“I know...” He kissed her forehead. “Life or death...it’s all in God’s hands. You didn’t do anything wrong. All you did was try to help a patient.”
“And I failed.” Her face scrunched up. In all the years he’d known Cassidy, he’d never seen her cry like this. Even when he had left her. But once he was gone for parts unknown, she might have fallen into grief. And of course, it had been less than six months since her father’s death.
He glanced toward the doorway. Although it was open, her mother no longer hovered there. Had she left to allow them privacy? Lifting Cassidy’s chin between his fingers, he tilted her face forcing her to look at him. “Cassie, I know I didn’t do right by you all those years ago, but if you’ll allow me to help...?”
She frowned. “Help? Help how?”
He leaned down and pressed his lips against her soft, warm ones, tasting her sweetness and the salt of her tears. He moved slow, keeping his gaze on the door.
After a moment, she softened in his arms and responded to his kiss, shooting delightful sensations to his groin. But he had to take this easy. He released her and gazed into her eyes.
He wanted to warn her about Madison but couldn’t chance revealing his knowledge about the doctor, even to her. He glanced back at the doorway in case Mrs. Stuart or someone else lingered.
Cassidy drew in a deep breath and wiped her eyes.
Movement outside the doorway drew George’s gaze to Mrs. Stuart. “Cassie, I’d like you to come to the kitchen and eat something.”
“Oh, ma.” She ran a hand over her mussed hair. “I must look a fright.”
“You look beautiful, as always,” George said.
Mrs. Stuart smiled but eyed George warily. “You and George come downstairs and eat something. You’ve been moping up here far too long. And we can catch up on what George has been up to.”
George winked, relieved her mother didn’t send him on his way. “I do miss your ma’s fine cooking, Cassie.”
“All right,” Cassidy said, “but I’d like to freshen up a bit first.”
Her mother nodded. “Come down when you’re ready.” To George, she said, “Come with me so we can get acquainted again, while we wait on Cassie.”
“My pleasure, ma’am.” After a final glance at Cassidy, George followed her mother down the stairs, delighted he wasn’t being thrown out on his ear.
****
Cassidy washed her face and changed into a fresh gown. Although she’d dreamed of George returning to her after all these years, she was sure he wouldn’t stay. She had to keep her emotions under control. He’d only hurt her again. But the thrill of his hard body against her and the press of his lips on hers set her pulse racing and her body heating. But he was here to pay respects to his father and would be on his way again.
Before she’d finished redoing her hair, her mother appeared to check on her and told her George would be staying for dinner. Despite mixed feelings concerning George, Cassidy wanted to look her best. Since the botched birth, she’d cloistered herself in her room, too ashamed to show her face to anyone. And the thought of what poor Ned Tasker had to endure set her teeth on edge and threatened to send warm tears coursing down her cheeks all over again. How would she ever face the man or the town again?
By the time she finished pinning up her hair, a knock at the door sounded.
“Yes?” she called.
“Cassie.” George’s deep voice sent her heart fluttering. “I’ve come to escort you downstairs to dinner.”
“I’ll be right there.” She fastened earrings to her lobes, then checked herself in the mirror. Despite the hours she’d spent crying, her face showed just a hint of puffiness around the eyes.
She opened the door. George smiled at her. He raised his arm, and she grasped the wool sleeve of his coat. His warmth enveloped her, and she wondered how her life would’ve been different if he’d stayed and married her after the war. Would they have a house and a brood of children?
Throughout the meal, he was charming and solicitous. Disapproval for George melted away. Her mother sat enthralled with his stories of life in New York City and California. Her younger brother, Matt, seemed impressed as well. So much so, he pushed his fork through the chicken and dumplings he usually downed with abandon.
Cassidy set down her fork and studied George. “Now, you are making me so jealous.”
His dark brows rose. “How’s that?”
She spread her hands. “You’ve been so many faraway places. The farthest I’ve ever been was Washington City during the war.”
