Eleanor

by Rachel Wesson

  She almost jumped through the ceiling when she felt his hand on hers. He patted it gently as if willing her to say something. He stayed silent, waiting.

  She kept her mouth closed firmly. She was tempted to tell him what was on her mind. How scared she was of getting older and sicker. Would she die before she got the chance to make things right?

  “Wilma, I apologize. I have been very selfish and you are quite right to be cross with me. I do expect a lot from you and you are only one person. I am sorry I have added to your burden. I will find someone else.”

  Overwhelmed with shame, she risked glancing at him. There was only compassion and perhaps concern in his eyes. No censure. She swallowed hard.

  “Don’t mind me, Father, I just got out of bed on the wrong side this morning. What do you need?”

  She kept swallowing at the look of relief in his face. There was no backing out now.

  “Let me refill our cups and then you can tell me all about this new teacher of yours.”

  She went to the stove using the couple of minutes of silence to compose herself. Taking a seat once more, she waited for him to start his story.

  “Miss Templeton is highly qualified. She holds excellent references from a rather splendid school in Britain. She is well educated, has lovely manners and is obviously from a cultured background.”

  “So what’s the problem? She don’t sound like she needs no help.”

  “Her family just disowned her.”

  “Why? What she do?”

  Father Molloy looked at her, his eyes full of sadness. “Wilma, I am worried about you. You look like my friend, you even scolded me like she does but now you sound nothing like her. I have never known you to assume someone did something before. Can’t you tell me what is wrong? I’ve been told I am a good listener.”

  Wilma stared at him. She knew he was the kindest, most generous spirited person she had ever come across but could she tell him? Would he still look at her the same way? Would he still be her friend if he knew the truth? She fought with herself as he sat waiting, his expression willing her to trust him. She almost felt she could but it was too big a risk.

  “I’m sorry, Father. I didn’t sleep well. Doc Erin gave me some new pills and they give me bad dreams. Please tell me about Miss Templeton. I promise to be nice.”

  “Miss Templeton’s father, or at least the man she believed to be her father died recently.”

  “Oh, the poor girl. But you said her family threw her out.”

  “They did more than that. They disowned her. Her grandmother told her she was no longer a part of the family. She bought her a one-way ticket to America. She ended up staying with Mrs. Gantley, the woman who sent Katie here as a mail-order bride. She sounds English, but she’s American by birth. Born somewhere down South.”

  Wilma’s heart beat faster. She didn’t want to know the answer to her next question. She couldn’t speak, the room was too hot and her breathing was too fast. She saw Father Molloy’s mouth open, he was saying something but she couldn’t hear him the roaring in her ears was too loud. She’d known that someday the ghosts of the past would come to collect their dues. Was that why her sleep has been so disturbed? Had she sensed them coming. Ole Granny used to say the spirits could find you no matter how far you ran and how long you hid. Her head started spinning so she put it on the table.

  “Wilma, drink this slowly,” Father Molloy said not quite hiding the panic in his voice. “John, go fetch Doc Erin, tell her to come quickly. Then go and get Mick and Samuel if you can find them. Go now.”

  “Is Miss Wilma sick? She looks funny.”

  “Go, John, the sooner you bring the doc back, the better Wilma will be.”

  Wilma heard this going on in the background. She tried to speak but nothing came out. She went to take a sip of water but her hand was shaking so much, the water splashed everywhere. What was happening to her? The darkness descended slowly. She squeaked, “forgive me, Father,” before she passed out.

  Chapter 10

  Doc Erin spotted the stranger walking past the clinic. She stepped outside. “Miss Templeton?”

  Startled to hear her name, Eleanor turned back to see a woman running toward her, her skirt held above her ankles.

  “Forgive me for startling you but I wanted to say hello and welcome you to Clover Springs. My name is Erin Quinn but most call me Doc Erin. I met Martha Sullivan at the store and she said you were resting after your long journey.”

