Read Online The Trouble with Patience by Maggie Brendan - Free Book Online

was torn, and the skirt was in some disarray. He pulled it down over her legs, knowing she would be humiliated beyond belief if she knew it was askew.
    â€œYou! Go get the doctor!” Jed barked at the flustered cowboy, who paused, then took off at a trot. Jed turned back to Patience. “Patience, can you hear me?” His heart banged against his ribs. She wasn’t moving. Had she injured her neck or head?
    A few passersby drew close, forming a semicircle around them.
    â€œIs she dead?” someone asked.
    Irritated, Jedediah didn’t answer but leaned in close to feel the pulse in her neck with his two fingers—something he’d learned during his years of chasing outlaws. He felt the pulse throb against his fingertips. He was close enough that her rosewater fragrance was perceptible, and he moved back, unsure of his feelings.
    Yellow paint splattered her pale face, so he took out his handkerchief to gently wipe the traces of paint from her cheek. Paint also clung to her hair on the same side, now unwound from its pins.
    He didn’t want to move her until he knew how badly she was injured. Then he heard a weak moan and her eyes fluttered open, trying to focus. She took a deep breath, and her hand moved to press against her right side. Thank God.
    â€œTake it easy now. You might’ve broken something. I’ve sent for the doc.”
    Her eyes opened and she blinked, attempting to sit up. He slipped an arm under her shoulders. “What—I . . . ?” she murmured, looking up at him, her face furrowed into a frown.
    He shifted onto his knees, supporting her back, and patted her hand. Something had unexpectedly moved him when he saw her fall, rendering her helpless, frail, and unassuming.
    Where in tarnation is that doctor?

7

    Patience blinked until her eyes finally focused on the face hovering above hers. The pain in her shoulder and head made her feel woozy, disconnected. Is that Emily ?
    â€œOh, thank God!”
    Patience could see the anxiety in the young woman’s face. “You gave us all quite a scare,” Emily said.
    Patience tried to push herself up, but the throbbing in her head made her wince, and when she moved, her right side felt a sharp stab. Emily gently pushed her back against a pillow.
    â€œWhat happened?” Patience asked, her voice sounding to her like it was coming from far away. “The last thing I remember is painting . . .” When she tried to look up at Emily, the room spun, and she felt slightly nauseated. She was in her bed, fully clothed minus her shoes. A quilt was draped across her legs. Late afternoon shadows fell across the room. How long had she been lying here?
    â€œYou hit your head when you fell off the ladder.” Emily’s hand rested on her shoulder. “You stay right there. Let me tell Doctor Gordon you’re awake.” With an anxious pat and a long gaze into Patience’s face, Emily hurried out the door.
    Moments later Emily returned with the doctor. He introduced himself and examined her—looking into her eyes, then listening to her heart. He asked if she had any pain, and she pointed to her side. He carefully felt around the area and stopped when she winced.
    Finally he straightened after a pat on her shoulder and gave her a reassuring smile. “You’ll be fine with a few days’ rest. You have a mild concussion and a few bruised ribs, but I’d suggest not climbing a ladder anytime soon,” he told her with a little chuckle. “Actually, no ladders at all for you, and only light activities for the next couple of days.”
    â€œThank you, Doctor,” Patience mumbled in a daze.
    â€œEmily, if she throws up or seems confused, please come and get me.” He snapped his bag shut. Turning back to Patience he said, “That includes any visual disturbances, all right?”
    Patience nodded her agreement, but even the slightest movement of her head caused