He cried, covered his face, and fell to his knees.

Becca rested her hand on her heart and prayed, “Dear Heavenly Father, please spare Benjamin a long mourning period. Please give him peace and wrap your loving arms around him. I praise you and thank you. These things I ask and pray in your name, Amen.”

Ruth joined them and put her hand on the child's back. Red splotches dotted her cheeks. She wiped her watery eyes. “I listened to what he said to Margaret, and I watched him hide the picture he drew for her. What a sad and sweet picture to witness.”

Becca circled her arm around her sister's waist. “Benjamin wanted to share our tradition with Margaret, like she did with him. He's compassionate and loving like Margaret.”

Benjamin leaned into Ruth, and she kissed the top of his head.

Matt bid farewell to Margaret's friends and joined Becca, Ruth, and Benjamin. He scooped Benjamin into his arms. “You and Margaret shared a special friendship. It is tough to lose someone you love. It is hard to understand, but the sadness you feel for Margaret's loss today will get better over time. Then you will be able to remember your happy times with her without tears.”

“I can't stop crying.”

Matt held him tight. “You will in time, little buddy. In the meantime, you can cry on my shoulder for as long as you need.”

Benjamin nestled his face in Matt's shoulder as he carried him to the buggy.

Matt passed him to Ruth. He then faced Becca. “Are you having guests?”

She shook her head. “We didn't invite anyone over after the funeral because we wanted to concentrate on Benjamin. Several of our friends delivered food last night. We're going to warm potato soup for dinner. Would you like to join us?”

“Yes. After I drop you off, I need to stop by the office and pick up paperwork I would like to review at home later.”

“We'll have everything ready by the time you get back.”

Benjamin lay asleep in her sister's arms. She combed his hair with her fingers. “He's worn out.”

Ruth caressed his cheek. “Maybe I can cheer him up with a few games of tic-tac-toe after dinner.”

“He loves playing games with you. What a great idea.”

Matt stopped in front of Ruth's house and secured his horse. He then carried Benjamin inside and lowered him onto the bed.

Becca removed his shoes and socks. She kissed his cheek. She closed the curtains and covered him with a quilt. They tiptoed out and closed the door.

Matt kissed her forehead. “I will be back soon.”

In the kitchen, Ruth stood stirring the soup over the fire. Becca removed bowls from the cupboard and placed all but one on the table. “I talked Matt into having dinner with us. He went to his office to pick up some paperwork and will return soon.”

A few minutes later, neighing horses caught her attention. She peered out the window. Her mouth flew open. The bowl slid from her hands, clanged on the floor, and shattered.

Ruth rushed to her side. “Becca, what is it?”

“Gertrude.”

Ruth moved past her and peered out. “Oh no, what are we going to do?”

“I have no idea.”

Becca opened the door. The dreaded day had come. Benjamin's mamm had come for him. The woman had not written or visited her son in months. Why would she come now?

Gertrude stomped in and bumped into Becca. She searched the room. “Where's my boy?”

Becca grabbed the door handle and steadied herself. “Why, after all this time, are you here?”

The red-haired robust woman put her hand on her hip and straightened her tall feathered hat on her head. “I came to fetch Benjamin to work on the farm me and my husband bought in Kentucky. My man's waitin' in the buggy. We're goin' to make money growin' tobacco.”

Becca glanced at Ruth. Her sister's lips were drawn in a thin line. She hoped Ruth wouldn't say anything to Gertrude. She needed everyone to stay calm until Matt arrived. He should walk in the door any minute. Her mind raced on ways to stall them. He would know what to say to Gertrude to stop her from taking Benjamin. “Bring your husband in. It's too hot for him to wait in the buggy.” He would get impatient and bored sitting outside, and she needed him comfortable.

Gertrude waddled to the buggy with her hips swinging from side to side. She waved to her husband. “Scutter, get yourself on in here. I want ya to meet my boy.”

The man was short, fat, and bald, and his suit fit snugly. His short legs hurried to keep up with Gertrude. She guessed him to be the same age as Gertrude. He entered the house and tipped his hat. “I'm Scutter Grossman. You can call me Scutter.” He pointed to Gertrude. “And this here's my pretty new wife.”

Becca ushered them inside and motioned for them to sit at the kitchen table. Sheltered from bold and crude people like this couple, she wasn't sure how to deal with them. She wanted to shout and tell them to leave, but she didn't for fear they would take Benjamin with them right then. She didn't want to make things worse. She needed time for Matt to return and help her reason with Gertrude and Scutter. “Ruth, this is Benjamin's mamm, Mrs. Gertrude Grossman, and her husband, Mr. Scutter Grossman.”

Gertrude put a hand on her hip. “I told you to call me Gertrude. Callin' me by my last name makes me sound old.” She pointed to Mr. Grossman. “Call him Scutter. When you call him Mr. Grossman, it sounds like I married me an old man. Besides, he likes bein' called Scutter better anyway. Don't ya?”

He bowed and tipped his hat. “Yes, Gertrude. You may have these fine ladies call me whatever you would like.”

Ruth clenched her fists and harrumphed.

Becca grabbed her arm. She leaned to her ear. “We need to stall them until Matt arrives. He'll know what to do.” She filled glasses with lemonade and served the couple.

Benjamin walked into the room. His eyes widened, and he ran to Becca.

She gasped and scooped him in her arms.

