Hannah. You fell off a mountain. Horse fell. You followed. I got off poorly.
Walter turned toward the window to hide a smile. Grant shut his eye again. The doctor came by noon. He was a narrow man named Dr. Jameson who rode with a black medical case strapped behind his saddle.
He examined Grant's shoulder, listened to his breathing, and asked several questions. Grant answered with increasing irritation. "No break," Dr. Jameson finally said. Hannah exhaled, shoulders badly strained again.
Fever may be from exposure. Keep him warm. Keep fluids in him. And if his breathing worsens, send for me, Grant said. I'll be back outside tomorrow.
The doctor looked at Hannah. Don't let him. I won't. Grant muttered something under his breath. Dr.
Jameson packed his instruments. Good. Then I trust her judgment more than yours. After he left, Grant slept, then woke, then slept again. The house changed around his illness.
Walter ran the ranch from the yard. Henry carried messages between the barn and kitchen as if each one were military business. Molly sat outside Grant's bedroom door with her rag doll and blue ribbon. Hannah moved quietly between them all. She changed the cold cloth on Grant's forehead.
Measured broth, checked his shoulder wrapping, opened the bedroom window for 10 minutes when the room grew stale, then shut it before the mountain air turned too sharp. Grant hated being cared for while conscious, while feverish, he forgot to argue. That made him easier and somehow more difficult. On the first night, Hannah sat beside his bed beneath the low flame of a kerosene lamp. Grant stirred.
His hand moved over the blanket as though searching for something. Hannah leaned forward. Water. He did not answer. His fingers found her wrist.
They closed there gently. Hannah, I'm here. His face eased. She sat back. 5 minutes later, he was asleep.
Hannah remained there long after she could have moved. Around midnight, the bedroom door creaked open. Henry stood in the hallway holding an armful of firewood. What are you doing awake? Fire was low.
I checked it 20 minutes ago. He looked toward the stove. It got low again. Hannah almost smiled. Henry set two pieces beside the hearth.
Is he worse? No. You sure? Yes. Henry nodded.
He stayed in the doorway then asked. You staying up for a while. I can you can sleep. I'm not tired. His eyes were half closed.