Page 49 of Brian and Cora
Cora moved to the window to see Dr. Angus at the reins of a surrey, with Constance beside him and Elsie and Hank in the back.
"Brace yourself," she warned Brian. "The invasion has arrived."
He groaned but sat up, straightening the lapels of his exotic robe and running a hand through his disheveled hair, trying to smooth it back.
After a knock, Dr. Angus entered first, carrying a pair of wooden crutches that he maneuvered through the door. Even if Cora hadn't known he was Dr. Cameron's brother, the resemblance was unmistakable—the same red hair andpenetrating blue eyes, though Dr. Angus was younger and leaner.
Constance, in a fashionable green outfit and matching hat, followed, carrying a picnic basket.
Elsie came behind her, holding a large jar of what looked like tea. She shifted the jar, tucking it against her side with one hand and hugging Cora with the other arm. “How have you been managing?”
“Managing is the word,” Brian grumbled.
Cora sent Brian a pointed glance. “Perhaps not managing a certain stubborn patient as well as I should.” She gave Dr. Angus an apologetic look. “He only agreed to take the laudanum for two days. So today, he’s only had willow bark tea.”
"Ah, aye.” Dr. Angus’s blue eyes twinkled. “Y’er the lass who managed to get this stubborn fool to take his medicine." His Scottish brogue was thicker than his brother's. "Well done."
The unexpected praise warmed her.
"Two days' worth," Brian reiterated defensively. "And I'm done now."
"Two more than I expected," the doctor replied cheerfully. He set the crutches against the wall and moved to examine Brian's leg. "Let's see how ye’re healing."
Brian pointed an impervious finger at the women and then the back door.
Cora would have liked to stay and observe, for Brian had refused to let her examine his injury. But since Dr. Cameron had told her unless the wound seeped, or the bandages became dirty or wet, that she could wait to change them until Dr. Angus checked him over.
Feeling grateful for female company, she led the women to the back porch, pointing out the haunt blue ceiling, same as on the front, and the new rocking chairs.
“Four of these.” Constance patted the top of one rocker. “I noticed two on the front porch. So thoughtful of Mr. Bellaire to provide enough for company.”
When Dr. Angus called them inside, Constance and Elsie bustled about the room, exclaiming over the improvements to the cabin, which they’d heard about but not seen, and fussing over Sassy Girl, who lapped up the attention.
"These are beautiful curtains," Elsie said, fingering the brown velvet. "They'll be so warm this winter."
"Don't remind him," Hank said with a grin. "Brian's still coming to terms with them."
Brian rolled his eyes, and they all laughed.
After Dr. Angus pronounced himself satisfied with Brian's progress, he demonstrated the proper use of the crutches. "The key is to let your arms take the weight, not your armpits," he instructed. "Like this.” He handed the crutches to Cora to hold while he helped Brian to his feet to practice, and the others moved back the furniture to create a longer corridor.
Elsie scooped up Sassy Girl and sat on one of the wooden chairs with the dog on her lap, holding the puppy tightly.
Brian positioned the crutches under his arms and stood carefully, his face tight with concentration. His first attempts were awkward, his movements jerky, uncertain, and, from the tight cast of his countenance, painful. But gradually, he found a rhythm, moving slowly across the cabin floor.
"Look at you," Constance said warmly. "You'll be racing Sassy Girl around the lake in no time."
"More like hobbling after her while she runs circles around me," Brian muttered.
But in spite of his depreciative words, Cora could see the satisfaction in his eyes at being mobile again.
"Careful," Hank called out as Brian nearly clipped the table leg. "Those aren't wings, you know."
"Could've fooled me," Elsie giggled. "Brian looks like he's trying to take flight."
Even Brian's lips twitched. "Better than hopping around on one leg like a wounded crow."
"Crows are very intelligent birds," Cora said with mock innocence, directing a playful dart at Brian. "Though perhaps not known for their grace."
