3. Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Charlotte pulled her shawl closer around her. The wind had picked up, and snow flurries were starting to fly through the air. Her trip to town felt wasted. Once again, there were no positions available. At the general store, they decided they were managing just fine, as the store's sales were dropping off due to the cold weather.

The bakery quite liked the work of the other young woman they'd hired, and planned to continue with her. Charlotte had checked two more places, the dressmaker and the diner, but no one needed help.

Right now, she felt discouraged. And cold. She quite looked forward to getting inside the house, where the stove in the kitchen would be warming the kettle. A bit of tea would be welcome .

A sigh escaped. They'd been drinking tea of their own making for so long, she missed the stronger brew her mother would buy at the general store when she was a girl. But they had no money for it, and the herbs and wildflowers provided a pleasant flavor, even if weak at times. It was better than plain water, which they would drink once their supply of what they picked ran out. Spring, and new plant growth, felt so far away.

This last summer, they'd grown peppermint and carefully dried each leaf. A cup of that was what she craved now. Warm and minty. Especially the warm part. Though it wouldn't ease her worry over not finding work, perhaps she could just curl up with a bit of sewing, watch the snow, and try to forget her worries.

Her legs sped up just a little more until she was almost breathless as the house came into view. Her shivering was getting almost uncontrollable as the snowflakes melted on her head, dampening her hair.

Charlotte pushed the front door open and hurried into the kitchen. "Goodness, Mama! It's so cold outside," she said as she unwound her shawl.

And then she froze. Her mother wasn't alone. A man, a handsome one at that, looked up at her, and then rose from his chair.

"Hello," Charlotte greeted, giving her mother a puzzled look. She'd never seen him before. Luckily, her mother introduced him before her mind wandered too much .

"Charlotte, dear, this is Dr. Justin Davis. He's taking over for Dr. Jeffers, and came out to introduce himself." Her mother smiled at the doctor. "He was also kind enough to bring his bag in case I wasn't feeling well."

"That's incredibly thoughtful of you," Charlotte said, moving closer to the stove. She hoped her mother was feeling well. She wouldn't put it past her to dismiss any health problems she might have. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Doctor."

She tried not to stare as she turned to face him, but the doctor was quite unlike anyone else she'd ever seen. His clothes were much nicer than those most of the men around here wore, except for August. His voice also had a slight accent she couldn't place. He had light-brown hair that curled slightly on the top.

Warm brown eyes met hers, and he smiled. "It's good to meet you. I've been enjoying your mother's information about the town. I'm new to Kansas, and so far everyone has been kind and welcoming."

"Oh! Where are you from?" Charlotte asked as she poured herself a cup of tea, pleased to note it was the mint. "I thought you had a slight accent." She settled at the table.

"Virginia," he answered. "Born, raised, and educated."

"Goodness, that must have been quite a trip here," Charlotte said in surprise.

"It was, but I enjoyed it. I met quite a few interesting people on the way, and I had the anticipation of starting my practice." Dr. Davis turned his lips up again. His eyes lit when he smiled, she noticed. His expression was genuine, not one that looked forced.

"How did you learn of Dr. Jeffers selling his practice?" Charlotte's mother asked.

"His father knew my father, and during one of the letters they exchanged, he mentioned that he was considering retirement, and asked Father to listen for anyone who might be interested. So," he laughed, "here I am, though much to my mother's dismay."

"I am sure." Charlotte's mother nodded. "Yet, our town is most grateful for her sacrifice. Be sure you tell her I said so. We need a doctor, and one familiar with the newest medicines and treatments will be most welcome. Out here, anything could happen, from an animal bite to an accident to a gunshot wound. You'll need every bit of your education."

"I'm looking forward to whatever challenges come my way," the doctor said. "Though…" He hesitated then, and an uncertain look grew over his face.

"What is it?" Charlotte's mother asked, concerned.

Charlotte also felt a twinge of worry. Whatever was so terrible that a doctor was hesitant to speak of it?

