When the spasm subsided, JT spoke again. “You don’t have to worry about anything. We’ll take good care of you. That’s how it goes when you’re family.”

Gloriana wasn’t sure if it was due to the coughing or JT’s words, but there were tears in the older man’s eyes.

“JT, thank you for staying with Mr. Carson.”

“Sure, Glory. I asked him to be my grandfather and he said yes. Isn’t that great?” He came to stand in front of her. “I’ve got a real grandfather now.”

Gloriana smiled. “I think he will be a very good one.” It amazed her that only days earlier she had hated this man. Now she just felt sympathy for him . . . and perhaps a little compassion. “You go get your homework done. I left you milk and cookies on the table. Please keep an eye on Sally for a little while as I need to tend to Mr. Carson.”

“Grandfather Carson.”

Gloriana smiled. “Grandfather Carson.”

JT left and she approached the bed, wondering what Luke’s father truly thought of all this. “The doctor said we will need to rinse your eyes in boric acid. He’s going to stop and let Luke know about your condition, and Luke will bring boric acid home from the apothecary.”

Carson nodded. “Your brother is a good boy.”

“Yes, he is. I hope he didn’t bother you.”

“No. I enjoyed our talk.”

“I need to wipe you down. You’re still feverish. That may well be why you can’t see.” She opened his shirt and helped him out of it. Carson offered her no resistance.

“I’m sure you both miss your father,” he said.

His remark surprised her. He had been quite ugly in his comments about her father prior to this. She held her tongue and asked God for a merciful heart.

“We do,” she finally said. “We miss him very much.”

“I apologize . . . for any of my comments that suggested . . . he was to blame for the death of my son.” He coughed again and seemed a little less raspy.

“Apology accepted.” She said nothing more, not knowing what else to say.

She finished wiping his chest and arms, then helped him sit up straight and wiped his back. This brought on spasms of coughing, so Gloriana gave him some honeyed tea.

“The doctor said your lungs are clearer. This coughing is good for getting the mucus out, but I know it also wears you out. Sitting up will also help. When you feel well enough, I’ll bring in a chair where you can sit and rest while I make your bed.”

A rumble of thunder sounded. The storm was moving in, just as Gloriana had predicted.

“Why are you doing all of this?” Carson asked.

Gloriana hadn’t expected this question. “You’re sick and you need to be tended.”