9. Chapter 9

Chapter 9

"Goodbye! I'll see you tomorrow," Charlotte called as she shut the doctor's office door behind her. It was a mere five days before the festival, and she needed to hurry. Her dress wasn't quite finished. Hopefully tonight she'd make progress on it.

As she did each time she walked through the town, Charlotte peered about for August. She tried to do it discreetly, but she looked just the same, always hoping to see a flash of him. Even better would be a moment to talk with him.

Disappointment flooded her as she passed the sheriff's office, the bakery, and the diner. There had been no sight of him. It wasn't much further and all the buildings of the town would be gone, and she'd have the lonely walk home .

"Charlotte!"

She froze at the sound of her name. Hesitantly, she turned around, and her eyes widened. It was August!

"H-hello," she said, feeling suddenly shy.

"The festival is in a few days," he said, by way of greeting.

He smiled, and then stared at her in a frank way that actually made Charlotte feel uncomfortable. He'd never done that before—not that she was aware of—but just now, his eyes seemed to start at the top of her head, then slowly move down, lingering in places she didn't care for. She pretended she didn't notice, and hoped no one else did.

"Yes, it is," she answered, trying to ignore the distaste that had filled her. Why was August looking at her like that?

"I can't wait to see you in that blue dress," he continued. "You'll be the prettiest one there."

Her cheeks colored, and she wasn't quite sure what to say. Charlotte felt confused. One moment, he made her feel awkward, as though she wanted to hide. The next, he was making her feel flattered. Was the first acceptable, if they might end up courting? She wasn't sure, and struggled with the idea.

Fat flakes of snow fell, but August didn't say goodbye, and Charlotte didn't want to just leave, even if she was starting to shiver .

"So, you are still working for the doctor, huh? I'd have thought he'd have run you off by now." August crossed his arms and scowled in the direction of the doctor's office. "I don't like that man. Thinks he's better than anyone else."

"Doctor Davis? He doesn't think that at all. He's so nice," Charlotte started, then faltered as August gave her a look that pierced her chest. A strange feeling formed in her stomach at his glare. August seemed…angry? And she wasn't sure if it was at her.

Charlotte bit her lip. She didn't want to upset him. But what he said about Justin simply wasn't true.

Leaning forward, August dropped his voice. "He's not. It's just an act. For his patients," he told her confidently. "Besides, I have to admit, Charlotte. Maybe this is the real reason I don't care for him. I don't know if I like you working there. You, alone with the doctor? That puts you in a compromising position. I can't consider a woman who is questionable. He's wrong and inconsiderate to do that to you."

He smirked, "I'm surprised your mother approved it. What kind of woman would let her daughter be placed in that sort of situation? Unless she's hoping for a wedding?"

Charlotte didn't know if she should panic or be angry. How could he say such things? About her mother! And about the doctor! There was nothing, nothing at all, inappropriate about their relationship. In fact, he had been nothing but considerate and conscientious about appearances.

The curtains were always kept open, her desk was far from his, they were never in one of the smaller rooms together without a patient there, and she couldn't imagine Justin being the sort to ever take advantage of someone, let alone a woman. She and her mother needed that income. Desperately needed it. Because of the doctor's kindness, things weren't so dire for them.

She had just opened her mouth to tell him so when the doctor rode up in his wagon. A wool blanket was across his lap, and his bag was in the seat next to him.

"Hello," he said. "I thought that was you. Charlotte, I've got to visit a patient on the outskirts of town. Would you like a ride home? It's on my way."

Her feet felt frozen to the ground in her worn shoes. The idea was appealing. She was about to accept the offer, but August's glare—first at her and then the doctor—made Charlotte tense, then shake her head and lower her eyes. "No, thank you. I enjoy the walk home after sitting so much."

Justin nodded, but when she glanced at him, she could tell he wasn't convinced. She gave him a small smile. With a long look, as though he were making sure she was well enough to walk home, he nodded once more and then continued on his way .

It was getting colder, and the wind had picked up. The cool stare August was giving her wasn't helping with her shivers. "You made the right choice," he told her, then spit on the ground. The act repulsed her. When had he become so impolite? "You know, once we marry, you won't need to work. No, you can just stay home all day. Tend to the house's needs. My needs."

August turned then and walked away without another word. He left Charlotte standing there, shocked and…if she were to let herself admit it, a little scared. The August she'd just seen was so different from the one she thought she knew.

He'd mentioned marriage. That should have made her feel happy. So, why didn't it? Even though they'd spoken for so long, it felt as though everything Charlotte thought she had known about him was very, very different.

Charlotte's nearly numb feet carried her home. Her mind was troubled, and she hoped her mother wouldn't notice. She didn't want to worry her, but suddenly, she wasn't looking forward to the festival. A marriage to August was what she thought she had wanted. Had dreamed of. However, suddenly, he was so cold. So angry, and filled with suspicion about her actions. He had even insinuated that she might be seen as compromised.

