“What?” Richard didn’t seem keen, and his brows knitted curiously, “Alistair’s not here? That’s odd; I hope nothing has happened to him.”
Ruth remembered what Daniel said earlier and told Richard, “I’ve looked at Alistair’s room and made everything more comfortable for you,” she giggled, “I doubt he’ll like the changes I made.”
“Thank you, Ruth,” his smile was cheery, but his voice was hoarse, and he seemed breathless, “I’ll speak with Dr. Grant after we’ve tended the patients, and hopefully,” he paused with a grimace, “Alistair will have arrived before then.”
Ruth’s eyes narrowed, “Are you alright, Richard? You seem flustered.”
“I’m fine, just a bit of a sore throat,” he said, pulling on his collar. “ “It’s probably just the heat and too much talking.”
“Perhaps you should rest in the ward,” Ruth stated. “I’d feel better if Dr. Grant examined you.”
“Alright, if you insist,” Richard placed a fisted hand at his mouth and emitted a small cough. “Tom came along, and I imagine you’ll see him later with Mary,” he,” he said, following Ruth to the ward that housed four beds and she noticed him shiver. Once he had settled in one of the beds, she added more coal to the stove, then checked on him and found he had fallen fast asleep.
***
By the afternoon all the patients had been attended to and Daniel joined Ruth at the nurse’s station. Despite the busy morning, Ruth thought he looked as fresh and handsome as ever. She felt herself warm toward him because of the kindness and dedication he displayed to his patients.
He gave her a smile, his tone friendly. “Thank you, Ruth, for your help today.” She felt her heart flutter and she noticed his eyes didn’t stray from her face. Their eyes met and time stood still for a moment. “I appreciate all your hard work.”
“I enjoy working at the clinic,” she confided and took a deep breath, “though I am finding it difficult to mind Matthew and fulfill the duties of a nurse at the same time.”
“A few nurses have responded to the advert,” Daniel responded in a friendly tone, his eyes on hers. “We’ll find a nurse soon, I’m sure.”
“Ahem! Am I disturbing something?” Alistair’s familiar baritone was tinged with arrogance.
Ruth and Daniel turned to see him frowning, his mustache neatly trimmed, and his hair styled as usual. He wore a tailored black suit that appeared to be new.
“I should go tend to Matthew, seeing as my duties are over now,” Ruth said with a quick glance at Daniel who affirmed with a small nod. He didn’t look happy at Alistair’s sudden appearance.
“Oh,” Ruth exclaimed, remembering suddenly. “Richard is in the ward, Daniel.”
“Yes!” Alistair interrupted with disdain. “I noticed him lethargic in the ward. You need to deal with him, Daniel. It’s unacceptable.”
“I don’t think he’s well,” Ruth said, eager to inform Daniel. “I took him there to rest until he felt better. He seemed flustered and when he coughed his breath smelled sweet.” There was something about Richard’s symptoms that disturbed her.
“Maybe so, but you’re not a doctor,” Alistair chided. “I’m sure Richard will soon be on his feet again.”
“I hope so,” Ruth said softly, unconvinced, and stood. She was further taken aback when Alistair stopped her by placing his hand on her arm.
“If I may have a word, please,” Alistair’s smile was tepid and the edges of his mustache tipped upward as he looked at Daniel and added, “Alone.”
Ruth immediately saw irritation on Daniel’s face, and his eyes flashed anger.
“If only for just a quick moment,” Ruth interjected with a weak smile. “I don’t mind, but I really need to relieve Rose so she can resume her duties.” The last thing she wanted was to have a conversation with the pompous man, and she didn’t want to see Daniel any angrier.
“Of course, my dear, I have things to attend to as well.” He shot a quick irate glance at Daniel. “It seems my order has finally arrived; I need to prepare medication to refill our stock.”
Ruth saw Daniel breathe in deeply and purse his lips before he turned and went upstairs.
“Pardon him,” Alistair said with an edge of superiority. “He sometimes doesn’t know his place.” He paused, ignoring the shock on Ruth’s face, and continued before she could defend Daniel. “I remember you now,” he peered at her with a twinkle in his light brown eyes. “You were lost at the traindepot on a day I had to collect an order. The freighter can be awfully incompetent at times,” he sighed dramatically. “I noticed your distress and wanted to help you, but you disappeared."
He looked at her as if she were a helpless little girl and Ruth was certain the sincerity in his voice was false or practiced. “I would really like us to start over.” He drew in a short breath and puffed himself up as a peacock might preen itself. “By certain interference I fear we started off on the wrong foot.” He chuckled and his attitude angered her. “Perhaps I could show you some of the sights in Cheyenne.”.
“Alistair,” Ruth said sweetly. “I appreciate your sentiments; however, I must get to Matthew. Perhaps we can talk later.”
“Before he could answer, she moved swiftly past him and went upstairs. She could hear him muttering in surprise behind her.
As she got to the nursery, she thought over the animosity between Alistair and Daniel. She silently prayed that the Lord would grant her wisdom and the ability to deal with Alistair. She knew he was proud and conceited, and she wondered if she could discourage him from his self-righteous ways. She would pray for him and hopefully he would humble himself before the sight of the Lord.
