When the Heart Heals by Ann Shorey

Author:Ann Shorey
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: FIC042030, FIC042040, FIC027050, Nurses—Fiction, United States—History—1865–1898—Fiction
ISBN: 9781441240590
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

Elijah watched as Rosemary bathed her dog. She paid no heed to the fact that she wore nightclothes, with her black hair twined in a thick braid hanging almost to her waist. Something about her intent expression stirred a memory.

He saw himself standing at the entrance to one of the wards in the Post Hospital at Jefferson Barracks. An incoming soldier lay sprawled on a cot, a bowl of water and a cake of soap resting on a low table beside him. A nurse leaned over the man and washed blood and grime from his upper body so Elijah could treat the wound in the man’s side. While she worked, the nurse murmured encouragement to the soldier, who didn’t take his eyes from her.

The picture in his mind sharpened. When Rosemary raised her head to look at him, her image sliced through the curtain he’d placed over his wartime years. She’s the same nurse. Without further thought, he touched her damp hand where it rested on Bodie’s side. “I remember you. From the Barracks. You were there during the first month of my medical service.”

A small smile flitted across her lips. “Yes. I recognized you the first time I called at your office.”

“Why haven’t you said anything?”

“Clearly, you didn’t know who I was. It would have been forward of me.” She moved to one side. “We can reminisce later. Please, examine my dog.”

He ran his hands along the animal’s sides and down over its abdomen, then lifted each of its legs in turn, manipulating the joints. Resting his fingers on Bodie’s chest, he felt for the heartbeat. Steady and strong. When he finished, the dog struggled to stand.

“Careful, boy, you don’t want to fall off the table.” He placed a restraining hand on the dog’s back and turned to Rosemary. “Fortunately, I find no visible injuries. He needs some warm food and plenty of water. Don’t feed him too much at once.”

Cassie struck a match on the stovetop to light the candle she held. “There’s a tad bit of soup left from supper. I’ll fetch it from the springhouse.”

Elijah looked around, surprised. He’d forgotten she was in the room. “Good. If you have any eggs, give him one.”

Cassie sent Rosemary a mischievous smile. “We have plenty of eggs right now.”

Pink crept over Rosemary’s face. “Indeed we do. Please take a bowl with you and bring several.”

After Cassie left the room, Elijah cupped his hands under Bodie’s belly and stood him on the floor. “After he eats, he’ll no doubt sleep for quite a while. Why don’t you spend tomorrow at home with him? I know you’ll want to watch his progress.”

“Thank you.” She knelt beside her chair and Bodie wobbled over to her, tail waving. “I’m beyond grateful for your help tonight. To have him back . . .” She dipped her head for a moment, apparently fighting for control. “His return is an answer to prayer.”

He shoved his hands in his pockets, suddenly embarrassed by the intimacy of the small room and Miss Saxon’s dishabille.

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