At the front of the building, she sagged against him. He righted her, and she brushed the front of her skirt.
“George...” Her green eyes crinkled. “That was such fun.”
He grinned, not sure if she meant their lovemaking or their escape. “I think we’d best get you home, Cassie.”
She nodded but covered her mouth to suppress another giggle.
George turned and gulped. His contact, Mrs. Claymore, strode toward the hotel, likely on her way to deliver a note to him. If Cassidy saw her...
He grasped Cassidy’s arm. “You’d best go on home alone. I have something I have to attend to immediately.”
“George?” Her dark brows knitted. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” He backed into the alley, but Mrs. Claymore had spotted him.
“Mr. Masters,” she called. “I’ve something for you.”
Cassidy stared at the woman, then turned and faced him, her face contorting. “I see what important business you have to attend to!” She crossed her arms over her chest. “And I thought you’d changed.” She slapped his face and strode across the road. A carriage driver halted his horse to avoid hitting her.
“Cassie, wait!” he called. She never looked back.
Mrs. Claymore approached, her puzzled gaze following Cassidy’s departure. “A problem, Mr. Masters?”
He sighed. “Nothing I can’t handle. I hope.”
She handed him a note. “Mr. Pinkerton wants you to leave as soon as possible for Philadelphia. There’s been a new development in the case.” She glanced at the paper he held. “Your instructions are in the note.”
“Philadelphia,” he repeated.
Mrs. Claymore nodded, then left. He cringed.
How the hell can I fix things with Cassie now?
****
Monday morning, Cassidy set up the exam room, preparing for her first patient of the day. The warm memory of her morning in George’s arms, followed by the encounter with the woman from the boardinghouse confirmed her worst fears. He’d used her like he used all women. To cover for the time spent with him, she’d told her mother she’d been detained in town by a patient who needed immediate care. She hoped her mother wouldn’t ask any more questions, but she seemed too busy with her baking to inquire further.
Cassidy sent a note to Dr. Madison asking him to stop by today, too, since she wouldn’t have time to call on him. In truth, she didn’t want to show up at his house, in case the maid wasn’t there. Her pulse raced as she wondered how she’d hide what she knew from the doctor.
An hour later, her mother led Dr. Madison into the room. A bandage covered his nose, black smudges lined his eyes, but he twisted his lips into a smile.
“Miss Stuart, I’d like to thank you again for coming to my rescue Saturday night.”
“Not at all, Doctor.” She gestured toward a chair. “Please, have a seat.”
He settled his long frame in the chair, resting his hat on the table beside him. “I’m grateful I didn’t run into Masters this morning. He might’ve given me a bloody lip to match the nose.”
She chewed on her lower lip. Images of George’s naked body and the sensations he’d aroused sent her stomach fluttering.
Madison’s brow arched. “You seem more than a bit distracted, Miss Stuart.”
“Do I?” She swirled around to locate a pair of shears. “I’ve had a rather busy morning.”
He grasped her wrist.
Her breath caught. She turned back to face him.
“You have a certain glow about you today.” His amber gaze roved over her.
“I...it’s just such a glorious day. Why wouldn’t I be glowing?”
Madison grinned. “Why indeed?”
Cassidy quirked a brow, lifting the shears. “Let me just take a peek at your nose, Doctor.”
He stiffened but allowed her to proceed.
****
George tossed clothes in his suitcase. The note from William Pinkerton ordered him to leave for Philadelphia to interview a Miss Mildred Strunk. She’d worked as a nurse for the Madisons, both father and son, at the father’s still thriving practice in Philadelphia, but she’d resigned her position. He’d checked at the station to find no train available until Monday morning and he’d reckoned Cassidy was none to happy with him right now, so had stayed away yesterday, but how would he explain his sudden absence? Or should he? Maybe he should have left her out of this whole investigation.
The spot on the bed beside him held her scent, lilac and woman. He sighed. Maybe he shouldn’t have taken advantage of her, but she’d seemed eager. He hoped she wouldn’t regret what they’d done, after this apparent misunderstanding. They’d waited five long years, because of his stupidity. But because he couldn’t trust her with his true identity, he may have ruined his chances with her again.
He lifted the feather pillow she’d lain on, inhaling her scent. His mind drifted back to the day he’d returned from prison camp. The day he’d asked her to be his wife.
After his release from the prison in Richmond, he’d hitched rides and trudged the rest of the way home. Although he had nothing to return to in Burkeville, he had nowhere else to go.
He’d plodded up the road with her house the first he passed. He slowed and saw an angel, his angel. She’d raced to the end of her garden to the gate. Tears glistened in her eyes.
“What’s this all about?” he’d asked.
“I thought you were dead, and I wanted to die, too. I’ve been denying my feelings for a long time...” She took a deep breath. “I love you.”
He blinked, taken aback for a moment. “You don’t know how many times in prison I dreamed of this moment. I should have told you before I left how I felt, but I was afraid.”
“Of me?” Cassidy opened the gate and stepped toward him.
He took her by the shoulders and grazed his lips over her forehead.
“Cassidy Stuart,” he whispered, “I’ve loved you for a long time. I’m not ever letting you go again. Marry me.”
