Change of Heart (5 page)

The woman winced and gripped her stomach. “The pains have gotten worse the last few hours.”

Becca washed her hands then lifted the woman's skirts and draped her with clean sheets. The boppli was in position. She rushed to pull two pillows out of a cabinet. “I'm going to stuff these behind your back and help you into a sitting position. Get ready to push.” She then positioned herself to help the boppli enter the world.

“Gretchen, push on the count of three. One, two, three, push.”

The patient screamed. Sweat dripped from her forehead as she pushed.

“The boppli is crowning. Push again for me.”

The young mamm screamed and pushed again.

Becca helped ease the boppli out the rest of the way. She placed the squalling boppli on Gretchen's chest, cut the umbilical cord, and clamped it with a clothespin. “You have a son.” She lifted the infant from the mamm's chest. “Your boppli needs a little attention. You relax and get ready to hold him in a few minutes.”

She cleared his mouth and nostrils then checked him to make sure he was healthy and washed him. After swaddling him in a boppli blanket, she placed him on the mamm's chest. “The blanket is a gift to you from Dr. Carrington. Your son's a handsome little fellow.”

Becca removed the afterbirth from Mrs. Piper and discarded the bloody mess in the trash bin. Relieved Gretchen didn't require suturing, she dipped a rag in clean water and washed the woman's sweaty, beaming face. She then slid a clean sheet under Gretchen. “Would you like a clean dress? We keep a few here for new mamms. They are plain, dark blue, and are not formfitting. It would be suitable for you to wear home. You may return it if you wish.”

“Yes. Thank you. You can throw my soiled dress away. We own a farm, and I ripped the hem of the dress yesterday helping my husband feed the animals.”

Becca helped her change, while Gretchen balanced the newborn in her arms. She covered her with a thin blanket.

Matt poked his head in. “Are you doing all right in here?”

Becca waved him in. “Yes. We're doing great. Would you ask Mr. Piper to come in?”

Matt opened the door wide, and Mr. Piper walked in and smoothed his wife's hair. “He is tiny.” He shook Matt's hand. “Thank you both for your help.”

Gretchen touched Becca's arm. “You did a great job taking care of me and my baby. I am going to tell my friends about you.”

“You're too kind. I'm glad you and your son are healthy. Enjoy him.”

Becca and Matt left the couple alone for an hour to relax. Mr. Piper and Matt supported the new mamm and walked her to the buggy. Becca carried the boppli and followed them.

She, Matt, and Dorothy waved good-bye.

Dorothy chuckled. “The poor man did not have a chance to take his buggy to the livery. It is a good thing the baby did not take long coming into this world, or their horse would not be fit to take them home.” She linked her arm through Matt's. “Becca did a great job. She helped bring the infant into this world with ease. She calmed Mr. Piper and comforted his wife, all at the same time.”

“I keep feed in the shed outside. I fed and watered their horse earlier.” He rubbed Becca's shoulder. “I am blessed to have her here.”

Becca thought her heart would burst at hearing his words.

“I will leave you two alone to catch your breath before another patient shows up. Besides, I have some work to do.” Dorothy squeezed Becca's hand before returning to her desk.

Becca and Matt headed for the exam room.

Matt leaned back in a chair. “You did a great job with Mr. and Mrs. Piper. I should have been here to help you.”

“I enjoyed birthing the couple's boppli. It allowed me to practice being a midwife again.” She flattened her palms on her lap and leaned forward. “All right. Enough talk about Mr. and Mrs. Piper. The anticipation of what you think of my parents is keeping me on the edge of my seat. How did you like meeting them?”

“It stunned me they came to visit you and Ruth, because of their strong belief to shun her for leaving the Amish community. I enjoyed meeting them.”

“They surprised us. We are thrilled they've agreed to write and visit us. Ruth and I consider it a miracle from God.”

“I am relieved you have decided to stay here. I cannot imagine what I would do without you.” He moved closer to her and clasped her hand. “Becca, you are more than a friend to me. I have grown fond of you. Will you please allow me to court you?”

Her heart raced. “Yes! Yes! I hoped you would ask.”

He stood and gently pulled her to her feet. He pulled her close and lowered his head to kiss her.

