by Cyndi Raye
Frank knelt down again and looked Carson in the eye. “You have to take good care of the arm. Do what your mother tells you and make sure to never take off the bandages until we can do it together. Can I count on you?”
Carson nodded, his little head flopping excitedly.
Frank roused his hair. “Okay, son. When you come back next week, if everything looks good, we’ll plan to go fishing the following day. Is that a deal?”
“Yes! It’s a deal!” He started to jump up and down until Frank realized he needed to secure the arm better.
“Hold on, Carson. Let me get you a special bandage to wrap around your shoulder. It’s called a sling, and it’s important you leave it be. Your mom can take that one off at night.”
Ten minutes later, the two left Frank’s house much less fearful. He even heard Carson giggle at something Mercy told him.
“What did you say?” he asked, cleaning up the mess on the table. She helped, gathering the excess bandages.
Mercy giggled. “I told him the biggest fish you ever caught was no bigger than his little pinky!”
Frank shook his head. “Now you know that’s a lie, but I’ll thank you now for keeping him calm. He has a pretty deep gash on that arm. Any chance you know how he got it?”
“Did you see Martha’s cheek?”
“I was too busy to notice, but her face was scrunched up and tears flowed when I did get a chance to look up. Her face was so pale I’m glad you sat her down, else we’d have two patients.”
“Her husband packed his things and took the only wagon they had and left Belle. Before he left, she tried to convince him to leave the horse and wagon. She was arguing with him when he backhanded her and she flew against a table. Carson saw what happened and attacked his father with a knife. Except it was turned on him instead.”
Anger hit Frank at the thought of a young boy trying to defend his mother. “Carson is lucky. It was a sharp knife.”
Mercy nodded. “He is brave. It’s why I agreed to go fishing. He’s going to need all the distractions he can get right now. His mother as well.”
“You have a heart of gold, Mercy. Thank you for bringing him to me.”
“I knew if we tried to take him to Doc Roberts outside of town, he may bleed too much.”
Frank placed a hand on her shoulder. It wasn’t meant as anything more than a kind gesture. “You did the right thing. The cut is deep, and he was bleeding too much. I’m afraid he never would’ve made it to Doc’s cabin.”
Mercy plunked down on the chair. She lifted a hand and pushed her hair back. “I’m sorry. I must sit a spell. This has all been quite overwhelming.”
Frank checked her pulse. Her skin was slightly pale, but her cheeks were flushed. “I think the enormity of what you did just occurred. I am quite impressed, Mercy. You’d make a fine nurse.”
She fanned her face. “I never gave any of it a second thought. Knowing you were here made my decision to bring them to your house easy. I knew you would help.”
Frank sat down in the chair opposite her. His hand reached across the table. “It felt good. Thank you for trusting me.”
“I’ll always trust you, Frank, er, Doctor Mason.”
He squeezed her hand. “It’s Frank, please. We’re friends and I’d like to keep it that way. I always want you as my friend, Mercy. Are you willing to be friends?” He wanted so much more. Yet, the thought of her shutting the door on him again like she did last night was too upsetting to think about.
If he wanted her love, he’d have to be her friend first.
Chapter 4
Frank had gone to find Doc Roberts while she came back home to gather some supper for Martha and Carson. She was certain the mother was too emotionally exhausted to make a decent meal.
Quickly gathering fresh vegetables from her bin, she chopped them up and added them to the beef and stock she had simmering on the stove. Mercy had started the broth early this morning when she had gone out to work in her garden. After adding potatoes, she had a thick stew going. While it cooked, she cut a loaf of fresh bread, wrapping half in cloth to take to Martha’s house. At least they’d get a good supper.
Mercy busied herself around the house, dusting and sweeping the floor, even though it had been done the day before. She kept hearing Frank’s voice in her mind saying how she was the one he had always loved. She had been standing behind the door when he had proclaimed his love. Her heart had pounded so fast and loudly she figured he heard it on the other side of the door.
She had heard every single word he had said. The good thing was she had waited so long to hear him declare his love for her and then when he finally did, it was through a door. To hear it through a thick wooden door was not how she had wanted to know about his true feelings.
On the other hand, Mercy knew if he left again, she’d be heartbroken and that was the one thing she wanted to avoid. She looked up at the ceiling.
Is it too much Lord to ask for your help in figuring this out? Do I forgive him or keep him at a distance? Do I love him back as much as he claims to love me, or wait? I need your help and guidance.
Mercy spent most of the afternoon confused. She really needed an answer. At the same time, Frank didn’t know she had heard every word he proclaimed. Maybe she’d let him think she hadn’t heard. Wasn’t it safer that way?
Besides, he said he wanted to be friends.
The soft knock on her door pulled her from her sour thoughts. When she answered, Frank stood there, a fistful of fresh picked flowers in his hand. He held them out to her. “I thought if you were taking supper to the boy and his mother, she’d like some flowers to go with the meal as well.”
Mercy was impressed. At first, she thought he was going to present them to her, but remembered his words about being friends. So, friends it was. “It certainly will make her feel better. I’m getting ready to take their supper over. Would you care to walk along?”
