Chapter 21
Late August, 1872Les MadeleinesTeddy
Teddy wiped at the powdered sugar covering her arm. She’d been a bundle of nerves all week. She’d heard rumors in the hospital halls of the severity of increased cases of yellow fever. Even last night, they’d begun moving patients to make room for a quarantine ward. Acid roiled in her stomach, and she cleared her throat from the burning sensation.
Teddy wasn’t worried about herself. She’d contracted the disease as a small child. All her family had survived, though it had taken weeks to regain their strength.
Sam offered her a damp rag. “Here, this will work better than your hands. You certainly aren’t yourself today. I’ve got six younger sisters, so I know a thing or two about that expression you’re making. Want to talk about it?”
Teddy had to smile. “Six? Really? I heard you tell Pete you were the youngest of seven brothers and understood what it was like to get beaten up.” She challenged him with her eyes.
“What? I’ve got a big family.” He leaned against the wall beside her and bumped her arm. “Truth is, I’m an orphan, and the numbers aren’t off by much.”
Teddy knew her shocked expression showed when he laughed.
“I’ve worked in the kitchen of an orphanage since I was five. Hauling wood to start, but I eventually moved to cleaning, then cooking, and when I was old enough, to serving. Got a job here when I was fifteen. Going to open my own bakery one day.”
“I’d be honored to be your first customer.” She handed back the towel. “Did I get it all?”
He twirled his finger, and she turned in a full circle.
“Everywhere but here.” He gestured to his right cheek.
Her hand flew to her face.
“Other side. Here.” Sam’s arm halted, then moved slowly forward until the cloth rubbed against her cheek. “That’s better. I coulda spit on my thumb and rubbed, but . . .”
Teddy laughed. “You wouldn’t dare. My mother used to do that. Drove me crazy.” Teddy shivered at the thought, then calmed. “Thanks, Sam. I needed that.”
The shift manager rushed by. “Whatever you needed isn’t important. There are customers awaiting your services. Snap to it.” She snapped her fingers for emphasis.
Teddy pushed the cart she’d loaded to her station. As if on cue, Emmaline Whitaker and her clutch of friends took their seats. Teddy waited until everyone was seated and then placed tea, a tiered tray of sandwiches, and crystal dishes of butter, cream, sugar, and a variety of jams on the tablecloth.
“Oh, I’m ever so thankful they still have the cranberry orange relish. It’s my favorite,” Opal said when Teddy placed the item nearest her. The girl’s yellow cotton print looked new and reminded Teddy of the child’s dress she’d seen in the department store window. Only the grosgrain ribbon looked as if it might have been repurposed.
Teddy couldn’t help herself. “Lovely outfit, miss,” she whispered as she placed a crock of powdered sugar on her other side. The girl lifted kind eyes and mouthed a “thank you.”
Emmaline tapped her finger on the table. “Quit talking with the help, Opal. For goodness’s sake, if you want something, just say so.”
Caroline placed her napkin in her lap. “You don’t have to be cross, Emmaline. Just because you didn’t get what you wanted at your father’s start-of-school gala doesn’t mean you can take it out on the rest of us.” The girl set her jaw.
Louisa crossed her arms over her ruffled cream blouse, the linen navy in her jacket with ornate gold buttons making her look like a soldier ready for battle. “Oh, I just despise it when Mother makes us travel over the summer. I miss all the news.”
Caroline smirked. “Emmaline wished for a ring and grand gesture, but the focus was on her beau receiving highest honors, not her receiving her wish.”
Adeline’s voice was barely above a whisper. “That is unkind.”
Emmaline raised an eyebrow, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Well, at least I’m not relying on Santa for my social life, Caroline. But I’ll be certain to write a letter this Christmas and put in a good word for you.”
Louisa snickered. “If she can stay off the naughty list.”
Emmaline took her time stirring sugar into her tea, the spoon never making a sound. “If you must know, Father would like for Thomas and me to wait until I turn eighteen and prefers Thomas wait until after graduation to ask me, so he can focus on his studies. Thomas has shown tremendous restraint.”
