The realization slammed into him. He’d only made a few steps, but he’d risen from the wheelchair and stepped in front of Clara. She’d insisted for three days that he could walk without support if he tried.
He embraced her. “Looks like you were right. I can walk at least a few steps without the bars. Are you okay?”
She rested her head against him. “My chest does not want me to breathe and my heart is racing faster than those horses ran. Thank you for saving me.”
“My legs want me to sit down. I can wheel myself and you walk beside me. You need to get something from Mama for shock.”
“Ja, we will go back to the house now. I did not mean to come this far but you were arguing with me and I kept walking.”
Harley rode up, reining in about ten feet away. “Daniel, Paw and me are sure sorry we scared you folks. Damn…begging your pardon, Ma’am, one of those darn horses went crazy when a rabbit jumped onto the road. That’s why we want Dallas to train them.”
Daniel sat back in the wheelchair. “He can get them to do what he wants. He talks to them like they were people and they seem to understand. You’ll be pleased with the results.”
“Well, I’d better get back and help Paw. Nice to see you again, Daniel.” He touched two fingers to his hat brim. “Ma’am.” He turned and sent his horse and galloping toward the corral.
Clara still pushed him even though he could have managed on his own. He didn’t argue because he figured she’d had enough to contend with for one day.
She walked slowly. “I was so frightened I couldn’t move or speak. My legs went weak and I was dizzy. I thought I would fall and be trampled.”
“The event is over so try to put it your of your mind.”
“Daniel, if I live to be a hundred, I will never forget that experience. I am sure I will have nightmares tonight. Worse, you could have been trampled. After all your hard work, you could have been even worse.”
“Think of something else.”
He searched his memory for something to distract her. “Did you know that some people used to believe tomatoes were poisonous? In 1820 this man named Robert Johnson in Salem, New Jersey brought a bunch of them in front of the courthouse and ate tomatoes in front of a crowd. The people in the crowd waited for him to die, but he didn’t.”
“I imagine they were surprised. Do you not believe that is kind of ghoulish of the crowd?”
“Now that you mention it, I do. Did you know that in Japan it’s considered good manners to slurp and burp while eating?”
“Are you sure that is correct?”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“Then you would do well in Japan.”
“Hey, there’s nothing wrong with my table manners. Even though we usually eat in the kitchen, Mama insists each of us learn the niceties.”
“I apologize because you are correct. Kathryn must have a secret way to convince you to follow her rules.”
“Yep. Growing up if we didn’t act properly, we had to leave the table. A couple of times missing a meal was a good lesson. Not that we missed many, you understand. Mama made sure we ate well.”
Once inside the house, they returned to his room. “That bed has never looked more welcoming.”
Clara waited until he was in bed. “While you are resting, think how you want to let your family know you have walked. This will be a wonderful surprise.”
“Okay. You need to rest too.”
“Ja, I have barely enough energy to get to my bed and lie down. I will check on you in an hour or so.”
Chapter Fourteen
Clara had never been so weak. Her legs threatened to become rubber and did not want to follow her commands. She managed to remove her shoes then she laid on the bed to rest. Perhaps she could sleep for an hour.
She awoke from a nightmare to the chatter of voices coming from the parlor. When she checked her lapel watch for the time, she was appalled. She had slept for three hours. What must the McClintocks think?
She rose and washed her face and hands. After smoothing her hair, she put on her shoes. Now she had to face the family. She hoped they were not angry with her for neglecting her duty.
When she reached the parlor, she was ready to explain her carelessness with Daniel’s life. Instead of censure, the family members swarmed around her.
Kathryn had been crying. “You did it, Clara. Daniel walked and it’s thanks to you. I know he needs more therapy, but he got up from his wheelchair and walked to me.” Tears pooled in her eyes.
Austin hugged her. “Young lady, you are worth your weight in gold.”
Emma dabbed at her eyes. “I knew he would walk. I’m so happy our boy is healed.”
The love and kindness shown in this room amazed Clara. This must be the nicest family in the world. She savored their praise even though she was simply doing her job—the one this family paid her to do.
“I thought you would be angry that I took such a long nap and neglected my duties with Daniel. That you are not upset is such a relief to me.”
Austin shook his head. “Daniel explained what happened. With your family background, you must have been terrified.”
Kathryn took her hand. “We waited supper for you. Let’s go into the kitchen now and eat.”
Daniel was back in his wheelchair. “I’m starving. Clara makes me work so hard I need lots of food.”
In the kitchen, Clara sank onto the chair she had come to think of as hers. “You must not complain. Working hard is why you can walk. We will continue working until you no longer need the wheelchair. If you wish, you may use a cane.”
Daniel’s raised his eyebrows. “I don’t intend to use a cane.”
Rebecca spread her napkin across her lap. “I think a cane makes a man look sophisticated, debonair.”
Daniel looked at his sister. “That’s because in those romance novels you read the hero often carries a cane.”
“How do you know? You can’t have gone up to my room to steal mine.”
“I heard you and your friend Maddie talking about them.”
Her eyes were round as saucers and she looked aghast. “You eavesdropped?”
