A Nurse for James Page 3

  Once a week she accompanied the doctor when he went to the hospital for the poor and destitute. Teddy, Maggie’s beau who was soon to be her husband, taught Ashley how to drive the doctor’s buggy, although she wasn’t without some experience. As a child, Richard had taught her not to fear horses. After they were wed, the young couple planned to head out West to try their luck there.

  “I don’t know what we will do without you, my dear,” Mrs. Coleman said when Maggie and Teddy told them of their plans. It was nice to be needed, Ashley thought, and this couple were two of the kindest people she had ever met.

  Ashley pulled the buggy up inside the hospital front yard. It was a grim, red brick place that even from the outside smelled of death and decay.

  “This is a frightful place,” Dr. Coleman said every time they came here. “Not much better than the poor houses in England.”

  “I know.” Ashley shuddered. “It’s all the more disgraceful when a few streets away there are mansions where the rich indulge themselves without a thought for the poor and sick.”

  “It can be a cruel world, my dear. I probably shouldn’t bring you here, but it is good experience.”

  “I don’t mind, really I don’t. It’s just so sad, the poor things. Apart from the children, the destitute soldiers really affect me, Dr. Coleman.”

  “Yes, poor devils.”

  Nurse Jones, a middle-aged frazzled-looking woman, greeted them with a strained smile. As always with charity hospitals, there were always too many patients and not enough staff. Better than dying in the gutter, Ashley thought. Not much, though.

  How she hated the rich, pampered women who if they ever had reason to drive past, held a handkerchief over their noses.

  “How are things going, Jonesy?” the doctor asked.

  “The same as always, Doc.”

  Everyone, staff, patients and volunteer helpers all adored Dr. Coleman.

  “How’s young Johnnie Stevens going?” Ashley asked. The eight-year old boy had somehow wriggled his way into her heart.

  “He’s gone.”

  “Gone! Oh, no.” Tears filled Ashley’s eyes.

  “No, no, not that kind of gone. His grandparents turned up, apparently they’ve been searching for him ever since his mother died.”

  “Oh, thank goodness. Are they nice people?”

  Dr. Coleman walked over to one of the few doctors on duty to discuss a case.

  “Yes, they seem to be. They were so thankful to find him after eighteen months of searching. Apparently, his parents had a falling out with them, and when the father died, the mother who knew she was ill, tried to contact them, only her letter somehow went astray and turned up months later. Anyway, they were so grateful they left a substantial donation for the hospital.”

  “That’s good, I’m so glad it ended up well for him; he was such a dear little boy.”

  “You shouldn’t get too close to the patients, Ashley. You know how transient most of our patients are.”

  “You’re right, Jonesy, but how can I stop it?”

  The other woman gave a resigned shrug. “All you can do is try to stay detached from their situation.” Her face had a hardness about it from the harsh life she had obviously led, although her eyes were kind. Working all the time in a place like this would sap the strength from even the strongest person after a while, and Jonesy had been here for over twenty years.

  Ashley caught up with Dr. Coleman in one of the wards. It was overcrowded, the beds so close together there was barely enough space to walk by. Grey blankets, ex-army by the looks of them, covered the beds. The hacking coughs of many of the patients reminded her of her father and Jake Evans.

  “How’s the leg?” The doctor stopped beside the bed of a middle-age man with sallow features.”

  “It’s okay, Doc.”

  A sheen of perspiration covered the man’s forehead. He had injured his leg and not sought treatment until it had turned gangrenous, and she knew it would have to come off if he were to survive, then what would become of a factory worker like him?

  On the one hand, she was glad to help such desperate people, on the other hand, depression weighed her down. Much and all as she didn’t like to admit it to herself. There was no way she could work full time in a place like this.

  As they drove home, the doctor suddenly said. “I would hate to think of you ever working in such a place. I think you would do well as a private nurse.”

  “I….”

  “You’re too soft hearted, Ashley, my dear. You’d be drained of your youth and vitality within a year.”

  “I do so want to be a good nurse and I’ve fallen at the first hurdle.”

  “You haven’t, you’ve done well. Now it’s time to move on.”

  “Move on?” Her heart dropped. “You don’t want me to work for you anymore?” What would she do without the Colemans?

  “I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but we’re going back to England.”

  “What! Why!”

  “Because Mrs. Coleman isn’t as well as she appears. Our daughter and her husband suddenly and quite unexpectedly, decided to return to England and want us to go with them. If we don’t go now, we never will.”

  “I’ll be so sorry to see you go. Not just for the job, but your friendship and kindness also.”

  “Don’t worry.” He patted her hand. “I’ll see to it you have another position to go to before we leave.”

  “I don’t expect you to find me employment, although it would be kind.”

  “As a matter of fact, I might have something suitable already. If you’re prepared to take it.”

  “Really?”

  “You know the doctor I was speaking to at the hospital? His brother is a doctor also and has a colleague, a Dr. Branson in Frostburg who has a patient who is doing poorly. A gentleman wounded in the war. Apart from physical injuries he has severe melancholy and refuses to follow the doctor’s instructions.”

  “How sad.”

