Shadows on the Mountain

By Edna Jones

The Blue Ridge Trilogy

Book one: When the Owl Calls (2016)

Book two: Shadows on the Mountain (2017)

Book three: Reflections in a Stream (to be published in the near future)

At the turn of the twentieth century, the communities nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains were thought to be developmentally a hundred years behind the rest of the country. It was into this environ that Dr. Jim Bradley felt a calling to minister through medicine to people who were often bound by superstition and home remedies.

For those who fell in love with the characters in When the Owl Calls, the first book in the Blue Ridge Trilogy, book two, Shadows on the Mountain, allows you to rejoin them in Balsam Ridge along with a new associate, Dr. Alexander Kane. The day-to-day life struggles for these sworn to aid the healing of others are often like shadows drifting across the mountain, bringing both darkness and sunlight as they encounter mine explosions, a hostage situation, and a devastating epidemic.

Prepare for an unpredictable plot twist in book three, Reflections in a Stream, which retains some of the best-loved characters while bringing new and unforgettable individuals into the story. From beginning to end, the Blue Ridge Trilogy spans a period of fourteen years and will leave you convinced that faith and love always find a way.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Feb 10, 2017
• ISBN: 9781512771534

Edna Jones

Edna Jones grew up in a small community of the Blue Ridge mountains in Western North Carolina. It was the colorful story telling of her Scott-Irish ancestors which inspired her stories in her Blue Ridge Trilogy. After graduating, Edna earned a degree in nursing, working in North Carolina and Florida. The mother of four children her interests included, gardening, painting, writing, church drama and community theatre. Now retired, she remains active in her local church in Taylorsville, teaching an adult Bible class.

Book preview

Chapter One

F rantic pounding downstairs pulled Jim Bradley from a sound sleep. In the darkened bedroom he grabbed for his pants and shirt from the back of a chair, found his slippers, and hurried down the massive staircase fastening buttons on the way. Throwing open the door, he squinted against the glare of a lantern. Please lower that light. What’s the problem?

Peering around the lantern a nervous young man quavered, Hit’s my wife, Doc. She’s in a real bad way.

Jim thought him too young to be married. Looking around he asked, Where is your wife?

Out’n the wagon. Like I said, in a bad way—mighty bad.

Hurrying down the walk, Jim mentally prepared himself. In a bad way could mean anything. Reaching the wagon, he ordered, Hold the lantern high. Lying inside on a pallet an equally young girl white-knuckled the sideboards. Her legs clamped tightly together she fought back an urge to push with red-faced determination.

Bad way, indeed! Jim grasped the tailgate to put it aside and pulled the pallet closer to the end of the wagon. She’s having her baby—now.

Not in this wagon, I ain’t, the young woman groaned between clenched teeth.

I promised her she could have the baby in a hospital, the father-to-be explained timidly.

Well, sir, I fear nature is about to overrule you, Jim said, attempting to roll the young woman over to her back in order to separate her legs.

She fought his efforts with tremendous strength. I told you, I ain’t having this baby till I git inside. Didn’t ride all this way to tell my young’un, hit was birthed in the back of a wagon.

The contraction over, Jim mentally gauged the distance to the clinic, wondering if they could make the porch even before the head birthed and would the young woman see that as a sufficient hospital delivery. Set that lantern down and grab hold. We need to move her fast. They managed to get her up in their arms, which was no easy task as she was inclined toward plumpness. They staggered up the wide steps as the young woman stiffened and let out a guttural scream. Jim stifled an urge to do likewise as her nails dug deep into the flesh of his upper arm.

That first room on the left, Jim panted.

They deposited the vocal young mother on the table and Jim grabbed a towel as amid a gush of fluid he reached to support the emerging little head. Throwing a quick glance at the father, who was blanching pale, he ordered, Sit down—on the floor—put your head between your knees—now!

The young man staggered back to the wall and slid to the floor. Lowering his head between his knees he immediately vomited on the expensive Italian tiles. Judith, Jim’s wife and nurse, having rushed down to help, was glad the lusty howl of the newborn covered her giggles.

Jim laid the infant on the mother’s chest as she beamed with delight. Now you can tell this fine son he was birthed in the Balsam Ridge Medical Center by the skin of his teeth.

