“The fire. You got hurt.”
Ellen closed her eyes as a wave of pain hit. Her mind filled with images as she relived the fire. Samuel
“Samuel. How is he?”
Ellen braced herself as her sister looked everywhere but at her face.
“Is he dead?”
“No. But…”
“He’ll live, he has to.”
“What happened? Can you remember?”
“Bertram was playing with the fireworks. The poor child panicked and threw it.”
“Poor child. Wait till I get my hands on him. I’ll cane him myself.”
“Don’t Katie, it wasn’t really his fault.” Ellen shifted in the bed. “Can I see him?”
Ellen tried to get out of bed but found her legs were next to useless.
“Ellen, he could still die. Doc says it helps he is young and strong, but he was hit by a falling beam. He doesn’t know if…” Katie sobbed.
“What?” Seeing her strong, capable sister in tears told her the situation was worse than she could have ever imagined. No it wasn’t. He isn’t dead. We can live with anything else.
“If he’ll live. The poor man. His legs and the side of his face are badly burned.”
“Katie, help me up now. I’ve got to go to him.”
“You can thank him later. Leave him with his family.”
“I intend spending the rest of my life thanking him. I love Samuel Higgins and I don’t care who knows. I owe him my life. If anything happens to him, I will die. Take me to him now.”
Bewildered by her own outburst, she didn’t consider its effect on Katie. Katie didn’t say another word but helped Ellen to her feet. She wrapped a shawl around her shoulders taking care not to hurt her bandaged hands.
“Emer said you won’t be able to use them for a week or so. You have to be careful and be prepared. They may be scarred.”
“I don’t care. I can live with the scarring.” Ellen stood straighter. She looked Katie in the eye. “I’ve been a self-absorbed eejit for too long. I could lose the man I love. Nothing else matters.”
Katie hugged her close, their tears mingling. Katie supported her until she reached the door to the room where Samuel lay. Emer stood outside.
“Ellen, you have to prepare yourself. You are an extremely strong young woman. Everyone knows that. But what you are about to see will test every little bit of that strength.” Whatever you do, do not let Samuel see your true feelings. If you find him repulsive, tell me later but for now, he is not to see you flinch.”
Ellen grew paler but nodded. She took a deep breath before moving into the room. Katie’s stomach lurched at the smell. She had to get out of there. Turning she motioned for Emer to take Ellen’s arm but amazingly her sister moved on toward the bed. She saw the young woman look at Samuel. No repulsion on her face, just unguarded love. They will be just fine assuming the good Lord doesn’t call Samuel home.
Praying quietly for both of them Katie went to find Rosa and John. Her sister was a true heroine. She had helped save Rosa’s life. No matter what she did for the rest of her life, she would always have that.
Chapter 36
The smoldering pile of blackened debris was all that was left of Hope House. Katie stared at the ruins of the orphanage, shivering with shock. Ellen and Rosa could have died in the fire if it weren’t for Samuel. Now he could pay the ultimate price for his bravery. She watched as Wilma searched through the wreckage in the hopes of salvaging something.
“We have to start all over again, Wilma.”
“The good Lord works in mysterious ways.” Father Molloy said as he and Reverend Timmons joined them.
“Are you saying your God did this for a reason?” Wilma asked, her hands on her hips. She looked ready to do battle with Father Molloy.
“He's our God, Wilma. Lord knows I don't understand why all our hard work was destroyed. But we have to have faith. The Lord has a purpose. It's just not clear yet what it is.” Reverend Timmons answered, his voice quivering.
“Hmph.” Wilma muttered.
Katie couldn’t help but agree with Wilma’s sentiments. She believed in God and everything, but it was hard to look at the pile of debris and believe the fire had happened for a reason. She knew why it had started. Young Bertram Shaw playing with fireworks when he was specifically told not to.
“How's Ellen and Rosa, Katie?” Father Molloy asked.