George shook his head. “It wasn’t an easy way to live, being alone on the road.” His gaze dropped.
She cleared her throat and glanced around the table. “If everyone’s finished, I’ll start clearing the table.”
Her mother pinned her with a narrowed gaze but waved an arm for Cassidy to proceed. Matt polished off his plate and handed it to her.
George frowned but said nothing more.
Once the dishes were cleaned, George stepped into the kitchen and asked Cassidy if she’d accompany him to the porch so they could talk alone. The light shawl she’d thrown over her shoulders chased away the slight chill of the evening air.
After settling her on the wicker settee, he sat beside her, enveloping her hand and rubbing it between his large, warm ones. His sandalwood and male scent invited her to lean into his warmth, but she held herself rigid, her emotions on guard.
She had so many questions she wanted answered, like where he’d been all these years and how he made his living.
“Cassie, I know you must hate me for leaving you.”
She narrowed her gaze. “It’s hard to think kindly on someone who leaves you, no matter what the reason. I know you were hurting, but we could have made a life together. Healed each other.”
He shook his head. “I would’ve held you back.”
“From what?”
“Well...you’re a doctor. That was your dream when I returned from prison camp.”
“And look what a fine mess I’ve made of that.” She bowed her head, studying his hand wrapped around hers. His warm touch sent tingles straight to her core. But what was he doing here? Did he really come back for her, or had something or someone else drawn him to Burkeville?
“George, what’s the real reason you’re here?” She held her breath, hoping for the answer she wanted to hear.
He withdrew his hand from hers, taking his warmth with it. “I thought I should come back and check on Pa.” His dark gaze settled on her. “I didn’t reckon you’d ever want to see me again, especially after the disaster I made of my life—and yours.”
She leaned back. “George, you’re wearing fine clothing, telling us about your adventures in New York and California.” She shook her head. “Doesn’t sound to me like your life’s a mess.”
He chewed his lower lip. “I haven’t told you all of it. After I left you, I wandered for a long time. I’m not really clear on all of it, because half the time I was so drunk I didn’t know who or where I was.”
Cassidy stood. “Well, I have to say, you look none the worse for wear after all you’ve been through.”
“Cassie, I...” George grinned, lifting his thumbs to the lapels of his coat. “I always had a knack for poker. Cleaned out many fellow soldiers during the war.”
“Are you telling me you’re a professional gambler?”
He grimaced, dropping his gaze. “I’m not the type of man a physician should associate with. To tell the truth, I figured you’d already forgotten me. I expected to find you with a husband and children by now.”
“There’s no one else, George, if that’s what you’re getting at. Since you left, I haven’t exactly had a slew of suitors at my door.” She eyed him, not sure why she’d told him.
“What about that new doc in town?” He looked toward the road.
“Madison? I despise the man. All he does is try to discredit me. He’s taking all the patients from Pa’s practice. I only hope we
have a few left when Quinn returns.”
George audibly exhaled, a small smile playing on his full lips. “Quinn? Where is he?”
“He’s interning at a hospital in Harrisburg but should be finished in a day or two. He plans to try to salvage what’s left of Pa’s practice over the summer, but I fear I’ve just complicated things.” The sting of tears threatened once more, but she must stay strong. Crying and hiding wouldn’t help her situation.
George studied her as if considering something. “Cassie, I have absolutely no right, but...I’d like to spend time with you while I’m here, if I may?”
She scowled. “So you can work yourself back into my heart and then leave?”
“No, I...” He lowered his gaze. “Reckon I deserve that.”
“I think you should take your leave. Now.”
He nodded, then stood, but paused on the top porch step, before he turned toward the road and lifted his hat to his head.
She sat and watched him descend the steps without looking back. But she couldn’t take her gaze off his broad back. Now he was back in town, she had to sort out her feelings regarding George. She still cared for him but couldn’t stand to be hurt again.
