In tears, Mama yelled, “I don’t need to be examined. I’m not sick. I need to see my son and I need to see him now.”
The doctor exchanged a meaningful look with Judith. “I understand, Mrs. Davis. Your son-in-law explained the situation. This trip has been difficult and you must be exhausted.”
“Oh, I am, I am.” She sniffed and gestured to Judith. “I am blessed that my daughter and her husband are so good to take care of me.”
Her brief speech appeared to bring on another round of sobbing. “They made certain there’s a bed for me in my wagon, but it’s always moving. The road is bumpy and the wagon bounces and sways. All the time I’m worried about my boy and I’m swaying and swaying.”
As if to emphasize her words, she swayed from side to side.
“We’ll have you feeling better in no time.” Dr. Greer checked Mama’s pulse then listened to her chest with a decades-old stethoscope that couldn’t have helped much. He asked her questions which she answered through sobs.
The doctor opened a glass fronted cabinet and removed a couple of bottles. He turned and spoke to Judith. “I suggest you convince Mrs. Davis to remain in town for at least two or three days.”
Judith adopted a worried look, easy under the circumstances. “She’s so worried. Won’t delay make her worse?”
“I’m giving her a nerve tonic and laudanum to insure she rests. You tell Mrs. Ramirez at the boardinghouse that I sent you. I believe she has vacancies.”
“Are you ready for me to get my husband back in here?”
“Yes, take your mother across the street to the large two story frame house. I think she will be fine when she’s had a few days of quiet rest. Women of her age are prone to hysteria.” The doctor had his back to Mama. If he’d seen the look she gave him, he would have run.
Judith experienced a weird mix of emotions. She was angry at the doctor for assuming brave and strong Mama was suffering from a general diagnosis like hysteria. She reminded herself that was what they’d hoped. At the same time she wanted to laugh at the look Mama had given the doctor. Combining with these sensations was fear for her brother that gnawed at her insides. Heavens, she was a mess of nerves herself.
Once they’d crossed to the boardinghouse Mrs. Ramirez introduced herself as the owner and seemed kind. “I have two vacancies side by side on the second floor.”
She furnished meal times and general information. “You must let me know if I can help your dear mother and you in any way.”
Their rooms were similar in size to those they’d stayed in at the Santa Fe hotel but of a modest décor. The greatest difference was that boarding house rooms were intended for permanent guests of moderate to low income.
Judith helped Mama undress and get into bed. “Stretch out and try to relax. Peyton will bring your valise and you can put on your nightgown then.”
Mama held her arms across her breasts. “I don’t want anyone to see me like this.”
“You’re completely covered. Your shift is as good as a nightgown. Peyton won’t know the difference.”
Mama sent her the look she reserved for times when Judith annoyed her. “I know the difference. I would appreciate you keeping everyone out when I’m undressed like I am. You may not have been raised wealthy but we were always respectable—except for the times you and your brother were running wild.”
Judith smiled at the fond memories Abigail recalled. “We had such fun back then, Mama. We never did anything really wrong.”
“Of course not,” Mama snapped. “I didn’t worry about you doing wrong. I knew you wouldn’t. I was afraid you’d break a leg or arm or your neck. You two did dangerous things. I swear you thought them up simply to torment me.”
She hugged Mama’s shoulders. “You know that isn’t true. We love you too much to ever deliberately cause you worry.”
At a rap on the door Judith tucked the sheet up to Mama’s chin. “Now your modesty is protected.” She opened the door to Peyton.
“Here is Mama’s valise. I’ll put yours next door.” He leaned in and kissed her lips gently. “Things are going well.”
Still as a statue while he closed the door, she heard his footsteps recede. Her fingers touched her lips where his mouth had been. His cheerful attitude encouraged her but she hadn’t expected the kiss. She definitely hadn’t expected to experience these sensations.
“Are you dumbstruck?”
She jumped into action and picked up Mama’s valise. “I’ll find your nightgown for you.”
“Give me the bag and I’ll find it. I don’t want things jumbled.”
Judith did as she asked. Mama opened the valise and the gown was folded neatly on top.
“Mama, it’s right there on top. Why did you insist I would make a mess of your things?”
“Don’t have your feelings hurt, dear. I’m so nervous and I can hardly stand this helpless feeling. We’re so close yet can’t move fast enough to do what I know is needed for my boy.”
“Remember that he’s my brother and I want to see him, too.”
“Oh, I haven’t forgotten. But, to me it seems we’re in prison here. Even my skin is too confining and I want to explode out of it. I know my boy needs our help.”
There was a soft knock on the door.
Judith opened to find a lovely young woman about her own age standing there.
She carried a tray into the room. “My mother sent a tray for the two of you. Your husband said you couldn’t leave your mother to come downstairs for meals.” She set the tray on Mama’s bedside table.
Judith
