And the greatest of these is Love

Chapter 28

Page 83

Dr. Faith came over and checked on Emily listening to her heart and checking her blood pressure. Emily had been a very good patient so with all the rest she had, it was making a difference. However, Faith cautioned her that she suspected Emily had been moving too fast when doing chores and needed to slow down advising her on taking deep breaths and making her more aware of breathing.

"I strongly suspect that you were so involved with whatever you're doing at the time, you are simply forgetting to breathe," Dr. Faith said.

"I am breathing, or I wouldn't be here, right?" Emily tried to laugh it off.

Faith smiled, "Yes, Emily you are breathing, but you're so busy rushing around that you aren't taking in enough oxygen and it's causing you to feel light-headed."

Emily complained, "Dr. Faith, that's just how I am. I've been a single mother raising my family while running the farm so I had no time to relax. I don't know how to relax."

Dr. Faith nodded, "I understand, Emily, but you're not at the farm anymore. Your doctor in Brook Springs told you that you needed to take it easy and now we all know why. You will have to learn a new way of slowing down and taking time out."

"What about Archie? I can't let him wander around why I relax for heaven's sake," Emily was still protesting.

"Emily, if you don't slow down, well...you might not be able to take care of Archie should you get worse. So you tell me, what do you want to do?" Faith challenged her.

Emily sighed and resigned herself to the fact that she just couldn't keep up the same pace she always did. "All right, you win. I'll try to take a nap when Christopher does so I know Dee will be around if Archie needs anything."

"Yes, that's a start, but you also need some social life too. Caregivers find themselves wiped out all too frequently. You'll need a break. What is it that you miss the most?" Faith asked.

"Just being with the ladies, for sure. Swapping recipes, the Bible Study, and the quilting circle."

"Let me talk to Dee and we'll think of ways to make this happen. If we come up with a plan, you are free from bed rest, and can return to your cooking, but slowly return to doing chores. Let Allie help more while she's home. All right?"

"I would be grateful Dr. Faith!" Emily dutifully replied.

Looking affectionately at Emily Faith finished her check-up, "Emily you're a good-hearted woman and all of us love you for it. I can imagine what a change it has been for you to leave your farm and friends in Brook Springs after all those years, but remember you have all of your friends and family in Hope Valley now who love you. We want you to enjoy your golden years with us for as long as possible."

Violet was in the infirmary when Faith returned. "Hello there Violet! How's it going in your house now?"

"Oh, much better. Jake is back to work and although he's sore, he's feeling good otherwise. Elizabeth had worked with him to help him learn to read, but he's got a ways to go. She said she would come on Saturdays when she found out he was returning to work. She also gave Ruth some books to study with homework so she can prepare to take a test to get her high school diploma. In fact, that's what she's doing now," Violet explained.

"That's great news! We're all so relieved to know that those awful men are finally off the streets and under the Attorney General's supervision. How are Jake and Ruth doing emotionally?"

"Good as can be, considering. We're just all anxious to see what happens at the trial. Jake and Ruth will have to testify and that's not an easy thing to do being that they'll have to see those scoundrels again," Violet said wistfully.

"I know the Canfields have been mentoring them, but if I can help in any way, please let me know," Faith reassured Violet.

As Violet looked at her notes from her house call visits, she was transferring them to the records and she remembered something, "Faith, I think that Brook Hutton should come in and have a woman's examination. I wasn't sure because of her heavy French accent so I asked her husband Carl for their medical records. I have Carl's records, but it seems since Brook is of the native Cree tribe, on her mother's side, Brook doesn't have any records."

Faith nodded, "I agree, thanks. I will stop over at the bank where Carl works and make an appointment for her."

Molly was busy helping Violet transferring her notes to the medical records, when she asked Carson when he walked in, "Carson, where are we going to park the ambulance when it arrives here?'

"In the back, why?" Carson asked.

"Well, it's not for me to say, but wouldn't you want to have a garage for it? It is an expensive vehicle, and if it snows, then you'll have to stop to clean it off..."

"Thank you Molly for your concern, it's already being taken care of," Carson said as he whistled while walking to his office.