The young mother stared in awe as she reached for one of the flailing little hands. Looking around for her husband, said, Hank, fer goodness sakes what aire you doin’ down there on the floor? Come here and see your boy.

The young man flushed with embarrassment rose unsteadily and walked to the side of the table grinning proudly.

Which room should we put the mother in? Judith inquired when the patient was ready to be moved.

The semi-ward. It appears the father could use lying down, too, he whispered, smiling.

After settling the happy couple, they returned to clean up the delivery area. Taking her first good look at Jim, Judith smothered a laugh. Shirt buttons askew, hair tousled, and pants drenched with amniotic fluid he appeared ridiculously unprofessional.

I’ll take care of this. You go clean up and get dressed and then we’ll have coffee. After that adrenalin rush sleep is out of the question, she laughed.

Later, as they were enjoying coffee Martha, Jim’s nurse-assistant, entered the outside kitchen door. Looking tired and sleep deprived she reached for the coffee pot. Filling a cup, she cradled it in her hands and leaned back against the cabinet with a weary sigh.

Tough delivery? Jim inquired.

Martha stifled a yawn. Long labor. That baby couldn’t make up its mind.

Not ours, laughed Judith. It rolled up out front fighting to see the world. Come over and sit down, I think we’ve earned a special breakfast. Not accustomed to being waited on Martha started to protest, but Judith insisted.

While Jim went to check on mother and child Martha relaxed, sipped her coffee, and watched Judith at the stove. Not only had the doctor’s wife returned from Boston healed physically and emotionally, but spiritually, as well.

After eating, Jim and Martha took a moment to review the patient schedule. Judith went upstairs to bathe and get ready for the day. Before going down she stepped out on the balcony to enjoy the early dawn preview of what appeared to be a lovely day. The cool breeze was heavily laced with the damp scent of humus. Gauzy sheets of fog rose from the valley in answer to the sun’s beckoning. The sound of a bobwhite came from nearby woods and hungry crows fussed in a field across the way.

Jim came up behind her and slipped his arms around her waist. What a great way to start the day, successful delivery and now this ethereal view.

She rested back in the comfort of his arms. Jim, when can we plan for another baby?

He was quiet a moment. Honey, I must answer that as a doctor and not as a prospective father; not for a year, at least. He knew it was not the answer Judith wanted. She said nothing, but her sigh spoke volumes. Off to the side of the house they could hear wagon wheels grating on the gravel driveway and knew their first out-patient of the day was arriving. The sounds of duty calls, Jim said.

As they went inside and started down the winding staircase, her thoughts were on Jim’s comment. I’d hoped to have a baby sooner, but seven months isn’t such a long time to wait. Had their little son lived they would not yet be considering another. Shoving the thought aside, Judith chose not to explore those dark times when she ran away to Boston. God had renewed her faith and she was trying daily to commit her ways to Him, trusting His grace and timing. Today was what mattered and the beginning of this one was hopeful.

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Judith allowed the screen door to close softly behind her as the last patient of the day departed. Arching her shoulders to ease a tired ache, she breathed deeply of the cool mountain air. It seemed Jim’s practice was still feast or famine. Some days they hardly saw any patients in the clinic. Others, like today, half of Balsam Ridge appeared to need attention. And in the course of this sporadic schedule both Jim and Martha still make house calls.

Claiming the nearest porch rocker, she rested her head and looked off to the distant mountains. The atmosphere was so breathtakingly clear it was as though each tree on the near ridge spoke its name. Only the measure of space dimmed the farthest range as it merged into a cloudless sky. She could understand why the former owner, Gray Carlson, built on this spot. The impressive Greek revival structure featured an expansive porch with eight large columns supporting an upstairs balcony enclosed with white balustrades. Rising high on the hill which overlooked the community, this dwelling appeared as foreign to its surroundings as Carlson himself had been.

Thanks to the generosity of Ava Carlson, the timber man’s widow, this was now their home and Jim was practicing medicine from the spacious building. After seeing to her husband’s burial, Ava had virtually fled this mansion that had become a prison where drinking was her coping mechanism for loneliness and her husband’s emotional abuse. Ava had taken only the barest necessities. Leaving behind the house, the lovely furnishings, and her unhappy memories, she leased the home to the community for a dollar a year. The only condition attached was that Jim be given charge of its use. Now, from this larger facility they could offer the community a broader scope of health care.

