February 14
Even from here, Rosemary could see Pastor Frank's brown eyes sparkle as he stole a look at Abigail. Perhaps Florence's gossip was not far off— maybe they would be hearing wedding bells ringing for the pair before the year was out. Pastor Frank, who was supposedly conversing with Lee— glanced again at Abigail, who was near the food table. Abigail gave him a soft smile, her face positively glowing. Rosemary watched, as after another few minutes of distracted conversation, Frank excused himself and saddled up alongside the table across from Abigail, his brown eyes intense.
"Would you accompany me for a dance?" He questioned and outstretched a hand to Abigail. She pushed a stray wisp of hair back with the palm of her hand.
"I'd love to— I am just a bit preoccupied at the moment." She said motioning with a spoon full of mashed potatoes to the long line of Hope Valley citizens waiting with empty plates in hand.
Rosemary took this as her cue. "I'd be happy to step in," she said taking a spot next to Harriet, who was taking a respite from tickling the ivories with the band and was presently busy handing out punch and desserts.
Abigail gave her a grateful smile. "Thank you." She turned to Frank. "In that case, yes, I would love to dance with you."
He accepted her hand and led her out to the dance floor. The band, now featuring Phillip on the piano, began to play an upbeat ragtime tune, and Pastor Frank, oblivious to the speed of the song, just held Abigail close as they danced slowly in their own world. Aww, growing love warmed the heart so. There was nothing like it.
She felt an elbow poke her side.
"What a match made in heaven," Harriet stood next to her and observed the couple.
"I'd have to agree", she said and picked up the utensils and served the next man in line a generous serving of fried chicken and mashed potatoes. After his plate was full, she turned back to Harriet. "I've noticed you haven't had a moment to go out on the dance floor. I'm not sure if there is a man here worthy of your attentions, but I could get Flo to help me if you'd like to dance."
Harriet, to her surprise, did not protest. In fact, a blush crept up her cheeks.
She couldn't believe her eyes. "Harriet?"
"It's just well… yes, I would very much appreciate an opportunity to dance." Harriet put down the cake server and straightened her dress, her eyes on something or someone across the room.
She followed Harriet's gaze to where Bill stood, a glass of punch in hand. He lifted an eyebrow and tipped a cup in their direction, evidently not discouraging the attention. Of all the nonsense… her mother and Bill Avery? Why there couldn't be a more unlikely match, could there?
At that precise moment, Florence stepped behind the table, a look of irritation upon her face.
"Rosemary, could you spare a moment—"
"Not particularly right now, Flo. Can't you see my hands are full—"
"Please? For a friend in desperate need of advice?"
Florence's face was so sorrowful, Rosemary didn't have the heart to tell her to wait for a more opportune time. "Actually, if you'd take over my mother's task we can talk all you like."
Florence looked like that was not exactly what she had in mind, but took the punch ladle from Harriet and began to pour the punch unceremoniously, splashes of the red juice splattering up the sides of the glass and also onto the European lace tablecloth. Oh dear, Florence was sure out of sorts.
They worked side by side for a few moments until the crowd had died down around the table. Rosemary put a hand to her lower back, which was already throbbing from the long hours on her feet.
"So, Florence, what is it that you are in need of advice for?" She said gently.
Florence put the ladle back on the rim of the punch bowl, and began to wring her hands. "Am I despicable to look at? Is something wrong with my hair? Or perhaps I have a foul odor or something hanging from my teeth?"
"What? Heavens no, Florence. What has gotten into you?"
"Then, why, prey tell, is Ned Yost avoiding me like the plague?" Florence spat out.
She regarded her friend's strange behavior and then located Ned in the room full of people. He was near the corner, his head down over his plate of cookies. Then, he must have sensed their prying glances, for he lifted his head.
"I will be back momentarily." She said, already stepping away from the table and walking his direction.
"Oh, please don't. I'm already humiliated." Florence said, brushing her new powder pink gown.
"Don't worry, I am just going to give the man a pep talk."
She thought she heard Florence groan from behind her, but continued on. For if she did not help the couples of this fine country town to realize their potential match, who would? She stepped closer to Ned, who had just sat down, and looked as if he was struggling to balance a plate of four cookies and a glass of punch.
"Mr. Yost, how delightful to see that you came out for this joyous event," she said, sitting down near him. Why, it sure did feel good to get off her feet for a moment. "Are you having an enchanted time?"
Ned looked at her blankly, then realizing she was awaiting his answer, began to mumble. "I… well, truthfully…I wish I could say 'yes' but quite honestly, I am considering a rather quick retreat back home." He truly did look downright miserable.
"Now, that would be a shame, for there is a certain lady who requests your attention," she said, gazing over to Florence, who stood forlornly at the dessert table.
"Oh?" Ned Yost said looking quite possibly lost.
How dull witted men could be at times.
