“I’ve never questioned it myself, but I do know physicians who do not give the Good Lord the credit he deserves.”
“I shall pray for them,” she said. “Just think if all men with such skills would allow themselves to be His hand extended. There would be no limit to His omnipotent power overcoming the worst of situations.”
“You do realize, sometimes God simply wants to bring his children home and no amount of skill can change that, right?”
“I do know that every man and woman have a day appointed to be born and to die, and until the death-toll arrives, I choose to believe there are an abundance of miracles waiting to be claimed.”
He chuckled. “Try as I might, to stay detached from your contagious sense of wonder, you always manage to snag me. How do you do that, Nurse Shannon?”
“I really have no idea what you are talking about. But I think you bring the best out in me, Dr. Franssen, and I thoroughly enjoy our talks—when you’re in a good mood, that is.”
“I did nip at you when you arrived today, didn’t I?” he said. “I apologize. Our patient will go home with a new lease on life.”
“Minus a bullet that came very close to killing him,” she said. “Will all our patients in your town come in to the hospital with gun shot wounds or poisoning addictions?”
“You have seen the worst, I’m afraid. Some just come in with a cough or a broken arm.”
“Bring them on, Doctor. One challenge per day is all this new nurse can handle on her first week.”
“Tomorrow is Saturday and your day off,” he said. “What will you do to occupy your time?”
“Molly and I are going to explore Maple Grove. She wants to introduce me as the one who saved your sister from near death. Will that offend you?”
“Not at all, but Anna has built some walls between the townsfolk and herself since her spontaneous marriage. Her husband keeps her under his thumb, except, of course, when he shows up at the big house, acting all spiffy and attentive to his wife. Sometimes it fools my parents into believing Anna might actually be happy with the hooligan, but I see the fear in her eyes. Mr. Janus Arnold doesn’t fool me, and after the tussle we had at the depot and the discovery of his poisoning her, I can’t wait for my parents to take action, rid Anna of her mistake, and welcome her home.”
“Have you spoken to your sister? I mean, perhaps her husband was not the culprit at all, but she, trying to escape her biggest mistake and speed her entry into the heavenly portals.”
Walter gazed at Shannon as if she had two heads. “Anna? She’s a God-fearing woman who could never willingly seek to end her existence. Besides that, she loves life far too much.”
“Perhaps the young sister you recall used to love life but has since grown weary.” She noted the hairs on the back of his neck stand up and knew she’d overstepped her bounds. “Ignore me. I speak my mind far too freely.”
He concentrated on drying his hands and arms. “At least you did not trip or slip when handing me the knife and kill the patient in our care while in the operating room. Let’s celebrate one victory at a time.”
“Thank you,” she said, not pleased to be reminded of her clumsiness. “What would you like me to do now?”
“Go to the staff room and take a break, then perhaps look in on Anna before you call it a day.” He walked toward the door. “I trust you will not voice your suspicions concerning my sister’s frame of mind when you check her progress. You are wrong about her. It is all her husband’s doing and I will prove it.” As his hand touched the knob, he jerked his head around. “And do enjoy your two days off. I will surely have a full schedule for you come Monday.”
And then he was gone. Shannon sighed deeply pondering the man’s complex nature. Before leaving the outer room, she peeked through the window of the operating room, observing a staff member cleaning the aftermath of the surgery. She stared horrified at the nurse’s careless procedure. Something inside would not let it go. The school had drilled cleanliness into her head until she breathed it as the number one defense against bacteria. Shannon opened the door wider, and walked in. “Good afternoon.”
The startled woman peered at Shannon. “Hello. You’re new here, aren’t you?”
“I am—Nurse Shannon is what they call me.” She did not offer the hand she had just scrubbed clean.
“I’m afraid you’ve created quite a stir. The employees are thinking you’ve cast a spell over the hospital administration. First week in and you’ve managed to snap up a coveted spot as a surgical assistant.”
