Giovanna: The Cowboy's Calabrese Mail Order Bride (Sweet Land of Liberty Brides Book 1) by Lorena Dove

Author:Lorena Dove [Dove, Lorena]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-09-21T16:00:00+00:00

~*~*~*~

“It’s settled then, Pavente. Tell the doctor I’m good for the money,” Laars said as he readied to head back to the claim. “I’ll be back tomorrow for Giovanna and Rosa, and thank you for letting them stay tonight,” he said.

Giovanna paced the upstairs room where Rosa lay, looking every few minutes out the window for Dr. Ledville. Finally, a single horse pulling a beautiful black carriage came into view, driven by a man with a black coat, tall black hat, and large leather bag on the seat next to him. She ran down the steps in time to hear Mrs. Pavente’s greeting.

“Dr. Ledville, we are in need of you today! We have your order, right here ready to go for you. But if you please—”

“Dr. Ledville? I’m Giovanna Gundersen,” she said, rushing headlong up to the astonished gentleman. “Please, sir, will you come upstairs? It’s my daughter.”

“My, little lady, we are in quite the rush. Hmm, Gundersen, eh?” Dr. Ledville took mental inventory of the accounts he had in Faring. “I haven’t treated a Gundersen before, have I, Pavente?”

“No, Dottore. It’s ok; her husband is a good man. I have his word on it for you. He pays his account on time and asked you to please look at the child.”

“Well, in that case,” Dr. Ledville took off his coat and handed it to Mrs. Pavente. “Lead the way, Giovanna.”

Dr. Ledville’s jocularity left him as soon as he saw Rosa lying on the bed. He listened to her chest, and had her sit up and cough for him.

“Very bad, it’s very bad indeed,” he told Giovanna gravely. “This child needs treatment beyond what ointments can provide. There’s a sanitarium in Sioux Falls and she must be transported there at morning light.” Dr. Ledville stopped himself. If she makes it.

Giovanna’s face fell and a cry of grief poured from her. “Oh, my poor Rosa, I’m so sorry,” she said. She put her face in her hands and let herself feel the full shock. Dr. Ledville stood quietly and finally put a hand on her arm.

“Don’t worry, my dear. I’ll do the best I can for her.”

“Doctor, can I accompany her?” Giovanna’s voice was so quiet he bent his head to hear her.

“It isn’t wise, my dear,” he said gently. “We can’t know what other illness you might be exposed to. It’s best if I take her, and you can come to see her in a few days’ time.”

“What’s this?” Mrs. Pavente was at the doorway. Seeing Giovanna’s face, she took her in her arms. “There, there. You stay by me a day or so. I can use the help, and it will be easier for you to travel from here.”

Dr. Ledville made his way out, leaving the two women alone.

“She’s all that I have,” Giovanna said, her eyes brimming with tears.

“All? You have a fine husband, and—”

“She’s all that is mine! All that’s left from my Frank,” Giovanna unburdened herself and slumped down on the cot next to Rosa’s still form.

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