Dorcas clamped her lips together, lowering her chin almost to her chest. Glowering, the woman nodded.
“Is anyone else waiting outside? If so, please find out the problem before you bring the patient in.” While this was a change to their routine, Dorcas only agreed quickly and left the kitchen.
The minister’s wife always checked for patients and brought them into her home. Really, over the last two months, Dorcas Potter did well in her role of assistant.
They talked about very little each day since Alice didn’t allow gossip, but Dorcas was eager to give Alice any help she needed. Her attitude actually surprised the nurse.
A lot had surprised Alice in these last months. She’d been pleased by Niall. He was a pleasant companion and skilled doctor. The bitter man only reappeared when a patient refused to let him make a home visit or he had to go into one of the stores in town. Then, he glowered and snarled.
Alice learned quickly to let him bluster and wear out his anger. She’d appear then with some sweet treat. He adored pie, especially. Her husband would grin and tell her, “You’re my healing balm.”
It was a far cry from a declaration of love. Still, she felt a warm affection from him in his casual touches during the day. And his more intense caresses at night. Just thinking of those brought a flush to Alice’s cheeks.
Footsteps let her know Dorcas had returned. No one followed her, and she wore creases in her forehead.
“It’s Milly Murphy. Her little one’s got spots on her chest.”
Alice shook her head. “I can’t see her. Send her home. Niall will have to make a visit.”
“Mrs. Doctor, she’ll think you’re holdin’ a grudge ‘gainst her.” With eyes gleaming, Dorcas waited for an explanation. Alice could see her thirst for gossip. It stood out like a hunger in the woman’s eyes.
“Please, call me Nurse MacKenzie.” She knew it was useless, but Alice kept up the name battle. When Dorcas only stared blankly, Alice pointed to the door.
“Send her away. I have my reasons for staying away from a case of rubella. Or a possible case, that is.”
Dorcas wrinkled her forehead. “What’s rubella?”
“German measles. Not as serious as the red measles.”
Just the mention of the measles had Dorcas paling. “You think we got measles startin’ in town.”
Holding up her hands to calm the woman, Alice hastily searched for something else to explain the spots on the little one.
“No. It could be just a rash. Common enough in this heat.”
“Why don’t you see her then?” Dorcas narrowed her eyes and frowned in challenge.
“Please do what I’ve asked.” Alice rose, gripping the edge of the kitchen table. Lately, she needed to take a moment to gain her balance. Probably all connected with the reason she needed to stay away from anyone contagious.
When the minister’s wife returned, black storm clouds hung on her face. “Milly’s right angry. Said not to send the doctor as she wouldn’t see’m.”
First, Alice needed to be sure no one else needed her. “Was she the last patient?”
The woman’s head bobbed, so Alice moved to the sink and thoroughly washed her hands with the special soap. It included some of Lister’s concoction and would guarantee her own health, she hoped.
Turning from the sink, she ordered, “I need you to take me to your husband. He’ll have to help, I think.”
Chapter 9
Reverend Potter pleaded with the red-faced man. “Murphy, your granddaughter’s ill. Let the doctor see her.”
The blacksmith squared his shoulders and used his considerable height to intimidate. “I won’t have that defiler in my house!”
Before Potter had a chance to respond. Niall held up his hands and sputtered, “I’d never—” His words drifted off before coming back stronger. “Not with a patient. Never with anyone but my wife!”
Murphy stared at him, his fierce eyes narrowing. Not in suspicion. No, the man seemed to be thinking about Niall’s words.
Potter took advantage of the sudden silence to add, “Just look at little Colleen. She doesn’t take after either Niall or Milly.”
Then, he gently added, “I’ve a mind to believe Milly’s frightened by the real father and told a lie.”
Heavy brows lowered over Murphy’s dark eyes. He growled beneath thinned lips before his shoulders sagged. “That’s the same as ol’ Doctor MacKenzie said to me, not four months ago.”
Sensing a softening in the man, the reverend pushed. “Who do you think is behind this? She’d been willing to admit her lie one day, and the next she refused.” With a sad shake of his head, the minister sighed. “I have to believe someone told her to refuse.”
“Not me, reverend. I’m a plain-spoke man who wants truth.” Murphy’s giant fists balled as he spoke. “When I know for sure, I’ll be crackin’ a skull.”
Niall had recovered his composure by this time. “This isn’t helping your granddaughter, Murphy. Get me in there to see her.”
The man tipped his chin and stared before giving a quick nod. “Come on, then.”
Quickly, the men realized that Milly wouldn’t give in easily. She stood at the back door with a meat cleaver raised to strike.
“Go on. My baby won’t be seein’ any snooty doctor.”
At her emphasis, understanding dawned. “Are you offended that I resisted you that day in the surgery?”
An oath erupted from Murphy, causing Milly to duck and hide her face. “Girl, you were tryin’ to pull the doc into a scheme, by the sounds of it. Best come clean and name the man.”
Milly’s gaze lifted to her father with a glare. She stood silent, shaking her head once before fixing a mutinous frown in place. Turning, she left the doorway, giving her
