"So, his son is bothering you now…?"
Joan asked incredulously as she washed the tray.
"Not only him. Even his mother was throwing me glares throughout my stay in their house" Edith answered helplessly, handing her one tray after another.
"Didn't they know you are already engaged? Moreover, your wedding is after two months"
"That is not important, for people in their standing, most women will be greedy for their stuff" Edith continued with a scoff under her breath "I can't even disagree to their opinion"
"What will you do now?"
"There is nothing to be done. Mr Collins is an old patient, I have been taking care of for two years, our relationship is not bad. I'm sure he and Mrs Collins know what kind of person I am, they are just afraid I will submit to greed" Edith took a deep breath "So, the best outcome will be a simple cut in payment, and the worst being kicked out"
"Do you think that will affect your reputation?"
"I don't think so, although they want me to keep a distance, they are not that harsh to take my bread and butter"
"Okay, thought I can't do much, tell me if there's anything I can do to help"
"For sure, thank you" Edith answered with a grin.
That free smile lifted Joan's mood for the rest of the day. It's been a while since she saw Edith happy, she has been contemplating what happened, but kept quiet so she doesn't prop into her privacy. Until today, at the beginning of the afternoon shift. Joan asked her carefully, and didn't expect her to answer this fast. Well, when you think about it, it is not a big deal. Caring for someone over months or years often blurred the line between professional duty and personal attachment.
"Same as always Dr William, Miss Laura refused to eat, with no appetite and the regular headache and nausea have shown no signs of improving " Edith reported while raising Laura's swollen feet on her bellows.
"I can see that" Dr William instructed with a huggard expression " Even without an appetite, make sure she eats as much as you could make her"
"We will postpone her next treatment date two days more " He said to Dr Harrison.
There was nothing new to see in Laura's condition, her eyes losing their life little by little as she gradually lost faith in treatment. There was nothing to do or expect as the results of treatment already went according to the doctor's expected trajectory. Joan stood quietly besides Edith, getting used to the numb feeling of helplessness.
Usually the doctor's rounds would be already finished by lunchtime, except for some patients who require specific care. With Dr Williams entourage leaving, the nurses returned to their usual post assisting their assigned patients.
"Could please fill my kettle with warm water"
"Sure thing, Mrs Bing" said Joan to the newly admitted patients.
It had been two weeks since Joan sent her first letters to several respected physicians. Aside from one doctor who requested further evidence regarding a particular observation, none of the others had bothered to reply.
Not that she had expected much more than rejection from men who had spent decades in medicine. Even so, the silence was disappointing.
Anyway this will not lessen Joan's resolve, she already prepared herself for a long, difficult battle.
"Avez-vous apprécié le dîner d'aujourd'hui ?" Elise asked with a slow patient note.
Joan took her time to find the right words before saying. "Mon dîner était salé"
"bon travail" Elise laughed encouraging
Joan like usual.
"Are you finished?" Lily asked as she stuck her head in from the hallway.
"Yes, we are finished"
"Then come upstairs, we have some hot tea to share" Lily said with teasing eyes.
Ooh, there must be interesting news….