Prudence

by Caroline Clemmons

  “Overnight? I’ve never been apart from Clinton. Even when our children were born, he slept on a pallet beside the bed so he could help me. You’ll talk to Miss Lynch?”

  Riley hated to agree, but he saw no way around doing so. “I will. Now, don’t worry, Nancy. I’ve done this same operation many times and had excellent results. In a couple of months you’ll be feeling so much like your old self you’ll wonder why you waited this long.”

  When she’d gone he sat deliberating the best way to accomplish Nancy’s request. No, her demand.

  His mother peeked around the door jamb. “Guess you’re in a pickle, aren’t you?”

  He exhaled. He loved his mother, but she caused him no end of frustration. “Must you listen to every consultation?”

  “I don’t, dear, just ones when Prudence brings you a patient. You have to admit that’s not something that happens every day.”

  She sat in the patient chair beside his desk. “How are you going to ask Prudence without eating a large serving of crow?”

  He offered a glare. “I’ll manage. Thank you for your loyalty and support, Mother.” He hoped his sarcasm wouldn’t be lost on her. It wasn’t.

  She thumped his head. “Don’t get smarty pants with me, Riley Gaston. Your pigheadedness caused a rift and now you have to suffer the consequences. I’m sorry I won’t be there to hear what you say to her.”

  “Well, I guarantee you won’t be.” He stood and reached for his hat. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  Riley stalked across the street, if that’s what you could call the dirt road in front of his home. He waited on the boardwalk while Jim Baxter spoke with Prudence. When the opera house manager left, they exchanged greetings and Riley went inside Prudence’s so-called office.

  Her eyes widened in surprise. “Dr. Gaston? Is there something I can do to help you?”

  He hadn’t been this unsure in years. How could he do this without losing face?

  “Thank you for bringing Nancy Lyons to me. She’s having surgery in the morning at seven.”

  Prudence offered a wide smile. “That’s good. She’ll feel so much better when she’s recovered.”

  His collar must have shrunk because he had trouble speaking. “The problem is, she won’t consent unless you’re there.” Thank heavens he’d gotten the words out without stammering.

  “Me? Don’t you think that’s odd when I hardly know her?”

  Of course he thought the request was odd. Ridiculous even, but there what could he do?

  “She’s adamant. I realize this would be an imposition, but apparently your presence reassures her.”

  “Then, of course, I’ll be there. I knew she was frightened so I’m happy to calm her if I can.”

  He stiffened, unable how to proceed. “You aren’t going to pass out at the sight of blood, are you?”

  She chuckled. “How could I help deliver a baby if that were the case? Actually, I often assisted the doctor back in Virginia.”

  He motioned at her skirt. “You’d do well to wear some sort of. . . um, cover up over your dress. I don’t anticipate you’ll get blood on you, but can’t hurt to be prepared.”

  “I assure you, I will be there early and be prepared to do my best to assist and not hinder.”

  “Just hold Nancy’s hand until she’s out. That’s all I ask.”

  Her deep blue eyes twinkled with humor. “We’ll see in the morning, shall we, Doctor Gaston?”

  Riley got out of her office as soon as he could and beat a hasty retreat to his own. His mother said nothing but she wore her I-told-you-so expression as she cleaned. Good heavens, he was thirty years old and she made him feel like a ten-year-old rowdy. He was grateful when another patient arrived.

  ***

  The next morning, Prudence left a note on her office door telling patients she’d return after the surgery. She almost sympathized with Riley. Asking her assistance must have stuck in his throat.

  Today she’d pulled her hair into a tight bun. She carried her apron and sleeve covers to protect her clothing. Not that she was wearing anything special—just her oldest dress.

  When she exchanged her gold for cash, she was going to splurge on three new dresses and two pairs of shoes. Wouldn’t that be a luxury? For now, she’d make do with what she had even though her shoes pinched her toes painfully.

  She was ashamed she was thinking of things to buy for herself before she’d made a decision about what to do with her fortune. Thinking about uses hadn’t helped. She hadn’t come to a decision.