Lee couldn't believe how busy he was this summer. Rosemary and the Valley Voice employees were sharing his office and it was interfering with his work. Lucia Moretti was on the telephone or talking to herself while typing up her articles at her desk, with Rosemary's at her desk always asking Lee about her ideas, and Harper was working the printing press.

Lee stood up and with his soft and sweet approach he walked over to Rosemary and said, "Rosemary this space is way too small for all of us. My assistants are cramped and they are complaining of the noise on your side of the office. So, we're going to have to come up with a new arrangement."

"Lee! Who's going to move the printing press? I don't know where else we can go!" she was shocked.

"Honey, we can't hear eachother when we talk or even hear ourselves think and I've got way too much work to keep up with without distraction! I have to build us another office, but until then, can you please have Lucia and yourself do your business out of our home?" Lee suggested.

Rosemary was insulted, "You want us to leave?"

"Not for long, sweetheart, just until we build another building. It'll be your own office and you can design it and decorate it as you wish," Lee promised.

That changed Rosemary's mind instantaneously. She began dreaming of all sorts of building designs and outdoor signs, décor, and the like. "Oh Lee, that would be marvelous! Now, have your men bring me some boxes so Lucia can pack up, and they can move our desks and belongings to our house."

"Wait, honey, the men are all out on jobs, except for my men here in the office and I need them to keep working. Send Harper down to the Mercantile to get some boxes and by the time you're done packing my men will be ready to help you."

"Oh Lee, this is exciting! I have a new headline for our next newspaper. Oh, and Lucia will have to interview you on the details of the new newspaper office."

Lee walked away mumbling.

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Violet didn't bring Ruth to Minnie's on Tuesday because Ruth wanted to go through the books Elizabeth had brought her to read. Ruth loved to read and was fascinated with history and geography and was happily taking notes. Jake helped her with Mathematics and Science while Violet went over English and Literature with her. The two of them were reading "Little Women" together and fast became enthralled in the story. When Ruth or Violet had time they helped Jake sound out words so it wasn't taking him long at all to put the sounds together and read.

"Jake, how did you get through school without reading?" Ruth asked.

Jake shrugged, "I knew some words by sight, but I got mixed up on others. I guess I mainly faked it. Then I found out when Mrs. Thornton told me, that I have dyslexia."

"You do? I wonder why no other teacher thought of that?"

"That's what Dr. Carson confirmed. Mrs. Thornton told me that she had a boy a few years back that she worked with that had dyslexia. His father wanted him to work with him in the coal mine, so he pulled him out of school, but Elizabeth figured out his difficulty and tutored him. So now I know I'm not just dumb about learning to read," Jake explained.

After Jake left for work the following morning, Violet suggested that Ruth go with her to town after she was done making house calls. While Ruth was waiting for Violet to return, she received a telephone call from Katie Yost at the Mercantile.

"Hello, I'd like to speak to Violet Taylor?" Katie asked.

"This is she," Ruth murmured. Ruth was still leery of letting people know where she was.

"Hello Ruth, this is Katie Yost and I'm calling from the Mercantile. You have a package here addressed to you from Hamilton. It just arrived and will be ready for you to pick up at your convenience."

"For me? A package?" Ruth was surprised. "I'm expecting a letter from the Riemann family of Hamilton, but not a package. All right, when Violet returns, we'll walk to town and pick it up. Thank you."

When Violet returned, they ate lunch together and then went for a walk into town. "I want to get that package and see what's in it," Ruth said excitedly.

"All right, we'll head there first," Violet agreed.

Ruth had been living in Hamilton for 10 years, so the quiet town of Hope Valley was peaceful to her. No honking or hustle and bustle of people going back and forth. Here one could actually stroll down the boardwalk without sharing it with lots of people. Everyone nodded but most greeted her with a warm smile and a 'hello'.

Inside the Mercantile, Violet asked for Katie Yost. Katie returned with the package in her hands. It was bigger than Ruth had imagined.

"Do you mind if I open it now, right here?" Ruth asked her.

"No, go ahead," Katie answered while handing Ruth the scissors.

