The Doctor's Newfound Family Read Online Free PDF

upset when they realize where we are.”
    “I understand.”
    He climbed down and circled the buggy to assist her.
    She passed him Josiah, then gently woke Mathias and Luke. “We need to get out here, boys.”
    Mathias rubbed his fists over his eyes and yawned. “Are we home?”
    “Not exactly,” Sara Beth said. “We’ll be staying here for a bit while we get Papa’s affairs settled.”
    Luke leaned past him to look. “What are we doing here? Where are we?”
    “I wanna go home,” Mathias began to wail.
    “Give him to me,” the doctor said. “I’ll handle him. You, too, Luke.” He held out his arms and took the boys from her one at a time, setting all but Josiah on the ground at his feet and offering Sara Beth his free hand.
    When she placed her smaller, icy fingers in his, he felt an unexpected pang of pity. That would never do. A proud woman like her would surely take offense if she even suspected that he was feeling sorry for her.
    She faltered once with a little stumble, causing him to reach to cup her elbow.
    “I’m fine, thank you. I can manage,” she said, righting herself and marching proudly up to the ornate front door of the stone-walled mansion. She rapped with the brass knocker and waited.
    When the door swung open and the matron saw her, she greeted her with open arms. “Oh, darlin’, I heard what happened. It’s awful. Plum awful. You come right in and make yourself at home. We’re proud to have you.”
    As Taylor watched, the stalwart young woman became a child again. Catching back a sob, she fell into Mrs. McNeil’s ample embrace. Taylor could see her shoulders shaking with silent weeping as the older woman patted her on the back. He didn’t want her to suffer, but he knew that the sooner she began to properly grieve her enormous loss, the sooner she’d recover.
    “Let’s take the boys in and get them settled,” he suggested as soon as the two women stepped apart.
    Ella wiped her eyes with the corner of her starched, white apron. “Land sakes, yes. I’m forgettin’ my manners. You come along, now,” she said to Luke and Mathias. “We’ve got gobs of other boys for you two to meet and a bunk you can share.” She glanced at Josiah in the doctor’s arms. “Do you think the littlest one will be all right in there or shall we send him to stay with the infants?”
    Before Taylor could reply, Sara Beth snatched up the baby and shook her head. Her tears were gone except for slight dampness on her cheeks. “Josiah stays with me. I won’t have him put with strangers.”
    “Of course, of course.” The matron rubbed the girl’s shoulder through her coat. “It’s been a long, trying night for all of you. We’ll talk more about making permanent arrangements later.”
    No one had to tell Taylor what Sara Beth’sreaction to that would be. He knew she’d resist before she opened her mouth.
    “There’s no need. We won’t be staying. As soon as I get my father’s business affairs settled I’ll be going back home,” she said flatly. “I did want to discuss possible employment for myself, though. Mother’s needlework was finer than mine, of course, but she was my teacher and I promise to do my very best. Is there a chance I could work for you like Mother once did, Mrs. McNeil?”
    Taylor could see that the matron was hesitant. He privately caught her eye and gave a silent, secret nod.
    To his relief, she said, “I’m sure we can find something. Perhaps part-time in the kitchen. Would that suit?”
    “Anything will do,” Sara Beth said. “If you will show me where to place Josiah while he naps, I can start immediately.”
    “Nonsense,” Ella said. “There’ll be plenty of time for that. First, we need to get all of you settled and then fed. When you’ve rested, we’ll talk further.”
    Sara Beth’s deep sigh as a result was almost a shudder. “Thank you. I am weary. And there is so much on my mind right now I can hardly think.”
    “Little wonder,” the doctor