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

pain and nausea. She was sure she would have plenty of reminders about her mishap with her body’s cautions to take it easy.
    â€œI’m leaving some headache powder you can easily mix with water, to make your headache tolerable.” He walked to the bedroom door. “You were very fortunate, Miss Patience. I don’t need to see you again unless you get any of the symptoms I’ve just discussed with Emily.”
    Patience couldn’t seem to think clearly. “Of course. Thank you for coming.”
    â€œI’ll walk you out, Doctor,” Emily said, following him from the bedroom.
    When Emily returned, she carried a fresh pitcher of water. She poured a glass, then sprinkled the powder into it, givingit a whirl with a spoon. She slipped an arm under Patience’s shoulders to lift her slightly, then handed the drink to Patience. “I’m going to let you rest, and I’ll tell the others that dinner will not be served tonight. The boarders will make other arrangements for a day or two.”
    â€œBut—but I can’t let you do that.” She tried to protest before swallowing the bitter-tasting water. “I can’t run the boardinghouse if I’m lying here, and I’ll lose the boarders I have . . .” Her voice trailed off weakly.
    â€œDon’t be silly. They’ll understand,” Emily said briskly as she pulled the curtains together. “They’re boarding at the nicest, cleanest establishment in Nevada City,” she said as she turned back to the bed. “Perhaps it’s best if you try to sleep. You’ll feel so much better after you rest.”
    â€œThank you, Emily,” Patience said through a wobbly smile. Were those violets on Emily’s dress? Hard to keep her eyes focused.
    â€œDo just as the doctor said. I can help you as much as I’m able, except for the time I’m at the café, of course.” Emily pushed Patience’s hair away from her eyes. “I’ll come back in a little while, rustle up some soup or broth for you.”
    Patience was suddenly too tired to say any more. Her eyelids closed, and she felt her body beginning to relax.
    Painting the inn would have to wait for a while.

    When Patience opened her eyes, there was a fire in the grate, and it was dark beyond the curtains. She couldn’t believe she’d slept. Then it came rushing back—her fall from the ladder, and coming to her senses in her own bed.
    She struggled to sit up, then carefully swung her legs over the side of the bed. She sat very still, waiting for a wave of dizziness to subside. The door opened, and Emily entered with a tray and a cheery greeting. “Hello, Emily,” Patience said. Her side felt mighty sore. She supposed she was very fortunate not to have broken her neck since Emily had told her she was nearly at the top of the ladder. My angel must’ve been watching over me. She couldn’t help but smile at the thought. For years her grandmother had told her that Patience had her very own guardian angel. She liked to believe it was true.
    â€œI thought you might be awake by now,” said Emily. “I scrounged around the kitchen and found some leftover soup and bread. I hope this will do.”
    Patience’s stomach growled in response, and they both laughed.
    â€œI guess that was your answer.” Emily placed the tray in Patience’s lap. Taking a seat on the bed, she removed the linen napkin.
    As Patience began her supper, Emily told her what she knew about the incident. “It appears that one of the rungs on that old ladder was cracked, and your dress must’ve gotten tangled in a piece of split wood when you tried to step down. The marshal heard you scream and ran to you.”
    â€œMmm . . . I vaguely remember seeing someone, but I thought it was Cody. Maybe my mind’s befuddled, Emily.” She took another bite of the bread, butter liberally spread on