Edith and the Mysterious Stranger Read online

  EDITH AND THE MYSTERIOUS STRANGER

  A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho

  By Linda Weaver Clarke

  Copyright © Linda Weaver Clarke, 2008. Second Edition, 2012. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without permission in writing from the author. Recording of this work for the handicapped is permitted.

  Red Mountain Shadows Publishing

  Cover Design by Serena Clarke

  Edith and the Mysterious Stranger

  By Linda Weaver Clarke

  Smashwords Edition

  Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is purely coincidental.

  ALSO BY LINDA WEAVER CLARKE

  The Adventures of John and Julia Evans

  (Mystery/Adventure)

  Anasazi Intrigue

  Mayan Intrigue

  Montezuma Intrigue

  Desert Intrigue

  A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho

  (Sweet Romances)

  Melinda and the Wild West

  Edith and the Mysterious Stranger

  Jenny’s Dream

  Sarah’s Special Gift

  Elena, Woman of Courage

  Non-Fiction Ebooks

  Writing Your Family Legacy

  Reflections of the Heart

  Dedication

  In memory of my parents: Marcus Gilbert Weaver (1914–2005), my father, a man of dignity and Florence Milred Weaver (1917– 1978), my mother, who was determined to wait for the man of her dreams. Thanks, Dad, for allowing me to use your precious letters in my story.

  Chapter 1

  Edith, A Professional Nurse

  “Is he going to be all right? Is he still improving?”

  Edith heard the worried voice of a mother as she quietly closed the door to the bedroom so her patient would not be disturbed. Sarah’s voice had an anxious edge to it. Her son was on the mend, but each day she feared he would have a relapse. And each day, Edith would say the same thing, “He’s still improving. Don’t worry so much, Sarah.”

  As Edith turned around, she saw the worried and concerned look in Sarah’s face. Her stress and worry for the past month had formed dark circles under her eyes and she looked weary as if she hadn’t slept for days.

  “Tell me the truth, Edith. I need to know. He’s not regressing, is he?”

  Edith knew that her sister had faith in her. That was why she immediately called her for assistance.

  “No, he’s getting better. Don’t worry, Sarah.”

  “How can you tell?”

  Sarah was seated on the sofa nervously twisting a handkerchief in her hands, and the stress was showing at the corners of her eyes and mouth.

  “I didn’t go to college and graduate with a degree in nursing for nothing. I know what I’m doing. Trust me.”

  “But you know what the doctor said last month. Tommy has diphtheria and he said he had done all that he could to save his life and could do no more. He even consulted with other doctors and they agreed. They all gave up on Tommy. They said it was now in God’s hands.”

  “Now, Sarah! Listen to me. Everything is going to be all right.” Edith chided with soberness. “Isn’t that why you sent for me? Because they gave up and you have faith in me, right? Not because I was the last resort?”

  Sarah gave Edith a sheepish look and answered softly, “Yes, that’s why I sent for you. I believe in you. But I do have to admit that you were the last resort.”

  Edith suppressed a smile, sat down beside her sister, put her arm around her, and squeezed her tightly. “Don’t worry so much. Tommy has come a long way since I arrived and he’s definitely getting better, I can assure you.”

  Sarah nodded as she nervously twisted her handkerchief.

  Edith affectionately wiped a loose curl from her sister’s brow and tucked it behind her ear. “When I first arrived last month, it was touch and go. Ever since then, he’s been improving daily, and I’m not saying that because I know what a worrywart you are. I can see it and I can feel it in my heart. It’s been a month now and I can see a vast improvement. He’s out of danger.”

  Sarah laid her head against her sister’s shoulder. “Thank you, Edith. That means a lot to me. I needed you, not just for Tommy’s sake but for your support.”

  Edith never gave up. That was her nature. She had the gift of sympathy, and knew how to aid and comfort the sick. She also acted as a midwife during the birth of babies. One reason why she was such a successful nurse was because of her faith.

