Chapter Fifteen
Vera was stunned to learn that Joan had named her to make decisions on her behalf if anything should happen to her. Despite their falling out, it was proof that Joan had continued to place trust in Vera.
“What are you going to do?” Bridget asked.
“I don’t know. It isn’t like I can go and see her,” Vera sighed.
“If she is no longer able to make decisions, you will have to make them on her behalf. Some of them may be difficult….” Bridget solemnly said.
Bridget told Vera about the nurse who cared for Joan and her saying, “she is the gentlest, most lovable soul,” to which they both laughed.
She didn’t tell Vera about what she heard from a colleague at the hospital, that nurse Ann Hall seemed to be a little in love with the Governor.
It seems that she spent most of her free time with Joan and she was the one responsible for keeping the room decorated with the flowers that Joan was enjoying.
Although Ann was genuinely worried and caring for her like a doting wife, Joan seemed oblivious. But this did not deter Ann in the least.
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Channing broke all protocol and regulations to arrange for Vera to be at the hospital when Joan underwent surgery.
“Vera?” Joan asked softly.
“Yes, Joan. I’m sorry I was so late in coming,” tears welled in Vera’s eyes.
Joan’s flowing locks had been shaven in preparation for surgery. Vera fondly remembered how beautiful her hair had been with the silver streaks and how she had imagined running her fingers through it.
“Vera, thank you for coming. I wanted to see you.”
She moved to Joan’s beside and held her hands. “Joan, I’m so sorry,” Vera wished she could have said those words long ago when things first started going south.
Their time had run out. Two orderlies came to take Joan to the operating room.