Marcail walked out of Mr. Flynn’s office without saying goodbye, wondering as she went if she could really hold to all she said.
twenty-one
Marcail’s emotions were in tatters by the end of the week. She’d had only six children to teach and was beginning to regret everything she’d said to Mr. Flynn.
For the first time in her life she was honestly thinking of quitting. In fact, this idea pressed upon her so strongly she walked to the train station to check the schedule for southbound trains.
It was late Saturday afternoon, and even though she was low on flour, sugar, and coffee, she had not come into town for any other reason that day. She felt curious eyes on her as she walked, and nearly turned back home before reaching her destination.
The train station was very quiet at that time of the day. Feeling like a coward, Marcail walked toward the far side of the train office, knowing it would be even more deserted. She slipped around to the front of the office just long enough to read the departure times, and then quickly back to the far side of the building—and into the arms of Rowie Kilmer.
Marcail gasped in surprise and would have taken a step backward, but Rowie had a hold of her arm and drew her up close to the side of the small structure.
“It was all a lie, wasn’t it?”
“What was?” Marcail’s voice was breathless with fear and a little bit of pain.
“All your talk about teaching. All your denials about wanting to get married. They were all lies.”
“No, Jethro, they weren’t. I’d have frozen if Dr. Montgomery hadn’t taken me in.”
As usual, Rowie wasn’t listening. “Wasn’t I good enough for you? Didn’t you think I could take care of you like he could?” His hand tightened on Marcail’s arm, and she flinched. “You didn’t do nothing but lie, telling me no and then giving favors to the doc in front of the whole town.”
If Marcail could have moved she would have slapped him. She began to struggle, but he was so much stronger it did no good. A feeling of panic began to overtake her. She would have cried out, but again he tightened his hold and her cry turned into another gasp.
Marcail watched Rowie looking around as if he planned to drag her somewhere. With his attention momentarily diverted, she threw back her head to yell, but a voice stopped her.
“I might be mistaken, Rowie, but I believe you’re hurting Miss Donovan.”
Marcail and Rowie’s heads turned sharply with surprise, and Marcail could have wept at the sight of Alex Montgomery. This time when Marcail pulled her arm, Rowie freed her. She walked on trembling legs toward the doctor.
“So that’s the way it is between you two?” Rowie said with a shake of his head. “Well, you haven’t let anyone know, so you can’t blame a guy for thinking she’s up for grabs.”
Alex saw no point in arguing with him, even though he was sickened by Rowie’s words about Marcail. It was hard to stay silent, but it helped to have Rowie leave as soon as he’d had his say. Alex looked at Marcail as the other man backed out of sight. She looked devastated. He felt her trembling as he took her arm and led her from the train station.
Marcail didn’t speak as Alex led her to the livery. He claimed Kelsey and began the walk toward Marcail’s house, leading the horse. When Marcail still hadn’t spoken at the edge of town, Alex began to question her.
“Are you all right?”
“Yes.” Marcail wasn’t, but she didn’t know how to begin telling him how much she hurt inside. And besides, he was a doctor of the body, not the heart.
Alex knew she was far from “all right,” but he had no idea how to question her. She didn’t thank him or even look at him as he opened her door and waited for her to go inside. He stepped in behind her.
“Will you be okay now?”
“Yes, thank-you” was the wooden reply.
Alex felt concerned over her lack of response. He reached out and touched her shoulder.
“Marcail, I’m going to come by in the morning. We need to talk.”
“In the morning?”
“Yes, but right now I think you should get some rest.”
She was finally looking at him.
“Did you hear me?”
Marcail nodded slightly.
“I’ll be by in the morning before church.”
Again she nodded, and Alex felt there was nothing more he could do. With a heavy heart he turned toward the door, praying that Marcail would get a good night’s sleep.
twenty-two
Alex was at Marcail’s front door nearly three hours before church was scheduled to begin. She was up and dressed, her hair in place, but looking so pale Alex feared she might be ill. She greeted him soberly, and Alex thought she might be working hard at fighting the fear over why he was there.
“Would you like some coffee?” Marcail offered while Alex removed his coat.
He accepted the offer, taking a place at the kitchen table. He thought to kill some time before he asked Marcail something that was sure to upset her. But while he still had coffee in his mouth, Marcail spoke.
“I’m not really sure why you’ve come by this morning, Dr. Montgomery.”
So we’re back to Dr. Montgomery, Alex thought before he answered her question.
“I think we need to talk about what’s happened in the last week,” he told her quietly. “In fact, I have a question to ask you, maybe two.” He paused until he was sure he had Marcail’s full attention.
“Marcail, are you going to leave the teaching position here in Willits?”
Marcail did not understand immediately. She sat for long moments in quiet thought. When she did speak, her voice was soft and sure.
“No, I’m not. I’ve thought about nothing else all week, and I just can’t leave these children. I might be sorry, and I might change my mind later, but right now I’m going to stay here and teach.”
“Then I’ll ask my second question.” Alex cleared his throat. “Will you marry me?”
