Chapter Two

The Turbulent Heart

 

The summer was hot and dry. Letty and Papa Hayes worked diligently each day caring for the animals and the crops.

Papa Hayes' age was beginning to slow his progress and Letty wondered how much longer he could do the hard work required of him. She relieved him of all the chores she could do herself, but was limited to do some of the man's work. She was worried about his health, for she noted how exhausted he became and sometimes he forgot to do some of his routine, daily chores. Mama Hayes had also spoken her concern.

Letty and Timothy had been corresponding for months. She felt she knew him well and the feelings she had for him had been growing inside her heart. She was in love. There was no doubt about this peaceful, yet turbulent surge she felt within her.

He was so busy at the hospital, but would have a three day break soon and they were looking forward to seeing each other. Allen would bring her into St. Louis so she could stay with them while they visited.

Letty's heart did flip-flops at the thought of seeing him again! It had been seven months since she saw him on the train, but she still carried a vivid picture of him in her mind.

The letters were full of his dreams and expectations. Being a doctor was his lifelong ambition and he wanted to be the very best - - to honor the memories he had of his father. She remembered the unique squareness of his jaw and felt he would be one to hold fast to his convictions. Her girlish intuition about him was proving to be right. He would be a good doctor - - of that she was sure.

Papa Hayes came in from the field and got a cool drink of water. He looked at Carrie and Letty, who were shelling beans, and said, "let's go sit on the porch for a while, I have something to discuss with you."

He went to the back door, where Oprah was playing with the kittens, saying, "Oprah, come sit on the porch with us for a while."

Mama Hayes brought a pitcher of cool water and set it on the banister as they sat down looking expectantly at him. There was an air of mystery to this summons.

He lit his pipe, taking several draws as smoke swirled above his head. "I've been doing some thinking lately about selling the farm. Buck Masters has been after me for several years to sell to him so he can combine the two farms and raise cattle."

"But dear," Carrie began, "what would we do? - - Where would we go?"

"I've thought about that too," he said, as he looked out across the fields. "We could move into St. Louis. Walter has told me several times he could use me in the feed store to help customers. He says with my knowledge of animals I could be of great value in his business. You know Carrie, I can't keep this farm going anymore. It is too much for a man my age. I wanted to get everyone's opinion before I contacted Buck to see if he's still interested. He offered me a good price and if he still wants to buy I think we should sell."

Letty came over to him, sat down at his feet and leaned against his legs. She looked up into his face and said, "I think it is a good idea because I've been worried about you working so hard. I could find part-time work in one of the stores too - and go to school! I've been thinking about going to nursing school. Timothy tells me they have one at the hospital."

Oprah was wide eyed, taking it all in, and finally blurted out, "we could see Carla, Walter, Kenny, Allen, Nellie and Lucy all the time! Oh that would be great! - - When will we move?"

"Hold on now," said Papa Hayes with a smile. "We have to be sure Buck still wants to buy. The war has changed some things for people and money might not be so plentiful."

"It will be an answer to my prayers if we can sell," said Carrie, who looked lovingly at her husband. "I have been worried about you lately because you work too hard. I think it's a good idea." "Then I'll go see Buck tomorrow before I back out," he said, as he nervously patted Letty's shoulder. "It hasn't been an easy decision to make, for I love this farm and it's all I've ever done. Sometimes you have to do what is best, even though your heart isn't in it." He looked out across the fields again.

"Having you with me is the most important thing," Carrie said, as she took one of his work worn hands between her own and held it gently.

Letty looked at the two of them. After all these years she could see how love still radiated between them. Thinking of her own Mama and Papa, she remembered the love they had for each other and wondered if she and Timothy could love like that? Would he love her after she was old and no longer had the newness of youth?

She chided herself for having such thoughts. She didn't really know how he felt. They hadn't seen each other but one time - - months ago. She was probably no more than a friend.

Then she thought about Lightning and how it would pain her to part with her horse. She asked timidly, "would you sell Lightning too?"

"I thought about her too. I know how you two are devoted to each other. I believe if we can find a house in the right part of town you can keep her. She probably wouldn't adjust to someone else very well. Besides we still need some transportation and I have thought about buying a buggy - - maybe even an automobile a little later, seems more people are getting them now."

