He dressed and sat on the edge of the bed to slip on his boots. As he slid one foot in, he realized how very tight they were. Obviously, they were not his boots. He could understand losing weight, but did feet ever shrink down a few sizes?
A small knock came upon the door before it opened, and Henrietta poked her head inside. When she saw him, she gasped and straightened.
“Mitch, yer dressed!”
He chuckled. “Yes, I’m tired of that bed. I want to heal and get back to a normal life… whatever that is.”
She bustled in with his breakfast on a tray, tsking. “Pardon me for sayin’, but those clothes look awful on you.”
“I know.” He chuckled. “It’s because they don’t fit.” He stood and held the shirt away from his chest. “Either I was a very big man or I’m wearing someone else’s clothes.”
She placed the tray on the table and moved closer to him. “Ya really don’t look like you were a big man.”
“And,” he pointed to the boots, “they don’t fit. They’re too small.”
She released a loud gasp and slapped a hand over her mouth. “Oh, my…” she muttered and slowly dropped her hand. “They ain’t yer boots.”
Chuckling, he shook his head. He loved seeing her dramatic expressions. “No, they’re not.”
“Mitch, we really need to get yer memory back.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” He paused, tilting his head. “Do you have any suggestions because I’m open for anything at this point.”
“First thing we’ll do,” she handed him the bowl of oatmeal and a spoon, “is find ya some better fittin’ clothes. I’ll ask my son, Samuel to see if he has some for ya. And the next thing we’ll do is get ya into town so that ya can look around. Maybe somethin’ will spark yer memory.”
He did want to mingle with others, but only if Lydia could come with him. After last night’s passionate kiss, he prayed she would continue to help him. Just thinking about her and the kiss they had shared, made his heart melt, and he anticipated more of those moments with her.
“That’s actually a good idea.”
Mitch sat on a chair and ate his breakfast while Henrietta moved around the room, tidying it up and changing the sheets on his bed. She hummed with a smile, and it was good to see her this way. She dropped the pillowcase and bent to pick it up.
For a brief moment, his mind opened, and he was sitting in a large house with elegant furniture all around the room. A middle-aged man wearing a long black robe with a white collar held the Bible as he paced back and forth across the polished floor. Engrossed in the book, the man bumped his elbow against a vase of flowers, knocking them to the floor. The minister didn’t bat an eye, instead, a woman, wearing the traditional maid’s white apron over a brown dress, bustled into the room to clean up the mess.
The memory cleared, and Mitch gasped. Henrietta swung around, wearing a worried gaze.
“Is there somethin’ wrong with the oatmeal?”
“I… had a memory.”
She clapped her hands once and held them clasped to her breast. “Oh, the Lord is answerin’ our prayers.”
“Do you think Lydia is awake?”
“I’ll go get her now.”
She hurried out of the room as if a wild animal chased her. Mitch grinned. He really liked that woman, and he’d miss her when he finally left this place.
His heart clenched, thinking about that day. Although he couldn’t stay here forever, it was hard to think about not seeing Lydia again. Her face was the one he saw in his mind when he awoke in the morning, and the last face he imagined before falling asleep at night. Even if his memories returned, he knew she would always be in his heart.
He finished eating his breakfast and returned the bowl and spoon to the tray. He walked to the window and gazed outside. The grass was pretty and green, and flowers were in bloom. A few cottony white clouds hung in the blue sky, and he couldn’t tell if there was a wind today or not.
It was peaceful to watch the beautiful land. If only his mind could find the same peace. But his nightmares were trying to tell him something. Their common thread was that someone was after him… and wanting to kill him.
“Mitch?”
Lydia’s sweet voice filled his head and was like music to his ears. He turned to gaze upon her loveliness. Today she wore a blue gown, but her hair was coiled in a bun. She must be getting ready to go to the hospital.
“Good morning, Lydia.” He smiled.
“Henrietta told me that you remembered something.” She stepped to him and took his hands.