Teddy inwardly rolled her eyes.
Adeline passed the lemon curd before the leader asked. “I think he’s being quite the gentleman.” She lowered her gaze but not before Teddy saw a sheen of tears on the girl’s lashes.
Emmaline’s hand covered her friend’s. “Adeline, I know your heart is broken over Jimmy, but he’ll return from South Carolina in a year.”
Opal’s quiet voice joined the conversation. “They say absence makes the heart grow fonder.”
Louisa coughed into her napkin. “Or go astray.”
Caroline giggled.
Emmaline tapped a finger on the edge of her cup. “Ladies, we’ll speak of this no more. We have pressing matters to attend to. It is our duty to help those less fortunate during this yellow fever epidemic. Father says educating the community is of utmost importance. I propose we devise a plan to prove ourselves worthy of the roles we were born into and hand out informational leaflets.”
Adeline sat up straighter. “Will we have to talk to people?”
Emmaline took a measured breath and patted the girl’s hand. “You only need to smile and offer a leaflet.”
Adeline’s face turned ashen.
Opal raised her hand. “Couldn’t we gather blankets or food or something?” She looked to Emmaline for a response.
“It’s the middle of summer, Opal. Blankets aren’t of great importance. The Ladies Auxiliary has a soup kitchen set up and graciously provided staff from their households to serve.”
“What a tremendous sacrifice.”
Caroline’s monotone reply and deadpan expression made Teddy laugh. She turned and moved things around on her tray but not before seeing the pleased look from Caroline.
Teddy did her best to avoid eavesdropping. What she really wanted to do was set these girls straight. The dangers of contracting yellow fever were serious. She’d seen firsthand how the disease could take a man down in a matter of weeks.
But she had to admire these girls for wanting to help, and educating the community was important. Though neither a cause nor a cure had been found, the hospital encouraged frequent hand washing and improved sanitation procedures. Even the city had begun clearing streets of refuse and standing water.
Perhaps she could speak with Thomas, and he could warn Emmaline of the dangers. That wasn’t likely. Teddy wasn’t even sure if he was coming back to the boarding house for meals or if he was sleeping at all. The man had looked bone-tired when she’d last seen him.
Sam pushed a cart past her and nodded toward the lobby, a question in his eyes. Two uniformed officers conversed with the ma?tre d’. Teddy wrinkled her brow, hoping Sam would understand she knew no more than he did.
“Pay attention to what you’re doing,” Caroline barked at Teddy.
“Sorry, miss.” Teddy wiped up the spill on the tablecloth, turning her attention from the scene that now included the manager. She closed her eyes and offered a silent prayer. This could not be good.
Teddy’s gaze followed the stiff form of the restaurant manager as he made his way to the piano player. The musician’s wide eyes caused Teddy’s already upset stomach to churn. The man played two jarring, discordant notes that reverberated throughout the elegant space. Hat feathers seemed to take flight as heads turned at the disruption.
The manager wiped his forehead with his handkerchief. “May I have your attention? Please?”
His voice sounded calm and confident, but Teddy saw his shaking hands even from this distance.
“Good afternoon, ladies. I regret to inform you that, due to health concerns, the City of Philadelphia is requiring us to close the restaurant for the foreseeable future. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.”
High-pitched whispers and murmurs filled the room.
“Ladies, please. There is no cause for alarm. If you need assistance, your table staff is available.”
The man looked at the officers still standing at the door before continuing. “We realize this news may be disappointing, and we sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this time. Please take care to retrieve your belongings and move slowly and safely to the door. May God be with us all.”
A shiver ran down her spine, but Teddy would not give in to fear. She must stay composed. Her determination must override her anxiety. This was a time to be bold. “Miss Whitaker, how might I be of assistance to you and your friends? May I secure transportation?”
Emmaline stared at Teddy as if paralyzed by fear. “My father . . .”
