Daniel McClintock

by Caroline Clemmons

  “We worked in a gymnasium because this is an athletic activity. I am called a heilgymnast as well as a mechanotherapist. You see, in this instance, heil means to heal and that makes me, like your mother, a healer.”

  “If you were so successful there, why did you agree to come here?”

  She sighed and pushed a blond curl from her face. “Holland is a small country and that is primarily where this therapy originated. There are many heilgymnasts there, mostly men, and far more than the clientele can support. I thought in this new country which is so vast, eventually I would have the opportunity to establish my own clinic.”

  She stood and faced him. “Dr. Sullivan wrote that there is a great need here. He searched for ways to help you and found there was nothing to compare to the success we have had with this method in Amsterdam. He said absolutely nothing is in this area.”

  The sound of heavy boots approached. Laughing, two handsome men who must be Josh and Dallas came into the room.

  Josh looked as if he’d been poleaxed. “Whoa, what’s happened here?”

  Dallas ran his fingers over one of the rails Clara had raised. “This is fine workmanship.” He stepped forward and extended a hand to Clara. “Since my cousin isn’t going to introduce us, allow me. I’m Dallas McClintock, and this fellow beside me is Daniel’s brother, Josh.”

  Clara’s face colored slightly. “I am happy to meet you both. Kathryn told me how much you have helped Daniel.”

  Josh recovered enough to smile. “With your permission, we’ll get to work now.”

  Daniel used his thumb to point at his chest with a fist. “Her permission? What about mine?”

  Josh waved his hand dismissively. “Aw, we know you don’t agree so there’s no point asking.” He looked at Dallas. “Let’s get this done.”

  Clara watched as the two positioned Daniel, sat on either side of him, wrapped legs, and stood. When they were walking out of the room, she clapped her hands. “This is wonderful. You will help teach his mind to make his legs work as they should. Oh, you are wonderful family members to think of this.”

  Daniel couldn’t see behind him, but he heard her footsteps as she followed. Damned if he didn’t feel like an exhibit in a science laboratory or museum. Since she had his room full of her equipment, they paraded through the downstairs.

  Clara said, “You can walk in the room next door where I have my things. That’s a large room.”

  Dallas slowly pivoted so Josh could make a wider turn. “Naw, we don’t want to invade your private space. This is good.”

  Josh chuckled. “We’re thinking of taking this show on the road. Might make some money on a tent exhibition.”

  With a smile, Dallas shook his head at his cousin. “Started out at fifteen minutes and now we’re up to thirty.”

  Daniel was certain they’d walked for hours each time. If only his legs actually would support him. In spite of the enthusiasm of his cousin and brother, he couldn’t tell any difference in feeling or movement since they’d started this experiment. Make that lack of feeling and movement. At least, hanging on was easier now.

  Clara beamed at the trio. “I am excited to see this. What a clever arrangement you have.”

  Back and forth they walked.

  When he could tolerate no more, he said, “Enough for today. I’m ready to drop. Can’t hold on to you two much longer.”

  They returned to his room and sat on the mattress. When they’d unwrapped and stowed the bandages for another day, the other two men helped him lie down on his bed.

  Dallas nodded at Clara. “My wife and children will be over to meet you soon. Houston, that’s our two-year-old, has a cold so we’re keeping both kids inside. I’ll be back tomorrow, same time.”

  Josh pointed at Daniel. “Me, too. We’re not stopping until you’re running up and down the road.”

  He nodded at Clara. “Nice to meet you, Clara. My wife is expecting any moment and not leaving home now, but you’ll meet her once the baby’s here and she’s up and about. In the meantime, you’re welcome to come for a visit. See you tomorrow.”

  As soon as his kin had gone, Clara poured a large glass of water. “I imagine you are thirsty after all that walking.”

  “As if I’ve been out on the desert for a few days.” He tipped up the glass and drank half then sipped the rest.

  By the time he finished and set aside the goblet, she was back at work on her equipment but glanced up when he set down his glass. “Shall I pour you more?”