Chapter Six
Scott Madison examined the medical instruments lined up on his desk. Since the Tasker deaths, the whole town seemed to rally around him. Ned’s parents thanked him for seeing to Ellie and the baby, even though it had been too late. As long as Miss Stuart had no allies, he didn’t think he’d have any problem destroying her practice. And if that didn’t work, maybe he could plan another accident, for both the Stuarts.
As he toyed with a metal probe, his mind drifted back to his days as an apprentice in his father’s prestigious practice in Philadelphia. After his stint in medical school at the University of Pennsylvania, he thought he’d settle in, taking on more of his father’s patients as his own, and when his father retired, the practice would be his.
But the young woman, Miss Audrey Wellingham who claimed he assaulted her, had closed the door on his future. As if the little whore hadn’t wanted his attentions. His father had been so afraid of the aftermath he’d banished Scott, not only from the practice, but his home and the city itself. Now he was left with no other choice but to live in this nowhere town and try to reestablish himself as a trusted physician while his father hushed up all accusations against him back home.
He studied his appointment book. The first one penciled in was Miss Baker. He smiled. The young schoolteacher was fairly new in town. She lived at the boardinghouse where he’d stayed before purchasing this house with the money his father had sent him. She seemed reserved and quite respectable but was a real beauty with large cornflower blue eyes and honey-colored hair he imagined felt like pure silk. He’d longed to lay his hands on her the first time he’d seen her. And now, she was to be his first patient. The door chime drew him from an erotic vision of what he’d like to do with the lovely Miss Baker.
A moment later a rap sounded at his office door. “Yes?”
The dark-haired maid, Tillie, poked her head into the open doorway. She was a middle-aged widow, a local he’d hired on a part-time basis, until he acquired enough patients to pay her wages full time. Tillie always seemed to wear a perpetual scowl, but as long as she did her job, he had no problems with the sour disposition.
“Sir, your first patient has arrived.” She shook out the rag in her hand. Apparently, the caller had interrupted her dusting.
“Thank you; could you please show her into the examining room? I’ll be there after she disrobes.”
Tillie’s eyebrows shot up. “She’s to completely disrobe, sir?”
Scott waved a hand. “If I’m to examine her, it’s necessary. Have her put on one of the examination gowns.”
“Yes, sir.” The maid scowled but closed the door, a blush coloring her usual pallid face.
Scott smirked. He planned to have some sport with Miss Baker. His pulse raced as he anticipated examining the smooth, lovely skin of his patient.
Another rap on the door was followed by, “Sir? Miss Baker is ready.”
“Thank you, I’ll be right there.”
Scott tapped on the door before entering and found, to his delight, a half-naked Miss Baker clutching the flimsy gown around her pale shoulders to cover her bosom. She turned, eyes wide, and swallowed. Scott’s blood warmed as he closed the door behind him. As he edged close to the table, the scent of rose and something both spicy and sweet enticed him. He was more than ready to rub his hands all over her smooth flesh.
“Good morning Miss Baker. What seems to be the problem today?”
She glanced away. “I...Miss Stuart stitched up my arm yesterday and told me to keep it clean and watch it for infection. While I was at school today, I noticed it seemed to be a bit red and puffy, so I thought I should have it looked at.”
“Ah, yes. You’re the local school marm.”
She nodded but dropped her gaze. “I’d planned to go back to Miss Stuart, but after I heard about the Taskers, I thought...”
“Rest assured, Miss Baker, I’m a quite competent physician. I attended the University of Pennsylvania and practiced in Philadelphia before coming here.” He smiled, hoping to assuage any fears and relax her for the exam.
She sighed. “I suppose I’ve come to the right doctor, then.”
“Very well. Shall we start?” He stepped closer and examined her eyes, then brushed his hands along her face to her throat. Her pulse was rapid, breathing shallow. “Aside from the redness around the stitches, do you have any other symptoms, Miss Baker?”
She swallowed. “I do feel a bit warm.” She lifted her arm. “Is it infected?”
