Ruby (Angel Creek Christmas Brides Book 3) Page 7

  Trevor took walks and tried to figure out how to deal with Pearson, who remained unconscious. The man had developed a fever overnight and was now sicker than ever.

  “Ah, there you are Doctor.” Captain Beauregard approached. “I am grateful that you’ve come to take care of my men. The army hasn’t been able to recruit enough men in your profession, which leaves small posts like mine without doctors.”

  Trevor understood, although doctors didn’t make a lot of money in the west, he still made triple what an army officer did. “Captain, I am not sure I can do much more for Pearson than what has already been done. He is unresponsive and doesn’t seem to be improving. In fact, quite the opposite.”

  The man scratched his beard. “He is one of my finest men. I hate to hear it. A damn snake scared the horse. A horse that’d been to many a battle and had remained calm during turmoil.”

  “It happens,” Trevor replied. “Tell me, was Pearson conscious when brought in?”

  “Oh yes,” Beauregard replied. “He was yelling up a storm. Demanded nothing be done to his horse and that he be let to die rather than be paralyzed.”

  “I’m going to have to amputate his left arm,” Trever stated calmly. “Better to do it while he’s unconscious. I believe that is what’s causing his fever.”

  The captain’s gaze met his. In his eyes, Trevor saw trust. “If you must. Do what you can Doc. I’d hate it if the man died.”

  “I presume you hate losing any of your men,” Trevor said

  “Despite what could only be described as a harsh life, Pearson is a good man. He’s had more than his share of tragedies. Lost his wife and child in the civil war and came out here to forget. That this happens now makes no sense. That horse caught him by surprise.” The captain shook his head.

  Trevor admired those that, despite the odds not being in their favor, persevered. “I’ll fight to save him.”

  The captain’s gaze met his and he nodded. “I know you will.”

  ***

  Ruby was banned from entering the infirmary even though she insisted to Trevor she’d witnessed more than one amputation. It seemed for a long time as if it was the quicker way for doctors to deal with injuries. Although she wasn’t schooled in medicine, some of the injuries seemed as if they would heal if left alone and kept clean.

  Rather than dwell over what happened, she decided to wash some clothes even though it was rather cold. She only had two of Trevor’s shirts and some underskirts that she’d wash and hang to dry in their room. Just as she began her chore, movement behind the trees got her attention. Ruby kept her face down as she scrubbed the clothes in a tub that had been set up behind the kitchen area.

  Cookie insisted she remain close by and she was grateful for his protection. A soldier watched her from behind a tree and although she could not make out his face, somehow she knew it was the same man who avoided her during meals.

  A shiver went up her spine at the continued perusal by the man who didn’t try to hide very well. He casually lit a cigarette and continued to stand there.

  Even though he was too far to cause her any harm, the man’s scrutiny made her uncomfortable. When she finished rinsing the clothes and tipped the tub over to allow the water to spill out, he was gone.

  She went back to her room after promising Cookie to return shortly for her cooking lesson. Providing meals for the soldiers was hard work, however, she was grateful because she was learning to cook and passing the time being useful and not idling in the back of the wagon or in their appointed room.

  She tugged a thin rope that was nailed to the wall to another corner and wrapped it around the nail there. Once that was completed, she placed the wet clothing over it. Ruby backed away feeling satisfied. Although she’d been raised in a family that could afford help, it was good she’d been a curious sort and had insisted on learning basic housekeeping skills. Unfortunately, cooking had been the one area her father had not allowed her to participate in.

  When she was about to head back out for her lesson on biscuits, a package in the center of the bed got her attention. The package had a blue ribbon wrapped around it tied in a simple bow. Her name was written on it, the handwriting not at all like Trevor’s.

  Her lips curved. It had to be from Trevor. No one else would think to give her a gift. The smile lingered as she untied the ribbon and opened the parcel. It was at that moment that her smile was replaced with something else. Anxiety and fear turned her blood to ice.