"Yes, Florence was just saying how desperately she wishes for a twirl around the dance floor."
Ned's face went white. "Oh, no. I couldn't ever ask her that. It's been simply years since I have been on a dance floor."
"Oh pish, posh. I know you own a victrola and listen to the fancy the new ragtime songs. Don't tell me a fine and sophisticated man, such as yourself, Ned Yost, hasn't danced to a tune in the last year."
Katie, who had been waiting off to the side after a dance with Murphy, stepped next to her father. "Actually, he is quite good. We dance at home all the time. He even taught me the Ragtime One Step. What do you say, Father, should we go out for a spin?"
Katie smiled and extended her hand to her father. He looked outright uncomfortable, but Rosemary knew he would do anything for his only child.
His face slowly burst into a big smile. "I guess we could do that little ditty we have been working on…" His voice trailed off as he offered Katie his arm.
"Yes, do," Rosemary encouraged, "and when you are through, please make a stop by the dessert table for a cookie." She nodded towards Florence.
"But I already have a pile of them." He said, motioning to his plate full of cookies which he had just put onto his empty chair.
Obviously he was not getting her subtle hint. She'd try again.
"Stop by the cookie table…" She slowed the words down and all but pointed directly at Florence.
Ned's cheeks warmed as he looked Florence over. "Oh… well, let me warm up first and… perhaps I will."
Rosemary watched as Katie led her father to the dance floor and they both began dancing to the lively music. Hopefully the man would heed her advice and seek Florence out once their ragtime 'ditty' was through. She was quite surprised at how many people in the town already knew the Ragtime One Step, including… why was that her mother? Rosemary strained her neck. Why, yes it was. She was almost unrecognizable the way she twirled gracefully in the arms of Bill Avery, a bright smile on her face.
As the song came to a close, she felt a hand on her shoulder and she turned around. Lee was there, his arms open wide to her. "May I have this next dance, my Love?" A flirtatiously sweet smile graced his face.
"I thought you'd never ask. But who is taking your spot playing in the band—"
"Shhh… now. I had them pick a song that didn't require my trumpeting skills."
"Oh," she smiled and placed her hand in his, "how nice for me."
Lee swept her onto the dance floor, just as the notes of "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" began.
"Oh, this was their song selection was it?" She said, recognizing the fall and rise of the notes of their song.
"Well, perhaps I made a strong suggestion." He smirked and held her closer.
Rosemary felt the softness of Lee's breath across her temple, as they held each other close. She whispered the words of the song, the song, that oh so long ago, she had sung to him declaring her love to him. From that moment on, life had changed for the two of them. They were meant to be together and nothing… not even the challenges of this past year, could tear them apart. In his arms was the safest place she could ever be.
All too soon, the song was over, and Lee led her to the side of the room, where they both held each other, the sweet words still resting between them.
At that moment Faith approached them with a sweet smile, Doc Carson not far behind her. "Mrs. Coulter… Mr. Coulter, how nice to see you share a dance… out in public I might add. Hickam and I do want to thank you again for the last minute dance instruction last evening."
"Oh, Lee and I had a most wonderful time with the two of you, although I am thankful today that I haven't participated in the ragtime one step. I fear I would have ended up with a stitch in my side." She exchanged a smile with Lee.
"Now, we wouldn't want that, Mrs. Coulter." Doc Carson leaned into the conversation and smiled gently.
She turned towards Faith. "Perhaps we ought to schedule the next dinner and dance evening… it would be the four of us along with Harriet of course, and…" she turned to the Doctor, "if there is someone you would like to invite along…" She waited for him to answer. Instead he cleared his throat.
"Oh, no. But thank you for the invite. We actually came over here to talk to you concerning another matter." Faith nodded her agreement. "Might we, have a moment of your time?" Doc Carson suddenly looked serious.
She felt a tremble rise up from her middle and reverberate up her spine. What was this? Both Faith and Doc Carson? It had to be about the baby—Was the baby okay?
Lee clasped his hand in hers and followed Carson and Faith over to a more private corner of the room.
"What is it, Doc? Am I right in assuming this concerns the baby?" Lee questioned, his voice wavering with concern.
Doc Carson nodded. "But it is nothing to be alarmed about."
Both her and Lee released a pent up breath.
"Good, you both scared me for a moment there." She laughed nervously.
"We do have news for you, though…" Faith smiled sweetly.
"Okay." She said, her hand gripping Lee's.
"Upon further review, and after a bout of research… Doc Carson and I have reason to believe—"
Rosemary felt faint as she waited for the words. In fact, the whole room seemed to pause and wait on bated breath…
"You are expecting twins!"
She felt the world spin around her as Lee caught her, his words on her ears. "Doubly blessed!
The band went flat around them, and a hush went over the crowd. Rosemary felt herself smiling, then the world got smaller and smaller as she fainted dead away.