Her heart raced. She closed her eyes and lifted her chin in anticipation of their first kiss. His lips touched hers. Nothing could have prepared her for the overwhelming joy and burst of excitement she felt. She and David hadn't courted, hadn't shared past life experiences or had meaningful conversations. An arranged marriage seemed strange to her now that she had met and gotten to know Matt. She wanted to meet his parents, spend more time with him, and find out if they were right for each other. When would she meet his parents? Ruth didn't have anything pleasant to say about Mrs. Carrington. Her sister's words echoed in her mind.

Chapter Four

A week later, the bell clanged in the waiting room. With the tone of a squeaky wooden door hinge, his mother spoke to Dorothy. He groaned and rubbed his temples. Why was she here? A meeting with his mother was not the way he wanted to start his day. Her heels pounded the floor as if she were headed into battle. He had avoided talking to Becca about his parents. He slapped a hand to his head.
Big mistake
. No telling what his mother would say to her, and there was no time to warn her.

Eloise Carrington swung open the door. “Do not stare at me. Say something. Why have you not bothered to visit your father or me?” She darted her eyes from Becca to him. “Is this the woman I have been hearing about?”

Matt rose. His mother's entrance and dramatic performance as she pulled off her thin white gloves sent needles up his spine. His mother had not paused between questions to allow him to answer her. Of course, this was nothing new. She had not been in his office five minutes, and she had insulted Becca already.

He put his hand on Becca's shoulder. “If you are referring to the nurse I have hired, then yes, this is Becca Yost.” He gestured to his mother. “Becca, this is my mother, Eloise Carrington.”

Matt raked a hand through his hair. He did not want to risk his mother insulting Becca further. He would rather she be in a pleasant mood when she and Becca had a chance to get to know each other. “Becca, would you mind going over the supplies we need to order with Dorothy?”

Becca bowed her head. “I would be glad to. Mrs. Carrington, it was nice to meet you.”

Mrs. Carrington gave her a curt nod, as if to dismiss her.

Becca left and shut the door behind her.

Matt gritted his teeth to keep from saying something he would regret.

His mother crossed her arms against her chest. “Are you out of your mind? An Amish girl is not a suitable nurse for you.”

He did not want to discuss Becca with his mother. Her prejudice had always troubled him.

She pointed at his chest. “You must consider your reputation. It is unusual for an Amish girl to work with a man outside her community. Gossip is you are rather comfortable around each other. I do not understand why you would want to work and associate with a girl who has lived such a backward life. Her dowdy Amish clothes are disgusting.”

He removed her finger from his chest. “The Amish are plain, hardworking people who make God a priority in their lives. Fancy clothes and material possessions do not matter to them. For your information, she has left her Amish life. She will remain in Massillon and live with her sister, Ruth. She is a sweet woman, who I admire for many reasons, and we are officially courting.” He stood straight and refused to turn his eyes from hers.

Eloise jutted her chin. “You are out of your mind. She has been raised in a sheltered community and could not begin to fit into our society.” She broke their gaze. “You need a refined woman. I will find you one.”

Matt stepped back. “I resent your insults about Becca. She has all the qualities I am looking for in a woman. I expect you to treat her with kindness. If you refuse to honor my request, then we have nothing more to say to each other. You ruined my courtship with Mary Stetson. Do not try and do the same thing with Becca.” The minute the words flew out of his mouth, he regretted them. He did not want to talk about Mary Stetson with his mother ever again.

Eloise Carrington narrowed her eyes. “She wanted your money. I saved you from her. She came from a poor family and did not know the first thing about etiquette or how to fit into our world.”

He matched her glare and stood firm. “I did not care. I loved her.”

“She did not love you, or she would not have taken the generous bank note I handed to her on the condition she leave town.”

“You lied to her. You pushed her away with your rude behavior. You convinced her she did not fit into our social circle and never would because she came from a poor family. You caught her alone several times and continued to humiliate her.”

She scoffed. “I did you a favor running Mary off.”

“She left because she could not imagine having you for a mother-in-law. She accepted your money because her father was dying and needed expensive treatment.”

“How do you know?”

