PART 5
Downstairs in the parlor, the atmosphere hung heavy with worry and grief. Many heads bowed, shoulders sagged, and prayers both silent and spoken were offered.
Jo remained upstairs, pacing up and down the hallway, waiting for the doctor's prognosis. Suddenly the doorknob turned, startling her. An oppressive burden of dread pressed down on Jo.
Dr. Pierce poked his head out the door.
And smiled.
"Mrs. Bhaer, please do come in," he said softly. Jo raced through the door and there lay Nan, bruised and wearing a cold linen strip across her forehead, but alive and fully cognizant!
"This is one tough little lady here," said Dr. Pierce. "By the grace of God some branches must have slowed her fall. She suffered a few cuts and bruises, and a minor head concussion. No broken bones; nothing that a healthful diet, rest, and cold compresses won't take care of."
"God bless you, Doctor," Jo smiled tearfully.
Keep a watch on her for the next couple of nights," he instructed. "I wrote down a list of symptoms to be aware of. Continue to apply cold compresses, and don't hesitate to call on me should you have any questions."
Dr. Pierce grabbed his medical bag, tipped his hat, then quietly closed the door.
Jo and Nan stared at one another in silence. Nan saw the loving maternal look in Jo's eyes and quickly glanced away in shame.
"I'm really sorry, Mrs. Jo," she finally said.
"Oh Nan, I'm just so happy you're alive," Jo cried. "But please tell me: whatever possessed you to climb that tree?"
"I wanted to be the one who got the nest for Dan's collection," explained Nan.
"All the boys were too scared to try it."
"And you thought you could outdo them by this supposedly courageous feat," Jo finished.
"Yes, ma'am," Nan looked down.
"My dear Nan," said Jo. "Never feel you need to prove yourself better than anyone in this world. You are a unique, talented young woman. The Good Lord has blessed you with priceless gifts. I was so afraid we had lost you."
"I'll never do anything like this again," promised Nan.
"Bravery is an admirable attribute," Jo continued, "But prudence and common sense are far more valuable. Please remember that."
"I will," said Nan, reflecting on Jo's advice. "This is sorta like running away, isn't it?"
Jo nodded.
"I will accept any punishment you think I deserve," Nan looked up with mournful eyes.
"I think this foolish escapade has reaped its own punishment," said Jo as she placed her hand on Nan's. "You will have to endure the pain and be confined indoors until you are well."
"I understand," Nan replied.
"Oh, and by the way," Jo said, winking, "you are responsible for mending the holes torn in your dress. I'm sure Bess would be more than happy to help you."
"I know she will," Nan smiled.
Jo opened the door and was met with a sea of beaming faces.
"Can we see her now?" asked Nat eagerly.
"Only for a brief moment," said Jo. "She needs her rest."
"We have a gift for her," Dan held up a small box as the boys entered the bedroom.
Nan looked puzzled. Opening it, she counted five dollars in assorted coins. "Where did you get this?" she asked increduously.
"We took up a collection, and everyone made a contribution," explained Tommy.
"Yeah, said Dan, grinning. "I said whoever brought down that nest would be paid. I'm just keeping my part of the bargain."
Everyone laughed, and gathered around Nan. Never had the house at Plumfield been so filled with joy as it had been that night.
EPILOGUE