Marcail stared at him, completely nonplussed. Alex could see that he’d shocked her speechless, but he’d given this idea much thought and prayer in the last week, and he honestly believed it was the best course of action. He began to explain his position before Marcail could voice her thoughts.
“I’m not going to tell you that your decision to stay here is wrong, but I can tell you that it’s not safe for you to remain single. I think Rowie proved that yesterday. And if you do stay single, you’ll not have any children to teach.”
Marcail looked crushed. “I thought that if I could only tough it out, that they would all send—”
Marcail stopped speaking as Alex slowly shook his head.
“Marcail,” Alex implored her. “Try to understand Cordelia Duckworth. She has an impossibly strict code of morality; it’s like a sickness with her. In her eyes you’ve sinned, and our marriage would make an honest woman of you.”
“You can’t really be telling me that my class is going to come back if I marry you?” Marcail’s head was beginning to clear, and a myriad of questions buzzed through her mind.
“That is exactly what I’m telling you. I’ve lived in this town for seven years, and I know the way these people think. By little choice of their own, most of their lives revolve around Cordelia Duckworth. If she disapproves of you, you’re finished.”
Marcail came to her feet. Alex watched as she paced the small area in front of her stove.
“I’ve prayed so fervently that I would be a light to this town, and now my testimony here is ruined. In fact, by marrying you, I’m really saying that I do have something to be ashamed of.”
“I’m sure some will see it that way, but they’ll have the same opinion if you leave.”
Marcail wished she could wake up from this nightmare. “I just want to teach school,” she finally said, her hands spread wide in what might have been supplication.
“I realize that,” Alex’s voice was compassionate. “And you could do that in another town. But unless you’re willin
g to be married, you’re not going to teach in Willits.”
Marcail began to pace again and then stepped to the window and looked out. It would be so easy to run away, she told herself. I could pack my bag and go to Santa Rosa or Visalia; everyone in the family would understand. But I’ve always done that. I’ve always run to them for help, and this time I want to stand on my own. I want to show them that I’ve really grown up.
He makes it sound so simple. Just marry him and I can teach school. Marry him! I didn’t think I’d be married for years. And he’s a doctor! I’d be married to a doctor!
Such were Marcail’s thoughts for a good ten minutes as she stood before the window. Knowing how upsetting his offer had been, Alex remained silent.
Alex, on the other hand, found the idea of being married to Marcail nothing short of splendid. He knew that it wouldn’t be easy at first, but Alex recognized that she wasn’t a quitter, and neither was he. He truly believed they could make a go of it.
He was beginning to wonder how long he would have to wait for an answer when she suddenly turned and asked him when he’d come to know the Lord. He didn’t really need to answer, because Marcail could tell by his very life that he was set apart. Many people in town attended church, but only a few, Alex included, were obviously sold out for God.
He answered her briefly, and since she shared her own testimony as soon as he was finished, she must have been satisfied. Marcail fell silent and again Alex waited, knowing that she was going to say yes, but obviously still struggling to accept it all.
“When were you thinking we would do this?” Marcail asked softly, as the immensity of the situation began to weigh upon her.
“This afternoon.” Alex could see he had shocked her once again.
“This afternoon?”
“Yes. I thought we should go to church together and talk to Pastor Zimler right after the sermon. Word will be out by this evening, and your classroom will be full in the morning.”
Your classroom will be full in the morning had been Alex’s exact words. Marcail couldn’t help but wonder if he didn’t feel a little used. She was standing in Dean and Kay Austin’s bedroom collecting herself to become Mrs. Alexander Montgomery.
The morning had fairly flown by. She and Alex had attended church together, drawing speculative glances from every corner of the building. After the service they immediately approached Pastor Zimler about marrying them. He had seemed quite honored by the request and agreed immediately.
Marcail knew her father, before agreeing to anything, would have questioned them at length, as he did all couples seeking to be wed, but Pastor Zimler didn’t seem to have a single reservation. Marcail wondered if he wasn’t a little oblivious to all that was happening in his own town.
Dean and Kay Austin must have sensed something was afoot; they stayed at the rear of the church until Alex and Marcail were through with the minister. When Alex saw them and explained their decision, the Austins offered their home for the nuptials.
It’s not too late, Marcail, she told herself. If you want, you can walk out there and tell Alex that it won’t work. But as soon as the thought of never seeing Alex again formulated, Marcail felt something akin to grief.
He’s giving you a chance to repair the damage that’s been done. And you know he must care for you to some degree or he would never have offered. You could leave, but it’s time to grow up and face this problem! Marcail’s thoughts continued to run in all directions until someone knocked on the door.
“Come in,” she called, and watched as Alex slipped into the room and shut the door. He came and stood directly in front of her.
“Change your mind?” he asked softly.
“I don’t know,” she answered honestly. “The situation is terribly overwhelming, Alex, but I’m terribly afraid that I could be making the biggest mistake of my life.”
Alex reached with a gentle hand and smoothed the hair over Marcail’s ear. His eyes were loving, as was his voice, when he spoke.
