Change of Heart (2 page)

“You are not an old maid. I have faith you will either meet someone or Father will find the right man for you to marry when the time is right. In the meantime, I am thrilled you chose to come to me for comfort.”

Becca hugged herself. It was as if she and Ruth hadn't spent time apart. Ruth had changed her life, but not her heart. “I'm ready to put the unfortunate day behind me. Grace understood this, but our parents and my other friends didn't. They wouldn't stop offering sympathy. I needed time out of town for a while, and visiting you came to mind.” Becca touched a dishtowel. No doubt, the rose on the fabric was her sister's handiwork. Ruth had taught her a similar pattern when they were younger. In the corner, a handcrafted maple cabinet stood tall. She ran her hand along the arm of the chair. The etched detailing matched the table where she and Ruth sat. Her sister's house was cozy.

“You may stay as long as you like.” Ruth rose and placed two large pots of water on the hot stove.

Becca lifted a picture of Ruth and Caleb from a shelf. The smiling couple sat close. “When you left your Amish life behind to marry Caleb, we mourned the loss of you for a long time.”

“You did not mention this in any of your letters.”

“I didn't want to upset you. When I told Mamm and Daed Caleb had a heart attack and died, they asked me if you were coming home. When I told them you weren't, they cried. I explained you had built a life in Massillon and had your mending shop to manage. They asked me not to speak about you because hearing about you hurt them too much.”

She had missed Ruth's stories at mealtime and playing games with her on family night. She and her parents rarely played games anymore. The absence of her sister's laughter and excitement ruined the fun. “I'm grateful our parents allowed me to write to you. They didn't want me to come to your house, but they understood how painful it's been for me not to visit you. Mamm and Daed were ready to let me do anything to lighten my dark mood. Shunning our friends who choose to leave our community isn't a rule I agree with.”

“I do not either, but Amish law is not going to change according to my circumstances. I miss our parents, and I pray for them every day. I will always be grateful for my Amish upbringing, but I have no desire to go back to Berlin. I have grown roots here, and I cannot imagine living anywhere else.”

Life without Caleb for the last year mustn't have been easy for her sister, but Ruth had never once complained. “Do you struggle to make a living here?”

“No. The mending shop provides a comfortable living. I am anxious to show it to you. I love working there.” Ruth stood. “Are you tired? You must have gotten up early this morning to come here. I have warmed water for your bath so you can soak in the tub and relax. Are you hungry?” She lifted the heavy pot of water from the stove.

Becca followed Ruth to the washroom with the other pot
. She's taking care of me just like she used to. Visiting here was a great idea.
“I'm wide awake. I would like to wash this dirt off me. I'll help you make dinner when I'm done with my bath. I don't want to trouble you.”

Ruth kissed her cheek. “I have missed taking care of you. You enjoy your bath, and I will warm some leftover vegetable soup I have in the icebox.” Taking Becca's bucket, Ruth glanced over her shoulder. “Everything you need is in the washroom and bedroom. My old Amish clothes are in the clothes press. You are welcome to wear them.”

“I may take you up on your offer. I may not have brought enough of mine.” She kissed Ruth's cheek before shutting the door.

Becca slid the fabric off her body and placed the garment on a chair. She stepped in the tub, eased herself into the water, and draped her bandaged arm over the side. She breathed in the scent of honeysuckle drifting through the open window. Spending time with Ruth was even better than she had imagined. Her mind flooded with memories. She had loved sharing a bedroom with Ruth. They would sneak to the kitchen for late-night snacks and eat them in bed, giggle about the silliest things, and make up stories.

The water cooled, and she stepped out of the tub. She toweled off, got dressed, and headed to the kitchen.

Savory vegetable soup aroma caught her senses. Steam rose from the mixture sitting in a bowl. “I've missed your cooking, and this smells delicious.”

Ruth served them. “I like cooking for two again. Is there a reason you are speaking more English than Pennsylvania Dutch?”

Becca inhaled the wonderful fragrance of Ruth's soup and sipped some from her spoon. “I suspect my spending time with Hester is the main reason I don't use our language much since she isn't Amish. I speak Pennsylvania Dutch when I refer to Mamm or Daed or kapp or boppli. I'm not used to you speaking properly.”

