Back out on the street again, Essie took Dorrie’s hands in hers.
“We must move quickly, Dorrie, and it will be up to you and me, as all the others up at the castle have not had scarlet fever, and I will not risk them or the children contracting it.”
“I will do what you ask of me, Essie,” Dorrie said, fighting back the fear.
“I read a journal on this disease. There are many things we need to set in place to ensure we control it. Some will not like what I propose, but we must see it done, Dorrie. We must isolate those that are contagious to begin with, and those related to them must be kept inside their houses. But first we will alert the village what is happening. Then send word to the castle. We need supplies, and James will have enough to start.”
“We could use the church for the sick,” Dorrie said. “The pews can be moved, and the space is large and warm, where you can treat people.”
“Good thinking, but first I must go to Oaks Knoll and find that journal and collect more supplies. Bertie and Josiah will go to the castle with a list of what we need and a note explaining what is happening.”
“Wh-What do you want me to do?”
“Mrs. Radcliff is respected here. Tell her what is happening, Dorrie. She will go with you to the mayor. I need you to do this for me.”
“I can do that. I will do that,” Dorrie said, straightening her shoulders. “I will speak with her about how best to handle what to do next.”
“Good girl. I will be back as soon as I can. Tell Mrs. Radcliff what I have discussed and what we believe needs to happen in the village until the outbreak has run its course.”
Dorrie nodded, hugging her sister, she then ran to Mrs. Radcliff’s cottage and knocked on the door.
“Well now.” The words fell from old Mrs. Radcliff’s lips as she looked at Dorrie. “What has happened, younger Sinclair?”
Mrs. Radcliff had always called the Sinclairs “younger” for the twins and Warwick. “Middle” for Essie and Eden, and “older” for Dev and Cam. Dorrie could not find a smile for it now.
“Essie and I believe there is scarlet fever in the village, Mrs. Radcliff. We have so far visited with Murray Brunt, Ely Hill, and Mary Smith’s two children. Each has the same symptoms.”
“One hopes it kills Brunt. The others, no.” No one liked the man in this village.
Dorrie did not like to wish anyone ill, but Murray Brunt deserved a front row seat in hell for the way he’d treated his wife over the years. She told the elderly woman everything she and Essie had discussed.
“Right, we need to speak to the mayor. He is respected in the community and often a voice of reason. Come along with me, younger Sinclair.”
She could move with surprising speed considering her shoulders were stooped and she used a cane. Soon they were at the house of Mr. and Mrs. Clackers, which was one of the larger ones in Crunston Cliff and sat at the beginning of the main street. Mrs. Radcliff pounded on the wooden front door with a fist.
“Mrs. Radcliff, Miss Sinclair,” Mr. Clackers said upon opening the door. “How may I help you?”
“We have need to speak with you, Mayor. Miss Sinclair has some sinister news that must be acted upon immediately.”
“Of course. Please come in.” The man had a large barrel chest and a bald head. His smile was gentle as he motioned them to enter his house.
“Well now, this is a nice surprise!” Mrs. Clackers entered the room.
“It’s not a social call,” Mrs. Radcliff snapped. “You’ll both listen to what the younger Sinclair has to say, and we’ll do what needs to be done.”
The Clackers shot each other a look but stayed silent.
“Essie and I believe that scarlet fever is in Crunston Cliff. We must act fast to ensure it does not leave our borders and get those with it somewhere they can be isolated.”
“Dear Lord, are you sure?” Mrs. Clackers asked.
“Murray Brunt has a rash and the symptoms, as do both Mary Smith’s children. Ely Hill also. All have similar symptoms.”
“It could be anything,” Mr. Clackers said looking a bit green now.
“It is not!” Dorrie snapped. “I have had scarlet fever, and my sister Essex nursed me. She knows what scarlet fever looks like.”
Mrs. Radcliff took her hand and held her fingers in a firm grip. The support calmed Dorrie.
