28
Packing up the last of his gear, Jean-Michel was thankful they were on their way back to the Curry. The trip had been amazing. And for two whole days they’d been able to see Denali in his full glory. The mountain loomed in the distance today, his cape of clouds shrouding his top half, and yet, he was still enormous. The Alps were beautiful, but Jean-Michel decided he preferred this Alaska Range even more. Quiet, peaceful, surrounded by caribou and wild flowers bursting open as a carpet across the trail home. It had even come to him last night as he fell asleep—he never wanted to leave this place. He would like very much to remain in Alaska.
But as wonderful and glorious as it had been, he longed to see Katherine again. The days apart gave him time to pray and journal about the future.
He hoped she had done the same and couldn’t wait to share together.
As they mounted their horses, Jean-Michel noticed a group of five men walking toward them from the east. John took off toward them on his horse and held up a hand in greeting.
The rest of their little band of travelers waited.
Thomas came over to Jean-Michel’s side. “Those are Athabaskan friends of John’s.”
“Athabaskan?”
“It’s a native Alaskan group of people. That’s John’s heritage.”
Collette came closer. “You mean like Indiens? Savages?” Her eyes were wide.
Jean-Michel just shook his head at his sister. “Lower your voice, s’il vous plaît. You’ve read too many novels, little sister. It’s been a long time since there’s been anything of the sort in America. These are native people and we will respect them.”
She flushed and backed her horse away a bit.
Thomas scratched his head. “It must be serious. John doesn’t look happy.” He pointed as John headed back toward their group.
The head guide held up his hand and asked for everyone’s attention. “I’m afraid we have some serious news to share.”
Several people whispered as the group came in closer.
John pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped down his face. His countenance was grave, and he looked to be fighting for control of his emotions. “Forgive me, but we need to head back immediately, and we will take quite a brisk pace. Curry is under quarantine. The influenza has taken three lives already and many are sick. We won’t be able to go back to the hotel or our small town, but there may be some way for us to help.”
“Where will we go?” one of the men piped up.
“We will camp outside of Curry. We are getting low on provisions as well, so we will have to find a way to get more food without contaminating anyone. The doctor has strict orders in place and the train isn’t even allowed to stop. No one goes in or out of Curry.”
Katherine bent over the sink and splashed water on her face. She needed sleep. In a bed. But Cassidy still needed her and she couldn’t abandon her friend. Not at such a crucial time. The doctor said the next day or so should be the turning point.
Either Cassidy would begin to improve, or . . .
She didn’t want to think it. Not after they’d lost one child at the hotel already. Mrs. Johnson had cried and cried when the doctor told them.
Katherine’s heart hurt as well, which felt good in an odd way. Every hurt the past few years had been her own. It was almost freeing to be able to carry someone else’s burden.
God had done a mighty work in her life. Not for the first time that day, she prayed and thanked Him for all of it. The good and the bad, the lessons and the blessings.
Even in her exhaustion, she felt hope for the future like she hadn’t had before.
Cassidy moaned from the bed and Katherine took a clean cool cloth over to bathe her face. The poor woman hadn’t taken anything more than a few spoonfuls of broth and a few sips of water each hour. But at least she was still taking fluids, even though she didn’t even seem awake.
The doctor walked in—he had stopped knocking, since he came almost every hour now. “How is our patient?”
“She’s moaned the past couple hours, which she hadn’t done before.”
The doctor lifted Cassidy’s eyelids and looked at her eyes. “Her pupils look good.” He reached down and put his fingers on her wrist. “And her heart rate is better.” The doctor wiped his brow and sighed. “I think we have reason to be optimistic.”
“How are the others?”
“We may lose a few people today, I’m afraid. And there are some cantankerous guests who seem to care less about their health than their need to ‘be seen’ out of their rooms for society. I tried to explain to them that no one ‘of society’ was about, and everyone else was being obedient to the quarantine, but you know how rich people are . . .” He must have realized that he wasn’t speaking to a member of the staff because he cleared his throat and his face flushed. “Mrs. Demarchis, please forgive me. I didn’t mean—”
She held up a hand. “Dr. Reilly, no apology is necessary. While I understand exactly what you are saying about people of my status, it doesn’t offend me in the least. I wish such things were not so important to them.” She moved closer to the window to catch the fresh air. The room was so hot and stuffy.
“I do as well.” Dr. Reilly smiled. “Still . . . that was completely inappropriate of me. I think my exhaustion is getting the best of me. Please forgive me.”
“It’s incredible you haven’t collapsed yet, doctor.”
“You look just as tired. I hope you’ll be able to get some rest. Perhaps I could have a cot brought here for you.”
Mrs. Johnson walked in. In her no-nonsense manner she seemed to take charge. “Well, I’ve got the kitchen maids doing all the work from now on, since no one is eating in the dining room. They can handle broth and sandwiches, fruit and cheese. I’m here to take care of Cassidy and give Mrs. Demarchis a chance to rest.” She placed her hands on her ample hips and took a deep breath. “What would you like me to do?”
Dr. Reilly chuckled. “Your timing is perfect, Mrs. Johnson. I just mentioned that I would have a cot brought in for Mrs. Demarchis. If you ladies will excuse me, I’ll go arrange that right now.”
After he left, Katherine hugged the chef. “I don’t want to leave Cassidy, but I’m glad you’ve come. I think I’ll go clean up a bit while the doctor arranges for the cot.”
“It should be in place by the time you return. I’ll see to it that it has bedding.”
Katherine nodded. She was so exhausted that she momentarily considered not even bothering to clean up. She glanced at the sleeping Cassidy. “I’m so tired.”
“That’s why I’m here, my dear. As I said, Cassidy is like my own daughter. I’d like to be here for her while my duties allow it.”
Katherine passed on the simple instructions the doctor had given her. They weren’t difficult, but it did take effort and watching the clock to make sure Cassidy got enough fluids.
“Dr. Reilly said she mustn’t get . . . he called it dehydrated.”
Mrs. Johnson nodded. “I know. I’ve heard all about it. I’ll see that she drinks.”
“And it’s important to keep wiping her down with cool cloths. He said it’s the fever that’s most dangerous to the baby.”
“I understand.” Mrs. Johnson patted her arm. “You look terrible—now go. By the time you get back, the cot will be ready.”
When she was confident she’d done all she could, Katherine left the room and closed the door behind her. It had been—how many days?—since she had even been in the hallway. She longed for a walk outside in the sunlight and fresh air, but longed for a bath and her bed even more.
Yawning as she walked to the shared washroom, she stumbled. For a moment she wondered what it was she’d tripped on. She glanced back, but saw nothing. She started again and felt light-headed.
And warm.
So warm that she wanted to unbutton the top buttons of her blouse.
Oh no. This was how it had started with Cassidy.
No. She was simply overtired. She just needed sleep.
But the hallway started to spin.
Then she fell.