“After living here, I have gotten used to speaking like my friends. I like Hester. It is a shame she never married. She must get lonely. It was generous of her to teach you and Grace midwifery.”

“She never got over being jilted by the love of her life at seventeen. She's thirty and not interested in getting married. She works hard and likes living alone without anyone telling her what to do. I'll always be grateful to her for sharing her books with us and allowing us to help her until we were confident enough to birth boppli by ourselves. I made her a keepsake pocket quilt like the one you made me. I wrote her a letter, put it in the pocket, and stitched string on it to tie it closed. She wept when I handed it to her.”

“I am touched you are carrying on our keepsake tradition. I keep the one I made for Caleb on the back of this chair. After we married, he wrote me a letter and slipped it in the pocket of the quilt with the one I wrote to him. I read the letters now and then.” She lifted the quilt and pulled it close. “The quilt reminds me of the wonderful memories we made together.”

“I want to make Grace another pocket quilt while I'm here. She baked my favorite cookies, made me a new dress and kapp, and worked hard to take my mind off David's rejection. She fears her birthmark covering her left cheek is why men refuse to arrange with her daed to marry her. At twenty, she fears there will not be many available Amish left in Berlin. I hope she's wrong. Her big green eyes and brown hair are pretty. She's tall and thin. She's sweet, smart, and loving. The name Grace describes her well. She possesses all the qualities a man would want. It saddens me neither of us are married.”

Ruth covered Becca's hand. “Don't fret about you or Grace getting married. God has a plan for each of you. I believe He will find you both husbands when the time is right.”

Becca pushed up her sleeve and scratched the skin around her bandage. “I hope you're right.”

Ruth's eyes widened. “When did you hurt yourself?”

Becca recounted her story of how she met Dr. Carrington. “Did Caleb explain to him why I haven't visited you?”

“Yes, Caleb and I explained how you are to shun me, since I left. I told him our parents did allow us to write letters. He must have been surprised when you told him you were coming to visit me. Did he ask you any questions?”

“No. He was a gentleman.”

“He is a fine man. I am glad he was there to help you.” She sighed and pushed a stray hair from her cheek. “I worry about him. He works such long hours. He really needs a nurse, but he cannot find anyone who is interested in the job.” She straightened in her chair and leaned forward. “Becca, you should consider working for him. You will need something to do if you stay in town for a while, and you would be easy for him to train since you have worked as a midwife for the last several years. I am not suggesting you ask him about the nursing job right away, but I know you. You will be bored in a few days and want something to do, and this job would be perfect.”

Becca sucked in her bottom lip. She had always wanted to work as a nurse in a doctor's office, but she hadn't imagined it possible. “What about when we didn't have patients to tend to? We would be alone.”

Ruth raised her hand in a dismissive wave. “Dorothy Watts works for him, and she is a friend of mine. She is sixty-three and moves around faster than I do. She is a kind woman who takes care of his office duties, and she will be there most of the time. Matt is an honorable and trustworthy man. If he agrees, work for him a few days. Then decide if you want to continue.”

“I'm not sure how long I'll stay in Massillon. He needs someone he can depend on.”

“Explain it to him. I suspect he will be appreciative for whatever help you offer.”

She would miss birthing boppli with Hester. As a nurse, she'd learn how to tend to a variety of patient needs. “I'll ponder the idea.”

Ruth patted her hand. “You do what makes you feel comfortable.”

“If I'm going to consider working for Dr. Carrington, I need to know more about him. You talk about him as if he's perfect. Is there anything you don't like about him?”

“I like him, but I do not appreciate how his mother treats others. Matt does not agree with Eloise Carrington's prejudiced opinion about people who she doesn't believe live up to her high standards. When Caleb and I first met her, she studied us from head to toe. Her pinched face made her disapproval of us obvious. He is twenty-six and unmarried. I suspect it is because she is too overbearing for the women he has courted in the past. I pity the woman Matt does marry. I have not met his father.”

She pictured his mamm in her mind as an elegant and pleasant woman. “Did Caleb mention how rude she was to the two of you to Dr. Carrington?”

