by Kit Morgan
“I slipped in through the other door,” she said and pointed to a small door in the opposite wall. “I hope you don’t mind. I didn’t want Sarah to wake up alone.”
“That’s all well and good. But Miss Clemmons might be contagious.”
Elizabeth jumped to her feet. “What? Oh dear!” She gathered up her embroidery, headed for the door and stopped. “But what about you?”
“I’ll take the risk. You may stand in the hall while I check on her.”
She looked at the bed and back. “Certainly.” She went to the doorway and stood.
Doc took the tray from Randall and carried it to a small table near the bed. “I hate to wake her, but the sooner she drinks this tea the better.” He put a hand to her forehead, then gently shook her awake. “Sarah?”
Her eyes fluttered open. “Doc?” Her head slowly moved side to side. “Where am I?”
“In one of the Chambers’ guest rooms. Your mother was here.”
Her eyes rounded to saucers. “No.”
“Er … yes. Is there a problem?”
She licked dry lips. “She’ll be upset.”
“Here,” he said and poured her some tea he instructed Mrs. Shibley make from the fenugreek “Drink this, then we’ll talk a little. After that, you must rest.”
He helped her sit up, propped some extra pillows behind her, then eased her back. “Thank you.” Her eyes drifted to Randall. “Hello. Where’s Elizabeth?”
“Over here,” she called from the doorway, looking very worried.
Sarah smiled. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be so much trouble.”
Elizabeth stepped into the room. “No, you’re not.”
Doc motioned her to leave. Reluctantly she did and retreated to the hall.
Doc returned his attention to his patient. “I asked your mother, but now I’ll ask you.” He handed her the cup of tea. “When did you eat last?”
She took the cup and held it without drinking. How unwell was she? Her eyes were brighter, her skin color better. He hoped this was just a case of going too long without eating. Though her fever was cause for concern. “Food?” Her stomach growled at the mere mention and she blushed.
“I think that answers my question, but I’d like to hear it anyway.” He smiled at her. “Go on.”
“Well, to be truthful I haven’t eaten since breakfast yesterday.”
He pinched the bridge of his nose. “And you haven’t eaten because?”
“I was nervous about the Millers’ ball and … I just wasn’t hungry.”
“But you are now?”
“Very,” she admitted as her stomach growled again.
Doc turned to the butler. “Could you fetch Miss Clemmons some broth and toast?”
Randall gave him a slight bow. “I’ll see to it right away, sir.”
“Thank you,” he said and turned back to Sarah. “You know you can’t go that long without eating.”
She nodded, took a sip of tea, and smiled. “Fenugreek.”
“Yes, we’ll start with that and move on to garlic. You can either drink it or ingest it. I find it’s rather good on toast with melted butter.”
Her brows went up as she smiled, then just as quickly, her expression changed to a frown. “About my mother…”
“Ah, yes, she was uncommonly upset over someone with a simple fever. Not that any fever should be construed as simple.”
“Of course not,” she said. “It’s just that my sister, Molly. She died of a fever years ago. We each had one at the same time. I survived.”
“Oh, I see,” he said. “No wonder she was so upset. How long ago?”
“About five years now.”
He nodded slowly in understanding. “It’s hard for a parent to lose a child, no matter what age. They feel they should never have to bury one. Puts things out of order somehow.”
“My father grieved but recovered in time. My mother never did. Sometimes I feel she blames me for Molly’s death.”
“Sarah, how could she? Especially if you were sick as well.”
She shook her head and squeezed her eyes shut. “I try not to think about it, Doc. It was a horrible time. Molly and I were so sick.” She opened her eyes and met his concerned gaze. “I remember I felt like dying. But I didn’t … Molly did.”
Doc read the anguish in her eyes. It was all he could do not gather her in his arms and hold her. He put the back of his hand to her forehead instead, checked her pulse, and then stood. He’d better leave before he did something stupid. Like taking her in his arms anyway to tell her everything would be all right. “You’re not as hot,” he stated, pushing the thought aside. “That’s good. Perhaps you went too long without eating and it aggravated an existing condition, causing the fever. I want you to stay in bed until it’s gone.”
