Melody

by Caroline Clemmons

  Hank came where she was working. “I wondered what was happening in here.”

  He watched for a few seconds. “Uh, Mrs. Melody, does the doc know you’re changing his things?”

  She continued switching around jars and bottles. “I thought it would be a nice surprise for him if I put these in alphabetical order. He really doesn’t have much time to rearrange the office, does he?”

  Hank’s face showed alarm. “I guess not but I think he already had everything set up the way he wanted. Ma’am, he doesn’t let me touch stuff.”

  She sent the young man a perplexed glance. “Oh, I wonder why not. He said you’re training to become a physician.”

  “That’s true. I’m not close yet, though. I reckon it will be several years before I can set up practice. We were hoping that by then he’d need a partner and I could work with him.”

  “Won’t that be nice? I’m sure that will please your parents—I mean you working here in Angel Creek instead of having to move away.”

  “They’re hopeful the plan works. I’m an only child so they don’t want me to move.”

  From the other room, Mr. Tate called, “What’s going on out there?”

  Hank rolled his eyes. “I’ll go back and entertain him. He doesn’t like to read but he wants me to play cards with him.”

  “If he were in a hospital, he’d have to amuse himself. When you’re tired of that, tell him you have duties to which you must attend.”

  Hank grinned. “Yes, ma’am, I might do that.” He went back to check on the demanding patient.

  Melody completed her organizing and stood back to survey the results. She was certain Nick would be happy with the arrangement. Smiling, she returned to the house. After she started pork chops baking slowly, she resumed her sewing.

  She was setting the table when she heard her husband come into the house.

  His face was red and a frown marred his forehead. “Mel-o-dee! What possessed you to meddle with my supplies?”

  She took a step backward. “I-I wanted to surprise you. They were in a muddle so I put them in alphabetical order so you could find them easier.”

  He stepped toward her. “A muddle? Hadn’t it occurred to you that I had them exactly the way I wanted them? I’ve been here since summer and would have changed them otherwise. In fact, I did change them from the way the previous doctor had them. Now I have to change them back again.”

  She didn’t know how to appease him. “I’m sorry. I wanted to help. I thought you’d be pleased.”

  He sank onto a chair and rubbed his forehead. “Please, don’t mess with the way I have things organized at the clinic. I have everything set up to fit my work habits.”

  “All right, I think you’ve made that quite clear.” She set the table for supper without looking at him.

  She hid the tears that gathered in her eyes. Would she ever do anything to suit him? Now he would be even more firmly convinced he’d been stuck with the wrong wife. Maybe he had. Perhaps he needed someone else, someone like her friend Elizabeth.

  At least Melody could cook. He hadn’t complained about the food she’d prepared. She set out the pork chops stuffed with apples and bread and glazed with cider. Accompanying them were sweet potatoes, corn, and relish.

  He said a quick blessing and ate without further comment. If that’s what he wanted, she would be silent as well. She didn’t feel like talking civilly anyway.

  When he’d cleaned his plate, he pushed back from the table. “That was an exceptional meal. I’ve never had pork chops like that.”

  “I’m glad you enjoyed the food. The chops have to be cut thick in order to stuff them. Since those were cut that way, I thought you must like them with dressing in the pocket.”

  He stood and caught her hand in his. “Melody, I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings about the clinic. I appreciate that you wanted to help. Please don’t try anything like that again, though.”

  She couldn’t meet his gaze. “I’m sure an experienced hospital nurse would have known not to touch your supplies.”

  He dropped her hand and held her shoulders. “Every doctor has his own way of doing things. I reorganized things from the way Dr. Collins had them. He was meticulous and efficient. I believe I am too. This has nothing to do with experience—although a hospital nurse might have hesitated touching anything.”

  She wanted to grit her teeth and yell. “I will learn how to help you, Nick. I admit I made a mess of today’s effort, but I’m determined to become a benefit. You’ll see.”

  He released her and carried his plate to the sink. “I’m sure you will. You’re an intelligent woman so there’s no reason you can’t.”

  Somewhat mollified, she smiled at him as she put away leftover food. “Tell me about your day.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Nick was at a loss for what to say to his wife. One minute he wanted to get an annulment immediately and the next he was certain he wanted to stay with her forever. Made him feel like a fool for being so indecisive.

  When he saw what she’d done to the clinic, he was so furious he’d had to walk around outside a few minutes before he entered the house. He would gladly have applied for an annulment that minute. As he cooled off, he realized she’d had good intentions.

  He’d been sincere when he told her he believed her to be intelligent. She’d proved that. He couldn’t see her ever being a good nurse, though. Perhaps by the time he really needed a nurse, he could hire one.

  Helping with the dishes was not something he’d ever expected to do. Her comment about a woman working all day and then cleaning while he sat around in the evening had stung. Now he found he didn’t mind helping. The chore went quickly and gave them a chance to become better acquainted.

  “I made four visits. One was pretty far out and took most of the time. The patient is an elderly woman named Mattie Lou Price who lives with her son, Bert, and daughter-in-law, Amy. She has a bad heart and is getting weaker no matter what I prescribe. Her heart is just worn out, like her body. They’re good people but don’t have much materially. They sent us a quilt, partly as a wedding gift and part in payment of their bill.”