“No. Caleb already knew Matt had spoken with her about her behavior toward his friends a number of times. She ignores him. He claims she can be nice, but I have my doubts.” Ruth wiped her hands. “Enough talk for tonight, little sister. Go to bed, and I will take care of the dishes.” She shooed her out of the kitchen.

In the spare bedroom, Becca peeled back covers layered on the bed and climbed in. She pulled the thin top quilt onto her legs and reached for the King James Bible on the nightstand but left it unopened. She tugged her sleeve over her bandage. Dr. Matt Carrington's face flooded her mind. His structured jawline, kind eyes, and interesting personality were unlike any other man she'd ever met. She suspected he would be an excellent teacher.
Yes,
she would talk to him soon about working for him.

Chapter Two

Matt walked into his practice and was pleased that it was Becca who stood talking to Dorothy. It had been one week since he had escorted her to Ruth's house. Thoughts of her had filled his mind often since then. He had hoped their paths would cross before now. Her innocent blue eyes matched a brilliant sky on a clear day, and her plain Amish dress did nothing to diminish her attractive figure. “Miss Yost, it is nice to see you.”

“Please, call me Becca. Are you busy? I can make an appointment or come back later.”

He shook his head. The shyness she displayed added to her charm. “You do not need an appointment. You are welcome in this office anytime. And please, call me Matt.”

Dorothy circled her arm around Becca's waist and glanced at him. “Becca told me about her fall and how you helped her. She and I have been getting acquainted, and I have learned she is a midwife. Ruth suggested she talk to you about your need for a nurse. With her experience birthing babies, she would be easy to train. You two should chat about working together.”

Matt winked at Becca. “I agree, and we will discuss it right after I check her arm.”

Becca's cheeks pinked. “I don't want to put you on the spot.”

Matt waved a dismissive hand. “You are not putting me on the spot at all. You are doing me a favor. I could use the help.” How impressive. Midwives worked long hours and had to handle mothers in pain and nervous fathers while birthing babies at the same time. He had had a few of those experiences. He gestured for her to follow him to the exam room. Once inside, he pulled two chairs across from each other. “Have a seat. Please pull up your sleeve for me.”

Becca did. “I removed the bandage after a few days.”

Matt examined the cut. “It has healed nicely.” He leaned back. “How is Ruth? Are you enjoying your time with her?”

“She's doing fine, and I love spending time with her. She has such a nice mending shop, and I've enjoyed meeting her friends, but I'm not used to having spare time. When I'm at home in Berlin, I'm busy delivering boppli.”

“Tell me about your experience as a midwife.”

“Hester Harris is a nurse, midwife, and a close friend who trained me. She let me borrow her medical books and tested me to make sure I understood the material. We work together when we can. Most of the time, I work alone. I've been a midwife for two years.”

“I do deliver babies, but the majority of my patients are either ill or injured. I need a nurse in the worst way. If you will accept the job, I will teach you about medications, how to assist me, and my way of writing down patient notes.”

“I would like to try it, but I'm not sure how long I'm staying in Massillon.”

“No problem. I would appreciate having your help for as long as you are here.”

She tilted her head and grinned. “I accept.”

“All right, we will work together for a week and then talk. If you and I are content with our arrangement, you can stay as long as you like. Do you have any questions for me?”

He had missed dinner and worked long hours many days tending to patients. The paperwork mounted, and a nurse would make things easier for him. Besides, he found her innocent personality refreshing.

“When would you like me to start?”

“Eight o'clock tomorrow morning? I can pay you seven dollars a week.”

“I'll see you in the morning.”

He escorted her to Dorothy's desk. “Becca has agreed to join us starting tomorrow.”

Dorothy lifted her spectacles and patted her gray-haired bun. “I am thrilled. Do not bring your dinner. I cook for us on the potbellied stove in the back room every workday. Is there any kind of food you do not like?”

“I love everything.”

“Your words are music to my ears.”

She waved and shut the door behind her.

Dorothy tapped her pencil on the desk. “Your mouth could not stretch any wider. I believe you are excited about her working here.”

“Yes, I am.”

 

 

The next morning, Matt paced the floor. He could not remember the last time he had been this anxious. Becca was like a breath of fresh air. Beautiful and she shared his passion for medicine.

