Petra nodded. “Me also, Mr. Tall Trees.” She waved a hand dismissively. “Not the scalping part, although I would like to keep my hair. I meant I enjoyed your demonstration.” She looked at Clara. “Is that the right word?”
He took her hand and patted it. “That will work fine. I am pleased to have met you ladies.”
He bowed slightly and went to join Dallas and Cenora. At the same time, the doctor reclaimed his seat by her aunt.
Clara pondered her aunt and the doctor as a couple. If each of these two lonely persons found someone, the union would be wonderful. What would that do to the closeness she and her aunt had found if Clara moved away?
She wanted her aunt to be happy, but she’d visualized them remaining close. As in, Petra living wherever Clara worked. She sighed. Don’t cross bridges before you reach them.
Chapter Seventeen
On Tuesday, the tenth, Clara rose early. Dressing quietly, she wondered whether Dr. Arnoldson would actually call. If so, what would she decide? Perhaps he would not come and she would not have to make a decision.
She tiptoed next door and peeked in. Daniel was awake and sitting on the side of his bed.
He looked up. “What, wearing your uniform to meet your important guest?”
She approached him. “Don’t be mean, Daniel. I work in a uniform so why should I not wear one today?”
His eyes pleaded with her. “I don’t want you to go. There’s no need for him to come here.”
“I did not have a way to contact him at his conference, you know that. Besides, I would like to hear his offer. No matter what my decision, knowing my options is always best.”
“My offer includes a home with me and your own clinic. You’d be close to your aunt and my family. I know you like my family and they like you—even Gran likes you.”
“I have grown quite fond of your family. Daniel, you know why I cannot agree. You do not know any other women your age. Not one.”
His chin jutted out. “You don’t trust me?”
“Of course I trust you. I know you would never violate your wedding vows. But, how do you think I would feel if we married and I realized you were more attracted to another woman? And, how terrible for you that would be.”
“I won’t be attracted to anyone but you. You don’t have to parade a dozen women in front of me for me to tell you that.”
She pushed the chair near him. “Come, get ready for breakfast. I hear Emma setting the table.”
He scowled. “I am ready. I didn’t sleep much.”
“Daniel? You need your rest to rebuild your strength.”
Sparks lit his blue eyes. “Yeah? I heard you pacing long into the night so don’t lecture me.”
She offered a weary sigh. “You are right. I have worried with this until I am exhausted yet still I cannot sleep. I wish the dratted man would arrive so I can be done with this decision.”
After breakfast they worked with his walking between the parallel bars. Neither was talkative, which was unusual. Normally, this was a time when they joked and conversed on diverse subjects.
About ten, they heard a buggy approach. Each of them turned toward the window. A tall, good looking man stepped from the buggy and tied the reins at the rail.
Kathryn answered the doorbell. “Come in, Dr. Arnoldson, I’ll tell Clara you’re here.”
“If I am not mistaken, she and her patient saw me from the windows.”
In Daniel’s room, Clara pushed the chair for Daniel to be seated. “Come with me, Daniel.”
“Am I part of your pony show so you can impress him?”
“You know that is not the case at all. I thought you would want to meet him and listen to what he has to say.”
He propelled the chair himself. “Lead the way.”
They joined Kathryn and the caller in the parlor.
Dr. Arnoldson stood when Clara and Daniel entered. He was her height with sandy brown hair and brown eyes.
He took Clara’s hand and bowed over it. “I am pleased to finally meet you, Miss Van Hoosan. I have heard remarkable things from your professors and from the local doctor.”
He stretched his hand toward Daniel. “Nice to meet you also, Mr. McClintock.”
Daniel remained in the wheelchair but shook the newcomer’s hand. “Please be seated.”
Emma brought in a tea tray, glared at the doctor, and left.
After winking at Clara, Kathryn served them.
“This is very kind of you. I am thirsty. I spent the night in your lovely town.”
After they had had time to finish their refreshments, Dr. Arnoldson asked, “May I see the paraphernalia you’ve used?”
With a glance at Daniel, she stood. “Yes, if you’ll follow me.”
The four of them went to Daniel’s room.
Clara gestured at the bars. “I brought this equipment with me in trunks and assembled it once I was here.”
She gestured to the overhead hook. “That is for a harness Daniel wore until he could balance himself with only the parallel bars.”
“And how did you force his feet to move?”
She chuckled. “By duck-walking backwards and moving his feet as he advanced on the bars.”
“I see you must have a great deal of stamina.”
“I have had several years to practice. I also used massage.”
“On the legs?”
“Also on the shoulders and back as well. Using the bars is hard on a patient’s shoulders especially. In addition, Mrs. McClintock is a healer and used massage to keep his lower muscles from deteriorating. Dr. John Sullivan and Mrs. McClintock worked together to prevent him from having pneumonia or heart problems.”
“You must be very forward thinking, Mrs. McClintock.”
She smiled graciously, but Clara sensed Kathryn did not like the doctor. “I use methods as old as time itself, Doctor Arnoldson.”
He pulled a face. “Ah, quite so. Miss Van Hoosan, shall we go back to the parlor or would you prefer we speak in private?”