  A female doctor. She was young, too, and kind. Eleanor continued staring until she saw the woman was waiting for her to say something. “Mrs. Sullivan has been so nice to me. I was very tired. Still am really but I have plenty of time to rest. I don’t have to go to meet the teachers at the school until the day after tomorrow.”

  “Laura and Ellen are lovely. I recommend a long soak in a bathtub. I can remember sitting on those hard train seats. I felt I would never get the feeling back in my lower regions,” Erin had leaned in to whisper.

  Shocked, Eleanor wasn’t sure how to respond. The lady was a doctor but still it wasn’t done to discuss anatomy in the street.

  “Doc Erin, come quick. You’re needed.”

  “I am so sorry, Miss Templeton. Duty calls. I can’t wait to get to know you better.”

  She was gone before Eleanor could answer. She hoped the emergency would turn out to be a false alarm.

  Worried sick, Erin ran to the orphanage after stopping at the clinic to grab her medical bag.

  “Thank God you were in town. It’s Wilma, she’s collapsed. I don’t know what’s wrong with her.”

  “Please don’t worry, Father Molloy. I don’t want a second patient,” she said trying to reassure him. “Wilma will be fine, she probably just over did it.”

  Erin examined Wilma, her heart was racing a little too quickly but apart from that, she couldn’t find anything wrong. She instructed the others to carry Wilma to her bedroom.

  Sometime later, Wilma woke up. She was lying in bed but couldn’t remember how she had got there. Someone had undressed her and put her into her nightgown. Her cheeks flamed. She remembered talking to Father Molloy. She’d been out of sorts with him. But then it was all a blur. She could hear someone coming. She closed her eyes again. She didn't have the energy to speak to anyone. She just wanted to sleep. She needed to get away from everyone and everything, even her dearest friends.

  Erin sat by Wilma’s bedside monitoring her breathing. She was sure the older woman had woken up but for some reason pretended to be still asleep. Erin didn’t do anything. In her experience, a patient’s body or mind often told them things but most people were too scared or sick to notice. Wilma’s body had been screaming for a rest for a while now. Something had happened that pushed her over the edge. The best thing for her was rest and lots of it. As far as Erin was concerned Wilma needed to sleep and if pretending to be asleep helped her fall into a real sleep then so be it.

  Ellen crept into the bedroom sometime later carrying a tray. “I didn’t know if you wanted to eat here or go downstairs. If you would prefer to eat with the others, I will stay here with Wilma. I know you don’t want her left alone.”

  “Ellen, do you know what upset Wilma today? Father Molloy said she was very cross and somewhat agitated.”

  Ellen shook her head but Erin sensed there was something.

  “Ellen, please tell me, even if it seems silly. You live with Wilma, you know her better than I do.”

  “What do you think happened to her, Doc? Why did she pass out? Is she really ill?” Ellen wiped a tear from her eye. “I can’t think what our lives would be like without her.”

  “Wilma isn’t dying, Ellen.” Erin sought to reassure the younger woman. “She is ill but not seriously enough to warrant what happened today. I think she is suffering from exhaustion.”

  “I knew she was doing too much. I tried to make her rest more but she was very cross. She accused me of wanting to get rid of her.”

  Erin looked at Wilma but this ti
me she was genuinely asleep.

  “Wilma is scared of growing old. Just like the rest of us. But she is particularly worried given the things she has seen in her lifetime. We talked about it some time back. I told her she had nothing to worry about. That her home would always be in Clover Springs.”

  “Of course it is. She is a huge part of Clover Springs. This town wouldn’t be the same without her.”

  “So, Ellen, tell me about the last few days. What have you noticed? Has she been breathing with difficulty? Walking slower? Resting more? I want to know everything and anything you feel might be useful. The better picture I get the more I can help her.”

  “I haven’t noticed her breathing, but she has been a bit slower on her feet than usual. I just assumed it was because you told her to rest more. But what is missing, is her smile and her laughter. She has such a wicked laugh. Once she starts the whole orphanage does. But the last few days that has been missing. She’s still lovely to the children but she has been rather short with me on occasion. Samuel too. We just assumed she was annoyed with us for something, although that isn’t like Wilma. She never holds grudges. She always says just what is on her mind.”

