The Doctor's Lady Quotes

“God doesn’t expect us to be perfect women or perfect missionaries. Rather, He wants us to learn to lean upon Him more, to let Him be our help during those stormy blasts.”
― Jody Hedlund, The Doctor's Lady

“is there ever anything safe about serving the Lord with one’s whole heart?”
― Jody Hedlund, The Doctor's Lady

“They’re savages.” “They’re young boys, human beings—in need of your kindness and goodwill.” “And I am showing them kindness, in the kitchen.” Eli shook his head in frustration. Why were his supporters willing to throw their money at missions but not willing to truly love the people they were bent on saving?”
― Jody Hedlund, The Doctor's Lady

“His lips teased hers before moving to the pulse in her throat and tasting her there. She gasped and abandoned her apronful of cherries. “I love you,” he whispered. “You do?” Hope sprang anew in her heart. “I’ve just been an idiot and too proud to let myself admit it.” His declaration reflected in the clear blue of his eyes. “I can’t delude myself any longer. I have to confess. I’m madly and passionately in love with my wife.”
― Jody Hedlund, The Doctor's Lady

“I’m sorry, Eli. I should have stayed at Snake Fort—” “No.” He grabbed her arm and dragged her against his chest. She fell against him with a gasp, her body stiff. His arms circled her waist and pinned her in place so that even if she’d tried to escape from him she couldn’t. “We’re staying together.” His whisper was harsh. The silky loose strands of her hair blew against his lips. He released a long breath and softened his voice. “Wherever that might be, I want us to be together.”
― Jody Hedlund, The Doctor's Lady

“I love seeing you smile,” he said softly. Her heartbeat sputtered to life. “I want to make you smile more.” He hesitated. “And I know I haven’t given you much reason to do so, but I’d like to change that.”
― Jody Hedlund, The Doctor's Lady

“Dr. Ernest is working tirelessly to save your life.” She peered down at her with sympathy. “I think he cares about you more than you realize.” Priscilla closed her eyes. “He may not know it yet, but he needs you.” Mabel’s words were as gentle as her hands caressing Priscilla’s cheek. She wanted so badly to believe Mabel. But she knew Eli didn’t need anyone, least of all a lady like her.”
― Jody Hedlund, The Doctor's Lady

“Eli?” Priscilla’s voice was soft behind him. Was she finally forgiving him? He spun so fast he nearly tripped over his boots. She’d hardly spoken with him since they’d left the Rendezvous, and he was more than ready to see something in her eyes besides anger. She held out the dipper. “Your turn.” He searched her face for something, for anything that would give him the slightest hope that she didn’t hate him. She pushed the dipper at him. Her eyes were clouded but void of the flashes of lightning. He took the ladle and lifted it to his lips for a drink that was altogether too short. Then he handed the dipper back to her. “Thank you.” She lowered it back into the pail. “You were kind to give Richard your portion.” “I was holding out for pemmican.” Her lips twitched with the beginning of a smile. A grin of his own pushed for release, but the concern for her that had been weighing him down made its way to the surface first. “How are you—I mean—are you doing all right—without the baby?” The clouds in her eyes darkened and any hint of a smile disappeared. “I’ll survive.” She turned and rushed to catch up with Mabel. He watched the frayed edges of her dress swish in the dust and wanted to pound himself over the head. Why had he expected that she’d want to talk about the baby with him?”
― Jody Hedlund, The Doctor's Lady

“He clapped his hands and chirped a babbling of words. He held out his arms toward her. “Ma-ma-ma-ma.” Priscilla’s breath caught in her throat. “Ma-ma?” She often referred to Running Feet as his mother. Did David now think she was his mother? “Oh, my sweet, sweet baby.” She crossed to him and knelt on the blanket, scooping him into her arms. He laid his head against her chest, and his eyes drooped. He’d called her mama. She squeezed back tears and tried to swallow the painful lump in her throat. She’d given up her dream of having a baby. But maybe God was giving her the chance to be a mother after all.”
― Jody Hedlund, The Doctor's Lady

“Mrs. Doc make good mother.” He tousled David’s hair. The baby giggled. “Thank you, Richard.” She tickled the baby’s belly and earned another giggle. The soft sound bubbled through her heart, making it float. “David like you.” “He’s a sweet baby.” Richard’s eyes were round with admiration. “Mrs. Doc mother to many children—some day.” Her heart rolled over and then toppled to a crashing fall inside her stomach. “No. Actually, I won’t be a mother to many.” She dropped her chin to stare at the brittle sagebrush, which had become their staple fuel on the barren plains in their endless travel to reach the Rendezvous. Richard was silent for a moment. “Doc no give Mrs. Doc children?” She gasped, and mortification spilled over her. Had he figured out that Eli wasn’t her husband in the truest sense of the word?”
― Jody Hedlund, The Doctor's Lady

“She shuddered and wrapped her arms across her chest. Hot tears spilled down her cheeks, and the pain in her throat swelled to an unbearable lump. The awful truth fell across her. He didn’t want her. She’d only wanted to tell him how much she cared about him—about them—but he’d pushed her away. . . .”
― Jody Hedlund, The Doctor's Lady

