The Doctor's Lady by Jody Hedlund Page B

Mary Ann in the front pew. Tears trickled down their cheeks, and they dabbed at them with handkerchiefs. She could picture herself and Mary Ann as little girls, holding hands and skipping behind their mother, always so excited whenever she allowed them to accompany her as she delivered Bibles and food to the poor. Mother had been an exemplary model and had taught all of them well what it meant to serve the Lord.
    Priscilla would miss Mother and Mary Ann dreadfully.
    The tightness in her throat brought a sting to her eyes. She couldn’t cry here. Not now. Not during her wedding ceremony.
    The soft warmth of Eli’s fingers circled hers.
    At the unexpected touch, her breath hitched.
    He pressed gently and offered her a small smile—one that brimmed with sympathy. The gentleness of his expression and of his touch spread to her heart, wrapping it with pleasure.
    A tremor of excitement threaded through her. Yes, she ached at the thought of leaving everyone and everything she held dear. But she was standing next to a strong man, pledging herself to him, and getting ready to embark on the adventure of her lifetime.
    A month ago, who would have guessed she’d be getting married—a dream that had died the day Dr. Baldwin had told her she’d likely never be able to bear her own children. And who would have thought that she’d be heading into the uncivilized lands of the West to start a mission, that she’d be among the first white women to venture such a trip?
    Eli arched one eyebrow at her, as if asking if she was ready to continue.
    She smiled and nodded. In the deepest places of her heart, she knew she was more than ready to embark upon a new life with him.
    Her life wouldn’t include India, but perhaps God had provided something better for her. Eli had such resolute convictions about his mission and a desire to love the Indians. Surely she would be able to help him and do great things for the Lord.
    Reverend Lull wiped the moisture from his eyes. “Time for you to exchange your vows.”
    Eli positioned himself so that he was facing her, and then he reached for her other hand so their fingers were meshed together between them.
    Her heart dipped and resumed beating at double speed. For a man of his ruggedness, the smoothness of his touch was something she doubted she would ever get used to. It sent a shiver up her arm and down her spine.
    “I, Elijah Ernest, take thee, Priscilla White, to be my wedded wife.” His words were soft and his eyes sincere.
    A thrill of wonder wound through her.
    “And I do promise and covenant, before God and these witnesses, to be thy loving and faithful husband; in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live.”
    He almost sounded as if he meant the words, that he wanted her as a real wife and not just a business partner. For a few minutes, it wouldn’t hurt to pretend they were going to have a real marriage. Would it?
    “I, Priscilla White, take thee, Elijah Ernest, to be my wedded husband.”
    The intensity within the depths of his blue eyes captured her and drew her in. Was he thinking the same thing—that they could be more than partners?
    “I do promise and covenant, before God and these witnesses, to be thy loving and faithful wife; in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live.”
    If she was only a business partner, what did her vows mean? What would happen if life in the West was too hard? If she had to return home, what would happen to their marriage?
    “Do you have a ring?” Reverend Lull whispered to Eli.
    He let go of her hands and patted his waistcoat. For a moment, he fumbled within the layers until his hand emerged with a thin silver band, a delicately engraved pattern of rose swirls covering it.
    His eyes shone, and something within them told her he’d had the ring specially made for her, that he’d sacrificed of the little he had to provide this gift for