  It had to be a cruel joke. Ruby took a shaky breath and lifted the small item in her hand allowing the crumpled wrapping to fall to the ground.

  She held a dainty embroidered handkerchief. The pale yellow fabric was weathered and discolored, but there was no mistaking it. She’d made it and carried it with her often. When her fiancé had gone off to war, he’d taken it with him.

  Could it be possible? Was the man she and his family had grieved for not dead? Ruby swallowed.

  Just then she heard footsteps and kicked the crumpled paper under the bed. Quickly, she tucked the handkerchief and ribbon into the pocket of her skirt. When she turned, Trevor was at the doorway. “I came to find you. I was just in the mess to get coffee and Cookie told me you and him plan to prepare biscuits.”

  Ruby mustered a smile. “Yes. I was just finishing hanging up the wet clothes before returning to the kitchen.”

  “I’ll escort you back then,” he replied, searching her face. “Are you unwell? You seem a bit pale.”

  Of course this would be the one day since they’d arrived that he paid attention o her appearance. Every day he’d been to busy to do more than grab a quick meal and fall into bed exhausted at the end of the day.

  “I’m fine. Just a bit tired. There is so much to do here.” Ruby threaded her arm through his. “How is Pearson?”

  “He’s alive for now. I believe removing the bottom portion of his arm will give him a better chance to recover.”

  She shuddered. “I feel so bad. He’s young isn’t he?”

  Trevor shrugged. “Not really. I’d say mid-thirties. However, no matter the age, losing an arm or leg is not something a person relishes.”

  They made their way to the kitchen and Ruby was immediately glad for the distraction of the activity in the room. As promised, Cookie was ready to make biscuits and had all sorts of ingredients set out for the lesson. Ruby looked to Trevor. “I am not sure we have all this at home.”

  Chapter Eight

  Trevor woke to knocks at the door. He’d finally been able to get plenty of rest and spend time the night before with Ruby. They’d remained awake talking. He thoroughly enjoyed conversations with his wife, who in turn seemed to enjoy discussing a variety of topics.

  However she’d not brought up the subject of whatever item she’d hidden from him. Even after asking her if anything of interest happened during her day, she’d not commented on it. He’d caught sight of her kicking something under the bed and tucking an item into her pocket. When he’d arrived back at the room that night, he’d not found anything.

  “One moment,” he called out and slipped his arm from under a sleeping Ruby, who turned to the wall and continued sleeping.

  He slid from the bed and pulled pants on. Outside the door stood Hank, his hair askew and eyes drooping. “He’s awake.”

  “Who?”

  “Pearson.”

  “I’ll be there shortly.” Trevor turned around and rushed to get dressed.

  Upon entering the infirmary, the room had not changed one bit. The sick men lay about in different stages of illness. While some heaved into bedpans, others slept soundly.

  It was cold in front of the space and those that were not feverish had been moved to the opposite end where the windows were closed and they were covered with extra blankets.

  Hank stood by a bed at the very back of the room where Pearson lay. Trevor approached with caution for some inexplicable reason. The ill man’s glazed eyes moved to him. He didn’t speak, but instead kept his gaze as if trying t
o communicate in a silent way.

  “Can you talk?” Trevor asked.

  The man opened his mouth, but the only sound was a soft moan.

  “He’s in pain Doc,” Hank said. “Should I give him some…”

  “Not yet,” Trevor interrupted. “Let me examine him.”

  The fever had abated, but Pearson remained warm to the touch. His pulse was strong and his wounds for the most part were healing. There remained one that was questionable on his right buttock. “Make sure you clean this wound again, rinse it out well. If he can stand it, we’ll prompt him to lay sideways to let it air out.”

  Pearson moaned several times during his examination and closed his eyes when Trevor unwrapped what was left of his left arm.

  “I had to amputate your left arm at the elbow. You would have died otherwise. If you’re right handed, you should be able to lead a normal life.”