“There is no reason everyone cannot hear what you have come to say.” She led the way back to the parlor and sat down.
Dr. Arnoldson smiled at each person in the room then focused on Clara. “I’ve heard remarkable accounts in town about your results. I hope you’ve given consideration to coming to St. Louis.”
She inhaled deeply. “I have thought about your offer but I do not know any details.”
He leaned forward and spread his hands. “Of course. My hospital board has given me permission to offer the following terms. You would be provided a modest home near the hospital. In addition to being in charge of the mechanotherapy department you would hire—and fire—your staff. Your starting salary would be six hundred dollars a year.”
He must have taken her gasp to mean she disapproved because he hurried to add, “Of course, you’d get yearly raises.” He leaned back. “Have I given you enough information to make a decision?”
“I believe so. As you can see, my patient is not yet fully recovered so I cannot leave at present.”
Dr. Arnoldson pursed his lips. “We can hold your place until Thanksgiving but I must have an answer by then. We plan to be ready for patients on the first of January.”
“That is generous of you. I will make a decision very soon.”
He stood. “Since I won’t be taking you back to St. Louis with me, I’d better rush and catch the afternoon train east.”
Kathryn rose. “I’ll see you out, Dr. Arnoldson.”
***
Daniel felt gutted by a knife. Six hundred dollars a year plus a fancy hospital with a new wing for her and a house. He was shot down like the pigeon he was.
She sat staring into the distance. Probably saw visions of grandeur dancing in front of her. He sure couldn’t compete. Except he loved her.
He took her hand. “Are you going to say anything?”
“He was disrespectful of Kathryn’s ability. I didn’t like that.”
Thank heavens. “He was
rude. Seemed too certain of himself but he sure offered you a lot of money.”
She still appeared lost in thought, even though she spoke to him. “Even though I could hire staff, I would be working for him and his hospital board. I must think over everything.” She stood. “Shall we get back to your exercises?”
He leaned back his head. “Clara, please take mercy on me. I’m so tired. Let me rest today and I promise I’ll work twice as hard tomorrow.”
Kathryn had come up quietly behind them. “I think you each need to take a day off. Clara, why don’t you rest until lunch. If you wish, I’ll take you to visit your aunt this afternoon?”
“You are always so kind, Kathryn. I would very much like to do that as soon as I get Daniel settled.”
Dammit, he was not a baby. “Daniel can settle himself. I’m not the same age as Houston.” He turned his chair and wheeled himself to his room.
***
Clara rode beside Kathryn in the buggy. “I did not mean to upset Daniel. I am just used to doing things to help him and I forget he can do most things alone now.”
“He’s just upset at the thought of you leaving. I admit we all are. You’ve become like family. You must know Daniel is in love with you.”
“So he says. Kathryn, he has not been around a woman who is not a family member in over two years. How can he know how he feels about me? Once he is around women his age, he may forget about me.”
“He has always known what he wanted, Clara. He knows all the available women in this area. I believe he genuinely cares for you.” She shook her head. “Listen to me. I should not be trying to sway you either way. You need to make your own decision.”
“Being swayed is very nice. I would cry if you were eager for me to leave. I think yours is the most wonderful family in the world.”
“You’re so kind. I love our entire family, too, especially now that Gran appears to have come around to being civil to me. Grandpa always was but Gran had picked out daughters of her friends for Austin and Houston.”
“She could not have chosen a nicer daughter than you. I am fortunate to have met you. You do much good in the world.”
“Sometimes. When a baby dies, I feel the loss as much and sometimes more than the parents.”
“That would be hard. As is when I treat a patient that I know will never recover. There are many reasons, as I am sure you know, why the paralysis cannot be reversed.”
“Which makes the triumphs that much sweeter.”
They reached her aunt’s home.
Kathryn remained on the buggy’s seat. “I believe I will go visit Gran and Grandpa and let you and your aunt have time to discuss this offer together.”
Clara climbed down. “Thank you, Kathryn. Tell the grandparents hello from me.” She opened the gate and sauntered up the walk.
Petra opened the door before Clara rang the bell. “This is a welcome surprise. Come in and I will make tea.”
Her aunt took her shoulders and turned Clara to face her. “Mijn lieve meid, what is wrong?”
“I do want to be your darling girl, Aunt Petra, but you may change your mind when you hear why I am sad. I have had a visit from that doctor in St. Louis and heard his offer.”
“Then why are you filled with sorrow? Were the conditions so bad?”
“No, so good.” She threw her arms around her aunt and wept on Petra’s shoulder. “I do not want to go away. I want to stay here and marry Daniel.”
“Ah, my poor Clara. Then that is what you should do. He is in love with you.”
“Do you think he truly is or that he has not been around other women for so long?”
“You are not usually so unsure of yourself. Ah, but you are unsure of his love. I can tell you what I see. He loves you and he is smart enough to know his own mind. Does he not know all the women his age in town? If he wanted one of them he would not propose to you.”
“I am so pleased you think so. When I get back to the house, I will tell him yes, I will marry him.”
“And your clinic? What will you do about that?”
“Austin said he will give us forty acres of land overlooking the river on which to build a house and a clinic. That is enough for pretty gardens for the patients to have fresh air.”
