When he returned, Kate was reassuring Abigail that everyone would pitch in and help get everything ready for her to open next week. “It may not be this Saturday like you first planned, but it will be as soon as we can get it put together. What can you do to supervise and stay off your feet?”
Abigail bit her lip. “I suppose I could go ahead and do the labels for the library books. I have the invoice list and can go from that and the Dewey system information book. Then I guess you could put them on the shelves.”
“OK, I’ll get Daniel to help me round up a few helpers and organize them.”
Elliot shook his head. What would this town do without Kate Monroe? He hoped he’d never be around to find out. “Excuse me, Kate, but I have the crutches here, and if you’d be so kind as to instruct her how to use them, I’d appreciate it.” It would also keep him from having to be so close to her.
Kate helped Abigail down from the table and positioned the crutches beneath Abigail’s armpits. “I’m sorry these don’t have padding, but if you don’t put all your weight here at the top on the cradle and put all the weight on your hands, your arms won’t be as sore.”
Elliot busied himself with cleaning up the area as Kate led Abigail outside. The few blocks to the boardinghouse were not going to be fun for Abigail, but at least she had help. He pulled in several deep breaths and exhaled to ease his thumping heart. It had been two years since he’d been so affected by a young woman. And he didn’t welcome the feeling.
CHAPTER SIX
AFTER BREAKFAST FRIDAY morning, Abigail sat on the edge of her bed staring at her ankle. At least her room was on the first floor and she didn’t have to climb the stairs. How could she have been so clumsy? This was the worst possible time for such an accident. Even though it had been wrapped securely, the ankle throbbed with pain. Tears misted her eyes. How would she ever get anything done like this? The library had to be open by next week, or she would be a failure at her first endeavor on her own.
Aunt Mae appeared in the doorway with two pillows in her arms. “Child, you’re supposed to have that foot elevated.” She marched over to the bed and stacked the two pillows at the bottom then swung Abigail’s injured leg up onto them. “There, that will keep it up while you rest.”
“Thank you, that does help, but what am I going to do about getting around and taking care of the library?”
“I’ve already spoken to Daniel and Nathan about that, and they’re rounding up members of the Muldoon family to help you get everything ready. You can sit in the middle or wherever and give instructions to everyone.”
“They’d do that for me?”
“Of course, dear, and if you need anything, just ring this to let me know.” Aunt Mae pulled a small hand bell from her pocket. “I’m right next door, and I’ll come help.”
Abigail blinked back tears. So many good people in Porterfield had welcomed her and now were ready to help fulfill her dream. “How can I ever repay everyone for their kindness and generosity in helping me?”
Aunt Mae planted her hands on her hips. “Why, by having the best library you’ll ever see. This is what our town needs, and you’re just the one to do it. We’re all so glad you’re here, and we’ll do anything we can to get things started.”
“As soon as the books ordered match the bill of those received, I can get them catalogued, start writing the labels for them, and get them glued on. I have the labels all ready with the categories, so all I need to add is the title, author, and number.”
“If you say so, dear; I don’t know anything about that. Now don’t forget; Cory and Henry will help you get over to your building, and as soon as everyone arrives, you can start supervising. Let me know when you’re ready to go, and I’ll send the boys to get you.” With a little wave she stepped back in the hall and closed the door.
Abigail intended to do no such thing. She had the crutches, and she could make her way to the library on her own. She hopped over to the vanity table and inspected her appearance in the mirror. After smoothing back her hair, then biting her lips and pinching her cheeks to give them a bit of color, she reached for her crutches leaning against the wall.
She positioned them under her arms and swung toward the door. Using them was more difficult than it looked. She wrestled with the door a minute or so before she managed to get it open and then herself through it.
The thumping of her crutches must have been loud enough for Cory and Henry to hear because they both jumped from their chairs and rushed to meet her.
Cory stopped her with his hands on her shoulders. “Where do you think you’re going?”
