Edith and the Mysterious Stranger Read online

  Jenny giggled. “A banker? You just don’t look like a banker’s son to me.”

  David laughed along with her, and Jenny could see the faintest amusement in his eyes.

  “To tell you the truth, Jenny, I’m not. I’m my mother’s son.”

  “Oh, that explains a lot.”

  David placed his hand on the back of the mare next to hers, and looked into Jenny’s eyes. His eyes held hers for a long moment before he spoke. “Well, I’ve got to get back to work or your pa will fire me because I’m letting John do it all.”

  He chuckled as he peered down at John, who was still struggling with the large bag of feed. David slipped his hand on top of hers and smiled.

  Jenny’s heart fluttered at the touch of his hand. It was warm and gentle, and Jenny felt a little tingle of excitement inside. This young man was having an effect on her, and she was not sure why. Could it be all the attention that he was giving her?

  She was a young woman now and noticed that young men were looking at her in a different way than before. Her heart beat erratically, and warmth crept into her cheeks as he slid his hand off hers.

  David winked at her and then meandered toward John. “Hey, young man, let me help you with that bag. Whoa, look at this. You’ve pulled it several feet from where it was.”

  ***

  Melinda was seated on the porch, rocking back and forth in her rocking chair, feeling relaxed and happy. The herbs that her cousin had given her last week had worked, and she was so relieved. Edith would be arriving anytime to check on her, so she thought she would wait outside.

  As she peered out in the distance, she could see her husband splitting wood. He stopped, pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped his brow. After stuffing it back, he turned around and smiled.

  He waved to Melinda and called out, “How are you doing?”

  “Just fine. I’m enjoying the fresh air.”

  “Good.”

  The rattling of a buggy turned Melinda’s attention to the road and she saw Edith approaching. She stood and met her at the bottom of the porch. After Edith reined in the horse, she picked up her skirts and stepped out of the buggy.

  “Melinda, how are you doing?”

  “Much better. The herbs are working, Edith.”

  “Good. I knew they would. Have you been taking the raspberry tea everyday?”

  “Yes, twice a day like you said. I boil the raspberry leaves for ten minutes. Then I put a tablespoon of honey in my glass to sweeten it.” She pulled a face. “It tastes horrible without honey.”

  Edith smiled. “I know. And how about the cayenne pepper?”

  Melinda wrinkled up her nose. “Now that was a tough one. I tried putting honey with it but it stung my mouth, so I just put an eighth of a teaspoon on the back of my tongue and quickly followed it with water. That way it’s done and over with.”

  Melinda pulled a face in disgust and Edith laughed with delight.

  “Edith, why is it so important that I take it daily? I can handle the herb tea, but the cayenne?”

  Edith instantly became sober. She needed to let Melinda know the seriousness and importance of following her instructions. “Listen to me, it’s very important. Cayenne will prevent you from hemorrhaging. It will strengthen your system and prevent any problems during childbirth. Do you understand?”

  Melinda nodded. “I do. The catnip tea is what really surprises me, though.”

  “What happened?”

  “Well, a couple days ago I woke up with severe cramping. They were three or four minutes apart. It was so bad that I rolled into a ball, holding my stomach. It was the worst I’ve had.”

  “Oh, no!”

  “Gilbert woke up when he heard me groaning in pain. He immediately went to the kitchen and boiled a bunch of catnip leaves for ten minutes. Then he put some honey with it to sweeten it. He knows how I gag with herb tea unless it’s sweetened.”

  Edith laughed. “I’m the same way.”

  “Well, he rushed back into the bedroom with it, blowing on it all the while so I could drink it. He told me to sit up but I couldn’t. I hurt so badly. So, he helped me up and handed the tea to me. As I sipped, I just knew it wouldn’t help. It didn’t make any sense to me. How could a simple herb tea take away such serious cramping?”

  “It really does. I’ve seen it work, Melinda.”

