Realizing her gaff, Lizzie scrambled to cover it while also chastising herself for being careless. "Well, I guess what I mean is that I've done some sewing for my mistress but I've never worked on a quilt before."
"I'm Tassie," one of the girls near Posey said, stepping forward. "I suppose we ought to make our own introductions because Posey will just keep talking if we don't." Tassie smiled at Posey in a teasing way that told Lizzie they were friends, but she could also see the truth in Tassie's statement. Posey liked to talk.
"I'm glad to meet you, Tassie. Please call me Lizzie."
There were more introductions and laughter as the other women near her age, as well as a few of the older ladies of Juniper Junction, came by to say hello and introduce themselves. By the time it was over, Lizzie's head spun with names and faces, though one thing was clear. She felt very welcome in Juniper Junction. And apparently, the quilting society was the place to be.
Matt came and stood next to her. "Ladies, how kind of you to wish us well and I am sure my bride is looking forward to getting to know all of you better, but now it's time for us to bid you all good-bye."
He took her hand and helped her to stand and as she did so, she cried out in pain and grabbed her side. The injury from earlier had not improved. All the people gathered around them started talking at once, asking if she was unwell and offering suggestions.
"I saw the way Aggie smacked you with her valise while she got on the train. I'm sure it was no accident. Goodness, was I glad to see the train pull away with those two on board," Tassie said.
"I watched until it was out of sight to make sure they didn't jump off and come back," another lady said.
"Come on." Matt put her hand in his. "Do you think you can walk a couple houses down to see Doctor Granger?"
"Yes," she said, though the pain surprised her with its intensity.
"I'd be happy to carry you," Matt said, his amber eyes holding hers in a steady gaze. She felt herself blush. Soon they would be alone. Their wedding night.
Except she had a shooting pain in her side. Just her luck.
They arrived at a tidy house with a sign outside indicating it was the home and office of Dr. Granger. Matt rapped on the door before opening and calling out.
A trim man with some gray at his temples hurried forward. “Matt! What can I do for you?”
Matt nodded to acknowledge the doctor. “This is my new bride, Lizzie.”
Doctor Granger gave her a warm smile and took her hand in his. “I’m pleased to meet you, though I’m sorry it’s under these circumstances. If the rumors around town are correct, you just arrived in town, didn’t you?”
She nodded. “We just got married.” She could hardly believe it when she said it.
Beside her, she could feel Matt’s impatience. Finally he cleared his throat and said, “Lizzie got hit in the side with a suitcase when she was getting off the train today. She’s in some pain.”
“Hit with a suitcase?” The doctor’s brows furrowed.
“Aggie and Myrtle have been sent out of town by Mr. Conners.”
“Oh.” Doctor Granger nodded as though that made perfect sense to him.
All Lizzie cared about at the moment was the pain in her side.
The doctor guided her to an exam table while Matt stood close by watching over her possessively. She kind of liked that.
"Well, it does seem a bit bruised," Doctor Granger said, touching her gingerly over top of her dress. The doctor was quite handsome, though he was nothing compared to Matt's rugged good looks. Despite his efforts to be gentle, she still gasped at his touch.
"Yes," Lizzie replied, feeling desperate. Ever since she'd gotten Matt's first letter she'd had feelings. Stirrings. Heat and throbbing in different parts of her body whenever she looked at his letters and now that she could gaze upon him in person. Oh mercy!
Of course, she didn't dare ask the doctor about that. Her face heated just thinking about bringing up such a topic. She glanced at Matt, who had insisted on being near while the doctor examined her. She wondered if he was also thinking about their wedding night. And whether it would be curtailed.
The doctor left the room for a moment and returned with a jar that he handed to her. "This liniment should do the trick."
"Thank you, Doctor."
Doctor Granger looked at both of them, a twinkle in his eye. "I will try to put this delicately," he said and Lizzie would swear she saw him blush. "I know you just got married and all I will say about this injury is that if you give the liniment a few minutes to work, and don't overdo it, you should be able to engage in any activities that don't cause you pain.”
Lizzie bit her lip to keep from grinning. Matt had less restraint. "Thanks, Doc! What do I owe you for the visit and the liniment?"
"It's on the house. Wedding gift from me to you."
The doctor saw them out and Matt offered her his arm, supporting her as they made the journey to their house.
Chapter 4
Matt did his best to help Lizzie as they walked through town. He hated the thought of her being in pain and the idea of picking her up and carrying her the whole way home tempted him.
The doctor's words echoed in his head. He'd be lying if he said he hadn't been eager to bed his new bride. He'd been doing his best to refrain from focusing on his libido, but once he had her in his arms at the train station, he could hardly think straight. But now he gave her his full attention. His concern
