He must not have, because he was holding the side of his head and drinking a cup of coffee one of the doves brought out to him.
“Feeling better?” Hattie asked.
“Not really. I must apologize for my behavior last night. It wasn't my intention-”
“Young man,” Fannie Pearl called over to him. “Is it true you were at Hattie’s late last night?”
“Yes ma’am. I stopped by after having a long talk with Pete’s brother. I had a few things to say to him and just wanted to report back to Hattie about the conversation.”
“And is it true that you didn’t leave until this morning?”
Robert paused. Hattie didn’t like where this conversation was going.
“Don’t lie to me, young man. I don’t take being made a fool of lightly. Charlotte said she saw you and Hattie in a compromising position. Then she saw you again when you left in the early morning hours.” Mrs. Daniels nodded to every word.
“I did fall asleep on the sofa in the clinic. Hattie came down to make sure I was alright. I don’t remember much. I woke up about two hours later and went back to my apartment. What is all this about?”
“Well, it seems to me that you need to make an honest woman of Hattie.”
“What?” they both responded in unison.
“Honestly, Miss Fannie, nothing—” Hattie began.
“I totally agree,” Robert nodded.
“Really, Dr. Childs…”
“Robert. I told you to call me Robert.”
“We can’t get married.”
Charlotte Daniels smirked in the background.
“Why ever not, child?”
“Robert’s affections may lie elsewhere, I wouldn’t want to be the cause of someone’s heart being broken. Plus, I’ll be leaving Silverpines this autumn.”
Robert and the two ladies looked at her with shocked expressions on their faces.
“Why ever for?”
“My tenure with Doc Hamilton was to end. New Hope is looking for a doctor, so I think it is time for me to move. I really don’t want to broach the subject any longer.”
“Hattie, you must listen to reason. If something like this gets out, it would…”
“It would what?” Interrupting Fannie Pearl, Hattie flung the rest of her coffee into the street and slammed the cup down on the barrel next to the door. “Endear me to all the citizens of Silverpines? Show them what a savage I actually am?”
“I never said that.”
Hattie started pacing the porch. “No, but I don’t pretend to have any false notions of what people around here think of me. I’ve lived with the murmurings long enough. If this is just another reason for me not to treat the good people of Silverpines, then so be it. If you ladies will excuse me. I have work to do and so does Dr. Childs,” she said, turning and stomping into the saloon.
“Well, I never.” Charlotte said.
Fannie looked at Robert and said, “I know your affections may be for another, but you need to make this right.”
“It would be my greatest honor. Unfortunately, I’m bound by an obligation at this moment.”
Charlotte shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
“Is it something that can remedied quickly?”
“Hopefully as soon as tomorrow night.”
They worked in silence the rest of the day until Lacy Lou came breathlessly running into the saloon.
“Miss Hattie! Miss Hattie!” she called. “Marty’s back with the supplies, and he has a woman with him.”
“A woman?” Hattie made her way out to the porch, followed by Robert, Lacy Lou and Diamond.
The wagon pulled up to the steps and stopped in front of the small party. Hattie was thrilled to get a telegram from the train station letting her know that the trunk of supplies had finally arrived, and she would need to make sure to send a wagon as they couldn’t be transported by coach. Not giving it another thought, she sent Marty to meet the wagon so she could attend to the patients and start an inventory of what she had remaining in the medical office and apothecary.
Robert joined her on the porch as they watched Marty come around and help a young woman from the wagon. Who was that, she wondered. Robert jaunted down the steps and removed one of several trunks from the back of the wagon.
“Dr. Harriet Richards?” the young woman asked, extending her hand as she reached the steps.
“Yes, I am Harriet Richards.”
“Dr. Richards, I am Dr. Chelsea Tory. You sent a telegram asking for assistance. I’m from the Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania. Dr. Morris sent you a telegram that I was arriving and bringing supplies with me. I hope I’m not too late.”
Harriet paused, shaking the woman’s hand. “Uh… no. You are the one that Dr. Morris sent to come and help me?”
“Yes. I have a copy of the telegram you sent here, along with the answer from Dr. Morris.” She reached inside her bag and pulled out two papers, handing them to Hattie. “I’m very excited to learn from you. Dr. Morris and the rest of the staff think very highly of you.”
Hattie took a quick look at the papers in her hand. She remembered very well sending the telegraph the day the second quake hit. She had been working all night and realized very quickly she needed more assistance. “Welcome, Dr. Tory,” she said, handing the papers back to the young doctor. “I’m glad you arrived safely, and I know the supplies you carry are greatly needed. I just have one question.” She pointed at Robert and tapped her toe. “If Dr. Morris answered my telegram and sent Dr. Tory out here to help me? Then who in the blazes are you?”
Chapter 8
“Momma, how could you?” Tess cried, as she held the sheets of paper in her hand, scanning the words before her. Charlotte Daniels looked rather uncomfortable as her daughter continued to read the letter she penned the day of Dr. Hamilton's funeral. Shifting in her seat, she drew a deep breath and decided to see if she could turn the attention to her advantage.
