The Preacher's Bride (Brides of Simpson Creek) Read Online Free Page A

asked, “What...what do we do now?”
    “He’s been able to drink sips of water,” Dr. Walker said. “Later, I’ll see if he can swallow a little chicken broth. Assuming he can, I’ll want to keep him here another night, then you can take him home.”
    “I’ll take good care of him, Doctor,” Gil promised, still hardly believing he was going to get the chance to do so.
    “I’m sure you will,” Walker said. “And Faith will help you. She’s agreed to organize the Spinsters’ Club to nurse him. I told you what an excellent job they did during the influenza epidemic.”
    “Yes, but he’s my responsibility,” he said, reluctant to obligate Faith and the other young ladies to the care of a sick old man.
    “You’ll certainly get plenty of time to fulfill your responsibility to your father,” Walker said. “But it’s going to be too much for just one person. You’ll need help. Until he regains full movement—and there’s no guarantee he will—someone will have to feed him, do his laundry, exercise his limbs, help him learn to speak again—if he can, and that’s by no means certain—help him get out of bed when he’s stronger... And don’t forget, the needs of the congregation will continue. I’m sure the church board will be asking you formally, of course, but unless you’re unwilling, I expect you’ve just become the acting pastor of Simpson Creek Church.”
    Gil blinked, raking a hand through his hair distractedly. “I’ve been so worried Papa would die, I hadn’t given it a thought. I suppose you’re right.” He hoped he was equal to the task.
    “I’ll get started arranging his nursing care right now, Doctor,” Faith said, heading for the door that led out of the office.
    “You’ll do no such thing, Miss Faith,” Walker ordered. “You’ve been up all night, and you’re to go straight to bed, understood? Your organizing can wait till after you’ve slept at least.”
    “Yes, sir, ” Faith shot back, her grin so sassy that it made both men grin, too. “I’ll see you both later.”
    “I can’t thank you enough, Miss Faith,” Gil told her.
    Her smile was all the reward he needed. It warmed his soul.
    “That’s a good woman,” Dr. Walker said, after the door had closed behind Faith. His gaze locked meaningfully with Gil’s.
    The doctor’s message was clear enough. “I believe you’re right, Doctor,” Gil said.
    * * *
    Before going to bed as Dr. Walker had directed, Faith took a few minutes to update her mother on the reverend’s condition and the need to revive the Spinsters’ Club Nursing Corps. Louisa, her cousin who lived with them now, was not present because she helped Caroline teach, and it was the last day of school.
    “Is there anything I can do to help, dear?” Lydia Bennett asked. “Your father and I are so proud of you, the way you’re taking the initiative to help the preacher. At least this time there’s no risk of contagion.”
    Faith wished she had her mother’s belief in her father’s pride in her. Unfortunately, she knew differently. But she’d never distress her mother with that truth.
    “Mama, you wouldn’t mind if the Spinsters’ Club met here after supper tonight to sign up for their nursing shifts, would you?” she asked, smothering a weary yawn. They would have to teach the new spinsters about their nursing duties, too, she supposed, by pairing those who had never nursed with the ones who’d been in Simpson Creek during the flu.
    “Of course you may, Faith. It’s the least we can do to help. I’ll call on the ladies while you’re sleeping and notify them of the meeting. Let’s see, there’s Louisa, Maude, Polly, Ella, Kate, Jane and Hannah. Have I forgotten anyone? There’s fewer of them available than when the epidemic struck...”
    “Yes, Sarah, Emily, Bess and Milly are all married now,” Faith mused aloud. “But we should have enough willing helpers among the others, I think. Gil will be able to help his father at night,