“Let’s hope they eat them then.”
He fell into step beside her.
“Baron, will you tell me about Ash?”
She felt his eyes on the side of her face but kept hers forward.
“I doubt he would wish me to.”
“I know. I’m just trying to understand him more.”
“Because you like him?”
“Of course. He is family, after all.”
“But he is more than that to you, isn’t he, Dorrie?”
“I really don’t want to answer that.”
He made a hmmm sound in his throat, which she did not want to interpret.
“Come, we will sit for a while.” He took her arm. “I’m sure a few minutes will not matter.”
“There have been no more sick today.”
“Which would suggest that what your sister and I implemented is working.”
He took her to where the fire still smoldered. Into it went rags, clothes, and anything Baron and Essie believed should be burned.
“Ash’s story is not mine to tell, Dorrie. But I will say he’s endured many hardships at the hands of a cruel man and that changed him.”
“And you suffered also, Baron, and likely as much as Ash.”
“I will not deny it.” He patted her hand again. “I met Ash when he took his first voyage with Radcliff. He is a strong man who I soon came to respect and admire. We learned a great deal about each other during our time at sea.”
“I’m glad you had each other,” Dorrie said. “You are both good men. Neither of you had to help us here in the village, and yet you have. We will be forever grateful.”
“It was an honor to help you and Essie. But if I may speak plainly now, Dorrie.”
“Of course.”
“I have never seen Ash look at anyone like he does you. His brother yes, but that is different. If you believe he is worthy of you, then you must fight for him, Dorrie.”
“Oh, I…” The words fell away as she looked in Baron’s eyes.He knew how she felt about his friend.
“Bring him home to his family, Dorrie. It is where he is meant to be.”
He leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead, then rose and walked away.
Dorrie sat there for long minutes staring into the fire. Was she strong enough to fight for him? How did you fight for a man who did not believe his life worthy of living? That he was not worthy of love.
Regaining her feet, she delivered the rest of the fruit and vegetables and then went back to the church. For now she had to deal with this; when she left here, she would think about the rest.
The church had only four patients left. She washed, tied a piece of material around her face, and then went to speak with them, even reading a story to Mellie Long, who was improving every time she saw her.
“Can you take this to Emily Brunt? It’s for her horrid husband, who is improving but slowly. I will never not treat anyone, but he is a man who tests that,” Essie said. “Just leave the jar on the doorstep and knock, then walk away. I want you nowhere near that beast.”
Dorrie hugged her sister and left. The streets were still clear of people, but that would not last. Soon life in Crunston Cliff would begin once again.
