Never, he would never understand females. He walked to Dr. Kennedy’s house and knocked on the door. It seemed to be a quiet place, with more people preferring to see the male doctor across the street. There was a line outside his door.
Dr. Kennedy greeted him and showed him to a sizeable room that was sparsely furnished.
“What can I do for you, Shea? Is something awry with Phoebe?” She sat down in a chair across from him.
“Dr. Kennedy—”
“D’arcy, please.”
“Sure, D’arcy. There is something amiss with all three of the women I interact with daily. I offered to take Phoebe to Texas and provide her with a place to live. I even offered to find her a husband on the ranch. I invited Dee to come live there too. I’m trying to take care of them, but they don’t want me to.” Shea stared at D’arcy hoping for an answer.
“Did Phoebe say what she wanted to do instead?”
“She wants to ask you which facility she should go to. I don’t care what else she prefers; she’s not going to one of those. I’ve heard the stories of neglect.”
“What did Mrs. Carroll say?”
“She asked me ‘what’ a couple times as though I outraged her as well. Dee refuses to come and live in Texas. Why are they giving me such a troublesome time about this?” He grimaced. What was he missing?
D’Arcy smiled. “Did you ask for their input? Did they have any ideas of what they’d rather do?” She chuckled. “And who is this husband in Texas? You need to understand Phoebe. From what she has told me, she’s never had many choices. She finally took a stand against her mother, but her mother disowned her. How frightening to be all alone. Then her groom didn’t want her? She has no alternative but to use a wheelchair. She has one choice that is all her own and no one needs to bother with her once she’s there. I think she feels that is her only option that won’t make her feel beholden to you. She’s a strong woman, but I don’t think she’s had time to mourn the loss of the ability to use her legs. She’s awfully young to live her life in an asylum.”
“What do you recommend I do?”
“How long do you have before you have to get back to Texas?”
“I can stay for a while more.” He sighed.
“Try being her friend. I know you are trying, but I think she is good at masking her feelings. I suspect it must be hard for her to ask for help. Face it, she needs someone to be with her most of the time. You said Dee refuses to go to Texas. Find someone who will. Are there many women on your ranch?”
Shea chuckled. “I’m one of ten brothers. All but me are married, so I’ve got that covered. I could find someone in Texas to be her nurse. I just need to get her there. Our housekeeper Dolly loves to fuss over people, and I think between us we can make Phoebe feel at home.”
“You need to explain all this to Mrs. Carroll and Dee. They need to be on your side. If they think it’s in Phoebe’s best interest, they’ll be your best allies. I’ll stop by later today and talk to her about the homes for the ill and what they unquestionably are. She has a choice. Most people in those places have no other choice. I think your idea is sound. Maybe talk to her about those brothers of yours and their wives. Let her get to know them through you. It’s worth a try,” D’Arcy said.
Finally, someone who made his plan feel possible.
* * *
Pushing the wheels on her chair was tough, but she wouldn’t have people to help her endlessly. Plus, the quicker she grew stronger and more capable, the quicker she could leave. A chill raced down her spine. She’d known husbands who threatened to commit their wives to asylums with the mere claim that they were crazy or disobedient. People with tuberculosis ended up there too.
“Phoebe, if you need help, just call my name,” Dee admonished rushing into the room. “You’re too weak and fragile to be trying to wheel yourself.” She stepped behind the chair and began to push. “Oh! This chair is extremely heavy, you’ll injure yourself.” She wheeled Phoebe to the front window and stepped back. “There, a delightful view for you.”
“Thank you, Dee,” Phoebe said automatically. It didn’t matter where she’d sought to go. People pushed her to where they thought best without consulting her. As if her mind had broken along with her back. She released a sigh. They meant well. If only she could learn to be patient. How many times had she clasped her hands into white knuckles to keep from revealing her emotions? She would not be ungrateful.
“Dee, why don’t you want to go to Texas?”