She stared at him, admiration in her eyes. It made his whole chest swell. “Whatever you think, Doc.”
He smiled at the name. “You have my orders. Now see that you follow them. I want you to eat something. I’ll come back this afternoon and check on you.”
She smiled. “I’m glad Elizabeth sent for you.”
He gave her a heartfelt smile and put a hand over one of hers. “So am I.”
Sarah stared at the empty hallway. Elizabeth had gone downstairs with Doc to see him to the door. For one delirious moment she thought he might hold her. But that was ridiculous. He was doing his job, not making cow eyes at her. But then he touched her hand …
She smiled in recollection, sipped her tea and grimaced. Fenugreek might take care of fever, but it wasn’t the most pleasant thing to drink. Perhaps she could have Randall bring her some honey?
But it wasn’t honey she wanted at the moment. It was Doc Waller. Hungry and feverish she may be, yet her heart had fluttered at the mere sight of him. And when he put his hand on hers … oh my heavens!
Maybe it was because he was the first thing she saw when she regained consciousness. She should have eaten something that morning, but she was so angry with her mother she couldn’t touch her toast, let alone get anything else. The fever she’d caught from Mrs. Fuller at the orphanage. She was sure of it. Thankfully Mrs. Fuller was doing much better now. Other than being pregnant with her fifth child. That was something Sarah didn’t plan on catching any time soon. Perhaps never.
She looked at the empty hall again. Though she’d convinced herself that her chances at marriage were dismal at best, her conversation with Elizabeth gave her hope. Why couldn’t she marry someone like Doc Waller? When it came down to it, given a choice between spinsterhood and marrying a man like Doc, well, marrying beneath her station didn’t hold the same sway as before. If Elizabeth Chambers was willing to do it, and not give a whit about what her parents thought, why not her?
“Oh, good, you’re still awake,” Elizabeth said as she entered the room. “The doctor will come back in a few hours. He had some business to attend to and is very glad that you’re feeling better.”
Sarah noted Elizabeth mischievous smile. “How glad?” She took another sip of tea and grimaced. “I’m going to need some honey.”
“I can get it for you,” Elizabeth offered.
“Wait, before you go, did he say anything?”
Elizabeth smiled again. “A few things, actually.” She put her hands behind her back. It made her look like a naughty child with something to hide.
“Elizabeth, what did he say?” Sarah might be feeling better, but not well enough to turn this into a lengthy conversation.
“He kept going down a list of things that might be wrong with you. You know, just in case? He seemed genuinely worried and is very concerned.”
Sarah froze. Should she be concerned too? But no, if Mrs. Fuller was feeling better, then she should be better in a day or two. It was the lack of food that sent her over the edge. “He’s doing what doctors do. Any sign of my mother?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “I told Randall that if she came back, you were not to be disturbed. Doctor’s orders.”
Sarah smiled. “Thank you.”
“She was very upset. I think she’s afraid of losing you.”
“I know she is. I just wish she’d convey her feelings in a different manner.”
“Is that why you grow herbs and take them to the orphanage?” Elizabeth asked. “To be like Dr. Waller?”
Sarah put her cup and saucer on the table next to the bed. “I do it because it brings me joy. That sounds almost selfish doesn’t it? But I like helping people, getting them well, helping them to feel better. I also like teaching them to take better care of themselves. If I couldn’t do that, I don’t know what I would do with myself.”
“Then you found what you’re supposed to give to others before you become an angel and fly up to heaven.”
Sarah smiled, still too tired to laugh. “That’s one way of putting it.”
“That’s something Grammy used to say. She said a lot of things. I miss her.”
“When did she pass?”
“When I was twelve, about five years ago.”
“I miss my sister,” Sarah confessed. “That’s why I like helping people. I don’t want others to lose their lives to sickness like she did. If I can help prevent that in some way, then…”
“Yes, I understand. I think you and Doc Waller have a lot in common.”
Sarah felt her cheeks grow hot and hoped it was the fever.
