Page 47

Pausing at Natasha’s slightly open door, Leah took advantage and stepped inside her sitting room. She felt drawn to check on the sleeping girl but was totally unprepared for what she found. Natasha’s hair had been plaited in two long braids on either side of her head. In her arms, she held the doll Leah had seen on her bed that first day. She looked like the child she was, innocent and small. Tears came unbidden to Leah’s eyes.

Oh, God, please help her to bear this. She’s gone through so much and feels so alone.

The silent prayer only stirred Leah’s emotions, so she quickly left the room and headed to bed. The emotional burden of her calling was suddenly much more than she had anticipated.

Erik was at the hospital when Evan Turner’s sleigh driver showed up to find him.

“Mrs. Turner sent me. She said to let you know the telephone is still out at the Turner estate. She’d like for you to check in on Dr. Turner and stay for supper. I will, of course, bring you back this evening.”

It had been a very busy afternoon, but Erik had been concerned about how Dr. Turner was faring. He also knew that Mrs. Turner wouldn’t have sent for him unless things were worse. “I’ll come. Just give me a moment to gather my things.”

He went to the medicine cupboard and pulled out a few items he thought might be needed. Dr. Turner was quite good about giving orders but not as great about taking them. Erik fought a smile at the memory of Mrs. Turner spooning medicine down Dr. Turner’s throat after the threat of getting family and household help if he wouldn’t take it willingly.

The ride out to the estate was much easier than the one they’d had before. Some of the snow had been cleared, but because so many in the city still used horses and sleighs, an entire lane was left with packed snow to accommodate their needs.

At the Turner cottage, Erik found Mrs. Turner pacing. She rushed to him as he entered the foyer. The warmth of the house was most welcome, her worried expression less so.

“His fever is higher and the cough a great deal worse. I know his breathing is labored and painful, but he won’t admit it to me. Evan is in there with him now, and he was shocked at how much his father had declined.”

“I’m sure it’s to be expected. You know how these things must run their course,” Erik told her, hoping to put her mind at ease. He had anticipated that Dr. Turner would worsen before he started feeling better. He was in the early stages of his sickness, and his age was against him. However, his otherwise good health was a bonus that would aid his recovery. “Let me take a look at him.”

She led him to their bedroom, where Evan was throwing wood on the hearth. He glanced over his shoulder when they entered. “I was just building up the fire. We didn’t have time to install a furnace for the cottage prior to them moving in.”

“Don’t need a furnace. There are three fireplaces in this tiny house,” Dr. Turner declared in a weak, husky voice. The effort caused him to cough, and Erik could see the grimace on the older man’s face as he held his right side. The right lung was the one where Erik heard the rales.

He took out his stethoscope and went to his mentor. “Let’s give it a listen.”

“You ordered him to stay warm, so we’re trying to see to that, though it’s nearly zero outside, and the effort is constant. I wanted to move him up to the house, but he won’t hear of it. It’s hard to get my father to obey doctor’s orders,” Evan said while Erik examined Dr. Turner. “He thinks he’s impervious to the things that bother most of mankind.”

“I am well informed as a physician,” Dr. Turner murmured. “I am doing what I can to improve.”

“If you would just allow us to take care of you and stop trying to do for yourself,” Mrs. Turner rebuked gently, “then maybe I wouldn’t be so concerned.”

Erik listened to the man’s lungs and stood up with a frown. “You’re quite congested. It seems both lungs are affected now, but I presume you already know that. I recommend steam with eucalyptus, Mrs. Turner. Close up this room and put a pot of water on the hearth fire.”

“I had considered doing that earlier. I’ll see to it right away.” She exited the room, leaving the men together.

“You know you’re much worse,” Erik said to Dr. Turner.

“Yes, but—” He began to cough. Erik pushed the man forward and did a series of palm hits against the older man’s back to help break up the congestion. The coughing finally eased, and Dr. Turner continued, “I don’t want her to worry. We both knew I’d get worse before I got better.”

Erik glanced at Evan and nodded. “He’s right, of course.”

“He always is.” Evan smiled. “The question is, What can we do to help him now?”

“As I said, I believe the steam will help. Your mother and the housekeeper will probably need assistance keeping up the amount of steam I think will be most useful. You might want to send a footman or maid to keep the fire going and fetch in the heavy buckets of water. I would hate to see the older ladies attempting that.”

“Don’t let Mrs. Turner hear you say she’s old.” Dr. Turner eased back against the pillow. “She doesn’t see herself as such.”

“I simply said she’s older.” Erik grinned.

“I will send some extra staff over around the clock. We will do whatever we must to see Father on the mend.”

Erik pulled out a small bottle. “I brought digitalis with me. I think you should take it while you’re at your sickest.”

“What is that for?” Evan asked.

“It strengthens the heart, helps with the fluid build-up, and slows any racing beats.” Erik opened the bottle and produced a pill. He glanced at Dr. Turner. “I presume you agree?”