Let Me Call You Sweetheart Chapter 5, Page 47
Dottie and Henry were hitting it off it seemed, more than just friends. Henry asked Dottie to be his date for the New Year's Eve party and Dottie was happy as a lark. She thought that kiss on his cheek under the mistletoe on Christmas, sparked a little fire in him. That was exactly what she wanted. Both of them were alone and although she hadn't given it much thought until now, having someone from the opposite sex to talk to, and have fun with, was something that tickled her fancy. She wanted to find a new dress in the shop. One that was appealing yet exquisite. There were several events coming up in the near future, plus the exciting wedding of Dee and Nathan, so she could justify spending a bit more money than usual on herself.
Faith happened to be walking by Dottie's Apparel Shop when a dress and accessories in the window caught her eye. At first she was just going to the infirmary, but she knew Carson would be there, so she could stop in the shop.
Dottie greeted her with a warm smile, "So, I hear congratulations are in order my dear!"
"Oh, yes! I'm so thrilled. To think that just a few months ago I thought I might not ever see Carson again, here I am engaged!" Faith was glowing. "Now, I want to celebrate in style!"
"What do you have in mind? A dress for New Year's Eve?" Dottie asked.
"Well, that dress in the window caught my eye! I think it's time I dress up instead of wearing my doctor garb, don't you think?" Faith laughed.
"Great choice, I thought it was very attractive with all the new fashions coming out in 1919. You would look lovely. Let's see if we can find it in your size." Dottie looked through the racks and found one. "Go, try it on!" she encouraged Faith.
When Faith came out of the dressing room, Dottie's eyes widened and a big smile swept across her face, prompting her to tell Faith how absolutely stunning she was. Faith checked the price tag, hesitated, and then nodded in the affirmative. She wanted to knock Carson's socks off and this would do the trick!
Molly meanwhile was opening up the infirmary with Carson. She got the schedule of people who needed home visits written up. Thankfully, there was just a few elderly that needed a check up but mostly just company. While Carson was getting his doctor's bag restocked, Molly asked if she could leave for a short visit to talk to Rosemary. Carson laughed, "There's no such thing as a short visit when you talk to Rosemary! But, go ahead, I'll be leaving soon, and I expect Faith here any minute."
Molly went over to Dottie's Apparel looking for Rosemary and met Faith there. "Looks like you are playing hooky from work and having fun! What have you here?"
"I just got myself a little something to wear to the New Year's Eve party!" Faith admitted with a giggle.
"Good for you! Carson will love it almost as much as he loves you." Molly looked around. "I told Carson I wanted to talk to Rosemary, is she hiding somewhere?"
"No, she's probably at the lumber office." Dottie mused.
"I'll meet you over at the infirmary in a little bit Faith." Molly said as she left.
Molly found Rosemary and told her that she had an idea and wanted to check with her to see what she thought. "You know Rosemary, there is so much going on in the next few weeks, that I was thinking we could have a surprise engagement toast for Faith and Carson as part of the New Year's Eve party. They shouldn't suspect a thing. I just saw what Faith bought for the evening and I agree with Dottie, that she'll look stunning."
"Oh Molly, that is a wonderful idea! Yes, even I was beginning to feel overwhelmed with all the activities to host at Billees! This should work out perfectly." Rosemary agreed. "Sam and Rick will be relieved too."
"Bill and I want to host the engagement part of the night. Bill will supply the champagne, as we'll need some for our midnight toast anyways. But, we have another idea too. We'd like to serenade the couple." Molly gushed.
"What?" Rosemary, was speechless.
"Rosemary, it'll be fun! Bill will play his guitar and I will sing around the two of them sitting at a table. Doesn't that sound like a great idea?" Molly smiled.
Nathan was coming back from his rounds when he stopped by Bill's office. "Bill, you got a minute?"
"Sure thing, come in and sit down. What's going on?" Bill asked.
"Nothing that I can pin down, but while on my rounds, Pastor Joseph stopped me to talk. He told me that Cooper had asked him about a cabin he thought was empty near them. Cooper and Joseph both have seen smoke coming out of the chimney. I didn't want to go to that cabin until I checked with you." Nathan informed Bill.
"Over by the Canfields? There is an abandoned hunter's cabin out that way. I don't know of anyone who lives there now." Bill looked puzzled.
"Do you think we could have the Pinkertons out there?" Nathan thought out loud. "I haven't received any wanted posters or notices, so I'd like to go there and see just who is living there."
"Yes, I agree. I want to head off any trouble before it finds us. I'll ride out with you." Bill suggested as he pushed his chair away from his desk. "Let's go."