“I was well within my right to do so, Theresa. I am a concerned citizen in this town. I had as much of a right as any of these people here,” she said sweeping her arm in a grand gesture around the room at the women seated and the three men standing, “to inquire for a replacement doctor for this town. I just thought to entice him a little by offering him lodgings and a prospective bride. How was I to know that all the men would die off in the unfortunate event and most of the women would now be looking for menfolk? You might want to take advantage of my opportunity, daughter, and marry post-haste.”
Tess looked around the room. When she and her Momma had been asked to join the Sherriff for a meeting that evening she had never in her wildest imagination thought that this was the purpose. They walked into the private meeting room at the Inn and were met by Miss Flora (the saloon owner), Mrs. Fannie Pearl, (the preacher's wife), Millie Messer (the shopkeeper’s wife), Robert Childs and Clive Adair. Each one nodded in greeting to her, apart from Clive. He wouldn't even acknowledge her, instead, choosing to reflect on the far corner of the room.
He was looking at her now, however. His green eyes were burning into hers as if they were attempting to reach into her innermost thoughts. His square jaw was clenched in anger and a tic formed in his cheek. She quickly darted her eyes away, yet she could still feel that burn across the room.
Miss Flora spoke first, “What is this really about Sheriff? You asked us to come here tonight to attend a meeting and it appears that all we are seeing is a disagreement over a letter between Mrs. Daniels and her daughter.” The others murmured their agreement.
Alexzander shook his head. “You are correct, Miss Flora. I asked you here because we need a temporary Town Council. From what I understand, your husbands were the previous Town Council members, so I thought it fitting that their memory be present until we vote new members into office. Miss Flora, seeing as you so kindly gave up your saloon and a large chunk of profits, I wanted you to have a say in the business being discussed tonight. I brought Dr. Childs here this evening as the first mat
ter involves him, Miss Daniels and Mrs. Daniels. Mr. Adair, although he came into town right after the quake, was one of the only able-bodied men left, other than myself.”
Fannie Pearl looked at Mrs. Daniels. “Charlotte, I've known you for a long time. I don't understand what the problem is. What the Sherriff told us is that you wrote this letter asking for a doctor to come out here to Silverpines?” Charlotte nodded. “That's wonderful! Dr. Childs arrived, and he can help Hattie, because that poor girl has been overworked since the earthquakes.”
“She wrote before the disaster,” Tess whispered.
“Speak up, child,” Fannie Pearl said, “I can barely hear you.”
Tess choked. “She-”
“-wrote the letter before the disaster,” Robert finished. “There is more to it than that, I'm afraid, Miss Fannie,” Miss Daniels, would you mind reading the letter out loud?”
Dear Dr. Rhodes,
You may remember me from when my family lived in Boston. You took great care of my father-in-law prior to his passing, and subsequently, my husband before we left Boston to move west.
We settled in a town called Silverpines. It is a lovely town, surrounded by beautiful trees and only a few hours ride to the Pacific Ocean. The main industry is silver mining and logging. The occupants make enough for a lucrative living, meaning they can pay their bills in money versus home goods or poultry.
I didn’t write to tell you of Silverpines, Sir, but as an old patient reaching out to see if you can assist me once again, such as only a wise physician and friend can help with. Our town has been under siege by a notorious outlaw who most recently shot the town’s doctor. It was most fortuitous that Dr. Hamilton perished instantly instead of suffering, such as the case of the deputy shot at the same time.
Dr. Hamilton, the old scruff muffin, was well respected by the community, although his particularities made wonder if he was more inclined to chloroforming versus medicine. He had a young woman under his tutorage, who goes by the name Harriet Richards (Hattie). She studied medicine out east somewhere. I think it was Pennsylvania, however, her skills are more aligned with savage remedies versus traditional proven medicine. Where I think she will serve fine in the short term, but I do see her running into trouble if a disastrous situation would occur. Trifling colds and melancholy are more served to her type of medicine.
Which brings me to my request. I am searching for a doctor to come out west to Silverpines and take over Dr. Hamilton’s practice. The offices are located right next to the apothecary with a lovely view of the town park, and the mountains in the distance. There is an apartment included above the surgery where your candidate can make his home.
My only stipulation is that the doctor be of reasonable station, under three decades and unmarried. I require him to court and marry my daughter, Tess, within a reasonable time frame. Tess is a very handsome young woman, as you can ascertain by her enclosed daguerreotype, taken last summer with her friend, Hattie. Do not be surprised that her friend is an Indian. This should show you the depth of our affection for those of lower station.
I am enclosing a check to cover your fees for finding one such man and enough to be deposited for travel expenses. I wish for him to arrive as quickly as possible. If you can assist, please wire a telegram to the affirmation, then deposit the check. I anticipate your reply within a few weeks.
Most respectfully,
Mrs. Charlotte Daniels
Tears formed in her eyes as she came to the parts where her mother promised her in marriage to Robert in exchange for coming west. A collection of gasps went up as Tess closed out reading the letter. Her eyes flew to Clive's and she knew he had read the letter before she had entered the room, as his eyes went from bright green to the color of hardened stones.
