Mistletoe Mistake

by Caroline Clemmons

He climbed beside her and took the reins from her hands. “I’ll drive. When we arrived, I tied my horse’s reins to the buggy.”

  “I must say I’m surprised you accompanied Orville and Mrs. Zimmerman.”

  He’d lost his anger by this time, but he wanted to impress her with her responsibility. A woman had no business being a doctor in the first place. She certainly didn’t need to be who knew where. When he’d found her gone with no word, then saw prints of a horse trailing the buggy, his heart had hit his boots.

  “I was almost to Fraser’s when I met him driving your buggy. I listened to him and rode back to Mistletoe to introduce him to Mrs. Zimmerman. We had to wait for her to send a note to her daughter and pack her bag.”

  He waited for her realization.

  “Why were you coming to see the Frasers?” Her eyes widened and she paled. “Y-You weren’t, were you?”

  “I was trailing you and the horse following you. Remember the blackboard by your office door?”

  She covered her forehead with her hand. “I forgot to write where I was going. Dear merciful heavens, I do apologize, Sheriff. Orville was in such a state. He hitched the buggy while I dressed and we left from the back.”

  He fought to keep his voice calm. “The reason that board is there is so people know where you went and when. People understand for childbirth the time might be indefinite. For most things, though, you can approximate your return. If you leave and nothing is on the board, people will think there’s been foul play.”

  “You said there’s no crime since you came.”

  “I said ‘not much’. Besides, you could have had an accident or an axle break or any number of other things might have happened. You can’t help people if you’re lying in a ditch somewhere.” His heartbeat hadn’t settled back to a normal rate until he’d talked to Orville.

  “You’re absolutely right. I was thoughtless and I’ll make sure I don’t make that mistake again, Sheriff.”

  He was all set to argue with her but her apology derailed his anger. “Riley. My name is Riley.”

  “Are you sure it’s proper for me to call you by your first name?”

  He hoped the glance he sent her conveyed his anger. “You sure didn’t have any problem calling Orville by his.”

  She gestured with both hands. “But, he seems so young. I don’t know his actual age, but he and Emily are very immature—almost like children playing house.”

  He figured Orville was twenty-five or so. The doctor couldn’t be much older. “Would you give up protesting and call me Riley?”

  Her eyes widened. “If you say so. I suppose you’d better call me Shannon.”

  Reluctantly, he mentioned the woman from town and her praise for Shannon. “Mrs. Zimmerman believes you accomplished several miracles back there. Do babies and mothers often die from what she described?”

  She gave a shoulder shrug. “All too often, especially first-time mothers. I was fortunate to be able to save them.”

  “Orville said you worked for hours and hours to deliver the twins.”

  “I don’t know how much time passed. I was awfully worried about Emily’s blood loss. When I arrived, I smelled the blood as soon as I stepped inside the room. I won’t embarrass you with specifics, but she’ll need pampering for several weeks. I’m relieved you suggested someone with experience and good sense.”

  “You delivered a lot of babies in New York?”

  “Over a thousand. I volunteered at a woman’s clinic in a poor section of town.” Her eyes held sadness when her gaze met his. “Poverty is a ruthless killer, Riley. I lost mothers and babies there who had no chance to survive.”

  At the church social she’d mentioned working with the poor in New York but he had no idea she’d had that much experience. Just the same, women had no business being doctors. “At the social you mentioned you’d seen poor babies and mothers. Guess that means you didn’t just see wealthy patients.’

  She gasped and met his eyes. “I wouldn’t want to be that kind of doctor, although that’s the type my father is. I admit I never lost a wealthy mother. Not because of better doctoring, but because the mother was in better health, which meant the baby was also. Occasionally, though, there’s a problem no one can fix.”

  “Did your father approve of your volunteering?”

  She sent him a look that answered the question. “Our opinions differed on many aspects of medicine.”

  “What will you do when your six months in Mistletoe are up?”