“That was not my intention,” Shannon argued. “Dr. Franssen offered it to me and I accepted. I’m sure if he’d been considering another candidate for the position, he’d have done it prior to my arrival.”
“You are either very naïve or deceptively coy. I haven’t figured out which.”
“How long have you worked here?” Shannon asked.
“One year come next month, and still assigned to these medial tasks.” The glare she cast Shannon made her skin crawl. “And you best get in line, girl, because the single females already established here, have the eligible doctor locked within our sights.” She ended with an ultimatum. “May the best woman win.” She flung a knife she’d been cleaning on the utility table and Shannon stared in disbelief, clearly sighting a residue of the man’s blood still on the blade.
With the previous conversation still stinging the air, Shannon dared not bring the uncleanliness to the woman’s attention, who obviously held her in contempt for being the present rival battling for Dr. Franssen’s favor. That damaging rumor would never do if she were to succeed in her career and build friendships with her peers at the hospital. And really—were women so desperate for a man that they actually engaged in competition, right under the man’s nose? Shannon vowed to speak to the doctor about the unconscious role she’d been thrown into. She was not looking for a man and refused to be tossed in the circus ring with the conniving lot.
Chapter 5
The opportunity to speak with the doctor privately never came the rest of Shannon’s shift. The last two beds on her ward was filled with two new patients, both suffering from similar symptoms of severe coughing, vomiting and fever.
They would be closely observed. It could be as simple as a seasonal sickness or as serious as a community outbreak. That would be determined under the watchful eye of the weekend medical staff. A history of killer epidemics always stayed at the forefront of their minds, no one willing to suffer a plague in their town.
Shannon paid a quick visit to Anna before she left for the day. At first sight of someone in authority, the woman wound her fingers tight around the sheet on both sides of her, and clenched her teeth, fighting to appear sullen and calm. The nurse had witnessed strong people crumble under the pressure and lure of addiction. Drying out was anything but a calm procedure and she knew the roof was soon about to come off this place, once the going got too tough for Anna. The girl did not want to talk, so after marking her vitals on the chart and signing off, Shannon left the hospital.
The spring air was crisp as the sun dipped lower in the early evening sky, leaving Shannon feeling satisfied that she would enjoy living and working in Maple Grove. She and Molly ate alone that night, and when the exhausted nurse found herself yawing shortly after supper, she decided to retire to her room for a good night’s sleep instead of visiting with Molly in the parlor over a second cup of tea.
Saturday morning arrived, a warmer day than the previous one, the gentle breeze seemingly rolling in jubilant waves in honor of her first spring as an independent, career woman. She chose a plumb colored dress, trimmed in a lighter shade of the same hue and hooped, the frivolous style matching her mood. Today she would acquaint herself with her new home town and the people who called it home.
Shannon met the school teacher that lived in the house at breakfast.
“We keep missing each other,” she said as she hugged Shannon, “but Molly has kept me abreast of all the happenings in the last c
ouple of days.”
Shannon turned her attention to Molly. “And re-emphasizing our previous conversation, perhaps as we explore town, you should introduce me merely as a nurse who is staying at your boarding house, not a hero, and let me answer any questions they may have buzzing in their minds.”
“Why, when you could be famous right off the cuff?” Molly seemed genuinely confused.
“Famous? I’m afraid the hospital grapevine has another word for it,” Shannon said. “Manipulative, and on a mission to snatch the eligible Dr. Franssen from the drooling nurse population at all costs, does not sound nearly so affirming.”
Gloria Tristen broke out in laughter. “That man is surely not interested in marriage. He probably looks at the mess his sister has gotten into and makes a conscious effort every day to steer clear of commitment.”
“I simply figured the attention he lavished on me was because I am new to the organization and he sought to place me in the most effective position available,” Shannon explained. “He is a very thorough man, although he stretches himself far too thin.”