“I didn’t move. If you giggly girls talk loud enough that I can hear you in my room, you can’t accuse me of intentionally listening.”
“You could have warned us.”
Kathryn clapped her hands. “Silence both of you. We will have a big celebration next Friday night and Josh and Dallas and their families will be here. Of course I’ll invite Petra and Gran and Grandpa, too. Maybe we’ll invite the O’Neill, McDonald, and Clayton families and have a cèilidh.”
Clara clasped her hands at her waist. “When I was a little girl, my parents and I sometimes went to our Scottish neighbor’s for a cèilidh. They were such fun.”
Daniel wriggled on his chair. “Mama, don’t you think you should wait to celebrate until I can walk across the room at least? I don’t think wobbling a few steps qualifies.”
Kathryn jutted out her jaw. “It does to us.”
***
As soon as they had finished breakfast the next morning, Clara pushed him to his room. “We had better get very busy. You must walk as well as possible for your party. More, you must do this for yourself.”
“Did I tell you that you look your usual beautiful self this morning?”
“A woman can never hear that too often.” She removed the harness apparatus and laid it aside. “I will put this in one of my trunks.”
“Don’t leave me.”
She met his gaze. She knew what he meant but pretended otherwise. He should be ecstatic at his improvement and not thinking of her.
“I will be right here, Daniel. The loop goes around your waist as usual. If you start to fall I will catch you. But, if you know you are falling, grab the bars.”
He loosely held her wrist. “I mean don’t leave me now that I can walk.”
“You are not completely rehabilitated yet. I am still your therapist. Now that you can walk, there are add
itional exercises you must learn. Do not think of anything but walking, especially until your party. Go and walk between the parallel bars without touching them.”
“Yes, Master.” He needed no assistance to reach the bars.
Clara was elated to realize Daniel no longer had to focus so diligently to walk. In another way, his progress made her sad. She loved being here and loved him. Soon he would not need her and there would be no reason for her to stay. She could live with Aunt Petra, but that was not a satisfactory solution.
Just when she had decided he no longer needed the bars, his legs folded. He pulled her down with him. She held the loop but he was dead weight.
She rose and flexed her shoulders and back. “Grab the bars and pull yourself up.”
He remained in a crumpled heap. “I’d love to do the baboon thing, but I can’t. My muscles froze and I’m helpless as a newborn baby. Give me a minute or two and hope I recover.”
“Has this ever happened to you before now?”
“Jumping out of the wheelchair yesterday might have been too much for me even though it was necessary. I’m fine, though. The feeling is coming back.”
The idea of him having another of these attacks terrified Clara. How could she prepare him for something she didn’t understand? They needed to tell Dr. Sullivan about this episode.
Rebecca came in. “What’s wrong? Daniel, are you hurt?”
“I’m fine. Had a little setback. Give Clara a hand to help me up, will you?”
With Rebecca’s help, Clara got Daniel on his feet. He stood between the parallel bars and slowly walked toward the end. She held the belt firmly. Instead of turning to go the other direction, he walked to the bed, laid down, and exhaled deeply.
Clara knew something must be hurting in spite of him saying he was fine. She stood beside his bed and used her most professional tone, “Daniel, are you injured?”
He gave her a sheepish look. “Maybe a little. If you’re not hurt, reckon I could have my massage of these crazy muscles now?”
That confirmed to Clara that he had been injured. “Of course.”
Rebecca followed her. “You’re limping, Clara.”
Clara smiled at the girl. “I am fine, just a little bump.” Actually, her left side hurt—ankle, knee, and hip.
Rebecca narrowed her eyes. “I know I’m not as good as you are. Just the same, when you’ve finished my brother’s massage, I’m giving you one.”
Clara sighed. “I will not turn you down.”
***
The next day when Red brought the mail, she had another letter from Dr. Aronson. She opened it with trembling fingers.
Dear Miss Van Hoosan,
Because of a medical conference, I will be in your area on the tenth. I hope I may call on you at the McClintock Ranch. I look forward to meeting you in person.
Sincerely yours,
Louis Arnoldson, M.D.
Daniel glared at her. “What does he say?”
She looked at Kathryn. “Dr. Arnoldson is going to be here on the tenth and would like to call on me here. I do not have time to respond by mail and I cannot send him a wire because he did not say where his conference will be held. I apologize if you do not want him to call here.”
Kathryn glanced at Daniel then her. “Of course you may have him visit here. I’m sure he wants to talk you into leaving rural life for the big city.”
“I have not decided what I will do when Daniel no longer needs therapy. He is doing well and I am very happy for him.”
“I’m in the room, Clara. You don’t have to speak about me as if I were somewhere else or too dumb to understand what you’re saying.”
Clara whirled. “You are not dumb but you are the most obstinate person I have ever met. Instead of rejoicing because you can walk, you are complaining.”
“I’m happy I can walk. But, I think you should stay in McClintock Falls instead of racing off to St. Louis.”
“Did you not hear me say I have not decided? There are many things to consider.”
Kathryn came to stand beside Clara. “In a few minutes I’m going to town. Why don’t you come with me and visit your aunt and shop?”
