***
Elias pulled out the telegram once more.
Joe. Dead of infection.
That could have been Elias’ outcome if it weren’t for Beatrice. He’d never before been one to believe in guardian angels, but it was obvious she was that for him.
If only he could be the avenging angel she would need. Elias just needed to know where the other two were. Willard was known to be a grudge holding man. If he cared about the two men from his party that had been killed or captured, then he would be coming for revenge.
But who would he demand payment from? Mr. Kline, the coach driver who’d shot Joe? Would he blame Hicks or himself for the chase, or Beatrice for being the victim they’d tried to rob and not succeeded.
Earl Kline was a tough man that could handle himself if he had advanced warning, but driving a stage coach through areas like he traveled in made it difficult to watch for any ambushes. Hicks would be on high alert and someone they wouldn’t want to bother with if they could avoid it. Beatrice and himself here in Birch Creek, all happy and living the dream would have the most to lose.
Elias looked at the telegram and frowned at the last words.
Willard last seen headed north.
***
Beatrice pulled out her nicest dress from the trunk and shook the skirt out to help fluff it up to the point she could see what might need to be done with it. She hadn’t planned on needing fancy clothing here in Birch Creek since she had wanted to focus solely on her medical practice.
Now, however, she was pleased she had brought some nice things with her instead of selling them all. She held the bodice up to her front and looked in the mirror. Hopefully Elias would like how it looked.
She still hadn’t seen him, but that was probably for the best. If he was here right now, she would be completely overwhelmed with her feelings for the man. The closeness they’d built this morning after she’d checked his injury then cried in his arms had chipped away at the walls of hesitance and she wanted to share her whole self with him.
Maybe this celebration of their union was just what they needed. A way to make this marriage that had started out so strangely seem more real and official. If they were to celebrate with the entire town instead of just the deputy and the posse as witnesses in the sick room where Elias had been convalescing she could get past the point of thinking of him as a patient and embrace him as her husband.
Not that she was going to let Mrs. Howard know how happy this celebration was making her feel. She would thank her of course, but if Mrs. Howard ever knew how important this was turning out to be, Beatrice would never hear the end of it.
A knock on the door followed by Susan’s voice brought Beatrice to the present moment.
“I thought I’d come help you with any last minute preparations.” Susan stepped to the side and motioned to the other woman with her. “This is Annabelle. She is our local seamstress and can help you with anything if you need.”
“Thank you,” Beatrice said as she invited Susan and Annabelle in. “I’m just trying to decide which dress to wear.”
“Oh, that is a lovely choice.” Annabelle’s enthusiastic approval helped Beatrice relax. “The burgundy color will compliment your complexion just right.”
Susan moved closer to hold the skirt and smooth out the minor wrinkles in the fabric while Beatrice gathered the rest of the items she’d need from her trunk. The two made short work of dressing her and with Annabelle’s help tying up Beatrice’s hair into a partial braid and adding of a few small jewels Susan had brought with her for the event, Beatrice looked in the mirror and smiled.
“I don’t think I’ve ever felt so lovely.” Beatrice focused her gaze on Susan through the mirror’s reflection then turned to Annabelle. “Thank you both.”
“You’re welcome,” Annabelle said. “We need strong women here.”
Susan nodded. “We’ve needed a doctor here but no one has been interested in setting up a practice. I’ll have to thank Grace for sending that letter to you.”
“I should go visit her,” Beatrice said. “It’s been too long since I’ve seen her.”
“I believe she’ll be here today,” Susan said. “I sent Jessie out yesterday once Mrs. Howard told me you’d finally agreed to let her hold this celebration. He told Grace that you’d moved here and married the sheriff. I hope that’s all right.”
“That is perfect. I sent her a letter after my father passed that I was planning on coming out. Then hadn’t heard from her and decided to just make the move anyway. I can’t wait to see her.”
“If she doesn’t manage to come, we should go out and make a visit.”
Little feet on the stairs made Susan turn and Beatrice smiled when Susan’s oldest child entered the room. “Papa said it’s time.” She grinned at her mother then looked at Beatrice. “You’re pretty.”
“Thank you sweet girl.” Beatrice smiled.
“Go tell Papa we’re coming right down. And see if cook has taken over the pies already.”
The little girl turned around and bounded down the stairs.
“Are you ready?” Susan asked.
Beatrice took a deep breath. “Already married the man, so this shouldn’t be nearly as intimidating, but part of me still regrets agreeing to this.”
“Mother can be quite persuasive, but it always turns out great.”
Beatrice felt her face heat. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean—”
“Oh, don’t fret, Beatrice. My mother-in-law wouldn’t take no for an answer for anyone who’s gotten married here in the last few years. She loves a reason to celebrate, and everyone in town loves it too. It’s something to look forward to and a way to break up the hard days with something fun.”
“She’s your mother in law?” Beatrice asked.
“Yes, I married her son Colten. I feel as if she’s my mother though. She really is great. You’ll enjoy this and have a good time. I promise.”
