Chapter 21
Jacob wearily sank onto a stool without answering as Peter and Mary came from behind the screen. Peter was the one to speak, "Vincent, Devin's back is very severely injured. We repaired what damage we could, but the swelling around his spine would not let us tell if his back is actually broken or just badly bruised. We have put him in a body cast that will keep him from moving until the swelling goes down and we can better assess the situation."
Catherine could almost feel the gulp that lodged in Vincent's throat, so she asked the question he wasn't able to, "And what happens if it is broken?"
Mary had moved to put her arm around Father's shoulder as Peter had been speaking and she was the one to voice what the two men seemed unable to, "It will depend on how bad and where the break is. It could mean from a few more weeks in the cast, or paralysis."
Rebecca drew a gasping breath and then dropped her head into her hands as she began to sob.
"He will need around the clock supervision. If I know Devin at all he will be trying to get up and move every chance he gets," Vincent spoke up.
"Vincent you can't! You are hurt yourself and need to heal!" Catherine protested.
Father's head came up at that and he struggled to his feet to check on his other son. "Jacob let me," Peter said, placing his hand on his friend's shoulder and pressing him back down onto the stool. It was a true indication as to just how tired Father was, that he allowed this to happen. Peter continued to speak, "Devin won't be able to get up with the cast we put on him, but if he keeps trying to move he might need to have his arms and legs restrained."
Rebecca had been trying to get herself under control and as Peter moved to examine Vincent, she announced, "I will nurse Devin!"
"But Rebecca, what about your candles?" Mary asked.
"My assistants are skilled enough to do the job while I am away, and I will check in on them each day."
"I would also be happy to take a shift watching Devin," Catherine stated. "I can take tomorrow off of work and then I will be free until Monday morning."
"Thank you Catherine," Vincent said, sure that he would be by his wife's side when she took her turn to watch Devin.
"Vincent, that does not mean that you will be helping!" Peter declared. "With these injuries you need to be resting yourself!" Just as Vincent started to protest, Peter added, "If you refuse to rest, I will just have to assign someone to watch over you as well to make sure that you follow doctor's orders. Now, do you want to pull people away from other duties just to make sure that you are doing what you are told?"
"No Peter," Vincent replied softly.
"So does that mean I can trust you to follow orders?"
"Yes," he admitted reluctantly.
"Good! Now, Jacob you should get some rest. I am sure that either Catherine or Rebecca will come and get you if there is any change in Devin at all."
Both women nodded, so Mary helped Father to his feet. "I will make sure that he is settled and then come back to show you to the guest chamber Peter."
"Is it the same one I have used before, the one near your chamber?" he asked, and at her confirmation, told her, "Then I remember the way. You stay with Jacob as long as he needs."
"Thank you Peter," she said and led Father from the room. Peter left soon after to also get some much needed rest.
Rebecca looked at Catherine and Vincent, then said, "Why don't you get Vincent settled Catherine and stay with him for a while? You look as exhausted as he does, and in your condition you need to take care as well. I can take the first shift watching Devin."
"Alright Rebecca, and thank you," Catherine told her. She and Vincent left for their chamber after he pleaded with Rebecca to send word to them as well as Father if there was any change in Devin's condition. She promised that she would.
To be continued…..