She pulled away.
He smiled, but his smile faded as she hesitated. His stomach tightened as he realized she was going to say no.
“Forgive me,” he said. “I presumed too much.”
She clasped her hands together. “Oh, no it’s not that...I never expected this.”
“I’m rushing you.” He backed away a few paces.
She grasped his hand, her warmth and scent enveloping him. “Please, don’t misunderstand. We’ve had too much of that already.”
He gazed into her beautiful green eyes. “Thinking of you was the one thing that kept me alive.”
She shook her head. “I should’ve done more. If only I could’ve written you...”
He shushed her with a finger on her lush lips.
“Yes,” she said.
“Yes, what?”
“Yes, I’ll marry you, but first—” She smiled and patted his ribs. “—I’ve got to fatten you up. You look like your pa’s scarecrow.”
George glanced across the hotel room and stared at the patterned wallpaper. That day had been the happiest of his life and, until now, he’d been living in hell without her.
He vowed he’d never leave her again, and he sure as hell swore to keep his promise. When he returned from Philadelphia, he’d make things right.
Chapter Eighteen
Before leaving his room, George penned a hasty letter to Cassidy explaining he must leave but would be back as soon as possible. He didn’t want to divulge any more in case the letter landed in the wrong hands. He didn’t have time to hand deliver it.
He sealed the post, then splashed water on his face and shrugged into his vest and coat.
He grabbed the packed bag and thudded down the stairs, stopping at the front desk. His jaw still ached from his encounter with Madison, and he’d spent a good portion of Sunday night pacing his hotel room worrying about Cassidy.
The clerk, Mr. Stanton, glanced up as George dropped his suitcase and handed him the
sealed note. “You look like you got run over by a train, Mister.”
George ran a hand over his stubble. “Reckon I feel like I have.”
The clerk leaned on the counter and eyed him. “Are you checking out, sir?”
“No. I’ll just be out of town for a few days. I hope you can hold my room until I return.”
The man nodded. “Either that room or another. We don’t see much business.”
George grinned. “Thanks. I will be back.”
“You the one had the run in with Doc Madison?” Stanton narrowed his gaze.
George scowled. “Word does get around.”
“Over Miss Stuart, wasn’t it?” The man’s salt and pepper brow arched. “Fighting over the little lady, you were.”
George detected admiration in the man’s gaze. “Maybe I didn’t like the way he touched her.”
Stanton grinned. “Well, sir, I wish you luck.” He squinted. “Folks here tell me you used to live in Burkeville.”
“A long time ago, but I left just after the war.” George handed Stanton the letter. “Could you please be sure Miss Stuart gets this?”
The man smiled. “I’ll take it to her myself.” He nodded. “Yes, sir, I’ll get this right out for you today.”
“Thank you.” George reached into his pocket extracting a few coins, thankful the clerk didn’t ask any questions.
As he turned to leave, Stanton warned, “You’d best get some rest, sir. Maybe you should get Miss Stuart to give you a look over before you leave.” He winked.
“Don’t have time. Have to catch the next train out.” George turned away.
He strode to the train station, wishing he’d had more time to explain to Cassidy. As he neared the platform, he caught sight of a well-dressed woman with chestnut hair standing by the ticket office, suitcases beside her.
Mrs. Claymore.
He stepped to her side. “Don’t tell me you’re going to Philadelphia too?”
She smirked, then her face colored. “No, Mr. Masters, I’m headed for New York. But I will be joining you in Philadelphia in a few days so I can relay your findings back to the agency...” She sighed. “You know we can’t risk—”
“I know,” he said. “Can’t risk telegraphs or the mail.” He lifted his suitcase as well as one of hers. A porter grasped the other one.
“After you, ma’am,” George said.
She nodded and preceded him into the train. He hoped to hell this wouldn’t get back to Cassidy, but knowing this town as well as he did, was sure as hell it would.
****
After treating Dr. Madison, Cassidy saw him to the door. “I’d like to apologize for what happened, Doctor.”
He lifted her hand and grazed his lips over her knuckles. “No need, my dear. What that ruffian did wasn’t your fault.”
She shook her head. “But he had this misguided idea he was protecting me, so I feel like it was somehow my fault.”
“Forget about him.” He didn’t release her hand. “Have dinner with me this evening.”
“I don’t know. Your nose...you’re still not recovered.”
“Nonsense. I feel fine, and my doctor’s given me a clean bill of health.”
“If you’re sure.” She licked her lips. “I would like to discuss a medical school my brother told me about...in Philadelphia.” His smile faded, but he nodded. “Of course, if you’d like. Over dinner then?”
“All right.”
He released her hand and placed his bowler on his head as he opened the door. “I’ll be by at six to escort you.”
She nodded and stood by the door until he’d descended the porch steps. George would have a conniption fit when he found out she was having dinner with Madison. But the image in her mind of him and Mrs. Claymore sent hot prickles of indignation up her spine. She’d help George discredit the doctor, but afterward, he could go back to New York or wherever he came from, and she’d be more than happy to never see him again.
