Chapter 6. The Visitors
After school let out, Joseph had two visitors, both of whom Julia was very excited to meet: Allie and Angela. They came into the infirmary in a fit of giggles and a flurry of teenage excitement. When they entered, Julia had been seated at the desk, but she rose and came over to meet them. Julia understood right away that Angela was blind.
"Hello, ladies, I'm Julia Matthews, the new nurse in Hope Valley." She introduced herself.
"I'm Allie Grant, nice to meet you, Miss Matthews." Allie was tall and lean, just like Nathan, and Julia could see a few other family resemblances. Allie was very pretty and Julia imagined that Nathan would indeed have his work cut out for him moving into the teenage years.
"Hello, Miss Matthews. I'm Angela Canfield," Angela had Allie's elbow with one hand, and extended her other hand out in front of her. Julia took Angela's hand and shook gently, letting her feel her hand as much as she wanted to.
"It's so nice to meet you ladies. I guess you are here to see my patient?" Julia asked with a smile.
"How's he doing?" Angela asked.
A big voice boomed from behind the curtain, "I'm doing just fine, sweet girl, but I'll be much better after seeing you! Girls, come on in and give me a big hug!" Their eyes both lit up and they ran, giggling, around the partition to Joseph.
Julia laughed and went back to her desk. Before she sat, she glanced out the window, across to the Mountie office. No activity and no one coming or going.
She returned to her papers, trying to accurately document Joseph's injuries, as well as all treatment administered.
There was a lot of laughter coming from the other side of the curtain. Julia was so glad, it lightened the mood from the intense conversation she had accidentally overheard earlier. She tried not to think about it. But, it was impossible. How was Nathan ever going to speak to her again?
She felt exactly the same about him, but how could she ever tell him? Maybe the best thing was to avoid him altogether, put some time and space between them.
Allie came around the corner, and Julia looked up and smiled.
"I'm giving them some time alone, dad to daughter." Allie stated simply.
"No problem, would you like to come over and join me?" Julia asked her, pointing to the chair next to her. Allie sat down. "Did you have a good day at school?"
"I guess, it was just a normal, boring day." Allie replied, in her typically Allie monotone.
"Nothing exciting or funny happened?" Julia asked.
"Well, at recess, one of the new kids, Luke, brought out a little garden snake. He'd had it in his pocket all morning." Allie laughed, "and Mrs. Thornton, she doesn't like snakes, so she almost fainted. James had to catch her and hold her upright." Both Allie and Julia were laughing now.
So, Allie continued, "I guess that's all the encouragement Luke needed. After that, he went around holding the snake out, putting it in the faces of all the girls, to see if any of them would also faint. A few did. It was funny."
"And, you?" Julia asked, still laughing at the thought.
Allie answered with a brave smile on her face. "He tried, but snakes don't bother me. I told him to let the snake go before it got hurt. It's not nice to hurt animals."
"You are a good girl, Allie Grant, and tough." Julia said, "What's your favorite subject in school?"
"Reading." Allie stated, confident in her answer. But then she explained, "I love to read. My uncle, er my dad, and I read books together at night. We try to keep it to one chapter a night, but sometimes the stories are just too good, and we stay up late reading together." Julia pictured Nathan and Allie reading a loud to one another, just the two of them.
"At home, we have a pretty good library. But, there's also a library here in Hope Valley. Just across the way," Allie said and pointed it out. "If you like to read."
"I do love to read," Julia answered, "What's your favorite book?"
"Anne of Green Gables," Allie answered without even thinking about it, "Angela and I are bosom buddies."
Julia smiled. "That's one of my favorites too. I grew up in Nova Scotia, which is just next to Prince Edward Island." Allie's eyes got as big as saucers.
"Did you ever go there?" Allie asked, "to Prince Edward Island?"
"No, I never had the pleasure. But I think we had a lot of the same landscape, and scenery. My little town was right on the Atlantic. And I also had a bosom buddy, her name was Sarah, and her dad was the lighthouse keeper. We were inseparable. Almost everyday, we played either in or around the beautiful lighthouse, situated on a hillside overlooking the ocean." Julia explained, using her hands to animate her memory.
"Wow, that sounds so exciting, and beautiful." Allie said.
"It was. Do you have a least favorite subject?" Julia asked.
"Well, I was put in an accelerated math program this year. It's kind of hard, and we have lots of homework. I'm lucky my uncle Nathan is really smart, because if he wasn't able to help me, I think I would be lost. So, due to all the homework, I would have to say math is my least favorite subject, even though I usually like it a lot." Allie explained.
"Math is important for many different courses of study, and everyday life. Do you have any idea what you would like to do or study later on?" Julia asked her.
"Well, I don't know. I considered medicine or law, because of my high marks. But, I haven't decided yet. I also like writing." Allie said.
"Well, you still have plenty of time to decide. Speaking of writing, I hear Hope Valley has quite the newspaper?" Julia asked.
"Yes, Rosemary is in charge of it, and she does a great job. My uncle Nathan, my Dad, said that he heard that Rosemary used to write for a gossip column before we came to town." Allie said.