Excitement sparkled in her eyes, and he wanted to take her in his arms and kiss her. But he resisted, only because she’d left the door open.
“I did. I think my father was a minister, and from the nice furniture around the room, I believe my family was wealthy.”
Her eyes widened, but the light that had been on her face diminished. Confused, he shook his head. “Lydia? What’s wrong? Do you not approve of ministers?”
She chuckled, but it sounded forced. “Of course I approve of them, don’t be ridiculous.”
“You know something about me, don’t you?” He cupped the side of her face, peering deeply into her pretty blue eyes.
“It’s nothing.”
“Lydia, you must tell me. It might help explain the nightmares I’ve been having since I realized I couldn’t remember my past.”
She stepped away and wrung her hands against her middle. Nibbling on her bottom lip, she paced the floor. He stepped to the door and closed it.
“Please, tell me, Lydia.”
Stopping, she inhaled deeply and faced him. “It’s just something I heard at the hospital, and it doesn’t mean anything.” Her throat jumped as if in a hard swallow. “The day I hit you with my buggy, I had been talking with some patients at the hospital. Both of these men were Union soldiers. Anyway, one of them read in the newspaper that the army still has some deserters from the war, even now. My patient recognized a man’s name – Lieutenant Peter Mitchell. From the stories these two patients told me, the lieutenant was not a nice man. He tortured his men if he was unhappy with their performance. These patients at the hospital described Peter Mitchell, and…” She licked her lips. “You fit that description.”
Mitch’s chest tightened and he forced himself to breathe through the pain filling his heart. “Is the description the only thing that links me with this lieutenant?”
She shook her head. “They told me that his father was a minister and that his family was wealthy.”
His head started pounding and the confusion thickened. “Do you think I’m this man?”
“I don’t want to.” She closed the space between them and took his hands again. “Mitch, the man you are now has a caring heart. I don’t think you’re Peter Mitchell, and I won’t believe it until you regain your memory.”
Her gaze dropped to his chest and her forehead crinkled. She rested her palm on his shirt and frowned.
“Mitch? Why are you wearing these large clothes again?”
Suddenly, he recalled what he’d figured out this morning with Henrietta. Hope sprang back inside him.
“Lydia, I don’t think I’m a Union soldier.”
“Why?”
“Because these clothes are very big on me. If I had lost a lot of weight, wouldn’t my skin sag? And the boots,” he pointed to where he’d left them by the bed, “are too small.”
She hitched a sharp breath. “They are small?”
“Yes. They pinch my toes.”
The look of relief swept over her face and she threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. “Oh, Mitch! Then these aren’t your clothes at all.”
Sighing, he held her, enjoying the closeness. His heart wanted to rejoice, but he maintained the excitement trying to grow inside him. It was too soon to feel victorious.
He kissed her forehead. “I wonder if you’ll do something for me.”
She withdrew but kept her arms looped over his shoulders. �
��What’s that?”
“Will you take me into town? Maybe if I can see people and places, my memory might open. If there is a way to stop my nightmares, I want to try anything.”
“Tell me about them.”
“Someone is chasing me. In my dream, there are four men, but at least one person tries to shoot me.” He paused, and stepped away from her, but took hold of her hand, loosely. “I’m in a large building. There are several of us running and hiding. Just before I wake up, someone catches me, but I don’t see a face. However, in my dream last night, it was Jess Olsen, but I think I saw his face only because it really upset me when he tried to force himself on you. When he shot me in the dream, it was my shoulder he hit.” He shrugged. “I think that’s why I was shot.”
“You really believe someone is after you?” Her gaze narrowed as her expression turned to one of worry. “Then maybe you shouldn’t go into town.”
“No. I must find my memory. There’s no other way.”
She gave him a small smile. “Fine, then I’ll take you. I have to go to the hospital and work this morning, but let’s plan on going into town tomorrow.”
