She swiveled her head left and right, trying to take in all the activity. Female physicians directed female students. No condescending male doctors in sight. The few men, who taught here, treated the women as equals.
The tour complete, Mrs. Simmons turned to them and smiled. “If you’re interested, Miss Stuart, I’ll take you to the dean’s office where you can fill out your application.”
“Oh, yes.” Cassidy’s breath caught. She’d not leave without turning in her application.
Chapter Twenty-Two
George stepped from the hotel lobby, clutching the post from Pinkerton with the name of the nurse who worked at the Female Medical College.
Mrs. Georgiana Hirsh. His thoughts strayed to Cassidy. She’d surely learned of his departure by now. He could only wonder how she’d taken the news. He sighed. More than likely, she now hated his guts.
He’d make everything up to her when he got back, but how to explain without spilling the truth? He had to wait until the investigation was over in order to keep her safe.
He entered the hospital lobby and introduced himself to the woman at the desk. A short, round woman led him to the second floor and down the polished wood hall to a classroom. She opened the door, allowing him to peer inside. A young woman, with sable hair piled atop her head, sat at a desk at the front of the room. The student desks were vacant.
“Mrs. Hirsh?” He stepped into the room.
“Yes?” She glanced up at him.
“I’m George Masters. Mr. Pinkerton is investigating your former employer, Dr. Scott Madison.”
The woman scowled. “I haven’t set eyes on either of the Madisons for three years.”
“Would you mind telling me why you left their employ?”
“Both of them were too demanding. And I didn’t trust the son one bit. When the senior Madison was away, the son would call me into his office when no one else was about, touch my hand, make unseemly suggestions...” Her voice trailed off.
George’s pulse quickened. “What type of suggestions, if I may ask?”
The woman blushed. “Nothing I would want to say in the company of a lady or gentleman, if you take my meaning.”
“Did he do anything to hurt you, ma’am?”
She frowned, rising from the desk. “I made sure I was never alone in that house with him...” She waved a finger. “Oh, he tried to get me there saying he needed me to stay late. The servants, you see, didn’t live in the house. Only came in during the day. But I refused to work nights, even when his father was home.”
“What about patients?” George asked.
“What about them?” She frowned.
“Did he have a lot of female patients? Young ones?”
She took in a breath. “He did. I was supposed to be in the room when he examined them, you see, but he always would send me out to fetch something in another room.”
“Do you, by any chance, remember Miss Audrey Wellingham?”
“Wellingham?” She frowned. “I’m afraid I don’t remember her, sir. I resigned over a year ago.”
George sighed. “Sorry to have bothered you, ma’am.” He stepped toward the door. “But you have been a great help in the investigation.”
She brightened. “You work for the Pinkertons, you say?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
****
After filling out her application, Cassidy stepped down the hall on Quinn’s arm as Mrs. Simmons pointed to the classrooms along the second floor corridor. “Most of them are empty right now, but I’ll see if any classes are in session.”
Voices sounded from an opened door at the end of the hall. A man and a woman conversing. Before they reached the room, a man stepped out. Cassidy halted in her tracks.
George! A woman stepped out to take his hand. A young, lovely woman. Cassidy clutched Quinn’s arm and turned on her heel, not wanting to see any more.
****
Saturday afternoon, Scott arrived at the Stuart home with a fresh bouquet of blossoms for Miss Stuart. She was an enigma, not easy for him to read. She grew hot and cold from one instant to the next. But now, he felt it necessary to swoop in for the kill. If she agreed to marry him now, in time, he’d push her brother out of the practice. Convince him he’d do better working at a city hospital. Scott wouldn’t take no for an answer.
He paused at the door and adjusted his coat. Pasting on his most sincere expression, he rapped on the door. After a few moments, the door opened and a young man peered out. Miss Stuart’s younger brother. Scott racked his brain for his name.
“Dr. Madison, I’d invite you in, but it looks like you came to see my sister.” He gestured to the flowers. “She’s not home.”