  At the Gaston home, Sophie welcomed her with a hug. “You’re so sweet to help Riley.”

  “Of course I’ll help him. Mrs. Lyons was distressed yesterday. I’m sure I would be too if I needed surgery.”

  Riley was solemn as he came from his office to greet her. “Thank you for coming.”

  Before she could answer, Nancy and Clinton Lyons arrived. Nancy was pale and shaking and her husband wasn’t in much better condition.

  Nancy grabbed Prudence’s hand. “I’m so relieved you’re here. I’m not sure I could do this without you.”

  “I’m sure you could, but I’m happy to be here if my presence eases your mind. You know Dr. Gaston is an exceptional doctor, so you’ve no reason for concern. Shall I help you get ready?”

  Riley motioned them to his surgery. “Please remove your lower clothing, Nancy. If you brought a nightgown, put that on.”

  Prudence hadn’t seen this room previously. She was surprised a country doctor’s office was this well equipped. Riley closed the door behind them and she helped Nancy change into her night clothes.

  Prudence folded the other woman’s clothing neatly and helped her onto the table. When Nancy was settled, Prudence opened the door to let Riley know his patient was ready. Clinton wanted to come into the room, but Riley shook his head.

  “You wait on the couch there. If you need anything, let my mother know.”

  Clinton craned his neck to look into the operating room. “I’d like to see what you do to my wife.”

  “The more people, the more distraction. Besides, I’m not risking you fainting. Too many men do at the sight of blood.”

  Clinton paled and took a seat on the couch.

  Sophie gave him a sympathetic smile. “I’ll get you some coffee, Clinton, and a sweet roll.”

  Riley closed the door. “I’ll scrub my hands with carbolic and I suggest you do the same, Miss Lynch.”

  Prudence was relieved he was sanitary, though she expected as much.

  “Miss Lynch, remain at that side of the table by Nancy’s head. I’ll start the ether from this side.”

  He patted Nancy’s hand. “Let yourself relax, Nancy. When you wake up, this will be over and you’ll start getting well.”

  Nancy held Prudence’s hand in a bone-crushing squeeze. “Don’t leave, Miss Lynch.”

  “Why don’t you call me Prudence and I’ll call you Nancy? I’ll still be right here when you wake up. Relax, Nancy. Dr. Gaston knows what he’s doing and you’re in good hands.”

  Riley started the ether drip that released a sharp odor. Slowly, Nancy relaxed her grasp of Prudence’s hand. Riley leaned over Nancy to check her state of drowsiness.

  “I’ll start the surgery now. Can you attend to the ether? If she starts to rouse, drip a couple of drops on the gauze.”

  Prudence massaged her numb hand. “As you wish.”

  His efficient movements impressed her. When he’d finished, he stepped back and leaned against a metal cabinet. “That tumor is huge. No wonder she had pain.”

  He rolled the table to another room and slid Nancy onto a bed without assistance. “If you’ll remain with her, I’ll go speak to Clinton.”

  Prudence moved a chair beside the bed and seated herself. She wondered what had made Riley choose a small, remote town instead of working in a large, well-equipped hospital. Obviously, he was no stranger to surgery.

  In Tarnation and the surrounding area, how many patients did Riley
treat each year? He looked prosperous, but she thought he must have had money when he came here. She doubted a country doctor ever received much cash. More likely would be payment in chickens and such as she and Granny had received.

  The door opened and Clinton and Riley entered.

  Clinton tiptoed as if afraid he’d disturb his wife. “You’re sure she’s all right?”

  Prudence nodded and offered a smile. “She did well. Poor lady must have been in a lot of pain for months.”

  “I knew something was wrong. I… I was afraid she was tired of me and of having to help out at the bath house.”

  Riley laid a hand on the other man’s back. “Her first comment about having surgery was that she didn’t want to leave you without help. I’m sure that’s why she’d waited so long for help.”

  Clinton took out his handkerchief and dabbed at his eyes then blew his nose. “Don’t know what I’d do without Nancy.”