Judith could easily feel compassion and gratitude for Ava Carlson, but not for her late husband. She had only to see the fading scars on Jim’s face and hands to be reminded of the pain that man had inflicted upon them and others in Balsam Ridge. However, in the end his psychotic bent and greed for the area’s virgin timber had resulted in his own demise. One could almost view his tragic death in that fire as a blessing.

Reveling in the solitude, Judith lifted her hair to catch the cooling breeze across her neck. With no in-house patients and barring any emergencies she would have the house and her husband all to herself tonight. Hearing a soft chuckle, she turned. Jim was standing a few feet away rolling down his shirt sleeves.

I’d offer you a penny for your thoughts, Judith, but from that naughty smile they must be worth at least a quarter, he said.

Oh, much more than that.

They do involve me, I hope?

Yes, of course, Dr. Bradley.

Dropping into a wicker glider he patted the seat beside him. As Judith joined him, they sat silently enjoying the closeness of each other and the peaceful late afternoon. All noise appeared muffled on this high hill. Even the thin, distant wail of a steam engine reached their ears in soft nostalgic notes.

How fortunate we are to have this magnificent home to live in and work from with views money can’t buy, Jim mused.

She nodded, wondering how just a few short months ago she could have returned to Boston leaving him and all this behind. Jim never mentioned the incident and she was able to forgive herself when she remembered it was triggered by the wrenching loss of their firstborn child. God had reached her with His love and healing before she had turned her back on everything dear to her heart.

With Dr. Kane arriving soon and his interest in obstetrics, will Martha be sharing more of your work load here at the clinic?

It isn’t my load I’m concerned about Judith, it’s yours. You’ve been carrying an unfair share of the clinic work, plus running the house. I’m thinking with the mining operations bringing in additional residents our practice should grow. Perhaps we should seriously consider adding domestic staff.

We have time to think on that. After a moment of contented silence she asked, Hungry?

Not terribly. Let’s just raid the kitchen for a light snack and retire early.

I’m all for that, she yawned. Mrs. McCurry’s middle of the night delivery has left me longing for sleep.

Sleep wasn’t uppermost on my mind, he replied, and you still haven’t told me your thoughts.

That’s because you haven’t offered me enough to purchase them, she laughed, jumping up and running through the big front door.

Later that evening while Jim closed up downstairs, she went up to the spacious bedroom that had once belonged to the Carlsons. In the beginning both she and Jim had felt hesitant about making it their own, but their renewed love and faith had cleansed it of the past and now they delighted in the spacious suite.

When they turned out the lights and reached for each other darkness was stealing across the ridges. The singsong chant of katydids in the tall trees drifted in through the gauzy curtains settling the night around them.

Later, the night still young and sleep unclaimed, Jim lay mulling over all that had happened the past months. In the beginning it had disturbed him to think the tragic death of Gray Carlson had been instrumental in their using this house, but in time he simply resolved to be grateful. The days following Judith’s return from Boston they had wandered repeatedly through this expansive mansion, sharing ideas on how best to use the space. Since the kitchen provided a large eat-in area, the dining room was converted to accommodate surgery. The beautiful mahogany furniture was stored in the attic. Gray Carlson’s spacious study was converted for delivery and various treatment procedures. Other than the addition of a filing cabinet and reception desk, the living room with its large panoramic view was left untouched. He had originally suggested they might want to replace the rich velvet seating with modest wooden chairs, but Judith wouldn’t entertain the thought. While she never voiced it, her impish smile told him she liked the idea of Gray Carlson’s precious collectibles being used and enjoyed by the mountain people. Patients had never waited in grander surroundings.

In their last telephone conversation, Ava Carlson had suggested he sell the furnishings left behind and use the proceeds toward medical equipment. There were two rooms in the back part of the house he desired to furnish. The larger of the two would serve as an excellent four bed ward. The smaller was light and airy and could provide isolation and promote recovery from certain lung conditions. The clear air of higher elevations was especially conducive to recovery from tuberculosis. His thoughts turned to the new physician Alexander Kane, who would be joining them soon. While exploring the changes his arrival might bring, sleep claimed him.

