The Artisan's Wife by Judith Miller

Author:Judith Miller
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: FIC042030;FIC042040;FIC027050
ISBN: 9781441269485
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2016-06-16T04:00:00+00:00

Ainslee followed Dr. Thorenson down one of the meandering hallways to the east wing of the asylum. A set of large double doors with small wire-covered windows loomed in the distance. He came to a halt and gestured toward a small office to his left. “You can wait here while I fetch the patients. Taking you inside the unit might create problems for a few of the ladies who become quite fearful when strangers enter their living area. Believe me, when a new patient arrives in the dormitory, it can create havoc for several days.” He removed a ring of keys from his waist and selected one. “We keep the dormitories locked. When outside of the dormitories, they’re under the supervision of the orderlies and nurses.”

Ainslee nodded. She wouldn’t want the responsibility for the well-being of all these patients. “I’ll be glad to wait in here. I don’t want to do anything that might cause any of the ladies difficulty.” Once seated in the small room, Ainslee expelled a long breath, thankful for Dr. Thorenson’s knowledge.

Moments later, the doctor returned with two ladies. One who appeared to be near Laura’s age and the other somewhat older, though she carried herself like a much younger woman. The doctor gestured toward the younger woman. “Miss McKay, I’d like to introduce you to Mrs. Nettie Brinker and Mrs. Zana Tromley. Both would like to help you with the library.” The doctor smiled at the two patients. “Isn’t that so, ladies?”

They both nodded. Mrs. Brinker’s lips quivered in a brief smile. “I’m pleased to meet you, Miss McKay. I’m one of the patients who asked for a library. I like to read, but I don’t have any books.”

Mrs. Brinker lightly nudged Mrs. Tromley, who straightened her shoulders and looked Ainslee in the eyes. “Pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss McKay. I can read and write. Maybe not as good as Nettie, but I’m a hard worker and I’d like to help however I can. The good Lord knows we need something to keep our minds occupied, especially in the winter when we can’t work in the vegetable and flower gardens.”

Dr. Thorenson tapped the back of a wooden chair. “Sit down, ladies. I’m sure Miss McKay would like to talk to you at greater length.”

Ainslee bobbed her head. “I’m delighted to meet both of you. Having assistance will be a great help since I work six days a week. However, I’m dedicated to this idea, and I think we’re going to be successful.”

Both ladies had followed the doctor’s invitation to sit, but it was Mrs. Tromley who leaned forward. “Have you made any plans of how we’re going to do that? The doctor said you’d put us to work helping, but where and when? What’s the first step?”

The woman’s questions surprised Ainslee. She wasn’t sure what she’d expected, but it hadn’t been two ladies with bright eyes and a list of questions. These patients were ready to begin work. Unfortunately, Ainslee wasn’t prepared for such a meeting.

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