  The ill man made no sound. “Your legs and everything else seem to be working fine. There remains a troublesome spot back here.” Trevor pressed above the man’s wounded buttock. “However, I don’t foresee the need for much more than keeping it clean.”

  After administering some medication for pain, Trevor helped Hank turn the man onto his side. “I’ll see about getting someone to bring broth.” The soldier who usually helped clean out the chamber pots hurried closer. “I’ll go to the kitchen. Haven’t had breakfast yet.”

  Once he was assured Pearson was comfortable, Trevor walked out and considered whether to seek a meal or see about Ruby. Once again he wondered what she’d hidden the day before and why she’d kept it from him. He turned to go to their room just as she emerged. Bright eyed and hair twisted into a bun at her nape, she was beautiful without effort. She smiled when noticing him.

  “I’m late to help Cookie. Were you already at the infirmary?”

  “I just came from there. I need to get some things. I’ll meet you at the kitchen. Go on and see about what you have to do.” They stood just a few feet from the door and he pressed a soft kiss to her lips.

  His wife blushed prettily and hurried off toward the kitchen.

  The room was neat. She’d made the bed and folded the clothes they’d worn. The dirty clothes were placed on a chair and everything else remained atop a table. He went to the table and looked over everything. There was nothing of notice. Interesting. Had she taken with her whatever had been in the box?

  Why didn’t he just ask her. He was a blunt man after all. She wasn’t like his mother, was not going to abandon him and lie about returning for him. Ruby would not hide things deliberately to hurt or harm him.

  Just then a book took his attention. It was one of his that she’d brought to read. So far neither of them had the chance to do so. He lifted it and within its pages were a delicate handkerchief and a blue ribbon. Trevor touched the soft fabric and wondered if Ruby had brought the items from home. Under the book, there was a crumpled piece of brown paper. Upon it “Ruby” had been written in messy penmanship.

  He looked to the items, his gut clenching. Did someone there at the camp know his wife?

  With purpose, Trevor walked across the courtyard into the kitchen. There was a line of men who waited to be served. Cookie was yelling at Corporal Smith and Ruby rushed to the serving table with a tray of scrambled eggs and once there she began scooping them onto the men’s plates. Another red-faced soldier placed what looked to be meat or beans and a biscuit next the men then shuffled into the room where tables were set for them.

  It was a small contingent, perhaps thirty, but when they all congregated somewhere, it easily became crowded.

  “Hey Doc,” a soldier neared. “I want to thank you for taking care of me. You and your wife are kind to do so.” The young man’s head bobbed as he spoke and Trevor recognized him as one of the first to recover since he’d arrived.

  “I’m glad to do so and to see you’re well enough to be around food.” He smiled when the soldier nodded.

  “Yes sir. I’m hungry all the time now.”

  By the time all the men were served, Trevor had drank two cups of coffee and ate several biscuits. They were not as good as usual, a bit hard and flat. He then realized that day had been Ruby’s first time to make them.

  His wife sent several questioning looks in his direction and he smiled in return letting her know he enjoyed the meal.

  Her faced brightened and it made him happy. Now if only she’d tell him what had happened. Then again, perhaps it was nothing. It could have been a package she’d brought with her from South Carolina.

  “Doc.” Hank appeared. “I think you should come to the infirmary.”

  First thing upon entering, his gaze went to Pearson who was wild-eyed and visibly upset. Tears slipped from the corners of his eyes as he fought against whatever was happening.

  “Calm down,” Trever said, holding the man’s shoulders down. “What’s wrong? Tell me.”

  “I-I can’t feel them? I can’t feel my arms. My legs. I hurt.” Pearson gritted the words out in the hoarse voice of someone who’d not used their vocal cords in some time.

  He and Hank exchanged looks. “Let me examine you.”

  Trevor grabbed a pair of prongs and poked at Pearson’s shoulder. “Do you feel that?”

  “Yes,” Pearson said, visibly struggling to remain still, his body trembling.

