Healing of the Heart: A Shumard Oak Bend Novel (Discerning God’s Best Book 4)

Chapter 24

May 1873Teddy

Teddy raised her water glass, its crystal surface catching the warm glow of the candlelight that danced around the room.

The chatter of the other boarders and friends quieted as all eyes turned to her. She could feel the silent support of their friendship enveloping her like a comforting embrace.

“To the new Dr. Thomas Trexler Shankel,” Teddy began, her voice steady but ladened with emotion. “May we never need his services but always cherish his friendship.”

“Hear, hear!” echoed around the table in a chorus of agreement. Glasses clinked in a symphony of celebration, but beneath Teddy’s forced smile, a tumult of conflicting emotions churned within her.

Anger simmered just beneath the surface, a fiery resentment toward the man who had ensnared her friend in his clutches. Pity, too, tugged at her heartstrings for the choices Thomas had made and the consequences he would face. Yet, amidst the turmoil, there was a flicker of happiness for her friend’s achievements and a twinge of regret for her own inaction, her silent involvement in his plight.

As Mrs. Jones clapped her hands with the pride of a doting parent, Teddy’s gaze lingered on Thomas, noting the flush that crept up his neck, the humility etched in every line of his face. He’d always been one to shy away from the spotlight, to deflect praise with a self-effacing charm that endeared him to all who knew him.

Mrs. Jones spoke over the group. “Thomas, you must make a wish and blow out the candle,” she urged, her voice gentle but insistent.

Thomas shook his head, his gratitude palpable even in the subtlest of gestures. “You’ve all done far too much already. Thank you,” he murmured, his breath causing the flame to dance and sway.

Crocket held a match at the ready, a playful glint in his eye. “With purpose, man. Not by accident.”

Thomas chuckled softly, a sound laced with warmth and genuine affection. “Right. I wish . . .”

Merriweather squealed. “You can’t tell us your wish, or it won’t come true!” she admonished in earnest.

“Very well,” Thomas conceded with a good-natured grin. “Then, I pray I’ll be blessed for the rest of my days with friendships equal to those gathered around this table.”

Teddy was proud of Thomas and his accomplishments. Mrs. Jones, Cook, David, and the Douglasses sat at the table with them. So much had changed in two years—most for the better but not all.

Teddy busied herself handing out cake, refilling water glasses, and replacing dropped napkins—anything to keep her hands and mind busy.

Thomas wiped his mouth. “Cook, this may be the best cake you’ve made yet. You could open a bakery and make a fortune.”

Cook pointed to Crocket. “Not me, a gift from your friend.”

Crocket puffed out his chest. “Prune cake. My special ingredient adds a touch of texture to the cake and zip to the rich flavor. Would you care to venture a guess, Mrs. Douglass?”

Harriet worked her mouth as if taking in each individual flavor. “Buttermilk for your liquid, and”—she lifted the cake and studied it closely—“orange zest for the zip, as you called it.”

“Well done.”

Teddy had the perfect vantage point to study her friends as they conversed with each other. She continued around the table, taking her time pouring. Teddy felt eyes on her and looked to see Mr. Douglass scrutinizing her. She walked his way and leaned down.

“Is there anything I can get for you, sir?”

“Sir. Posh. My station’s far below yours. Call me Douglass. And yes.”

Teddy crouched to be close enough to hear his weak reply.

“Come care for me.”

Teddy wasn’t sure she’d heard him correctly over the hum of voices. She looked to his wife for confirmation, but the woman was still engaged in conversation with Crocket. Teddy placed the pitcher on the table, which allowed her to kneel before the man. “Care for you in what way?”

“I’m dying and an awful burden on my wife. My Thomas says you may have time during the day to ease some of my wife’s burden.”

Harriet turned her head, apparently able to take part in two conversations at once.

“You’re no burden, but having some help a few hours a day would be a welcome gift. Let’s talk later. Today, we focus on Thomas.”

Teddy patted the man’s wrinkled hand, and he covered hers with his other.

The man’s voice was quiet. “We could help each other. I know a restless heart when I see one.”

Teddy’s throat tightened. By the looks of the man, she wouldn’t have a job for long, but even a few extra cents a week would make a difference. The pain of not knowing her future weighed heavily on her mind.

