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thinking. I can’t help but imagine what life might have been like had she enjoyed her domestic duties.”
    Deborah discarded her blouse and skirt and stretched before releasing the hooks on her corset. “But perhaps you wouldn’t be the dear woman I know and love now. Mother always says there’s no sense fretting over what might have been, since it can’t ever be.”
    “She’s no doubt right about that,” Lizzie admitted. “Your mother seems very wise.”
    “It’s a wisdom borne of experience.” Deborah pulled a nightgown over her head.
    Lizzie said nothing for several minutes, then gave a sigh. “I suppose then, in time, it shall come to each of us.”
    Deborah looked at her oddly as she came to her bedside. “What shall?”
    “Wisdom,” Lizzie answered. “Wisdom borne of experience.”
    “I suppose it shall, but it will have to wait until I get some sleep. Mother said she didn’t even want to hear us rousing before eight. I assured her I could very easily yield to her request.”
    Lizzie laughed. “What a chore! But as a guest, I suppose I have no choice.” She eased back onto the bed. “Tomorrow I shall begin my new life as an East Texas woman.”
    Deborah laughed. “Then Texas be warned.”

C HAPTER 4
    Rachel and Zed Perkins arrived the following evening with daughters Annabeth and Maybelle. Both shared their father’s fair complexion and red hair. They were pretty girls, with trim waists and lovely blue eyes, but Deborah found their general silliness overwhelmed their virtues.
    The real treat of the evening was the unexpected guest that Zed and Rachel introduced as the new company doctor. Christopher Clayton was a handsome and witty man who hailed from Kansas City, but he had studied medicine at Bellevue Hospital Medical College in New York City.
    “Dr. Clayton, we are certainly happy to have you join the community,” Deborah’s mother declared as Sissy placed a large platter on the table. A succulent ham, complete with a molasses glaze, wafted a tantalizing aroma into the air. She hurried back to the kitchen and brought out another platter with two large baked chickens.
    “Sissy, come join us and meet the new doctor.”
    The woman smiled. “I gots too much to do, but I’s pleased to make your acquaintance.”
    Dr. Clayton nodded. “As am I, to make yours.”
    Sissy gave a little curtsy that she reserved for strangers and headed back to the kitchen. Mother lost little time explaining to the doctor. “Sissy’s a good friend, and I hired her to work so she could help her family.”
    He seemed to understand her discomfort. “You needn’t explain to me, Mrs. Vandermark. I’m just grateful to share such fine company and food.”
    “You haven’t even tasted it yet,” Deborah teased.
    He studied her for a moment, as if appraising her features. His scrutiny made Deborah feel uncomfortable.
    “I think I shall enjoy living here,” Dr. Clayton replied. He glanced around the table. “Beautiful ladies for company, delectable food for nourishment, and intelligent conversation with the gentlemen. Who could ask for more?”
    Deborah frowned. “Perhaps you could have intelligent conversations with the ladies, and the men could be admired for their beauty.”
    Rob laughed out loud and the Perkins girls giggled uncontrollably. Dr. Clayton, however, nodded in agreement. “Why not?”
    She could see the response was not offered in jest. Dr. Clayton seemed to genuinely agree that the idea was possible. Deborah couldn’t help but throw him a smile.
    “Do you have a family, Doctor?” Deborah’s mother asked.
    “If you mean am I married, then the answer is no. I do have a family, however. I am the oldest of fifteen children. My mother and father reside in Kansas City.”
    “Fifteen children,” Mrs. Perkins said, shaking her head. “Goodness! And I thought my five were plenty to keep a woman busy.”
    “My mother is indeed a busy woman. She was made even more so, I’m sorry to say, when my