“Did she go into town?” Maybe if he hurried he could catch up with her at the mercantile or wherever else she’d gone.
“No, sir. She’s gone to Philadelphia.”
“Philadelphia?” Scott’s blood ran cold. Why on earth would she go there?
“Who’s there, Matt?” a woman’s voice called. The door opened wider to reveal Mrs. Stuart.
“Oh, Dr. Madison.” She glanced at the bouquet. “I’m afraid Cassidy’s not here.”
“So your son’s told me.” He gestured toward Matt.
“You can go on now, Matt,” his mother said. “I’ll take care of the doctor.”
Matt nodded to Scott and retreated down the hall.
“May I come in anyway?” Scott asked. “I’d like to hear where’s she gone off to and why.”
Mrs. Stuart hesitated. Just as he wondered if she’d turn him away, she opened the door wider and lifted her arm. “Come into the parlor.”
Scott preceded her into the room and set the flowers on the table. Mrs. Stuart reached for them. “I’ll put them in water and be right back.”
Sighing, Scott sank onto an upholstered chair and set his hat on the table where he’d placed the flowers. If Miss Stuart had gone to Philadelphia, she might overhear gossip about him. Or worse yet, maybe she’d already heard rumors about his indiscretion and had gone to investigate. But she surely wouldn’t have gone alone.
Mrs. Stuart returned with two glasses of lemonade on a tray. “It’s hot today. Thought you might be thirsty.”
Scott leaned over to retrieve one of the drinks. “Thank you, ma’am.”
After settling herself, she looked him in the eye. “Cassidy obviously didn’t tell you she was going.”
“No, ma’am. Was it something sudden?”
“Well...” She folded her hands in her lap. “Her brother was going to Philadelphia to study some new surgical techniques at the hospitals. And she wanted to see the medical school for women.”
Scott nodded. “Female Medical.”
“Yes. She thought she could tour the facility while there and maybe put in an application.” Her gaze caught his. “I hope this doesn’t go against your own plans.”
“Well...” He chuckled. “Your daughter is a head strong woman. Far be it from me to tell her what she can and cannot do.” He took another sip of his drink. “But I had hoped she’d accept my proposal and settle with me.”
Mrs. Stuart’s hand rose to her throat. “You’ve already proposed?”
He shook his head. “Not straight out, ma’am, but I did imply that I was interested in her hand. She couldn’t mistake my intentions. But every time I think I’ll ask her proper, she pulls away.”
“Well, you must understand, Doctor, she’s had a rough time of it with the Tasker incident. She was very upset.”
“Of course, ma’am. Entirely understandable, but it surely wasn’t her fault.”
“As her brother also told her.”
“Well...” Scott glanced at the clock on the mantel. “I’d best be going.” He stood. “When do you expect your daughter to return?”
Mrs. Stuart rose. “They should be back Monday. I’ll keep the flowers in water until she returns.”
“Thank you, ma’am.”
She showed him to the door. Only after settling into his
carriage for the ride back home, did he allow his temper to rise.
Blast it! He could only hope she’d be so focused on her own goals, she wouldn’t hear any gossip about him. But he wondered about her brother, Quinn. He seemed like a sharp man. What if he found out about Scott’s past?
****
Monday afternoon, George lurched forward as the train stopped at the tiny Burkeville station, his first thought for Cassidy. He’d hated leaving her, even though Quinn was home. Disappointed he hadn’t gathered anything damning enough to stop Madison grated on him. He hefted his bag and descended to the platform.
Fatigue slowed his steps as he plodded toward the hotel. As he scanned the street, he caught sight of Cassidy stepping from the mercantile, a basket slung over her arm. Her gaze caught his, and a scowl formed on her face.
He stepped toward her, but stopped dead. “Cassie, I need to explain what happened. Why I left.”
She fisted her hands, propping the one not holding the basket on her hip. “I know why you left.”
He grasped her arm. “How do you know? Who told you?” He racked his brain, but outside of Mrs. Claymore, now in New York, no one knew.