"Well, I can't wait to read the next edition." Julia looked at Allie, with a sudden idea. "You know, if you wanted to try out writing you could ask her if she needs anyone to write for a "young person's column" or maybe a "school news corner". You could write funny stories from a young person's point of view, like the one you told me today, about Luke and his snake." Julia suggested.
"That's a good idea, Miss Matthews. I'll think about it." Allie said.
Allie heard Joseph call out her name. So, she excused herself, stood, and went around the curtain to give Angela her elbow.
When they came around the curtain, Angela said, "Miss Matthews, thank you so much for taking such good care of my Dad. If it's alright, can we come back and see him tomorrow?"
"Of course, girls, please come back anytime. I enjoyed meeting both of you, very much." Julia said.
Allie led Angela to the door, but Allie turned back and said, "I really enjoyed talking with you, Miss Matthews, see you tomorrow?"
Julia replied with a broad smile, "I'm already looking forward to it."
After the girls left, other visitors came to see Joseph. Julia stayed at her desk for some of them, or sat outside on the bench for others. She didn't know many people yet, but didn't want a repeat of the incident with Nathan. Once when she sat outside, Julia saw Newton tied up outside the Mountie office. She didn't dare to go over, though she wanted to. She even thought Newton had looked over at her several times, which made it even harder not to go over and pet him.
When Minnie came, Julia excused herself and went for a walk. She was still quite sore, but decided that the walks helped. Like before, she didn't go as far, but stayed near the pond. As she came around on the back side of the church, Julia thought she had heard horse hooves, but nobody was there when she looked back. She went to the little dock and looked down in the water. Julia thought about Allie, and how happy she was to finally meet her. She seemed like such a sweet, clever girl. Julia found she only wanted to know her more. Allie also had such a caring heart, and she realized that was probably because of the upbringing Nathan had given her. He had really done such a good job, as a single parent, and as a father.
Nathan had been out on his evening rounds, and was riding back when he saw her. She was walking again, and out near the pond. Julia looked radiant as usual, in a lavender dress and her nurse's apron. He was still feeling embarrassed about the incident with Joseph, in the infirmary. Nathan turned back and took the long way by the row houses, to the livery. He wasn't ready to face her yet.
The next day, Joseph was doing much better. The swelling had gone down significantly. Faith decided that if the swelling continued to decrease, they might be able to cast his leg tomorrow morning, and let him go home in the afternoon.
After school, the teenage duo came again, and both Joseph and Julia were happy to have such sweet visitors.
"Angela, I can't stay too long today, I'm meeting my Dad to go riding." Julia overheard Allie say, as they came in.
The two friends waved at Julia, and went right in to see Joseph. The girls chatted and gabbed, and Julia liked them more and more. Joseph enjoyed them immensely.
After a while, Allie came out and sat again with Julia.
"Going riding today?" Julia asked.
"Yes, I'm so excited. My Dad has been teaching me, he's really an expert. He grew up on a ranch and has been around horses pretty much his whole life." Allie explained.
"You aren't the least bit nervous, up so high on a horse?" Julia asked.
"Well, I was at first, but my Dad is such a good teacher. And, so patient. He explains so well, and really makes sure I understand and do each step correctly before he lets me move on." Allie bragged, "He's one of a kind."
Julia could imagine this was true. She remembered how gently he had spoken to her when she mounted Newton, up on the mountain. He had been so kind and soft. Julia blushed at the memory of sitting so close to him and having him whisper in her ear.
"Do you have your own horse?" Julia asked.
"No, Jed has lender horses at the livery, but Bill said I could ride his horse today. However, when I get really good, I'm going to ask for a horse of my own." Allie explained.
"What kind of horse would you like? I don't know all the different kinds, but there must be one you already have your eye on?" Julia asked.
"I would love a paint horse or a palomino. They are so beautiful." Allie said.
"Newton is also a really handsome horse, so regal. Don't you think?" Julia asked.
"Yes, he is, but a little too big for me. You have to be tall like my dad for a horse that size. And, he doesn't warm up to people quickly. I think my dad would prefer me to have a horse a little friendlier and a little smaller." Allie said.
Julia looked at Allie, now curious. "Newton was friendly with me, even sweet. He nudges my hand, like he's asking me to pet him. And, he loves to nuzzle his nose into my chest." Julia told her.
"Wow, Newton barely likes me, and that's after years of making friends with him. Does my dad know Newton is sweet on you? He would probably be very curious to know that!" Allie said with a huge laugh.
"I'm not sure if your dad has noticed, but I do think Newton is a great horse." Julia said. Allie glanced at the clock then and stood.
"I probably should go meet my Dad." Allie looked across to the Mountie office and saw that Newton and Hero were already tied up out front.
Julia stood up and followed Allie's gaze. Just then, Nathan walked out of the office, placing something in one of his saddle bags. He was in his civilian clothes, and looked handsome in a white shirt with the collar open, and suspenders. Julia caught herself gazing a little too long at Nathan, and hoped Allie hadn't noticed the way Julia looked at her uncle. But, if she had, Allie didn't say anything, she only smiled- that same crooked smile.
"Well, goodbye, Miss Matthews. See you tomorrow, if Joseph is still here?" Allie said.