  The sadness returned to her eyes, so much that he thought she might cry. “What a question. I hope to continue living and working here. Is it inconceivable that people might come to respect and admire me?”

  “As a person, no. As a doctor, you’ll have a lot to prove.”

  Her hands fisted. “I can’t fight a ghost. The more time passes, the more perfect Dr. Jones becomes. People will have to accept me on my qualifications.”

  They rode in silence for a couple of miles.

  She leaned forward to meet his gaze, her beautiful green eyes shining with hope. “You were concerned for me? Enough that you’d come through the snow to find me?”

  Oh, no, he couldn’t have her thinking she was special or had won his approval. “That’s part of my job. That’s why I check on businesses twice a day. Why I walk up and down streets looking for anything out of order.”

  She settled back against the seat. “I don’t delude myself that I’m important to you. Actually, that makes your concern even more comforting.”

  He shook his head in wonder. “You’re a puzzling woman, Shannon Callahan.”

  “I suspect most women confuse you, Riley McCallister.”

  “That’s certainly true.” He drove to her carriage house. “Here we are.”

  She climbed down before he could assist her, but her movements were slow and she stood holding on to the buggy. “Thank you, Riley. I appreciate your concern and your help.”

  “You’re tired. I’ll take care of the horse.”

  “No, thank you for the offer, but I have to do these things for myself.”

  He took her by the shoulders and turned her toward the house. “I had a good night’s sleep while you were saving lives. I’ll take care of Plato this time.”

  She sighed and carried her bag slowly toward her house. With a backward glance at the door, she called, “Thank you.” Then, she went inside.

  Riley brushed Plato and picked his hooves then fed and watered him. “Gotta tell you, Plato, your new mistress is crazy as they come, but apparently she knows her business.”

  ***

  Shannon looked up when the office door opened. She rose to greet Vennie Gibson.

  “I hope it’s all right that I’ve come during office hours since I’m here for a chat.”

  Shannon gestured to the three chairs in the waiting area. “As you can see, there’s not a crowd of patients seeking care. Come through to the living area and I’ll make tea.”

  When they were in the other part of the house, she indicated Vennie go into the parlor. “Have a seat and I won’t be a minute.”

  Vennie walked around before she sat in the wing-back chair. “I see you’ve added feminine touches. The room’s more welcoming now. Did you crochet the doilies?”

  Happy to have her few additions noticed and approved, Shannon measured tea into the pot then filled it with hot water from the stove’s reservoir. “Yes, I made them, although several were brought with me. I found this part of the house too mannish and plain. Spotless, thanks to the town’s women, but not inviting.”

  “Will was a lovely man but he wasn’t the sort to expend effort on decorating.”

  Shannon added the other tea things to the tray, including the gingersnaps she’d baked yesterday. “I’m surprised to hear he wasn’t perfect.”

  She caught herself. “I apologize, Vennie. I don’t mean to sound bitter, but I admit I am a little. The longer since his death, the more saintly the former doctor becomes.”

  Her new
friend chuckled. “I agree. Soon we’ll hear he was seen walking on water. He was very mortal, even though I loved him dearly.”

  Shannon carried a tray and set it on the side table. “I’m so pleased you’ve come, Vennie.”

  “I enjoyed talking with you when you gave Johnny his physical. I hoped to catch you at church, but somehow I always find myself being shooed home by my husband. People are terrible about seeking free legal advice after church.”

  Shannon poured their tea and handed a cup and saucer to her guest. “Oh, now you mention it, I heard someone call to him Sunday. People don’t realize they’re imposing, I’m sure. They think it’s only one little question, but everyone has one and that doesn’t pay bills, does it?”

  “You understand, I see. I hope you’ll be patient with Mistletoe’s residents. More will be coming in even if it’s at a trickle.”

  Shannon passed the cookies to Vennie. “I’d hardly call it as many as a trickle so far, although I have had a few women patients. I don’t even know if their husbands know they’ve consulted me.”

  “I’ll guarantee Yvonne Jacob’s husband doesn’t know she’s been here, and not a soul in town will tell the brute. We all hate the man.”

