“Really? I hadn’t heard that. But I left for Grady Hospital about that time.”
“Yes, I know. You forgot to say goodbye.” Hannah’s voice grew quiet.
“Actually, I didn’t forget. It was such a sudden move. They offered me the position, which came with free training. I did tell your friend, Bonnie, to tell you, though, and gave her an address where you could write.”
“You did? Bonnie came down with pneumonia about that time. By the time she was over it, she was quite weak and her parents took her home.”
“I’m sorry, Hannah. I didn’t know. When I didn’t hear from you, I assumed you didn’t care to correspond.”
Charles listened with interest. Amazing how people’s relationships could fall victim to misunderstandings. Well, there was one misunderstanding he’d clear up tonight. He’d tell Olivia he loved her and ask her to spend the rest of her life with him.
Charles heard the music before he saw the barn and he straightened his back in anticipation.
He guided the horses into the drive and reined in at the makeshift hitching post.
Dr. Monroe jumped down and helped Hannah out of the buggy.
“We’ll need to transfer your luggage to one of the wagons.” Charles smiled. “I’ll be using the buggy for something else after the festivities tonight.”
The doctor nodded. “Show me where to put the suitcases and I’ll take care of that. I’ll be right in.”
Charles took Hannah’s elbow and led her toward the festively decorated barn. Two lines—one of ladies and one of gents—faced each other.
Charles scanned the lines and spotted Livvy across from Rudy Baker, who gazed at her with soulful eyes. Poor Rudy. He could just get over it and find another girl.
The dance started and they crossed over and joined hands, dancing down the aisle until they reached the end.
Livvy lifted her eyes and her gaze met his then wandered over to Hannah who still stood beside him. A frozen expression crossed her face, then she glanced up at Rudy and threw him a coquettish smile. Rudy looked like he’d pass out, then he grabbed her hands and do-si-do’d away.
Charles stared at Livvy. Why had she ignored him? Surely she didn’t think he and Hannah... But Helen was supposed to tell her what was going on. He needed to find Helen...now.
At that moment, the door opened with a gust of wind and the doctor entered. Depositing Hannah on the doctor’s arm, he went in search of Helen.
Chapter 20
Oh, dear, what had she done? Sure she was upset about Charles and Hannah, but was that any reason to lead Rudy on the way she had? Why, she’d been downright flirting with him all evening. He was sure to expect to dance the last waltz with her. Then maybe he’d ask to take her home.
He’d gone to get her a slice of pecan pie. She plopped down at a table that was mercifully empty of people. How was she going to get out of this predicament? And without hurting Rudy too much?
“Livvy, I need to talk to you.” Helen swooped down on her and sat beside her.
“All right, Helen. What do you need to talk about?”
“I need to know what the girls told you about Charles and Hannah.”
Livvy pressed her lips together. “Just that they had gone to Magnolia Junction together and would be here later. And there they are.”
“Where exactly are they, Livvy?”
“I don’t know. Should I have kept them in my sight?” She glanced around. “Over there. See?”
“I see Hannah, but that isn’t Charles with her.” Helen raised her eyebrows. “Look again.”
Livvy gazed at Hannah. The man at her elbow, peering into her soft brown eyes, was a stranger.
“Who in the world is that?”
“His name is Daniel Monroe. A specialist from Grady Hospital. Dr. Monroe has come here at Dr. Quincy’s request to observe Lily Ann.”
Livvy frowned. “I don’t understand. What does that have to do with Charles and Hannah?”
“Nothing, except that Charles went to Magnolia Junction to meet the doctor’s train and bring him back to the festival. Hannah went along because she and Dr. Monroe are longtime friends.”
“But, I thought...”
“I know what you thought and so does Charles. He’s devastated.”
“He is?” Charles was upset because she’d misunderstood?
“Of course, silly. Charles is very much in love with you.” Helen shook her head and looked like she’d love to shake Livvy, as well. “And, for your information, he told Patrick and Trent that very thing.”
A burst of joy swelled in Livvy’s heart. “Where is he?”
“The last time I saw him he was heading out the front door. I don’t know if he left or went outside.”