Golden State Brides by Keli Gwyn & Erica Vetsch

Author:Keli Gwyn & Erica Vetsch [Gwyn, Keli & Vetsch, Erica]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2012-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

Dr. Lyle removed his stethoscope and put it back in its case. If he didn’t say something soon, Miles was afraid he might shake the man.

“I’d hoped to see some improvement.”

“It can’t be that bad. She doesn’t have nearly as many spots as Tildy did.”

“Unfortunately, a mild eruption often portends a more severe case, which is what we’re seeing here.”

Mother rested a hand on Miles’s back. “What can we do, Doctor?”

“Continue bathing her with cool cloths and offering her plenty of liquids. I suggest barley or rice water, or you can pour hot water over apples and make apple-tea. Give her five grains of Dover’s powder in a little syrup for the cough, and apply a mustard plaster morning and evening until she stops complaining of chest pain.”

“Much of what she says is gibberish.” This troubled Miles more than anything else. He had decisions to make, and he needed Ellie’s input. So much had happened the past four days.

Dr. Lyle closed his black leather bag. “That’s the fever talking. I don’t have to tell you how critical the next couple of days will be. One of you needs to be with her at all times. Call me if her condition changes—no matter the hour. Otherwise, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Miles pressed a fist to his mouth to hide his trembling chin. Ellie would make it. She had to. Tildy needed her. And so did he.

Mother saw Dr. Lyle out.

“Lord, hold Ellie in Your arms.” Miles dropped to his knees beside the bed and caressed her cheek, her speckled skin warm to the touch. “You’re the Great Physician. If it be Your will, please bring her through this. I’ll do whatever You ask of me, even if means stepping aside so she can pursue her dream.”

He clutched her hand and continued to kneel, his head bowed and his heart heavy. A touch on his shoulder roused him.

“My old knees ache seeing you like that. Why don’t you take a seat?”

He did as Mother asked. Strains from the piano below let him know Tildy was occupied. Praise the Lord, she was on the mend. Other than being even thinner than before, she looked like herself again. Mother’s tempting fare would soon restore her to full health. Now to get Ellie better.

“Elenora’s a fighter, son. You know that better than anyone. She’ll pull through. You’ll see.”

“She’s strong. But she’s going to have surprises in store. When she sees what I’ve done, she’ll be more than ready to take Grayson up on his offer.”

“You had no choice. She’ll understand.”

He hoped Mother was right. But when Ellie emerged from her fever and found her merchandise in the mercantile, no doubt she’d have some heated words for him.

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