Tess folded the letter and passed it to Alexzander who returned it to Robert. Charlotte sat still in her chair facing the women of her town with her chin held high.
Flora thought for a moment. “There were several points in the letter: Dr. Childs coming west. Becoming the town doctor. A promise for marriage to Miss Daniels. Lodging at Doc's apartment and use of the facilities with ownership at some point. Am I correct?”
“I believe so,” Alexzander said.
“So, what exactly do you need from your new Town Council?”
“Validation to the terms of the letter. That Mrs. Daniels had the right to speak on behalf of the town with the information she had at the time the letter was sent.”
The room went silent as everyone retreated into their own thoughts.
Finally, Fannie Pearl broke the silence. “It is my belief that Charlotte, although she has done some foolish things, was acting in the best intentions of the town at that time. With the doctor just being killed we needed someone who was more than just a healer in the long run. We needed someone who could set bones, perform surgeries, do some real doctoring. Now don't get me wrong. I'm not discounting Hattie's work, but she isn't a real doctor. I'm just looking at this from where Charlotte might have been thinking right after Doc died.”
“But shouldn't she have asked the Council? Or even the Marshall?” Alexzander asked, raising an eyebrow.
“You were too busy chasing after that terrible Charles Little, and frankly I thought once the new doctor was here, the Council would go along with it,” Charlotte said, starting to look a little worried.
“So, would everyone agree then, that that part of the letter is valid?” Alexzander asked. Everyone nodded their agreement and he noted it a piece of paper.
Millie raised her hand. As the owner of the mercantile, she knew more about business than most in the room, other than Flora. “Don't the buildings revert to the town if there aren't any kinfolk or a will? I know Doc didn't have any kin, so it would make sense that Doc Childs would have to come to the Town Council to claim the building. I know you are staying at his apartment right now, but that is because there are patients there and it makes sense instead of paying for a hotel room. It would be logical if a new doctor was to come to town that he would acquire those buildings from the town after a certain amount of time. I don't know law, but it would make sense that, that part of the letter is valid, don't you think?” Everyone murmured their agreement and Alexzander made another mark on his piece of paper.
Clive, who had been silent through the whole ordeal, finally spoke. His words were soft yet deliberate. “The final point of the letter, involves you coming out West, Dr. Childs, and a marriage promise to Miss Daniels. My question is usually when a man makes a move like that they are running from something. What are you running from, Dr. Childs?”
As if he was expecting the question to be asked, Robert took a deep breath and turned to the people sitting around the room.
“A memory, Mr. Adair. I’m running from a memory. When my colleague, Doctor Rhodes, received the letter from Mrs. Daniels, he came to me the following day. I had been under investigation for killing a patient.” Gasps came from around the room. “There wasn’t any truth to the claims against me, but the damage was done.”
“What do you mean under investigation?”
“There was a young mother, about to give birth. She had been in labor for several days before she made it to the hospital. Her husband had been working a long shift and wasn’t there when she went into labor. Luckily, a neighbor stopped in and found her. She was rushed to the hospital and I was the attending physician for the evening.
“We immediately assessed the situation and we were dealing with a breech birth. The kind where the baby comes out buttocks first instead of head first. The mother was bleeding, so I knew her water had broken, but I didn’t know when. I apologize, ladies, for the indelicate remarks, but I have to spell out everything. I was able to stabilize her and eventually deliver the infant. Unfortunately, the cord was around the baby’s neck.”
“What happened?” Tess asked.
“The infant didn’t survive.” Robert paused. “Neither did the mother. She bled out. I couldn’t save either one of them.
”
“Well, that wasn’t your fault,” Fannie Pearl spoke up.
“Yes, it was, Mrs. Edmundson. You see, that woman was my wife and that baby was my daughter.”
An audible gasp came from several of the women and they began to speak over each other.
Clive gave a shrill whistle and silenced the crowd. “That still doesn’t explain the investigation.”
“Her father was a prominent member of Boston Society. We had an arranged marriage, so we were comfortable but not passionately in love. It didn’t matter that I was working around the clock at the hospital, I couldn’t be there for my own wife when she needed me. My father-in-law, in his grief, made it his mission to destroy everything I had built. By the time he was finished there was a formal investigation to uncover if her death was intentional, gross negligence or just an unfortunate accident.
“I was found innocent of all charges, but again, the damage was done, my name was ruined in Boston, and my patients didn’t trust me to save them after that. I fell into a dark place and I was very close to ending it all. I became a drunkard, I hated my life, and everyone in it was a constant reminder that I couldn’t save the one I truly loved.
“When I finally hit the bottom of the pit, I cried out and God heard me. I stopped drinking, apart from the one relapse last night, and I committed to turning my life around and starting anew. I knew as I continued to pray that an answer would appear. This happened a little over two years ago. I made a mistake putting my medical career in front of my family. And putting my medical practice before God. I kept thinking if I could have done something differently, but I couldn’t. It was done and my wife and child were gone.
Wanted: Medicine Man (Silverpines Book 5) Page 8