The doctor emerged from the bedroom. “It is measles, just as you thought. He’s already congested, and I fear in his weakened state he will have a difficult time of it. Would you prefer I move him to the hospital?”

Gloriana looked to Luke. He smiled. “No. We’ll take care of him here.” He took out his wallet and handed over several large bills. “Would you please stop by daily to check on him?”

“I will.” The doctor looked at Gloriana. “Since I presume most of his care will fall on you, are you familiar with what is needed to care for him?”

“My little brother just recovered from measles. I will simply extend the care to Mr. Carson.”

The doctor nodded. “Let me know if you have any trouble.”

Luke showed him out, then returned to find Gloriana once again mopping his father’s brow. “I’ll sit with him for the first watch. You go ahead and get some sleep.”

“I’ll get JT and the baby to bed first. JT won’t like an early bedtime, but I’ll explain it. Oh, Luke, we’ll need another quarantine sign.”

“I’ll take care of it.”

When she rose, he pulled her into his arms. “I suppose this means our wedding is once again delayed.”

“Let’s just get the pastor to stop by with his wife and be done with it,” she replied, placing her head on his chest. “We’re already managing through sickness and health.”

Chapter 24

Gloriana bathed Mr. Carson in a vinegar solution and prayed for him as she did. She wasn’t sure what to think of the situation. She wanted nothing to do with this angry, selfish man, but it was clear that God had called her to nurse him. Every time Luke suggested they send him to the hospital, Gloriana knew it wasn’t what she was supposed to do.

Lord, I don’t understand why You are directing me to take care of this man. He wants to ruin my family and already hates us.

She continued the gentle ministrations. He was very sick. Sicker than JT had been. The doctor said it was very hard on adults to endure the measles.

The old man began to cough, bringing Gloriana’s attention back to what she needed to do. She covered him up so he wouldn’t take a chill. He already had pneumonia, which was common with measles, but in his situation might very well be fatal.

Gloriana helped him sit up and pounded on his back with the flat of her hand as he coughed and moaned.

He waved her off, and Gloriana allowed him to ease back onto the propped-up pillows. “Why?” He gasped for air. “Why are . . . you . . . doing this?”