Free Change of Heart by Molly Jebber Page B

sorry the young woman suffered such a horrible loss.” She placed her teacup on the small table beside her. “To answer your question, supper was disappointing since you did not join Beatrice and me, but I understand you were busy. I dropped her off at my house and then came here. I need to get back to her. I stopped by to tell you Beatrice has agreed to stay over another day and night. I expect you to join us for supper tomorrow at six at the Massillon Restaurant.”
    Matt rubbed his chin. “I am not interested in dining with you and Beatrice alone. Becca has promised to visit the young woman who lost her baby tomorrow night. She won’t be able to join us.”
    Mrs. Carrington’s face reddened. “You are being rude. Beatrice and her parents are friends of mine and your father’s. I expect you to dine with us. Do not be late.”
    He opened his mouth to protest. She hurried to leave and shut the door behind her before he could say anything. He groaned. His mother was the pushiest woman he had ever met. To keep the peace, he would go and be nice since the Bloomingdales were friends of his parents. He wished Becca could join them, but it would not be fair to ask her to change her plans for him. Naomi White needed her. Maybe it was for the best. He did not know Beatrice. She might be as brash as his mother.

Chapter Five
    Becca couldn’t sleep. Heavy raindrops pelted the roof and ground outside. Thunder boomed, and then lightning bolts lit up the dark night. She shuddered and tightened her grip on the mug. The candle on the kitchen table flickered and offered little light in the dim room. Matt’s words about his mamm flooded her mind. She tossed and turned.
    Mrs. Carrington was like no other woman she had ever come across. The woman’s stern tone set her teeth on edge. She had to stop fretting about what Mrs. Carrington thought of her and pray for guidance on what to say when they met again.
    The next morning, she climbed out of bed and dressed. Becca headed to the kitchen and told Ruth she had met Naomi White. She recounted the story of delivering the young woman’s boppli. She explained the infant’s daed had left town upon learning Naomi was carrying his child. “I’m going to her house tonight to listen to her woes.”
    Ruth pressed a palm to her heart. “What a tragic story. She is young to have suffered such pain in her life already.”
    Becca and Ruth finished their coffee and left for work. When Becca entered the office, she put her reticule in a drawer and lifted her white nurse’s apron Ruth had made for her. She told Dorothy about meeting Naomi White.
    Dorothy patted Becca’s shoulder. “It is nice of you to spend time with her.”
    Becca kissed Dorothy on the cheek and picked up a biscuit before following Matt to the exam room.
    Matt draped a stethoscope around his neck. “Good morning. I have news. Mother was at my house last night when I got home. Her friend is staying another day, and Mother insists I join them for supper. I wish you could join us too. I dread going without you.”
    Becca placed a clean sheet on the exam table. Why would Miss Bloomingdale stay over another day to meet Matt? She didn’t want to sound jealous, but she wanted to know more about this woman. “If I hadn’t promised to meet with Naomi tonight, I would join you. What do you know about your mamm’s friend?”
    â€œI will miss you, but Naomi needs you. I am glad you are going to comfort her. Beatrice Bloomingdale is a young woman from Canton, Ohio. Her father is a surgeon, and my parents and hers have become friends. Our fathers met at a surgeons’ research meeting in Canton a couple of months ago. If Mother is playing matchmaker, you have nothing to worry about.”
    Becca’s cheeks heated. “I trust you.” She checked the drawers to make sure they were filled with the appropriate supplies. Miss Bloomingdale