  Alarm shot through Shannon. “Oh, my, if others know I hope she doesn’t think I told anyone. I gave her my word I would keep her secret.”

  Vennie set her cup on the saucer. “It’s no secret that monster beats her. And, you know how a small town is. You can’t sneeze without your neighbor saying ‘Bless you’. I guess you didn’t have that problem in New York.”

  She recalled her parents’ friends and those girls she’d met in school. “We had our own gossip mill.”

  Her guest stared wistfully at nothing. “I’d love to see New York City. The place sounds so exciting with so many things to see and do.”

  Shannon shook her head. “Believe me, I prefer Mistletoe. The air here is fresh and clean, the sky so blue and the mountains lovely. The town is a nice size with no crime and has everything anyone needs.”

  Vennie smiled at her. “Wonderful, I believe we’ve captivated you. I hope that means you’ll stay with us after your six months has passed.” Her eyes twinkled merrily. “I don’t suppose that handsome sheriff has anything to do with your opinion?”

  Shannon sensed the heat of a blush spread across her face. “He’s simply been helpful.”

  Vennie raised her eyebrows. “Umhumm. Checking on you every evening for a considerable time. Oh, I’m sorry if I’ve embarrassed you. John and I are just so hopeful you two will become a couple.”

  Shannon took a sip of tea and ignored the last part of her guest’s remark. “The sheriff has been kind enough to check on me on his rounds of the town. Apparently he and Will played chess each evening, so on many evenings he and I play a round of the game.” She used her cup to indicate the chessboard. “The set and board are so lovely.”

  “Riley looked up to Will as he would a father. I take it he and his real father are not close and Will filled the gap. When Will died, Riley was devastated. As usual he had the interests of the town at heart. Right away, he wired Cornell.”

  “His telegram included all kinds of requirements.” Shannon grinned. “But, he neglected to mention he wanted a male doctor.”

  “That’s partly John’s fault. He and Riley worked on the list of what they wanted for the town. Their first list was far too long for anyone but an actual saint to meet so they pared it quite a bit.”

  Vennie giggled. “Honestly, they were so surprised when you arrived, but I’m grateful you’re the doctor who came.”

  Shannon set her empty cup and saucer on the tray. “You must be the only one.”

  “Give us time, Shannon.” Vennie added her tea things to the tray and stood. “Now, I have to rush so I’ll be home when Johnny gets in from school.”

  Shannon stood to walk with her friend to the door. “Thank you for coming by. I enjoyed our visit. You’ve cheered me more than you know.”

  When Vennie had gone, Shannon sat thinking about their chat. She’d learned several things. Unfortunately one was that people were speculating about her and Riley. How would he react if he knew?

  She’d hate if his visits stopped because he feared having their names linked. Somehow, he’d been different since he’d brought Mrs. Zimmerman to the Fraser home. Maybe he was starting to like her a little. She hoped so, because she was liking him way too much.

  Chapter Six

  Bundled against the snow, Shannon headed for the mercantile. A covered wagon was parked in front. The five Doan children played with the four newcomers who were clad in little more than rags.

  As she drew near, Shannon met Riley. She gestured to the four children she didn’t know. “Looks like they have measles. They’ll start an epidemic and the Doans’ five will be the first.”

  A frowning man followed a mousy-looking woman from the mercantile.

  He growled at the children, “Told you to stay in the wagon. Get back in there now.”

  Looking frightened, the four children climbed into the wagon. The woman, who must be the mother, appeared uneasy and climbed in unaided by the man.

  Shannon stepped in front of him. “Good afternoon. I’m Dr. Callahan and I noticed your children have measles. Please stop and get them someplace warm and away from the snow’s bright glare. They can lose their hearing or develop pneumonia.”

  The man beat a fist against his chest. “Bob Flaherty don’t need no woman telling me how to take care of my family.”

  “Sir, bright light while they’re infected can damage their eyesight. Measles is a serious disease you’re spreading to anyone you come in contact with who hasn’t already had them.”