Gertrude patted his back. “Benjamin, come and hug your ma.”

He paled. “No. Go away. I want Becca.”

Holding him tight, Becca pulled him onto her lap. She suspected Gertrude had not bothered to hug her son most of his life, if ever. Why would she suggest such an act now? It was ridiculous. He buried his face in her shoulder. “Back away from him. He's scared.”

Gertrude lunged forward. “Don't tell me what to do.” She tugged at the child's sleeve. “Benjamin, I want you to meet your new pa.”

Slamming a plate of fried apples on the table, Ruth raised her voice. “Leave the child alone.”

Gertrude waggled her finger. “You have no legal right to my boy, and he's comin' with me. Benjamin, fetch your things and we'll be on our way.”

Benjamin tightened his grip on Becca's neck. She willed herself not to yelp. She clung to him. The woman was right. They had no legal right to him, but it didn't matter. She had to do something. “Gertrude, wait.”

Matt entered the room. “What is going on here?”

A wave of relief flooded her chest. “Gertrude has come to take Benjamin.”

He directed his attention to Scutter. “Who are you?”

“I'm Gertrude's husband, Scutter Grossman. Call me Scutter. We came to fetch her son, 'cause we need him to work on the farm we bought in Kentucky.”

Becca gritted her teeth. How could a mamm be so indifferent to her child? She had made it clear she wanted to use her son for free labor and nothing more. She could not imagine what kind of life he would have with these two.

Matt waved the child over to him. “Benjamin, come to me.”

The child ran into his arms.

Gertrude pulled at Benjamin's sleeve. “Gimme my boy. This ain't none of your concern, Dr. Carrington.”

Matt stepped back. “Mrs. Grossman, how much money is it going to take for you to leave Benjamin and never return?”

Gertrude scowled at Matt. “Are you offerin' to buy my son from me, Doc?”

Scutter put his hand on Gertrude's back. “Maybe you oughta consider Dr. Carrington's offer. Frankly, I would rather have the money.”

Becca sucked in her top lip and held her breath.

Gertrude stared at the ceiling for a moment with a look of cold greed on her hard face. “I would say a hundred dollars oughta do it.”

Becca searched Matt's face. A hundred dollars was a lot of money. Gertrude was obviously taking advantage of the situation. It was no secret how much Benjamin meant to them. Becca was sure Gertrude could tell this by their actions. The greedy woman knew she had them at a disadvantage. What would Matt do?

He passed Benjamin to Ruth. “Please take him to his room. I need to talk to Mrs. Grossman.”

Becca listened as Matt directed his attention to Gertrude.

“The judge has an office beside the bank. We are going there first, and you are going to sign documents giving Becca and Ruth legal custody of Benjamin. If all goes well there, we will go to the bank where I will hand you a bank note with the understanding you are not to step foot in this town ever again.”

Gertrude held out her hand to Matt. “You got a deal, Doc. Time's a wastin'. Let's go.”

Matt ignored her hand. “Becca, would you like to join me?”

She passed Gertrude and grasped his hand. Benjamin's mamm was a coldhearted woman. She sold her son. What a heartless act. At least the woman had accepted Matt's offer. Because of him, Benjamin would be safe and legally theirs. He had come to her rescue again, but it wasn't over yet. Anything could happen. Gertrude was unpredictable.

 

 

Matt held Becca's hand. His heart pounding and anger hard to control, he stared at Gertrude and Scutter. Their greed and cold attitude toward Benjamin was disgusting. The boy was no more important to his mother than a poker chip in a winning hand. He could not wait to be rid of them.

Gertrude faced them outside. “You can ride with us.”

“Becca and I will walk and meet you there.” Matt waited until they were out of earshot. “You have had such a horrible day, and now this. Don't worry. Once she signs the paperwork, she will have no reason to remain in Massillon.”

Becca squeezed Matt's arm. “Before you came, I didn't know what to do. I wanted to jump out of my chair and shout hooray when you came through the door. It's hard to believe they're accepting your money for Benjamin. One hundred dollars is too much to ask you to pay. Is there some other way?”

Matt gently squeezed her hand. Her concern for him was touching. “I am happy to pay them the money, if it means Benjamin will not have to worry about living with his mother ever again.”

Matt gently pulled Becca along with him. He brushed past Gertrude and Scutter at the law office. He opened the door and greeted the distinguished judge. “Hello, Judge Mitchell, do you have a few minutes to spare? I am sorry to barge in on you like this, but I have an urgent matter I would like handled.”

“Yes, of course. Come in. How may I help you today?” He frowned at the Grossmans.

Matt and Becca stood, while the odd pair sat. “Judge, I would like you to meet Miss Yost, she is Ruth Smith's sister.”

“Yes, I know Ruth Smith. She is a kind woman and an excellent seamstress. She does all my mending.”

“It's nice to meet you, and thank you for seeing us on such short notice.”

Judge Mitchell squinted at the Grossmans. “And who might you be?”

Gertrude squirmed in her chair and shook her ample chest at him. “My name's Gertrude Grossman and this here's my husband, Scutter.” She pointed to Becca. “I'm givin' her and her sister custody of my boy.”

Matt studied Gertrude. The woman had no shame. She had announced her intention to give up her son as if she were talking about the weather. Her indifference toward Benjamin sickened him. Matt would not relax until Gertrude signed the documents. There was no telling how difficult she might make this transaction.