Dr. Davis shrugged and admitted, "Well, perhaps you might be able to help me. You know the townsfolk better than I do. I'm looking for someone to act as my nurse. If she has no medical capability, I'd be more than content to have someone simply copy my notes and assist with the office side of my practice. I could teach her things as they came up. So far, I've had no answers to my advertisements. Would you happen to know of anyone trustworthy? It is a paying position."

Charlotte's eyes widened, and she sucked in a breath. Her mother glanced at her and raised her eyebrow. Charlotte gave the smallest of nods. This could be it. A job! A distinguished one, as well.

"My daughter is quite trustworthy," her mother said, "and has also been seeking employment. Perhaps…"

The doctor turned and met her eyes. He studied her for a moment. "Is that so? I admit, it isn't the most exciting of jobs, and I'm afraid that the social aspect will be limited, unlike working in a shop."

"I don't care about that," Charlotte said quickly. "I'd be grateful for an opportunity to try. I took care of my father in his poor health, and though that isn't quite the same as being a nurse, I think I would be competent enough to learn to help you, if you'll let me attempt it."

He smiled at her, that warm look filled his face, and he glanced between her and her mother. "Then I would be most delighted to see if we are a good fit together, as long as you both agree."

"Of course! You also must stay for an early dinner," Charlotte's mother pronounced, jumping up. "Then, you can tell Charlotte more of the details of the job and what you need, so when she starts, she is as prepared as possible."

"Oh, I couldn't intrude," Dr. Davis said, shaking his head.

"Nonsense." Charlotte rose from the table. "We are having potato and kale soup. There's plenty. It's just the sort of thing for a cold day like this."

"It is cold," the doctor agreed. Then he added, "I'd be grateful for the companionship. I've not made the acquaintance of many in town, and my evenings have been spent either reading medical journals or writing letters home."

"Then it's settled," her mother announced. "Charlotte, you slice the bread and I will ladle the soup. It's ready now."

In no time at all, they were sitting around the small kitchen table. Warmth filled Charlotte, from the stove heating the space, the soup, and the idea of a job. She wondered what he would pay. Not that she'd ask; that would be impolite. But perhaps…Charlotte bit her lip. Perhaps there might be enough for some fabric for a new dress. A festival dress.

"My word, Mrs. Harrison. This is the best soup I've ever eaten," the doctor exclaimed.

Charlotte smiled as her mother blushed. The doctor was kind, in more ways than one. She appreciated that. He was truthful, though. One would never guess the rich soup was so inexpensive to make.

"I'm glad you enjoy it. It was my late husband's favorite." Her mother's voice caught, but only for a moment.

"I'm honored, then, that I got to enjoy it in the fine company of his family," Dr. Davis said, without any hint of falsehood.

The rest of the meal passed quicker than she'd have liked as they discussed the aspects of her new job, and Charlotte's mother answered the doctor's many questions about their town.

Charlotte found she was enjoying the doctor's company. It was clear her mother was as well. It was nice to have someone new to talk to. He was good at conversation, and had a relaxed, easy way about him that she liked.

When the sun lowered and they said goodbye, he bundled against the cold and set back toward town. Charlotte turned to her mother as she watched him wave goodbye from the road and smiled. "What an afternoon this has turned out to be. I was quite disappointed that there were no jobs to be found in town, and now this! I think I shall enjoy working for the new doctor."

"He seems a good man," her mother agreed. "It will be a help for us and for him. You'll do a fine job."

"Mama," Charlotte said, almost afraid to ask. "If he pays me enough, do you think I might…No. No, I can't ask."

"You don't need to," her mother said firmly. "Yes. I expect you to take some of your earnings to buy some fabric for a dress, dear. After all, it will keep me busy piecing it together and then sewing while you are working. I must have something to do."

Charlotte hugged her mother in delight. She could scarcely believe it. For the first time in years, it felt like something was finally going right.

With a new job, and a chance for a new dress, why she'd surely be able to catch August Middleton's eye. And then, once she did, things would simply continue to get better. Perhaps in just a few months, she'd no longer be Charlotte Harrison, but Mrs. Charlotte Middleton.