Evelyn part 12 A hair ruffled by Evies retort, the physician rifled through his bag. “What are your symptoms, my lad?” “Chronic bronchitis,” Joseph managed. “It... comes and it goes...” With speaking become too laborious, Merrick sank deeper into his mound of pillows. He closed his eyes in a bid to find some kind of comfort. He did not see the doctor performing his examination. He only felt it. He tasted metal as a tongue depressor was placed in his mouth, while the cold kiss of a stethoscope bell planted itself on his chest. Again and again, Joseph was asked to draw deep breaths, and each one was a great effort. “Well, you were certainly right about that,” the physician stated. “Chronic bronchitis it is.” Evelyn began to wring her hands. “What should we do?” “Hell need to be taken to the clinic. Ill send for more help to get him there. I imagine he hasnt the strength to move much.” With great care, the old saw-bones packed up his bag. “Will we be able to reach London when we get there?” Evie asked urgently. “Why you need to get in touch with London?” “Thats where his doctor is,” she reported. “Hell need to know of this.” The doctor nodded. “Very well. Well send a message to him as soon as we get there. In the mean time, just keep your friend here warm and comfortable. Ill be back with help soon.” With just a touch of gentlemanly manner, Albert saw their medical visitor to the door. Despite the newborn rain, he watched until the hansom cab was out of sight. Once it was gone, Mr. Farallon went back to see to his daughter. “Just let me handle this when that doctor comes back for him.” “Handle what?” Evelyn frowned. “You know what I mean. Just stay in your room.” “Dad,” his daughter demanded. “You cant leave him with that nurse, even if they are in a clinic.” Albert frowned. “You remember what happened the last time some highfalutin quack caught sight of you!” The girl lowered her crimson glance. “Yes, Dad, I do.” Those weathered, calloused hands came to rest on her shoulders. “I wont let them do that to you again, Evie. Not on my life they wont.” Though he mind was still dead set on going with Joseph to their towns meager little hospital, Evelyns father had brought up a memory that she had hoped was forever forgotten. “I wont let them do that to me,” Evelyn said. Her voice was subdued, yet full of determination. “Not now, not ever. Im not a little girl anymore, Dad. I can stand up for myself... and for Joseph.” For once, Albert Farallon was quiet. He said nothing as Evelyn threw on her coat and hat. From the other room, he could hear Merrick coughing while Nurse Grappings offered up hushed words of reassurance. It was the first time she had shown her patient such gentility. “You really want to go with him...” he finally said. “Yes, I do.” Sighing through his nose, Mr. Farallon brought forward a pair of the tinted glasses. “Just dont let them see your eyes.”
Posted on: Thu, 30 Jan 2014 02:03:57 +0000
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