  Sarah smiled as she pulled an envelope out of her pocket and waved it teasingly in front of Edith’s face. “By the way, you got a letter from Mama.”

  “Really?”

  “Really.”

  Edith grabbed it from her sister’s hand and immediately broke out in a grin as she tore the envelope open and began reading. Edith was a beautiful, elegant woman and her natural olive complexion enhanced her beauty. Her lips were full and shapely. She was tall with hauntingly dark brown eyes, so dark that one could barely see her pupils. They were large and expressive, something she inherited from her Welsh ancestors. It was difficult to hide her emotions from those who knew her best. Her eyes showed her every mood, her sadness or joy, her worries and fears. She always believed that actions spoke louder than words. Most people knew of her sincerity and love for them without even saying a word.

  Her thick dark hair was naturally curly. It was long and rich looking, but she always kept it in a loose, soft chignon. She would twist her hair into a large smooth roll and pin it at the nape of her neck. Sometimes she wore a small silk flower or some sort of ornament pinned to her hair.

  Edith knew she was a very picky and independent person when it came to romance. The right man had to have certain qualities and she was not about to back down. Some told her that her expectations were too high and that sort of man did not exist. It was only in the figment of her imagination. But she was stubborn and would not let go of her dream.

  It didn’t matter that she was called a spinster. What mattered to her was choosing a man to live and grow old with for the rest of her life. Being picky was worth all that to her.

  Many men had courted Edith, but she inevitably found fault with each one. Either he was too shy or too bold, too arrogant or too quiet, too short or too tall, too old or too young. One good-looking gentleman turned out to be so arrogant and egotistical that she never encouraged him to return. She was not about to waste her valuable time with someone she was not interested in.

  Usually after a gentleman’s first call, she would always find some excuse to avoid another. First impressions were important to her and that was when she made her judgment. Her mother had often told her to look beyond that and give a man a second chance or she might pass up the perfect man. But Edith was strong-minded and did as she pleased.

  She was looking for someone who had similar beliefs, interests, and personality traits as herself. So she tried to remain patient as her loved ones introduced her to this man and that. Besides, she knew they loved her and meant well. They just wanted her to be happy. Edith knew deep down inside herself there was a very special person waiting for her, but she had not found him yet.

  Edith looked up from her letter and said, “Tommy is steadily improving. He’s out of danger now and there isn’t much more I can do. You can easily do what I’ve been doing. I see no need to stay any longer.”

  “I don’t understand,” Sarah said with a creased brow.

  “Right now Mama needs me desperately.”

  “But I need you, too.” Then realizing what she had s
aid, she looked at her sister and asked softly, “What’s wrong?”

  “Well, do you remember our cousin, Melinda?”

  “Yes. She married that rancher. As I remember, she was quite smitten by him. He was quite a catch.”

  “Yes. He’s not only good-looking but the Cozy J is a pretty nice-sized ranch.”

  “What does the J stand for?” asked Sarah.

  “Before he married Melinda, it was just Gilbert and his young daughter Jenny. So he named it after her.”

  Sarah smiled. “What a sweet gesture. So, what about Melinda?”

  “Well, she’s been married now for seven years and has only had one child who is now six years old. She has had a few miscarriages, and they usually happen within the first five months. She’s with child and is having problems again. She had terrible morning sickness but now it’s pretty much gone. She’s four months along and she’s been cramping regularly. She just might miscarry again and needs my help, Sarah.”

  “But can’t she go to the doctor so you can stay here with me?” Sarah asked pleadingly.

  The doctor has demanded that she stay in bed until the baby’s born. He keeps telling her to take a few glasses of whiskey each day to take her cramping away. But Melinda won’t have any of it.”

  “Oh, no.”

  “Yes, it’s true. I’ve heard many a doctor recommend it. When the expectant mother takes it, the poor baby doesn’t move around much afterwards for several days and that’s a scary thing. Mama says the doctor is quite upset at her for not listening to him. He told her that she should take it like medicine.” Edith slowly shook her head with disgust. “I don’t think it’s healthy for the baby. Herbs are the best remedy.”

