Mail Order Bride - Susanna's Destiny: Faith Creek Brides, #10

By Karla Gracey

Susanna Greyshott's family were once wealthy and well-to-do, but they have fallen upon hard times, and she and her Mama have been forced to make changes and do the best they can under the circumstances. But it has made Susanna hard as flint, unwilling to forgive and even less willing to open her heart. She is quite prepared to move to Texas, where she believes she may finally be able to build a life for her and her Mama where they are beholden to no-one, but a face from her past could ruin it all. Can she truly let herself accept all the benefits and happiness that Faith Creek longs to offer? Will she learn to forgive and accept the love that has always been all around her? 
Dr Nathaniel Baron has been Faith Creek's only physician for some time, but as more and more people arrive and make their homes there he knows he will have to expand the practice. But searching for suitable doctors and nurses who actually wish to make a new start in the wilds of Texas isn't that easy - especially when you secretly wish to find a bride and haven't even let yourself know it yet!

• Language: English
• Publisher: KG Publishing House
• Release date: May 2, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386120100

Book preview

Mail Order Bride

Susanna's Destiny

Faith Creek Brides: Book 10

Karla Gracey

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter  Seven

Chapter Eight

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Chapter One

THE WAITING ROOM WAS overflowing. Dr Nathaniel Baron wiped the sweat from his brow as he called in yet another anxious mother shepherding in a sickly looking child. Mrs Caragher, Timmy, he said, ushering them into his office and sitting them down. Mrs Caragher helped her son out of his bulky coat, and made him sit on the chair by Nathaniel’s desk. Now, why don’t you tell me what is making you feel poorly Timmy, Nathaniel said kneeling down beside the lad. He blew on his stethoscope to warm the cold plate and listened to the boy’s chest. His pulse was a little weak and his breath was coming quite rapidly in gasps.

Dr Baron, my tummy is so sore, Timmy said clutching at his swollen belly. Nathaniel frowned. It looked as though every child in town was suffering the same symptoms, and he had no better answer for his patients now than he had when seeing the first one at 8 o’clock when the surgery had opened. But, he would do what he could to ensure that every one of them felt cared for, and so he began a thorough examination. He looked carefully in the boy’s eyes, down his throat and into his ears, before palpating his belly and taking his temperature.

He was quite well when I put him to bed last night Dr, Mrs Caragher said nervously wringing her hands. But, he woke in the night, almost screaming with the pain.

Has there been any sickness? Dr Baron asked as he felt the boys clammy skin, and hot forehead. He certainly has a touch of fever.

No, none, nor anything else if you get my meaning. It’s like he’s been stoppered up like a bottle, she said.

Well, as you can see from the waiting room, Timmy is not alone. It would seem that there is an outbreak of stomach flu, though I have not come across a type quite like it before. The best advice I can offer you is to keep him warm, make sure he drinks plenty of clean water and some hot broth at regular intervals to keep up his strength. If he is hungry let him eat, but nothing too rich or hard to digest. Keep it simple, some fresh bread maybe. He needs to rest, and hopefully this will be one of those mysterious things that just goes in a day or two. Mrs Caragher nodded and carefully bundled Timmy back into his coat. Bring him straight back, or send for me, if he gets any worse, Nathaniel added firmly.

I will. Thank you Dr Baron, Mrs Caragher said and disappeared through the door.

Nathaniel sat and stared out of his small window for a moment. Outbreaks of disease were common in small communities, and especially in schools, but Faith Creek had been lucky in that it rarely seemed to see many of them. This new sickness was peculiar in its ability to affect so many so quickly. He wished there was more he could do and he truly prayed that this would soon pass without any serious repercussions for the town.

There was a knock on his door. Enter, he said wearily. Moira King entered, looking just as tired and worried as he felt. She closed the door behind her. She had been his nurse and assistant from the very first day he had arrived in Faith Creek, and he knew he would struggle to cope with any of his duties without her, as despite her advancing years, she was as sharp as a tack and very good with people of all ages. She was the consummate professional, never referred to him as anything other than Dr Baron in public, or questioned his opinions if there was anyone nearby to overhear. But in private, things were different. He was the son she had never had and he loved her as much as he had his own mother, who had sadly died when he was a young boy. She handed him a cup of coffee and a sandwich. Nathaniel took it gratefully and placed them both onto the desk. He picked up the sandwich and took a bite. Nathaniel, there are another eight patients still to see. I think I have counted every single child who attends the school come in today, she said. Nathaniel swallowed the mouthful he had been hastily trying to chew.

I know, they’re all so frightened, poor little mites, he said. "We will see every one of them Moira, and then I shall visit the school and see if there is anything they all ate yesterday, or anything at all that might explain this. I