Abigail straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin. “Where else but to my library?” She twisted her body to get loose from his grasp, but he held tight.
“Not without our help you aren’t. I’ll carry you if I have to. No sense in wearing yourself out before you get there. It’s going to be a long day.” He nodded to Henry. “C’mon, Wilder, get on the other side so we can help her down the street.”
She started to protest, but the determined expression on Cory’s face halted that idea. Besides, his curly red hair and green eyes made walking with him a bit more interesting than going alone. Cory Muldoon was indeed a handsome man. She couldn’t forget how he’d helped her yesterday. For a big man, he had a gentle touch.
Then she remembered the town social tonight and how much she had begun to look forward to meeting more townspeople. With her ankle in the shape it was, she’d have to sit on the sidelines and watch others have fun. Better that than to sit in her room and feel sorry for herself.
Daniel’s sister was about as stubborn as her brother had been. Cory glanced down at her as he wrapped one arm across her back. She had to be a good foot plus an inch or so shorter than he was, and she weighed hardly anything. She had a spirit of determination about her that he had grown to admire too.
He grinned down at her as they descended the steps from the porch. “Henry here said he wanted to interview you for an article for the newspaper.”
Abigail turned on her brightest smile for the reporter. “Why, Mr. Wilder, how nice of you. I’d love to give you an interview. When did you want to ask me some questions?”
Henry’s round face and balding head heated a nice shade of pink. “Um, this morning, ma’am, if you don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind at all, and please call me Abigail. Ma’am sounds like I’m an old woman.” Her smile continued and now turned to Cory.
“I only have one chair in my building at present. Could you possibly bring in another one? I haven’t yet unpacked the crates with the ones I ordered for the library.”
“Of course I will. It’ll make things easier for you and those who are stopping by today to help.” He’d do just about anything she wanted him to do. Besides, she didn’t need to be opening any heavy crates today, especially with that injured ankle. Maybe he should use his position as deputy to convince her to let him help her with some of the heavier work.
When they reached the building, she handed Henry the key, and he unlocked it for her. Once inside, she sat on the lone chair. To make sure she stayed put, Cory propped the crutches against the railing up front. Knowing her, she’d grab them and move around too much.
When she frowned at him, he laughed. “Now that’s to make sure you don’t get up every few minutes and try to do things. If you need help, ask for it. Someone will be here all the time. Kate said Doc Elliot gave you strict orders to stay off that ankle for several days and to keep it propped up, and I aim to make sure you do.”
Her eyes flashed in anger. “And just how am I supposed to do that? I don’t see anything to prop it up on.”
Cory laughed again. She was a feisty one, almost like Kate. “I’m going to take care of that now.” He turned to leave. “You answer Henry’s questions, and I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
Once out on the street, he strode across to the infirmary where Doc Elliot had said he’d have a pillow and stool for Abigail to use. No
w all he had to do was to make sure she kept that foot up. Sarah and Rachel both planned to be there this morning, and Kate would most likely be over there herself half a dozen times or more. Independent Miss Monroe may not like it, but she would be surrounded by watch dogs today.
He entered the infirmary. “Hey, Elliot, I’ve come to fetch the stool and pillow you wanted for Miss Monroe.”
“Um, sure thing, Cory. I have it right here.” He ducked his head and darted into another room.
The doctor’s face glowed pink. Cory frowned and shook his head. What had Elliot been doing to cause such embarrassment that he turned red and wouldn’t look at Cory? He shrugged and turned to gaze out the window. He spotted Rachel and Sarah entering the library building. Good. They’d take care of Abigail, and he could get on about his business soon as he delivered the stool and pillow.
Elliot returned with the items. “Be sure to remind Abigail to sit down as much as possible and to use those crutches when she really needs to walk somewhere. I don’t want her putting weight on that ankle.”