“I received a letter from her weeks later. Her father died, and she did not want me to think she had taken the money for herself. I would have gone to her, but she told me in the letter she had met someone.” The agony of the letter came rushing back to him.

“I believe she lied about her father. Furthermore, she would not have fallen in love with someone else so soon if you were important to her.”

“I am not convinced she did meet someone. I believe she knew I would try to persuade her to come back but had made up her mind she could not put up with you, Mother.”

Her nostrils flared. “Nonetheless, she must not have meant too much to you, or you would have gone to her and found out if she had met someone.”

“Communication is important to me in a relationship. She should have trusted me enough to tell me about your disgusting offer. I would have refused to have anything to do with you and given her the money myself. Nonetheless, it is over and done with, and I will not discuss this with you any longer.” It had taken time, but he had forgiven his mother for causing his and Mary's separation two years ago. It did not do either of them any good to argue about Mary.

“I agree. There has been enough said about Mary Stetson.” She patted his arm. “Besides, I have some exciting news to tell you.”

Matt read the determination in her face. He dreaded her announcement. He abhorred her arrogance but admired her spunk, drive, and elegant taste. She had always doted on him and, even though she was opinionated, he had forgiven her shortcomings.

Moving to the mirror on his wall, his mother pinched her cheeks and righted her hat. “Beatrice Bloomingdale will arrive on the afternoon stagecoach to dine with us at the Massillon Restaurant. She is a beautiful girl from a fine family. Her father is a surgeon at Columbus Hospital. She helps her mother plan the most successful and wonderful parties.” She brushed a thread from his shoulder. “Her parents are friends with many prominent physicians in Boston, New York, and Chicago. I expect you to join us for supper.”

She knew he was courting Becca. Why was she matching him with Beatrice Bloomingdale? He gritted his teeth. He would bring Becca. “I will be happy to come and meet Miss Bloomingdale if Becca is invited.”

“Fine. Bring her.” Eloise fluttered her fingers at him. “I will meet Beatrice at the stagecoach. We will meet you and Becca at the Massillon Restaurant around six-thirty. Beatrice is staying with your father and me. She leaves on the morning train to go back to Canton.”

Matt followed his mother to the door and waved good-bye. Well, what a surprise. She had not argued about Becca coming to supper. What did she have up her sleeve? He shrugged. Whatever plan she had in mind, he would not stand for her being rude to Becca. He would take her with him, and if his mother misbehaved, they would leave.

He moved next to Dorothy. She sat at her desk. “Where did Becca go?”

Dorothy focused on her paperwork. “She went to the general store for coffee. I asked her to fetch it for me. I did not want her here when your mother left. Mrs. Carrington was rude from the minute she came in. I am used to your mother's arrogant attitude, but Becca is not.”

“I understand, and I told Mother she is to treat Becca with respect. If she does not, I will distance myself from her. I also told her my news.”

She cocked her head. “Have you told me this news?”

He shook his head. “Becca and I are officially courting.”

Dorothy rose and danced a little jig. “I hoped you would ask her to court you. I am thrilled. Her parents must be sad she will not be returning home to live with them. It is selfish of me, but I am glad she has decided to stay here. I would miss her if she left us.”

“Yes, her parents are upset she is going to live with Ruth, but they agreed to bend the Amish rules and visit their daughters now and then. They are humble and kind people.”

“Your mother is not going to show Becca the same kindness her parents showed you anytime soon. It was evident in her behavior today. Your father is a gentleman. He may treat Becca with kindness.”

“I am hoping my father will be welcoming to Becca when he meets her. He is not near as judgmental as Mother.”

“I hope you are right.”

“When they get to know her, they will love her.”

The door swung open. Becca came into the office and handed Dorothy the coffee. “Here you go, Dorothy.” She dropped her reticule in a drawer. “Matt, did your mamm leave?”

“Yes, she did. She invited us to supper tonight. She has a friend from out of town joining her. I would like you to go with me.”

Becca paled. Uncertainty filled her blue eyes. “Maybe you should go alone.”

“I would appreciate it if you would join me. It will give Mother a chance to get to know you.” Should he go alone? No, he would take her with him. Becca had to interact with his mother sometime. She was the woman he had chosen to be with. His mother needed to understand this.