Scott examined the wound, brushing his fingers up to her upper arm, and noted her slight shiver. “I’ll clean it with antiseptic. You can come back to me when it’s time for the stitches to be removed. Lie down and I’ll complete the exam.”
She pulled the gown tighter around her and lay back on the table. He feasted his gaze on her lush bosom and curvaceous hips arranged in such a vulnerable position. He strained against his trousers as his hands descended to cup her breasts.
“Is—is this really necessary, Doctor?” Her chest heaved in his hands.
“If I’m to perform a complete examination, it is. Isn’t that what you’re here for, Miss Baker?”
Her throat worked. “I suppose so, but shouldn’t the maid be in here with us?”
“Whatever for?”
“For propriety, sir.”
“It’s not necessary, Miss Baker. I’m a man of medicine.” He brushed his hands over her narrow waist and lush, feminine hips, then trailed his fingers down her thighs. Her sharp intake of breath drew his gaze back to her face.
He longed to take her full lips. How sweet they would taste. But he had to be careful. The teacher would have to come back, since she’d likely not trust Miss Stuart to treat her again. He’d bide his time.
Once Miss Baker dressed, he placed his hand against the small of her back. “Tillie will make an appointment for you next week. I want to keep an eye on your wound to be sure you don’t develop an infection.”
“Thank you, Doctor.” She turned toward the front room where Tillie waited with the appointment book.
Ah, yes. Scott would be counting the days until he could be alone again with the luscious school teacher.
****
Early Thursday morning, Cassidy rose, dressed, and descended the stairs. George’s visit yesterday had mollified her somewhat. Maybe the deaths hadn’t been her fault.
At the bottom of the stairs, she caught sight of her mother swirling through the hall with a feather duster. “Isn’t it a bit early to be housecleaning, Ma?”
“I got a letter from your sister. She and Wesley are coming for a visit.”
“Sarah’s coming here? When?”
“Today.” Her mother turned her back and continued dusting the table.
“Today,” Cassidy sputtered. “Why is this the first
I’m hearing of her visit?”
“She sent the post as they were leaving. It arrived today.”
That explains it. Typical Sarah, always impulsive.
“Did she tell you why she’s coming?”
“She says it’s a surprise. I can’t wait to find out what it could be.” Her mother scurried into the parlor, her feather duster almost flying through the air.
Cassidy sighed. While she did miss her sister, she could be a whirlwind, disrupting the whole house. “Where’s Matt?”
“He took the carriage to collect them. They’re arriving by train.” Mrs. Stuart called from another room.
Before Cassidy could utter another word, the door opened to peals of laughter. Matt strode through first, his arms loaded with luggage. Sarah bustled in behind, followed by her husband, Wesley Tynan. The tall, lean, fair-haired man was still as handsome as the day they’d married five years ago after the war ended. Wesley was a Union army lieutenant Sarah had met at a local dance during the war years.
Cassidy hurried forward to embrace her sister. She wore a fashionable feathered hat perched on her chestnut curls and a stylish black gown pushed out in back by a bustle.
“You look wonderful, Sarah,” Cassidy said.
“You too, Cassie. I’m sorry it’s been so long between visits, but Wesley’s been very busy at the finance office.”
Cassidy stepped toward Wesley, who gave her a peck on the cheek. “It’s good to see you too, Wes.”
“And you, Cassie. You’re looking well.”
Their mother strode into the room and embraced the couple. She leaned back eyeing Sarah. “And what is this surprise you have for us? I’m just bursting to hear.”
Sarah beamed. Wesley nudged his wife’s arm. “Are you gonna tell them or should I?”
“Wesley and I...are going to have a baby!”
“Oh, Sarah,” her mother said. “What wonderful news!”
Cassidy smiled but backed away as Sarah babbled on about the impending birth. The image of Mrs. Tasker and her child, both covered in blood, threatened to send her screaming from the room.
A few hours later, after Sarah and Wesley had been set up in the guest room, Sarah approached Cassidy and asked if they could talk in private.
Cassidy's War Page 4