“Lord have mercy, Doc Feldmann is older than Methuselah,” Lee fussed loudly, dropping her purse on the kitchen counter and reaching for a coffee cup. “I certainly don’t need someone who’s not the brightest star in the universe evaluating me.”

She glanced at Jenna to make sure that she was hearing her every word. “It was a complete waste of time that would have been better spent at the café. Why, I got more information from Myrthal Wagner! Apparently, her sister Genevieve has been dealing with memory issues for a long time and started a Vitamin C regimen several months ago.”  

“Has it helped?”

“Well, I don’t think it’s improved her memory much, but according to Myrthal, she rarely gets a cold.”

“Aunt Lee, with your permission, I’d like to speak with Marcus and see what he might suggest as a course of treatment, perhaps in conjunction with Doc Feldmann’s plan.” 

“Jenna, I’m not pregnant. Pray tell, Marcus is an obstetrician.”

“Aunt Lee, Marcus has a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and went to medical school where he studied and practiced internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, psychiatry, and family practice. He also completed a four-year residency program in New York. So, all in all, he has about twelve years of educational and practical experience.  Your health is important and should not be relegated to the off-handed whims of Myrthal Wagner!”  

“Oh, alright, don’t get in a fluff,” she acquiesced. “On another note, I have a box of personal papers in the Pontiac that I need you to look over for me. Unfortunately, I can’t make heads nor tails of it all.”

“I’ll be happy to help you in any way that I can, Aunt Lee.”

“Well, I figure that while I can think half straight, there are a few things that we’ll need to discuss regarding my property and other assets, you know, before the time may come,” she explained, suddenly glancing toward the window to sort her thoughts.  “I worked on balancing the books for the Women’s Missionary Society last night, and what used to take fifteen minutes took me three hours.” Her lip began to tremble. “My Lord, how is all of this going to turn out, Jenna?” Lee sobbed, reaching into her purse for a tissue.

“We’ll work on everything together, Aunt Lee,” she comforted. “With your input, I’ll facilitate your wishes.”

“Of course, you know that most everything I have will belong to you someday, dear, since I have no other living heirs,” she said, wiping the tears from her eyes. “You’re the daughter of my heart, Jenna.”