“My family is here. My folks, and I have a sister. I couldn’t leave them. They rely on my income from various jobs to make ends meet. I’m also needed on the farm. It has nothing to do with you, Phoebe. You are pleasant and kind. If things were different, I’d go. If you want my advice, I think you should go with Shea. I love listening to his stories about his ranch. Imagine having so many brothers.”
“Yes, he has nine brothers, and they all have wives, and there are children everywhere. I just don’t want to be a burden.” Phoebe sighed.
“Shea doesn’t seem to be the type to offer something he doesn’t want. You came here to marry a man you didn’t really know. At least with Shea you know what you’re getting.”
“Dee, it isn’t as simple as that. I wouldn’t be going as a bride. He’s just offering me a place to live and someone to take care of me. I shouldn’t think I’ll ever be asked for my hand in marriage again. I keep thinking about all the children, and maybe they will assuage my shattered heart. I had wanted a family with many children.” Her voice grew husky at the end. If she weren’t careful, she’d start weeping again, and she simply couldn’t. She needed to harness her emotions. Emotions had no place in her decision making.
“I have a cousin who I might talk into going with you on the train,” she said thoughtfully. “And I may be able to talk one of my male cousins to go along so she isn’t traveling alone on the way back. It would just be for the train, mind you.”
Hope soared in her heart. “That would be wonderful! Don’t ask until I talk to Shea. I don’t want to assume anything. He could have changed his mind.”
“Changed my mind about what?” came his voice from near the door, startling her.
Dee stepped close to him. “I was just saying I have a cousin who might take the trip to Texas and bring one of her brothers. As soon as you’re off the train, you’ll need other plans though.” She beamed as though she’d just answered their prayers.
“Ask!” he implored, his eyes lighting with interest. “I’d like to get back as soon as I can. That would be wonderful, Dee, thank you.”
Was Dee batting her eyelashes at Shea? Phoebe shivered. She hadn’t seen that coming. Dee rushed out the door and once again no one asked what Phoebe wanted to do. Her future was being arranged for her. Queasiness threatened to overcome her. It was doubtless the way things would be from now on.
Suddenly she was being wheeled away from the window by Shea. Craning her neck, she gazed at him.
“I don’t want you to get a chill sitting there,” he explained. “I’ll see if Mrs. Carroll has tea for us.”
She didn’t bother to respond. It wouldn’t have mattered. Bitterness was making its way into her heart, and she couldn’t seem to stop it. Perhaps she was just selfish. It was as though pieces of her were cracking off every day. It was hard to accept all the changes. It was so very painful to have to rely on another for everything. So much had been taken from her that day of the accident, including her independence. Her pride had been stolen from her and shredded. Sighing, she shook her head. She needed to think of something else.
What was Texas like? She supposed it didn’t matter so much. She hadn’t known a thing about Abilene before she came to get married. She had thought Davey Rank to be her hero. Some hero. At least he hadn’t wanted the money he’d sent for her to travel returned to him.
“Here we go,” Shea said as he lay the tea service on the low table. He poured the tea and handed a cup to her.
“Thank you. Aren’t
you going to join me?”
He shook his head. “I have a date with Matilde. She’s a peculiar cow. One day she seems to like me and allows me to milk her no problem, and suddenly on other days she tries to kick me.” An easy chuckle slipped out. “Most females like me.”
She lifted her brow as she stared at him in amusement.
“I mean animals. Female animals usually like me.” Twin spots of ruby red decorated his cheeks. “I’ll be back.”
It was fun to see his face turn crimson for a change.
Phoebe sipped her tea. It wasn’t her pride that had been shredded, she realized, it was her dignity. Her pride was still smoldering inside her, and it wasn’t easily quashed. She sat up straighter and lifted her chin. Somehow, she’d have to carry on. Her prayers would see her through. She couldn’t negate what took place and what was lost. It might even be a chance for her faith to grow.
Chapter Six
It was finally time to say goodbye to both Mrs. Carroll and Dee. They had said their goodbyes to Dr. Kennedy the night before. The trunks were loaded. They concluded the wheelchair would be too unwieldy on the train, and it would have to go in the luggage car for now.