  “Not now. Believe I’ll have a short nap.” He tried to roll to his side so he’d face the wall.

  Before he realized it, she was beside him. She helped him change position and placed a pillow at his back to stop him from rolling. He’d missed having help since his former aide, Lance Clayton, had gone to medical school.

  Mama, Emma, and Rebecca checked on him often, but it wasn’t the same as having someone in his room all day. Maybe having Clara here wouldn’t be so bad.

  Naw, who was he kidding? Nothing she could do would help him.

  Chapter Four

  Daniel watched Clara as she finished assembling her infernal bars and something he couldn’t identify. He refused to let her think he was dumb because he had lived in the country and gone to a tiny school. He’d show her he was as smart as she was.

  “Did you know the giant squid can reach eighty feet long?”

  Instead of appearing impressed, she laughed. “I am glad no one told me this before my sea journey. I would have been watching for long tentacles snaking over the ship’s rails all the way.”

  “Are you about finished?”

  She stood and smiled at him. “All is assembled and ready for you to use. This apparatus will help you learn to walk again.”

  “Not interested.” He looked at the wall.

  She made a little huffing noise. “You agreed to work with me. Your parents have gone to a great deal of expense and trouble to get me here and have these rooms built. Are you so selfish and self-destructive you will not even try?”

  Anger surged through Daniel. “You know there’s no hope. Why work myself into a sweat when it won’t make a bit of difference? I put up with Dallas and Josh’s antics because they don’t give me a choice and at least it’s a chance to visit with them. I have a choice in this.”

  She rested her fists on her hips. “Do you think so? You spineless baby. Shall I get Rebecca to bring you one of her old dolls so you can cuddle?”

  “You’ve got a nerve talking to me that way. You lied to us, making us think you’re a man. You know you wouldn’t have been allowed to come if we’d known you’re a woman.”

  “I explained that. One does not use full names in business correspondence. Would you prefer I sign Clara Roos Van Hoosan? Well, too bad. I am here and I am the one working with you.” She clutched his hand. “Now get over your childish pout and cooperate. Every day you waste means your parents are paying me for nothing.”

  He frowned at her. “Roos is a funny name for anyone.”

  “Roos means rose in English and was my mother’s name.”

  She had assembled the bars, anchored to the floor with permission from his father to drill into the floor. From higher rails, an overhead harness would allow Daniel to be suspended with his feet on the floor. With his hands on the waist high bars, he could propel himself along. His feet would drag but he couldn’t fall.

  “I will be in front of you and move your feet as if you are walking. At the end of the bars, the harness can pivot so you can reverse direction.

  “How is that more effective than what Dallas and Josh had devised?”

  “We can work here for longer periods—as long as my knees and hips do not protest too much. Dallas and Josh can only devote so much time to helping you.”

  His anger didn’t abate but he let her pull him so he sat on the edge of the bed with his feet hanging off. “They’re paying you for nothing anyway. You know I’ll never walk again. Why hold out that carrot when you know it’s poi
ntless?”

  “Do not say that. Do not think that.” Her facial expression emphasized her anger toward him was palpable. She hooked something around him. “This is a harness so you cannot fall. Do you understand you will be safe?”

  “I told you I don’t want to do this. You are the most stubborn woman I’ve ever met.”

  “Then we are a pair because you are the most stubborn man I have ever treated. I do not care whether or not you wish to do so, you will exercise and you will learn to walk.” She pulled his arm around her neck and guided him between the parallel bars.

  He didn’t exactly bounce but the harness moved with him. “This feels weird. What if the support breaks and I fall? How do you expect this to work?”

  She squatted in front of him. “You move your hands forward on the rails as I move your feet. Don’t worry, you will not fall.”

  “I feel like I’m going to. How can you be sure this system will hold me?”

  “Because we tested it on a man who weighed about twice what you do. Move your hands forward.”

  He stayed where he was, which meant his feet were ahead of him.

  She sent him a searing stare so heated that it would ignite wood in a fireplace. “Move. Them. Now.”

