Page 56 of The Enemy's Daughter

“I tried to be quiet.” She smiles up at me. “So, I have exciting news.”

I stiffen.

“Tristan got Dr. Henshaw to change his mind about letting you observe him at the hospital. We can go whenever you’re ready.” Her eyebrows pull together. “Or are you not feeling well enough today? That’s okay—”

“No,” I cut her off with a relieved laugh. “I’d love to.”

“Good.” Enola takes a stack of pies and shuffles them into a fabric bag on the counter. “But if you don’t mind, I’d like to deliver some of this extra food to a few families on our way. Tristan packed away as much as he could and made everyone take food home last night, but your kitchen is still drowning in it.”

Amusement sprouts in my chest at the thought of Tristan doing more women’s work. But when I really think about it, I realize I’m also impressed.

Enola claps her hands after finishing her task and smiles so brightly it’s painful to look at.

I think I’m going to miss her.

HerandTristan. “And where is myhusband?”

Her smile falters a little. “Work. Now that he’s recovered somewhat and the funeral is over, he’s taking on more in his role as acting mayor. He asked me to be available for you today for whatever you need. I don’t imagine you’ll want to do more than an hour or two with Dr. Henshaw, considering your condition. But you can decide. The hospital is where I spend most of my time anyway, so it’s no trouble.”

“Are you a nurse?”

Enola grins. “No, I’m in charge of the entire hospital. I manage the staff and secure the equipment we need from traders. Keep people like Henshaw in line.”

She’s in charge of the male doctor? A woman?

“My background before the bombs was in applied mechanization.” She waves off my confusion. “It’s a job that... well, it doesn’t matter now, does it? It no longer exists here.” She laughs. “Anyway, I’m much better at this job.”

I set about preparing a cup of fesber tea. As much as I want to absorb every bit of information I can at the hospital before I go, I do need to be cautious with my energy. After I leave with Annette tonight, I’ll have a long ride home. “Maybe we could head over after lunch?”

“Perfect,” Enola says with a beautiful smile.

And it hits me: What if I was wrong, and Enola has only ever had good intentions toward me? What evidence have I seen that she’s not a bumblebee?

Her head tips to the side as she props a hand on her hip. “You okay, dear?”

I blink, pulling myself from my thoughts. “I was just thinking about how you’ve been really welcoming... and helpful. Between all the food, fesber tea, and even helping me with a bath, you’re probably the main reason I’ve gained back my health. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

She lowers a stack of dishes into the sink. “Oh, you don’t need to say that. I’m just happy to see Tristan happy. For the first time in a long time, he’s excited and hopeful about his future, despite all the bad that’s happened to him. That’s because of you.”

My chest hollows out.

“Shall we say twelve thirty for the hospital?”

I agree absentmindedly, then lift my head. “Enola, why wasn’t I put in the hospital when I was at my sickest?”

“Oh, two reasons, really. One, Tristan is a descendant from one of the sixteen founding families, so you were fortunate enough to have the connection to speed your healing. And two, well, Tristan thought it best that you not be left alone with strangers. That’s why he brought in nurses.”

I pause. “Annette is a nurse?”

“She’s in training, yes. Caro is her instructor. You might see them this afternoon.”

I let out a single hard laugh. “Fantastic.”

Enola gives me a knowing look. “You know, Caro is Valerie’s sister.”

The woman who spat on me because her son was killed by a clansman? Oh.

“There’s a lot of pain interfering with the way they treat you. It’s not personal. But don’t worry, I won’t leave you alone with them until they figure that out.”

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