“Are your feet on fire?” Dorothy poured coffee in a mug. “You are as nervous as a father waiting for his baby's birth.”

Becca opened the door and swept in. “The rain's hitting the ground hard.” She put her dripping umbrella in the corner.

“Good morning. Have some coffee.” Dorothy passed her a mug.

“This is yummy, but I don't expect you to wait on me.”

Dorothy patted her hand. “I spoil Matt, and I am going to spoil you. I enjoy it.”

“You won't get any argument from me.” Becca's soft sweet voice echoed in his mind.

“Are you ready for your first day?”

“Yes. I'm anxious to get started.”

Matt gestured toward the exam room, showed her his routine and how he would like her to pencil his notes.

Dorothy pushed the door open and peeked in. “I am sorry to interrupt, but Clyde Peterson is here for his appointment.”

Clyde Peterson passed Dorothy and sauntered in wearing muddy boots and a sweat-stained hat. Thick suspenders secured sagging pants over his round stomach. A worn gray shirt clung to his overweight frame. He threw his hat on a chair. His black hair was matted to his head. He frowned at Becca and climbed onto the table. “Who's this?”

Oh no.
Matt washed and dried his hands. Clyde would not hesitate to speak his mind, and the scowl on his face meant trouble. He could be a grump. “Say hello to Miss Yost, my nurse.”

“No Amish girl's going to touch me. They're strange, dress alike, and think they're better than us.”

Matt fought to hold his temper. Any other patient besides Clyde Peterson would have been better to start their day. He inhaled and exhaled. “She is here to stay, and you will treat her with respect.”

Becca chimed in. “Mr. Peterson, please call me Becca. Why don't you let me help you today, and if at any time you are uncomfortable, I'll step out of the room.”

Clyde grumbled and let her help him out of his shirt.

After Matt removed the man's shoulder bandage, thick green fluid oozed from the wound. Matt glanced at Becca. “Last week a rugged board with nail ends sticking out of it fell from a shelf in Clyde's workshop and landed on his shoulder. As you can see, it has become infected. Please hand me a syringe, gauze, tape, and a bottle of saline from the top shelf in the cabinet closest to the wall.”

She hurried to the cabinet and gathered his requests. Her gentle hand touched his each time she passed an item to him. She had soft skin and delicate fingers.

“Clyde, this is going to hurt.”

“Doc, how much longer you gonna be?”

“I am finished with your shoulder, but I have to give you a shot in your backside. I need you to lower your pants.”

Becca turned her back.

He slid off the table, undid his pants, and pulled them low enough for Matt to administer the shot.

“All finished.”

Clyde buttoned his pants, pulled up his suspenders, and allowed Becca to help him into his shirt. He bowed his head to her. “Sorry about earlier.”

She shrugged. “I don't know what you're talking about.”

“I have some tomatoes in my wagon. Would ya like a few?”

“I love tomatoes, and I'll look forward to biting into one for supper.”

“You can call me Clyde.”

“Please, call me Becca.”

Becca had gained Clyde's confidence in her in minutes. She continued to amaze him. He walked Clyde out, while she readied the room for the next patient.

He treated a variety of patients with fevers, cuts, coughs, and sprains. She worked all day with only minutes between patients to grab a bite of Dorothy's rabbit stew without complaining. “Dorothy leaves and locks the door around five. It is fifteen after five.” Matt rotated his neck and shoulders. “Are you ready to run away?”

“No. I enjoyed it, and the day flew by.”

He liked her unpretentious way, and her natural beauty captivated him. “You were a big help to me today. I apologize for Clyde's behavior. A patient expressing prejudice against you did not occur to me.”

“I'm glad he relaxed.”

He opened the door for her. “You have worked one day with me, and I am spoiled already.”

“Good. I like nursing and working here.” She lifted her bag from a drawer. “Have a nice evening. I'll see you in the morning.”

Matt shut the door. She had swept into his life like a pretty spring day.

 

 

Four weeks later on a Saturday, Becca milked Ruth's cow then carried the half-full pail inside and poured it in a pitcher. “It's a beautiful day outside.”

Ruth grabbed a basket. “Come and talk to me while I gather eggs.”

