6 Beth

Chapter 6 Beth Mrs. March left for Washington at once. A week later, they heard from Mr. Brooke that Father was recovering. The news made everyone feel happier. Meg and Jo worked hard at their jobs, Beth and Amy cleaned the house and they shared the cooking. But, one by one, they slipped back into their old ways. Meg spent hours reading John Brooke's letters. Jo curled up with her writing and Amy went back to sketching.

Only Beth faithfully carried out their mother's duties, taking food to families in the poorer part of town. One afternoon, she was drenched in a downpour of icy winter sleet. When she got home, the fire was out and she couldn't get warm. A few days later, Beth started shivering as though she'd never stop. At the same time, she felt boiling hot. Jo found her looking in the medicine cupboard. "I don't feel well," Beth muttered, going to press her burning head against the cold window pane.

Jo felt Beth's forehead and was horrified. "Beth, you're feverish. We must get the doctor." When the doctor came, he looked serious. "The child has scarlet fever," he announced and sent her straight to bed. Beth grew worse and worse. Amy was sent to stay with Aunt March to keep her out of the way and Meg continued to work though both of them longed to be at home. Jo spent all her time nursing her sister. A bitter wind raged and snow fell. It lay in drifts around the garden, as white as Beth's face. During the restless, anxious hours in Beth's room, Jo realized how much she loved her.

Beth's shyness meant she was the quietest of the sisters, but her kindness and gentleness made her all the more precious. All of them had ambitions except Beth. Meg wanted to marry, Jo was determined to be an author and Amy dreamed of being an artist. Beth just wanted to make people happy.

One afternoon, Laurie caught Jo having a private cry. "I wish I didn't have a heart, it aches so," she sobbed. Laurie's eyes were wet too as he comforted her. "We mustn't give up hope. That won't help Beth. I've sent a telegram to your mother," he added. "I think she should come home."

Their mother came as soon as she could, brightness and courage shining from her. That night Beth's fever broke. The doctor confirmed it. "She's still weak," he said, "but I think she'll pull through."