  Sarah sighed in resignation. “When do you think you’ll leave?”

  Edith stuffed the letter into her bag. “You don’t need me any longer.”

  Sarah nodded reluctantly, not wanting her sister to leave.

  “I think I’ll leave tomorrow if it’s all right with you.”

  “Tomorrow?”

  “Yes. It’s quite a ways to travel to Paris, Idaho. Mama says that as long as Melinda stays in bed, she won’t have any more problems, but I need to get some herbs down that lady before it’s too late. Mama’s been helping a lot by watching their little six-year-old, but she thinks I should come right away.”

  “As I remember, that little boy of hers really took to you.”

  “Yes.” Edith smiled at the memory of the young child. “He’s really adorable. When I went home last Christmas, young John sat on my lap the whole time. He was so cuddly and sweet.”

  Edith doted on her little nephews and nieces, and her cousin’s little boy was no exception. She was thirty years of age, and had accomplished much in her life. She took a Nurses Training Course and attended college at the same time, receiving a bachelor’s degree in education. Not only that, Edith had once sung professionally and had a trained, rich contralto voice.

  It was July of 1904 and Edith had accomplished a lot during a time when the United States had not recognized women’s rights, let alone the higher education of a woman. The four surrounding states that had accepted women’s rights were Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, and Idaho. She had chosen Utah to get her education for that very reason, where equality was recognized.

  Edith was excited about going back home to Bear Lake Valley to see her family. Southern Idaho was her beloved home, and she loved it. She had seen a little of the world, but now she just wanted to settle down, do a little nursing, find a home with a white picket fence, and plant flowers like her mother.

  Chapter 2

  A Sneaky Husband

  Melinda listened carefully as the door squeaked shut. She heard footsteps walk across the porch and disappear in the distance. She sighed with relief. Finally, he was gone and she was alone. This was what she was waiting for, a chance to escape. She felt like a prisoner in her own home. She had been bedridden for two whole months, and was sick and tired of her bed, her walls, her books, and especially looking at her wardrobe full of clothes that no longer fit. How she wished she could snatch one of her favorite dresses and go out for a stroll!

  Melinda looked down at her swollen belly and tenderly stroked it with her hand. She knew she was bedridden for the sake of her unborn child, and was resigned to staying in bed, but toward the end of the day boredom set in. She needed something more to do, some way to bide her time, a way to fight off the depression.

  Already she had spent two months in bed and had another five months to go. How could she do it and remain sane? It was as if her life was on hold for nine whole months.

  All she wanted to do was just get up and walk into the kitchen for a snack, but her overly protective husband forbade it. He was such a worrywart. Gilbert had offered to get her something to eat before he left again, but she had refused in a most indignant manner. She had refused because she was feeling a bit ornery. Melinda had looked up into her husband’s eyes and said adamantly, “I’m not hungry, Gilbert.”

  “But you’ve just got to eat something to ward off the morning sickness.”

  “Nothing sounds good to me. I just don’t know what I want right now.”

  “Are you sure?”

  He had been so attentive and sweet but Melinda just waved him off and turned toward the window and stared off toward the Wasatch Mountains, avoiding his accusatory look. She figured her ornery attitude had stemmed from being helpless. Her husband had pampered her and waited on her, but she wanted to be independent. She wanted to go out and take a walk or tidy up the house a bit and make it clean and neat. Since she was down in bed, her stepdaughter, Jenny, had been keeping the house clean and doing a good job, too.

  This was so frustrating because Melinda enjoyed her independence. Now she was dependent upon others for her every need. In the past, she never had enough hours in the day to have some quiet time to herself and read. And now that she had all the time in the world, she couldn’t pick up another book if she tried. She was all read out.

