Chapter Eleven
Shannon was glad that when he returned to the church a half hour later, Riley brought her a clean dress.
“Thought you might want this. I don’t know anything about women’s things, but I remember you wore this once when we played chess.”
“Thank you, Riley.” Shannon accepted her blue calico with delight. “If only I could sneak away to Mr. McGarry’s bath house for a long soak in hot water. Instead, I’ll slip into the storage closet and change.”
When things were quiet that night, Riley tugged her to a seat. “Rest a while. Ila Mae’s fever’s down, Eli is breathing well, Phoebe Porter isn’t delirious, and Mr. Jensen just wants to go home.”
“I hope someone is paying Abner and Harriett for all the food they’ve supplied. I haven’t kept track of how many, but we’ve had wonderful meals.”
“The town will repay them. Probably take up a collection at the Christmas party. You plan on attending?”
“No reason to go. I’ll never fit in here, much as I regret that fact. The citizens of Mistletoe aren’t ready for a female doctor.”
Mouth wide, he looked askance. “You’re simply giving up? Where’s your grit and determination?”
“Defeated. Kenneth Porter only brought Phoebe here because of her diarrhea and vomiting. Even when he left his wife in my care, he insulted me. Jasper Amherst will never forgive me—or you—for asking him to leave.”
“Kenneth Porter and Jasper Amherst do not speak for the town. In fact, they are opposed to everything anyone else suggests.”
She gestured around the room. “The only reason these parents called on me is because they were desperate. If their children hadn’t been critical, they never would have come to my office. Except for the Gibsons, even a free clinic didn’t draw them.”
“Now they know you they’ll bring their kids and themselves to your office whenever they need a doctor.”
“In spite of the fact I was a superb student who graduated early, I had to fight to get into the university, fight harder to get into medical school. I fought to practice as a woman physician.”
“Then you shouldn’t give up now.”
She shook her head. “I thought Montana would be different but it isn’t. People won’t accept a female doctor. I’m out of fight, Riley, drained of any determination. I’m tired of defending my every word or action.”
“What do you plan to do?”
“I don’t know and I’m too tired to make plans now. I have a month to decide and set up something.”
“If you leave, you’ll be making a big mistake. I was against a female doctor, but you’ve proved you’re good. As I’ve gotten to know you, I’ve come to respect your ability.”
“That’s kind of you, Riley. Excuse me, that’s Eli crying.” She rose and went to check on the boy.
Amaryllis was holding her brother. “I tried to quiet him, but he wants Mama.”
“You’re a good sister.” Shannon lifted Eli. “Now, Eli, remember you’re supposed to pretend I’m your mother.”
“I don’t feel good and I wanta go home.”
She clasped the little boy to her. “I don’t blame you, Eli. Everyone here would like to go home. The thing is, when you’re really sick, you need extra care. That’s why you’re here.”
“Dr. Jones came to our house when we were sick.”
“If you were the only one sick, I would come to your house. Now, cuddle up and go to sleep. Amaryllis, thank you for your help but you need to sleep also.”
Amaryllis climbed onto her pallet but didn’t lie down. “When do you think we can go home, Dr. Shannon?”
“Tomorrow. The sheriff will drive you home in my buggy so you won’t get too cold. I’m sure your parents will be happy to see you.”
Shannon carried Eli back and forth with his head on her shoulder until he fell asleep. She tucked him into his makeshift bed.
The next morning the sun shone brightly for the first time in days.
Reverend Nichols stopped by to check on the patients. “I’m happy to see everyone is leaving.” He raised a hand as if to ward off a reprimand. “Not that I begrudge the use of the church, but our Christmas celebration is one of the year’s highlights.”
Shannon took no offense. “I’m sorry we’ve been here so long, Reverend Nichols. Use of the sanctuary was a blessing for those with measles.”
“That’s what church family is about, Shannon. Every drop of energy you had must be gone. Go home and get some rest.”
“I intend to.”
“I’m on my way to check on Miss Walsh and make sure she arrived safely at the home of her aunt and uncle. I’ll see you on Christmas Eve.” The cheerful minister strode purposefully from the church.
Phoebe was the last person to leave.
Kenneth Porter stomped into the sanctuary. “I saw the sheriff taking people home so I came for my wife.”
Shannon pulled him aside. “She’s been extremely ill, Mr. Porter. Although she’s healing from the measles, she isn’t nearly well. She needs from ten days to two weeks of bed rest before she slowly resumes her routine.”
“Two weeks? What am I supposed to do in that time?”
“I suggest you remember the part of your marriage vows. You know, the part about in sickness and in health?”
His face turned red. “You are impertinent.”
“And you are downright rude. Nevertheless, I’m advising you on the care your wife needs to recover. She was close to death, Mr. Porter. You should rejoice that she survived and consider two weeks of convalescence a small price for your wife’s life.”
A stricken expression crossed his face. “Almost died? Phoebe?”
“You must take care she doesn’t get cold or overtax herself or she could have a relapse.”
He strode over and scooped his wife into his arms. “We’re going home, dear. You’ll rest until you’re well.”
Phoebe’s head was on his shoulder as he carried her. Her eyes met Shannon’s. Perhaps the light played tricks, but Shannon thought she saw gratitude in Phoebe’s eyes.
