The Calm of Night (Kansas Crossroads Book 10) by Amelia C. Adams

Author:Amelia C. Adams [Adams, Amelia C.]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2016-04-19T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

“Well now, that’s certainly better,” Dr. Pettigrew said, coming into the parlor and putting on his suit coat as he walked. “Nothing like a nap to set the day right again. How are you, my dear?”

“Coughing quite a bit, but the congestion seems to be moving through,” Nancy Ann replied.

“Excellent.” He took up his stethoscope again and had a listen. “Definitely a rattle, but we want a rattle. It means there’s progress.” He replaced the instrument in his bag and then turned to face her. “Are you ready to head back over to the hotel?”

“I am, but I’m not sure Mr. Hancock is.” Nancy Ann motioned over to the corner of the parlor, where Timothy had fallen asleep slumped in a chair.

“I’m sure he’s quite worn out after your escapade last night.” The doctor chuckled. “We’ll let him sleep while I hitch up the sleigh, and then we’ll wake him. He can’t be comfortable like that.”

“No, I imagine not,” Nancy Ann replied, amused.

A short time later, the doctor came back to say he was ready, and Nancy Ann stood and stretched. She felt quite a lot stronger, even though her lungs were sore. “Timothy?”

A soft snore was her only answer.

She crossed the room and touched his shoulder. “Timothy?”

He came bolt upright and looked around wildly. “What? What’s the matter?”

“Nothing. It’s time for us to go.”

He blinked a few times and then relaxed. “I’m sorry. I was dreaming about snow monsters or some such thing. Did you say we were leaving?”

“That’s right. The doctor hitched up the sleigh.”

“Good, good. Let’s do that.” He stood and stretched, much as Nancy Ann had done, then gathered up his coat and other wraps from the chair where they had been draped.

Nancy Ann put on all her outer clothing as well, layer upon layer. Then she gave Mrs. Pettigrew a hug. “Thank you so much. You’ve truly been a blessing.”

“Oh, nonsense,” the woman replied. “It was a pleasure. Now, be sure to come back and see me. You and your young man both.”

“He’s not my young man,” Nancy Ann protested, but Mrs. Pettigrew silenced her by raising a finger.

“Mark my words, dear. Mark my words.”

Nancy Ann was sure her embarrassment was written all over her face when she joined Timothy and the doctor near the door.

“It’s almost shaping up to be a pleasant winter’s day outside, so we’ll be all right,” Dr. Pettigrew said. “Pull your scarf up over your nose and mouth so you’re not breathing such cold air. As for you, sir, are we taking you home, or to the hotel?”

“To the hotel, please,” Timothy said. “There’s no one waiting for me at home, and I’d rather be someplace where I feel I can do some good.”

“Quite right. Well, let’s be on our way.”

The horse stood patiently just outside, his breath billowing out into the air like plumes of smoke. Nancy Ann’s breath was kept inside her scarf, where it felt clammy. For a moment, she wished it wasn’t necessary, but when

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