"Yes, I look forward to it." Julia said, and Allie left to join her uncle. Julia watched the interaction between dad and daughter, as Allie walked out the door and crossed the street to Nathan. Julia saw the way his face lit up when Allie approached. Allie gave him such a big hug, and they laughed with each other. Allie said something that made Nathan glance back at the infirmary, but Julia didn't think he saw her.
Julia sat back down and returned to her work. About 20 minutes later, Minnie and Cooper came in and joined Angela, at Joseph's bedside. Julia decided to go out, and give them some privacy. As she sat on the bench out front, Rosemary walked past and noticed her.
Rosemary tilted her head and asked, "Hello, Julia. I was just on my way to the café to get some coffee, would you like to join me?"
Julia smiled and stood, and answered, "I would love to." And, Rosemary and Julia walked together to the café.
The next day, the swelling had gone down enough to cast Joseph's leg. She and Faith worked together, and when it was done, they were both quite happy with the result. Minnie had come for a visit, and was happy to learn that Joseph could go home in the afternoon, granted the cast set well. He was not allowed to bear weight for at least 6 weeks, so Minnie decided to ask Nathan and Bill to help her bring down one small bed to the living room. That way, Joseph wouldn't need to navigate the stairs. The infirmary had one set of crutches that could be lent, so he could get around more easily at home.
After the news, Minnie stayed about one hour and then went across the street to talk to Nathan, and then home to make preparations.
Julia decided to walk down and talk to Lee, to see about using his car to transport Joseph home. She knocked softly at the door of Lee's office, and entered when she heard a voice inside call out, "come in".
Julia entered and found Rosemary poured over the desk, completely surrounded by papers with a typewriter in the middle. She was tapping away, but looked up when Julia came in.
Lee was standing at his desk with Mike Hickam, leaning over a map. They also both looked up at her when she came in.
"Good morning, Rosemary, Mike and Lee." She walked a bit towards Lee and said, "I'm sorry to disturb, but Joseph will be released home today, in the afternoon. We were able to put a cast today, and everything looks really good. I came by to see if it would be possible to use your car to transport him home?"
"What time were you hoping to release him?" Lee asked.
"Around 3 p.m." Julia stated, "but we are flexible with the time, if the car is not available."
"Well, it's actually not the car that is not available, it's a driver. Mike and I are about the only ones in town who know how to drive, and we are both in a meeting from 2 to 4 p.m. today. Rosemary, are you available?" Lee looked over at her.
"Unfortunately no, I am in Buxton this afternoon." Rosemary stated.
"I'm sorry, Julia, unless you know how to drive, we will have to wait until later. I could help get him home at 4 p.m., after my meeting." Lee stated.
"Well, 4 p.m. could work as well, but I actually do know how to drive." Julia stated. All three heads turned at that revelation, and looked at her. She shrugged and explained, "My big brother is a Mountie, and he taught me, when I lived in Calgary."
"Well, in that case, I would be very happy to lend you the car." Lee stated. "I will leave it out front of the infirmary before my 2 o'clock meeting."
"Thank you very much, Lee. I know Joseph and Minnie will really appreciate it." Julia stated. "And, I'll put it back out front here, when we're done?"
Lee said, "that will be perfect."
As Julia was leaving, Rosemary caught her attention and said, "Well, Julia, aren't you full of surprises? I didn't know your brother was a Mountie. My father was also a Mountie."
Julia smiled at Rosemary, happy to learn about her similar connection to the Mounties. "My brother's posted outside of Edmonton now, and plans to come visit in a few weeks. He'd love to meet all of you." Julia said.
"Please let us know when he's here. We would love to meet him and have you two over for dinner." Rosemary said.
"Ok, Rosemary, that would be lovely. Thank you so much. I'll let you know, when he gives me his arrival date. I should have a letter from him this week." Julia replied, excited. Julia noticed Rosemary up to her elbows, and asked, "Are you working on the next edition?"
Her question gave Rosemary an idea. She stopped for a minute, eyes fixed on Julia, and furrowed her brow in true Rosemary style. "I have an idea, Julia. How would you like to be in the next issue of the Valley Voice?"
Julia smiled sheepishly and said, "what?"
"I would love to do a small article on you, as a new arrival to Hope Valley. The purpose of the article could be to introduce Hope Valley's new nurse. What do you think?" Rosemary was excited now, and animated everything she said with her hands.
"Well, can I think about it?" Julia asked.
"Sure, could you let me know in the next few days?" Rosemary inquired.
"Yes. Thanks again for letting us use the car, and have fun in Buxton." Julia said. She excused herself and headed back to the infirmary.
As she walked down the boardwalk, Julia heard familiar horse hooves. She looked up and found Nathan riding straight towards her. As he passed, Nathan looked at her with an awkward grin and gave a small wave. She thought it strange that someone she had just felt so close with, up at the cabin, could suddenly seem so distant. Julia hoped her face didn't give away her disappointment at the distance he seemed to be keeping from her. But then, hadn't she just done the same? Made the decision to keep her distance from him? Julia returned his awkward wave, then entered the infirmary without looking back.