Looking inside were several things, and she took them out one by one, handling them as if they were gold itself. Ruth's hair brush and mirror, toothbrush, diary, stationary, her old brown teddy bear with button eyes and a stitched smile, lipstick, lace handkerchiefs, her Sunday dress and heels, hair ribbons, intimates, a few pieces of jewelry, toiletries, and her only photograph - one of her family. The photograph was crinkled and was a bit faded. She had slept with it under her pillow the first year she had left home. Often crying herself to sleep, the photograph was tear-stained too, but it never left her side.

"Oh my," was all Ruth said as she grabbed the photograph and held it close to her heart. Closing her eyes, she was grateful for the memories it had reminded her of and smiled remembering the good times they all shared together. She couldn't wait to show Jake later.

"Something special?" Violet asked.

"Yes, my family," she said sweetly as she showed the photograph to Violet. Violet giggled seeing a young, innocent Jake next to his sister standing next to their parents in front of their house. Jake was making a goofy face dressed in trousers and a plaid shirt and Ruth being a little older stood next to their mother in a pretty dress with a duster over it.

"That's precious!" Violet smiled. "Do you want to seal the box and leave the box here while we go to Fiona's?

"Yes, that's a good idea. If that's all right with Katie."

Katie promised to keep an eye on the box reassuring Ruth that it would be safe with her. With that Violet and Ruth left for Nichols and Dimes.

Fiona greeted the ladies, "Come on in. Now, Violet, I hope you told Ruth how wonderful the spa treatment is."

Violet smiled broadly, "Oh yes! You'll love it! The facial practically put me to sleep and then there's a head message and shampoo, and a manicure. It's a little piece of heaven."

"Well, you don't have to ask me twice, so when should I come?" Ruth asked.

Ruth made an appointment for the spa treatment later that week, but asked for a hairstyle now. Sitting down in the style chair, Fiona placed the cape around Ruth and started to brush out her hair. Subconsciously, Ruth wanted to be a plain looking young woman who didn't attract any attention. Her hair was naturally wavy, but Ruth had often wrapped her hair up in a bun. Now, as her hair flowed down her back, it was evident that she needed a badly needed cut and style.

Fiona asked, "Ruth dear, you're much too young to hide your beautiful waves in a bun. Let's give you a shorter, fun hairstyle and update your look!"

Ruth was surprised, "Well, I don't know..."

Violet grinned, "that would be wonderful!"

By the time Fiona finished her haircut and style, she swung the chair around and gave Ruth the mirror. "Look, it's a new you!"

Ruth stared at the woman she saw in the mirror. "Oh my! My hair is so short."

Violet laughed, "Yes, and you look years younger. It's the bee's knees' on you!"

Fiona watched Ruth carefully and then got the signal that she approved when a huge smile took over her face. "Fiona, this is beautiful. Thank you."

Fiona answered, "No, YOUR beautiful!"

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Nathan was on the telephone with Headquarters discussing the next steps concerning prosecuting the Frederick gang. Mounties from Edmonton, Hamilton, and Hope Valley were all directed to report all findings and charges of crimes to the Headquarters office in Regina. As of the latest news, the gang had several alleged accounts of robbery, assault and battery, and rape. Nathan was reassured that since the crimes were committed across several provinces of Canada that these charges now fell under the federal offices of the Minister of Justice which was Charles Doherty. RCMP Headquarters were handling any information directly with Mr. Doherty's office.

Nathan was relieved to know that the Fredricks were being held without bail. Their arraignment was already completed. The prosecutors were seeking an indictment of multiple charges. The defendants didn't want a trial by jury so they opted for a bench trial. Now there was time for both sides to prepare while the Fredricks were confined to jail.

Bill talked to Nathan about the upcoming proceedings and reassured Nathan that Mr. Doherty was an honorable, reputable attorney general.

"You can count on Doherty to conduct a fair and just trial. He is a strict judge and short on patience, so he won't take any excuses the defense might try to use to persuade him their way," Bill said.

"Good to know. Now, I want to change our conversation to a much more enjoyable subject, the parade. I know that trying to get all the current Mounties here for that will be next to impossible, if there isn't enough help to cover their towns in their absence. So, how do you propose we handle this and the baseball game challenge?" Nathan inquired.

Bill replied after a bit of thought, "I would think some of them have trainees like you do so maybe they would rely on them to be in charge of the town then they could come here for the parade and the baseball game."

"You're probably right, I'll have to give them a telephone call and get this figured out so we can finalize plans. It'll be fun to be all together in a parade," Nathan smiled.

