Blessed Assurance by Lyn Cote Read Free Book Online Page A

me to do?” God, help this doctor do what is right.
    â€œSpoon this solution into his mouth.”
    Jessie obeyed, drawing strength from the doctor’s firm voice. Minutes crawled by. Spoonfuls of the treated water trickled into the baby. Finally, the small vial was empty. “He hasn’t gone into convulsions again.”
    â€œI promise you nothing. I could be doing exactly the thing that is wrong.”
    His honest words shocked her. She had never heard a doctor admit to not knowing something. Though he offered her no comfort, she felt an easing of tension. She watched the small chest taking in and letting out tiny breaths.
    â€œSit. I must make rounds. If you need me, just step into the corridor and call.”
    Nodding, Jessie focused again on the infant in her arms. The doctor’s footsteps faded down the hallway. The night minutes ticked away, measured by the ponderous clock in the hall. Her vigil stretched on.
    Â 
    â€œMrs. Wagstaff, feel his brow,” the doctor said.
    Jessie roused herself. “I must have been dozing.”
    She touched the baby’s forehead. “He seems cooler.”
    Dr. Gooden stood across from her. “It’s after dawn, did you know?”
    Little Ben looked up at Jessie. “That isn’t important. He is cooler, isn’t he?”
    â€œJa, he survived the night.”
    Her head weighing heavily on her neck, Jessie lifted her eyes. “Will he live?”
    â€œGod only knows that.”
    Jessie pressed her fingers to her burning eyes. “Thank you, Doctor.”
    â€œI did so little.”
    â€œAt least you didn’t turn me away.” She opened her eyes and gazed at him.
    He grinned. “My mother taught me never to contradict a lady.”
    Jessie smiled, but shook her head at his modest humor. Ignoring a dull ache behind her eyes, she wrapped the sleeping child into his blanket. “I’ll take him to his parents.”
    â€œTell the mother to give him nothing but the water from boiled rice. If she gives him anything else, he won’t survive. Rice is an old remedy for diarrhea. In about two days, she can give him a little of the cooked rice also.”
    â€œI’ll tell her. Thank—”
    â€œWait. May I drive you home?”
    â€œI’ll manage I…” Jessie tried to stand and found she couldn’t.
    â€œLet me take the child to his parents, then I’ll get my gig.”
    Jessie felt numb. From that point on, she was aware of voices, fresh air on her face, and that she was being led by the arm, aware of the clip-clop of the horse’s hooves on wooden streets.
    â€œMrs. Wagstaff?” Dr. Gooden’s voice penetrated her fog.
    She straightened on the gig seat. The sun struggled against the morning mist. “Where am I?” Her mind felt like a roll of cotton batting.
    â€œI hope at your front door.”
    Jessie looked around her, surprised to find herself at home.
    â€œBen told me it is the white house with green shutters on Pine Street near the corner of Ontario.”
    She turned to him. “I can’t thank you enough, Doctor.”
    â€œMy pleasure, Mrs. Wagstaff.” He helped her down. “Good day, then.” He bowed over her hand.
    Jessie walked around the house to the back door. Just as she reached the corner, she glanced back and found the good doctor, still gazing after her.

Chapter 4
    â€œJessie, I been so worried.” Susan hurried down the back steps.
    â€œLittle Ben made it through the night.” Weariness blunted Jessie’s emotions; she shivered in the spring-damp air.
    Susan pressed her hands to her breast. “I been praying all night.”
    Jessie’s fatigue dragged her down. Trying to gather her heavy skirts to climb the steps, she half stumbled.
    Susan caught her by the arm.
    Jessie sagged against Susan. “Will you help me upstairs to bed?”
    â€œI’m helping you right to the kitchen table.”
    â€œToo