Hot, angry tears burned in Charlotte's eyes, but she didn't let them fall. She'd given up tears long ago .

The sun was nearly to bed by the time Charlotte approached her house, and she yawned, weary from the long day at work, the confusing and troubling conversation with August, and the walk.

It was a bright spot, however, that today was the day she was paid. It felt good to be contributing to the household finances. Her mother had finally agreed to it, as long as Charlotte kept a third of her wages for herself. They'd soon have a small nest egg and could begin to purchase much needed items, and perhaps do a few repairs to their home. She had so many things she wanted to surprise her mother with.

"I'm here," Charlotte called as she walked inside and hung up her thick shawl. Her mother had insisted she have a better one, since she was walking back and forth each day. With the frigid air, she was more than grateful for it.

Justin had offered to pick her up in the mornings, but he already did so much for her, like getting her something from the bakery each day, Charlotte didn't want to take advantage of his kindness. It would mean so much more work for him. And after the incident this afternoon when he'd offered to take her home, she knew she'd made the right decision. She didn't want August to see her with the doctor and assume that she wasn't interested in him.

But…was she? Should she still be? It was clear that he was interested in her, but Charlotte felt unsettled each time she thought about how he'd looked at her today, as though she were a meal he wanted to devour, and how he'd spoken to her, as if she were so far beneath him. She physically felt sick at the words he'd said about her mother. One of the most honest and caring people who existed. Her mother never once, in all the years she'd been eligible, pushed her to marry for her mother's sake.

If August was interested in her, why was he treating her that way?

Another worry crossed her mind about what might happen if she accepted a ride in the doctor's wagon. August, if he was angry enough, might tell others that her reputation was questionable. Then, the doctor would be forced to let her go. Perhaps he'd even have to leave town. No, she didn't dare risk her situation or his. He was too good of a man to deserve that.

During dinner, Charlotte was quiet. When her mother asked, she explained she was tired.

With an understanding nod, her mother carried the conversation for them. Charlotte only half listened. Her mind was too worried. Had she made a mistake, encouraged August to think something she didn't mean for him to? Was that what had happened this afternoon? She replayed every interaction they'd had in her mind. No. She had no idea why he behaved that way.

"I began making lace again, now that we've had a little money to buy what I need," her mother said, holding up a strip of the decorative white trim, and bringing Charlotte out of her thoughts.

"Oh, that's wonderful," Charlotte said as she took it and examined the pattern. Her mother was a fine lace maker. "You've always made the most beautiful of pieces."

"I think I will go into town in the morning, perhaps when you leave? I will stop by the general store and show some small pieces and see if they'd be interested in buying some of them. I could make something larger, as well. It would help our income."

"I bet they would," Charlotte said. "Be sure to stop in at the dressmaker as well. You make lovely cuffs and collars in addition to your hankies and doilies."

"That's a good idea," her mother agreed. She looked at Charlotte for a long moment and smiled. "It's so good to see you happy, my dear. It seems that things have improved so much over the last month."

Charlotte nodded. "They have," she said. "I am grateful for my job, and I enjoy it. It makes me feel content to help others."

"You have always had the instinct to nurture," her mother agreed. She hesitated. "I think that means you will also make a fine wife one day. When I go to town tomorrow, I wonder if I will run into the young man you have set your eye upon. It's been a while since I've seen young Mr. Middleton. Perhaps I was mistaken in my earlier sentiments, and he has become thoughtful and ready to settle down."

"I told you," Charlotte said lightly.

But what she hadn't told her mother, she thought to herself that night as she tossed and turned in bed, was that perhaps her mother hadn't been wrong in her original assessment of August.

Was it too late to withdraw her affections? It might be. And if she did, what would happen to her mother? Her health was fragile, and she depended on Charlotte to help care for her. It was a task Charlotte took upon herself willingly, but it would be much easier if she were a woman of means. Then, she could give her mother all she needed. The Middletons might provide those means.

Winning August's attention, and ultimately his affection, had seemed like the right path several weeks ago. After all, she'd been mooning over him for years. But the more she spoke to him, the less she liked how he acted.

Her mother's words from a long-ago conversation chose that exact moment to float through her mind.

"My dear, seeking a match only for a better financial situation isn't a good idea. You need to find someone you can love and who loves you."

Charlotte's lips trembled, but she shook her head, turned over determinedly, and pulled her quilt to her chin. "It's too late," she said, her voice firm. "I've set my course, and now I must follow it. "

It didn't matter if doubt filled her. If she couldn't win August Middleton for herself, she would likely be alone for the rest of her life. There was no one else who cared for her, and she desperately, urgently wanted both love and a better future.

As soon as the thought came, Charlotte stilled, then shook her head. No, that wasn't true. There were others, like the doctor, who cared for her. But only as a friend. August might be her only opportunity for a chance at happiness.