"Parade? Ha! I'm ready for a baseball game! I'd like to see which of these guys are really physically fit," Bill laughed.

In the infirmary, Dr. Faith was expecting Brook for her physical. Not knowing if she ever had a female examination before, she arranged for Violet to be with her, so she could hold her hand or just stand next to her. She wanted Brook to be comfortable. When Brook arrived, she seemed a bit nervous, but Violet had a natural way about her that put the ladies at ease. Faith started her exam with the usual checking of her eyes, ears, nose, and throat. Anything Faith remarked about, Violet wrote down on a brand new office paper for the records.

"Does anything hurt you?" Faith asked.

"No," Brook shook her head.

Next, she listened to her heart and her lungs, "Everything sounds perfect," Faith smiled.

Tapping on her knees, her reflexes were good and Brook laughed when her foot jumped up. Faith had her walk and bend over and saw that her spine seemed straight as were her feet when she walked. So far, so good.

After Faith checked her glands in her neck, she asked Brook to change into a white garment for an internal exam. Both Violet and Faith stepped out for a few minutes and when they returned Brook had the white garment around her but also put back on her skirt and blouse which clearly didn't fit.

"I'm sorry, I should have told you not to put your clothes back on. If you don't mind, please take them off and leave them on the chair. I will need to check your woman parts now," Faith tried to explain.

It was clear to them that Brook never had a thorough exam before. Violet spoke to her softly and gently as she helped her lay down. Faith explained everything to her and asked if she had any questions.

Violet told Brook that she was going to show her how to do a self breast exam. At first Brook was shy and extremely embarrassed, but Violet was gentle and calm.

"Did you feel any lumps? See any discharges?" Violet questioned.

Brook simply answered, "No." Brook didn't know what English words to use, but her smile spoke volumes to Violet and Faith.

Faith then checked her stomach and pressed around on some organs, but Brook just had a few winces, but nothing painful. "All right, Brook. Now, I will be using some instruments and will check inside your woman part. It's good to know that your are healthy inside and out."

Brook trembled, but laid still while Violet held her hand. During her examination she felt some pain and let out a muffled cry. Violet looked at Faith with concern, who motioned for her to come by her. Violet was shocked. Brook was inflamed and swollen and had a discharge.

"Brook dear, were you pregnant?" Faith asked.

Brook looked confused, so Violet asked with a motion of a baby in her arms, "Were you with child?"

Brook looked off to the side, while tears spilled down her cheeks.

Faith and Violet looked at each other and knew that Brook had miscarried, and was now infected. She would need to go to the hospital to clean out what was left inside her. Violet immediately felt awful for her as her memory of losing her baby came rushing back. As Violet herself fought back tears, Faith knew that Violet was caught up in her sorrow, so she spoke to Brook.

"Brook, I'm sorry, but I will have to telephone your husband now and have him come over here as soon as he can. We will need to take you to Clearwater Hospital. There is some of your baby still inside you and you'll need to be thoroughly cleaned out and taken care of," Faith said softly as she helped Ruth sit up. "Go ahead and get dressed in your clothes, and I will be right back."

Violet sighed looked at Brook and felt she had to hug her. "I know how you must feel, I'm so sorry. I lost a baby too," pulling away, she brushed Brook's long dark hair away from her face, "but the hospital is wonderful and they will take great care of you."

Brook looked tearfully at Violet, "My baby home in box."

Violet was shocked, "Your baby is in a box at home?" she repeated.

Brook nodded yes and hung her head. "Carl doesn't know."

Violet held Brook's hands, "You have to tell him where the baby is. It's important that we bring the baby to the hospital. The doctor will need to see so he knows."

Brook looked pathetic as she raised her head, "I tell Carl," she whispered.

When Faith came back, Violet told her about the baby. Faith was not as surprised "Violet, native people usually have a ritual for burying their babies, but I think Brook didn't want to disappoint Carl, so she hid the baby from him. We have a situation on our hands now. I'll explain it to Carson and I'll ask him to talk to Carl. I would appreciate it, if you could stay with Brook. She seems to really relate to you and you to her. Would you mind?"

"Not at all. I want to be there for her," Violet agreed.