  “Well, you were right. After twenty minutes, the cramps subsided and after thirty minutes they were completely gone. The following day, the same thing happened again. But this time Gilbert had some tea already made in case of another emergency. He quickly ran down the hall and brought it back. The cramps were gone within twenty minutes that time. It works. It really works.”

  Edith nodded. “I told you it would. You just have to trust me.”

  “Thank you.” Melinda took Edith’s arm, led her into the house, and then sat down on the sofa. “So, how are you feeling, Edith? You look a little despondent today.”

  “Oh, Melinda, I am. I’ve only been here one week and Mama invited Henry over for Sunday dinner. She’s quite the matchmaker, you know. Well, I tried my best to talk to him and be civil, but everything he said and did seemed to irritate me. He was so self-assured, so know-it-all, as if he knew all the answers. Well, anyway, Mama was embarrassed by my behavior and Henry was amused by it.”

  When Melinda lovingly touched her hand, Edith shook her head and sighed. “What’s wrong with me?”

  “Nothing.” Melinda laughed. “I think it’s more of a reaction to others trying to be cupid. You know…like your friends, your mother, and even me. Maybe we try too hard because we want you to have the same happiness that we have.”

  Edith nodded, understanding the reasoning behind it. She knew they all loved her. They were just trying too hard. That was all.

  She squeezed Melinda’s hand and smiled. “I finally told Mama in the gentlest way, that I could find the right man all by myself.”

  “Good for you.”

  “You know something? I should give Henry another chance. He’s intelligent, friendly, educated, and polite.” Edith pursed her lips in thought. “But then…he’s also a little arrogant, overly self-confident, very opinionated, and quite bold. Not to mention flirtatious. Did you know that he actually kissed my hand the first time that we met?”

  Melinda nodded with amusement, not saying a word but listening intently.

  Edith shook her head in dismay. “You see, there I go again. Picking Henry apart, judging him without even knowing him.” She placed her hands over her face and moaned, “Oooh, what am I to do?”

  Melinda laughed at her cousin’s plight. “You’re so funny, Edith. Henry’s not so bad when you get to know him.”

  “Yeah, probably not. That is, if you enjoy being lectured to about the equality of the sexes.”

  “The equality of what?”

  “Never mind. I’ll tell you later. Well, anyway, something else came up. A couple days ago Mama handed me a letter.”

  Edith pulled the letter out of her bag, and the corners of her lips turned up into a slight smile. “Mama said we truly don’t understand men, simply because we never take the time to learn about the inner person deep down inside.”

  Melinda’s brows lifted. “The inner person?”

  Edith placed her hand on her chest and tapped her fingers. “You know, the heart, his spiritual side. We’re so busy courting and trying to impress one another that we never get to know the soul of the person.”

  “That’s true. I believe that.”

  “So, after Mama handed me this letter, she said she couldn’t answer any questions because she had given her word.”

  “Her word?”

  “Uh-huh. Her word.” Edith’s eyes lit up. “I’ve never read a letter like this before in my whole life. It’s a letter of sincerity. It has heart. I brought the letter with me so I could share it with you and see what you thought.”

  “But there’s one thing that confuses me and that was what your mother said. Why
did she say she could not answer any questions?”

  “That’s one thing I haven’t told you, yet. It’s because the letter isn’t signed. He’s remaining anonymous, so to speak. Either Mama doesn’t want me to know who he is, or he doesn’t.”

  Melinda stared into her eyes with curiosity and excitement. “I’m ready. Read it or I’ll burst.”

  The softness in Edith’s eyes was evident as she read:

  Dear Edith,

  A kind friend has asked me to write to you, for it is through letters that one may learn the deepest thoughts and feelings of another. Too many times we see what’s on the surface of another person, but never get to know the soul. We hold back our inner feelings and never express them for fear of ridicule or non-acceptance, or perhaps because we would be embarrassed. Therefore, we never see into the deepest recesses of another person’s soul. We seem to guard ourselves so we don’t get hurt, but at the same time we won’t let that person see who we truly are. At one time I read that it is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all. But at the same time, we don’t want to get hurt so we throw up a wall to protect ourselves. I believe sometime in our life, we must take a chance.