  “All right, if you’re going to be so gripey.” He moved his hands ahead and gradually caught up with her. “What happens at the end of the bars?”

  She glanced up but held his feet. “I told you. You turn around and we go the other way.”

  “Damn. How long do you intend to do this?”

  “If you mean today, until my legs give out. This is not the most comfortable position. If you mean overall, until you can walk without holding the bars.”

  ***

  Clara sailed into Daniel’s room. “Good morning. How are you today?”

  “The same, how do I look? You’re here early. Go away. I need to sleep another half hour.”

  “Not now.”

  “Not interested.” He pulled up the sheet and closed his eyes.

  She whipped the sheet from him. With him frowning at her, she got him washed and his clothing changed.

  “Are you happy now? I was sleeping really well and having a good dream.” He leaned against the pillows and closed his eyes.

  “Spoiled baby, today you will learn to move from the bed to the chair by yourself.”

  His eyes popped open. “I’ll fall.”

  “No you will not. I will be right beside you.”

  “So you can pick me up?”

  “Now, Daniel, please use your hands to navigate to the edge of the bed with your back toward the chair seat.”

  “You’re sure the wheels are locked?”

  “Of course. No more stalling.” She made a come here motion with her hand.

  He hesitated. “If I fall I could ruin my back forever.”

  “You will not fall. I am right here. We have covered this. Get busy.”

  He looked doubtful. “You are a tyrant. I don’t have to do what you say.”

  “You most certainly do have to do what I say, whiney baby. You are only wasting time and showing yourself a coward.”

  “You make me so mad, Clara Van Hoosan.” He moved as she’d instructed.

  “With your hands on the chair armrests, propel yourself onto the seat.”

  He did and released the brake to wheel away from the bed.

  She grabbed the chair. “Don’t move far, only until your heels are still on the bed but your legs are not. Lock the wheels again.”

  “This must look pretty stupid. Lock, unlock, lock.”

  “Why would you care? With your left hand gripping firmly on the left arm rest, reach your right hand forward and lift your right leg to the chair support. Don’t let your heel drop against the wood or you might bruise or scrape the skin.”

  “Maybe I should have worn socks.”

  “Perhaps. Repeat with the other foot.”

  In spite of his complaining, when he had completed the maneuver his beaming smile announced he was pleased with himself.

  “You plan on making me do your work, do you?”

  She laughed. “If I can, why would I not?”

  “I think you delight in torturing me.”

  “Yes, that is my main source of pleasure. Now, time for breakfast.” Clara wheeled him to the kitchen.

  Clara parked Daniel and took her place at the table. “Breakfast here is a cheerful and pleasant meal.”

  Kathryn passed the bowl of scrambled eggs. “Your aunt and uncle weren’t talkative in the mornings?”

  Before she thought, Clara admitted, “Aunt Petra was never cheerful but even less so in the morning. I suppose Uncle Hans had grown used to not speaking early in the day. Most meals were solemn and quiet.”

  Rebecca asked, “What happened to your parents and how old were you?”

  Kathryn hissed, “Rebecca!”

  Clara smiled. “Please, I do not mind anyone’s questions. In Rebecca’s place I would be curious. I was ten when my parents died. A horse attacked my mother. When Papa tried to rescue her, he was killed. The horse had to be put down because it was crazed and impossible to train.”

  Austin’s blue eyes held sympathy. “I’m glad you had kin to take you in even if your aunt wasn’t a happy person.”

  Clara looked from him to Kathryn, unwilling to reveal how unwanted she’d been. “You took in Dallas, yet you treat him as if he were your son. That is especially kind of you.”

  Kathryn laid a hand on Clara’s arm. “We love him as if he were our son. His parents were wonderful people. His maternal grandfather, John Tall Trees, has moved here to be near him, his wife Cenora, and their children. Dallas is half Cherokee Indian, which is why his grandfather has such an unusual name.”

  Austin pointed his fork at Clara. “You’ll meet my parents tomorrow evening when they come to dine.” He pointed the fork at Daniel. “And you’ll be respectful to Gran.”

