A Surrendered Heart Read Online Free PDF Page A

attention, I’m not—”
    “Tell Amanda that I insist. They both need to take a little time for pleasure. And so do you. I’ll expect all three of you no later than six o’clock.”
    “You’re right. An evening of visiting and good food is just what the doctor ordered. Even if the doctor doesn’t know it.”
    The sound of Sophie’s laughter followed him down the front steps. As a harsh wind assailed him from the north, he tucked his head low. Paul believed the walk to work each morning helped him maintain his good health. However, he would have gladly exchanged his morning exercise for a ride in a warm carriage on this brisk morning.
    Though a cutting chill remained, the wind subsided as he rounded the final corner. He squinted against the sun. Not one soul stood waiting for admission to the Home. Ever since the first frightening case of cholera had been detected, the medical office had been swarmed with daily visitors. And after the recent newspaper headlines, he’d expected an even larger crowd. He strode forward but stopped short at the front gate.
    Quarantine! He didn’t take time to read the fine print. The one word was enough to explain the absence of the usual morning arrivals.
    Paul cupped his hands to his mouth. “Quincy! It’s Paul. Can you hear me? Come to the door.” He waited a moment and then tried again.
    With the windows tightly closed and shuttered against the cold, his voice would never be heard. He glanced at the iron bell used to announce that meals were being served. Without a moment’s hesitation, he entered the gate, pulled the worn rope, and waited. The shutters that covered one of the windows in the front of the house opened. Blake! So the doctor had been captured in the quarantine, too.
    Paul pointed to the front of the building. “Open the door.”
    Blake momentarily disappeared before the door opened and he stepped onto the porch. “Didn’t you read the notice? You can’t come in here, Paul.”
    “I understand,” he said, careful to keep some distance between them. “But what can I do to help?”
    Blake rubbed his hands together. “We’ll need our food replenished in a couple days. And could you gather medical supplies? Ask John Phillips. He’ll help you choose what I need.”
    Paul had become acquainted with John Phillips when he’d first arrived in Rochester. The man operated a pharmacy nearby. “Anything else?”
    Blake stepped down from the porch and drew closer. “Tell Mr. and Mrs. Broadmoor that Amanda has contracted cholera. I’m doing my best for her. She’s young and strong, but I can’t say with certainty that she’ll make it. She’s very sick.”
    Paul grasped the fence and steadied himself. The news would devastate Sophie. And what of Mr. and Mrs. Broadmoor? Amanda’s parents would surely blame themselves for permitting her to work at the Home. The thought of delivering this dreadful report left him speechless.
    “Paul! Did you hear me?” Blake shouted.
    “Yes, yes. I’ll tell them. Do you think . . . I mean . . . should I . . . ?”
    “Just tell them exactly what I’ve said. There’s no way of knowing what will happen. If they want to speak to me, tell them to do as you have. Ring the bell and I’ll come out.”
    Paul nodded and turned, too dazed to ask any further questions.
    “Don’t forget the medicine and food,” Blake hollered.
    Paul waved in recognition of the request. He couldn’t find his voice. The possibility had always existed that one of them would contract some fatal disease from one of the patients, but Paul had always believed God’s hand of protection was upon them. They were, after all, doing God’s work. He rounded the corner and forced such thoughts from his mind. He’d speak to Sophie first. It would be best if she accompanied him to meet with Amanda’s parents. Sophie knew them better than he. Perhaps she could lend some advice on how to best approach them. For the second time this day, he wished he hadn’t walked