Hope Rekindled (3 page)

Deborah kept a brave face all through supper and into the night, even while her family plied her with questions she could not answer. Now, however, in the quiet of her room—away from everyone else—fear overcame Deborah in a way that she had not anticipated.

What if the tragedy were such that he couldn’t return?

What if it wasn’t his father who had died, but rather his mother? After all, the neighbor had sent the telegram. Perhaps she had to do so because Mrs. Kelleher was dead. If that had happened, Christopher would be forced to make some sort of arrangement. After all, his father’s injuries from an accident in a rail yard kept him from working and Christopher’s younger siblings certainly couldn’t fend for themselves.

Deborah rolled restlessly to her side and tucked her knees up to her chest. What if he had to stay there and help his family for an indefinite period of time?

What if he never came back?

Overwhelmed by the weight and fear that had settled squarely on her chest, she muffled her sobs against her pillow and tried to pray. Words failed her, however. And the comfort she often found in talking to God remained elusive.

“Deborah?” her mother’s soft voice called out.

She hadn’t heard the door to her room open—hadn’t seen the glow of her mother’s lamp. Mother put the light on the dresser, then sat beside Deborah on the bed.

“I’m so sorry that this has happened, honey. But take courage. Christopher loves you dearly. He will be back—of that I’m certain.”

Mother stroked back damp hair from Deborah’s face. “I don’t know why it had to be like this, but the world is full of heartache and tribulation, just as Jesus said it would be. Yet He reminds us that He has already overcome the world.”

Deborah shook her head. “But that’s because He’s the Lord. What does that mean for us? For me?”

“I believe that because He lives within our hearts—because we belong to Him—we have victory. Satan would steal everything from us. He would take our joy, our hope, our contentment. He desires to destroy us, and what better way than by interfering in our lives and loves?”

“But God has more power than the devil. You’ve often reminded me of that,” Deborah replied. “Why doesn’t God keep these bad things from happening to us?”

Mother gave a sad smile. “Oh, how many times I’ve asked that very thing. Why did God give Satan power in this world? Why does God allow evil to corrupt and destroy the things He’s created?”

“And what conclusion did you come to?” Deborah asked, sitting up. “What peace can you offer me now?”

Taking Deborah’s hand in her own, Mother sighed. “The same peace that brought me through those long nights after your father’s death—the peace that comes in knowing that all of this is temporal. Nothing here will last forever. God gives us earthly life for a brief time, and while it is ours, we should cherish it as a gift. We should live life to His glory and love one another in the richness of the love He holds for us.

“Christopher isn’t lost to you—he’s merely delayed. His love for you goes on, as does yours for him. This time apart is temporary. Use it for God’s glory and not your own sorrow.”

Her mother’s embrace reminded Deborah of being a young child again—a child that held no responsibility or worry.

O God
, she prayed, holding fast to her mother,
would that I could trust you like a little child. Would that I could let go of my worry and fear and trust that you will hold me
.

April 1887

C
hristopher glanced at the clock. It was still early, but not unreasonable for a house call. He wanted to let Zed Perkins know what was happening and why he was suddenly leaving again.

He made his way through the quiet streets. Perkinsville was hardly more than a ghost town now. Most of the families had moved on, for there was no sense in waiting around, hoping that the mill would be rebuilt. There were mouths to feed and children to clothe, and those things couldn’t be done with hopes.

The unnatural silence only seemed magnified by the clear skies and clean air. When Christopher had first arrived, the mill smoke and dust put so much debris into the air that he was hesitant to even open the windows in his home and clinic. Now that was gone, but at what cost?

He made his way up the walk to Zed’s house, stifling a yawn. He’d not slept much at all the night before, fears overwhelming his thoughts. Whatever had happened must be grave, or his mother would surely have sent word herself. Still, uncertainty baffled him and burdened him with a sense of dread. This, coupled with the postponement of his wedding, had left him unable to sleep.

Knocking on the door of Perkinsville’s finest two-story house, Christopher was surprised when Zed himself opened the door. Apparently they had let their hired housekeeper go.

“You’re just the man I wanted to see,” Christopher declared, extending his hand.

Zed waved off the formality. “None of that. Come on in and have some coffee with me. Better yet, have you eaten breakfast yet?”

“No, I didn’t want to heat up the stove.”

“Then we’ll just head back to the kitchen. I was finishing up, but there’s plenty left.”

They made their way into the tastefully appointed house. Christopher caught the sound of female voices arguing from one of the rooms as they passed. Zed led him to the kitchen and motioned him inside before offering an explanation.

“I’m afraid my daughters have it in their mind that we should move to Houston. They have been pleading their case to Mrs. Perkins.”