Cory shook his head and chuckled. “That gal is as stubborn as Daniel, and I’m not sure she’ll take orders or advice from anyone but you.” An idea struck him. If he went to the office right now, he could finish his work and get back to the library to help Abigail. “Since you’re just across the street, why not go over and check on her yourself? You can take this stool and pillow over to her.”
Doc Jensen strolled into the room. “Good morning, Cory. Elliot’s patient isn’t behaving herself?”
“She’s got a mind of her own, and if Henry and I hadn’t been there when we were, she’d have tried to walk all the way from the boardinghouse to the library. I know it’s only a few blocks, but she hasn’t really got the hang of those crutches yet, and I could see her falling in the street.” Of course any number of men would have run to help her, but she didn’t need that kind of attention right now.
Doc Jensen stroked his chin. “Hmm, she’s a little thing, but it sounds like she’s a ball of fire. I bet she can’t wait to open that library.”
“That’s about it. Elliot can check on her when things aren’t busy here. Aunt Mae would be a lot happier if we kept a close eye on her newest boarder.” If somebody didn’t keep tabs on Miss Abigail Monroe, he’d do it himself to satisfy Aunt Mae—and to get to know the librarian a little better.
Elliot turned his back and began straightening a tray of instruments. Cory shook his head. Looked like the young doctor didn’t want to be bothered by Abigail. That was strange, since he’d always shown concern for his patients before. He headed for the door. “I’ve got to get down to the jail and relieve the night deputy until Rutherford gets back. We had a couple of drunks locked up last night for causing a disturbance at the saloon. Since both of you are here now, I’ll just leave the things for Miss Monroe for you to deliver, Elliot.”
Doc Jensen walked with him to the door. “That’s fine. We’ll take care of it. Kate will be in soon, and one of us will keep an eye on Miss Monroe. From the traffic going into her building, she should have plenty of help today.”
“Thanks, Doc. Rachel and Sarah are there now, and Frank, Daniel, and Nathan are to come and help put up more shelves. I’ll be back to help this afternoon.” Cory strode through the door and down the sidewalk toward the courthouse and the sheriff’s office. He could rest easy. Abigail had plenty of others to watch over her for now.
Elliot stood by the infirmary door and watched Cory make his way to the courthouse at the end of Main Street. First yesterday and then today Cory had been with Miss Monroe. The last thing he wanted today was to be near Abigail Monroe, but unless he could think of a good reason not to take this stool over there, he’d have to. He didn’t care for the closeness that had developed between the deputy and the librarian.
His fists clenched at his side. He didn’t have time for this. Let Cory do whatever he wanted. Still he envied the ease with which the two seemed to get along with each other.
“Yoo-hoo, Doc Elliot.”
He glanced over to see Rachel Reed standing on the boardwalk in front of the library building with her hands on her hips. “What is it, Rachel?” As if he didn’t know she wanted the stool. No excuses now.
“I thought someone was to bring a stool and pillow to prop up Abigail’s ankle. We need them now. I don’t want her ankle swelling up again.”
“I’ll be right there.” When she turned and reentered the building, Elliot sighed and picked up the objects like they were hot coals.
“You might want to give that ankle another look see while you’re there, son.” His uncle hooked his glasses over his ears and picked up a patient’s folder. “You gonna stand there all day, or are you going to take that stuff over to Miss Monroe? Seems like I heard a bit of impatience in Mrs. Reed’s voice.”
Elliot jerked his head up. “I’m doing it now.” He grabbed the stool and pillow and hurried across the street. At the door to the library Elliot took a deep breath then exhaled. He had to brace himself against the charms of Abigail. It’d take some doing, but he had to keep this meeting strictly a doctor-topatient one.
Henry Wilder pushed through the door and almost ran into Elliot. “Sorry, Doc, I didn’t see you. I finished my interview with Miss Monroe, and I must say she’s much more cooperative than you’ve been with me.”