  Prudence smiled at the man. “I hope you tell her that often, Mr. Lyons.”

  He shook his head. “Don’t reckon I have, but I will now.”

  When Nancy waked and learned she’d survived and the tumor was successfully removed, she relaxed. “Already feels better.”

  Prudence patted her hand. “Then you won’t mind if I go home and get supper and go to bed?”

  “I’m embarrassed I asked you to be with me, like I was a child and you were my mother. I sure appreciate you staying with me, though.”

  “I was honored to be asked. You’re in good hands now. Dr. Gaston will check on you frequently and so will his mother.”

  “Bless you, Miss Lynch.”

  Prudence flexed her aching shoulders. She hadn’t minded holding Nancy’s hand or helping with the ether, but she’d been in one position too long. On her way to Lydia’s, she passed Bart Tucker.

  He stopped to chat. “I’ve sent out inquiries to coin and antiquities dealers in New York, Boston, and Denver. Should hear in a couple of weeks.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Tucker. I appreciate your help.”

  “I’ll keep you informed.” He touched the brim of his hat. “Good day.”

  Chapter Six

  Slightly after noon, Lydia greeted Adam. He didn’t usually call on her at this time of day but she’d sent him a note to come by. With all her charges except Prudence married, they had the parlor to themselves.

  She sat beside him on the couch. How should she explain why she’d asked him to come? She’d start with something casual.

  “I’m sure you’re happy to be rid of all those prisoners.”

  He unfolded his legs in front of him, showing her he’d polished his boots before coming. “Harrumph. The town should be too, except for the Grangers. Feeding that bunch cost the town a lot of money.”

  Lydia chuckled. “Those men probably hadn’t eaten so well in their lives.”

  “True. Looked to me like they all gained weight in jail.” He shook his head. “There were times I’d like to have shot the bunch of them, but I couldn’t.”

  She patted his arm. “No, you’ve always been ethical.” His soap and the dressing he used on his hair created an unmistakable scent she loved because she associated it with him.

  Adam’s expression solemn, he gazed at the wall opposite. “Until William got hold of me I wasn’t much better than those worthless robbers I had locked up.”

  “I don’t believe that, Adam. William wouldn’t have invited you to live on the ranch as his ward if that had been true.”

  He shook his head. “He didn’t know all I’d done. I’m too ashamed to have ever told anyone.”

  She linked her arm with his. “That part of your life is long gone. You’re a fine, respectable man who’s admired by all who know you. And, loved by some.”

  He leaned away with a wary look. “Lydia, don’t start that kind of talk. You know how I feel.”

  Desperation stiffened her spine and she faced the stubborn man she loved. “No, Adam. Tell me exactly how you feel. Do you love me? Do you harbor any feelings at all for me? What do you see ahead for each of us?”

  “Aw, Lydia Jane, why do you want to change what we have here? You’re my best friend, the person I trust above all others. Why isn’t that enough?”

  “Because I’m twenty-eight years old. I want a husband and children and there aren’t that many years left for me to bear a baby, presuming that I’m not the reason I didn’t conceive when William was alive. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life alone every night, longing for you to be lying next to me.”

  His eyes widened. “You shouldn’t say such things. That’s not ladylike.”

  “Why not? Why can’t I be truthful with my best friend? Don’t you ever wish you could be intimate with me?”

  He stood and she’d swear he blushed under his tan. “I’m not talking about this.”

  She rose to stand in front of him. “I asked you here to tell you my future plans.”

  He folded his arms across his chest. “And what would those be?”

  “You know that I’m in love with you and want you to marry me.” Before he could protest, she held up her hand.

  “I’m not finished so hear me out. Prudence is the last to marry—if she does. When she moves out, I’m going to close up the house and go back to Virginia.”

  He nodded. “Bringing more young women here?”

  “No, staying with my sister. Her neighbor is someone we grew up with and he’s lost his wife. He expressed interest in courting me. If we grow to care for one another, I intend to accept his proposal.”