Christopher could well imagine the spoiled Maybelle and Annabeth nagging their mother. Around town, those two were known to get their own way in most every matter, but perhaps this time would prove the exception.

“What brings you here today?” Zed asked. “Have a seat,” he said as he pointed. “I’ll grab you a plate and silver.” He went quickly to the task and plopped the utensils in front of Christopher. “This is one of Mrs. Perkins’s everyday dishes. She’ll chide me for not breaking out the good china and serving you in the dining room, but I figure you won’t mind.” He put the plain white plate in front of the doctor and added, “Now help yourself to the food.”

Taking up a platter of bacon, Christopher chose several pieces. Zed left him to fill his plate while he fetched a mug for coffee.

“We’ve got cream if you need it.” Zed put the cup in front of Christopher and waited for him to comment.

“No, black is fine. This is really far more than I expected. I certainly didn’t mean to impose.”

Zed laughed and took his seat. “No imposition. It’s always good to have the company of another rooster—especially when the hens are raising a squawk.” He shook his head as one of his daughters protested loudly. “Those girls are spoiled by my own hand, and now I’m paying the price.”

Christopher waited until Zed had a long drink of his coffee before replying. “I’m going to get right to it. I’ve had bad news from my family in Kansas City. I don’t know much other than what the telegram told me, and that was only that tragedy had occurred and I was needed.” He sipped the strong black brew and let the warmth steady him. “I’m leaving when the train comes through, and I felt you should know.”

Zed put his own cup aside. “I’m sorry to hear about your family, Doc. I wish I could offer some sort of assistance. I feel bad that you’ve gone without wages the last two months.”

“It couldn’t be helped. You were good to keep me paid long after the mill fire. That and the money I’ve earned by riding around to the various folks in need of a doctor’s skills have kept me well enough.” It wasn’t exactly the truth, but Christopher didn’t want the older man bearing the guilt of what he couldn’t help.

Christopher sampled a mouthful of cheese grits and reached for the salt. He seasoned the grits as well as the eggs before continuing. “I don’t know when I’ll be back.”

Zed slathered butter on a piece of corn bread. “You were right to alert me. Knowing Albright, if he sees that you’ve gone, he’ll either take over the clinic or sell off the furnishings.”

“Albright had me inventory everything that belonged to the company. I gave him that information the day before yesterday. It came later than he wanted, but I got called out on an emergency before I could finish it.” He took a long drink, then gazed into the cup. “I figure it’s just a matter of time before Albright demands I vacate the house anyway.”

“Not as long as I have any say!” Zed sounded quite angry, but he quickly sobered. “Although, to be honest, I have little leverage anymore. I never figured to find myself in such a predicament. Never thought the day would come when I wouldn’t be my own boss.”

They ate in silence for a few moments. Christopher felt sorry for the older man. To have a younger man—an Easterner, at that—sweep in and deplete you of your livelihood and all you held dear would be humiliating and heartbreaking. The town of Perkinsville was only a shadow of its former glory. At one point, the town was growing fast enough to rival nearby Lufkin. Funny how things had changed overnight. Life was ever-changing, and property and possessions were easily destroyed. Since the devastating fire, the few who remained were mostly black families that had no choice but to stay and try their best to survive. If you could call it that.

A handful of white families remained, but it seemed they had plans to leave soon enough. The Huebners would go since there was no money to pay a schoolmaster. Mrs. O’Neal had already made known her plans to leave. The Wolcotts, Greeleys, and Shattucks remained in town, along with Mr. Perkins and his family, but most of the other residents had moved on. Mr. Perkins’s sons had even relocated to other cities. It was really no wonder his daughters wanted to do likewise.

“Has Albright or Longstreet given any indication as to what they plan to do?” Christopher finally asked, pushing away the empty plate.

Zed shrugged. “They claim they will let me know when they have decided. They aren’t even askin’ for my opinion. I curse the day I ever took on a partner, much less two. If I hadn’t gotten it in my head to expand, I wouldn’t be in this position.”

“I can’t imagine that it’s financially advantageous for them to do nothing,” Christopher countered. “I suppose Albright could have felt the need to delay due to the bad winter. The plains states were devastated with the snows and cold weather. I read that hundreds of thousands of cattle and other livestock were lost. My guess is that buying extra building supplies isn’t a luxury most can afford.”

“That was just his excuse,” Zed said, scowling. “Most of our buyers were back East.” His expression changed almost instantly. “Say, what’s this going to do to your wedding plans?”

“We’re having to postpone. I spoke briefly to the pastor, and of course went out to see Deborah yesterday. She understands my need to go, although we both wish I could do otherwise. If only I knew the degree of the tragedy and whether or not a day or two would make a difference, I might simply stay until after the ceremony.”