Chapter Two

T wo days later, both Judith and Jim made frequent trips to the large front window hoping to glimpse the approach of an unfamiliar vehicle. Dr. Kane had only given the date of arrival—not approximate time.

That mountain road can be intimidating for a newcomer. I hope this city doctor didn’t turn back after encountering that first sharp curve, Judith said.

Jim dropped the chart he had been reviewing into the file drawer and glanced around the empty waiting room. Call it vanity, but I’d prefer this place appear a bit more successful when he arrives.

It has been quiet today. Of course, we don’t wish anyone ill just to impress. Do we, dear? she teased.

A touch chagrined, Jim smiled, Certainly not, but surely there’s something minor on Balsam Ridge that needs attention; a touch of colic, ingrown toenail?

Or a constipated cow, Judith laughed, remembering a call his first year here. That should really impress the new doctor. With a name like Alexander Kane, I imagine him to be stuffy and aloof.

Standing, Jim said, Let’s go to the kitchen for coffee.

They had just sat down at the big oak table when a commotion in the foyer brought Jim to his feet. Almost immediately there came frantic pounding on the side door.

Get the front, I’ll see who’s out here, he said.

Judith hurried down the hall where four anxious people, three adults and a young boy, waited. Pale and whimpering, the boy clutched his mid-section. The other patient was a woman bent over in the grips of advanced labor.

Shoving a basin and damp towel into the hands of his parent, she said. Lay the boy on a sofa in the waiting room, place this on his forehead. We’ll get to him as soon as possible. Then she turned to the woman in labor. Dear, are you alone?

The contraction past, the woman panted, My man allowed he’d wait in the wagon. Don’t keer fer these kind of places.

Judith settled the woman in the first room and hurried to find Jim. Jim, there’s a patient in what appears to be advanced… she stopped short. A young man was being laid on the surgical table. His right pant leg was soaked with blood. Motionless and pallid, the patient did not look good.

We’ve got a bleeder, cut his overalls away, Jim said, hurrying for a tray of instruments.

Judith worked the scissors on the tough fabric, exposing a deep jagged wound. Jim, I think you better check that woman…

Let me get a quick look at this injury first. There was a cry from the labor room. Jim groaned in frustration.

Adding to the cacophony, an unfamiliar voice spoke from the doorway, Hey, Doc, you’ve got a kid in the waiting room puking and a lady about to deliver in bed. Where do you keep your gloves? The man, who seemingly had come out of nowhere, lounged against the doorway, an amused grin on his face.

Jim threw a quick, frustrated glance in his direction. Who in blazes are you? he demanded, having temporarily forgotten the expected arrival.

The man gave a mock bow, Dr. Alexander Kane at your service.

Well, you got your wish, Jim. We couldn’t look any busier, Judith whispered, handing him a gauze sponge.

Keeping his attention on the patient before him, Jim said, Glad to have you Dr. Kane. You’ll find gloves in the drawer to your right. Please see to the labor patient.

As the young doctor reached for the gloves, he asked, Is there another nurse floating around?

Sorry, I’ll free Judith to assist you shortly, he answered without looking up.

No problem! Dr. Kane answered, swaggering from the room.

Judith leaned across the patient and whispered, Do you think that wise? How can we be sure…?

Honey, anyone other than a professional would have fled this wild scene the moment he walked in, Jim said, clicking a clamp into place. "There, found it! Now go see what you can do to help Dr. Kane.

She scrubbed her hands and hurried to the other room. Pushing open the door she stared in surprise. The single bed was shoved against the wall and the labor patient crosswise in a delivering position, head and shoulders propped on several pillows. Dr. Kane was perched astride a stool and both he and the patient were laughing.

Come in, nurse. I was just telling Annie my favorite labor joke.

Incredible, Judith thought. Here five minutes and already on first name basis with a patient.

With a facility this grand, surely we can afford a break-away delivery table, the young doctor commented.

We have one. I didn’t have time—didn’t think—it’s in the other room, she said tersely, wondering why she was apologizing to this upstart of a physician. And how can he be so relaxed? Can’t he see the baby’s head crowning? She bit her lip to keep from ordering him to get off that stool and take care of business. Suddenly he stood, shoved the stool aside with his foot and reached for a towel.

Okay, Annie, one good push will do the job.