“So, I’ve heard—from the women who are jealous of the time he’s doting on you,” Gloria said. “He is dedicated to his work to the point of having no life at all, which makes it difficult for his admirers to strut their stuff.”
“Good for him,” Molly said. “Women like that don’t deserve the man. It’s likely his money and a life of leisure they desire, not his kind nature.”
Shannon thought the subject needed lightening up. “And he is rather good looking, as well, Molly. Surely you’ve noticed that?”
“I have, and also his age, which disqualifies me on every level,” she said chuckling.
“Well, I for one, wish you luck, Shannon Tyre, in positioning yourself within his good graces. He is indeed, worthy of a woman’s sacrifice to give up the life of spinsterhood,” Gloria said.
“If by staying in his good graces, you mean gratitude for saving his sister’s life, that backfired. Yesterday he was in a foul mood, condemns himself for not thinking of the diagnosis first, and insinuated I was a know-it-all sent from heaven, of all places—to put his pride in check, I suppose.” Shannon sipped her morning coffee. “I tend to agree with your evaluation, Miss Tristen—the good doctor is not in the market for a wife, even if I were interested—which I am not.”
“Please call me Gloria, and I’ll call you Shannon. Miss reminds me of the youthful decision I made to steer clear of men and the woman in my mirror every morning confirms that it will be a forever choice.”
“Don’t cut yourself short,” Shannon said. “The train pulls in every day bringing men of all ages to settle in Maple Grove.”
“I’ll be watching,” Gloria chuckled as she patted a pile of papers beside her on the table. “But today, I have compositions from my students to correct. You ladies be sure to tell me all the gossip when you return.”
“I steer clear of such nonsense,” Shannon said. “One little word grows into a mountain of misinterpreted conclusions from too many people with nothing better to do.”
“That’s because you haven’t settled into spinsterhood like us,” Molly said. “And by the looks of your progress in such a short time, I fear you will not remain long within our ranks of unwedded bliss.”
Shannon threw her hands in the air. “Ladies, please, concentrate on shopping—my mind is set on seeing your town up close and ordering some new uniforms. Shall we be off Molly?”
The two headed toward the hubbub of town activity. Wagons littered the roadway and Shannon wondered how they would ever cross the street safely when they finished visiting the shops on the east side. Tom’s Mercantile contained most everything a household might need from food to equipment, and if you couldn’t put your hands on it inside the store, a three-inch thick catalogue displayed pictures and descriptions of the many purchases available for the ordering.”
Inside the bakery, she instantly recognized some of the wonderful smells that drifted down the street and through the open window of the second-floor terrace. Molly purchased three berry-filled Danishes before they left.
Mrs. Hyker ran the hair salon, and two customers sat in chairs while the skilled beauticians molded their tresses into gorgeous styles. Shannon would surely make an appointment for the next social event Maple Grove organized.
The barber shop appeared to be a meeting place for men, most of them just passing the time of day, gabbing with the ones getting hair cuts, a shave, or mustache trim. The saloon was quiet for a change, and Shannon noted a man with a broom cleaning up in preparation for the clientele that would pack the house on Saturday night.
“They provide decent entertainment in there once a month,” Molly said pointing to the den of sin. “The plays are always suitable dramas, and the owner encourages men to bring their ladies for an evening out. They probably assume it will pacify the wives enough to allow their husband to come out other nights of the week to drink and gamble.”
Shannon chuckled. “Do they consider all women to be so naive?”
“We are talking business men,” Molly said. “At any rate, proper meals are served at that special event and many consider it a reprieve from their dull routines. Lots of women in town like to be wined and dined by their sweetheart, but there are just as many who would never darken the doorway.”
“Have you ever gone?”
“No. I have no gentleman to escort me.”
“Is there anything amiss with a group of ladies attending the evening event?”
“You mean like you, me, and Gloria?” Molly asked.
“Yes, I do,” Shannon said. “Let’s go next time they open it up to the ladies.”