Elizabeth’s face broke into a wide grin. Okay, so it wasn’t the fever. “He’s sweet on you too, you know. I’ve never seen a man look so concerned before.”
Sarah closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “This isn’t the time to talk about this. But I wouldn’t mind talking about it later.”
Elizabeth nodded. “I understand.” She went to the table and picked up the teapot. “I can warm this for you. Bring you some honey?”
“That would be lovely. Thank you.” Sarah leaned against the pillows and closed her eyes. She listened as Elizabeth gathered up the tea tray and left. She wished Doc had stayed but understood if he had business elsewhere. Problem was, what was she going to do when he came back? She should be feeling better by then and after what Elizabeth shared, she wasn’t confident she could keep her growing feelings hidden.
“Oh, tarnation, I really do have feelings for the man!” She smacked her palm against her forehead. “For crying out loud, Sarah. What’s your mother going to say about this?”
Her hand slid down her face and into her lap as Elizabeth’s words flooded back. “Rich man, poor man, what difference does it make when you’re in love?”
Sarah suddenly realized she was well on her way.
Chapter 11
Doc paced back-and-forth in his room. “I can’t believe I almost took her in my arms.”
“Why didn’t you?” Ned asked and sat in a chair by the fireplace.
“You know perfectly well why not! For one, Miss Chambers was standing in the hall. She would have seen it.”
“Yes, I understand that. You did the right thing. But you must acknowledge how you feel about the woman.”
Doc scrubbed his face with his hands a few times. “That’s the problem. I have. It must have happened in the garden. We weren’t even arm in arm at that point. I put Miss Clemmons behind a rosebush so that Petite fellow wouldn’t see her. After which I got Petite and Miss Chambers back to mansion. Sarah knew exactly what I wanted her to do without me telling her.”
“Sarah, now is it?” He chuckled. “The woman has beauty and a mind. What are you going to do about it?”
Doc paced to the other side of the room and back. “You know as well as I do, that there’s nothing to be done.” He went to the window and looked at the street below. People were going about their business. A maid scrubbed the steps of the house across the street. Several young children skipped down the sidewalk with their nanny, probably on their way to the park. Several carriages drove by. Life was normal among the rich. Back home the neighbor might be herding his cows down the road. Chickens would be squawking, and the goat would be standing on top of the woodpile behind the house. He smiled at the thought as a pang of homesickness hit.
He faced his cousin. “As soon as my studies are done, I’ll return to Gettysburg. Work for a time, then head west as planned. What well-bred lady of Philadelphia would want any part of that?”
Ned steepled his fingers and tapped them together a few times. “What lady wouldn’t mind if she’s in love?”
Doc sighed. “You’re asking the impossible. Sarah Clemmons would no more want to marry me than Elizabeth Chambers would.” He went to Ned’s chair, and, hands on hips, arched his brows. “And what about Nanette Olson? Would she marry you if you were me?”
Ned rolled his eyes and stood. “We’re not talking about Nanette. We’re talking about Sarah.”
Doc let his hands fall to his sides. “She wouldn’t, would she?”
“We are not talking about Nanette, remember?”
“Fine, avoid the question. But you know it’s true.” He returned to the window. “She’s a fine woman, Sarah Clemmons. If only she’d been born poor, like me. There would be nothing to stand between us.”
“There’s nothing between you now,” Ned pointed out.
Doc laughed and turned to face him. “Except her parents, who would refuse me without hesitation. If I so much as suggest the match, they’ll never allow me to see her again. And then of course there’s Sarah herself. She wouldn’t look twice at me. Let’s face it, Ned, I haven’t a chance in the world with a woman like that.” He rested his fists on the windowsill and leaned toward the glass. “But Heaven knows I wish I did.”
Ned crossed the room to him, put a hand on his shoulder, and gave it a light shake. “I’ve never known you to give up so easily.”
“You’ve never been in this situation before.”
“No, but how do you know what will happen unless you try?”