Where did that come from? He waited on the porch, but asked, “What can I help you with?”
She hurried to the stove and scooped soup into a smaller pot, then placed it inside a large basket. Tucking the bread alongside, she covered everything with a cloth and handed the basket to Frank. “I’m ready if you are.”
They walked down the street, turning onto Main. Most of the residents had already gone home to their families for the evening. The street was almost empty except for Sheriff Knight who had just stepped down from the porch at his office. He tipped his hat and waved.
“Evening, Sheriff,” Frank called out.
“Evening, folks. I heard what you did,” he called out. “Thanks for taking care of the boy. We’ll all help to keep an eye on things there.”
“We’re taking some supper over to them so Martha doesn’t have to cook,” Mercy told the sheriff. She turned to Frank. “Do you think her husband has truly left?”
He shifted the basket from one hand to the other. “I’m afraid he’s long gone. Town gossip said he’s been having relations with one of the hotel’s maids. He picked her up at the far end of town and left Belle for good.”
Mercy was shocked at the recent news. “That’s terrible. Poor Martha! She really needs us now.”
He agreed. “She’ll need to find some work to keep going. I’ve been thinking about asking if she’d like to work for me. Especially after the conversation I had with Doc Roberts today.”
Mercy stopped. “Oh? Are you going to tell me what was said?” She gazed into his eyes, which were lit up with excitement. Her curiosity was getting the best of her and it seemed as if Frank was dragging the conversation on purpose.
He grinned. “Well, the doc wants me to take care of Carson until he’s healed since I was the doctor who fixed him up. He’s asked me to take over a few days a week to take the load off of him. He’s thinking to retire in the next few months.”
“Since he’s barely in his office any more, it may be a great opportunity for you.”
“I haven’t decided where I want to work y
et, Mercy. I came home to tie up loose ends and decide what to do with the family home instead of taking an offer at a hospital in Philadelphia. I’m torn between the city and a quieter atmosphere. For now, I’ve agreed to open up the clinic three days a week.”
Hope surged through her every nerve ending. Was this an answer to her earlier prayer? Was Frank going to become the next town doctor? Even though Doc Roberts was still working a few days a week, he was considered the town doctor. Many folks waited for him to come back and the mornings when he was in, they lined up in front of his building waiting for him. They trusted him.
But, most of all, was there a chance for Mercy and Frank? She gave him a genuine smile. “I’m glad you’ll be here for a while,” she told him, feeling shy all of a sudden.
“Thanks, Mercy. So am I. I’m considering opening shop in my home instead of his. My place is way too much for one person. I can set up a temporary office in the parlor.”
“If you want to give Martha work, hire her to help you set it up. I can help, also.”
Frank turned to her and took her hand. “I’d like you to be my nurse. You’re very good at it, you know.”
Mercy was surprised he’d offer her a job. “You want me to work for you?”
“Sure, what’s wrong with that?” he asked, an incredulous look on his face.
“I’d never thought about being a nurse. Or, considered having a job.”
Frank sighed. “I know you don’t need the money, Mercy. Your parents left you a sizeable inheritance, but I could really use your help.”
He was right. Her parents had thought ahead by providing for her when they unexpectedly died a few years ago, leaving her the house and a sizeable amount in a bank account. Her father had been fortunate in the early days of gold mining and saved the money he made. But first, her parents had been able to travel around some before settling in Belle.
Mercy didn’t have to worry about a job, but she did volunteer several times a week. She loved visiting some of the older folks and helping them in their gardens or doing things around the house.
Taking the position meant she’d be around Frank quite a bit. Would it be enough time to convince him that Belle was where he belonged? He said he came back because she was the one who he had always loved. And yet, now he was offering her friendship. Confusion racked her soul.
What was stopping her from telling him she heard what he said? Maybe she wanted more. Mercy knew it was time for him to prove himself, to show her in some way his words were true. What better way than to find out how he truly felt by working alongside him? “I’ll do it. Yes, I’ll help. I’ll still need to visit with a few townsfolk on a regular basis, but I can do that on my days off.”
Frank gazed into her eyes, mesmerizing her. Mercy was the first one to turn away. “We better get the basket to Martha before she starts her own meal.”
Frank took her by the elbow and continued to walk. They had been standing in the middle of the street. She turned to see a few people watching them. Mercy grimaced. She hoped they hadn’t heard the conversation, otherwise it would be repeated all over town in less than five minutes.
She gazed down the street to make sure the town gossip wasn’t prowling around. Satisfied, they went to Martha’s front door and knocked. It took a few moments for Martha to answer, and the door opened only slightly. “Can I help you?” the soft voice called out.
“It’s Mercy and Doctor Mason. We’ve brought you a basket of food for supper.”
The door swung wide. Of course Martha had to be cautious. She had to be terribly afraid her husband would come back and try to hurt them. After what he had done, Mercy hoped the man had gone far away, never to return. A small part of her wanted something terrible to happen to him in return even though she shouldn’t feel that way about another human being.
“Won’t you come in and sit a spell?”
Mercy knew from looking at the dark circles under Martha’s eyes, she was being polite. “We can’t stay,” she piped up before Frank had a chance to answer. “ I have a pot simmering on the stove, but we wanted to make sure you got something to eat. It’s been a long day for the both of you.”