  “Yes. He was an officer during the war, a graduate of West Point. Of course, his military career is over. The company of a pretty young nurse might be just the thing for him. It’s a live-in position. His comfortably off, so could afford to pay you a decent wage.”

  “I couldn’t live with this man – it wouldn’t be proper.” She shuddered just thinking of the ramifications of such a thing. Her reputation would be ruined.

  Dr. Coleman chuckled. “Don’t worry, all the proprieties will be observed, I’ve been assured of that. A married couple, relatives of the man live in also. It’s a very respectable family, long term residents of Frostburg. His brother was killed in the war also. Very sad.

  It sounded tragic and her tender heart went out to this poor man. She knew what it was like to lose a brother. She didn’t want to leave here, but once the Coleman’s left where would she go? Miss Harrow might be able to help her find another position. She gnawed her lower lip. Where’s your gumption, girl. Do it.

  “All right, if you think it’s a good chance for me. I’ll take the position and thank you.”

  He patted his hand. “Mrs. Coleman and I will be sorry to lose you. It’s been a pleasure having you live with us.”

  “Thank you, I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”

  “Mrs. Coleman wants to spend her last few years with her family and I’ve dragged her from place to place during our marriage. So, my dear I can’t deny her.”

  “Of course, I understand.”

  “My son-in-law is a doctor also, and he’s been offered a position in one of England’s most prestigious hospitals. He’s English, and his parents are elderly so he’s anxious to return home.”

  Ashley pulled the buggy up in the backyard near the stable.

  “Will you be sad to leave here?”

  “Yes, I will, but I do have a hankering to see old England again before I die.”

  “Your patients will miss you.”

  “Yes, that and leaving you behind will be my greatest regret. Mrs. Coleman and I have become close to you, Ashley. She’s been trying to pluck up the courage to tell of our decision for a few days but couldn’t bring herself to do it.”

  “So, you did.”

  He nodded.

  “Don’t feel bad.” She touched his arm. “You’ve been so kind, and I’ve learned such a lot from you. This man in Frostburg sounds like a challenge.”

  “I think he might be, although it could work out well for you. Dr. Branson, he’s the doctor in Frostburg, told my friend he’d make all the arrangements if you agree to go.”

  “What about my references?”

  “I’ll write you out one, and keep it in case you need it later, but this Dr. Branson is satisfied you will be suitable.” Dr. Coleman gave a tentative smile. “I took the liberty of putting your name forward a couple of weeks ago. The position is yours, my dear. Dr. Branson sent me a telegram and was apparently happy with the glowing reference I gave his friend.”

  She laughed. “Dr. Coleman, you are a devious man. Thank you.”

  “It’s settled then. We’ll make the arrangements to get you to Frostburg on the train. I’ll telegraph Dr. Branson saying you accept and give him the time of your arrival.”

  Always the gentleman, the doctor helped her down from the buggy and between the two of them they unhitched the horse and turned her into the fenced off area at the side of the stable. With his hand under her elbow, the doctor escorted her inside.

  As they entered the kitchen he said. “I’ve told her, Mrs. Coleman.”

  A look of sheer relief lit up the old lady’s eyes.

  “How about a cup of tea, both Ashley and I need to wash up. I always feel dirty after visiting that place.”

  Ashley knew how
he felt. A few of the patients were lousy, and she always feared the smell of the place would seep into her skin. She guessed Dr. Coleman did too. She quickly changed out of her outer clothing and took a wash before venturing into the kitchen.

  Chapter Four

  Six weeks later

  Ashley alighted from the train at Frostburg, one of only several passengers to get off. They soon dispersed, leaving her alone on the platform except for the middle-age station master. She waited with nervous anticipation building up. She had the address of James Whybrow’s residence written on a piece of paper.

  “Are you sure you’re being met, Miss?”

  “Dr. Branson was supposed to meet me here.”

  “Well, he won’t be coming.”

  “What do you mean?” Had she been lured here under false pretenses?

  “He’s been called away, some emergency at the mine.”

  “He was supposed to meet me and make arrangements to take me to James Whybrow’s residence.”

  “Him? He’s crazy in the head.”

  Her mouth dried up. Her situation was going from bad to worse by the minute.

  “I….I understand he has relatives living with him.”

  “He does, Martin and Florrie, they’re all right. It’s only him. Haven’t seen him in years, never leaves the place.”

  “How do I get there?”

  “You could walk, it’s only about three miles away.” He scratched his head. “Look, Miss. Sorry, I can’t leave the station to take you there. Not that I’d want to go anywhere near the place. Some of the locals reckon it’s haunted.”

  She gnawed her lower lip. “I suppose I could walk.”

  “Leave your luggage here inside the ticket office, it will be safe, and Martin can pick it up. It’s the best I can do, Miss.”

  “All right, I’ll walk. How do I find the place?”

  “Straight down the road there.” He pointed. “Until you come to the crossroads.”

  “Seems easy enough.”

  “Well, turn to the right and follow that road for a couple of miles and you can’t miss the house. Big double storied grey stone place behind a high wall. Spooky if you ask me.”