The woman grabbed the pulls he had placed in her hands and did as he said.

Atta girl, Annie. You’re a woman to make a physician proud.

Judith blushed at his lack of professionalism. Wait until I tell Jim. She didn’t care much for this new associate.

Phew, I can’t believe my first ever delivery is going this smoothly.

Judith gasped. He grinned wickedly and winked. Just kidding, I’ve done this lots of times—expert you might say.

Pure conceit, Judith thought.

The baby let out a lusty cry and turned a healthy pink. Later as he lay the baby across the mothers chest, he winked and said, There you go pretty, little mama. The patient blushed with pleasure. Judith just plain blushed. How dare he behave in such a familiar fashion with a previously unacquainted patient!

Thanks, Annie, Dr. Kane smiled.

What fer? the new mother giggled.

For giving me such a bang up welcome to Balsam Ridge. Then to Judith he said, Thanks, nurse. If you’ll clean up, I’ll go see what I can do for that puking kid in the waiting room. As he sauntered down the hall Judith heard him say, Alex Kane, lucky you blew in here today."

He’s awful nice. I’m gonna let him birth all my babies. Funny too, don’t you think? the patient said.

Hilarious, Judith muttered, forcing a polite smile.

After she had gotten mother and baby settled and let the new father in Judith hurried back to where Jim was finishing up repairing the young man’s wound. He glanced up at Judith while tying off the last suture. Well, what do you think?

I think you’ve got yourself one lunatic of an associate.

Jim’s brow wrinkled in concern. She hurried on, Oh, don’t worry, the delivery went well. But I know now why Martha is still delivering most of the babies in Balsam Ridge.

Oh…?

Yes, you haven’t been congratulating your new mothers with a flirtatious wink.

Jim chuckled as he went over to wash his hands. Where is Dr. Kane? I’d like him to see this young man.

In the waiting room. Poaching the rest of your practice most likely.

Just then the door opened and Dr. Kane strolled in. The waiting room is cleared out, mother and child fine. Now what can I do to help here?

Judith shot her husband a silent look. "See! Jim extended his hand. I’m Jim Bradley. Welcome to Balsam Ridge, Dr. Kane. I must say your arrival was aptly timed. Thanks for your help."

He shook Jim’s hand. Don’t mention it, and Alex will do fine, the young blond man said as he walked to the table to inspect the repaired wound. While he was at it he lifted the patient’s eyelid and felt for his pulse.

What do you think? Jim asked.

I think you cheated the Grim Reaper on this one. Nice! Nice work. Almost makes me rethink my field. By the way, thanks for the loan of your nurse. Am I to have one as efficient, good looking, and hopefully single? he asked with a devilish grin.

Of all the nerve! Judith glared at Jim wondering why he wasn’t putting this obnoxious fellow in his place.

This is Judith. She’s not only my nurse, but also my wife, I’m happy to say.

Oh well, such is my luck, he said, as he quickly fell to helping put the treatment room back into shape. Judith warmed somewhat when he asked for a bucket and mop so he could clean up the floor. After the treatment room was back in order and the accident patient settled, Dr. Kane said, I didn’t see anything in those buildings down the way that resembled a restaurant. Got any suggestions for a starving man?

I was planning something light. You’re welcome to join us.

Sounds great if you can throw in a cup of java?

In addition to scrambled eggs and bacon Judith pulled some left-over biscuits from the warming closet and set some of Martha’s homemade cherry preserves on the table. Dr. Kane ate with great appetite. As Jim discussed the clinic practice with him she had opportunity to study the new doctor. Not handsome by any stretch of the imagination. His appearance resembled a lanky youth more than a full-fledged physician. The coolness of his blue-gray eyes was warmed by a wide, sensitive mouth. Continuing her critical appraisal she decided his nose was too prominent for his thin face, slightly crooked, too. She didn’t know just what she had expected of Jim’s new associate, but certainly not this.

The sun set and darkness moved in. Dr. Kane stretched his long arms over his head and stifled a yawn. I suppose I’d better be looking for lodging. I assume there are accommodations in the area?

Judith thought, Is he in for a surprise.

There is a small boarding house below the community which you could check out tomorrow. Meanwhile, there’s a bedroom suite upstairs and then this modest sleeping area off the kitchen here.