“You’re sure the townsfolk won’t be bothered by having this put together on short notice?” Beatrice asked.
Susan laughed and Annabelle just shook her head. “She’s been planning this from the first moment she heard the sheriff married the doctor who patched him up. She’s had the town on alert since you two arrived. They’ve all been looking forward to it. Everyone can’t wait to officially meet you.”
Beatrice rolled her eyes then laughed. “And here I thought I was trying to make things easier on everyone.”
Susan took Beatrice by the arm and walked her to the stairs. “The folks of Birch Creek are wonderful people. Best decision of my life to move out here. I think you’ll be just as happy here.”
Beatrice nodded. “I think you might be right.”
***
Elias hadn’t really noticed what Beatrice had worn when they actually got married. He’d been too busy trying to keep himself from passing out or throwing up from the pain and dizziness. He vaguely remembered her dress had been brown, but this burgundy color was stunning. It was obviously a fine quality fabric.
He rubbed the front of his jacket, hoping there wasn’t any dirt or anything else on it. He should have made a better effort to look fitting for her. She was a beautiful woman and the smile she gave him as she walked out of the boarding house and into the grove of trees nearby where the food and tables were set up made his feet move without him even consciously instructing them to.
A few of the townsfolk who had come to celebrate with them watched as he crossed the distance separating him from his wife. She extended her hand and he took it without a care of who was watching. Let everyone here know that he was happy with the choice he’d made in marrying the doctor.
“You look nice,” Beatrice said, reaching up and adjusting his hat.
“Nothing compared to you,” Elias said. He leaned down and kissed her cheek gently, wishing he could kiss her more intimately, but this was not the time for that.
“How long will this all last?” Beatrice asked.
She seemed ju
st as eager for this to be all over as he did. He leaned a little closer so as not to be overheard. “Probably until dark is my guess.”
Beatrice nodded. “Good thing there’s food.”
Elias chuckled. “Always practical.”
“Well, what do you expect?” Beatrice asked. “I do want to make sure my favorite patient is healthy. Since I’m not the best at cooking, I’m just extra happy there is food here.”
“Is that why you picked the building right next to the bakery?” Elias asked, tilting his head to the side.
“Not the only reason,” Beatrice said. “But it sure will come in handy. I might just have to set up a standing order for him to bring me something every morning.”
“I’m good with that.” Elias led her over to the table that was set up with different kinds of food.
Before long, dozens of people gathered around and the introductions began. He recognized many by their faces, but was happy to finally meet them officially and put names and family groupings together. If he was going to be here as the sheriff of the town, he should know more about the people here.
While everyone talked, a plate was handed over to Beatrice and Elias and the two filled them with different foods and ate while standing and visiting.
They managed to stay together for more than an hour as they talked with lots of different townsfolk. A few mentioned to Beatrice that they had some ailment or another and would be coming to see her soon. Others asked him questions about being shot and how he was healing up.
He spoke to a sheep rancher about the issue he’d helped manage between the rancher and a cattleman and was happy to know there weren’t any hard feelings between the two at the moment. He could only hope the truce would last.
While he got busy talking with a few men, he turned in time to see Susan walking over to Beatrice. Beatrice looked to where Susan pointed and her face lit up with joy. Beatrice turned to Elias.
“I’ll be back soon. I’m going to say hello to my cousin.” She was on her way before he could even respond.
Somehow he had missed the fact that she had any family out here. That would be something to catch up on. If she had family to stay with, but still decided she’d marry him, it spoke well of their relationship.
***
Beatrice threw her arms around her cousin, Grace, who held her arms open for a welcoming embrace.
“It is so good to see you, Beatrice.” Grace pulled back and looked up into Beatrice’s face.
“And to see you,” Beatrice said. “I so wished that you had decided to move out to be with father and me, but I’m so happy to hear of all the good things you’ve found here.”
“It has been such a blessing,” Grace said. “I never expected to become a wife and a mother. I wanted to just work out here and be useful.”
“I’d love to meet your family,” Beatrice said. “Where are they?”
“Jed and the children are under that tree. He’s got the babe to try and soothe him to sleep.”
“How old is your new son?”
“Three months.” Grace took Beatrice’s arm and began walking toward the tree. Beatrice noticed the limp was still just as bad as before.
“Does your leg still pain you a lot?”
“Some days more than others. I’ve had a lot of relief with the massaging Jed will help me with.”
“I have an ointment that might help. It’s a different blend than the one I gave you last time. Before you leave, make sure you get some.”
“Sounds wonderful.” Grace waved at the little girl who had peeked her head out from the trunk of the tree then squealed with delight and ran toward Grace.
“Momma!”
Beatrice watched with pleasure at the look of pure happiness that washed over Grace’s face. A man who was sitting with his back against the tree and a small bundle wrapped in his arms turned to look and his answering smile proved that he was just as happy with Grace in his life as Grace was to be there with him.