“Rosa's wide awake, sitting up in bed letting Emer fuss over her. Emer has a natural way with children. She's a born mother.” Katie bit her lip, trying to get control of her emotions. She had nearly lost her sister. “Ellen is still sleeping a lot but Doc says it’s a good thing. He told me to get some air. Said I was no use to her, crying at her bedside.”
Father Molloy rubbed her arm in a gesture of support.
“Her poor hands, Father. She used to play piano so beautifully.”
“Give it time, Katie.”
Katie continued as if she hadn’t heard him. “Doc says they will be sore for a while, and he's worried about the effects of breathing in all that smoke.”
“Thank God Samuel Higgins went in after them. How is he?”
“He needs our prayers, Reverend. Doc is real worried. He hasn't woken up at all yet. The burns on his face are bad, worse than those on his arm. He doesn’t know what damage was done when the beam struck him. Little Beaver, Aaron and Paul were very brave to pull him out. He would have died otherwise.”
“Clover Springs is a special place. I knew that from the first letter you sent to me.”
“What are we going to do about Hope House?” Reverend Timmons asked.
“We will build it bigger and better than before. This town promised to give those children a home. No way are we going back on that promise. We owe it to Samuel and Ellen. When they get better, they can cut the ribbon at the official opening.” Davy nodded as he spoke as if trying to convince himself as well as them.
Katie stared at Davy, her mouth open. She wanted to thank him but the words wouldn't come. She turned to find Daniel standing behind her. He opened his arms and she ran into them, needing his strength. Despite washing and changing, the smell of soot clung to him.
“I know I am being silly but I look at that pile and I keep thinking how close we came to losing her. Now she could lose Samuel.”
“Shush darling. Ellen and Samuel will both be fine. You'll see.”
She pulled away to look into his eyes. “Do you really believe that?”
“We have to.” He pulled her closer as he said the words.
“Father Molloy and I are holding a joint service this evening. The whole town will pray for Ellen and Samuel as well as some guidance on how to proceed.” Reverend Timmons pierced Wilma with a look. “Everyone is welcome.”
Chapter 37
Days passed in a blur. Ellen spent every minute she could sitting by Samuel’s bed. She kept talking to him even though he didn’t answer. She told him stories about school and the town.
“Samuel, they are rebuilding Hope House. It’s going to be bigger than the first one. Everyone in town has pulled together to help. Well, not everyone but people like Charlie Stanton don’t count. The children are living on the Sullivan ranch for the time being. Wilma, Laura’s friend from Boston, is fantastic with them. She has so much patience. Your ma and her get on great. Mary was worried at first. You know two women in the same kitchen and all.”
She stopped talking, waiting to see if there was any reaction but he just lay there.
“Samuel, if you can hear me, please squeeze my hand. Do something. Anything. Please come back to me. I can’t lose you. I won’t.”
She choked back the tears. They wouldn’t help anyone.
Mrs. Grey and Emer came in regularly to change the dressings on his arm and face. She couldn’t do it as her own hands were still bandaged. She watched his face closely as they worked. Seeing him wince in pain was a good sign. It was horrible hurting him but his reactions meant he was still alive. Please wak
e up, Samuel. I love you.
His head hurt so much he knew he couldn’t be in Heaven. Ma always said there was no pain there. He tried opening his eyes but they wouldn’t do it. He opened his mouth to say something but it was no use. He was too tired to do anything other than sleep.
“Samuel Higgins, it’s time for you to wake up. Independence Day is less than a month away. You promised me you would dance with me.”
Ellen. She was upset. He had to tell her everything was going to be fine. He tried to speak but nothing happened. Concentrate. Hard. It took everything he had but he opened his eye. Only one. The other seemed to be covered with something.
“Emer, quick. Look at Samuel. He opened his eye.”
“Ellen, I know you want to think that but Doc says it’s not looking good. He’s been asleep too long. I think you best prepare yourself for the worst.”
“No. I am not giving up on him. I won’t. I love him.”
