Page 556 of Conveniently Wed
Lorinda went to where clean sheets were stacked on the bureau. “I’m going to change your bed and help you get cleaned up and in a fresh gown if you’re not too tired.”
“That would be nice.” Miriam’s hands clutched the arms of the rocker so hard, her knuckles paled in the sunlight streaming through the window.
While Lorinda changed the linens on the bed, she kept up a cheerful conversation despite the doubts whirling in her mind. The other woman only nodded or uttered a word or two. Lorinda often glanced at her. Even though she seemed to be wilting in the sunlight like flowers that hadn’t had enough water, she was still beautiful. Lorinda could understand why Franklin had been drawn to a woman with dark hair that still had waves in it even though she was not very healthy right now. Those ice blue eyes were unusual for someone with midnight black hair. Quite a contrast to Lorinda’s blonde hair and pale skin. Maybe Franklin preferred brunettes.
Lorinda hurried as fast as she could. After she fluffed the last pillow and folded the covers back, she set the pitcher of warm water and the empty bowl on the floor beside the rocker. She grabbed a washcloth and a towel from the bureau, then knelt beside their guest and gently washed her face and hands.
“Let’s slip that gown off, so I can finish cleaning you up.”
Miriam leaned forward and allowed Lorinda to do what she said, but she didn’t help in any way. Her patient’s strength and awareness faded. Alarm filled Lorinda. She had to get the woman back in bed as soon as possible.
After Lorinda finished, she held her crooked elbow out to their guest, and Miriam had a hard time rising from the cushions of the rocker. She grasped Lorinda’s arm with her fingernails and desperation and the grip was so hard it made her wince, but Lorinda didn’t let on it was hurting. Slowly, they made their way across the room. After Miriam sat on the side of the bed, Lorinda helped hoist her legs under the covers.
Their patient settled into the softness with a sigh and closed her eyes. She immediately fell into a deep sleep. Lorinda’s heart ached for the woman who had been through so much. Yes, she made wrong decisions, but she’d suffered almost as much heartache as Lorinda had while she still lived with her father and uncle.
She pulled the rocking chair beside the bed and dropped into it. While watching their patient, she lifted prayers for the woman and the baby she carried. As she opened her eyes, she noticed the movement of the baby under the covers. At least, the wee one was still all right...for now.
Franklin carefully opened and closed the door when he came in for the noon meal. He hung up his hat and coat and tiptoed down the hallway to the room where Miriam was staying. Through the open doorway, he saw his wife sitting beside the bed with her head bowed and her eyes closed. She had to be praying for his former fiancée. Lorinda was such a special woman. Who else would take in the former woman in her husband’s life and care for her so deeply? He wished there was some way he could let her know just how much he admired her.Maybe soon.
He went on down the hallway to the kitchen where Mrs. Oleson was talking to Michael.
“Here you are, you sweet thing.” She gave him a pinch from the rolls she was putting in a basket for their meal.
His son grabbed it with his fist and was hard at work, trying to get it all in his mouth.
“Are you spoiling my son?”
She looked up with a smile. “It’s hard to spoil a child before he’s a year old. Or at least, that’s what I’ve heard.”
“I thought I saw Dr. Winston drive away. What did he say about Miriam?” He leaned against the doorpost and crossed his ankles, trying to look nonchalant.
“I’m not sure.” Mrs. Oleson wiped her hands on the towel stuck into the waistband of her apron. “I worked on lunch and took care of our little prince while he was here. Lorinda will be able to tell you what you want to know.”
He stood up and stuffed his hands into the front pockets of his trousers. “I saw her as I came by. She was praying for Miriam. I didn’t want to disturb her.”
“Your Lorinda is a good woman, Franklin. You made the right choice.” Mrs. Oleson lifted the lid from one of the pans on the stove and stirred something that smelled very good. “I hope you’re hungry.”
“I know. It’s just that I can’t tell her...”
“Tell me what?” Lorinda came through the door and smiled at him.
For a moment, all he could do was study her. Her beauty overwhelmed him, even more so since he saw her praying for Miriam.
Finally, he realized she’d asked him a question. “What did the doctor say about our guest?”
He dropped into the chair on one side of Michael while Mrs. Oleson bustled about setting the food on the table.
Lorinda sat on the other side of their son. Worry creased her forehead. He’d seen that expression on her face before, and it didn’t bode well.
“He actually got her up to sit in the rocker while he examined her.”
“That’s good, isn’t it?” The heavy burden for Miriam lifted from Franklin’s mind.
“Yes...and no.”
Lorinda picked up the saucer with mashed potatoes Mrs. Oleson had fixed for Michael and held a small spoonful in front of the baby. He laughed and slapped his little hands on the table tray, then opened his mouth wide.
Franklin would never get tired of watching the two of them. His family. The family he never expected to have. God had truly blessed him.