“I would love to.” Her burst of excitement evaporated. “Oh, no, thank you. This is the time for Daniel’s therapy.”
Kathryn chuckled. “I hardly think one afternoon will halt his recovery.”
“If you are sure, please let me change clothes quickly.” Clara hurried to her room.
She had a dress ready for just such an opportunity. The dress was one she copied from the trousseau of Princess Beatrice three years ago. Dark red habit cloth with ottoman silk of the same shade formed the vest. The garment was simple and tasteful in design and she felt like a princess when she wore it.
When she emerged from her room, Daniel waited in the parlor.
“You’re beautiful.” His eyes conveyed his admiration.
“Thank you. Shall I bring you something from town?”
He mulled over the question. “I sure would like some horehound candy. And see if they’ve had a new shipment of books. I’ve about memorized the ones we have.”
“I certainly will.”
Kathryn anchored her hat with another hatpin. “Shall we go?”
They reached town quickly. Kathryn left the buggy at the livery stable.
She linked her arm with Clara’s. “Why don’t we go to your aunt’s house first? Then, if she has something planned for today, we’ll have time to arrange a later visit.”
“That sounds logical. I am eager to learn how she is getting on in her new home.”
When they arrived at Petra’s house, she was pulling weeds from the front flower beds.
As they reached the gate, Clara called, “Aunt Petra, you have visitors.”
When Petra looked up, a huge smile appeared on her face. “I must be magic because I was just thinking about you. Come in and we will have tea.”
When they were inside the kitchen, Clara hugged her aunt before taking a seat at the table. “How have you been?”
Petra was more animated than Clara had ever seen her. Her aunt took a tea kettle and filled it with water before setting on the range. “Many things have happened. Zarelda invited me for tea. Because of her generosity, others also have invited me.”
“You didn’t have to ask her first then. That’s good news.”
Petra measured tea into the teapot. “I have been to church and attended a meeting of the women.”
Kathryn nodded. “What did you think of them?”
“I liked them. They do not just gossip. They make quilts for the needy and also take food to the sick. You know I enjoy sewing and I said I would help with quilts. The quilt group will come here on Tuesday so I want everything to look perfect.”
Petra grabbed Kathryn’s hand in both of hers. “I am a success because I have pretended I was you each time I meet people. Because of you, I know how to act warm and friendly.”
Kathryn’s smile lit her face. “Petra, what a nice thing to say. I’m pleased you’re making friends.”
Petra poured steaming water into the teapot to steep. She set out the dishes and utensils they would need.
“Aunt Petra, that’s wonderful news. What can I do to help?”
“Not a thing.” She paused in pouring tea. “On second thought, perhaps you can walk through the house and see if there is anything out of place or that I haven’t cleaned.”
“I will be happy to. After tea, I will help you pull weeds.”
Her aunt’s eyes widened. “In that dress, you will not. I have several days to prepare and there is not that much left to do. On Monday, I will bake.”
She jumped up. “I forgot to serve you pound cake.”
They chatted for half an hour.
Kathryn set her empty tea cup on its saucer. “I’m enjoying this, but I have errands at Roan’s Mercantile. You ladies are invited to join me if you care to.” She rose. “Petra, thank you for a lovely time. Next time I will bring the ca
ke.”
Petra looked at Clara. “What do you prefer?”
Clara shrugged. “I came to visit with you so we will do what you wish, but I did promise Daniel I would look for a new book… and some candy.” She grinned at Kathryn.
Petra stood. “Let us shop and we can visit on the way. You look too nice to hide inside. Kathryn, do you mind waiting while I get my purse and tidy my hair?”
Clara basked in the company of her two favorite women. How sad to think she and Petra could have shared joy-filled times these past twelve years if they had understood one another. Thank goodness, Kathryn and Rebecca were close
When Petra rejoined them, she had changed dresses and wore a hat.
Kathryn’s eyes conveyed excitement. “Daniel has taken steps unaided. Of course, he still needs a lot of help from Clara. We’re having a big party Friday and we hope you’ll come. You will need a ride. I’m sure you can come with Gran and Grandpa.”
Petra’s brown eyes lit with delight. “I would like this very much. I am glad your Daniel is improving. You must be very pleased.”
Kathryn practically danced when she walked out of Petra’s home. “Austin and I are over the moon happy. Plus, for the first time in two years, Daniel has regained his hope.”
Clara took her aunt’s hand. “Did you bring your wooden clogs?”
“Ja, even though I could not imagine I would wear them here, I hated to leave them behind.”
“Bring them to the party. It is to be a cèilidh with music and dancing. We will show the Irish dancers how the Dutch dance.”
“I will also bring my cap.” Her aunt pondered a few moments. “I have not danced in many years. I may not remember how.”
“You will. Only a little bit, we don’t have to put on an entire show. I would like for others to see something of Amsterdam and The Netherlands.”
“Ja, this will be fun.”
Kathryn waved at the doctor. “John, wait a moment.” They crossed the street, which was unpaved.
Dr. Sullivan’s smile welcomed them. “What are you three lovely ladies up to today?”
Kathryn took his arm and they walked together while Clara and her aunt followed.
Daniel McClintock Page 14