Dee’s cousins, Jasper and Adel, were thrilled to go. They’d never been on a train before. Jasper was tall and strong. Adel was pretty and an incessant talker. They both had rich brown hair and blue eyes. Phoebe smiled at their enthusiasm.
Shea picked her up and carried her onto the train. The trip could take roughly three weeks, depending. Depending on what, she didn’t want to ask. There would be numerous stops along the line for water, passengers, and food.
He placed her onto a cushioned bench closest to the window. Adel quickly sat next to her. Shea stood waiting for Jasper. When Jasper arrived, Shea sat across from Phoebe.
“Are you sorry to see the last of Abilene?” Adel asked her.
“No, except for the few friends I made.” Phoebe stared out the window. Nothing about moving West had been as she imagined.
“Did you ever get to talk to your groom? Mr. Rank, wasn’t it?”
After groaning internally, Phoebe turned and tried to smile. “Yes, that was his name and after the accident he never claimed me.” She clasped her hands, seeking to stay her frustration.
“I’m not sure you missed out on much. He’s handsome with a nice farm, but he never talked much, and I seldom saw a smile on his face. I never noticed him at Sunday services either.” Adel chattered on, but Phoebe stopped listening.
It stung, being left without a word, but she was positive it was for the best. It would have been a disaster. Being unwanted was one of the lowest feelings there was. Thankfully, she was educated, and she’d find some means to contribute at her new home. No more being left where others wanted her to be.
The train jolted, and she plunged forward.
Shea was instantly down on one knee, holding her up on her seat. His face full of concern. He gently nudged her backward, so she leaned against the back of the seat.
Heat licked up her face. “Thank you.”
He sat back down and smiled. “I suppose we have a lot to get used to and anticipate.”
We? She stared out the window while holding on to the arm of the bench. There was far more getting used to than she’d imagined. She’d never been one to seek attention in fact it made her uneasy. Thankfully, she had her needlepoint and a few books to keep her occupied.
Jasper seemed content to let his sister talk and talk. At one point, Phoebe had to bite her cheek to save herself from laughing. Shea shifted; it appeared Adel was bothering him. She asked question after question about the ranch, and finally Shea gave her one-word answers.
Two women from across the aisle glanced frequently at Jasper and Shea.
“Excuse me,” the older one said as she leaned their way. “Are you on your honeymoon?”
“No ma’am,” Jasper answered.
The woman shook her head. “I meant the other gentleman.”
Shea gazed at the woman for a moment. “No, I’m not married.”
The woman smiled in delight. “Where is your eventual destination?”
“We’re traveling to Fort Worth,” Shea answered.
“If you don’t mind my asking, what will you be doing there?”
From the frown on his face, it was evident he minded. Phoebe tried even harder not to laugh.
“I have a ranch there, ma’am. Actually, my brothers and I do.”
The woman’s eyes opened. “You’re a Kavanagh, aren’t you? I’ve never met you or your family, but I’ve heard wonderful things about all of you. This is my daughter Wilma and I’m Mrs. Burns. It is just so nice to meet you.”
Shea pulled at the collar of his shirt. “Nice to meet you, ma’am and your daughter as well. This is Miss Kagan, and Adel and Jasper Gates.”
“We’re brother and sister,” Jasper interjected quickly.
“How very nice.” She settled her gaze on Shea. “I hope we can count on you, Mr. Kavanagh, in case we have need of you.”
Phoebe picked up her handkerchief and muted her laugh.
Shea gave her a look of warning. “Both Jasper and I are here if you need us.” He stood. “I’m leaving to check the berth car, if you’ll excuse me.”
He stepped out of the passenger car.
“Wilma, follow so you know where we’re to sleep tonight.”
“Mother, it wouldn’t be proper.”
“The women’s berths are the other way,” Jasper informed them.
