Where Wildflowers Bloom: A Novel Read Online Free PDF

doctor could answer, she said, “While you two are busy with your game, I’ll dash to the store and get your papers, Grandpa.”
    Surprise, followed by irritation, crossed the doctor’s face. “I wasn’t planning—”
    “I shouldn’t be too long.” She favored him with a winsome smile. “Thank you. It’s very kind of you to stay.” She whisked upstairs and grabbed her shawl and bonnet.

     
    When Faith reached the town square, she bypassed the mercantile and entered the office of the Noble Springs Observer . Mr. Simpkins eyed her with surprise.
    “How about if I come tell you if I hear of more casualties? Save you the trouble of dropping in so often.” He sounded a touch sarcastic.
    She folded her arms across her chest. “Fine. I won’t bother you again. But that’s not why I’m here. I have a question and figured if anyone would have the answer, it would be you. No one knows more about Noble Springs.”
    He straightened in his chair, chest puffed. “Ask away.”
    “Yesterday morning, a woman named Rosemary was in the mercantile. Two of the ladies who saw her told me she had been a nurse. Do you know where I might find her?”
    “Only one person like that around here. What would a decent gal like you want with her?”
    Faith blinked at the open prejudice in his voice. Why was it permissible for a woman to care for a child who was ill, but not to help injured soldiers? “I have something to ask her. Where does she live?”
    He walked to the window and pointed east. “Follow King’s Highway about three blocks. Saxons live on the left, gray house, white fence around the yard.”
    “Saxons?” Faith swallowed. “Does she have a brother who works at Ripley’s Livery?” As soon as she asked, she remembered Rosemary saying that she’d come to Noble Springs to live with her brother.
    “Yep. He showed up around six months ago, but she hasn’t been here that long. People are stirred up since the war ended. Some folks leaving, some coming. Be glad when things settle down.”
    Faith thought of her own plans to travel to Oregon. “I can understand not wanting to remain around sad memories.”
    “Wherever you go, you take yourself with you. Memories and all.” He combed his fingers through his rumpled blond hair. “Might as well stay put.”
    She moved toward the doorway. “Thank you for your help.”
    “Welcome. Say, I noticed your grandpappy didn’t open the mercantile this morning. Been some customers pass by.”
    “We’ll be open this afternoon. You can tell anyone who asks.”
    Once out on the boardwalk she turned east, but her steps slowed as she neared the gray house. Knowing that Rosemary must be Mr. Saxon’s sister altered her intentions. She hated to impose on the family again, after all that had happened yesterday, but the woman was her best hope.
    Behind the picket fence, a neatly maintained yard with raised flower beds framed the front walk. Rows of seedlings lifted their leaves toward the sun. Faith couldn’t help but contrast the tidy garden with the tumble of weeds in front of her house. Some people had a knack for coaxing flowers out of the soil. She wasn’t one of them.
    She reached for the latch on the gate just as Rosemary appeared on the gravel pathway leading from the rear of the building. She wore a faded blue chambray dress and carried a trowel. Her fingers were covered with dirt. The sable and white collie trotted at her heels.
    Rosemary’s eyes widened. “You’re Faith, from the mercantile.” She wiped her hands on her apron. “This is a surprise. Please, come in.” She led the way to the porch steps, removing her sunbonnet as she walked. Glossy black hair tumbled loose from its pins. “Fiddle.” Rosemary shook her head, freeing the curls. “Gardening isn’t the tidiest task.”
    Faith smiled, enjoying the woman’s casual response to her unscheduled visit. Some people she knew would fly into a dither at unexpected guests. “I can’t stay but a minute. I know