Page 28 of A Letter to Carolina
“Yes, ma’am. I mean no, ma’am. We were just talking about planning some events for the women in town. I can come back on Monday.” Libby tossed an apologetic look in Carolina’s direction before fleeing out the front door. They were going to be talking about this moment later.
“You are a rather imposing figure, Mrs. Chapman, to have poor Libby scooting out the door.”
This was a woman who was used to getting what she wanted, Carolina was certain. Mrs. Chapman appeared firm, but not unkind. Marmee studied Carolina for a moment before throwing her head back and laughing heartily. “I like you already,” she said warmly.
“You do?” Carolina couldn’t help but grin.
“Oh, how I wish I could have been here when you stood up to Rose.”
“I really...”
Marmee raised her hand. “Rose is my oldest and dearest friend. We’ve known each other for forty years. I know exactly what she’s like.” She looked around the clinic. “Libby said you made tea?”
“Yes. Would you like a cup?” Carolina rubbed her hands together.
“No. But if you have coffee, I’d love one. The weather is turning, and it will warm me before I ride home.”
“You ride to town alone?”
“I’m pretty sure my husband has a cowboy from the ranch follow me. They’ve gotten better over the years at hiding it, but I can still tell.”
“Do you want anything in your coffee? I have cream and sugar.”
Marmee smiled. “Black is fine.”
“Why don’t you come upstairs so we aren’t talking in the clinic?”
“Things are going well for you and Nathaniel?” Marmee asked as they climbed the stairs.
“Yes ma’am. It’s worked out better than I ever could have dreamed.”
“When did you arrive?”
“Two weeks ago, this Friday.”
“I find it remarkable how Emily has found a suitable partner for two of the brothers. No one could have predicted that Flat River would have two matchmakers in its midst.” Marmee sat at the table and crossed her legs, resting her arm on the seatback, opening herself up toward Carolina.
“With all due respect, ma’am. You do not appear to need medical care, and you’re not throwing things at me. How can I help you?”
“There was an upset in town this week and I am known for disliking gossip. I fancy myself a fact finder. So, I came to find out for myself.”
“This town has failed those women over at Miss Marcy’s. We had a patient come in with a medical emergency and her friends came to make sure she was alright. The law won’t do anything about these women being hurt and then this woman, Mrs. Arden, gets upset by finding them here. I won’t have anyone insulted in my clinic. In my house.”
Marmee’s gaze bore into Carolina. She could feel each second stretch on for an eternity as the woman studied her, and every instinct urged her to look away from the intensity in Marmee’s expression. But she endured it. Carolina shifted her weight, feeling like she was being judged for every word and action, while the silence between them grew so thick it felt like a suffocating fog.
“I’d like some cream please,” Marmee finally said, pushing her untouched cup of coffee towards Carolina.
“This isn’t about visiting or a cup of coffee. What is it about?”
“The cream? Please.”
Carolina fetched her small pitcher and handed it to Marmee. She poured a small amount into her cup and took a sip without stirring it. “You can tell a great deal about a person by the way they drink their coffee.” She took another sip. “This is very good.”
“Thank you.”
“Now. That woman. She’s the shopkeeper’s wife, and she’s been here since the town started.”
“And she’s your oldest friend.”
