They had no sooner walked into the front room, however, than they came face to face with Grace Armistead. Her expression made it clear that she wasn’t in any mood for nonsense.
“How could you have taken her to the hospital in the middle of the night?” she asked Faith.
“She was going to go there with or without me.”
“I would have too, Mama. I had to see him,” Nancy countered. “It’s very bad. The nurse said the doctor hasn’t much hope. We need to pray like we’ve never prayed before.”
Grace’s expression softened. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart, but having this baby early isn’t going to help matters. Your father and I will be happy to take you there when it’s time for proper visiting hours. First, however, you must get some sleep.”
“I doubt I can sleep. Not until he’s out of danger.”
“He wouldn’t want you putting yourself and the baby in danger,” her mother scolded.
Faith suppressed a yawn. “Your mother is right. We all need to rest.”
Grace got up. “Come on, Nancy. I’ll help you get ready for bed, and I’ll stay with you like I did when you were little. Rememberwhen you were afraid, and I would lie down beside you and tell you stories?”
Tears came to Nancy’s eyes. “Yes. I remember. Nothing could hurt me so long as you were there.”
Knowing Nancy was cared for and Clementine was already headed upstairs, Faith returned the carriage, then made her way to bed. She didn’t even bother to undress but fell across the bed and closed her eyes.
I’ll just rest for a minute and then change my clothes.
When she opened her eyes, it was light again, and there was an irritating sound coming from her door. She stretched and sat up only to realize the sound was knocking.
“Come in.”
“Sorry to wake you,” Mimi said, coming into the room, “but the delivery man said this was urgent.” She brought Faith an envelope.
“Who is it from?”
“The man said it was from Mrs. Lakewood.”
“What could be urgent from her?” Faith opened the envelope and pulled out a notecard.
Come to tea at two this afternoon. It’s most important I speak to you regarding the college.
It was signed Deborah Lakewood.
Faith tossed the invitation onto the bed. “What time is it?”
“Noon.” Mimi smiled. “Grace said to let you sleep as long as possible.”
“Is Nancy still sleeping too?”
“No. She and Clementine went with Grace and Alex to the hospital. They left earlier this morning.”
Faith nodded. “I’m glad. I knew Nancy would be difficult to keep here.”
“Is it really as bad as they were saying?”
“It is. It will take God’s mercy to bring Seth through. He’s in a very bad way. Clementine is going to need your love and support in the days ahead.”
Mimi lowered her face. “We’ve been praying all day. Bedelia and her sister even left to meet up with some of their church ladies who are having a sewing circle this afternoon. They plan to get them to pray instead.”
“Good. Prayer is what will see us through.” Faith glanced down at the invitation. She might as well go and find out what Mrs. Lakewood wanted. Then she’d make her way to the hospital and see if Seth was still holding on to life. “I must look a fright.” She got up and began to pull out hairpins. “I’ll have to take a bath and rearrange my hair.”
“I’ll start the water for you while you get ready,” Mimi said, heading for the door. “Oh, there’s also some lunch warming on the back of the stove. Bedelia left it for you.”