  She dried the dishes as he washed them. “Good heavens, that represents hours and hours of work.”

  “I tried to refuse until I saw I was going to offend them unless I accepted. I forgot and left it at the clinic but I’ll get it when we finish here. It’s pretty nice. They’ve never paid but I’ve never mentioned payment. As I see things, I’m here to serve the sick whether they can pay or not. Guess the debt bothered them.”

  “It would bother you if the situation were reversed.”

  “You’re right. That’s why I accepted the quilt.” He grinned at her. “Besides, it is a nice wedding gift and we do need more quilts and blankets.”

  “The other visits?”

  “A young couple named Frannie and Eldon Perkins. I delivered their baby boy a few days before you arrived. In fact, they named him after me. I wanted to make sure the mother and baby were doing well and they were. Then there was an older man whose arthritis is so bad he can hardly walk. His name is Vernon Ward. I think there’s something else going on with him but he won’t let me make any tests.”

  “If he doesn’t know for certain then he can pretend nothing else is wrong.”

  He considered the idea. “You’re probably right. The last was to an elderly couple named Harv and Ellie Gibson, who are in sad shape. Both are older and try to take care of one another.”

  “That’s what married couples are supposed to do.”

  “But, neither is well enough. I’ve tried to get them to contact one of their children for help. They’re determined not to ‘bother’ their sons or daughters. Each time I see them their house is in worse shape. I know they’re not able to do everything that’s needed.”

  “Can you contact the children on their behalf?”

  “I’ve considered it. There’s a son who doesn’t live that far away. He could come check on them but I d
on’t think he ever does. The children write but, of course, the parents assure them they’re fine.”

  “I’d be tempted, Nick, or have Reverend Carroll write them. Before she lost her mind, Nana Fraser didn’t want to have to rely on anyone. She had to, though. No one can survive alone forever.”

  “You know, I believe I’ll write the son this evening. Harv and Ellie will be angry, but I have their best interests at heart.”

  “The people for whom you make house calls—are they mostly unable to come into the clinic to see you?”

  “That’s right. Sometimes I stop by someone else I’ve seen recently if I’m going by their house on another call.”

  “Sounds like you’re a nice doctor as well as good at your job. I’m glad to know that.”

  “Thank you kindly, ma’am. I try.” And he did.

  Having someone notice was nice. This was one of the things he liked about marriage to Melody. She was a positive person, always looking on the good side of people and situations.

  Each day she was there, Melody learned more about Nick’s habits and the way he wanted his clinic operated. Wednesday was busy and the day finished quickly. She’d enjoyed talking to the patients and filing their records.

  Thursday morning at breakfast, Nick looked at her. “This is another day of house calls. If you would prefer to remain here, then please do. If you’d like to go with me, though, you’re welcome to ride along.”

  “I’d love to go with you.” No need to think about her decision.

  She’d made good headway on her blue mohair dress but it wasn’t completed. She had no idea when she would have a chance to sew her new clothes—perhaps Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Thank goodness Mrs. Weston had suggested she take some unmentionables that were complete. She supposed if they were snowed in, she’d have plenty of time to sew and knit, except she hadn’t bought any yarn.

  When Nick returned from taking Hank and Mr. Tate their food then fetching the buggy, he stamped his feet. “Light snow. Don’t think it will get bad. If the snow picks up, we’ll head home.”

  On the buggy seat, Melody wrapped her coat around her and Nick pulled a buffalo hide over their laps. The hide was heavy and added warmth but didn’t smell very good. Still, she was grateful to have its warmth.

  Their first stop was to an older couple named Polly and Mark Bennett who looked fit. Apparently, their main complaint was arthritis.

  The man said, “If we live through the winter, we’re selling up and moving to where it’s warm all year. One of our sons lives near Tombstone, Arizona and suggested we come there.”

  Nick looked at the man. “No reason you shouldn’t live for many years if you take care of yourselves.”

  Mrs. Bennett insisted on sending a pound cake home with them.

  Snow fell but in large flakes that drifted slowly to lodge in the trees and on the ground. Before climbing back into the buggy, Melody looked up at the sky and let snow hit her face. She might tire of it later, but now it was beautiful.

  Laughing at her, Nick helped her onto the seat. “I should have thought of heating bricks for our feet. We could warm them at each stop.”

  “I’m feeling fine but I’m glad the wind isn’t blowing. That would make us cold even with the hide cover.”

  They made two more visits before deciding to head back to town. The snow was heavier and the sky had darkened.

  “So, your patients were expecting you to call today, is that right?”

  He nodded. “I had told them last week that I’d return today if I could. We’re skipping two more but I don’t want to get caught in a storm.”

  “Then, I understand why Mrs. Palmer had a hen plucked and ready to cook when we arrived. I was afraid we were taking her and her husband’s dinner.”

  “Looks as if we have supper supplied. We’ll be home by two.”

  Something caught Melody’s attention. “Look at that pony. He’s standing over something. Wait—is that a person in the snow?”

  “Looks like one.” He turned the buggy. “Hope I don’t get us stuck in a ditch.”