“I saw you in Philadelphia talking to that woman at the hospital and also know you left town with Mrs. Claymore.” She glanced around. “Where is she? Did you leave her for that woman at the hospital?”
“Cassie, you don’t understand.”
“Like hell I don’t.” She wrenched her arm from his grasp and turned on her heel. “Goodbye, George. And don’t come calling again. You’re no longer welcome in my home.”
She strode down the road not looking back.
George scratched his head. When had she gone to Philadelphia? And why? She wouldn’t have followed him just to see where he’d gone. But she knew about Mrs. Claymore. He’d have to come up with a plausible story. He hoped, once her anger cooled, she’d allow him to speak to her. For now, relief flowed over him knowing she was safe.
His gazed followed until she disappeared behind the courthouse, then he turned toward the hotel. He’d drop his bag there and deal with Cassie later. But the mercantile door opened, grabbing his attention. Miss Baker emerged and peered around, seeming pensive. She dropped one of her parcels and bent over to retrieve it.
He strode across the street, dropping his suitcase at his side. “Allow me, ma’am.” He lifted the packet. “I could walk you home, if you’d like.”
She blushed. “No, sir, that won’t be necessary.”
“No, it won’t, Mr. Masters. I’ll be happy to see the young lady home.”
George turned. Madison stood behind him, scowling.
The teacher’s face turned scarlet. “I...I’m fine. I can handle it myself.”
“But I insist, Miss Baker.” Madison reached for the parcel in George’s hands. He jerked back, gathering the package against his chest, not willing to release the bundle. “I don’t believe the lady wants to take you up on your offer, Doc.”
Madison frowned. “She needs help. I’m going in the direction of the boardinghouse anyway.”
Miss Baker glanced down. “Please, I don’t need any help, from either of you.”
George handed her the package. She balanced it on top of the other one she held. “Yes, ma’am. If that’s what you want.” He glared at Madison, daring him to touch her or try to wrench the parcels away.
“If it’s what the lady wants, who am I to argue?” Madison smirked.
Miss Baker looked away. “If you gentlemen will excuse me?”
George backed away and allowed her to pass. Madison stood his ground but followed the teacher with his gaze.
She scurried away, struggling to balance the parcels, not looking back.
The doctor smirked. “She’s a real beauty, but a bit skittish, wouldn’t you say?”
George scowled. “I wouldn’t know, sir.” He held his breath, wondering if Madison had somehow found out about his visit with Miss Baker. Did he have some hold on the woman?
Madison shrugged. “Perhaps she’s just bashful around men.”
George didn’t answer.
“Now, Miss Stuart is a woman who knows what she wants. She just needs a man to tame her wild urges.” The doctor leered.
George stepped close, keeping his voice low. “If you know what’s good for you, I’d advise you to stay away from the lady.”
“You, sir, gave up your right to her.” He wagged a finger. “And don’t threaten me, if you know what’s good for you. She has a mind of her own.”
George leaned away, crossing his arms over his chest. “Are you saying she’s chosen you over me?”
Madison smirked. “I’m saying whoever she wants to be with is entirely up to her. Fighting over her won’t do you a bit of good.”
George rubbed his jaw. “You may be right, Doc. I’ve known Cassie a long time, and she’s always done what she wanted. You’d best remember that.”
Madison gaped.
George turned away. His hand clenched around the handle of his bag, the urge to throttle the doctor close to the surface. He kept walking and didn’t look back.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Late Monday afternoon, after Cassidy and Quinn had settled in, her mother told them about Dr. Madison’s visit.
“He seemed upset you hadn’t told him you were going to Philadelphia,” she said.
Cassidy glanced at Quinn. “As well he should be.” On hearing the news, he likely worried they’d find out about his past, but in truth, she still didn’t have any solid proof. She suspected, as George told them, his family had hushed up the matter.
And she still wasn’t over the sight of George conversing with the woman at the hospital, as well as his departure with Mrs. Claymore. Quinn tried to convince her to talk to George. His visit may have been part of the investigation. But why had he gone without explaining? And what about the mysterious note he’d left?
