Page 26 of Brian and Cora
Elsie paused, apparently waiting for a lull in the conversation to interrupt. She pinched a few inches of her skirt and moved the fabric to and fro.
When the two ladies stopped talking to allow Mrs. Swensen to eat a petite four, Elsie took a seat next to her, saying something in her ear that made the woman stop eating, frown, and shake her head.
With concerned expressions, the two put their foreheads together, talking fast and casting anxious glances at Mrs. Norton and then at Cora and Rose.
What are all these secret conversations about?
By their nods, the two women seemed to come to an agreement. They pulled apart, said something to Mrs. Norton, and the three stood and came over to their group.
The minister’s wife introduced Anna Swensen to Rose and Cora, mentioning that the Swensens were neighbors of Brian Bly and Hank Canfield, although they lived higher on the mountain than the bachelors of Three Bend Lake.
While Mrs. Swensen chatted with the ladies about her family, Cora stopped listening, mentally planning everything she’d need to pack. Surely, Dr. Cameron will provide medical supplies.
Mrs. Swensen shifted her plate to one hand and gave Rose a shy look. “Elsie told me about your niece wanting to nurse Brian Bly, and that you have some concerns.”
Her attention pulled back into the conversation, Cora listened anxiously, almost afraid to take a breath.
Looking at Rose, Mrs. Swensen tilted her head. “Would it ease your mind if I checked on Cora every day?”
Not being entirely alone would certainly ease my mind. But Cora didn’t say so, not wanting the women to know she had any doubts.
“That would be kind,” Rose said stiffly. “But we wouldn’t want to impose.”
With a sniff, Mrs. Cobb inserted herself into their midst. “A daily visit doesn’t settle the proprieties, though, Miss Collier. Who knows what mischief a young man and woman alone could get into?” She gave Rose a steely look. “The niece of our librarian must be respectable. After all, her actions reflect on you.”
Rose bristled. “Then I will appear in a most favorable light, considering Cora’s good-hearted willingness to be of service to a hero in misfortune.”
Mrs. Cobb scowled. “That’s not what I meant, and you know it. I predict no good will come of her doing this.”
Mary Norton drew herself up as far as her petite stature allowed. “Why, Hortense Cobb,” she scolded, her fierceness at odds with her gentle demeanor. “Those uncharitable sentiments are exactly what we hope to allay, and I expect you to doeverything in your power to express support for Miss Cora’s dedication to what she sees as her duty to our injured warrior.”
“I am concerned about Mr. Bly,” Mrs. Cobb said stiffly. “We must find someone else—someone more mature—to take care of him.”
“Who?” Delia asked bluntly. “Mrs. Murphy might normally be willing. But her boardinghouse is full of guests. You know what a busy time of year this is. Everyone who lives nearby and could possibly help out already has responsibilities and is also working hard to stock their larders for the winter.”
Mrs. Cobb looked taken aback. “Well!”
“That’s settled, then,” Delia said briskly, brushing her palms together. “Cora will nurse Brian.”
Cora wanted to squeal and dance for joy. But she didn’t dare appear childish and forced herself to remain composed. Yet even as she felt elation at finally achieving her dream, doubts started to float into her head. She’d imagined working in town under the auspices of a doctor and near her aunt. Now she’d be all alone with her first patient—and a difficult one at that.
Can I really do this?
CHAPTER 9
After being away with the posse for so long, Hank Canfield needed to stock up on supplies, both for his room in the Gordon Building and for his home in Three Bend Lake. He had Elsie to consider now. If she and Constance and Dr. Angus visited, he needed to feed them more than just opening up a can of beans. Thus, his excursion to the mercantile took longer than he’d ever shopped before, as well as three trips back and forth to haul everything back to his room.
He was just about to step into the Gordon Building with a sack of flour slung over one shoulder and his arms holding smaller bags of rice, white sugar, beans, and cornmeal, when a fancy surrey pulled to a stop. He recognized Sam, the Bellaire-Norton coachman, and gave him a nod.
Sam leaned over. “With Mr. Bellaire’s compliments, he requests your presence at his home. You are urgently needed for some advice.”
“Is Elsie Bailey all right?” he demanded.
“All is well with Miss Bailey and the other ladies.”
Hank shrugged the shoulder holding the bag. “Give me a minute to store these upstairs.” Without waiting for an answer,he hurried through the large double doors he’d purposefully left unlocked and took the stairs two at a time until reaching the third floor, where his door stood open, the other supplies stacked on a small table.
Glancing down, he made a face at the flour impressions left behind and went over to the shaving mirror over the sink, where he had to contort himself at various angles to make sure he’d brushed himself clean. Good thing I’m still in my Sunday clothes.