"Thank you! It will be different living in town, but I think it will be fun and you won't have to work so hard. It's good they made Walter manager of the store so he can hire whomever he wants," Letty replied.

"You can see that young man, Timothy, more often too," said Carrie. "I'm anxious to meet him for he sounds like someone we're glad for you to know. I think your parents would be glad too, and that is important to us."

"Yes," Letty said, with a distant look in her eyes. "Mama and I talked about that the last few weeks she was alive. I think she must have known she would be taken from us because I remember her saying, `you must be careful when you pick someone to share your life. You must have a common bond and believe in the same things or you won't find happiness.' I didn't understand what she was trying to tell me - but I do now. She was telling me about her life with Papa and with Tom. She was so unhappy with Tom, even though I know she loved him. I think she was trying to tell me that love must be shared, as well as other common bonds that knit your souls together." She looked up at them with furrowed brow, saying, "am I making any sense?"

Mama and Papa Hayes looked at each other with amazement written on their faces.

Papa Hayes scratched his head and said, "Letty, you are a wonder and a joy to our hearts! If we could have had a daughter of our own, we'd want her to be just like you. The words you just said have come from a deep understanding that many older folks have not learned! Yes, you're making sense and even showing great knowledge for your age." He bent down and kissed her cheek.

He stood to his feet and said, "now I'd better get some work done. Letty, - - want to help me scatter hay for the animals?"

"Sure," said Letty, as she walked with him toward the barn.

"When is Allen coming for you?," he asked, as they worked together scattering the hay.

"This Saturday," she said, and she stopped for a moment and leaned on her pitchfork handle. "I'm getting nervous for I've never been on a date before."

"Timothy sounds like a nice young man, so I'm sure things will go well and you'll have a good time. I'll never forget the first date I had with Carrie." There was a special twinkle in his eyes. "We went on a picnic down by the river close to her home. There were some of the most beautiful water-lilies growing in a little cove and I wanted to pick one for her. I walked on some rocks out to get one of the biggest and prettiest one, but coming back I stepped on a rock which flipped, sending me sprawling into the middle of the lilies! I sat there in the water and Carrie laughed until she cried!." His voice softened as he said, "I thought she was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen; I still feel the same way."

Letty saw the sparkle in his eyes when he talked of her and said, "I haven't been able to get Timothy out of my thoughts since I first met him. I was the one who did the falling though. I turned my ankle getting off the train and fell like a ninny in the snow. Timothy helped me up, and he was so gentle and kind, as well as handsome. Do you think it is possible to fall in love with someone when you first meet them? I have such a warm, glad feeling in my heart when I think about him. Is that love?"

"It's not impossible, but all I can tell you is to follow the leading of your heart, but don't forget your head. I've seen many unhappy marriages because it was rushed into because of feelings and didn't take into consideration the other bonds you mentioned while ago. There has to be other common grounds. I have observed married couples and the problems they have faced for many years and it seems the greatest hurdle is when one has faith in God and the other does not believe. Marriage is not only a union of the body, but of the soul. God made it that way and if the two are not joined there is confusion. It causes many hardships because the Bible tells us not to be unequally yoked. Being spiritually compatible is very important. Carrie and I have always been able to take our problems to God and I believe that has been the strength of our marriage. I think your Mama and Papa would tell you the same thing."

"Yes, I watched Mama after she married Tom and I could see her unhappiness. He didn't share her faith and I don't believe he wanted Lucy. He really broke Mama's heart when he was unfaithful to her. I can remember as a child thinking he wasn't pretty inside, but I didn't want to hurt Mama by telling her how I felt. I guess you can't really be pretty inside unless God is there, can you?"

"That's right Letty," said Papa Hayes as he shut the door to the barn. "If we let God rule our heart everything else will fall into the right place."

The next day he went to see Buck, as he promised. Letty was busy deciding what clothing to take on her trip. She definitely would take the green dress with the tiny gold flowers. Everyone said it brought out the highlights in her bright, auburn hair. She wanted to look her best for Timothy.

As she was packing her bag Oprah came into the room and asked, "can I go too? I'll miss you!"

