Cherrybrook Rose by Tania Crosse

discomfort. Between them, she and Florrie had nursed her father, day and night, for three months. There was no time for long, carefree gallops on Gospel’s lively back, or cosy chats with Molly by the Cartwrights’ hearthside. What flesh had once adorned Rose’s slender figure had fallen from her bones, and the skin was drawn taut across her cheeks.
    She scarcely turned her head at the polite knock on the door.
    â€˜Come in,’ she answered, her voice dull and lifeless.
    Dr Power entered the room, his head bowed apologetically. He sighed, his heart heavy. ‘No change, I’m afraid, Miss Maddiford.’ He hesitated, the sight of the forlorn young woman tearing at his soul, but it must be said. ‘I fear we must face up to the situation. Barring any unforeseen recovery, which, I may say, would constitute some sort of miracle, I believe your father will remain paralysed.’
    Rose nodded her head without looking at him. Yes. She didn’t need the physician to tell her. She knew already. The purple swelling on Henry’s spine had long since disappeared, but he had still neither moved nor felt any sensation below the mid-point of his back, the only progress he had made being his regaining control of his bodily functions. His lungs remained weakened by smoke inhalation, and the thick scar tissue twisted the side of his forehead, but his upper body remained strong. He could feed and wash himself, and move himself about in the bed, even issuing directives and to some extent taking up his responsibilities once more as manager, but never again would he stride amongst his men and the various buildings of the factory they worked in.
    â€˜Thank you, Dr Power,’ Rose murmured wearily. ‘I know you’ve done all you can. ’Tis much appreciated.’
    The doctor drew an awkward breath through pursed lips as he reached into the breast pocket of his coat. ‘I only wish,’ he said gravely, ‘that the outcome had been a better one. And that I didn’t have to present you with my bill. I have kept it as low as possible.’
    The memory of a smile strained at Rose’s mouth as she took the envelope from his hand. ‘Mr Frean has kindly said he’ll pay for my father’s treatment.’
    â€˜Ah.’ Dr Power nodded, for there was nothing more to say on the matter. ‘And . . . to be honest, there is little reason for me to visit again. You and Mrs Bennett are making an excellent job of caring for your father. As we’ve said before, the most important thing is for you to exercise his legs several times a day to keep the blood flowing and reduce the strain on his heart. Of course, if you’ve any concerns, do send for me at once.’
    â€˜Yes, I will. And . . . thank you again, Doctor.’
    â€˜Any time, Miss Maddiford. I’ll see myself out.’
    She was alone again, her gaze resting unseeing on the envelope in her hand as her eyes filled with unshed tears. So, that was it. Her dearest, hardworking, active father cut down and crippled for life. More than that. Condemned to his bed for the rest of his days. Her face pulled into a determined grimace as she squared her shoulders. There was nothing more the good doctor could do. But
she
wouldn’t give in! She would not sit back and let Henry waste away! The fight began to creep back into her veins. If her father’s condition was never to improve, then there must be ways and means by which his existence could be returned to as near to normality as was humanly possible. The tiny seed of hope had been planted at the back of her mind. She would leave it there to germinate, to be pondered upon so that the right decisions could be made. Right now, there were other matters she needed to attend to. They were running low on coal, and the pantry was nearly empty. Time for a trip into Princetown. She wouldn’t take Gospel, for she could carry little on his back, but she would borrow