A Heart's Blessing - Linda Ford Page 0,30

wounds. “I expect he’ll have a headache for a few days.”

The preacher stirred and moaned.

“Ezra.” The doctor’s voice was gentle. “Can you hear me?”

The patient opened his eyes and squinted. “How did I get here?”

“You’re hurt. You need to rest.” The doctor signaled for water. Miss Morton handed a cup to him, and he held it to Ezra’s mouth. The preacher took a few swallows then fell back.

“I’m dizzy. My head is hammering.”

“Rest.”

Ezra sighed deeply and appeared to drift off again.

The doctor closed his bag and rose, then led them from the room. “He’ll need lots of rest. If he has headaches, it’s best for him to lie flat. Other than that, he should limit activity until they go away. Watch for infection in the wounds. Send for me if he gets worse—” He shook his head. “There is little I can do. Someone beat him badly.”

They filled in the details of what had happened.

“Those men are still at large.” Miss Morton said it with a good dose of heat, no doubt anxious for the safety of those she cared about.

“Where’s Corporal Andrews? Has he gone after these people?”

Ryder answered. “He’s out on patrol and not expected back for a few days yet. Perhaps you should stay here until it’s safe to travel.”

The doctor considered the idea and then nodded. “It’s getting late. I’ll spend the night.”

Miss Morton got that annoying worried look on her face that Ryder was getting used to. Yes, he understood that trust was difficult for her, just as it was for him. But it made her suspicious and nervous, while he used his experience to make him watchful and determined to protect those around him. He heard the children in the bedroom playing. Miss Fisher stood at the stove. All safe and accounted for.

Miss Morton twisted her hands together. “Doc, I wish I could offer you a bed here, but as you can see, the preacher is using our spare bed.”

“You’re welcome to share my quarters,” Ryder said.

The doctor thanked them both. “Burnsie is an old friend. I’m sure he can make room for me.” He left through the dining room.

Ryder followed, drew the door closed, and locked it. He turned to see Miss Morton scowling at him.

“We haven’t served supper yet.”

“I know, but I doubt if anyone will venture out under the circumstances.” She didn’t appear to find his answer reasonable. “If someone comes, they can knock.” He pulled the blinds on the windows, shutting the room into gloominess. Not only because of the dim lighting. He could feel Miss Morton’s arguments and resistance building, but he wasn’t eager to hear what protests she would voice. He strode away to check on the preacher.

Her sigh carried to his ears and he smiled. No doubt he was a real trial to her. Well, she’d just have to put up with him. The idea no longer annoyed him. In fact, he found it rather amusing. He chuckled.

“Are you rejoicing about getting your own way?”

He didn’t think she would follow him right into the sickroom. On the other hand, he wasn’t surprised. She wasn’t the sort to let it go. Nope, she would want to drag an idea around until it was ragged and worn out. For some reason he could not understand or explain, it tickled him to think of it. Perhaps because he enjoyed a good challenge. He turned to her. “I’m not rejoicing, as you say, but I am amused.” He grinned at her, hoping she’d pursue the notion.

“You find me amusing?” Her scowl dared him to admit it.

“Guess maybe I do.”

“Huh? You might not be so amused if—”

She stopped.

He narrowed his eyes and took a step closer. “If what?”

She shrugged. “Nothing.”

“It wasn’t nothing. Tell me what you were about to say.” He took another step.

She crossed her arms and refused to budge. “I’ve changed my mind.”

They considered each other. She tried to appear fierce, but something flickered through her eyes. Perhaps it was only a trick of the light. Or it might have been amusement. Could she be enjoying their confrontation as much as he?

“You’ll have to put up with me whether or not you like it, because I’m here to help with the preacher. And I don’t intend to leave you ladies and the children alone until those men are captured.”

“Funny you should say that. Just this morning, I said to Laura that we had to put up with you for now.”

It was on the tip of his tongue to tell her