“Then let’s go.” He tugged her. She resisted. “Oh, I understand.” Sunlight danced in his eyes. “You’re waiting for me to pick you up and carry you.” She sucked in a breath. “You wouldn’t dare.” A hint of a grin snared the corner of his mouth. “Don’t you know you should never dare me? It’s a sure bet I’ll do it.” Before she could protest, he grabbed her around the middle. With one motion he lifted her to his shoulder and hung her there like a sack of seed grain. “Eli Ernest! This is entirely uncivilized.” Her cheeks burned. But not entirely from embarrassment. “No one ever said I was civilized.” She made a halfhearted protest by squirming. The cold wetness from his clothes seeped through the thin layers of her dress and linen chemise. He clamped his arm across her backside. She gasped and grew motionless. The solidness of his arm pushed against the roundness of her flesh. “Your hold is quite indecent.” “Suits me just fine.” He stalked forward with an ease that belied her weight and his exhaustion. “It’s entirely inappropriate.” She couldn’t think past the pressure his arm exerted. “Please, put me down. You’ll cause a scene.” His arm only tightened. “You know how much I like causing scenes.” Her mind whirled, and the heat in her cheeks blazed hotter. “Then you’ll force me to take extreme measures to stop you.” He chuckled. “I’d like to see what you can do.” She took a deep breath, and then, before she lost courage, she sank her fingers into the hair that stuck in wet clumps to the back of his neck. His steps faltered. She combed through the thick locks, letting her fingers brush against the soft skin. “Looks like you’re in need of a haircut,” she said softly, in what she hoped was a seductive voice. He stumbled. Her brazenness shocked even her own delicate ears. But she couldn’t help smiling. Her ploy was working. She brushed her fingers through his hair again, pulling the wet strands up, making sure to trail her fingers across his neck. “I can give you a haircut.” She wrapped a strand around one of her fingers. “If you want.” With a jolt, he stopped. He shifted her and slid her down. When her feet touched the ground, he didn’t let her go but instead pulled her against him. His eyes flashed with a heat she couldn’t begin to understand. “You won.”
― Jody Hedlund, The Doctor's Lady

“He urged his horse forward, his body straining, ready to be on his way. But at the last second he looked back at her and swerved, drawing the beast up beside her. From underneath the brim of his hat, he peered down at her. The intensity in the blue depths dragged her in until she felt as if she were drowning. “You’ve done good so far, Priscilla.” At the unexpected words of praise, she sucked in a breath. His gaze dropped to her lips, lingered there for an instant before returning to her eyes, darker, bluer. Her lungs stopped working, and she clutched a hand to her chest. “I’ll see your pretty face in a couple days.” She nodded, too breathless to respond. He kicked his heels into his horse and left her standing, watching after him, wondering if he was taking her heart with him.”
― Jody Hedlund, The Doctor's Lady

“I found something for you.” He ignored the pangs of hunger and lowered himself to one knee before her. Her eyes widened. He swung his hand around from behind his back and held out a lone orchid the same shade as the moon overhead. And once again, he wished he knew what to say, how to talk to her, how to be more sophisticated. Instead, he thrust it before her. She tentatively took it from him and lifted questioning eyes. “For your collection of specimens,” he offered. Her fingers caressed the drooping petals. “I think it’s a yellow lady’s slipper.” He didn’t know nor did he care. He only knew that he wanted one of her rare smiles. For a long intense moment, he held his breath. Finally her lips curved into a smile. “Thank you.” His pulse jolted forward and he swallowed hard. “You’re welcome.” What was happening to him? Why did he want to make her happy? When she lifted the flower to her nose and took a deep breath, her smile moved to her eyes . . . And to his heart.”
― Jody Hedlund, The Doctor's Lady

“He touched the tender skin of her palm and swiped a dot of blood off the tip of her finger. Without thinking, he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her finger. She drew in a sharp breath but didn’t make an effort to pull away from him. He met her gaze. The silkiness in the depths sent a tremor through his body. He pressed his lips against her smooth skin again, tasting the saltiness of her blood. His lips brushed a path to her palm, and in the tender, moist middle he pressed another kiss. Her chest rose and fell in rapid succession, but she still made no move. Instead, she watched him, almost as if she was remembering the kiss he’d given her on their wedding day, the same kiss that still haunted him. Maybe it was past time for him to give her another.”
― Jody Hedlund, The Doctor's Lady

“I’m sorry about the floor,” she whispered. “I hope you’ll be able to fall asleep.” “Oh, I won’t be able to sleep, and it won’t be because of the floor.” Heat splashed over her, sending a fresh flush over her skin. Her mind scrambled to find an appropriate answer, but she could think of nothing except the softness of his hands. “Good night, Priscilla,” he whispered.”
― Jody Hedlund, The Doctor's Lady

“Eli Ernest, you’re exasperating me.” He grinned. “I’ve been told that’s one of my best qualities.” “You mean worst.” “That too.”
― Jody Hedlund, The Doctor's Lady

“Oh, Doctor, if you need a real good woman, you won’t find a better lady than our teacher.” “That so?” “Yep. Teacher . . . well, she really cares for us. And I just know she’d make a great ma someday.” “Thank you, son.” The boy nodded solemnly, as if he’d just done Eli the greatest of favors. Dr. Baldwin coughed. And once the boys were gone, Eli turned to look at his old friend. “What?” “Oh, nothing.”
― Jody Hedlund, The Doctor's Lady

“I have not one feeling of regret at the step which I have taken but count it a privilege to go forth in the name of my Master, cheerfully bearing the toil and privation that we expect to encounter.” May you be encouraged and inspired by her bravery to know that in whatever path you are traversing, no matter how difficult, the Master will walk alongside you, helping you each step of the way.”
― Jody Hedlund, The Doctor's Lady

“Perhaps in holding out the hand of friendship to one tribe”—he squeezed the Indian boy’s shoulder—“we’ll begin to repair the damage we’ve done to so many others.”
― Jody Hedlund, The Doctor's Lady