Sighing, he nodded. “Thank you, Lydia. I’m so grateful the Lord put me in your hands. I doubt anyone else would have been so sweet and generous.”
Lydia shrugged. “That’s what nurses do.”
“Then I’m sure you’re the best out there. I can’t imagine anyone else doing what you’ve done.”
She caressed his cheek. “Rest and finish healing so tomorrow’s trip won’t wear you out.”
“Thank you.” He waited for her to pull away, but her gaze didn’t move from his face. His heartbeat quickened, and he knew he must take another chance at showing his affection for her.
He leaned forward and brushed his lips across hers. She arched up into the kiss. As he started to wrap his arms around her, the doorknob rattled, breaking them both apart. They jumped in unison as if they’d both been zapped by lightning.
Henrietta entered the room with an arm full of clothes and a pair of boots. “Yer the same size as Samuel, I just know it.” She grinned.
Lydia chuckled and patted Mitch’s arm. “I shall see you later tonight.”
“Have a pleasant day at the hospital,” he told her, wishing she didn’t have to go. But she needed to make other peoples’ day happy, just as she made his. He needed to learn to share her in more ways than one.
EIGHT
Lydia hurried toward the front of the hospital after putting her horse and buggy in the barn. She shouldn’t have spent so long talking to Mitch this morning, although it was necessary. But now she was running late, and she knew she’d be rushing through her whole shift.
As she neared the stone steps, she paused just long enough to slip on her white apron and then pin her white hat to her hair. Slumped against a tree in the yard were two men who looked like they’d just crawled out of the pigpen… and they both smelled as if they had been consuming spirits all night and all morning.
When the front door of the hospital opened, Lydia moved her attention in that direction. A woman wearing a fancy maroon colored gown and matching bonnet walked out and stopped. She appeared lost, and her expression was tight with worry. Immediately, Lydia wanted to help.
“Good day,” Lydia greeted politely moving up the steps slowly. “May I be of some assistance?”
The lovely woman who appeared to be in her late twenties gripped her wrist-purse tightly as her eyes slowly filled with tears. “I’m looking for someone. I’ve been traveling through the surrounding states and visiting every hospital I can locate, but I’m not finding him.”
The woman’s voice shook, and Lydia felt a tug of sympathy on her heart. “What does he look like?”
“He’s in his mid-twenties, tall, has brown hair that he likes to wear a little longer than most men.” More tears filled the woman’s eyes. “And his green eyes sparkle whenever he smiles.”
Lydia’s chest tightened. It was quite obvious that this woman had strong feelings for the man she was searching for. What were the odds that this was not Mitch? Lydia’s twisting gut told her the odds weren’t good at all.
“He’s been missing for over a year,” the woman continued. “He was on his way to work as a lumberjack in Cheyenne, but he never arrived.”
“What…” Lydia’s voice cracked, so she cleared her throat. “What is his name?”
“James.”
For a moment, Lydia wanted to sigh with relief. Yet, Mitch couldn’t remember his own name, he only remembered hearing the name Mitch. What if it was James? “What is his last name?”
“Langston.”
Lydia’s legs weakened, but she held herself strong. The relief pouring over her made her want to cry with happiness. Yet, that still didn’t mean Mitch and James were not the same person. How many men were missing that had the same description as Mitch?
“I’m sorry, miss. I don’t know anyone with that name.”
“My name is Mrs. Steele.”
Mrs? It really wasn’t Lydia’s place to ask what relation she was to the missing man. Just knowing that Mitch’s name was different should be enough to sustain Lydia. Then why was there still a niggle of doubt?
“I pray you’ll find him.” Lydia offered her best smile.
Mrs. Steele wiped a stray tear as she moved down the steps and away from Lydia. “What is your name?”
“I’m Lydia Simmons.”
“Thank you, Lydia. I appreciate your prayers.”
Lydia’s steps were not as fast now as she entered the hospital, knowing she was a little late. Guilt weighed on her shoulders. Should she have told the woman about Mitch? And yet, Lydia was still afraid of what she would discover when he finally remembered his past.