Teddy could barely hear her over the increasing volume in the room. A woman tripped, causing more commotion. Teddy needed to help the woman. “Miss Whitaker, you are in no immediate danger. Would you ladies allow me to first help those who are of more advanced years?”
Tears shone in Adeline’s eyes. “It’s what Jimmy would do. And Thomas. They would think of others before themselves. Isn’t that what we were just discussing? Handing out leaflets to help people? This is how we can help.”
Caroline pushed her chair back. “Do what you want. I’m not staying.”
“Sit down, Caroline.” Emmaline’s forceful words commanded attention. Caroline slid back into her chair. Emmaline softened her voice. “Thank you. And thank you, Adeline.” Her words turned wistful.
Teddy needed to move, not just because she should help but also because she needed to do something to distract herself from the impact this decision would have on her income. Her head ached, and her eyes burned, but she would remain steady until Emmaline released her.
Emmaline clasped her hands in her lap. “We shall remain here. You may do what is needed.”
“Thank you, miss.” Teddy hated to admit it, but Emmaline would make a fine doctor’s wife.
Teddy just had no idea what would become of herself.
Christmas Eve, 1872
University HospitalTeddy
Teddy did not look forward to walking home in this weather. Bitter wind, heavy snow, and low temperatures had plagued Philadelphia all winter, but she supposed it was better than the heat of summer. Yellow fever had taken close to five thousand of the city’s residents, but none had shocked her as much as the loss of her friend Sam. She would never get to taste one of his baked goods—but she pushed the thought from her mind.
Armilda removed her nurse’s cap and set it in her oversized bag. She placed a shapely fur hat on her still perfectly styled hair. “I appreciate you taking my shift tomorrow.”
“It’s Christmas. I had both days off last year. I’m happy to work your shift this evening.” Teddy gave her friend a hug.
“Ait?h. Thank you. My beau is taking me to meet his family for the evening meal.”
“John is a lucky man. His family will adore you. What will you wear?”
“Something fabulous, but not too much. I don’t want the outfit to overshadow the ring.”
“The ring? Do you think he’ll propose?”
“If he knows what’s good for him, he will. Men need a little, how do you say, shovel?”
Teddy did her best not to laugh. “They do need a push now and again. I look forward to hearing all about it on our next shift together.” Teddy helped Armilda into the ankle-length fur coat.
“It is quiet on the floor. You will be fine until my replacement arrives. I must hurry home to make Kringle.” Armilda pushed through the door as if off on an important mission.
Armilda’s matter-of-fact words, meant to be kind, always reminded Teddy how truly different cultures were around the world. She adored the vibrant tapestry of Philadelphia’s melting pot. Yet, she wished others would see its diversity as a treasure rather than viewing individuals of different hues or languages as inferior.
“Nurse?” a feeble voice called.
Teddy’s shoes clicked across the floor. “Yes, Mr. DuPlane. How may I assist you?”
“Where’s the blond?” He stretched to look past Teddy.
“Her shift has ended. I’m happy to assist you until your new nurse arrives.”
He flopped back on his pillow. “Never mind. Just get me some water, would you?”
“It would be my pleasure.” Teddy tightened her jaw as she grabbed the empty water container beside the man’s bed. Odd, she’d seen Armilda fill that earlier.
Teddy pulled the chart from outside the room. She was correct. He’d had a refill with his supper. She filled the container and returned to the patient. “How are you feeling, Mr. DuPlane?” She handed him the drink and watched him take long gulps.
“Been in this blasted bed so long my back hurts. When can I get out of here?”
“Let me take a quick peek at your legs.”
“My legs? Woman, that’s not where I had surgery. Are you daft?”
“Routine, Mr. DuPlane.” She lifted the edge of the sheet and pressed on the swollen ankle. A dimple remained. She moved up a few inches and repeated the process. The skin did not bounce back.
“You want to cut my toenails while you’re down there?”
“It’s good to see your humor is still working well. Let me check with the attending physician before we get you out of bed.”
“Great. I’ll likely get one of those student doctors who do more poking and prodding than a cowhand.”
