Read Online The Doctor's Undoing by Allie Pleiter - Free Book Online

stump for war bonds after being wounded in battle—was legendary for his persuasive abilities.
    â€œOne rule.” Ida held up a finger. “Only bright, cheerful colors. No white. And not one speck of black, navy or army green.”
    Leanne pulled Ida into a hug. “Not on your life. Pinks and yellows and every cheerful color I can find. I think ruffles on the edges, too?”
    Ida imagined Gitch’s feet clad in extravagant yellow ruffles and could barely contain the glow in her heart. “Absolutely.”
    â€œI can even help from Washington,” Leanne said with a sadness overcoming her smile. Leanne and John were moving soon to Washington, DC for John’s new post as a diplomatic attaché. Ida knew she’d feel the loss keenly when the couple left. She treasured every face-to-face visit with Leanne, knowing soon they’d be confined to letters and infrequent visits. They’d been partners in escapades—knitting and otherwise—for so long, Ida wasn’t sure how she’d keep her spirits up in a place like this without Leanne.
    â€œOf course you can.” Ida tightened her grip on her friend. “Socks mail well. But it won’t be the same. I shall miss you so very much.” They’d been through desperate times together, such as when they’d fought the Spanish influenza outbreak that had almost taken Leanne’s life. Still, Leanne was glowingly happy in her new life and destined for great success in Washington with her dashing husband.
    â€œI won’t worry about you having nothing to do here,” Leanne said as she pulled away and tucked the list into her bag.
    â€œDo you think we need to supply patterns?”
    Leanne thought for a moment. “Not if we gather experienced knitters. Scaling down to small sizes and cheerful colors will be easy for women who knit all those army socks. Honestly, this should be effortless to pull together. I’ll stop by the Red Cross on my way home and come back in a day or so with the list of volunteers.”
    â€œI was thinking we could assign specific girls to each knitter if we can find enough volunteers. That way there would be a personal connection. I want every chance for these girls to know someone outside those gates cares about them.”
    Leanne recaptured Ida’s hand. “Look at you. I never thought of you as having much of a heart for young ones, but it’s so clear you belong here. This place needs my dear Ida’s dose of brilliant color.”
    Ida quoted the pledge behind her. “I shall be loyal to my work and devoted towards the welfare of those committed to my care.”
    â€œWith only the necessary amount of mischief,” Leanne added, giving Ida’s hand one last squeeze before turning toward the door. “Oh!” She dodged to the side as a small boy with a very green tint to his face tumbled into the room half held up by one of the older lads.
    â€œEddie ate dirt,” the older boy proclaimed, as though that were all the explanation required.
    Ida didn’t even bother to ask why but simply reached for a basin with one hand as she waved farewell to Leanne with the other.
    * * *
    Daniel was wrestling with the midmonth invoices and bookkeeping when a knock came at his door.
    â€œCome in.”
    To have Mrs. Smiley appear at his door with a scowl was a near-daily occurrence at the Home. Her scowl today, however, seemed especially severe. It didn’t take a medical degree to diagnose the source of the schoolmistress’s current pain.
    Daniel removed his glasses. “What has Miss Landway done now, Mrs. Smiley?”
    That wasn’t entirely fair, but he was indeed weary of Mrs. Smiley’s litany of petty complaints. She’d yet to grace any of the nurse candidates with her favor. Indeed, Daniel could never be sure the stout woman had ever found any of the Home staff up to snuff—himself included. Still, she’d been hired by his