“I don’t believe this will be a mistake, Marcail. It’s true that we don’t know each other, but I’ve prayed for a long time about another wife. And now you need to either leave town or take a husband. If you choose the latter, I’m more than willing to be that man.”
It was one of the most precious things Marcail had ever had said to her. A peace settled over her as she looked into the kind eyes of this gentle stranger. Her expression was serene when she nodded her head. Alex took her hand within his own and led her out to stand before the preacher.
twenty-three
Marcail Montgomery stood in the kitchen of the little house next to the school and knew that she would not be back, at least not to live. After leaving Austins, Alex had dropped her off so she could collect her things. Now she was ready and feeling just a bit bewildered over the events of the day. One hour ago she had married a near stranger.
Her mind moved abruptly to her brother, Sean, who had been forced into a marriage with his wife, Charlotte. When Marcail had first heard their story and seen the love that had grown between them, she thought it was the most romantic thing on earth. But in truth, this business of being married to a stranger was rather frightening.
A knock at the door interrupted Marcail’s tempestuous thoughts. She hadn’t heard Alex’s horse, and not wanting to see anyone from town, she opened the door tentatively. Allie stood on the porch, her face a mask of pain. Marcail swung the door wide and as soon as it closed, the friends embraced.
“I’m sorry, Marcail. I’m so sorry.” Allie was openly sobbing. “I feel just awful about last week, but Mama insisted I stay away.” Allie sniffed, calmed somewhat, and then went on quietly.
“I told her you weren’t guilty of anything, but she just kept saying I wasn’t to have anything to do with you. We had a big fight just now, and I stormed out and came over here. My only regret is that I didn’t do it a week ago.”
“Oh, Allie—”
“Don’t say it, Marcail,” Allie cut her off. “Mama is in the wrong. If we’ve had a fight, it’s our own fault not yours.”
Marcail felt terrible, but stayed quiet. She watched as Allie suddenly noticed the table where her one bag sat, filled once again with her belongings. The shopping basket that Mr. Vesperman had given her, filled with the few food items she’d had on hand, was also on the table.
“Where are you going?” Allie asked, her eyes begging Marcail not to leave.
“Dr. Montgomery and I were married an hour ago. When he saw how impossible it was for me here, he offered his hand. He’ll be here any minute to take me . . .” Marcail hesitated, “home.”
Allie burst into tears all over again, and nothing Marcail could say would comfort her.
“This isn’t what you want, Marcail,” Allie wailed. “That old hag on the hill has forced you into this, and I know you’ll just be miserable.”
“I’m all right, Allie, really,” Marcail tried to assure her. After a few moments the older girl calmed down enough to listen.
“Alex has been very kind, Allie, and I agreed to marry him. No one is forcing me. I’m sure it’s going to be a little strange at first, but I’m trusting God to take care of me and the marriage.”
Allie nodded, the misery on her face receding. Although she didn’t agree with Marcail’s belief that Jesus Christ was God, she admired her for her faith and stamina. The young women continued to talk for a few minutes, and when Allie saw that Marcail was really all right, she said she had to be going. They planned to talk again soon, and the new Mrs. Montgomery saw her friend to the door.
Marcail, thinking Allie was alone, was surprised to find Seth Porter outside in the cold, waiting in a small buggy. He didn’t seem put out; his warm smile and wave were genuine. He jumped easily to the ground to assist Allie with tender care into the small seat. As they drove away, Seth’s arm around Allie, Marcail couldn’t help but envy the obvious love between them.
Alex walked out of the barn with Kelsey, wishing, not for the first time, th
at he owned a buggy. He had a feeling that Marcail would never complain, but he certainly wished he didn’t have to take his bride home on the front of his horse.
As it turned out, Alex found himself wishing Marcail would complain, or at least say something. She was totally silent on the ride to the house. He hadn’t expected her to share her life story the first evening, but her silence concerned him.
The reason didn’t really occur to him until he saw her into the house. Then he noticed that she looked everywhere but the bedroom. He thought to bring up the subject of their sleeping arrangements after supper, but since his wife was obviously scared to death, he knew he’d have to mention it as soon as he got in from the barn.
Marcail’s view of Alex’s house was vastly different this time—she knew it was now her home. Standing in the opening between the kitchen area and the living room, she looked her fill. Nothing had changed except herself.
At last Marcail forced herself to look toward the bedroom door. Her lower lip went unconsciously between her teeth. This was her wedding night, and she was terrified. Marcail and Kaitlin had talked on several occasions, and her older sister had assured her with complete confidence that there was nothing whatsoever to be afraid of when a husband and wife loved each other. It was glaringly evident at the moment, however, that Katie had never mentioned the possibility of the couple not loving each other.
Alexander returned to the house to find Marcail’s face completely drained of color, and his bride biting on her lower lip as though she no longer had need of it.
“Marcail,” Alex spoke her name and watched as she turned to him with wide, terrified eyes. That she’d been working herself into a fine state of panic was obvious.
“Marcail,” he started again. “I don’t feel there is any reason to rush anything. I mean, we both need some time to feel a little more comfortable with each other.”