Shannon was gathering blankets left by the sick when Lily and Doreen came in.
Doreen took the cover from Shannon’s arms. “We’ll do that. Some other women are coming to tidy the church and then decorate for Christmas Eve.”
Lily took Shannon by the shoulders. “You go home before you drop on the floor.”
“If you’re sure you don’t mind, I think I will go rest a while.” She pulled on her coat and hat. Somewhere she had a scarf but she found her purse and that was enough. “I changed dresses but I’m not sure where I left the soiled one.”
Doreen shooed her toward the door. “We’ll bring it to you when we find it. You get on home.”
Suddenly, Shannon wasn’t certain she had enough strength to walk home.
Riley met her at the door. “I was coming to take you home.” He held her arm to guide her down the steps and to the buggy, where he lifted her onto the seat.
“There haven’t been any new cases of measles. There was one death.”
“Why didn’t I know about that? Who was so sick?”
“Remember I told you about Daniel Jacobs and how much I would love to punch the guy then arrest him for beating his wife? Well, he came down with measles and wouldn’t let his wife send for you.”
“How terrible for Mrs. Jacobs. She seems like a nice woman.”
“She told me her husband had a high fever and convulsions before he died.”
“Likely the measles went into encephalitis. Rare, but it happens. I didn’t like the man, but I hate that he died needlessly.”
“Yvonne’s looking for a job now because her late husband had no savings and she only has a few cents she saved back.” He pulled the buggy around to the carriage house.
“I hope she finds what she needs.” He lifted her from the buggy and walked toward the house. “Riley, put me down. I can walk.”
“I know, but you don’t have to. I’ll set you down inside the parlor.” When they were inside, Sylvester greeted her so eagerly his whole body wagged.
“Come on, boy, let’s take care of Plato.” Riley held open the door and the dog shot outside.
Shannon wondered if she’d left her medical bag in the buggy. She thought she was having an out of body experience. Her senses took in her surroundings, but as if someone else saw them and she watched the other person.
Her home comforted her but at the same time was surreal. She loved this little house but would only be here another month. Plopping onto the wing chair in front of the fireplace, she enjoyed the decorations she’d made and she and Riley had placed around the room.
She didn’t have a tree, but then she didn’t have presents to give or receive. Tears pricked her eyes. What great hope she’d had for Mistletoe—and herself. Now what was she to do?
Riley and Sylvester came in the kitchen. Sylvester bounded to her and she hugged him then scratched his ears.
“Lucky dog. I’d have run in here if I thought I would get that reaction.”
She smiled at him, hoping he couldn’t tell she’d been teary-eyed. “Thank you for all your help, Riley.”
“I haven’t resigned yet. Come on, let’s get you upstairs.” He tugged her hand to pull her standing.
“Once I sat down, the little energy I had left whooshed away. I don’t think I can walk up the stairs.”
“Sure you can because I’ll help you. Then you’re going to climb into bed and sleep until you wake up on your own. No alarm.”
She started toward the office. “I have to erase the blackboard.”
“Taken care of by yours truly.” He turned her and guided her up the stairs.
In her bedroom, he led her to the bed.
“How wonderful… my own bed. And the fireplace is lit. Marvelous.” Heedless of his presence, she unbuttoned her dress and tossed it aside before she removed her shoes and crawled between the covers.
“I intend to stay here tonight, Shannon, unless you strongly object.”
“Why would I care, I’ll be asleep?”
He cleared his throat. “In fact, I’d like to cuddle up with you. Don’t worry, I’ll leave my britches on and sleep on top of the sheet so your virtue’s safe. I just need to know you’re asleep and warm and safe.”
“That sounds wonderful, Riley. I want to be safe and warm.”
He doubted she knew what she was saying. How she had the strength to last all those days and nights with only an hour’s sleep here or there was beyond him. He’d been there some, yeah, but he’d also come here and slept when he checked on Sylvester and Plato.
After going back downstairs, he locked the doors and made sure his dog had enough water. He stoked the stove so the kitchen would be warm in the morning. That done, he climbed the stairs.
His stomach fluttered like a schoolboy’s. What was wrong with him? Wasn’t like he was going to make love to her, he was just going to sleep beside her. She was sound asleep and wouldn’t even know he was in the room, much less in her bed. He spooned around her and fell asleep almost as quickly as she had.
Frigid wind battering the house waked him. Here he was snuggled in the one place he most wanted to spend time. This must be what heaven was like.
He smiled to himself. No, if this really was his idea of heaven, neither he nor Shannon would be wearing clothes and they’d both be touching under the cover. Whoa, better not be thinking along those lines or he’d not get any sleep.
All sounds disappeared except the wind and Shannon’s soft breathing. Lucky he’d stoked the fire downstairs and in here. The town was in for a cold night.
He worried about the elderly coping. During the winter, he took care of those who couldn’t shovel snow. In summer, he made repairs for them. Being Mistletoe’s sheriff was more caretaker than lawman.
But, he liked his job and intended to remain in office as long as the town let him. So far, no other candidates had come forward. The only complaints were from Jasper Amherst and Kenneth Porter, both of whom would complain about small change if it were raining money.