  Melinda shook her head with irritation. What was wrong with her? She loved reading. Perhaps her orneriness was affecting her attitude about everything. When sixteen-year-old Jenny and her son, John, were out of school they sometimes headed for Aunt Martha’s to visit and that was where they were today. Melinda was alone now, and she decided that it was time to rise and take control of her life. After all, she could take a little stroll into the kitchen and get a snack all by herself with no one hovering over her. What harm would that do?

  Melinda placed the book she had been reading on the bed, pushed the covers aside, and slid her feet to the cool wooden floor. She looked down at her small, round belly and stroked it once again. She was only four months along and was barely showing. She had not felt any movement yet, but she couldn’t wait. She was feeling pretty good and had not had any cramping now for over two weeks and was very much relieved.

  Two months ago, she began having cramps five minutes apart. When they wouldn’t stop and became stronger and unbearably painful, Gilbert ran for the doctor. Melinda was put in bed indefinitely. Since she was bedridden, she hadn’t had any problems and what cramps she did have were very minor. Surely, it would be all right to get out of bed for a few minutes.

  Melinda slowly rose to her feet and walked over to the wardrobe, pulled her robe out, and slipped it on. She grabbed a brush, looked critically at herself in the mirror, and began brushing her dark auburn hair. Her thick tresses had a natural curl, and when the sunlight shown through the window, they shimmered with a reddish glow.

  Melinda was a strikingly beautiful woman with a smooth, velvety complexion and fine, delicate features. She was thirty-four years of age and was unusually tall. She had beautiful green eyes that twinkled when she smiled. Gilbert had told her that her eyes were the color of shamrocks, and they brightened when she was happy.

  With a smile of satisfaction, she laid the brush on her dresser and walked down the hall. Just as she entered the living room, she heard a deep warm voice
, as if chiding a small child.

  “Ah, ah, ah!”

  Melinda was startled. She quickly jerked her head around and saw her husband sitting on the sofa with his arms folded across his chest and a broad grin on his face. He had the look of a parent catching a child with her hand in the cookie jar, and he was enjoying the shocked expression on his wife’s face.

  At the age of thirty-eight, Gilbert was ruggedly handsome, had expressive dark brown eyes, and his strong jaw gave the look of authority, but his soft eyes betrayed him. He was as mellow as a cuddly kitten, good-humored, and tolerant. And the love and devotion he had for his wife shown in his eyes. His dark brown hair was thick and wavy. He was a cattle rancher with broad shoulders and was an imposing figure. He stood six-foot-two inches, and every inch of him was muscle. It was impossible to ignore especially when he folded his arms across his chest so he could look stern when making his decisions.

  That was the expression he had at this very moment. His arms were folded, accentuating his biceps. His face was stern, but his eyes glistened with amusement because he had caught Melinda out of bed.

  Inside, he was suppressing a grin, hoping to look like a stern parent as he asked, “Melinda, what are you doing out of bed?”

  “I…” Her mind feverishly searched for an answer.

  “Yes? I’m listening.”

  “I…uh…you see.” She took a deep breath and plunged in. “Gilbert, I’m sick of my bed. I’m sick of reading. I’m sick of being waited on. And I’m sick of the pictures on my wall.”

  Gilbert chuckled. “All right, I’ll buy you new pictures.”

  Melinda placed her hands on her hips with indignation and stared at his broad grin. He was amused at catching her out of bed. This irritated her to no end. How did he know that she would sneak out of bed after he left the house? Looking at his amused expression, she asked soberly, “How did you know?”

  “Know what?”

  “I heard you walk outside. I heard the door shut. How did you know I would get out of bed?”

  Grinning even wider, he rose to his feet and walked over to her, took her by the shoulders, and looked into her large green eyes. “Do you think I don’t know you? When I asked you if you needed anything, you got a little impatient with me. Snapped a bit, as I recall. Then when I leaned over to kiss you goodbye, I could see it in your eyes. I knew what was on your mind. So, I just turned around and snuck back into the house.”