“We’ve been on a break for the holidays, but they start back up on Monday, and then we must all press our noses to the grindstone. Graduation is in April, and I have to complete my thesis paper on childbed fever and modern innovations to prevent its occurrence, as well as attend a great many lectures. And, of course, there will be the inevitable tests.” Faith unbuttoned her coat. “I’ve also been asked to speak at a gathering of gentlemen who are being encouraged to donate to the medical college.”
Andrew frowned. “A gathering of men only?”
Faith shrugged. “I honestly don’t know. Mr. Lakewood spoke only of men, but I suppose it’s possible he said that because they will be the ones deciding whether to give money to the cause. Hopefully some of their wives will be present as well.”
His frown deepened. “You won’t be going alone, will you? Maybe your cousin and her husband could accompany you.”
She was touched by his concern. “I have two of the boardinghouse ladies accompanying me. They wanted to hear me speak.”
“I’m glad to hear it. So what will you be saying to them?”
“That’s partly what I wanted to talk to you about. My family believes that besides speaking on the virtues of women as physicians, I should use the opportunity to speak about the unjust treatment of the Indians and other people of color. Especially since it is a topic that touches me deeply.”
“Why would you need to speak to me about that?”
Faith shrugged. “I guess I just need an impartial opinion on the matter. My friends and family always have in mind what I should do or say, but I thought that since you are a newer friend, someone who doesn’t know everything about me ... well, I thought you might be able to advise me.”
“I see. I’m not sure that’s the case, but I’ll try. You say you were asked to come and help influence donors to give money to the medical college. Do you have people of color attending the college?”
“Mercy, no. It’s hardly acceptable that women are there.”
He nodded. “So it’s not going to promote donations to digress and talk about something unrelated to the college.”
“That’s true.” Andrew was echoing her own concerns about possibly hampering the fundraising effort. “There are a group of students at the college who feel as I do about the injustices done to people of color. We want to start a series of lectures. My folks have even decided to help by donating money for us to secure lecture halls and create advertising.”
“It sounds as if you will have ample opportunities to speak out against the problem of racial injustice.”
“Yes. Yes, I will.” She smiled. “So it’s probably wise just to speak about the topic I’ve been asked to speak on and leave the other for another time.”
A stout man entered the saloon, carrying a tray. He was of mixed race, black and perhaps Indian or Mexican. He beamed Faith a smile.
“I see the captain is entertaining. Ain’t never seen him do that before.”
“Don’t be making something out of nothing,” Andrew warned. “This is the woman doctor I was telling you about. Theone who sewed me up. Faith, this is Remli. He’s been cooking and cleaning for theMorning Starfor over ten years.”
She nodded. “Mr. Remli.”
“Nomister,” he said, depositing the tray. “Just Remli.” He smiled. “Glad to meet you, ma’am.”
“Faith. Just call me Faith, Remli.”
The black man’s smile widened.
“Thanks for the refreshments.” Andrew was already slathering butter on one of the biscuits. “You have to try this, Faith. Nobody makes biscuits like Remli.”
She pulled off her gloves. “I’m excited to sample them.”
Andrew handed the buttered piece to her. Faith took a bite and had to marvel at the cheesy flavor. “This is wonderful. How did you make them?”
“I just mix up a batch of biscuits and then throw in some seasonings and grated cheese. You can put jam on ’em too.” Remli uncovered a pot of what appeared to be blackberry preserves. “The cheese goes along real nice.”
Faith picked up a spoon and added some of the jam to her biscuit. She took another bite. The flavors were delightful. “Mmm. Heavenly.”
Remli grinned. “Glad you like ’em. Captain, if you ain’t needin’ nothing else, I got four meat pies in the oven.”
“By all means, see to it. That’s our supper.”
“Nice meetin’ you, ma’am. Faith.”
