Read Online When the Heart Heals by Ann Shorey - Free Book Online Page B

from when I first startedat the Barracks. No matter how bad the injury to one of our soldiers, he remained calm.”
    â€œYou didn’t tell us you knew him.” Faith’s voice squeaked with astonishment. “Did he recognize you?”
    â€œNo. I was only there for a month or so before he was sent to a battlefield depot.” She glanced at her sister-in-law, feeling a flush creep up her neck. “I must confess I hoped he’d remember me.”
    â€œNo wonder you wanted to work for him.” Faith sent her a knowing look. “He’s very attractive.”
    â€œDoesn’t matter now, does it? I’ve got bigger things to worry about.” Rosemary stood. “I need to go home, but I’m afraid if I tell Jolene what happened, she’ll blame herself. The poor girl is frantic with fear already.”
    Mr. Slocum entered the store and meandered over to them. “Miss Rosemary. Thought you was working for the new doc.”
    â€œWas. Not anymore.”
    â€œYou coming back here again?”
    â€œI’ll give it some thought.” She leaned over and kissed Faith’s cheek. “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”
    Drops of rain spat at the boardwalk as she strode home. There had to be a way to explain today’s events to Jolene without upsetting her. Rosemary wished she knew what it was.

    â€œI’ll leave right now.” Jolene jumped up from the settee.
    Rosemary blocked her path, arms extended. “You’re not leaving. I want you here.”
    â€œYou lost your job because of me.” Tears streaked the girl’s face.
    â€œNo, I lost my temper. I cost myself my employment. I should have tried to explain things to him.” She dropped onto one of the chairs in front of the window and blew out a wearybreath. Not having the job was bad enough. Explaining the particulars to everyone was worse.
    Bodie padded over and poked his nose under her arm. She reached down and scratched his silky ears. “Good boy,” she murmured.
    Jolene settled back onto the settee, sniffling. “Say what you want. It’s my fault. If I left, would he hire you back?”
    â€œI wouldn’t work for him under those circumstances. My life is my concern—not his.”
    â€œMaybe Miss Lytle would give me piecework again. I’m feeling some better now.” Her large brown eyes reflected a sheen of tears. “I don’t want to be a burden.”
    â€œYou’re not.” Rosemary crossed to the settee. Bending over, she hugged the girl’s thin shoulders. “I’ve already thought of something we can do together.”

    By the time Curt arrived that afternoon with Jolene’s possessions, Rosemary had changed from the drab clothing she wore in the doctor’s office into her pleated moss green outfit. Her skirt swished over the floorboards as she hurried to answer the door.
    â€œYou’re very prompt. No students kept late today?”
    He blinked. “You didn’t tell me you’d be home. I expected Miss Graves would let me in.”
    â€œShe’s upstairs, in your old room.” She pointed at a battered trunk next to him. “Could you carry this up for us, please?”
    He hefted Jolene’s belongings onto the entry floor, then tucked his thumb under Rosemary’s chin. “I’m always happy to see you, but why are you here? It’s only four o’clock.”
    After already explaining her actions to three people, Rosemary abbreviated her answer to her brother. “Dr. Stewarttold me I couldn’t have Jolene here. I disagreed. Faith can give you the details.”
    Curt brought his heels together and saluted. “Yes, ma’am.”
    Rosemary led the way up the stairs and tapped on Jolene’s door. “My brother brought your trunk,” she called.
    In a moment, the girl stood facing them wrapped in Rosemary’s striped blue dressing gown. Her hair hung down