"There was no time to stop. We would have been late." They were late anyway. "We would have been even later," he added. "I promised her that we would go back."
"Good. If she saw something in that doll, something familiar, that's a key perhaps to the start of her healing. We often forget what a loved one looks like after they're gone. That's frightening, especially to child your niece's age. To have something that reminds her of the mother she has lost can only help to soothe her. The doll would be something she could hold onto. I would suggest buying that doll as the first important step toward helping Penelope fill the void of losing her mother. It might go a long way in helping her feel safe. I know she has you, certainly, and I can see that you care deeply for your niece. You are the only lifeline for her in a sea of loss and confusion."
Ed felt his stomach drop at the truth and reality in that statement. Her only lifeline.
"You mentioned your aunt is in England?"
"Yes. But she will be back before Christmas."
"That's good. You are an unmarried man, Mr. Lowell. There is no woman she can turn to. No female that can step in for her mother. She has you and her nurse, you said? Keeping the same nurse was a smart move on your part. You were lucky she was willing to move across the country.
"Time will be the best remedy for her. Time passing and the time you give her. Create a safe world for your niece. Value her trust. "
Ed nodded.
"Understand this, she will need your time. Every day."
He must have had a telling look on his face because Cummings added, "I know you're a busy man, but I would suggest you do not merely rely on her nurse. You need to schedule time with your niece every day. And plan to have at least one meal together daily. It's important she have a schedule and that she learns she has a constant in her life. You are that constant." Cummings leaned back in his chair. "Do you have any questions?"
"Is there anything I can do to force her into talking? Should I try forcing her. I mean, should I perhaps not answer her so readily?"
Cummings shook his head. "No. Talk to her, as you have been. Ask her questions. Do not get discouraged. Do not try to rush her. Do not push or get angry. Just consistently talk to her. And it's important that you include her in your daily life. Make special outings. Do things with her. Create a new normal life for her here, with you. In time she will adjust." Cummings smiled at him for the first time.
"Fatherhood isn't easy. I have three children. But it can be especially difficult when it comes as a complete surprise with a 4 year-old little girl. I trust you can do what needs to be done. You build solid buildings. You can rebuild her niece's life. You have reputation for getting things done, though right now you look fairly petrified."
"I am petrified."
"You can do it."
Ed rose and they shook hands. As he opened the door to fetch Penelope and leave, Dr. Cummings said, "And buy her the doll, Lowell."
They went back to the toy shop directly from the physician's office. Ed almost didn't find the store and had Will drive the carriage up and down the block twice. Then he realized the window display had changed and in the doll's place was a train complete with station and town, trees and track that circled a display with a stuffed bear in a small rocking chair.
He took Penelope to the shop door, which had a bell that rang when the door opened. Inside was filled with floor to ceiling shelves of toys made from wood and tin, in bright colors, blocks stacked in every size, games and puzzles and mechanical animals, everything needed to fascinate a child. He glanced down at his niece, half hoping to see delight on her face, but she was staring at the display window with a serious look. In the corner was a table with dolls of many styles and sizes. "There are the dolls, Penelope. Come. Let's go look there." He watched her look at the doll corner as they moved toward it. But there was no doll with blonde curls, a blue coat and bonnet and Josie's sweet face.
Ed caught the shopkeeper's eye and