Slip
A few moments after Cordia knocked on the front door, Margaret opened it, a broad smile on her face. “Cordia!” she exclaimed. “It’s so nice to see you!” She embraced Cordia warmly, gesturing for her to come. “How are you, dear? I bet you’ve been so busy planning the wedding. It seems like it’s been ages since we’ve had a visit from you.
Cordia stepped in, offering the bread to Margaret before taking off her coat and hanging it near the door. “I know, I have been busy. I’ve also been hoping to give Julia some time to recuperate. How is she doing?”
Margaret took the pumpkin bread. “Oh, thank you! You didn’t have to do that. You’re so thoughtful.” She paused for a moment, considering Cordia’s question. “She has her good days and her bad days. She has not fully recovered from her last spell, but the doctor does say he thinks she is on the mend. He says any alleviation of stress and strain is a positive for her, so we are hopeful that things will continue to improve.”
Cordia was glad to hear that Julia was making progress, though she wasn’t quite clear she fully understood what Margaret was referring to. “Would it be possible for me to see her?” she asked, hopefully.
Margaret sighed, walking in to the kitchen to put the pumpkin bread on the counter. “I think a short visit would be just fine. I do worry that she is contagious, however, so that’s something we’ll have to be careful of. I’m not sure if you might be able to catch that cough from her or not.”
Julia’s room was in the back of the house, and the women had to cross the kitchen to get there. Margaret tapped lightly on the door before opening it just a hair and peeking her head in. Julia stirred a bit, and Margaret opened the door more widely, allowing Cordia to step in.
Seeing who it was, Julia attempted to sit up a bit, still groggy with sleep and clearly not feeling well, as Cordia could see from the color of her pale skin. Still, she smiled with excitement. “Cordia!” she said as she entered. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen you! How are you?”
Margaret came in as well and stood near the door. Cordia crossed over and sat down on the edge of Julia’s bed, keeping her distance but reaching the vicinity of her friend. “I’m well, darling! How are you?”
Julia nodded, “I’m doing much better now. It’s so nice to see you! What have you been doing?” She coughed a little then, holding a handkerchief over her mouth. Cordia was happy to see that there were no droplets of blood on it when she pulled it away. Still, any coughing spell at all was a strain on Julia, and she looked more tired just from those few moments of exertion.
Cordia wasn’t sure if Julia knew about her engagement or not. She was wearing Carey’s ring on her finger, but she had her hands folded, as she usually did, so that no one could see the ring. She glanced up at Margaret, who shook her head, as if to indicate that she had not told Julia about the upcoming wedding. Cordia wasn’t sure why that might be, but she saw no reason to mention it now, not until she had the opportunity to talk to Margaret in private. “I’ve been busy, that’s certain. I’ve been working with Dr. Walters, honing my nursing skills. I’ve been knitting blankets and socks for the troops, spending time with Susannah, gathering information about the soldiers, that sort of thing. Thinkin’ on you, for certain, prayin’ you’d be feelin’ better soon.”
Julia smiled. “I’ve missed you, but I know they didn’t want you to come while I was so sick. I understand that.”
Margaret chimed in. “And she can’t stay too long this time either, Julia. You need your rest.”
Julia shook her head and then began another coughing spell. This one was worse than the last, and Margaret rushed over to steady her frail body as she gyrated with the intents spasms. When the coughing finally came to an end, Margaret said, “I’ll go get your medicine,” and stepped out into the kitchen to retrieve it.
Not knowing what to say, Cordia just smiled at Julia with concern. Julia was attempting to slow her breathing and did not speak either.
“Here you go,” Margaret said, crossing the room and pouring a spoonful of liquid for Julia to swallow. Even from a distance, Cordia could smell the pungent medication, and the odor was revolting. She was glad she was not the one being called upon to force it down. Julia swallowed it quickly and then took a drink from the glass of water next to her on the nightstand.
“This medicine makes her very tired,” Margaret remarked to Cordia.
Julia already looked as if she was about to fall asleep, and she had just swallowed the dose. “And it tastes like shoe polish,” she added.
Clearly, Cordia would not be able to stay and visit with Julia any longer, as she was starting to doze off. Margaret seemed to indicate that Cordia should exit with her as she went back into the kitchen to put away the medicine. Cordia was reluctant to go. Not only did she miss her friend, she had been hopeful that she would have the opportunity to ask Julia if she had heard from her brother. As she stood to go, she reached over and lightly touched Julia’s hand. “Get some rest, sweetheart,” she said. “I will come back and visit you soon.”
Julia’s eyes had glazed over a bit. She was no longer sitting up but had begun to roll back onto her side, away from Cordia. However, as Cordia withdrew her hand, she murmured softly, “Oh, your ring. You’re finally wearing it. Will must be so happy.” Then, her breathing stilled, and she was out.
Cordia turned quickly to see if Margaret had heard Julia’s remark. She was standing in the doorway, one hand on the doorknob, the other pressed against the doorjamb. She had a curious expression on her face, but she did not say anything. Cordia thought, perhaps, she had not caught the last part.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
