Although it had only been a day, it seemed a lifetime to Charity before she was released from the spell that had overcome her upon riding into town. Weak, trembling, and chilled to the bone, her teeth began to chatter. Someone said, "She 's coming around." As she struggled to awaken, she remembered the blond headed girl and what Wheeler had done to her; she began to shake violently. “Is she cold?” a female voice asked. “I think it 's just a reaction to coming out of this state she‘s been in,” said a male voice that seemed vaguely familiar. From somewhere deep within her, came a vision of Two Feathers, and she remembered their conversation. She tried to speak, but only mumbled. “What dear,” asked the female voice? Again, Charity tried to speak, but her tongue felt thick and dry. …show more content…
“I think she 's thirsty; is it okay to give her some water?” “Of course it is,” said the male who she now realized was Doctor Lane. After a moment, she felt a hand slip beneath her head to help her rise up; a cup was pressed against her lips. She was indeed thirsty, and drank her fill. After she drank, she tried to speak again. This time, she was able to tell Doctor Lane that they were bringing Jane to him. Then, she asked Mrs. Lane for a cup of strong coffee. After Mrs. Lane left the room, she turned to the doctor. “Jane is very weak, both physically and mentally - she will need great care; she has been horribly mistreated. I will easily heal, but she will not. Please, Doctor Lane,” she begged. “Tell no one the extent of her injuries or all that she has endured. It will be more than her mind can handle, if everyone knows.” Doctor Lane nodded his head that he’d abide by her wishes. A few minutes later, Mrs. Lane brought her the cup of coffee she had requested; Charity sipped it slowly. The hot liquid soothed her throat and calmed her frazzled nerves. Doctor Lane asked if she’d like a spoon of laudanum- she