A Time to Bloom (Leah's Garden #2)(51)

A snort erupted from RJ’s nose. He immediately quenched it, holding up a hand of apology.

Adam cocked his head, his eyes keen but without anger. “You find this funny.”

RJ wiped his plate with the last bit of biscuit, then rose, shaking his head. “Forgive me, Doctor. I appreciate your efforts, I do. But spending time on a wild goose chase, looking for some magical saltwater for my missing eye . . . surely that’s a waste of your time. I regret the time you’ve already spent on it.”

“I know you hold out little hope for healing. But I believe we serve a God of hope.” Adam’s voice held steady. “And as I’ve been praying and pondering, this memory was what came to mind. You say it’s a wild goose chase, and maybe so. But since it’s my time to waste, as you put it, I’m going to chase it.”

“Do as you wish.”

A sudden stab of anger smote RJ’s chest, matching a renewed knifing in his eye socket. Why did everyone seem to think they knew what he needed? Anders dragging him hither and yon, and now the doctor with this harebrained idea.

He snatched up the plate and shoved his chair back toward the table so hard it tipped forward, then righted itself. Shame burning his face, RJ headed for the kitchen to return his empty dishes. Coming back through the dining room, he avoided looking at Adam. “Good night.”

He climbed the stairs without another word, then stood before his bedroom window for a long time. The cooling breeze caressed his face, and the opium bottle was clenched in his hand.

It beckoned relief like cool water to a parched man, but he didn’t want to succumb to the drug’s power. Why were the battles waged within him so much fiercer than any he’d faced in war?

Too weak to fight the weariness and pain any longer, he swallowed a pill. Then he fell into bed and let sleep swallow him.





15


What happened to you, child?” Del asked.

“H-he fell—over a log.” Bethany spoke up for her brother, who had a black eye, a cut lip, and scratches on his arms. He favored his left leg.

The boy stared down at his hands, not willing to look Del in the eye.

Something was not right, but Del hesitated to ask more. How many logs were there around here to fall over?

“Ma took care of him.”

Del looked to Bethany, who dropped her eyes immediately. “I hope your ma scrubbed those cuts good so he doesn’t get an infection.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Del patted John’s shoulder and called the class to order. “Elsie, will you lead the flag salute today and the opening prayer? Then we’ll sing ‘America’ and one song of your choice.” She made her way to the piano and lifted the lid from the keys. “Please rise.”

She wished Mrs. Caldwell or Forsythia were here to play the piano. But she knew the opening chords, and that led right into the singing.

When they finished and sat down, she smiled and nodded. “We need to sing more. I was so proud of you on Saturday when you helped us teach ‘Battle Hymn of the Republic’ to the townsfolk. Several people told me how pleased they were with your performance. I think you need a round of applause.” She started clapping, and the children joined her.

“I wish we could sing every day,” one of the little girls said. “My ma sings to us when we say our prayers at night.”

Bless that mother. Del raised her voice. “How many of your families sing together? Do any play instruments?” Probably half the children raised their hands.

“My ma plays the dulcimer,” Iris O’Rourke said.

“Do you think she would come play for us one day?” Del asked.

The little girl shrugged.

“I’ll send her a note.”

Iris shook her head. “Ma has a hard time reading. That’s why she wants us to come to school, so we can read.”

“Your ma is very wise.”

Elsie raised her hand. “My pa plays the harmonica. He says it makes him happy.”

“Music of any kind can help make us happy.” Del paused. “Today we will begin with sixth grade and up on history. The textbooks are on the shelf. You will read chapters nine and ten and prepare for oral examination.”

As always, groans met any phrase that meant test.

Del pointed to the blackboard. “Grades four and five will do the sums on the board on your slate. Two and three, read chapter two in the McGuffey Readers on the shelves. Grade one and primers, meet with me in the corner.” As everyone settled in, she sat on her stool and shifted her papers in her lap. “We’ll review our alphabet and the sounds.” She held up a D. They all named it and made the sound. “What words begin with D?”

“Dog, do, desert, dessert, down.”

“Very good. Now give me a couple words with D in them.”

Frowns met her.

“David both starts with D and has another one in it.” Josie smiled. “My baby brother is named David. I saw his name.”

“You are so right. Very good, Josie. Anyone else?”

When they finished the review, they all were smiling, even the older ones.

“Now, take up your slates and chalk and write each letter, both capital and small.” While she paused for them to get ready, she looked around at all the others. So far, so good.

They went through the entire alphabet, and then she raised flash cards of words, going around the group one at a time and in unison.