“Adel, could you get my book out of my bag for me?” Socializing and trying to maintain a straight face had turned out to be taxing. Once Phoebe had the book, she immersed herself into the story.
* * *
Shea gazed down at the head leaning on his shoulder. Phoebe looked so young and peaceful when she slept. She’d doubtless be furious when she woke up and found him sitting next to her. Adel had kept pushing Phoebe back upright when she leaned over in her sleep. It was late, but it felt so much later. An hour of quiet would be most welcome.
Mrs. Burns glanced over at him so many times it amazed him her neck wasn’t hurting her. He knew her type. She saw him as a big bag of money. Her poor daughter looked to be cowed by her. He hadn’t heard her utter a word. Perhaps tomorrow he would escort his party to another car.
That was why he’d never married. He wasn’t even in Texas and already some mother thought to marry off her daughter to him. It irked him to no end.
He was likewise not pleased with Adel. There wasn’t an ounce of gentleness in the manner she shoved Phoebe’s body off her. He inhaled deeply and released the breath. It was going to be an interminable trip.
Phoebe woke and granted him a sleepy smile. “What are you doing here?”
“I volunteered to remain here to give Adel a bit of a break.”
“Is there…? I need to use…”
“Yes, in the women’s berth car. The men have their own too. Adel could you take her?”
Adel stood and shook her head. “I’m not strong enough to carry her.”
Phoebe’s jaw dropped. “That is why you were employed, to aid me, and that unfortunately involves carrying me.”
Adel flushed and sat back down.
Jasper stood. “I’ll take you.”
Phoebe closed her mouth and shook her head.
Shea grabbed her up into his arms and stood.
“But—”
“It’s fine. Getting from one car to another can be tricky.” He walked the length of the car and opened the door. He waited to be confident the cars were straight and stepped to the next car. He walked through another car and eventually made it to the women’s berth.
“You can’t be in here!” one woman yelled.
“She can’t walk.”
“I’ll help her. Just sit her on the wooden bench inside and I can take care of the rest.” She moved into the room when Shea came out. “My Adam was injured in the war and help was scarce. I learned a thing or two about nursing.”
> A few minutes afterward, the woman came out. “She’s all yours. You tell the woman you hired to accompany you next time. There’s plenty she could have helped with that didn’t require carrying her.”
“Thank you…? I’m sorry I didn’t get your name.”
“I’m Mary Ryan, and your lady told me about you, Mr. Kavanagh. I’ll be back here if needed. I’m nursing a woman on this trip. We’re not crossing the Red River. We’ll be getting off before then, but we’ll be here a good portion of the trip.”
Shea slipped by Mary and smiled down at Phoebe. She looked as though she just preferred to hide under bedcovers. Gently, he lifted her.
They stepped out. “Thank you, Mary,” Phoebe said.
“I’ll see you again tonight.” Mary smiled.
He held Phoebe close to him. It had to be so hard for her, and to have Adel make a fuss made matters worse. He’d keep his eye out. Maybe he could locate someone else and send the Gateses packing.
“My goodness, that was trying. Thank you for never balking at helping me. I never allowed it much thought. Everyone had been very wonderful to me in Abilene. You’ve been a true friend to me, and I can’t even explain how grateful I am.”
“Don’t you worry, I’m not going anywhere.”
“Because you feel obligated?”
“There is that, but essentially because I want to.” He paused, not quite sure how to explain. “You…differ from any woman I know.”
She beamed. “I’d ask how, but we’re almost to our seats. I must wait for another time.”
Adel stood and got out of the way so he could set Phoebe down. She smiled at them both. “I’m so glad it went smoothly.”
He lingered until he had Phoebe settled. “You could have been a help to Phoebe. That is what I hired you to do. I understand you can’t carry her and that is fine, but the next time you follow us and you help.”
Adel’s eyes widened momentarily. “Yes, you’re right. I’m sorry.” She sat down next to Phoebe and patted her hand.
Shea: Cowboy Chance: The Kavanagh Brothers Book 10 Page 3