7

Patience blinked until her eyes finally focused on the face hovering above hers. The pain in her shoulder and head made her feel woozy, disconnected. Is that Emily?

“Oh, thank God!”

Patience could see the anxiety in the young woman’s face. “You gave us all quite a scare,” Emily said.

Patience tried to push herself up, but the throbbing in her head made her wince, and when she moved, her right side felt a sharp stab. Emily gently pushed her back against a pillow.

“What happened?” Patience asked, her voice sounding to her like it was coming from far away. “The last thing I remember is painting . . .” When she tried to look up at Emily, the room spun, and she felt slightly nauseated. She was in her bed, fully clothed minus her shoes. A quilt was draped across her legs. Late afternoon shadows fell across the room. How long had she been lying here?

“You hit your head when you fell off the ladder.” Emily’s hand rested on her shoulder. “You stay right there. Let me tell Doctor Gordon you’re awake.” With an anxious pat and a long gaze into Patience’s face, Emily hurried out the door.

Moments later Emily returned with the doctor. He introduced himself and examined her—looking into her eyes, then listening to her heart. He asked if she had any pain, and she pointed to her side. He carefully felt around the area and stopped when she winced.

Finally he straightened after a pat on her shoulder and gave her a reassuring smile. “You’ll be fine with a few days’ rest. You have a mild concussion and a few bruised ribs, but I’d suggest not climbing a ladder anytime soon,” he told her with a little chuckle. “Actually, no ladders at all for you, and only light activities for the next couple of days.”

“Thank you, Doctor,” Patience mumbled in a daze.

“Emily, if she throws up or seems confused, please come and get me.” He snapped his bag shut. Turning back to Patience he said, “That includes any visual disturbances, all right?”

Patience nodded her agreement, but even the slightest movement of her head caused pain and nausea. She was sure she would have plenty of reminders about her mishap with her body’s cautions to take it easy.

“I’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.”

“I’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, giving it 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.”

“But—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.

“Don’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.”

“Thank you, Emily,” Patience said through a wobbly smile. Were those violets on Emily’s dress? Hard to keep her eyes focused.

“Do 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.

“I 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.

“I 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.”

“Mmm . . . 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 it.

“Well, Cody was there too, but the marshal took over and sent him to fetch the doctor,” Emily explained. “I heard the scream and got here just as Cody left.”

“Nice of the marshal to help.” She took another bite of bread and looked over at Emily. “What? Why are you giving me that look?”

“Oh, I’d say that the marshal was doing a little more than just a nice thing. I think he’s interested in you,” Emily answered, eyebrows arched. “I saw his expression when he was feeling for a pulse in your neck—fear, then relief.”

“You must be joking. It’s his duty to help. He was probably wondering if I’d be bringing him breakfast biscuits again,” she tried a little chuckle but quit when it hurt her side. So it was Jedediah who took care of me.

Emily was shaking her head. “No, it was more than duty, Patience. He carried you up here after the doctor said you could be moved. He was very attentive and has already come again to check on you. I told him you might be able to receive visitors in the morning if he wanted to stop by then.”

Patience felt warmth spread to her face. Jedediah’s arms had lifted her, carried her right into her bedroom. “I’m sure he thought I was nothing more than a clumsy fool. Emily, I can’t thank you enough for being my nursemaid. But I feel pretty good now that I’ve had something to eat.”

They continued talking, finding out they shared more than a few similarities. Patience told her new friend about her family and her near engagement to Russell, then his death, and Emily shared how after her parents had died from an outbreak of diphtheria she’d become the ward of her uncle, who gave her everything she needed growing up. She had the sense that Emily was about as lonely as she was.

“Oh, goodness! Look at the time. And I have to be up early.” Emily stood, lifting the tray. “Do you need help getting ready for bed?” At Patience’s shake of her head, Emily said, “Fine then. If you need anything—anything at all during the night—just give me a holler. I’m sure I’ll hear you across the hall. I’ll stop by in the morning before I leave for Longhorn’s.”