“Sorry about that, Mr. Wilder, but I don’t see what possible interest anyone could have in my life.” For nearly a year now Elliot had been able to avoid Wilder’s numerous attempts to write a story about the new doctor in town. “After all, I’ve been here awhile, and most people know me well enough.”
“You’re probably right, but I’m not giving up.” He tipped his hat and strode off in the direction of the newspaper office.
Knowing Wilder, he wouldn’t give up. Elliot clenched his teeth and walked into the room to find Frank and Daniel positioning a new set of shelves against the wall, and Rachel and Sarah seated on two chairs unpacking books with Abigail. He’d have to think about Wilder later.
Rachel hopped up and glared at him. “It’s about time you got here. Cory was supposed to have brought them over. I don’t know where he disappeared to or why he didn’t return.” She grabbed the pillow and stool then knelt and propped Abigail’s foot on the stool. “How’s that, dear?”
“Just fine, and it feels much better now. If we’re going to open on Saturday, we still have lots of work to do.”
“Well, it won’t be this one, but a one-week delay won’t make that big a difference.” She knit her brows together and tapped her chin. “I still think the doc should take a look at your ankle.”
Elliot nodded. “Of course, I intend to do just that.” He knelt beside Abigail to examine the injured ankle and fought the emotion rising in his chest. The scent of rosewater wafted to his nose and reminded him of his mother’s bushes in the garden back home. He pushed back memories of Cleveland. That’s the last place he wanted to remember today.
“Looks good, but you do need to refrain from putting any weight on it for a few more days. Are you doing all right with the crutches?”
He gazed into her brown eyes, and a smile sweet as sugar graced her lips. “They’re a little cumbersome, but I’ll get better if I practice. I’m not an invalid, you know.”
Why did she have to be so attractive and nice? “Yes, I know, but you are injured, and we do want it to heal properly and quickly.” He stood and stepped back. “Ladies, make sure she doesn’t do too much, and I’ll check on you again tomorrow.”
Abigail peered up at him. “Will I be able to go to the town social tonight if I promise to stay seated and not dance?”
“If you can keep that promise, I see no reason for you not to attend.”
“Will you be there to check on me and make sure I don’t?”
Elliot’s hands clenched at his sides. “You don’t need me to do that. Plenty of others will be there like Kate and your brother and Cory.”
He turned and strode through the
door. If he didn’t get away now, the wall around his heart might crack. He couldn’t let that happen. Still, a tiny prick of jealousy for the attention she’d get from Cory Muldoon poked Elliot’s heart. Maybe he’d be at the social after all.
CHAPTER SEVEN
ALONE IN HER room, Abigail smoothed the sides of her bright blue skirt over her hips. The three petticoats she wore beneath it gave it the fullness she desired. Of course she wouldn’t be whirling about the dance floor in it, but it would drape in an attractive way while she sat and observed. Maybe it was silly to go when she couldn’t really participate, but if she truly wanted the library to be a success, she had to let people know she planned to be a part of the community.
Cory and Mr. Wilder waited in the parlor to accompany her to the town hall. She positioned the crutches under her arms and clumped out to meet them, greeting them with a smile. “I appreciate your taking me, but are you sure you want to be burdened?”
Mr. Wilder grinned and bowed. “We’re at your service, dear Abigail, and your carriage awaits.”
“Carriage? I thought we were going to walk. It’s only four blocks down Main Street.”
Cory shook his head. “Oh no, young lady, that’s too far for those crutches. I have Aunt Mae’s buggy outside. You’ll arrive in style.” He opened the door for her to walk onto the porch.
True to his word, Danny Boy stood hitched to the one-seated vehicle. “Who’s going to drive it?”
Henry doffed his hat and bowed again. “I am. Now let me help you aboard.” He lifted her up so her good foot hit the flooring under the seat.
She settled in the seat and turned her gaze to Cory, who stowed the crutches in the space behind her. “How are you getting there?”
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