  I’m not asking you, she nearly said. “Thank you.” She had no choice except get there under her own steam. She could understand the doctor racing off to an emergency, wouldn’t be much of a medical man if he didn’t. Not to make some sort of provision for her to be met, that wasn’t fair.

  “Okay, I’ll leave my trunk and carpet bag here, thanks for the offer. I’ll get this Martin person to collect it.”

  “Be careful, Miss.”

  She watched him drag her trunk inside, and with a sign of resignation began walking. Luckily, she wasn’t the type of person to wear flimsy footwear, had always worn serviceable boots.

  Small pebbles crunched under foot as she set off at a brisk pace.

  Where would the Coleman’s be by now? On the high seas for sure. It was like parting with family to finally see them go. They had promised to keep in contact. Mrs. Coleman had given her the address of her brother so she could write there and let them know how she got on with Captain James Whybrow.

  She had been lucky finding employment with kindly people like the Colemans, and hopefully this position would go well also. She wasn’t feeling confident, though. What did the station master mean by crazy in the head?

  There again, Dr. Coleman had mentioned that the captain had severe melancholy. Not surprising after what he must have been through, but why was the station master so scathing?

  Her confidence and optimism retreated further with every step she took. She turned a corner and a house loomed up in front of her. It did look sort of spooky against a background of stormy grey skies. It was a large square fronted, creeper clad place. The fence would have to be close on eight feet high and was built of the same material as the house.

  A huge set of fancy iron gates stood open and she entered a circular driveway. The garden beds and grassed areas were overgrown. With her heart pounding in her chest she climbed the several stone steps leading to the tessellated front porch, which had two enormous carved columns holding up the roof. A fountain with a cherub holding an urn wasn’t working. There was an air of neglect and melancholy about the place. It would have fit perfectly on the bleak Yorkshire moors in England that she had once read about.

  A metal shoe scrape was near the solid wooden front door. A huge door knocker in the form of a lion’s head matched the other dull brass fittings. They had obviously not seen polish for some time. Three chimneys had smoke drifting up from them otherwise there was no sign of life. If she had anywhere else to go, she would have turned tail and ran as if the hounds of hell were barking at her heels.

  Fortunately, she had a Derringer in her reticule to defend herself with. It was a present from her brother, the last thing he had ever given her. Stop procrastinating she told herself.

  She banged the knocker, harder than she had intended to, and waited. No-one came to the door. What kind of place was this? In desperation she slammed the knocker against the woodwork with all her strength. It was loud enough to wake the dead.

  The door swung open with a grinding of hinges.

  “What on earth….” The man’s voice trailed off.

  He was tall with dark, rather wild looking hair touching the collar of his white shirt. His piercing blue eyes stood out vividly against the dark stubble of beard on his face.

  “Who are you and what do you want?” His voice was as cold as his arctic stare.

  “I’m, um.” She licked suddenly dry lips. “I’m looking for Captain James Whybrow.”

  “Forget the Captain,” he growled. “I’m James Whybrow. What do you want?”

  Ashley’s legs nearly collapsed under her. This imposing but granite faced man was the wounded soldier. She grabbed hold of the doorknob to support herself. “You are?”

  “I said so, didn’t I?”

  “I’m Ashley Myers.”

  “The nurse?” He gave a harsh bark of laughter. “Well, little nurse Ashley Myers, your services aren’t required.”

  “But….”

  “No buts. We were expecting a man; in any case I don’t want you here.”

  “Now, you listen to me.” Her temper rose. How dare this man treat her like this when she had come to help him? “I came here in good faith, you, you, uncouth….”

  “I’ll pay your traveling expenses if you go now and leave me alone.” He ran a trembling hand across his forehead.

  “Are you all right? The color had ebbed from his face leaving it ashen.

  “None of your business.” Great tremors shook his body and she quickly realized their ugly confrontation had affected him.

  She ducked under the arm he was holding the door half open with and he automatically stepped back. “Do you have any medicine?”

  He was holding his head now and groaning. “Whiskey.”

  “By the smell of your breath you’ve already partaken of too much of that stuff.”

  They were in a long hallway paneled in dark wood.

  “Whiskey eases the pain.”

  “And makes you feel even worse when you sober up.”

  He wore knee length black boots over his dark pants, all of good quality.

  “You can make me some coffee before you leave,” he said. “The kitchen is this way. Florrie will be madder than a hornet when she comes back and finds me like this.”

  “Who’s Florrie?” He had a pronounced limp she noticed as she followed him.

  “My housekeeper, she and her husband live here.”

  Ashley was starting to feel better about the situation now knowing for certain a married couple lived here. It emboldened her to stay.

  “Why should I leave?”

  “Because I don’t want you here, I didn’t ask you to come.”

  “It was through Dr. Branson.”

  “I don’t care. I told the cunning old coot I didn’t want help from him or anyone else. I just want to be left alone.”

  She couldn’t believe the cheek of the man asking her to leave yet wanting her to make him coffee before she did so. “To wallow in self-pity?”

  “Exactly,” he shot back, stepping aside to allow her to enter the large, spotlessly clean kitchen.