Judith had come to think of the second floor as their private quarters and desperately hoped Dr. Kane would not accept Jim’s offer. They had not discussed arrangements, but she just assumed when the new doctor arrived he would live elsewhere.

Dr. Kane got up and peeked into the former housekeeper’s room. This will be fine for tonight. I’ll make other arrangements tomorrow. I consider it an occupational hazard to be this close to my work twenty-four hours a day. Goodnight, and thanks again for the supper! With that he went into the room, closing the door behind him.

They finished their coffee in silence and then Jim went to check on the patients while she cleaned up the kitchen. A moment later the door to the housekeeper’s room opened and Dr. Kane stuck his head out.

What is all that infernal noise?

Judith’s hands paused. I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was clanging the china. I’ll try to contain my exuberance! she said, clearly annoyed.

No, no, not in here, out there, he said, jerking his head toward the backyard. It sounds like it’s coming from those big trees outside the windows—a kind of chattering.

Judith hid a smile. She had grown accustomed to the sing-song of the night insects and no longer noticed them. Those are Katydids. We had them in trees in Boston. Didn’t you have Katydids in New York?

I grew up in the Bowery. We couldn’t afford trees, he said sourly. Just what do these Katy-ding-things look like? Are they as big as they sound?

She held up her thumb and finger measuring a space, Just about this long.

He scoffed, Nothing that small could make that much racket.

You’re probably just overly tired from traveling. We find their sounds quite soothing. The local people say they’re fiddling.

When do they hang up their infernal instruments?

Oh, not until the wee hours of morning, but if they bother you I suggest you close your window.

Then, I’ll sweat… perspire, he added quickly.

"Welcome to Balsam Ridge, Dr. Kane. You may perspire here during the day, but you’ll rarely ‘sweat’ at night. It’s quite possible you’ll be reaching for that blanket at the foot of the bed before morning. Goodnight, again," she said sweetly sarcastic and then departed the kitchen leaving the doctor to deal with his insomnia.

Later, she asked Jim, Are you sure this Alex Kane is right for the practice?

He was highly recommended, credentials above reproach. What about him bothers you?

Well, his cockiness for starters.

Now dear, let’s not confuse personality with ability. You’re always saying I’m too serious. He should lighten things up around here. She recounted the Katydid incident and Jim laughed, "See, he’s already got us smiling.

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Not wishing to awaken their guest, Jim and Judith slipped quietly into the kitchen the following morning. Surprised, they found a fire in the big cook range, coffee hot on the back, and cups set out on the table.

Coming from the hall, Dr. Kane said, Help yourselves. I’ve just taken our two patients a cup, but coffee is where my kitchen expertise ends.

I checked the patients periodically during the night, how are they now? Jim asked.

Doing very well. Both are hungry and the young man is concerned about the absence of his pants. ‘Overhauls’ I believe he said, to be specific.

His family will bring clothing later today. Taking a sip from his cup Jim grinned in surprise at the new doctor. Hey, not bad coffee. Did you sleep well?

"After a fashion. I expected such an isolated place to be quiet. It was noisier out there than the Bowery on a humid Saturday night.

Jim chuckled. You’ll get plenty of quiet here in the mountains. Those night insects are only active about six weeks in the summer.

Martha, true to her nature of arriving early, came through the back door.

Martha, I’d like you to meet Dr. Alexander Kane, Jim said. Her face registered unguarded surprise. Judith resisted a giggle. So he’s not what Martha expected either. I’m… I’m pleased to meet you, Martha stammered.

Martha was seeing to medical needs in Balsam Ridge before I came and was instrumental in gaining my acceptance among the people. She still handles a big percentage of the home deliveries.

Dr. Kane came around the table and took Martha’s hand. With a look of awe on his face he said, You’re an honest-to-goodness midwife. Will you take me with you on your cases? he asked eagerly, still holding her hand.

Well… I don’t know. The only reason I’m there delivering in the first place is because women folks ain’t at ease with a man doctor.

I still want to assist you. It doesn’t matter if I’m in the room or not, I’ve had plenty of hands-on experience. I’ll stay outside, visit with the menfolk. I’m just eager to see the area, meet the people.

Flustered because he still held her hand, Martha said, Doctor, I ride a mare on my calls—sometimes stay in homes days at a time.