Samuel smiled. I love you too, Ellen. But despite his best efforts the words wouldn’t come. His throat was raw. When he swallowed it was as if there were slivers of glass there. He was so tired. Maybe if he slept, it would be easier tomorrow.
“Samuel Higgins, I know you can hear me. Squeeze my hand. Do it now. Then you can go back to sleep. I won’t stop talking to you until you open your eyes.”
Didn’t she know his head hurt? He needed to sleep but he couldn’t do that with her chattering on at him. He tried to open his eye but the lids were too heavy. He had to find a way to tell her he could hear her. He concentrated hard. Please God help me move my arm. He willed his hand to move.
“That’s it darling. Squeeze my hand. I knew you could hear me. Oh, Samuel.”
Her tears dripped onto his face. He couldn’t move his arm to wipe them off.
“Oh look at me, making your face all wet. Let me dry that for you. Rest now. I am going to go find your ma and tell her you heard me. She will be so happy.”
Samuel opened his mouth but no sound came out. He let himself succumb to the wave of darkness taking over. God was good. He would make him better and bring him back to Ellen. She loved him. He had everything to live for now.
A couple of hours later, Samuel woke up. His mouth was as dry as a tinder box. Water. He tried again but no sound came. He had to try harder. Focus. Please God help me speak. He opened his mouth and this time he whispered “Water.”
“Samuel, you spoke. Water? I will get you that right away.”
She poured a glass of water and using her arm to support his head, helped him take a couple of sips. Some of it ran down his chin but she didn’t seem to notice. He hated being helpless but she smelt good so close. Well her body did, her hands smelt awful. He wrinkled his nose.
“How long?”
“How long have you been lying here?”
He nodded although the movement hurt his head.
“About two weeks now. You are a right lazy lump. Anything to get out of work.” She smiled but it didn’t quite cover up the concern in her eyes.
She’s worried about me. He tried to smile but the darkness was descending once more. He squeezed her hand briefly as he let himself drift into the blackness.
He was going to be fine. Thank you God. Ellen lay her head on the bed beside Samuel’s good hand. She was more tired than she wanted to admit. Laura had volunteered to teach but Ellen couldn’t agree. Her friend was having a very difficult pregnancy.
“Ellen, you should go home now and rest.”
“Emer, he woke up and had some water. He spoke too, but his voice was all hoarse. I guess from the smoke.”
Ellen watched as Emer checked Samuel. She was very attentive having told Ellen previously that infection was what they were most worried about now.
“The burns are healing too. That salve Nandita made works really well. Your hands are getting better. Are they still very painful?”
“I will be fine. Do you think he will start getting better faster now?”
Emer smiled gently, but her eyes were full of concern. “We need to be patient, Ellen. I haven’t any experience in nursing a patient with injuries such as Samuel’s. We have to listen to Mrs. Grey and Doc. They know best.”
“He will get better, he has to.” Ellen vowed looking at the man she loved sleeping like an angel. He hadn’t moved since he closed his eyes. It’s the drugs. She didn’t want to consider he could be exhausted from taking one small drink.
“Ellen, go home and get some rest. He is likely to sleep for hours now. You can come back tomorrow.”
When Ellen hesitated, Emer pulled her to her feet. “Come on. I have enough to do without having to nurse you as well.”
Ellen gave one quick glance at the bed before she turned to leave. “Thank you, Emer, for looking after him so well.”
“He’s a hero. He deserves the best.”
Chapter 38
He could feel the warmth of the sun on his skin. He opened his good eye and found himself staring at Ellen. She was dozing in the chair. It looked like she hadn’t moved since the last time they spoke. When had that been? An hour ago, a day or a week?
He reached out his hand to touch her elbow. He didn’t want to startle her so he tried to be gentle. Her eyes fluttered open before a huge smile creased her face.
“You’re awake.” She said smiling at him.
“Have you been here all the time?”
“Just about. What else would you have me do? You saved my life, Samuel. And nearly died in the process.” A tear ran down her cheek. She swiped it away.