Frustrated, he pinched the bridge of his nose. When was Ned going to see reason? “Because society has already determined the answer, dear cousin. She’s rich and I’m poor. She may find me interesting, in fact I’m sure she does. But marriage? No, she has better sense than that. She’ll marry someone like that Oswald Petite.”
“If Sarah Clemmons doesn’t marry soon, she’ll not marry at all,” Ned stated. “Have you thought of that?”
Doc stared at him a moment. “Because she’s what, twenty-two?”
“Ah ha!” Ned said and slapped him on the back. “You even know how old she is!”
“Because she told me,” Doc said dryly.
“So then, at what age are women considered on the shelf in Gettysburg?” Ned asked.
Doc sighed and shook his head. “I really don’t know. It’s not something I pay attention to.”
“As antisocial at home as you are here, I see. You do at least attend church at home, don’t you?”
“You know I do,” Doc said and pressed a few fingers against his temple. Great Scott, if the man wasn’t giving him a headache! “I’ve got to put this business behind me and concentrate on my studies.”
“After you nurse Miss Clemmons back to health, you mean,” his cousin said with a grin.
“Of course I’ll take care of her, make sure she’s better. But then I think it best I not see her again. Especially after what almost happened earlier.”
“And I almost wish it had,” Ned said. “I think the both of you would have been better off. You could at least do something to determine the lady’s feelings.”
Doc gave him a helpless shrug. “And how am I supposed to do that?”
“Simple. Spend more time with her. You have to go check on her later anyway. Why not start then?”
Doc groaned and ran a hand through his hair. “I wish we had never attended tea at the Olson’s.”
Ned laughed. “Cousin, that tea may very well change your life. If you let it, that is.”
“Yes,” Doc agreed. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”
Ned laughed and headed for the door. “What can it
hurt? Enjoy your time with your patient this evening, cousin.” He opened the door and stepped into the hall. “Just don’t enjoy it too much. Who knows, you might discover that you’re in love!”
Doc watched as he disappeared down the hall. As soon as he was gone, he blew out a long, slow breath. “Too late, I’m already there.”
“You should come home straightaway,” Mrs. Clemmons scolded.
“Mother, I’m perfectly fine where I am. Besides, I shouldn’t go outside. What if I get a chill?”
Mrs. Clemmons blanched. “Heaven forbid! Very well then, you may stay, as there is little choice in the matter. But as soon as you’re feeling better I’m sending the carriage for you. Has Dr. Smith been by?”
“No. Besides, I’m already seeing a doctor and he is handling things properly.”
“You mean Mr. Waller? He is not a doctor.”
Sarah rubbed her forehead with the back of her hand. “Mother, he studies with one of the finest physicians in the world. I’d say that counts for something, don’t you?”
“Fine, don’t listen to your mother, see this charlatan.” She waved one hand in the air and headed for the door. When she reached it, she stopped and turned. “Dr. Smith hasn’t come to examine you at all?”
“No, he hasn’t.”
“Why, that wretched man!” With a huff, she marched out the door and down the hall.
Sarah let her head fall against the pillows. “Thank Heaven, she’s gone.” It was several hours since she’d seen Doc. She slept most of the time and needed the rest. She was hungry again, a good sign, and reached for a plate of biscuits and jam Elizabeth brought up for her. Drinking a little broth before she slept helped curb her hunger until now.
“Oh, blast,” she said. She forgot about Doc’s garlic remedy. When Elizabeth came back to check on her, she’d have her tell their cook to prepare some with butter, then put it on toast as Doc suggested.
She nibbled on a biscuit and wondered when he would arrive. Her stomach fluttered at the thought and her cheeks warmed. She still hadn’t decided what to do when she saw him. Considering her current state of health, nothing was probably the best course. Besides, she had no idea if he had feelings toward her, other than unvoiced admiration. But he didn’t need to say anything. She could see it in his eyes when he looked at her. Her liked the fact she knew about treating folks. And the way he looked at her earlier, my goodness! She’d never seen such concern. She was in such a fog when she recovered from her faint, she didn’t grasp the intensity before. But looking back …