“Jed, this is my cousin, Beatrice. She’s the doctor.” Grace turned to look at Beatrice and motioned for her to sit on the one block of wood that would work as a seat. Grace then eased herself onto the grass and leaned her back against the tree trunk next to Jed. “Beatrice, tell us about what happened with the sheriff. How did you come to be there when he was shot?”
Beatrice wrapped the role of doctor around her so she wouldn’t be reminded of the horrid emotions she’d felt when she’d been attacked on the stage coach. She kept the details as simple as possible and focused more on Elias’ bravery at chasing down the criminals.
“After they stopped chasing once Elias was hit, his deputy grabbed my bag that held all my medical tools while the driver went to meet Elias. He had already lost a lot of blood, so I knew it was important to get it stopped as soon as possible.”
“So you were taken to a saloon?” Grace asked.
Beatrice nodded. She knew there was more to the building than just drink but didn’t want to bring anything like that into the conversation. “So after I stopped the bleeding, I stayed and nursed him through his unconsciousness. When he awoke, we talked for a while and decided we could be helpful to each other. If he’s in a situation where he’s in danger, then my medical skills should come in handy.”
Grace smiled. “I do hope he can stay out of danger. It nearly breaks the spirit to see someone you love in pain or suffering. I wouldn’t wish injury on anyone.”
Jed took her hand and Grace rested her head against his shoulder.
“No,” Beatrice said. “You definitely wouldn’t wish injury or illness on anyone.”
They talked for a few minutes longer until Mrs. Howard found her and invited her to come meet another family.
“It really was wonderful to see you, Grace,” Beatrice said as she stood. “I hope I can come out and visit you some day soon. I would love to catch up more and have a chance to meet your children.”
“We will make a plan then,” Grace smiled brightly. “The few miles out to the farm is so much better than the entire continent between us.”
“That it is,” Beatrice said. “Make sure you come see me for that ointment though. You don’t have to go all the way back tonight do you?”
Grace shook her head. “No, we’ve decided to stay here at the boarding house.”
“Perfect,” Beatrice said. “We’re there as well. We can visit more tonight.”
She turned to follow Mrs. Howard and was joined by Elias after she waved him over. They were introduced to family after family and the conversations all revolved around either the way she’d treated his wound, what kinds of ailments they had and might be interested in seeking treatment for, or questions for the sheriff about what news he had of the men who’d robbed the stage coach.
Each of the questions about the bandits seemed to put Elias a little more out of sorts. Was he bothered that he hadn’t been able to go after them himself? Did he feel guilty about them getting away?
She hoped he wouldn’t let it eat at him too much.
CHAPTER TEN
Elias took Beatrice’s hand and the two walked over to one of the tables set up with food and drink. She didn’t seem as worried or uncomfortable with all this visiting and meeting of the townsfolk. In fact, she seemed to love the idea that she was the center of attention. Most people were fascinated with the fact that she was a doctor and a woman.
Only a few of the men seemed to think it odd, but none of them said anything to her face. With him right next to her and the way she explained how she’d treated his gunshot wound over and over, it was obvious she knew what she was doing and no one could deny that he looked well.
Hick’s report to the town mayor and the gathering of a posse to go after Willard and his men had made it sound like Elias was likely to die, so the fact that he was upright and married to the doctor seemed to give the people here the confidence that she was good at her job.
“Do you plan to start seeing patients tomorrow?” Elias asked.
�
��If anyone comes to see me, I’ll welcome them in,” Beatrice said. “No one is in any serious danger, but it will be good to start working again.”
“It seems like your place is mostly set up, isn’t it?”
Beatrice took a small bite of the pie and nodded. “I still need the rest of the furniture. With your chair and the trunk you brought over and that built in shelf there, things will work fine to start with.”
“Sheriff.” Michael Clark, Susan’s husband, walked to the two of them with a man by his side. “There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”
As Elias was introduced to the newcomer, Beatrice slipped away to go talk with a few ladies who were standing together near Mrs. Howard.
Elias tried to focus on the conversation with Michael and his friend, but his eyes kept straying to where his wife was. She laughed and talked with the other women with ease and he was happy to see she was growing comfortable with Birch Creek and the residents there.
He didn’t care how much his shoulder hurt and how long it took to heal completely. He would be grateful for that injury for the rest of his life since it meant he had found someone like Beatrice.
***
As much as Beatrice was enjoying this time visiting with everyone in town, she wished it was possible to just slip away with Elias and find some private place to just be with him. She wasn’t sure how much longer the festivities would last, and it was hard to be on her perform-for-the-party behavior all the time. She didn’t want to make anyone feel uncomfortable with her, so right now she was all smiles and all energy. Of course, it was a lot better than any of the parties she had attended back home with her father. There, all the women looked down on her for choosing to do something so out of character for a woman. The men either felt she was trying to take something from them, or just in need of a good strong man to take over for her.
The Sheriff's Bride: A Golden Valley Story (Brides of Birch Creek Book 5) Page 10