“That is not the point,” Daniel answered curtly. I have diagnosed this as diphtheria, Alistair. All Richard’s symptoms indicate the disease.” He looked up at the pompous man who watched him closely. Daniel wanted to throttle him to somehow make him realize the seriousness of the situation.
“I do agree that Richard is not well, but this is not a serious condition.” Alistair raised his eyes to the ceiling in frustration, his voice patronizing. “In a week’s time he’ll be on his feet and all this palaver will be forgotten.”
“Alistair,” Daniel began, his voice stern. “I think you may be the one who has gone mad. Are you forgetting that until very recently diphtheria was always a fatal disease? Even though we have better treatment methods at our disposal now, diphtheria is still to be treated with great concern. Are you willing to permit the possibility that this serious disease could result in a runaway contagious outbreak in Cheyenne resulting in certain death, at least for some?”
Alistair was silent, gazing fixedly at the floor.
“First it would spread in Cheyenne,” Daniel admonished with a direct stare that reminded Alistair of his sworn Hippocratic oath. “Then it would spread to Laramie County, throughout all of Wyoming, Colorado, spreading possibly as far as Nevada—andwecould have prevented it.”
Alistair’s silence continued for a time. “Although you might be overreacting, I do see your point.” He sighed. “Very well, I shall pay a visit to the mayor and tell him of this …illnessand pass on your concerns and suggestions. However, I still think this could cause unnecessary disturbance and even hysteria among the good people of Cheyenne.”
Daniel felt immediate anger and entertained the urge to send him packing. Instead, he watched Alistair turn away and heard him mutter in annoyance to himself.
“Alistair,” Daniel called out, unable to hide the irritation that colored his tone, “Please do be quick about this important public safety errand.”
Chapter Nineteen
Ruth had never imagined something like this could happen again. It all seemed unreal. At first, she hoped it had just been a nightmare— memories from the days of her father’s illness. But it was real, and it was not her father this time, it was Richard Bloomer.
She followed Daniel’s instructions and spoke to Robert, and everything after that became a blur. She met his younger brother, Carl, who was not too different from Robert; they could have been the same person for all she remembered. Both Jimmy and Elizabeth had been surprised and worried at the news, and while Carl helped Jimmy hitch Spark to the carriage for the journey back to the clinic, Elizabeth made tea.
“You must stay strong,” Elizabeth cupped her hands around Ruth’s hands firmly. “I can tell Jimmy has taken the news hard, but he won’t show it. Ruth, I know I’m asking much, but please stay strong for Daniel.”
Ruth held Elizabeth’s gaze and nodded, “I will. It just brings back dark memories.” She felt like she’d been sucked into a whirlpool of emotions and had to somehow resist it, otherwise she would be useless to help Daniel and most of all, Richard Bloomer.
Jimmy called Ruth, who thanked Elizabeth for the tea, and with Jimmy’s help climbed into the carriage next to Carl, who was ready to go.
“Go like the wind,” Jimmy rubbed the horse’s neck gently. Carl gave the leathers a shake and Spark began a brisk trot. Ruth barely heard Jimmy yell, “I’ll be praying, Ruth.”
Ruth closed her eyes. The carriage rolled quickly down the road, buffeted from side to side by speed and the uneven road.
After what felt like forever, they finally reached the clinic and Carl helped her out of the carriage.
“I’ll take care of the transportation from here,” Carl said with a slight drawl, and his face serious. “Tell Daniel we’ll keep his horse and carriage mighty good.”
Ruth hurried inside the front entrance and upon entering the ward she heard Richard’s short rapid breaths, but he seemed stable. Daniel was seated at the bedside and looked up as she approached. She worried at the serious expression on his face.
“Where’s Alistair?” Ruth looked around, feeling a sense of relief at his absence.
Daniel stood and went over to a desk, picking up what looked like a white scarf and handed it to her.
“Please wear this to protect yourself. Be sure to cover your nose and mouth.” His blue eyes were intense, and he watched as Ruth complied carefully. “Alistair has reluctantly gone to inform the mayor about the situation here. There’s a chance that the mayor will close the schools and quarantine the town,” he told her. “The railroad won’t be happy, but it’s for their own safety.”
“I think it’s safest thing for everyone,” Ruth agreed. She lifted her head and swallowed as their eyes met and they looked at each other. As usual of late the intensity of his gaze made Ruth’s heart beat faster.
“You look tired,” Daniel seemed tense with worry. “Please sit, have some water.”
On an oak table against the wall was a jug of water and several glasses. He. He filled one and handed it to her, which she accepted gratefully. The ride to the ranch and back had been long and tiring, but she felt confident. She needed to be strong for Daniel and Richard.
“I’m relieved to see that Richard seems more at ease.” Ruth gave Daniel a warm smile, even though she felt nervous and her hands were clammy.
“I’m sure Jimmy took the news hard,” Daniel said and pulled his chair closer to her. “He and Richard often worked together around the ranch and became good friends—almost like brothers.”
Ruth nodded, “Elizabeth said the same thing, but Jimmy didn’t say much beyond that he’d be praying for Richard’s recovery.”
“He wouldn’t,” Daniel leaned back in the chair with a sigh. “Jimmy isn’t one to express his inner feelings.”
The ward turned silent save for the boiling of the kettle and Richard’s short rasps of breath.