“What did he want, Ma?” Cassidy brushed off her gown. She needed to wash before eating the light meal her mother had prepared for her and Quinn. Her stomach growled in anticipation.
“He brought you flowers. I have them in a vase in the parlor.” She glanced at her two children. “Go wash and we’ll discuss this over lunch.”
Cassidy fumed as she approached the kitchen sink to wash the grime from traveling off her hands and face. She hated the idea he’d come here with only Matt in the house. What if he’d harmed her mother or Sarah?
She dried her hands and turned from the sink. Her mother had already laid out the lunch. Her stomach grumbled again as she caught the delicious scent of fresh bread, cold chicken, and potato salad.
“Ma,” she said, “you’ve outdone yourself.”
Her mother glanced up from laying out plates on the table and smiled. “Nothing’s too good when my children return to me. I miss all of you so when you’re gone.”
Cassidy slid out a chair and smoothed her skirts. Her mother poured three glasses of lemonade. “Where has that brother of yours gone?”
“He likely got caught up talking to one of the neighbors,” Cassidy said. “You know how Quinn likes to talk.”
Her mother smirked. “Well, let’s just start without him. I know you’re hungry.”
Cassidy nodded.
Her mother pushed the plate of chicken in front of her. “While you were away, the schoolteacher, Miss Baker, came by. She seemed upset when I told her both you and Quinn were gone.”
Almost choking on the piece of chicken she’d put in her mouth, Cassidy swallowed hard and took a gulp of her drink. “Miss Baker? Is she all right?”
Her mother raised her brows. “I don’t believe she was physically ill, but she did want to see you about something.”
“How do you know?”
“Well, I told her she could see Dr. Madison if she had an emergency. That seemed to upset her more, and she told me she’d wait until you came back.”
Cassidy stared at her mother as she spooned potato salad onto her own plate. “Ma, how
upset was she? Did she seem to be hurt?”
“I don’t think so. Why do you ask?”
Quinn entered the room and sat next to Cassidy. “What’s wrong?” He picked up a chicken leg and bit into it.
“Ma told me Miss Baker came by,” Cassidy said, “and she seemed upset.”
Quinn raised his brows. “Oh.” He glanced at his mother. “Reckon I should pay her a call?”
Her mother frowned. “What’s this all about? What’s wrong with Miss Baker?”
A knock at the front door startled all of them. Her mother rose. “I’ll see who it is. You two sit and eat.”
After she departed, Cassidy shook her head. “Do you think Madison got to her while we were away?”
Quinn shrugged. “With George gone too, it’s quite possible.”
Cassidy propped her elbow on the table and cupped her chin. “This whole situation is worrying, Quinn. I’m at a loss what to do.”
“Why don’t I pay a call on Miss Baker, and you see if George is back? Find out if he’s uncovered anything new.”
She groaned. “Yes, he’s back and the last person I want to speak to right now.”
****
Scott bathed, shaved, and dressed in his most expensive suit. Earlier, he’d asked his landlady to arrange a bouquet of assorted flowers from her garden.
He’d made a horrible mistake with Miss Stuart but wasn’t ready to give up on her or the chance of inheriting all the patients from her father’s practice. The thought of moving on and starting over grated on his nerves. He’d not allow her and her brother to rebuild and ruin his well laid plans.
The news George Masters left town with another woman had temporarily lifted his spirits, but now the scoundrel had returned. Scott had to convince Miss Stuart that Masters was no good. Once Scott had her in his grasp, he’d propose. As his wife, he’d force her to cease practicing medicine. But first he needed to be sure she hadn’t learned anything damning about him while in Philadelphia. If not, the one obstacle left would be her brother.
He halted in front of the house and alighted from the carriage, adjusting his coat and hat. He rapped on the front door, but no one answered. Silence surrounded him. Someone had to be home. Edging along the porch, he glanced to the space at the rear of the house. He spotted Mrs. Stuart hanging laundry on a line.
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