The Lobotomist's Wife(37)
“I do, Mr. Lennox,” she stated as evenly as she could. “I really do. We’ve developed something of an expertise in this area. I can assure you both that Miss Lennox will be in the best hands here at Emeraldine.” She smiled at the young woman.
“Oh, Estelle, please. I’m Estelle.”
Ruth thought the beautiful twenty-three-year-old could be mistaken for someone in magazines or pictures, were it not for her incoherent ramblings. She was a stunner, with a heart-shaped face, perfectly plump pink lips, and thick brown hair.
“All right then, Estelle, would you like to see your room?” Ruth stood and gently took her arm. “You’ll be rooming with several other military nurses. I think you’ll be in perfect company.” Estelle nodded tentatively as Ruth turned to her father. “Mr. Lennox, you can just head down the hall to Mrs. Cathers. She’ll get you all squared away with the paperwork while I get your daughter settled.
“I do want to draw your attention to one item in our admissions document.” She spoke quietly, so that Estelle wouldn’t hear her. “We use the most progressive treatments here at Emeraldine, including, in extreme cases, lobotomy. In fact, my husband, Dr. Robert Apter, is the man who pioneered the procedure. While I can’t tell you that Estelle will need an intervention of this magnitude, I do want to be sure you are aware that our paperwork permits us to perform any treatment we deem necessary to optimize her health and chances to be released. So, please make sure you are comfortable with that before you leave. I’m happy to discuss it with you further if you like, when I return.”
Mr. Lennox seemed stunned, his eyes widening momentarily as he swallowed awkwardly and then nodded. “Whatever you need to do to help her.” He looked away from Ruth for a moment as if he was ashamed and then turned back. “She sings, you know. Voice like an angel. Used to be a soloist in the church choir.”
“Wonderful! We have a band that performs at our monthly dances. Perhaps you can sing with them, Estelle?” Ruth smiled encouragingly and then turned back toward her office to give Mr. Lennox a final reassurance. “She’ll be very well taken care of. I give you my word.”
Chapter Eighteen
Ruth entered Charles Hayden’s office casually. The two of them had worked together for nearly twenty years, and she never gave a second thought when he requested a meeting with her. But today, as she sat across from him, she saw a wistful look on his face that unnerved her. He, too, had been working much too hard due to the influx of veterans. Perhaps that was what she saw in his eyes. The same fatigue they all felt.
“Charles, is everything all right?”
“Yes, yes. Not to worry. Please, have a seat.” He motioned to the chair across from him and watched as she got herself settled. “Ruth, from the moment I began here at Emeraldine, you’ve been an invaluable and exceptional partner to me.”
“I’ve only done what you’ve given me the opportunity to do.” She looked at him, surprised. Could this possibly be what he called me in for?
“Not at all. From the beginning, you cared about every aspect of the patient experience in a way that few people do. You helped me to plan the design of our wards and common rooms so that Emeraldine feels warm and welcoming, while still offering the highest standard of care; you have stayed abreast of the latest advances in our field and encouraged the hiring and adoption of the most innovative thinkers and treatments—your husband at the top of the list. And, you have enabled me to make sure that Emeraldine runs smoothly while your personal, loving touch has helped each and every patient at this hospital feel like they are part of a family instead of an institution.”
Ruth blushed. Such unmitigated praise made her uncomfortable. She didn’t see anything she had done at Emeraldine as singularly extraordinary. She knew that Charles appreciated her. She agreed that they were a good team. She was simply doing her job as best she could. What is this really about?
“I’m sure you have wondered for some time when I might step away from my role as head of this hospital. I am getting up in years after all.” He smiled.
“Not at all, actually. I can’t imagine Emeraldine without you. You’ve made it what it is.” Ruth felt a nervous sweat beginning to form under her blazer, in the pits of her arms. “Please don’t tell me that you are planning to leave?”
“Not leave. Retire. It is time, Ruth. You’ve more than proven yourself capable to take the helm of this hospital. I cannot think of anyone to whom I would rather pass on my title.”
“Charles, I’m honored and so appreciative of your support, but—it’s simply too much.” Ruth held her face in a tight but controlled smile, trying not to reveal the excitement she felt. She had, of course, wondered what it might be like to be the head of this entire hospital, but she’d never allowed herself to believe it was possible. It would be an incredible accomplishment for anyone—but especially a woman. Even if her name was on the building. Still, she knew much of Charles’s day-to-day was administrative in nature. How could she possibly take on all of his responsibilities and still have time for the patients?
“I don’t think I would be very good at the bureaucratic aspects of the job. The finances and the operations, the relationships with the major donors, legal protections and accreditations? You know my strength is with the people inside this hospital: the patients and the staff.”