His legs felt weak, his stomach turned, and he almost lost his balance when he stepped back. His eyes were glued to them. It was not possible. He turned away, his eyes stinging as he headed back to the clinic. Could this day just be a dream? Perhaps he’d fallen asleep at his desk and would find Richard awake in bed and Ruth in the ward. But when he reached the ward, Richard was still gone, and Ruth was not there. It was not a dream. Ruth was with Alistair; it was real.
Rose had placed a clean washbowl and a pitcher filled with fresh water on the table near the entrance of Ward A and Daniel used it to splash his face. He was about to leave the ward when Rose approached.
“Dr. Edgar Brady has arrived,” Rose reported. “I told him to go to the back.”
“Thank you, Rose.” Daniel tried to muster a smile. “I’ll go meet him.”
Dr. Edgar Brady was slender in striped trousers, a pale blue high-collared shirt folded over a black tie, and a loose black jacket. He lifted small round spectacles to the bridge of his nose. Daniel was surprised that Brady’s once full head of dark brown hair was streaked with silver. Gone were his trademark sideburns, beard, and mustache.
“Ah, you have finally had that haircut,” Daniel gave a friendly smile and leaned to one side with a hand on his hip, “I thought that mop of yours was here to stay.”
Brady chuckled and his British accent manifested. “I had no choice. One night Agatha mistook me for the dog. I nearly had to sleep outside.”
Daniel was thankful to join him in laughter and enjoyed the rest of Edgar’s story regaling how he insisted his wife have her eyes tested.
Edgar had four young helpers with him who carried a long wooden casket inside. Daniel had them wash their hands and wear cloth coverings over their mouths and noses to protect themselves. Although Richard was gone, the risk of diphtheria infection might still be present until the ward was sterilized.
“This is an awful tragedy,” Edgar shook his head sadly. “Mr. Bloomer was a such cheerful fellow; he will be sorely missed. I think he was the only person in Cheyenne that enjoyed Agatha’s lemon and pumpkin pie!”
“Lemon and pumpkin pie?” Daniel quirked a questioning brow at Edgar. “Where did Agatha get the recipe?”
“She’s always trying new recipes for the bakery,” Edgar chuckled. “It just so happened that Richard was the first customer to praise that particular pie. Maybe his heart was too soft to offend her, or perhaps he truly liked it. Most people only tried it once,” he continued drily. He shook his head. “We will truly miss poor Richard.”
“Richard’s wife and son are in the waiting room whenever you are ready.” As much as Daniel enjoyed seeing Edgar, it was almost always for a distressful reason. Such was the nature of Dr. Brady’s business.
“Of course,” Edgar said quickly and his helpers set to work. “Oh, I wasn’t aware that Alistair had found a young lady. I saw them the other day,” Edgar noted as an afterthought. “She is quite pretty. However, she seems a bit young for him, in my opinion. But I should be pleased for him. I suppose love comes in many forms,” Edgar paused, noting Daniel’s stricken expression. “Do you disapprove, Daniel?”
Daniel took a deep breath. “It’s just the shock of everything. I haven’t quite come to terms with it all.”
“I see—very understandable,” Edgar’s voice carried sympathy. “I shall speak to Richard’s wife and then I will take my leave.”
“Yes, thank you for your assistance today. Please give my regards to Agatha.”
Edgar stopped just before he left the ward, “I miss seeing you at Old Gem’s. Haven’t seen you there for a while.”
“Oh, right, yes,” Daniel swallowed and gave a smile, “I no longer visit Old Gem’s. I’ve decided to curtail my drinking habits. My full attention is on Matthew and my medical practice these days.”
Edgar raised a brow and inclined his head. “Is that so? Well, that is interesting.”
“Well, I have been so busy at the clinic I haven’t noticed much else,” Daniel smiled benignly. “Mary now, she and Tom are just devastated. If there’s anything I can do to assist with arrangements, just let me know.”
Edgar inclined his head, “Of course,” and headed toward the waiting area.
Edgar’s workers lifted the casket and Daniel led them out. He knew Ruth would return soon and he had no idea how to face her. He sat at his desk with his head in his hands and felt the world crumbling around him. The thought of her possibly leaving to be with Alistair was unfathomable. He had to try to convince her that Alistair was all wrong for her. Could he convince her thathecould make her happy?
He blew out a deep gusty sigh. Maybe he was being selfish. He wanted her to be happy, and if Alistair made her happy then he’d somehow find a way to accept it. He closed his eyes, shook his head, and wondered why God brought Ruth to him in the first place. He had fallen in love with her, but now it seemed too late.
Light footsteps sounded on the staircase, but Daniel ignored them. Only at the sound of Ruth’s sweet voice did he lift his head and frown. For a moment he had forgotten his world. Suddenly, she was at his door, looking nervous.
“Ruth, what is it?”
“Do you trust me?” she asked, stepping into the room. Her eyes were pleading.
“Yes,” Daniel responded without hesitation. “I trust you more than anyone.”
Ruth nodded solemnly and words began to tumble out of her mouth.
“I am going to have dinner at Alistair’s house,” she said, her eyes never leaving his. Her sudden revelation brought him out of his stupor immediately.