"I don't know why not. You and Lucy could have a good time together and we could visit some of the shops downtown. We'll ask Mama and Papa Hayes, but I'm sure they won't mind. What do you want to take? - - Put them on the bed and I'll pack them for you."

Oprah squealed with delight and began getting her clothes, laying each choice on the bed.

Papa Hayes came home late that evening and said he and Buck had reached an agreement on the farm. They would stay until the crops were in and they could find a suitable place in St. Louis. Letty could tell he and Carrie were glad---but sad. They had lived on this farm twenty five years and it was hard to give up all the hard work and memories they had woven into every inch of the land. But like he said, sometimes you have to do something you don't really want to do. She knew they were strong and would make peace about it in their hearts.

Letty awoke with the sun streaming through the window. This was the day Allen was coming for them! She got out of bed as Oprah rolled over and said, "Is it time to get up?"

"Yes, Allen will be coming for us in about two hours, so we'd better get our chores done and eat breakfast," she said, slipping on her housedress and finding her shoes.

"We'll have so much fun!," Oprah exclaimed, as she danced on one foot then the other; slipping on her work shoes.

&"Yes," said Letty, as she began to make the bed, then asked, "did you get all the clothes you will need? We will be gone three days."

"I put my Sunday dress in for Church. We will go with Allen and Nellie, won't we?" /p>

"Yes, and I'll invite Timothy to go with us."

TThey hurried fast as they could and went to the barn to help with the chores. Mama and Papa Hayes were already there and Lightning came running to Letty, nudging her with her nose.

"Hello there girl," said Letty, as she stroked her face. "You be a good girl while I'm gone," she said in a soothing tone.

Lightning whinnied and shook her head up and down as though she understood - - Oprah laughed. /p>

They were ready to go and had their bag setting by the door when they heard the sound of Allen's car coming down the road.

Oprah ran to meet him and he gathered her into his arms, then lay his arm across her shoulders as they walked to the door.

"I see you're all ready to go," he remarked, looking at the bag by the door.

"Yes, I think they're both excited," said Carrie. "I hope you don't mind, but Oprah wanted to come to."

"I was going to see if she would. Lucy gets lonesome for someone to play with, so they'll have a good time."

"Nellie didn't come?," asked Carrie.

"No, she's doing some baking for the Church dinner tomorrow. She said to tell both of you to come see us."

"We have news to tell you," Mr. Hayes said, as he sat down in a chair. "We're selling the farm and will move into St. Louis. We'll be able to see each other more often."

"That's great!," Allen exclaimed. Then he looked at Mr. Hayes and saw a flash of sadness in his face. "It wasn't an easy decision for you, was it? You've lived here how many years? Twenty or so?"

&"Twenty five next month. No, it isn't easy, but it's for the best. I can't do all the work anymore so I'm going to take Walter up on that job at the feed store - - and Letty would like to get more education."

"How long before you have to move? You've already sold the farm?" /p>

"Yes, Buck Masters, who owns the farm to the west of us bought it. He's been after me for several years to sell to him so he and his son about your age can run cattle. My pond never goes dry because of the spring in the bottom, but he has a problem with water if it gets dry. His son and wife will live in this house, so it will work out well for them. We'll stay until we get the crops sold."

Carrie had been listening to them and said, "come sit at the table and have a cup of coffee."

"Alright, but I can't stay long," Allen said, as he pulled out a chair and sat down. "Nellie has a few things for me to do around the house. I work so many hours at the plant and things pile up on me at home. Let me know when you're going to move and I'll help."

"It will be sometime in November before we can get everything taken care of," said Mr. Hayes. We'll start looking for a house in a few days."

IIt was almost eleven o'clock when they arrived at Allen's house. Timothy was to pick Letty up at twelve and take her to meet his mother where they would have lunch. Letty was looking forward to meeting her, but was beginning to get butterflies in her stomach. She could hardly wait to see Timothy! She wondered if the months had changed him. Would she have changed too? Farm work was hard on a woman's skin. She looked in the mirror and pinched her cheeks to make them glow, then took several deep breaths and looked out the window at Oprah and Lucy playing in the yard.