She sighed. “What time should I be ready?”

“I will pick you up at six.”

Matt and Becca treated patients all day. Five came, and Matt shrugged out of his doctor's jacket. He hung it on a hook. “You must be exhausted. I hope you are not too tired to join me for supper this evening.”

She opened the door. “No. I'll change clothes, splash water on my face, and be ready at six.” She waved to Dorothy and him before leaving.

He shut the door behind her. She did not want to go to supper with his mother. He could sense her apprehension in her voice. He did not blame her after the way his mother dismissed her today. Becca put others before herself. Another trait he admired about her. Yes, he loved Becca more each day.

 

 

Becca hurried home. She didn't have much time to get ready before Matt would arrive. Ruth must still be at work. A knock at the door startled her. She answered it. An older man slightly bent over with gray hair and a wrinkled face stood on the porch.

“My name is Jared White. My neighbors told me you are a midwife and a nurse who works for Dr. Carrington. They told me where you live. My granddaughter, Naomi White, is pregnant. She is in terrible pain and has been vomiting all night. She needs you. Will you help her?”

“Of course. Let me grab my bag.” She lifted her medical bag she had put together a few weeks ago for just such an occasion. She wrote a note to Matt and taped it to the front door. He would arrive soon to take her to supper. He would have to go without her. She had hoped to win Mrs. Carrington over tonight. She shook her head. It was more important to help Naomi White this evening. She would have other opportunities to meet with Mrs. Carrington. “Let's go.”

They climbed in Mr. White's buggy, and he guided the horses to his house. He didn't speak on the way there. His hands trembled as he held the reins.

Her heart raced. He loved his granddaughter. His concern and expression told her so. She hoped his granddaughter and her boppli would be fine when this was all over.

He stopped in front of a house. “You go on in. I will take care of the horses.”

Becca stepped out of the buggy. Naomi White's last name was the same as her grandfather's. The young woman must not be married. Where was the boppli's daed? She hoped Miss White wouldn't have to raise her boppli alone.

A shrill scream rang out. She opened the door. Miss White lay in a small bedroom drenched in sweat. Blood spread over the white bed sheets beneath her swollen stomach and thin arms and legs.

Pale and in obvious pain, the distressed woman reached for Becca. “Something is wrong with my baby. I know it. The pain is unbearable.”

“Miss White, my name is Becca Yost. Please call me Becca. I'll do everything I can for you and your boppli.” She pulled out a small blanket, antiseptic, thread, and sterile needles from her supplies.

Mr. White rushed in. “I will take care of the horse and buggy later. What can I do?”

Becca liked the woman's grandfather. Maybe giving him a task would calm him. “Mr. White, will you please fetch me two pots of clean water and several towels?”

He left the room.

Miss White winced and held her stomach. “Please, call me Naomi. Becca, I am scared. Please help me.”

Becca threw one blood-soaked towel after another to the floor. Naomi had lost a lot of blood. Mamm and boppli were in trouble. She must get this boppli out as fast as possible. “I will do my best.” She didn't like the amount of blood coming from the woman.

Mr. White hurried into the room and put Becca's requests on the floor beside her.

Her heart raced. She opened her mouth to offer comforting words but closed it.
Oh no.
The infant's head appeared too big.

“Naomi, push as hard as you can.”

“I cannot. It hurts.”

She positioned herself at the end of the bed. “Please try.”

The woman cried out in pain and pushed.

Becca yelped when the boppli and blood gushed onto the bed. She cut and tied off the umbilical cord. The newborn's body lay limp and blue. The boppli girl's arms and legs twisted in the wrong direction and her toes were absent.

Naomi lifted her head and asked in a weak voice, “Is my baby all right? She is not crying.”

Becca patted the woman's leg. “You rest and relax.” She turned her back and wiped the infant's face and blew small puffs of air into the boppli's tiny mouth. No sound came from the newborn. The cold, tiny, lifeless body didn't respond to any of her efforts to revive it. She closed her eyes for a moment. Stillborn infants were the most difficult births to witness. Next, it was the mamm's obvious anguish and pain. She hoped not to experience either. She listened. A familiar voice sounded outside the door. Matt. She heaved a big sigh. He had come at the right time.