Read Online Calico Brides by Darlene Franklin - Free Book Online Page B

father would want to know.
    “Good.” Dr. Devereux shifted his bag into his left hand. “Unfortunately, family business demands that I leave town as soon as possible. My daughter is expecting a difficult, um, confinement. There is an excellent physician over in Langtry. He’ll be here next week, but if you need a doctor before then, you can contact him and see if he can come.”
    The doctor must have seen the terror that Haydn felt at his words. “As I’ve said, most of the time these illnesses work themselves through the system. Mr. Keller is a strong individual, and I expect him to rebound. I’ll keep you both in my prayers.”
    Haydn asked, “How much do we owe you for the visit?”
    “I’m not going to pay that charlatan a single penny,” Grandfather rasped.
    “Don’t worry about that now. You just focus on getting him better.” The doctor disappeared through the door.
    “I’ll go home and gather my things before I return.” Gladys stared at Haydn, as if daring him to disagree. “I’ll let my parents know where I’m going to be, and I need to get word to Aunt Kate not to expect me. I’ll set up a schedule with Mrs. Fairfield.” As she ticked off the things she would do, Haydn alternated between wanting to hug her and to shoo her away.
    By the time she came back, Haydn had started on biscuits to eat with Aunt Kate’s soup. Gladys carried a small valise with her. “Where can I leave my things?” She headed up the stairs as if she planned to stay awhile.
    “There’s a room to the left of the stairs,” he called after her. “Do you want to eat?”
    “Yes.” She peered down the stairs. “Let me finish those biscuits for you. Give me a minute.” She returned a few minutes later, her feet encased in warm slippers. “You go out there and stay with Mr. Keller while I finish up cooking.”
    Haydn wished they could linger over the table, enjoying bowls of soup and biscuits slathered in butter. But that defeated the purpose of watching over Grandfather.
    Pulling his chair away from the fire, where the warmth tempted him to slumber, Haydn opened his Bible to Mark’s gospel again. What would Jesus do if He showed up in Calico today? Would He have stilled the snowstorm that cut Grandfather off from a doctor’s help when he needed it? Would He accept an invitation to supper and heal Grandfather as long as He was in the house? Sometimes the Jesus of the Gospels seemed remote from life almost nineteen hundred years later.
    Except for someone like Gladys, who loved people the way Jesus loved them. She brought out a tray with three bowls and a platter of biscuits. “I have an apple cobbler and whipping cream for dessert. Mr. Keller might not be able to eat it, but we can enjoy it.”
    Haydn spared a thought to wonder who had canned the jars in the pantry. Aunt Kate was probably behind the food. Gladys didn’t touch her bowl; instead, she woke up Mr. Keller and fed him vegetable broth one spoonful at a time. She didn’t stop until he emptied the bowl. “I bet a glass of milk would taste good, but I wonder if it would curdle in his stomach when he’s sick like this.” She lifted his head so he could drink from a glass of water.
    Mr. Keller opened his eyes and roused enough to look around. “Minnie, is that you?” Lifting a shaky finger, he pointed it at Haydn. “Young man, you take good care of my Minnie, now.” Refusing Gladys’s offer of more water, he closed his eyes again.
    “Minnie was his wife.” Gladys’s voice shook a little. “That was sweet.” She exchanged the empty bowl for a full one.
    “Do you want me to heat that for you?” His own empty bowl made him embarrassed. He hadn’t waited on Grandfather; he hadn’t even said a silent word of grace.
    “This is fine.” She gestured with her spoon. “Feel free to get yourself some more soup, or if you’re ready, bring out the cobbler.”
    “If you don’t mind, I’ll take a second bowl of soup.” He had given Grandfather the