  “Go on, this is very helpful.” Erin said quickly when Ellen stopped speaking, her face a mask of guilt. “Ellen, I don’t for a second believe you are doing anything other than telling me the truth. I found out a long time ago that a patient’s mind is often responsible for their physical symptoms. I think in this case, although I can’t be certain until I speak to Wilma, something is troubling her. She was so upset by whatever that is, she couldn’t cope anymore. Her system basically said it needed to rest.”

  “Why couldn’t she speak to us? Tell us what was wrong. We could have helped.”

  “Maybe, maybe not. I guess we will know more in time, but for now, we need to see she rests. I will speak to Mrs. Grey and Emer. I want someone to be here all the time round the clock until she recovers.”

  “I will do it.”

  “No, my friend, you won’t. You have enough with Jake, the school, and the orphans. I will ask Lily to move in to help with the children until we leave for New York on the first. She is wonderful with Michelle.”

  Chapter 11

  “Father Molloy, can you tell me what happened before Wilma collapsed?” Erin asked the old man softly. He was very upset. She could see how much he loved Wilma.

  “It’s all my fault. I put too much pressure on her. I always expected her to see the way out of my problems. I should have realized she wasn't feeling well.”

  “Why?”

  “Why what, Doc?”

  'Why would you think she wasn't feeling well? Did she tell you she had a headache or a pain in her chest?”

  “No, but I knew she wasn't right. She was very cross for one thing. Wilma has a temper, I should know as I have been on the receiving end of it more than once but she is never unkind. She is always the first to help anyone. Yet today...she was different. She said she was tired. Too tired to help anyone else.”

  “That doesn’t sound like Wilma, although I haven’t known her as well as you have.”

  “It’s not like her at all. Wilma would walk barefoot over stones to help someone. What's wrong with her, Doc? She isn't old. Well not to me,” he said trying to smile but struggling.

  Erin took his hand gently. “I believe Wilma is just exhausted both mentally and physically. We have no idea of what she experienced growing up, but I imagine she went through a lot. It takes someone who has known real pain to be able to help those who are going through heartache. She has taken on a lot. With Ellen being ill, the orphans, the worry of Laura, and all the rest of the comings and goings in the town she has had enough.”

  “So you don't think there is anything wrong with her physically?”

  “I didn’t say that. She is a big lady and her heart is under pressure. I've warned her before to rest more. But...”

  “Doc, are you saying you think this is all in Wilma's mind?”

  Erin sighed. If educated people like Father Molloy didn’t believe her, what would her usual patients think.

  “No, not all of it. I realize what I am about to say is believed to be mumbo jumbo by many doctors. But I have been doing a lot of reading about the brain and the mind and the impact on the body. I think Wilma is mentally exhausted in addition to being tired in the physical sense. I think her brain has decided she needs a rest. Basically, in very simple terms, her brain is protecting her body by making her take a rest.” Erin looked at him wondering if she would see disbelief and mistrust, but instead, he seemed to be considering what she said.

  “Little Beaver told me the Indians treat the whole person rather than just the symptoms of the illness. I believe there is a lot to their medicine, some of which we have yet to understand.”

  “Little Beaver and those of his people I have had the pleasure of meeting are very wise,” Father Molloy commented.

  “I think Wilma is hurting. I believe she needs someone to talk to. Someone she trusts who won't judge her. Someone like you, Father, but she needs to make the decision to talk.”

  “You think she is hiding a secret?”

  “We all have secrets, Father,” Erin said with a sad smile. “Now I must get back to my patient.”

  Erin walked back into Wilma's bedroom. She sensed the old woman was awake even though her eyes were closed.

  “Dear Wilma, you have given us all quite a scare today. Yourself most of all. You need to rest. I insist. If I hear of you leaving this bed over the next two days, I will ask Mrs. Grey to watch you.”

