The War Nurse by Tracey Enerson Wood

Author:Tracey Enerson Wood
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Published: 2021-03-24T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 13

December 1917

Early in the month, we had a string of days filled with sunshine, even if it was the weak, watery sunshine of late fall. I checked on our Belgian patient, who so far had avoided leg amputation. Margaret was just about to wheel him outside for his daily dose of fresh air.

“Goeiemorgen, Matron!” the patient greeted me.

To which I replied in both languages, “Goeiemorgen and good morning to you. How are you feeling?”

“Goed, dank u. And that’s thanks to you and my girl, Margaret.”

Margaret beamed. “The doctors say if he keeps doing so well, he won’t lose his leg after all. That big, bad infection slid off in one slough.” She wrapped a blanket around his shoulders. “You’re a lot of work but worth it.”

As they headed out of the tent, I took a moment to feel something I hadn’t experienced in some time. Joy. Sometimes good things happened.

* * *

Just as we seemed to have gained some control over the new procedures for isolating respiratory patients, a new challenge presented itself. Or herself, I should say.

Madame Curie had chosen late fall as a good time to check back on how our new X-ray equipment was performing. Although it was a great privilege to meet with her, I had tried to dissuade her from coming.

Dear Madame,

I received your letter and wish to assure you that your improvements to our X-ray machine and the addition of the radon tube are working fabulously well. We are triangulating bullets and other fragments with such accuracy that our men are up and back to duty in no time.

As we are experiencing an influx of patients with what seems to be a contagious influenza, I regretfully advise you to postpone your visit until a safer time.

Respectfully,

Julia Stimson

The response came back just two days later. Madame Curie must have had friends within the French postal system.

Dear Miss Stimson,

I assure you I have faced much larger threats. I will arrive next Thursday. There is much to discuss.

—MC

Letter in hand, I rushed over to speak with Captain Ernst. He was just finishing up with a patient, and two men in hospital pajamas were preparing to roll the patient out on his gurney.

“Are we short of orderlies?” I asked Captain Ernst.

He slid the heavy lead apron from his shoulders, and it fell to a steel table with a thunk. Waiting until the men had left the room, he said in a low voice, “Those guys are shell-shocked. It’s good duty for them.”

“I see.” Even though it seemed like a good idea, I bristled at not being consulted. Orderlies were under my jurisdiction. But I tamped down that matter for the moment. After all, if Dr. Valentine could admit when others might have better ideas, so could I. “We’re to have another visit from Madame Curie.”

His face brightened. “Is Irène coming?”

I couldn’t resist a little ribbing. “She’s half your age.”

He folded his arms across his chest and nodded to the letter I carried. “What does she want?”

When would I learn that Dr.

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