Timothy arrived exactly on time and Allen opened the door to greet him. /p>

"Hello. I'm Letty's brother, Allen, please come in;" he held the door open as he shook his hand.

Letty greeted him and Allen introduced Nellie. Lucy and Oprah had come into the house when they saw him arrive and Oprah was looking him over critically when Allen said, "and this is Oprah and Lucy, Letty's sisters."

After greeting each one, Timothy said, "They tell me you work at the Home Comfort Stove Factory."

"Yes, I've been there almost five years," Allen replied. "I hear you're on your way to becoming a doctor. Will you specialize in any field? I hear doctors are doing that more these days."

"I thought I would at first, but have decided on family practice. There are so many places that need a family doctor. I believe I can serve the people better in that capacity."

"I think you're wise. You can always specialize later if you decide, can't you?"

"Yes, with much more schooling. It seems I've been in school for years already and I'm ready to use what I've learned and get a practice started."

"Do you know where that might be?"

"Dr. Posey, here in St. Louis, has been wanting me to come into his practice. He is getting along in years and has some health problems himself, so I'm considering it. My Mother has her home here and I don't want to leave her. I'm her only child."

"We know Dr. Posey and he's a fine doctor. He was our Papa's doctor and I believe he delivered Lucy. You would be stepping into a good practice, for he's well thought of."

"He has been my encourager from the start. He helped me get into medical school and has given me a lot of support. He's like a second father to me, for my father died when I was only nine. Although he left my mother with some money to live on, there have been some hard times and Dr. Posey has always been there. I feel indebted to him in many ways."

"We need more good doctors, so I'm glad you're staying around here," Allen said.

"Mother is expecting us soon, so we must be going. I am so happy to meet everyone." He smiled at all of them.

He took Letty by the arm and led her to the buggy, helping her up on the seat, then taking the reins in hand slapped them against the horse, and he lurched forward. He looked over at Letty and said, "you look beautiful! I love the color of your hair - - the way it shines in the sun!"

Letty blushed, as her heart beat faster making her breathless. He was still as handsome as she had remembered, only he seemed more mature. There was still a mischievous twinkle in his eyes and that special look on his face that let her know she was being admired.

Soon they arrived at his home. The house that was concealed behind tall trees - - was large, with huge pillars that reached from the porch to a landing outside an upstairs door. There were flower gardens and stone walks around the stately house. East of the house, toward the back fence, was a gazebo. West of the gazebo was a huge trellis of morning glories that were beginning to close from the sunshine beaming down upon them. It was all so beautiful!

Timothy tied the horse close to the watering trough and helped her down.

Letty was absorbed in the beauty of the solemn old house and said, "your home is so beautiful! It has so much - so much character!"

"Your description is perfect," he said with a smile. "It belonged to my grandfather Hunt," and there was pride in his declaration.

He guided her to the door and a small gray haired lady opened the door. Her face was lined, but had a special glow that immediately made you welcome. Her eyes were brown, like Timothy's, but softened with age and reflected kindness in their depth.

"Mother, this is Letty Hemphill," Timothy said, watching the reaction of their first meeting.

"Please do come in," said Mrs. Hunt. "Timothy has told me so much about you, but he couldn't tell how beautiful you are! I'm so happy to meet you." She extended her hand and Letty grasped it, immediately feeling at ease.

"Lunch is ready, so please come to the dining room. Soffie is waiting to serve us," and she stepped aside for them to pass.

Letty walked down the hall with Timothy at her side. Her eyes scanned every inch of the house, the tapestry on the wall and the beautiful lamps. The table was set with fine china and crystal and the chairs were high backed with seats covered in velvet.

Timothy pulled out a chair for her, then helped his mother be seated. A large woman with a pleasant face came to serve them.

"This is our housekeeper, Mrs. Wiggs," said Timothy. "She's been with us since I was a small boy. We call her Soffie."

"Hello, I'm very happy to meet you," said Letty.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Soffie answered in an English brogue as she curtsied slightly, then left to bring their food.

Though never having met his mother, Letty could feel a close bond between them - - a feeling of belonging. It was as though they had always been friends.

She looked across the table at Timothy. He was all she could ever want in someone to share her life. A warm feeling crept over her, penetrating her bones. Could she really be this blessed?