In the backyard, a protesting hen pecked at Becca's heels. She shook her head as Ruth petted their heads while she collected eggs and placed them in her basket. “You're the only person I know who can pet chickens without getting pecked at. They pester me.”

“I do not want to chat about these chickens. I want to talk about you and Matt.” Ruth pushed open the kitchen door and stepped inside.

Becca remembered her first day in Massillon. Time had passed quickly since she had begun to work for Matt. His patience, hearty laugh, kind eyes, and attention when she spoke were all things she liked about him. Work had been busy, and she loved it. She pulled plates from the cupboard. “I find nursing exciting. Matt's an excellent teacher, and he's patient. He doesn't even flinch when I drop things half a dozen times a day.”

Ruth laughed and rolled her eyes. “You drop things because you are always in such a hurry to do everything.” Ruth cracked an egg on the side of the skillet. “Matt visited me at the shop yesterday. He is thrilled to have you as his nurse, and I believe he is smitten with you. It is the lilt in his voice when he talks about you.” She tapped Becca's nose. “You are giddy when you speak about him. Do you like him more than you would a friend? Am I right? Are you fond of him?”

Becca giggled and held her stomach. “I can't hide anything from you. I never could. Yes. I can't help it. He hangs the moon. What am I going to do? I love it here. I don't want to leave you or Matt, but I miss our parents and my friends. I like birthing boppli, but I love nursing more. Mamm and Daed wouldn't be happy with my working for an Englischer. Nor would they like me learning about the world and getting excited about it at the same time. After reading one newspaper, I can't wait to read the next.”

“I am sorry you are in such turmoil, but I love having you here. Of course, you are welcome to live with me if you choose to stay in Massillon. It is a difficult decision. Pray and ask God for guidance.”

Becca's stomach flipped. Could she leave her Amish life behind? Her parents and friends would shun her. She suspected Grace wouldn't. She hoped her best friend would agree to write letters to stay in touch. The thought of leaving those she loved sickened her, but no more than the thought of leaving Ruth and Matt. She no longer believed God turned away from those who left Amish life if those same people remained faithful to Him. Ruth had taught her this by her example. She leaned more toward choosing Massillon as her home because of this. “I hadn't intended on moving here. I must come to a decision soon, because our parents and Grace deserve to know what I'm doing. They must wonder why I haven't written and told them when I'm coming home.” She rubbed her temples. “I don't want to ponder what to do about where I want to live, but I must.”

“Put it out of your mind for today. After breakfast, we will walk to my shop. I want to introduce you to Margaret Tuttle, my seamstress. She is sixty-five and beautiful. She has been in Columbus, Ohio, visiting friends ever since you got here. She came home yesterday, and we caught up on our news. She often works when we are closed to catch up on her mending. It would be a perfect time for you to meet her. Our visit with her will brighten your day and hers.”

Becca and Ruth finished breakfast and then strolled downtown. The sun heated their cheeks, and puffy white clouds decorated the sky. A ball hit Becca's leg. She threw it to the boy who stood a few feet away with his arms held out. He ran and joined his friends. Two women were working in their gardens. What beautiful roses they were planting. She waved to townsfolk who were patients of Matt's or friends of Ruth's. Her sister and her late husband, Caleb, had chosen the right neighborhood to build their home. Close enough to walk to town but far enough away from the hustle and bustle.

The bell clanged when Ruth opened the door to the shop. A petite older woman with a sparkle in her eyes and dimples in her rosy cheeks greeted them.

Margaret clasped Becca's hand. “You must be Becca. The two of you could pass for twins.”

Ruth put her arm around Margaret's waist. “This elegant woman is like a mother to me. I love her dearly. Last year, when I got sick with a fever, she came to my house and nursed me back to health.” She pulled her friend close. “I would be lost without you, Margaret.”

The older woman blushed. “I feel the same way.” She patted Ruth's cheek and leaned in to her.

The bell clanged over the door again, and a woman entered. “Ruth, I am sorry to bother you on your day off, but may I show you the rip in my dress? I found it when I left the general store.”

“Please come in.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Becca, you and Margaret visit while I take care of Mrs. Sanderson.”