“We may create quite a stir.” Molly’s eyes twinkled with fun.
“The glow of your features tell tales on you—I believe you might enjoy stepping out of the box and creating a bit of a stir,” Shannon said, challenging the woman. “I see nothing wrong with the arrangement. We shall be company for one another and enjoy some entertainment. Yes—I’m going and I hope you will tag along.”
“Gloria can be a bit of a drag, but she’ll come along once after a bit of persuasion,” Molly said, studying Shannon closer. “I love that adventurous spirit I detect in you today.”
“It’s a fact that I can be intimidated by men and their patronising arrogance, but the new me has determined to conquer this weakness. I see the occasion as an opportunity to achieve both goals; have fun and show my independence.”
“We’ll do it.” Molly stopped and looked at a bulletin board nailed beside a window where advertisements were pinned. “Two weeks from tonight. It’s a comedy. A good laugh is like medicine to the soul. You should tell Dr. Franssen to encourage his patients to attend.”
“I’ll do no such thing,” Shannon said, but then changed her mind. “Although Anna could use some fun. It seems her life has been pretty rough since she wed.”
“It was her own doing. One can’t openly rebel and not expect to pay the consequences.”
“What about me? My father is beside himself thinking I chose a career over the many men he had lined up as suitors.”
Molly clucked her tongue. “This conversation is getting far too heavy.”
“Agreed, this is meant to be fun. Thank you, Molly, for walking with me.”
While attempting to cross the street—both with fear and trepidation—the ladies dodged teams of horses bringing shoppers into town and transporting them from one place of business to another. Shannon wasn’t sure which was the least deadly—riding or walking. Upon safe arrival on the other side, they laughed, and she stopped to catch her breath and glance at the names of the stores. Shannon pointed to the first shop.
“Jan’s Tailor Shop! I need to go in there.”
“Oh, Jan’s a skilled seamstress, although she has recently hired a helper to which I cannot attest as her equal since I’ve never seen anything she’s sewn. Poor Jan, the woman is burdened with four children and works the orders around her household
chores.”
“Perhaps she will be too busy? I would like my garments stitched professionally.”
“We will ask.” Molly held the door open and Shannon passed through first. Behind her, the boardinghouse matron shouted, “You-hoo, Jan. I brought you a customer.”
A woman, perhaps in her mid-thirties, popped her head out from another room. “Molly, how nice to see you.”
“Is that a baby I hear back there?” Molly asked.
“Little Jerry has a cough and fever. Mr. Fenton would not hear tell me leave the boy at home for Margaret to mind. Even at ten, she’s a great help around the house.” Her gaze transferred to Shannon as she reached out her hand. “Hello. You must be the new nurse Molly was expecting.”
“Shannon,” she introduced herself. “We are scouting your fair town and I have some sewing needs, if you have the time to accommodate me.”
The woman glanced behind her into the room that she’d just left. “Jerry is keeping me busy these days, but business is business—I’ll not be turning it away.”
“Have you had the child to see the doctor?” Shannon asked.
“Heaven’s no! His father thinks the hospital is a place for the dying, not for the living.”
“Two similar cases were brought in yesterday,” Shannon said. “Better to be safe than sorry.”
The tailor appeared nervous and Shannon guessed there was more to the story than she was letting on.
“About your order, miss. I really don’t have a lot of time for a gab session.”
Shannon told her she needed two new outfits for working; modest dresses, and pocketed, white bib-aprons for overtop. They picked material from her many bolts lining the shelves and the style from a book of sketches that sat on a table. Lastly, she took Shannon’s measurements and wrote them on her scratchpad. They did all this in awkward silence which only added to Shannon’s curiosity.
Jan fumbled, her thoughts pre-occupied as she rushed through the procedure, with one ear tuned to her patron’s specifications, and the other to the child who had gone silent in the backroom.
A Nurse for Walter Page 5
