Page 142 of Strangers in Time

Stephens coughed and said, “That is why we lock the door.”

“But why did you tell me that she is, well, practically speaking, not going to live much longer?” said Molly.

Stephens looked at Foyle, who said resignedly, “It has nothing to do with her mental issues, Miss Wakefield. She has an incurable disease in her kidneys. That’s the principal reason she is bloated, because of the retention of fluids, as you so sagely noted. As these fluids build it puts enormous stress on other organs, including the lungs and the heart. It has reached a stage where no more medical treatments or procedures are possible to prolong her life.”

Molly, Charlie, and Oliver sat there looking stunned.

Foyle said, “I’m very sorry, Miss Wakefield. We really did all we could. Now, I hate to rush off, but I have night rounds to make. I’m sure Dr. Stephens can address any further queries you might have. Again, thank you for coming. I’m sure your mother was very much pleased.”

After he left, Molly turned to Stephens. “So how long does she have?”

Stephens looked uncomfortable at the bluntness of Molly’s question. “I… I would say two weeks or so, if she doesn’t take a dramatic turn.”

Molly put a hand to her forehead and closed her eyes.

“I’m sorry, Miss Wakefield, we really did try to help her.”

“I’m sure you did all you could.” She glanced at Oliver before saying, “Has my father been by to see my mother recently?”

“No, he hasn’t. That surprised me because he once came quite regularly, even with the disruption of war. But I did write as often as I could to keep him informed.”

“I noticed that your letters stopped coming to our home,” said Molly.

“Oh, yes, that’s right. I received a cable from Mr. Wakefield that directed us to send any correspondence to an address in Scotland.”

Molly shot Oliver a look. She said, “So he knows that my mother is dying?”

“Yes, at least he does if my letters reached him.”

“Did some men from the government visit here?” asked Oliver.

“Yes, they did, as a matter of fact,” said Stephens. “They asked about your father. I hadn’t heard from him at that point for many months and told the men that. The cable from your father about the letters going to Scotland cameafterthey had visited here.” He paused and studied her. “Is there someproblem?”

“Apparently, but that is not your concern. And how are things being paid for?”

“Your father gave us a large amount that has been more thansufficient for her care. We should not require any further payment. But we have lost a great many of our nurses to the war effort. I do worry about our ability to adequately care for our patients going forward.”

“I would like to help then,” said Molly abruptly. “I can assist the nurses you do have.”

Oliver said, “Molly, do you really think that’s a good idea? I mean, what with your mother’s condition? And with everything emotionally you must be going through right now?”

“It would provide something constructive for me to do, while I wait for my mother…”

Stephens said, “That is wonderfully generous of you. Thank you. Now, you all need to get some rest. Shall we reconvene tomorrow morning over breakfast?”

“At which time I would like to hear what you know about my wife,” said Oliver.

Stephens looked at him sadly. “Yes, of course.”

They walked to their cottage and gathered in the front room. Oliver studied Molly, who was sitting in a chair and staring down at her hands. “Molly, I’m so sorry.”

“And my father is in Scotland? Is Major Bryant wrong and he’s not a killer?”

“What?” exclaimed Charlie.

Oliver filled Charlie in about Molly’s father. Then he turned to her and said, “They rarely get such things wrong.”

Molly said, “I had hopes for something better for her. And him. But hopes don’t always come true, do they?”

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