  To let you know a little about me, I moved here several years ago from across the mountain. It’s a small community that is surrounded by mountains on every side. The land is lush and green and is a beautiful little valley. But something tugged at me and told me to move to Bear Lake Valley, so I heeded the feeling. As you, I also love music and thrive on every note I hear. Music uplifts me when I feel let down. It brings a spirit of peace and joy into my soul. Life would truly be dull without music. In fact, I feel that man can become closer to God through music. I have no real talent as you do, but I can play the harmonica. If you are interested in writing in response to my letter, then give it to Martha, and she’ll know what to do with it.

  Most sincerely,

  A Friend

  “Oh my, Edith!” Melinda put her hand on her chest. “A person’s soul? That’s something I haven’t thought of before. I like it. He truly sounds wonderful.”

  Edith’s eyes were bright and alive as she answered, “I know. That’s the reason I’m here. I’ve been mulling this over for a couple days, trying to figure out what I should do. I need your opinion, Melinda.”

  “All right. First things first! Do you think it’s Henry? Do you think your mother realized you needed to get to know the real Henry first?”

  “No. I don’t believe he’s anyone I’ve ever met. You can tell what a person is like by their mannerisms and words. This definitely does not sound like Henry, Melinda.”

  “Has Gilbert introduced you to Joseph?”

  “No. Who’s he?”

  “He’s a farmer that lives here in Paris and he works part-time for Gilbert. He’s a nice enough fellow, but he’s sort of quiet. He’s polite but he keeps to himself.” Melinda looked a little sheepish as she continued. “I was going to invite Henry over to meet you myself.”

  Edith giggled with amusement. “So, if Mama wouldn’t have introduced us, you would have?”

  Melinda nodded. “Sorry. Well, maybe Gilbert decided not to introduce the two of you. Perhaps he could see what was happening with your mother. He’s quite perceptive, you know.”

  Edith shrugged. “Well, since all is well, I’m going home but I’ll come over tomorrow to check up on you again. Have you felt any movement yet?”

  Melinda shook her head. “Not yet. That seems to be Gilbert’s first question each night when we get ready for bed. He’s so cute. He’s just as excited as I am, if not more so.” Then she looked at the letter and asked, “Are you going to respond to his letter?”

  Edith’s eyes widened. “Of course. Whoever he is, I’m willing to get to know him through letters. That was the most intriguing letter I’ve ever read. In fact, I’ve already written a reply. Do you want to hear it?”

  “What? Are you asking me? There’s no question about it. I’m definitely interested.”

  Edith smiled as she pulled an envelope out of her bag and handed it to her. “Tell me what you think.”

  Melinda unfolded the letter and began to read.

  Dear Friend,

  I feel that you have an unfair advantage, for you know all about me through someone else and I know nothing of you. Pray tell me more about yourself so I can know who you are as well. You know my name, my occupation, and my hobbies, but I know nothing of you.

  Sincerely,

  Edith, the Confused

  Melinda laughed. “It’s perfect. I can’t wait for his answer. Do you think he’ll reveal himself to you?”

  “Of course not. He’s doing this so we can get to know one another first. That’s what I think, anyway.” Then she grinned mischievously. “Besides, I don’t want to know. It’s more mysterious this way, don’t you think?”

  A deep voice came from the screen door. “What’s more mysterious?”

  Melinda turned and saw Gilbert peering inside at the two of them. Then he opened the door and pushed it shut behind him.

  “Edith received a letter from a mysterious stranger.”

  Gilbert lifted his brow with surprise. “She did? What kind of letter?”

  “A real nice one. He wants to get to know her. But she doesn’t know who put him up to it. Was it you, Gilbert?”

  “Me? Why would I do that when courting is a lot more fun?”

  Melinda laughed. “Well, it wasn’t me. Do you think it was Martha? She’s such a matchmaker.”

  “I wouldn’t put it past her. But then, I wouldn’t put it past you, either. I’m not sure what kind of tricks you would do just to win.”