“Your hands. They are hurt.”
Ellen looked down at her bandaged hands. “They are getting better. Nandita and Doc put some salve on them.”
“Doc using Indian medicine? Never thought I’d see that.”
“He’s been using the salve on you too. Can’t you smell it?”
Now was not the time to admit he thought he had missed a few weeks’ worth of baths. Relieved the smell was from a medicinal source and not him. He reached for his face as something was stopping his eye from opening. His arm was bandaged from the elbow down.
“Don’t touch your face just yet. Doc has it wrapped up. You got burnt there too. He’s given you laudanum for the pain which is why you slept so much. The bang on your head didn’t help much either.”
Using his good hand, he took one of her bandaged hands in his.
“I’m not hurting you?”
Her face flushed. “No.” She whispered.
“Ellen, I am so sorry we fought. You wouldn’t have gone into Hope House if it wasn’t for me.”
“Thank God I did otherwise Rosa would have been alone in that fire.”
“I nearly lost you, Ellen. I can’t imagine my life without you.”
“Oh, Samuel.” The tears ran down her cheeks as she hid her face on the bed.
He rubbed her hair for a few minutes giving her time to compose herself.
“Ellen O’Callagahan, I know this is not the time or the place, but will you m-marry me.”
“Yes, oh yes.” She reached up to kiss him gently. He couldn’t stop himself from wincing from the pain.
“I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
“Hush up woman and kiss me again.”
“Yes, sir.” She smiled before kissing him again lightly.
He held her as close as he could with his good arm. Closing his eyes, he sent a prayer of thanks. Not only had he won the woman of his dreams, but in the process, he seemed to have overcome the nightmares that had plagued him for years. In the time he had been asleep his pa had come to him in his dreams. But instead of censure, this time he was full of praise for his youngest son.
“Ellen, Doc will be back in a minute.”
She kissed him briefly once more before sitting up. “Wouldn’t do my reputation much good to be caught lying on a bare chested man who isn’t my husband.”
“I hope you will do that a lot when we are married.”
“Samuel Higgins.”
The
y exchanged a sweet smile before a loud knock announced the doc’s arrival. Samuel couldn’t help thinking the doc had let them have some time alone on purpose.
Ellen left shortly afterward. She had to restrain herself from skipping down the boardwalk. Mrs. Samuel Higgins. She wanted to tell the world, but for now, she had to keep the news to herself. Samuel was bound to want to speak to Katie or maybe write to Daddy. He wouldn’t do that would he? The post took forever.
Chapter 39
“What do you mean he won’t see me? I have been visiting every day.” Ellen said in disbelief.
“I am sorry, Ellen but I have to respect the patient’s wishes. Samuel's recovery is dependent on keeping him calm and....”
“Calm! I don’t want to upset him. I want to be with him. I love him Doc.”
“Yes, I know.” Doc couldn’t meet her eyes. “He doesn’t appear to feel the same way.”
“He does. He said so.” Ellen couldn’t mellow her tone.
“People say things but after they have had time to consider it, they realize they don’t mean it.” Doc said softly, but he still wouldn’t look her in the face.
“Time? It was only yesterday when he proposed. He hasn’t had time to think.” Ellen argued, more with herself than the doc. “He doesn’t want me? No, that’s not possible. He ran into a burning building to save me. There's more to this. I just know it.” She stared at the doc willing him to give her answers.
“Ellen, I cannot upset my patient.”
Ellen fell silent for a couple of minutes. How could Samuel’s feelings have changed so much in the space of a few hours?
“Did you show him his face?”
“Yes, this morning but that has nothing to do with this.”
“Did you tell him he might not regain his sight in that eye?”
The doc nodded, understanding and pity in his eyes.
“That’s the reason he's pushing me away. Oh, Doc can’t you see. He doesn’t want to be a burden on me. He is setting me free. I know he is. But that’s wrong. Excuse me, Doc.”
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