My New Life With Anne and Gilbert

Chapter 6

I want to thank my new friend for all her help on answering my Anne Of Green Gables questions as usual. Thank you!

Chapter 6: Gilbert's POV

After we were brought to Ruby's room, my heart broke at the sight of a little girl that was curled up in a tight ball. A young lady was sitting in a chair trying to comfort the sick child.

"Hello Emily. My husband and I are here to see and pick up Ruby. How has she been since I left a few hours ago?" Anne asked.

Emily looked up from the book she was reading and gave a small smile.

"Hello Mrs. Blythe. Ruby threw up about three times since you left. She has been complaining about a headache, saying her tummy is sore and she has been coughing off and on. She has been trying to sleep since you left. " Emily said.

I looked at Anne and nodded my head "yes" letting Anne know it was definitely Typhoid that our little girl has. I sighed.

"Emily, do you mind if I give Ruby a quick exam before we bring her home?" I asked.

"Yes sir, Dr. Blythe. I also have Ruby's bag packed and she has her teddy bear that she brought from her home, along with her family picture of her with her parents. It's all in her bag. Her mother's shawl is in her bag and her father's Bible is in her bag too. Dr. Blythe, I put out a bowl of water and a new bar of soap for you to wash your hands. It's right over by the window. Mrs. Blythe, can I speak to you a moment please?" Emily asked.

As I went to go and wash my hands, I kept focused on what Emily and Anne were talking about. I took my time washing my hands so I can give Anne and Emily a chance to talk about Ruby.

"Mrs. Blythe, I want to let you know that this morning Ruby was asking about her parents. She was calling for them and asking where they were. She was apologizing. I didn't know what to do or say.

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Once Emily left the room, Anne and I were able to have some one-on-one with Ruby. Ruby was curled up in a tight ball. Clutching her teddy bear.

I moved my doctors bag off to the side and I gently sat on the bed. I wanted to give Ruby a quick exam before we made our way home.

"Anne-girl, want to help me while I give Ruby a quick exam? I'm just going to do a quick basic. Listen to her heart, lungs, check her temperature and pulse. I'll do a more thorough exam when we get home."

"Of course, Gil. Let me go wash my hands and I'll leave you two to get to meet each other. I'll be right back." Anne said.

I watched Anne go wash her hands and I looked at my newly adopted daughter. She was curled up in a small ball. Her forehead had little beads of sweat from her fever. Her cheeks looked flushed. My poor baby girl.

I gently touched Ruby's arm and she flinched. I might have scared her. She gently turned to face me and whimpered when she saw me.

"Hi sweetheart. My name is Dr. Gilbert Blythe, but most people just call me Gilbert. My wife Anne told me you weren't feeling good. I came to see if I can make you feel better. But first, I need to do a quick exam before we leave okay? Can I give you one? Anne will be right here." I told Ruby.

"I'm right here sweetheart. Remember when I told you my husband is a doctor? This is him. He is very good with his patients and especially with children. He is very gentle. He won't hurt you, okay? I'll be right here the whole time. Let him give you a quick check up so we can all go home, okay?" Anne said.

Ruby nodded her head yes and I sighed in relief. I had gently moved Ruby from out of her position and I had her resting against her pillow.

"I'm going to grab my stethoscope and my thermometer and we'll get this over with okay little one? When I listen to your heart, I'm going to have to unbutton your nightgown just a little bit so I can listen better to your heart. This won't hurt. The bell of the stethoscope might be a little cold and I apologize. Anne-girl, can you unbutton Ruby's nightgown while I get my stethoscope?" I asked.