~Greetings folks! Just wanted to apologize for the long time it's taking me to produce such short chapters…just one more month left of the semester and work is piling up! Thank you for reading though and I do hope you enjoy it!
Chapter 4
They arrived at the house late in the evening. A girl opened the door and looked first at Timothy, a questioning and wary expression on her face. "Can I help you, sir?" But then Dr Mike stepped up from behind him and the girl lit up with shock and happy surprise. "Mike?! Mother said she wrote you but that was only last week!" They stood hugging and chattering for a few minutes before the girl with a start realized they were still in the doorway. 'Oh please do come in, I'm so sorry I have entirely forgotten my manners." She ushered them into the sitting room where there were comfortable chairs and a large, cheerful fire. Dr Mike asked about Walter and the girl's smile disappeared. "Daddy's been in much pain today and just fell asleep. We should probably let him rest awhile. Let me get you warmed up first and then we'll go see him." She ran to the kitchen and the guests sat in two of the fluffy chairs. Dr Mike stared at the retreating figure and then turned to Timothy. "I'm so sorry Reverend, I was so caught up in surprise that I didn't even introduce you. That was one of Walter's children, Jessica. She was one of my dearest friends while growing up, though there's a decade between us. I haven't seen her or any of the family since I left for medical school." The girl appeared back at the door, holding a tray of teacups, and hearing the last of their conversation. "I surely hope you haven't been telling your friend about all the trouble we were growing up, Mike," she said with the twinkle back in her eyes. She set down the tray and then and held out her hand while Michaela introduced them. Her eyes flew wide when she heard his title and apologized profusely for not realizing. Timothy couldn't help smiling at her awkwardness but then was shocked when she dipped down and kissed his hand. He turned to Michaela with a questioning look. When Jessica had turned away to pour the tea, Dr Mike whispered to him, "Walter Davis has raised his children with his deep respect for the clergy. You can expect that from all of them here." Just then another woman appeared in the doorway, an older version of the girl, with the same fiery copper hair, and holding a crying baby. Michaela jumped up to greet her and introduce the Reverend. Mrs. Davis passed the baby to Jessica, who quickly calmed the child and left the room. "Rev Johnson I presume?" She took his hand in both of hers. "It's an honor, sir. I simply cannot thank you enough for being here with us in this difficult time. I know that we all will be comforted by your presence among us! The children are all abed now, but for Jessica and the baby. I cannot wait for them to meet you!" They sat by the fire and Mrs Davis showed Timothy a picture of the whole family. He was shocked to see twelve fine looking children surrounding their parents. "You have a beautiful family Mrs Davis." he remarked, honestly. "Oh goodness, Reverend, please do call me Mary. "Mrs Davis" sounds so old!" He laughed, liking the genial woman already, and agreeing to her request. They chatted about the children until Jessica popped her head in to tell them that Walter was awake.
The bedroom was a small one, but well lit with a warm crackling fire and furnished plainly and comfortably. On the big, four posted bed lie a man who tried to sit up when they entered. Dr Mike rushed over to him and made him lie back down. She introduced Timothy to her old friend and Walter, his green eyes bright with emotion in his pallid face, expressed his profound thanks for the Reverend's presence. It was apparent though that the man was not up for conversation so Mrs. Davis and Timothy left the room and Michaela examined her new patient. "Reverend, why don't I show you to your room now?" Mrs. Davis inquired, "It is rather late." Timothy protested but she assured him that there was nothing more that he could do at the moment and he would be wakened if he was needed during the night. Jessica appeared at the top of the stairs just then with his and Dr Mike's luggage. "Mum, I can get the Reverend settled in, you go back to Daddy now and tell Mike she can stay in Jenn and Anna's room with me." Her mother gratefully kissed her cheek and then left them to gather the luggage and walk down the hall. Timothy wondered where he would be sleeping, the Davis' house was a fair size but with so many children they mustn't have much extra room. Jessica read his thoughts and said with a smile, "Oh don't worry sir, I won't make you stay with the rowdy boys. You can stay in my room. It's rather smallish but it's the most quiet." Timothy disagreed wholeheartedly, "Miss Davis, I wouldn't mind at all sharing a room with your brothers. I really can't take your room." "Reverend" she countered, "respectfully I must tell you that debate with me is pointless. My mother may have the sweetness and patience of a lamb but my father is as obstinate as an ox…and I take after him." They held each other's stubborn gaze for a moment before the girl arched a brow and Timothy finally gave up with a laugh. She showed him to the room and quickly gathered some things before bidding him goodnight. Right before she walked out the door though Jessica paused and turning to him, she smiled with brimming eyes, "Reverend, I….just…thank you so much for coming here!" And with that she scurried out of the room.