Zed nodded thoughtfully and rubbed his chin. “Well, these things have a way of workin’ themselves out. I certainly didn’t mean to burden you with my own troubles.”

“Nonsense. Your troubles affect the entire community.” Christopher placed a hand on Zed’s shoulder. “I can well understand your concerns. You’re a good man, and you care about your neighbors.”

“Those folks trusted me for employment, and now that’s been taken away. And for what? Albright somehow got the insurance company to agree it was an ‘act of God.’ The mill supposedly caught fire from a lightning strike, but I know different. That fire started from the inside. Someone set it—of that, I’m certain.”

“I suppose without witnesses to say otherwise, money talked for Albright. He could have even offered to cut the investigator in on the deal.” Christopher put his cup aside. “Well, I should head back to my place. Jude Greeley arranged for someone to send him a telegram when the train pulls out of Burke so that I can be ready. I told him I’d be at home. Thanks again for breakfast, and I’d appreciate it if you would keep Albright from throwing my things into the street.”

“You have my word on it,” Zed replied.

The two men got to their feet just as someone went wailing down the hall. Apparently one of the girls was quite distraught. Christopher turned to Zed with a hint of a smile. “If you need to stay at my place, feel free.”

The older man laughed and slapped the doctor’s back. “I just might take you up on that.”

They were nearly to the door when Mrs. Perkins stepped into the hall. “Doctor Clayton—I mean, Kelleher. Goodness, but it will be hard to get used to that. Why you ever thought we would hold being Irish against you is beyond me.”

Christopher gave her a slight bow. “I apologize for that, ma’am. It wasn’t so much you and the folks of Perkinsville that concerned me. It was my decision long ago when I went east to medical school. However, you feel free to call me whatever you like.”

“Oh, pshaw.” She glanced back over her shoulder. “I’m the one who must apologize. If I’d known we had a guest, I would have put an end to the girls’ fussing much sooner.”

“Think nothing of it,” Christopher replied. “But as I told your husband, I must be going.”

“Oh, surely not. You should stay for breakfast.”

“I’ve already fed him, Mrs. Perkins.” Zed put his arm around her waist. “You have no need to fret.”

“Indeed he did, and I must say, it was all quite delicious.”

She smiled. “Well, you are welcome to stay and visit anyway.”

Christopher shook his head and opened the front door. “I’m afraid I can’t. Zed can tell you about my situation, but I thank you for the invitation.” The last thing he wanted to do was spend additional time trying to explain.

“Do come back soon,” Mrs. Perkins declared as she and Zed followed him out onto the porch. “You know you don’t have to wait for an invitation.”

“Thank you.” Christopher made his way from the porch and had just started down the street when he caught sight of Pastor Shattuck.

“Good morning, Christopher. Do you still intend to leave today?”

Christopher nodded. “Just waiting for the train.”

“Looks like you’ll have a decent day for travel,” the older man said as he looked upward. Overhead, the blue skies were void of clouds. “Hopefully the rain will hold off until you make it back.”

“I hope so. What with the winter melt, I was told some of the tracks in the north are washed out and won’t be repaired for some time to come. Hopefully it won’t interfere with the line to Kansas City.”

They climbed the steps to his porch and Christopher motioned. “Would you like to sit?”

“I would,” Pastor Shattuck said, easing into one of the chairs. “I couldn’t help but feel the need to come and just encourage you. I know this has been a difficult choice to make.”

Christopher frowned. He never really felt there was a choice in the matter. He supposed there was, however. He could have refused to postpone the wedding in order to head north. Did it make him less worthy of Deborah that he didn’t?

“Do you think I’m making a mistake?”

The pastor considered the question for a moment. “It doesn’t really matter what I think. How did your bride-to-be take the news?”

Deborah’s disappointed expression came to mind. “She understood, but I could tell she wasn’t happy. What bride would be? They’ve all gone to so much work to arrange this wedding.”

“And you think that’s all she’d be worried about?” He threw Christopher a grin. “If you say yes, then I’m not gonna marry the two of you when you get back.”

Christopher shook his head. “Of course that’s not the only issue. I know Deborah loves me. I love her, too.” He took the chair beside Brother Shattuck. “Did I do the wrong thing?”

“What do you mean?”

“All of my life I’ve had to be responsible for my loved ones. I was the firstborn and had to grow up quickly. It was impressed upon me that family came first—that my loyalty to them was a mark of my manhood. When I got the telegram, I never considered doing anything but going to them. Now I’m wondering if that was wrong. If I’ve somehow betrayed my love for Deborah.”