He hesitated only a moment. Please, call me Alex, and I could learn to ride a mare—I think.

Jim rescued Martha. Alex, you don’t have to worry about getting an introduction to the people. Just wander the ridges and meet them. You’ll always be made welcome.

After breakfast, Jim and Dr. Kane went to the front of the clinic and Judith whispered, Well, Martha, what’s your impression of the new associate?

I don’t rightly know what to think, but he ain’t what I expected.

Humph! You should have been here yesterday. He strolled in here like a Chief of Staff, but I must admit, while I didn’t like his attitude, he did save our necks. Even had Annie Holt laughing as she pushed out her baby.

Astonished, Martha asked, You don’t mean Annie from Poplar Holler?

Unless you know two Annie Holts from Poplar Hollow and I wouldn’t be surprised if that joke he told wasn’t a bit off color.

Miss Judith, surely you’re mistaken. I met Annie in the community a few weeks ago and she vowed she’d never let a man doctor near her at a time like thet.

Go see for yourself, Judith smiled smugly, sipping her coffee.

Martha stood and shoved back her chair. She returned shortly, Hit’s her all right. Allowed she was beside herself that I wasn’t here to birth the baby, but I could see she wasn’t one bit disappointed with the turn of events. Did Dr. Kane actually wake her this morning with a cup of coffee?

Um-hum. Coffee he made himself. One thing is certain; having him around is going to be interesting. Okay, time we got the patient’s trays ready.

Martha’s hands were suddenly still. Miss Judith, when I’m here at the clinic, do I have to work with Dr. Kane?

No, I’ll assist him. I figure it’ll take another city-smart kid to keep him in line. Besides, Jim would never give you up.

Martha smiled, relieved and pleased.

Later in the evening Dr. Alex walked down to the boarding house and secured a room. The next morning he was back at the clinic bright and early to check on his patient, Annie Holt. Judith noted when he praised her for her rapid postpartum recovery the woman was putty in his hands. However, she had to admit he did sound sincere.

At one point in the morning when the three of them were gathered in the waiting room Alex looked around and asked, Where’s Martha?

She left about an hour ago. A woman in labor up on the Ridge, Jim answered.

He sprang from where he lounged. What ridge?

Balsam Ridge. All the ridges round here have specific names, but if someone only says the Ridge they mean the one just above us. The road going past the general store leads there, Jim explained.

I’m going up. Can you do without me?

You might get lost, Jim warned.

No problem, I’ll find her. Just tell me the name of the patient.

Like I said, a right cocky fellow, Judith commented, as he tore from the room.

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Three weeks later, Judith exclaimed, All he wants to do is traipse these mountains. Why don’t you fire him?

First, he’s not on my payroll and, second, he knows his earnings depend on the number of patients he sees. As long as we’re not rushed, if he chooses to work just enough to pay his room and board, that’s okay with me.

He does let us know what direction he’s going, I’ll give him that, she said.

He’s fascinated with the area and especially the people. After being cooped up in a big city institution its natural this freedom and space intrigues him.

Judith, unwilling to let the matter rest, asked, Since his arrival just how many full days has he given the clinic?

Honey, I realize not many, but give him time.

Two. Exactly two days. One was when you were in Scottsville assisting Dr. Weiss and the other was the time it rained all day.

And both times you reported he did excellent work, he reminded her gently.

If I were Martha I’d not tolerate him dogging my every step on house calls.

With serious interest, he asked, Has Martha complained?

You know Martha. She has the patience of a saint and would never say anything critical or unkind about anyone.

Jim laughed, She did get a kick out of his trying to ride that mare. In fact, I thought I detected a note of admiration in her voice when she told us about it.

Judith laughed in spite of herself. You did dress quite a few scrapes on him during that period.

One has to admire his stick-to-it attitude. As Martha said, he was as stubborn as the mare.

That dear, I can agree to. Please Jim, understand that my concern is for you. I know this place isn’t swarming with patients, but it does have its moments and I’ve seen your time and energy taxed.

I appreciate your concern, but for the time being I’m not the least unhappy with this arrangement. I see great potential in Alex and I feel confident he’ll be here when really needed. Let’s just give him time to…

Grow up? she supplied.

Jim stood and came toward her with a slightly wicked grin. "Hey, do you realize