  “Get away, lady, and quit interferin’. Snivelin’ children get all kinds of stuff. Part of growing up. Now git outta my way.” He shoved around Shannon and climbed onto the wagon seat.

  “Sir, I implore you to reconsider. Put your children’s welfare above your lack of regard for me.”

  With only a glare for her, he clicked the reins.

  She grabbed Riley’s arm. “Sheriff, can’t you arrest that man and make him take care of his children?”

  “Nope. Much as I’d like to, a man is the legal head of his family and a lawman has no right to interfere. Otherwise, long ago I’d have hauled Daniel Jacobs in for hitting his wife every time he gets drunk.”

  Shannon recalled treating Mrs. Jacob’s cuts and serious bruises several times. Poor woman was terrified her lout of a husband would find out she’d sought help. Mr. Jacobs battered his wife as only a heartless bully would.

  Shannon walked with the sheriff. “Then I guess if I beat the stuffing out of Mr. Jacobs you’d arrest me?”

  He nodded and smiled at her. “Privately, I’d want to give you a medal. Legally, I’d have to haul you in for assault.”

  She snapped her fingers as well as she could wearing gloves. “Well, that does away with one of my plans. I suppose I’ll have to get on with my shopping instead of taking justice into my own hands.”

  “Good idea.” He tapped the brim of his hat and walked across the street.

  Shannon couldn’t stop worrying about a measles outbreak. On the spur of the moment, she visited the Doan home. Mrs. Doan was a harried woman carrying a child of about four with another about six peeking around her skirt.

  “Oh, hello, Doctor Callahan. I’m Mary Doan. Come in.”

  “I came to alert you that your children were exposed to the measles today so you can watch for symptoms.”

  A look of dread spread across her face. She sat down while still holding her child. “Who in town has the measles?”

  “A family passing through let their children play with yours. All four of those traveling had measles so, unless yours have already had the disease, they’ll probably develop them within a week or two.”

  Mary clapped a hand to her chest. “Dear Lord, reckon they’ll all come down with them at the same time?”

  “Possibly. How ma
ny children do you have?”

  “Five, and they keep me run off my feet even when they’re well. People in town complain they’re wild, but I do the best I can.”

  “I’m sure you do a fine job of mothering. If you let me know when they get symptoms, I’ll help you care for them.”

  “You would?” The woman’s surprise irritated Shannon.

  “Of course I would. That’s what a doctor does, cares for the sick.”

  Mary must have realized she’d said the wrong thing. “Don’t mind me, it’s just that I’m not used to anyone being willing to tackle my crowd. Some folks call them the ‘horrible horde’ and want nothing to do with my children.”

  “That sounds severe. I’ve seen your five playing but they never appeared to be engaged in anything mean-spirited.”

  Relief spread across the other woman’s face. “Thank you for saying so. ’Course I love them and see the good in them.” She paused then met Shannon’s eyes. “I almost come to your free clinic but getting all of them together and to one place is too hard.”

  Having witnessed the children’s energy, Shannon could only imagine what Mary Doan faced daily. “I can understand. Having all of them sick will be hard. Let me know so I can help. And please keep them quarantined as soon as they start feeling bad so they won’t spread measles through the town.”

  “I’ll do my best. Thank you for coming.”

  Shannon strolled home. Maybe she should talk to Mary about precautions available to prevent more children.

  That evening when Riley came by, she had pie and coffee ready. When he came in, he eyed the peach pie with appreciation.

  He took off his hat and coat. “Looks like you shopped at the café. I love their pies.”

  She stood with her hands behind her back. “Me, too. I barely resisted cutting a slice of this one until you arrived.”

  “Wait no longer. I’ll pour the coffee.”

  She loved that he was comfortable enough to help. Did he count her as a friend as she did him? She didn’t want to ruin things by asking.

  When they were seated at the chessboard with their pie and coffee, he asked, “How are the free clinics going?”