“I’d be honored to assist you, Douglass. We’ll make arrangements after the party.”

She glanced at Thomas. He’d done this for her, but she’d not been the same kind of friend to him.

Mrs. Jones used her fork to tap on her glass. “Thomas, please share your plans with us. I certainly hope you desire to remain here, even though you’re now a distinguished doctor.”

“If you’ll have me, there is no other place I’d rather be. I’ve been offered the position of general surgeon at the hospital. The powers that be haven’t fully approved it. There are still a few hoops to go through, but I should start by the end of the month.”

Reggie’s brow furrowed with curiosity. “Ah, I see. So, instead of settling down in Missouri, you’ll be honing your skills here. But why the change of heart? Wasn’t Missouri where you intended to establish your practice?”

Thomas nodded, a hint of regret shadowing his expression. “Indeed. Missouri was my initial plan. However, circumstances have shifted. The opportunity at the hospital arose unexpectedly, presenting a chance to delve deeper into the medical field. It’s not a decision made lightly, but it’s one I believe will ultimately benefit both my career here and the community where I’m from when I return at some point in the future.”

Teddy noticed a flicker of disappointment in Thomas’s eyes.

Crocket joined in on the conversation. “Any idea which specialty you’re leaning toward?”

Thomas paused. “Not yet. I’ll need some time to assess the different departments at the hospital and determine where my interests and skills align best. But for now, I’ll be serving as a floating general practitioner, lending my aid wherever it’s required.”

Teddy observed the subtle shift in Thomas’s demeanor, recognizing the weight of his decision.

Mrs. Jones placed her napkin on the table. “It sounds like an exciting opportunity. I’m sure you’ll excel in whatever path you choose.”

Thomas offered a small smile, gratitude evident in his eyes. “Thank you. I appreciate your support. And, regardless of the specialty I pursue, my commitment to be here for Saturday evening game night is a priority.”

Hearty cheers and laughter filled the room. Teddy knew his Saturday nights would not be spent with them. Not if Emmaline Whitaker had anything to say about it.

May 1873Hospital

“Married? Armilda, that’s wonderful.” Teddy lowered her voice. “When? Where?”

“John is the quartermaster at the navy yard. He asked the chaplain to perform the ceremony on the ship they are committeeing.”

Teddy wracked her brain for what Armilda was saying. “Commissioning. Yes. Oh, it must have been lovely. What did you wear?”

“Ladies.” The gravelly voice of Head Nurse Callahan halted their conversation.

Teddy wanted to tuck tail and run, but Armilda’s graceful turn and the hand on her arm kept Teddy in her place. Her friend held out the other hand to the woman, exposing the new gold band gracing her slender fingers.

“Thank you, Nurse Callahan. Nurse Morse and I were just enjoying a moment of friendship. Your ability to keep us on task is truly remarkable. It’s a wonder you noticed since you stay so busy. As one who never takes a moment for herself, it’s a challenge to measure up to the dedication you show to your job.”

Teddy had no choice but to turn, or her expression would have given her away. Armilda may not always choose the right words, but she certainly knew the art of not mincing the ones she used. Teddy composed herself and chanced a glance back.

Nurse Callahan’s expression hardened. “Nurse Morse, you will come to my office.” The woman arched one side of her singular eyebrow and curled the corner of her thin lips into a smirk, her eyes narrowing slightly. Her look spoke volumes without uttering a word, dripping with contemptuous amusement. It was the kind of look that left a lingering sense of uncertainty in its wake.

“Yes, ma’am?” Teddy remained in the doorway, unable to stomach the stale smell of body odor and old cigarettes.

The head nurse riffled through the myriad papers on her desk, finally producing one. She picked up a pen, signed it, and placed it in an envelope. Her white tongue flicked in and out of her mouth as she licked the edge before sealing it tight. She held it out to Teddy, then shook it when Teddy didn’t move.

“Nurse Morse, do you require that I walk it to you?”

“No, ma’am.” Why couldn’t she exude the same confidence as Armilda?

“You’ll take this to Dr. Whitaker’s office.” The sly smile returned.

Teddy’s breath caught in her throat. The room seemed to sway, and her vision blurred. Was she carrying Nurse Callahan’s promised threat from earlier? Was this the document that could end her career?

Nurse Callahan wiggled the envelope again. “Take it. I’m not going to sit here all day. Deliver it to him. Personally.”