  Edith looked between the two of them and asked, “Win?”

  Gilbert grinned. “Yup. Win! We had a little challenge going and I think she’s cheating.”

  “Me? Cheat?” Melinda said with a shake of her head. “I wouldn’t do that.”

  Gilbert chuckled. “You wouldn’t? So, who do you think he is, Melinda?”

  “It’s a mystery. We have no idea who he is. He wrote to her, and it’s one of the most interesting letters I’ve ever heard.”

  “Really?”

  With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she said teasingly, “But I suspect its Henry.”

  Gilbert rolled his eyes. “Oh, Henry again. Why do you think that?”

  “Because of his words. This man’s intelligent, educated.” Seeing the challenge in her eyes, he readily responded.

  “Educated? Has Martha introduced Edith to the new schoolmaster in town? He’s single.” Then he raised his eyebrows and grinned at Melinda. “And he’s educated, too.”

  Edith laughed when she heard the emphasis on “educated” and wondered what all this was about. “Oh, I don’t think Mama’s going to introduce me to anyone else for a while. I might embarrass her too much. Besides, I think she knows that I need to do this myself with no pressure.”

  Gilbert went to the sink and washed up as he asked, “What do you want for supper, Melinda?”

  “I can make it tonight. You’ve been working real hard and need a break. I’m feeling so much better since I’ve been taking herbs. And besides, we have the catnip tea for emergencies.”

  Gilbert frowned as he grabbed a towel and dried his hands in silence. Then he turned to Melinda and looked at her with soberness, his eyebrows furrowed. He did not say a word but something passed between them.

  Melinda had seen that look before. It was one of concern mixed with a stern look that meant more than words could say. She knew that he was not going to allow her to cook. She also knew it was fruitless to just argue about it.

  Sensing what was happening between them, Edith stood up and looked at Melinda with a serious expression. “You’ve got a good husband, Melinda. Listen to him. He knows best. Don’t push yourself too much just because you feel better. Use wisdom in how much you do, so you can protect this baby…and yourself. Just because you have herbs doesn’t mean you can overdo.”

  Melinda no
dded. Two against one was an overwhelming number when one of them was Gilbert. She smiled and waved as Edith walked out the door. “Good luck and let me know how it turns out, Edith.”

  After she left, Melinda turned to her husband. He was standing next to the sink with the towel still in his hands and he was staring at her with a worried look. She knew that he loved her beyond words and was just trying to protect her. So why wasn’t she cooperating?

  Melinda nodded. “Anything you say, dear.”

  Gilbert grinned. “At least I have Edith on my side.”

  Chapter 9

  An Emergency

  Edith was summoned to the schoolhouse because one of the children had had an accident. Henry laid the child down on a mat in his office, awaiting her arrival. When she arrived, she noticed the door was partly open, and Henry was seated at his desk, writing. She noticed that he was intent on what he was doing. He had a crease across his brow in concentration, and he did not even notice that she was standing in the doorway.

  Edith cleared her throat as she walked through the door. When Henry looked up from his work and saw her, he smiled and his eyes brightened. He was pleasantly surprised at how quickly she had come and immediately stood. Then, taking her to the corner of the room, he pointed to the young boy lying on a mat.

  Edith knelt down beside him and gave him a sympathetic smile. “What happened, young man?”

  The little eight-year-old boy winced as he held up his hand. It was wrapped with a piece of white cloth, and she noticed a red stain that had soaked through the bandage near his palm. She tenderly took his hand in hers and unwrapped it.

  Henry watched attentively. “He was running and fell down, landing on his hands against some rocks and debris.”

  She winced. “Ouch!”

  After unwrapping the temporary cloth that Henry had used, Edith took a bottle of liquid from her bag and said, “This will sting a little.”

  The boy nodded and held his breath as she poured the liquid over it.

  When he jerked back with pain and whimpered, Edith said, “I’m so sorry.” Her voice was soothing and full of empathy. “This will kill the germs, and then I’ll put on some ointment.”