  Wilma's eyes opened, her opinion of Mrs. Grey babysitting was clear to see from the look on her face. She didn't say a word though.

  “Wilma, I know you are scared but you have no reason to be. You will be fine. Just do what I say. Okay?”

  Erin waited until Wilma nodded in agreement. Then she leaned down and kissed the old woman on the cheek. “Please remember how much we all love you.”

  A tear trickled down Wilma's cheek. Erin brushed it away gently. “See you tomorrow.”

  Wilma didn't respond but turned her head to face the wall. Erin hoped she was correct in what she had told Father Molloy. Yes, she had been reading about the effects of past hurt and pain on people but it was in relation to soldiers’ experiences at Antietam and other similarly bloody battles in the Civil War. As she looked at Wilma lying in the bed, her eyes closed, she didn't want to imagine the type of horrors this wonderful woman had experienced in her lifetime. Maybe it was time to call on Laura and find out what she knew of Wilma's background.

  Chapter 12

  Little Beaver accompanied Erin out to the Sullivan ranch. He didn’t like any of the ladies traveling alone even though they had dealt with Dickinson and his gang.

  “You think Wilma get better?”

  “Yes, Little Beaver, I do. I think her heart is broken. But I do not know why.”

  “Much sadness in Wilma’s face. She is kind and good and smiles at people but her eyes show much pain. Like many of our old people who live on reservations.”

  Erin wasn’t sure what to say. She couldn’t bear the thoughts of anyone living in such dire straits as the Indians were but there was nothing they could do about it. Apart from ensure the Indian community from Clover Springs remained safe.

  “How is your wife and baby?”

  “I tell you big secret?”

  “Oh, please do. You know I won’t tell anyone.”

  “My wife is having baby. I will have new child”

  “Oh, Little Beaver, that is wonderful news. Please tell Asha I can come see her if she wishes. When I come back from New York.”

  “You like go big city? Me think it must be hard to breath with all the buildings and people.”

  Erin smiled at his screwed-up face. Sometimes his reactions reminded her of a young child. She turned to look at the Sullivan ranch as it came into view. She loved the house Mary’s husband, Davy, had fashioned for her. He had built onto the old hou
se his parents had lived in. Mary was a lucky woman with these magnificent views. She would love to live somewhere like that but it was too far from town to be practical for a doctor.

  Mrs. Higgins was waiting for them when they drove up.

  “I saw you coming over the hill. Good afternoon, Doc Erin, it’s not often you come out visiting this way.

  “You keep everyone so healthy with your cooking, I don't need to, Mrs. Higgins. Your skills are legendary.”

  “What’s that husband of yours been telling you? He is a charmer that’s for sure. Come in and have a drink. Mary would love to chat. She could talk all day Miss Mary, and I don't have time to be listening.” Mrs. H smiled showing Erin she loved Miss Mary dearly. “Little Beaver would you like a drink or do you want to find Davy?”

  “I go find Davy before Miss Mary sees me. She talk a lot!” Little Beaver ran leaving the two amused women behind him.

  “I actually need to see Laura for a few minutes. Maybe she will come back with me and we could all have some coffee?” Erin asked.

  “Perfect, Doc. You take your time.”

  Erin wondered if she might be able to find out about Mrs. H and Cookie while she was here. But first she had to speak to Laura. She drove the wagon down to Laura’s house which was situated on the property next to the ranch.

  “Good afternoon, Mrs. Kelley, could I please come in?” Erin knocked on Laura's door.

  “Please do, Doc Erin. And call me Laura. Every time someone says Mrs. Kelley, my heart goes to my mouth. I look for my mother-in-law.”

  Erin smiled. She had met the infamous Mrs. Kelley and couldn’t blame Laura for wanting to avoid her. From what she had heard, Laura's husband Paul was so different to his mother some folks believed him to be adopted.

  “What can I do for you, Doc? I mean I love the fact you've called but you are here for something other than a chat, aren’t you?”