Teddy pulled the curtain and marked her findings on the man’s chart. Edema could mean something serious. She moved on tiptoes to Head Nurse Callahan’s office so as not to alert the patients of her hurry. The woman was not there. The room reeked of cigarette smoke, even with the window cracked. No wonder this ward was always so cold during the woman’s shift.
“Think. No, pray. Lord, please send help.”
The door at the end of the hall opened.
“Nurse . . .” Teddy started and then saw it was Thomas Shankel who moved in her direction.
He lifted one eyebrow. “Not exactly, but I can change a bedpan if necessary.”
He wasn’t whom she had expected, but who was she to question God? “What brings you here at such an early hour? Especially on Christmas Day?” Teddy’s words failed to convey the professionalism she’d aimed for.
“I could ask the same of you, but I think we both know the answer. Were you in need of something?”
She could do this. “Please.” She handed him Mr. DuPlane’s chart, biting her tongue to keep from speaking until spoken to.
“Mmm. Edema.” Thomas looked at her. “How long?”
She pointed to the three water refills since this morning and the two notations of urine output. “I only noticed it just now. I hadn’t thought to check. I’m sorry . . .”
“No apologies. Let’s take a look.” He swept his arm, palm up.
“Right this way.” Teddy led the way, then pulled back the curtain, allowing Thomas to enter first.
Thomas stepped in, then turned around and pulled at the curtain. “Quit worrying your lip like that. I’ll call for you if needed.”
Teddy felt the movement of air from the curtain as Thomas closed it the rest of the way. She listened to his easygoing discussion with the patient and moved to finish her duties, only to unexpectedly find herself standing before the head nurse.
“Oh, Nurse Callahan, I’m so sorry. I was looking for you and . . .” The nurse’s steely gaze stopped her flow of words like a well-placed tourniquet.
“Really? From where I’m standing, you were flirting with the doctor.”
“Oh, Thomas? He’s not a doctor.” The moment the words came out of her mouth, she wanted to pull them back in. Raised eyebrows spoke volumes.
“Nurse Morse, I’ll take it from here. Your replacement arrived. You are relieved of your duties.”
“Relieved?” Teddy stuttered, feeling the heat of tears surfacing. She could not lose this job, too.
“Go home, Miss Morse. I’ll speak about your actions with Dr. Whitaker when I next see him.”
“But I didn’t do . . .” Teddy clamped her jaw tight at the steely look challenging her.
“Your reputation preceeds you, Miss Morse.”
Teddy’s stomach dropped. Her reputation?
Nurse Callahan’s voice dipped low. “You don’t think we all notice your attentions toward Dr. Whitaker?”
Teddy wanted to scream but balled her fists tighter. She was the victim of Dr. Whitaker’s unwanted advances.
“Since it is the holiday and I have tomorrow off, as the good doctor does, I expect it will be a few days before any reprimand. A woman of your station has no business playing seductress.”
Teddy shook with rage and sweaty uncertainty. “I’m scheduled to work again tonight. Should I come?” Teddy couldn’t bear to disappoint Armilda.
Nurse Callahan exhaled heavily. “Fantastic. Absolutely fantastic. Finding a replacement on Christmas Day will be quite the challenge unless that heathen woman can work.”
“Hea . . .?”
“Krill or whatever her name is.”
“Nurse Kull?” Teddy wanted to slap the woman for her rudeness. “She has plans for Christmas.” Teddy’s nails bit farther into her palms.
“Don’t be late,” the woman spat out.
Thomas stepped from behind the curtain. “Is there a problem here?”
The corner of Nurse Callahan’s mouth tipped up, showing yellowed teeth. “Not a thing, sir. Everything is handled.”
“Very good. Nurse Morse, could you assist me for a moment?”
Nurse Callahan put her hand on Teddy’s arm. “She was just leaving. I’ll send someone to help you momentarily.”
The woman squeezed hard enough to leave a bruise. Teddy wanted to cradle her forearm and cry but put on her brightest smile while not making contact with a pair of blue eyes that would be her ruin. Possibly literally.