Patience gave her arm a squeeze, then slowly stood and followed her to the bedroom doorway. “Emily, thank you again. I enjoyed getting to know you better, even if the circumstances were not the best. If there’s anything I can do to repay you, please let me know.”

Emily shrugged. “It’s what friends do for each other. Don’t forget, you don’t need to get up early to prepare breakfast—everyone has been forewarned.” She slipped from the room, and Patience closed the door to prepare for bed.

She soon found herself between the covers and allowed the warmth to envelope her like a cocoon. She thought about what Emily had said concerning Jedediah’s interest in her. Her friend had seemed pretty certain about it, but Patience wasn’t. Jedediah? Interested in me? Emily must be mistaken. Still . . .

Jedediah had trimmed his mustache, splashed on a bit of toilet water along his newly shaven jawline, and donned a clean chambray shirt. Outside he spied a patch of blue bachelor’s buttons growing alongside the stage depot. He looked around to see if he was observed, then quickly bent to pick a bunch. It was mid-morning by then, so he’d decided to check in on Patience. He did need to pay her for the boxed lunches, so he had a good reason for the visit.

He sauntered down the boardwalk past his office, but slowed as he neared the Creekside Inn. The cowboy—he’d forgotten what he’d said his name was—stood high up on a ladder, slapping yellow paint on the outside of the inn. The same yellow that was matted in Patience’s hair. What in tarnation is he doing that for? Is he a good friend of Patience? Jedediah intended to find out more about the stranger. Why hadn’t he offered to finish the painting for Patience? After all, that was part of their agreement.

Feeling silly with the wildflowers in hand and an observer up on the ladder, he turned back in the direction he’d come and saw Hannah sweeping the sidewalk in front of her bakery. He’d have to give Patience the money later—when Mr. Cowboy wasn’t around.

“Mornin’, Miss Hannah. Maybe you’ll find a place for these,” he said, thrusting the bouquet in her hands. Her mouth dropped open as he strode on past her.

“Thanks, Jed, but where ya off to in such a rush?”

Jedediah heard the exasperation in her voice, but he didn’t look back.

By the time Emily peeked in on her, Patience was slowly getting dressed, careful of the bruise on her side. Though she was still stiff, she was grateful her headache had subsided.

“I’m leaving now,” Emily told her, “if you’re certain that you can manage getting your breakfast. I didn’t want to wake you earlier.” Emily stepped into the room and helped Patience with the buttons on her dress.

“I’ll be just fine,” Patience assured her. “Maybe I’ll have just a piece of toast this morning, and I can easily manage that. In fact, I feel quite well, except for the soreness in my shoulder and ribs.”

“Good! Now, don’t overdo, and I’ll see you after supper or as soon as I can get away from the café.”

Patience assured her she would be careful. After she left, Patience tried brushing her hair up into its usual chignon as gently as she could. Tenderness from a bruise and swelling on the side of her head caused a sharp intake of breath. Instead of her comb, she used her fingers to make a loose knot at the back of her head. It would have to do for now, even if Jedediah stopped by, as Emily had indicated he might. She pinched her cheeks to add a little color and was glad for the green sprigged dress that brought out her eyes. Patience sighed. If she couldn’t be tall and willowy like Emily, with her golden hair and honey-colored eyes, she could at least be bright and cheerful.

This kind of thinking got her absolutely nowhere.

After downing another two cups of coffee, Jedediah leaned back with his boots propped against the porch railing and surmised that he was simply confused. Considering how he’d reacted earlier, it all made no sense. Patience, with her lovely eyes and witty tongue, along with her deep faith, left him bewildered and wondering. He believed in God, but she seemed to take her faith a step further—writing “devotionals,” whatever they were, and spouting off about them. And then, of all the nerve, suggesting he might have regrets in his past. Why would she presume such a thing about his life? She didn’t know him from Adam. Why should he care how many devotionals she wrote? They meant nothing to him, and there was nothing between him and Patience.

Except for some reason or other, she stuck in his craw. He knew little about her—who her parents were, where she came from—and maybe he didn’t need to. Forget whatever Hannah said or thought. He and the Patience woman would mix like grub worms in a tomato patch—pure disaster. Especially if she knew me for what I really am.