  Mouth agape, Adam staggered backward a step. “You… You’d leave here? You’d desert all William put together? This house he built for you?”

  “I gave you my reasons.” She fisted her hands at her hips. “Adam, do you think I can stay here where I see you, loving you, longing for you, and never being with you? You can wait another twenty-five years or more to decide you want to marry a young woman and father children. I have only a few more years.”

  “Why couldn’t you adopt some of Elias’ orphans if you’re so crazy to have children running about this place?”

  “I had hoped to—if we married and you agreed. Children need two parents.”

  “One would be better than they have now.” He lifted a hand toward the stairs. “You have room for a whole passel of them.”

  She closed the short distance between them. “Do you think I can watch all these young women who are now my friends in happy marriages and having babies when I have neither? If you do, you’re not thinking clearly. Why do you believe I don’t deserve that same happiness?”

  “Listen here, Lydia Jane, don’t think you can give me an ultimatum.” His jaw clenched.

  She sighed in frustration and turned away, fingers of one hand rubbing her temple. “Forgive me if I’ve given that impression. What I intended is to let you know my future plans. I haven’t told anyone else, but I didn’t want you to be blindsided when I make my announcement.”

  “You’re making a mistake. William wouldn’t want you to do that.”

  Whirling toward him, she shouted, “William is dead! He’s never coming back!”

  She took a deep breath and reached for calm. “I loved him with all my heart, but he’s gone. He loved me and I’m positive he didn’t want me to remain single forever.”

  “You think he wanted me to marry you? I’ve nothing to offer. Nothing! And I don’t want you to marry me because that’s what William decreed.”

  “How dare you insinuate I would do such a thing? Yes, I believe William would have loved having you marry me. You know very well I’m in love with you. If I didn’t believe you were in love with me as well, I would never, never have mentioned anything about marriage.”

  Adam’s expression was grim. “Look, Lydia, we have a good thing here. Why can’t you leave things as they are?”

  “Whatever you think, I have to keep living the best way I know how. I don’t intend to spend whatever time I have left lonely and alone.”
r />   “Aw, there’s no reasoning with you.” He turned and left, slamming the door behind him.

  Heart breaking, she watched from the window as Adam strode toward his office. He was so angry with her but why couldn’t he see they both needed more? Why couldn’t he see she needed him?

  She’d loved William as a young girl loves, practically idolizing her husband. Never for a moment had she regretted marrying him. He was an honorable and wonderful man who’d adored her.

  Now that she was ten years older, she wanted a different kind of relationship. More of a partnership than she’d had with William. Adam was the man with whom she’d fallen deeply in love in a more mature and, face it, passionate way. Why did he have to be so stubborn?

  Lydia wiped the tears from her cheeks and rushed to her room. Drat that ornery Adam. She didn’t understand why she loved him with every breath she took.

  In her room, she stretched across her bed and let the tears flow.

  ***

  Riley entered the Golden Eagle Saloon and leaned on the bar next to Adam.

  Elias, the saloon’s owner, stopped to talk. “Don’t usually see you two in here and especially not at this time of day. Not that I’m complaining about your business, but is everything all right?”

  Adam sipped his beer and set down his mug. “I don’t understand how a woman thinks.”

  Elias laughed. “No one does. I’d guess over half of my business is from men trying to figure out that question.”

  Riley ran a finger down the condensation on the outside of his mug. “I don’t wonder. Surprised it’s not more than half.”

  Elias shook his head. “You, too, huh? Each of you should surrender and marry your woman. You don’t know what you’re missing.”

  Adam appeared disgusted. “Pfft. Recent converts always try to recruit nonbelievers.”

  “Hey, I’m being honest. Ophelia has made me the happiest man alive. I had no idea I’d ever find such contentment. Having the three kids with us has been great, too. At last, I have the family I’ve always wanted.”

  Riley wanted a wife and a family but his chances of having one were looking slim. “Yeah, well, you found a reasonable woman. Not everyone is so lucky.”