****
Dr. Madison arrived to escort Cassidy to town in his carriage. As he led her to the conveyance, she balked. “Whatever did you hire a carriage for? It’s a short walk to town. I walk it all the time.”
He smiled, extending a hand to help her up. “Ah, but I never said we were having dinner in Burkeville, did I?”
Her heart sped up at the implications. “Where are we going then?”
“It’s a surprise, my dear. Trust me.”
She smiled, but prickles of unease raced over her. Maybe she should turn and race back to the safety of her house.
At her hesitation to board, he quirked a brow. “I promise to behave as a proper gentleman. I fear I may have imbibed a bit too much the other night and let my animal instinct get the better of me.”
Cassidy flinched as George’s words of warning came back to her. Was she making a mistake?
After a quick glance back at her house, she made her decision, extending her arm so he could assist her.
After a pleasant ride through farmland extending beyond town, the carriage stopped at a stone, two story house with a long wraparound porch. Gigantic oak trees and colorful flower gardens graced the outside of the building.
“It’s beautiful,” Cassidy said.
Dr. Madison took her hand. “After our meal, I’ll escort you through the gardens. They’re breathtaking.”
She alighted from the carriage and glanced around. “However did you find this place?”
“A patient of mine who lives at the boardinghouse dines here regularly.”
He led her onto the wide porch. Rocking chairs invited patrons to lounge and enjoy the scenery. Flower pots perched alongside chairs and on the wide railing. Once inside, she delighted in the interior view, as inviting as the outside. The dining area was set with a number of tables. The ones in the middle of the room seated about ten, while the tables bordering the walls were of a size to seat four. Flowers and candles adorned each of the tables, with gas lamps on windowsills lining the perimeter, although the large windows allowed enough sunlight so they weren’t yet lit.
Dr. Madison leaned toward her. “Do you like it, Miss Stuart?”
“Oh, yes. This is a beautiful inn.”
“I’ve heard the food here is excellent as well.”
And likely expensive.
A gray haired woman approached, a broad smile on her face. “What may I do for you, sir?”
Madison patted Cassidy’s hand settled in the crook of his arm. “I’d like your finest table for my lady and myself.”
“Of course, sir.” The woman waved them into the dining room. A few patrons were already seated, with the majority of the tables still empty.
The woman led them to a table near the wall. Madison pulled out a chair for Cassidy. After she’d settled and brushed out her skirts, he took the seat across from her.
“Would you care for a menu, sir, or do you know what you and your lady would like?”
“This is my first time dining in your fine establishment, madam. So, yes, I would like to peruse a menu if it’s all right.”
She inclined her head. “I’ll be right with you, sir.”
Cassidy’s mouth gaped as the woman retreated.
Madison smiled and reached for her hand. “I take it you don’t get out of Burkeville much.”
Startled by his remark, she straightened her shoulders. “Sir, I’ll have you know I’ve traveled to Gettysburg and as far as Washington City.”
His brows rose. “You’ve been to Washington?”
“Well...” She shrugged. “It was during the war. I worked in the hospitals alongside my father.”
“Oh, yes, so your brother said.” He shook out his linen napkin and spread it on his lap. “The capital wasn’t a pretty sight during those years.”
The woman returned with the menu. “Here you are, sir.” He glanced over it, while she stood at his side.
“Well, now, this looks very tasty.” He pointed to something on the menu and the woman nodded.
“V
ery well, sir.” She glanced at Cassidy. “For you and the lady?”
“Yes, madam.” He grinned.
As the woman strode off, Cassidy tilted her head and crossed her arms over her chest. “What did you order?”
“A surprise. I’m sure you’ll love it.”
She pursed her lips, annoyed he hadn’t asked her what she wanted. “If you must know, sir, I have a mind of my own and am capable of deciding what I’d like to eat.” She snapped her napkin across her lap.
He seemed oblivious to her agitation as he glanced around the room. Is he that dense, or does he treat all women this way?
A waiter carrying a decanter of wine approached. He set their glasses right side up and filled them.
After he retreated, she said, “You ordered wine?”
“Why, yes. Is there a problem? If you’d like something else...”
“It’s fine,” she ground out between clenched teeth. She lifted her glass and took a sip. The fruity warmth glided down her throat. But she’d be sure not to take too much. She wondered what her mother would think of her getting into a carriage with the doctor sans chaperone. She’d left the house without telling anyone.
After another sip, she felt decadent. She’d often done outrageous things, but to go off with the dashing doctor alone in a carriage would earn her more than a share of gossip in town. Of course, they all thought the world of Dr. Madison. A man beyond reproach.
After wiping her lips with the napkin, she leaned forward. “Doctor, my brother thinks I should apply at the Female Medical College in Philadelphia. What do you think?”
His brows furrowed. “I’d hoped you planned to take me up on the offer of working with me. Why would you need to attend medical school?”
She sighed. “I need better credentials than I have now. I’ve assisted my father for years, but people don’t take me seriously.”
“If you think a degree would help, Miss Stuart, but I really don’t think it necessary. Surely, you plan to marry someday.”
“Well.” She hesitated. “I suppose, if the opportunity arises.”
He quirked his full lips. “You’d make a wonderful wife and mother, Miss Stuart.”
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