A Bride for Tobias by Linda Ellen

Author:Linda Ellen [Ellen, Linda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Linda Ellen
Published: 2019-09-25T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

M onday afternoon found Pauline making the short trip across the street to visit the poor, unfortunate stabbing victim. Armed with contributions she thought the girl might need—both from her own surplus as well as further donations which had been dropped off during the day by female members of the church—she paused at the door to the girl’s room, put her head near the wood to listen, and then gently knocked.

From inside, a small voice bid, “Come in.”

Pauline opened the door and moved inside, maneuvering with her rather large armful, only to hesitate when she saw the frown on the young woman’s face.

Quickly taking in the girl’s, appearance, she noticed her long, dark hair had been freshly washed and brushed, and that she was propped up in bed against the pillows with the covers pulled up to her neck. Pauline couldn’t see much of what the girl was wearing, but thought it was perhaps a night dress of some sort. The girl’s sapphire blue eyes were regarding her suspiciously.

“Hello…” Pauline began, waiting a few beats to see if her greeting would be returned, but it wasn’t. “I’m…my name is Pauline Chr—Keller,” she hurriedly amended, feeling her face blush crimson. Dang it, I’ve got to get used to my new name! Clearing her throat, she moved inside the room a few steps and began again. “My husband is Deputy Keller—the man who picked you up from the street the night you were hurt, and the man who hunted down and brought back your attacker…”

At that bit of information, the girl’s countenance eased a bit and she even offered a tiny smile. “Oh…hey,” she murmured.

When Pauline didn’t continue, but only stood still, unconsciously waiting to be welcomed, the girl added, “Well, c’mon in. Have a seat,” she added, indicating a chair next to the bed. Pauline stepped closer and glanced around, wondering where to put the load of donations when the girl asked, “Those for me?”

Relieved, Pauline smiled and answered with a nod. “Indeed, they are. Several ladies from the church brought over a few more necessities to the boarding house for you today…and I added some of my extra supplies that I thought you might be able to use.”

Nearing the end of the bed, she hovered close, studying the outline of the girl’s limbs under the covers. “I, I don’t want to hurt your injury…” she hinted, prompting the girl to carefully move her legs over.

“It’s all right. Doc was just in ta’ check my stitches. He gave me somethin’ for pain, so…it’s not hurtin’ much right now.”

Placing the offerings on the bed, Pauline let her gaze roam over the girl’s face. She was pleasant looking, she decided, with fair, even features, and when she had spoken, Pauline could see that her teeth appeared to be clean and cared for. Again, Pauline wondered what the girl’s story was…and if she would be open to friendship.

“What happened was just awful,” she offered sympathetically. “Did Dr. Reeves have to put in many stitches?”

The girl moved her head in a nod as she smoothed the bedspread.

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