  Daniel gaped at his dad. “When have I not been respectful?”

  His father speared him with a glare. “That means eating at the table when my parents are here.”

  Daniel turned to Clara. “Prepare yourself for an inquisition.”

  Clara smiled at those around her. “I am sure that after living with Aunt Petra, your Gran will not distress me.”

  Rebecca shook her head. “You only say that because you haven’t met Gran.”

  ***

  The next evening, Clara dressed carefully. After so many weeks of travel, she was out of condition. Her shoulders ached from her time working with Daniel. She wished someone would give her a massage. Briefly, she wondered if Kathryn would do so.

  Admittedly, Clara was wary of meeting the older woman who so intimidated this lovely family. Even Daniel, who did not even like Clara, had warned her. She sighed. Probably Gran was no worse than Aunt Petra.

  She wore her pale gold embossed satin dress and a burgundy jacket because it was the finest ensemble she owned. In Amsterdam, she had worn it to church and to dinners and had received many compliments. She did not wear any jewelry except a locket that had been her mother’s, which she fastened around her neck.

  In addition, she gathered four small gifts she’d brought with her. Handkerchiefs were not elaborate, but they were necessary for ladies. She hadn’t anything for the men.

  When she was dressed, she went next door to make certain Daniel was ready to be wheeled into the parlor. He wore the clothes she had laid out for him and waited in the Bath chair.

  “My, how nice to see you dressed.”

  He looked down at his clothing. “Pa helped me with the pants. I-In case I have an a-accident, I intend to use that lap robe Rebecca knitted.” He appeared to assess her. “You look nice.”

  “Thank you.” Clara unfolded the small blanket and tucked it around Daniel’s lap and legs. “You’ll probably be too warm with the covering.”

  “Too bad if I am. Damn, I hear them in the parlor.” He took a deep breath, as if bracing himself. “We could just wai
t in here and I’ll plead an upset stomach. To tell the truth, seeing Gran makes me so nervous she gives me stomach cramps.”

  “You are not allowed to play the coward, Daniel McClintock. You are lucky to have grandparents and must at least be civil and respectful.”

  He leaned back to look up at her. “Grandpa is really nice. I used to be able to get away with the men and leave Gran to fuss at Mama and Rebecca. Now I can’t escape so easily.”

  Clara tucked her small packages beside Daniel and wheeled his chair into the parlor. A distinguished-looking couple waited with Austin, Kathryn, and Rebecca. The older man had gray hair and smile lines creased his face. His blue eyes twinkled and she saw the resemblance to Austin and Daniel. Beside him, a stately woman in the latest fashions had gray hair and a face scrunched in disapproval.

  Austin stood and gestured toward them. “Ah, isn’t seeing Daniel dressed and able to come into the parlor wonderful?”

  Austin came toward them and stood beside Clara. “Mother, Papa, may I present Miss Clara Van Hoosan, formerly of Amsterdam, Holland? Clara, this is my mother Zarelda McClintock, who we call Gran, and my father, Victor McClintock, who we call Grandpa.

  Clara nodded to each of the newcomers and tried her best to enunciate English properly. “I am very pleased to meet you.”

  Gran narrowed her eyes at Clara. “You’ve come a long way. Did you travel alone?”

  “My aunt did not believe that would be proper. Family friends accompanied me most of the way.”

  “What on earth possessed you to go into such an occupation? Surely you don’t intend to pursue it permanently?”

  Inside, Clara bristled in annoyance but she retained her smile. “I chose mechanotherapy and being a heilgymnast because it allows me to help people like Daniel. To answer your other question, I intend this to be my life’s work and would like to one day have my own clinic here in America for those with paralysis.” She understood why Daniel and Rebecca had warned her.

  Grandpa squeezed his wife’s arm. “Lucky for us you were willing to travel here to help our grandson. We’re grateful.”

  Gran frowned but made no other comment.

  Clara reclaimed her gifts and carried one to Gran. “Please accept a small token from me.”