  As they approached the shape took the form of a young Indian woman. Nick set the brake then hopped down. Melody climbed from the buggy and followed.

  The young woman spoke but not in English. She had a knife and raised her hand as if to stab Nick. Her dark eyes were filled with terror. Bruises dotted her face.

  He spoke soothingly to her.

  Melody knelt beside her. “We will help you.” She gestured to Nick. “He is a doctor, a medicine man.”

  The woman looked from Melody to Nick and back.

  Melody smiled, hoping she reassured the woman. “He is a good man. Come with us before you freeze.” She gestured for the girl to get in the buggy.

  She shook her head. Pointing to her legs, she signed that they wouldn’t work and she fell when trying to walk.

  Letting her keep the knife, Nick scooped her up and carried her to the buggy.

  Melody led the horse to tie behind their conveyance. As soon as she’d done that, she climbed into the buggy. She removed her coat and used it as a blanket for both the girl and herself. Nick pulled the buffalo hide over them and set the buggy headed for home.

  Almost immediately, the young woman either fell asleep or passed out.

  Back in Angel Creek, he parked at the house rather than the clinic. “I think she needs to be with us. She’ll be more comfortable with you than with Hank.”

  “Please, she should be in the master bedroom and you can move that small bed in there. I’ll sleep on it and she can have the big bed.”

  He frowned. “You won’t mind?”

  “Not at all. She appears weak and injured. I suspect she’ll need almost constant care or she’ll be frightened.”

  “I appreciate your thoughtfulness. Then, that’s what we’ll do. I wouldn’t want her to try to leave until she’s recovered from whatever happened to her.”

  While Nick was at the livery stable, Melody assisted her to use the chamber pot. After that, she helped the young woman remove her leather dress and boots. The girl was so exhausted that she was like a rag doll.

  From her family’s shipping, Melody was familiar with hides. The Indian maiden’s clothes were beautiful and of high quality leather. She must have stature in her tribe.

  When the young woman was settled in bed, her injuries were visible and were horrifying. She’d been tied up, judging by rope marks on her wrists and around her neck. Bruises covered her body.

  The more she saw, the angrier Melody became. When Nick entered, Melody asked, “Who would do such a thing?” She brushed the girl’s hair from her face gently.

  “Some people think Indians are not really human. I saw Quinn on the way back from the livery and told him about her. He speaks a little Blackfoot so maybe he can at least learn her name.”

  “Why do you say Blackfeet sometimes and Blackfoot others?”

  “Either is correct. I use the one that seems to fit with what I’m saying. I think originally they called themselves Blackfeet.”

  Melody gazed at the sleeping girl. “I don’t know if she’ll allow you to, but she needs to be completely examined. She’s covered in bruises. When she relieved herself, there was too much fresh blood.”

  “I’m sure she’d been assaulted multiple times. Are you sure the blood is not from… um, her woman’s time?”

  “Definitely not as there’s too much and it’s different. How old do you think she is? My guess is about fifteen.”

  He studied the girl. “That would be my guess, too.”

  “I’ll fold her dress where she can see it so she knows we haven’t done anything bad to it.” Melody carefully folded the garment and laid it on the chest. She set the leggings beside it.

  Nick stood with his hands in his pants pockets. “That should reassure her.”

  “If you’ll stay with her, I’ll go start the hen cooking. Do you prefer chicken baked or fried or chicken and dumplings?”

  “Tough question.
I’m fond of fried chicken, but in this instance why don’t you bake the hen? Cut off the wings and stew them for broth. That’s probably all she can eat for a while.”

  “I’ll hurry, Nick. I’m sure she’s leery of a man, even one as nice as you.”

  Chapter Twelve

  As Melody finished preparing the hen for the oven and the wings and other organs for stewing, Quinn rapped then entered.

  “I’m so glad you’re here. Perhaps she’ll tell you her name at least.”

  “Your guest in the spare room or the clinic?”

  “In the master bedroom. We thought she needed a nice bed for her convalescence. Come on, I’ll go with you.”

  They walked to where Nick waited with the young woman. She was awake and appeared terrified. She relaxed slightly when she saw Melody.

  Quinn sat on the half bed Nick had moved into the room beside the larger one.

  Melody couldn’t understand anything Nick had said except his name.

  Quinn gestured to Nick and Melody as if explaining who they were and what she was doing there.

  The girl said, “Wapun.” Then she spoke to Quinn hesitantly, slowly.

  Quinn looked angry when he answered her. He stood and turned to Melody and Nick. “Her name is Wapun, which means Dawn. She was kidnapped by three men and taken to a cabin, but she doesn’t know where. Sounds like a line shack on someone’s ranch.”

  Melody smiled at the girl. “Can she describe the men?”

  “She wouldn’t for me. She said nothing happens to white men who hurt Blackfoot women. Makes me mad. I told her I would capture them and put them in jail but she didn’t give me a description.”

  “Let me sit beside her and you can ask again. She’s afraid of men, and with good reason.” Melody sat on the small bed nearest Wapun and took her hand. In case the girl understood more than she let on, Melody met the girl’s gaze.