She might still be engaged to Adam, but somehow she’d given her heart to Mitch. She hadn’t wanted to, it just worked out that way. Adam had left her to pursue his career. Although, at the time, she hadn’t wanted to feel heartbroken that he chose a career over her, but now… now she was downright upset. She shouldn’t feel guilty for loving another man. Unless he belonged to another woman.
Groaning, she spun around and hurried out of the hospital. The woman stood at the edge of the property, searching the morning crowd. Lydia wouldn’t be able to live with herself if she didn’t try to help Mrs. Steele.
“Excuse me, Mrs. Steele?”
The woman turned and looked at Lydia. “Yes?”
“How long will you be in town? I ask because I think I met a man who fits that description. He is another patient of mine, but not in this hospital.”
Mrs. Steele rushed to Lydia and clasped her hands tightly. “Can I see him?”
Lydia shook her head. “He’s lost his memory, and his shoulder was injured from a gunshot. I’m not allowing him visitors yet, but I shall ask him about you.”
More tears filled Mrs. Steele’s eyes. “I am leaving on the train first thing in the morning, and I’m staying at the hotel down the street. Please let me see him before I leave… just in case this is the man I’m looking for.”
Lydia touched the woman’s hand. “I shall let you know.”
Mrs. Steele nodded. “Thank you for your kindness.”
As Lydia turned back toward the hospital, she hoped she’d done the right thing. Although doubts filled her, she told herself this was right. If Mitch had someone he loved looking for him, Lydia needed to help put him with the one he loved. She couldn’t be selfish and keep him for herself, even though she had strong feelings for him.
She slowly walked toward the stone steps, hoping Doctor Hatchett wouldn’t reprimand her for being late. She’d have to try and sneak inside before he noticed her.
Out of the corner of her eye, one of the drunken men by the tree started coming toward her. She really didn’t have time to help another person. And yet, the pierce of his gaze and the snarl of his lips made her pause. Dirt smudged over a lot of his face, but it didn’t matter if his face was cleaned, he still looked mean. Th
e scar on his upper lip made his snarl even worse.
“Pardon me, miss,” he said, still coming toward her. “I need to talk to you about—”
“I’m sorry, but I’m late for work.” She hurried inside and closed the door before he caught up with her.
Perhaps that wasn’t the Christian way to act, but there was something about him that made her skin crawl. She’d pray for forgiveness tonight during her bedside personal prayers.
The next few hours passed quickly, and thankfully, nobody noticed she was fifteen minutes late. She moved from room to room, checking on the patients, and also restocking the supplies. Doctor Hatchett was in surgery, so she made sure she didn’t bother him.
As one of her last duties of the day, she went around to each room and refilled the flowers in the vases. Her hope was that the patients would find the fresh flowers pleasant in their otherwise dreary rooms.
“Nurse Lydia,” Captain Lewis called as she entered. “I had hoped you’d bring me some flowers.”
She smiled at the older soldier. “Of course. Plus, it gives me the chance to see you all before I leave for home.”
“Why are you working in the morning?” he asked. “Don’t you usually work at night?”
“Yes, usually, but sometimes they change my shift.” She placed the vase near the window.
“I’d heard a rumor about you, Nurse Lydia.” Captain Lewis tapped a finger on his pointy chin.
“A rumor?” Tsking, Lydia shook her head. “I didn’t figure you to be a man who listened to rumors.”
He chuckled. “Well, this one was worth breaking a rule for.” He winked.
“What did you hear?”
“That you are helping a man with no memory.”
Holding her breath, she tried not to look panicked. There was no way Captain Lewis would know, and yet, he did. Who told? She had only said something to Doctor Hatchett about Mitch, mainly because of his gunshot wound that didn’t heal very quickly. “What if I am?”
The captain shrugged. “I just wondered how you met him.”
A Nurse for Mitch Page 6