She had just finished straightening her father’s instruments. With a missionary’s help, she had replenished the medicine cabinet with the plants and herbs necessary to prepare John Dempsey’s medicines. She had met Miriam Lathom, the missionary in question, earlier that week, and been amazed by her knowledge of medicinal plants. Rachel had moved from Amelia’s house a week ago. Already, she felt a lift in her spirits. It had been difficult living near Daniel. The man brought tension into every room; Rachel had continually felt his disapproval of her. Now that she had moved in with her father, she felt a return of her confidence and self-worth. I can do this, she thought. It hadn’t been hard so far. During this past week, her father had treated patients for a splinter, an infected insect bite, and a broken arm. The infected bite had made Rachel slightly queasy, as it had been an ugly wound, but she’d assisted her father without flinching or turning away. I can handle anything if I put my mind to it.