“I truly appreciate your kindness.” She gave them a weary smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
“We’ll say goodnight then.”
“Wait!” Frank lifted a hand. “I was wondering if you would like a job, Mrs. Winslow. I’m going to be operating my services from my home and am in need of some help. Would you care to stop down tomorrow afternoon to go over details?”
Mercy thought it was a brilliant way to ask her by not giving her a chance to say no. She blinked a few times as if she couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “Is this truly a job, doctor?”
Frank smiled. “Yes, it is. I need to have the parlor fixed up and ready by next week, and then I will need it thoroughly cleaned several times a week. I’ve learned germs are the number one cause of many sicknesses. Cleanliness will help keep them at bay.”
“I understand. I will be needing a job. Thank you, kindly.”
“We’ll see you at one? You are welcome to bring the boy if you don’t want to leave him here.”
“That’d be fine. Goodnight, Doctor Mason. Mercy.” The woman closed the door on them.
Martha and Frank looked at each other and laughed. The moment they did, the wooden door swung back open. Martha reached out and took the basket from Frank. “I forgot this,” she said, her smile so wide Mercy thought her face would crack open.
When they left, a lightness she hadn’t felt in years encircled Mercy. “It was so kind of you to offer Martha work. She seemed delighted, and she’s going to need it.”
He looked back at her house. “It looks like she may need more help than we realized. There’s a shutter hanging crookedly from one hinge. It doesn’t look like her husband was too fond of working.”
Mercy grunted. “If you listen to gossip you will learn he mostly frequented the saloon and a few other establishments. He didn’t spend much time tending to his home. Or, his family.”
“That’s too bad. If I had a boy like Carson, I’d be doing whatever it takes to give him a happy home.”
“I’m sure you would. Carson really likes you, Frank.”
“I like him, too. Don’t forget, you will be going fishing with us next week after his check-up.”
“How can I forget?” She placed her hand through his arm. “Especially since I’m pretty sure who will be reeling in the biggest fish!”
Frank grunted. Under his breath he muttered. “We’ll see about that.”
Mercy smiled to herself. It was going to be an adventurous day for certain. She was really looking forward to spending some time with him at the creek.
It didn’t take long to turn the corner onto Tall Pine Lane. Frank dropped her off at her porch, his face lit up from their conversation. “Thanks for a great day, Mercy. I’ll see you tomorrow. Can you come over and help at one also?”
“The day isn’t over yet, Frank. I have plenty of supper to share. Why don’t you come in and join me?”
Frank looked up and down the street. “It isn’t appropriate to be in your house alone with you, I’m afraid.”
That’s when Mercy noticed Mr. Bright and his wife a few doors down standing behind a smaller pine tree, peeking through the thin branches, watching the two of them. “Oh, dear. I see we have some folks watching us. They may try to start some terrible gossip. Hold on, Frank! I have an idea!”
She didn’t wait for his answer but hurried inside. She remembered how years ago her parents had set up a small table outside on the porch each Sunday afternoon to partake the noon meal and enjoy the fresh spring air. The table had been buried by books and whatnot for many years. Mercy worked quickly, placing the books on the floor and dragging the small table through the door’s opening.
“What are you doing, Mercy? Let me help.” She felt his strong hands on her shoulders. Giving up the effort, she moved away to let him pull the table th
e rest of the way through. He set it on the porch, along with both chairs that were already outside.
“That’s perfect!” She clapped her hands with glee. “I’ll be right out,” she told him before dashing inside to dish them each a bowl of delicious stew. Carrying the bowls on a large platter, along with fresh bread and churned butter, Frank took them and set a bowl at each place setting. After several trips, the table was completely set and he helped her into her chair.
“Thank you,” she said, breathless. “We work good together, don’t we Frank?”
He nodded, placing a cloth napkin on his lap after he sat across from her. “That makes me feel good about our future together.”
She looked up quickly. “What, uh, what do you mean?” she asked with a nervous laugh.
He had already begun to take a spoonful of the stew and placed it in his mouth, eating heartily. After chewing and swallowing, he grinned. “As a doctor and nurse working together. What else did you think I meant?”
Chapter 5
Mercy was late! She had gone to see old Hank Parley at the edge of town. He lived alone in a large house and had no family around to help him. He was so grumpy most people steered clear, tired of his tirades and mean words. All except for Mercy. She had fallen in love with his rough exterior and worked hard to make him laugh despite his misery. Every now and again she saw the corners of his mouth turn up.
One of the reasons she thought he was so miserable was because he was hurting. She noticed some of the fingers on his hand were starting to curl up on him, causing his hand to look deformed. Mercy had mentioned it to Doc Roberts but he didn’t think there was anything to do for him. The doc said that was the meanness popping out.
Mercy made a mental note to mention it to Frank. Maybe he’d be able to check his medical books and find something to ease the poor man’s pain. She came around the corner and then ran to Frank’s front door, knocking loudly.
Frank answered right away, a look of concern on his face. “Is everything okay, Mercy? You are extremely late. We’ve been waiting on you for some time now.”