“But what will you use to build this place?” She slapped her hand against her forehead. “Ach, I still have not found the solicitor’s envelope. I will spend all my time now looking through my papers.”
“Shall I help you?”
“I would be too embarrassed for you to see my mess. Do not give up. I have made progress. I found your father’s family Bible. I have not found mine or that of Hans’ family yet.”
Clara couldn’t imagine the state of her aunt’s papers if even a family Bible could remain hidden. No matter, she had more serious matters on her mind.
Petra took her hand. “I will ask Madame to make your wedding dress.”
Clara shook her head. “I can wear the blue one. That dress is so pretty.”
“Nonsense. I told you I have money. I received many guilders for our home yet homes here cost far less in dollars. Plus, I have the money Hans saved.” A conspiratorial gleam lit her brown eyes. “I am not certain but I believe I am wealthy.”
Clara couldn’t resist teasing. “That makes you quite a good catch for John.”
Petra gasped. “You should not jest about such things. Besides, he is a ‘good catch’ as you said.”
“He seemed quite interested in you at the cèilidh. Have you seen him again?”
Her aunt blushed. “Yes, he has taken me to dinner and I have invited him here two times. He misses home-cooked meals.”
Clara hugged her. “Aunt Petra, he can get excellent meals at the café but he enjoys being with you.”
“I hope so.” Petra laid a hand at her throat. “We are a couple of romantics, are we not?”
“Perhaps this is a good thing. Much better than being cynical.”
Her aunt met her gaze. “Clara, how much did the man from St. Louis offer to pay you?”
“A ‘modest’ home to live in plus six hundred dollars a year. I do not know what he calls modest.”
“So much?” She nodded. “He realizes your qualities and knowledge are valuable. If you are worth that to him, you are worth more to yourself.”
Kathryn knocked at the open screen door. “May I come in?” When she was inside, she took Petra’s hands in hers. “I am sorry to rush Clara away from you but the time is getting late.”
Petra nodded. “We have had a nice visit.”
When they were on their way, Kathryn glanced at Clara. “Did seeing your aunt help you?”
“She helped me find my own mind. Does that make sense?”
“Sometimes talking things over with someone we trust helps us see what we want to do.”
“Please do not think talking with you did not help. Today I was able to speak with my two favorite women. I have made my decision. If Daniel still wants me, I will marry him. My aunt pointed out that he is too smart not to know his own mind.”
“I can’t tell you how happy that makes me, Clara. You have become like a daughter to me already.”
“I hope Daniel has not changed his mind. He was upset with me when we left.”
Kathryn laughed out loud. “You need have no fear of that.”
Chapter Eighteen
Daniel wanted to pace but feared that was beyond him. After he tried without success to nap, he asked Rebecca to watch him walk the parallel bars. Every second he listened for the buggy.
Rebecca put her hand on his arm. “Don’t go back down the bars. You’ve almost fallen twice. If you do, I can’t get you up by myself. Go to bed until Clara comes back and you can concentrate.”
He sat on the bed. “You’re a brat, know that?”
She shook her forefinger at him. “You should talk. A grumpier man never lived than you’ve been today. I’m going where I’m appreciated.”
“And where is that, the moon?”
&nbs
p; The slamming door let him know her mood. Hell, everyone in the family was on edge. He lay on the bed and stared at the ceiling. Still couldn’t sleep. Damn that Arnoldson.
At last he heard a buggy approach. He recognized Mama and Clara but they pulled around to the carriage house. At least he’d see Clara now.
Minutes later she rapped then entered his room.
He propped up on his elbow then sat up. She was beautiful and smart and all the things a good woman should be. He would never tire of looking at her or spending time with her.
Suddenly, he was so overcome with emotion he couldn’t think what to say to her. He cleared his throat. “Um, is your aunt all right?”
“Yes, but she still has not found the solicitor’s envelope. She did find my father’s family Bible.”
“How could she lose that?”
She giggled. “She still hasn’t found hers or that of Hans and my mother’s family. She said the van der Meers were knocking a hole in the wall separating the two houses as she packed and she panicked. She emptied all the papers, small paintings, photographs, and so forth into a trunk. She’s sorting everything now.”
He shook his head. “I thought you said she was organized.”
“She always was. She and Uncle Hans lived in a flat when they were first married but soon moved into the house she just sold. She was moving on her own this time.”
“And still mourning your uncle. That’s rough.”
She sat beside him. “You know what you asked me before?”
He wanted to shout hallelujah but he pretended to be dense. “You mean about pushing my wheelchair?”
She looked at her hands in her lap. “Daniel, don’t make me say the words. The man should ask unless you’ve changed your mind.”
He took the pins from her hair until her golden locks tumbled across her shoulders and back. “Clara Roos Van Hoosan, I love you with all my heart and soul. Will you marry me?”
“I will, Daniel McClintock. I love you with my heart and soul.”
He swept her into his embrace. “My darling Clara. I was so afraid of losing you. I know that doctor has more to offer, but I love you more than he ever could.”
“I think he is in love with himself. Besides, all I want is you.”
Daniel McClintock Page 17