Teddy took the envelope, the still-wet edge under her thumb causing her stomach to threaten mutiny. Her feet refused to move.

“I won’t ask again.” The chair creaked under the woman’s weight. “And don’t dawdle. You wouldn’t want to be caught alone in the halls at this time of night.”

She knew. Somehow, the woman knew. Nurse Callahan was intentionally putting her into a situation where Teddy felt vulnerable. Her knees went weak, and she forced herself out of the room, if only to get away from the wicked woman.

“And don’t shirk your duties and ask Nurse Kull to do it for you. I have a way of finding things out,” the woman yelled from her office.

Armilda popped her head out from behind a curtain. “Nurse Kress, now.” When she saw Teddy’s expression, she moved to her side. “What is it? Do I need to ruffle her up?” She lifted one fierce-looking fist.

Teddy couldn’t laugh. “She—she—”

“Breathe.” The word was a command.

Teddy obeyed and then showed her friend the envelope. “She wants me to deliver this to Dr. Whitaker.”

Armilda’s eyes narrowed. “Is he still bothering you?”

Still? Did she know the extent of what Teddy had endured, or was her friend making assumptions based on Teddy’s behavioral changes? “Yes.”

“I’ll take it.” Armilda snatched the envelope.

“No.” Teddy looked at the open door, lowered her voice, and pointed to the office. “No. She said I had to do it.”

“Then do it. That man is a bully, but you are strong. Now go.” Armilda handed the envelope back, then pointed to the door as if the discussion was over.

Armilda would never throw her into the lion’s den if she knew. “I’m not that strong.”

“You are what you think you are. Now, unless you want us both in trouble, run the little errand and get back here.”

Teddy knew Armilda’s words weren’t meant to be unkind. It was Armilda’s nature to be matter-of-fact, and that was one thing Teddy admired in her.

“Right. I’ll be back in a jiffy.”

Teddy felt like she was wading through quicksand, each step an agonizing struggle dragging her down. The weight of her trauma bore down on her, suffocating her with every labored breath.

Her footsteps reverberated through the desolate corridors. The eerie silence amplified the pounding of her heart, each beat a thunderous echo in her ears. The faint creak of a door sent a shiver down her spine, her body instinctively recoiling in fear.

Wrapping her arms tightly around herself, Teddy tried to contain the tremors that wracked her frame, but her thin uniform provided little protection against the relentless grip of her anxiety. Her nails dug into the fabric in a futile attempt to anchor herself.

Summoning every ounce of courage, Teddy squared her shoulders and steeled herself against the encroaching dread. With a prayer on her lips, she clenched the envelope in her trembling hands, using it as a feeble shield against the man she loathed.

She turned the corner, and powerful arms grabbed hers, paralyzing her in fear. Gasping in shock, Teddy inwardly struggled to regain control of her emotions. The hands released her.

“Teddy?”

The sound of her name hung in the air, sending a chill down her spine. For a moment, she dared not open her eyes, afraid of what she might find.

When she finally summoned the courage to look, a pair of eyes brimming with concern looked into hers. Thomas stood before her, his features etched with a mixture of worry and determination, a silent sentinel ready to wage war on her behalf.

Unable to withstand the intensity of his gaze, Teddy felt her resolve crumble like sand slipping through her fingers. Tears welled in her eyes, blurring her vision as they spilled over onto her cheeks, a silent testament to the pain she had long suppressed.

She opened her mouth, but words would not come. She tried again. “I must deliver this to Dr. Whitaker,” she choked out, her voice trembling.

Thomas’s brow furrowed in confusion, but he made no move to take the envelope from her grasp. Instead, he stood before her, a beacon of unwavering support.

“Let me help you,” he pleaded, his voice a gentle reassurance amidst the storm raging within her. “Whatever has happened, you don’t have to face it alone.”

Her head shook, and she lifted the envelope higher, trying to shield herself from taking on the pain she saw in his eyes.

“Hanky?”

With a trembling hand, Teddy reached out to accept the white flag he offered. She wiped at the torrent of tears.

“You’re not alone,” he said.

Teddy grasped at his words, desperate to cling to them like a lifeline. She knew she was not alone, but she could not place this burden on her friend.

This was one battle she needed to fight on her own.