Читать книгу The Doctor's Blessing - Patricia Davids - Страница 13

Phillip tried to concentrate on the road ahead, but he couldn’t ignore the presence of the woman seated beside him. Her foolish bravery, her skill and quick thinking under pressure impressed him to no end. He saw now why his grandfather valued her so highly.

He said, “You did a good job back there.”

“Thanks. It’s not the first horse-drawn vehicle accident I’ve been to. Although there’s usually a car involved.”

“If they’re so unsafe, why do the Amish continue to use their buggies?”

“It’s part of being separate from the world. It’s who they are. Turn left at the next corner. You handled yourself well. Your grandfather would be proud of you.”

“I hope so.”

“He means a lot to you, doesn’t he?”

Phillip glanced at her. “Yes. More than you can know. How did you end up working for him?”

“Long story.”

“Longer than the drive to Millersburg?”

Her smile slipped out. “Probably not.”

“So tell me.”

“When I finished my nurse-midwife program, I started looking for a place to set up my practice. I knew I wanted to do home deliveries among the Amish. I know you don’t approve. Rest assured, you aren’t the only doctor who feels that way.”

“But my grandfather sees things differently.”

“Yes. I began talking to Amish families at local farmers’ markets and other gatherings. It was at the produce market in Millersburg that I heard about your grandfather. He’s held in very high regard in the Amish community.”

“He’s devoted more than thirty years to these people. They should think highly of him. I’m sorry. Go on.” He might not approve of their lifestyle, but he had to remember she did.

“I came to Hope Springs and explained to Harold how I wanted to practice. He was delighted. We both knew it wouldn’t be easy building a practice for me, so he hired me to work as his office nurse, too. Those first couple of years he mentored me every step of the way.”

“I envy you knowing him so well and working so closely with him.” Surprised that he’d admitted that out loud, he checked for her reaction.

“Your grandfather has taught me so much. The Amish say if you want good advice, seek an old man. It is true—but don’t tell Harold I called him old.”

Phillip laughed. “It will be our secret. I wish I could get him to act his age.”

“How is he supposed to act?”

“The man is seventy-five years old. He should be retired and enjoying his golden years.”

She waved a hand, dismissing his assumption. “If Harold is able, he’ll be back. We need him.”

Phillip needed him, too. He’d longed for a father figure all his life. His mother’s string of “Uncles” who lived with them over the years hadn’t filled that need. If anything, they made it worse. Meeting Harold in person had finally started to fill the hole in Phillip’s life.