  “What about this?” Trevor pushed the prongs into the man’s upper arm, first tone and then the other.

  Both times Pearson said yes. They continued with the right arm and then the upper and lower legs. Pearson felt everything. However, he could not control or move any of his limbs of his own accord. His body could’ve been reacting to the amputation. It could be the brain was confused over what had happened.

  Trevor placed a couple drops of opium into water and helped Pearson drink it. “Let’s take care of the pain first and then we’ll take this one step at a time.”

  Hours went by. Between coaxing Pearson to attempt movement and caring for the other patients, Trevor lost track of the day. It wasn’t until Ruby appeared with a tray of food that he realized how late it was. He walked to the front of the room just as the sun disappeared on the horizon.

  “You should eat,” she admonished. “You can’t help them if you become ill yourself.”

  Trevor looked to Pearson who seemed to have fallen asleep. Earlier, he’d sent Hank off to get rest since the man was about to fall over from exhaustion.

  “I’ll watch him. Take the food to the storage room and eat.”

  Ruby remained at Pearson’s side until he emerged a few moments later. She smiled at him. “He’s not woken. By his coloring, he seems to be better.”

  “He is. Still has a long road ahead of him.”

  “Interesting.” Ruby cocked her head to the side. “You and him resemble a bit. I can’t quite put my finger on it.”

  Trevor frowned and looked to the sleeping man. “I don’t see it.”

  “You’re much more handsome of course,” Ruby whispered and he chuckled.

  “And I do believe you need to get some rest Missus Collins.”

  The next day Pearson was doing better. Trevor had managed a couple hours of sleep on one of the empty cots.

  He sat next to Pearson’s bed now as the man lifted and lowered one arm and then the next. Once the spasms ended and his fear ebbed, he began to regain control.

  “Captain Beauregard holds you in high regard,” Trevor told him. “He tells me you’re from out east.

  Pearson nodded. “Virginia. Served with the Union forces.”

  “I see.” Trevor couldn’t help but see some similarity in their lives. Both from Virginia, a harsh life, and ending up in the same place in Montana.

  The man studied him for a long moment. “If I don’t regain full control and am not able to walk, I will end my life Doc. I won’t become a burden on others.”

  “You’ll walk. I will however caution you to not ride a horse for some time yet.” Trever pressed his lips together to keep from
grinning at his wise crack.

  Pearson chuckled. “I suppose I can do that.”

  When Hank appeared looking refreshed along with Corporal Smith pushing a cart of food to feed the men, Trevor decided he would go see about washing up and finding something to eat as well.

  Just past the back fence, he caught sight of movement and saw Ruby hurrying toward their wagon. She stopped and smoothed her hair while looking over her shoulder toward the field where the creek was.

  When she saw him, her eyes widened, but she quickly regained her composure.

  When Trevor walked toward her, she seemed to shrink back as if not wanting him to come any closer. “Is something wrong? You seemed to be coming from the creek as if spooked by something.”

  She flushed. “I had gone to freshen up and thought I saw a wild animal or something.” She glanced toward the creek again. “I’m sure I’m being silly.”

  “Would you like me to go back with you?”

  “Oh no. I’m fine.” She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and attempted to walk past.

  Trever took her arm. “If you were freshening up, where is your bag? You are not carrying anything.”

  “I just needed to wash my face and…”

  “Comb your hair? Where is your brush? A drying cloth?”

  “Trevor,” Ruby’s breathing hitched. “What are you insinuating?”

  “Why are you lying to me?”

  Her eyes rounded. “I am not lying. Why would you say such a thing?”

  Unable to think of what else to say, Trevor hesitated. He needed to hear an explanation that made sense, to know what exactly had occurred that had her so frazzled. Why was the woman not telling him what happened.

  Instead she gave him a stubborn look and remained silent. She didn’t pull out a comb, nor was she carrying any kind of cloth. Besides they had water in a washbasin in the room.