He’d walk over there now and pay her what he owed her, then leave it at that. At least until he needed lunches again.

Patience was sitting in a rocker on the front porch, chatting with that cowboy still up on the ladder, when Jedediah walked up. Hadn’t this dude finished yet? For goodness’ sake! He could’ve had the entire front painted by now. Cowboy’s slow. Or maybe he wants to paint at a snail’s pace to hang around longer. He hoped the slowpoke wasn’t charging her for the job.

“Why, Jedediah, good morning. It’s good to see you this beautiful day. I wanted to thank you for coming to my aid yesterday.” She gave him a little smile. “Forgive me if I don’t stand. My head still feels somewhat strange at times.”

Her usual rosy cheeks were pale, and her eyes seemed dull as she gazed at him. A dark blue bruise swelled the side of her face.

“I’m sorry it happened, but glad you’re up and feeling better.” He placed one foot on the top step, removed his hat, and leaned an arm across his knee.

A light pink now bathed her face. “Thank you. Emily said you sent for the doctor and—and carried me inside.” She nervously fingered the fringe on the shawl draped across her shoulders. “I hope it wasn’t too much of a bother.”

Cowboy cleared his throat and turned to them from the top of the ladder. “I was the one who went after the doctor for you, Patience.”

“Sure ’nuff, you did. Because I asked you to, cowboy,” Jedediah drawled.

“Cody. My name is Cody.” He flashed an annoyed look at Jedediah.

“Got it. Cody.” Jedediah winked at him, then handed Patience an envelope. “This is payment for the lunches you made. Everyone said to tell you they were delicious,” he said, fully aware that Cody had one ear cocked to their conversation. Wasn’t he way too young for Patience?

She nodded, glancing inside the envelope. “I’m glad you all enjoyed the lunches. Just let me know when you think you’ll need them again.”

“I’ll do that. You take it slow for a few days.” Jedediah could have sworn her eyes softened when she looked into his. He smiled at her, watching her full lips lift at the corners with a sweet smile.

“Oh, don’t worry. Emily’s making sure of that,” she said. “I’m not cooking for the boarders for the next day or two.”

“Do you need for me to get you over to Longhorn’s for supper then?” Now where did that come from? he berated himself. But it was asked, and now he couldn’t back out without looking ridiculous.

“No need—I’m taking her myself,” Cody called down from his perch.

“Did I ask you?” Jedediah straightened, irritated, and stared upward. “The lady can speak for herself.”

“I don’t require anyone to take me to supper,” Patience announced archly. “But Cody was nice enough to ask me earlier. Maybe you’d care to join us?” Her smile was sweet and, Jedediah thought, genuine.

“I’ll pass,” he told her. “I’ve got to get back to work. Riffraff passing through Nevada City are always keeping me on my guard, you know,” he said with a quick glance at Cody. He put his hat on and noticed Cody eyeing his badge, the muscles in his jaw flinching hard. Maybe he hadn’t seen it yesterday. Good! At least he knows who I am now.

Patience stood and reached over, almost touching his arm, but drew her hand back. “Perhaps another night . . .”

“We’ll see.” What the devil was wrong with him? Eating alone was becoming tedious and lonely. However, Cody had his eye on her, and who was he to get in the way of that?

Patience chuckled, though it sounded forced. “I wouldn’t want to twist your arm.”

“You’re not. It’s just that I’ve got a lot of things to do . . . and it looks like you won’t be needing my help with painting now.”

Patience was looking down at her shoe tops. “I see. Well, in that case, thank you again for your help. Cody was free for now and wanted something to do and offered to do some painting for me. I’m on my way inside to rest now.” She slipped through the doorway and disappeared, leaving him to wonder.

Was it something he’d said? He never could understand the workings of a woman’s mind. Who could?

Cody lifted the brush from the pail with a distinct harrumph, and Jedediah stared hard at him, then stalked off. Good luck, cowboy. Maybe some of her manners will wear off on you.