Miranda Takes a Stand

by Jordan Bollinger

  "You were looking for us?" Kathy asked, incredulously.

  Miranda could no longer stay still, and said, "Yes. We looked and looked for you. And, when we couldn't find you, we hired detectives." Pointing across the table to Colleen, "Miss Murphy is the fifth detective that came to search for you."

  "They were looking for us, Kathy," Lynn said, almost in tears.

  "Now, don't cry. The time for crying is over," Colleen told them.

  "Yes," Victoria echoed, "eat. Because then we need to have a talk, a serious talk."

  "Victoria," Miranda interjected, "Miss Murphy would like to help with... well... you know."

  "That's wonderful, Miranda."

  "Miss... I mean, Doctor, are we going to have to go back to the orphanage?"

  "Well..." Victoria began, "we can't promise you anything. At least not right now. But, let us assure you, we are doing everything we can to keep you girls here, in Manchester. And, we have the support of a judge who is contacting the Illinois authorities, about that very thing."

  "I think," Miranda said, "we can almost promise you that neither of you will have to go back to that place."

  "No matter what," the doctor continued, "you won't be going anywhere for at least a month, probably longer."

  Both girls looked up, and asked, "Why?"

  "I'd planned on waiting to talk about this. But, since you've asked..." Dr. Thorne said setting down her fork. She took a deep breath and began, "You know you were drugged, don't you? I mean, regularly drugged to make it easier to control you."

  "Yes, ma'am."

  "The awful truth is that you both are addicted to opium. Very soon, perhaps, even as soon as tomorrow, you will suffer for lack of it."

  "Are we going to die?" Lynn asked, plaintively.

  "No. No," the doctor told them. "But, you will be very, very sick. And, there's nothing I can give you to make you well. The sad fact is you are going to be sick until your body rids itself of its need for opium. And that will take time, maybe a very long time. We don't know how much of the drug you were being fed each day. So, we can't even make a guess how long you'll be ill."

  "What will happen to us?" Lynn asked.

  "You will get headaches, and they will get much worse before they get better. You will be cranky. You might not be able to sleep for days at a time. And, I'm very much afraid that you won't be able to keep much of anything in your stomachs.

  "The reality is you are both going to be very ill for weeks. But, the only way you can get free of the drug is to suffer through. Think of it as if you're walking through a horrible forest, but you can't turn around. You have to walk forward to get through it. But, you won't be alone. There will be a lot of people to walk right along with you."

  Everyone went silent. Turning to their food, rather than speaking more. But, after a time, Kathy said, "Miss... I mean, Doctor, I'm going to have a baby. I tried to ignore it for a long time. And, I hid it as best I could, since 'Sir' would have been angry if he'd realized. But, I can't pretend anymore. What will happen to my baby?"

  "Yes, Kathy, you are pregnant. We have to hope that your travail against the opium in your body won't harm the child. So, while I can't promise he'll be unharmed, I'll be here with you. And, I'll be with you when your child enters this world, as well."

  "Yes, ma'am," Kathy answered, "but I meant after it's born. Will I be allowed to keep him?"

  Victoria answered, "We're going to do all we can to make sure you do."

  This seemed to relieve Kathy, and she went back to eating, although, Miranda saw she had eaten little. Lynn had taken several good bites, but now was merely moving food around her plate.

  The doctor smiled at Lynn, and in a gentle voice, said, "Lynn, dear, please try to eat some more—even it is only a little. It's very important for you girls to get food into you now, while you still can."

  Chapter Three

  The women gave up pressing the girls to eat, and asked if they felt up to clearing the table and doing the dishes, instead. Once the girls were busy, the four older women discussed what they would need at Miranda's.

  "I have two extra beds," she began. Then frowning, added, "But, I suppose we'll need two, or even three more. That is, if Miss Murphy is serious about coming to stay and help."

  "Of course, I am," Colleen insisted.

  "And, I'm sending Kit to stay with you," Victoria added.

  Meg's head popped up, and she broke her silence, "I'll be helping as well. I suppose Eva and I will need to swap off at times, so that the businesses here don't suffer. And, I wouldn't be surprised if Ma doesn't also figure out a way to be there. So, I suppose we should have three more."

  "Of course, this is if Gus and Neil can find beds on such short notice."

  "I can always sleep on the floor," Colleen told them.

  "Don't be silly," Miranda countered. She looked at the young woman, and added, "You know, you'll be giving up your job, at least for a while. Have you thought about this? Are you sure?"

  "What's this?" Victoria asked, turning to face the girl.

  "I told Miss Hendriksen and Miss Margaret that I want to stay here and help those girls. I... I have experience with morphine addiction. My brother fell victim to it. And it killed him.

  "That's why I want to stay with these girls, at least for a while. Like I said to Mrs. Hendriksen, I'm not at all sure I'm cut out for the excitement and danger of being a detective, Pinkerton, or otherwise."

  Victoria looked at the younger girl and asked, "Your brother died?"

  "Yes, ma'am. He couldn't break the drug's hold, and he killed himself with it."

  "I'm so very sorry about your brother. But Miranda's right, you don't want to give up your job, do you?"

  "I'm sure." She faced the doctor, adding, "I overheard the other girls talking about this workshop."

  She flushed, before she continued, "I only had older brothers. My mama died when I was about five, so while I can skip rocks and climb trees, with the best of them, I don't have the faintest notion of how to cook or sew. So, I thought I might take advantage of my time here to learn more... uh... more 'lady-like' things. That is, of course, if it's all right with you all. I mean, I realize you might need to speak to the others."

  "I think," Dr. Thorne said, "I can speak for the others, when I say you are more than welcome to stay and help.

  "And, Eva and I will be more than happy to teach you things you think are more 'lady-like'," Meg said, smiling.

  Then, in a more serious tone, she added, "Besides, we will need all the help we can get. One girl fighting the lure of the drug would be bad enough. Having two will be very difficult, especially trying to keep Kathy's baby safe in the process."

  Meg fetched paper and pencils, returned to the table, and passed them around before she sat down. Then, clearing her throat, she began, "Well, we'd better get our lists finished. Gus will be back very soon."

  "Yes," Dr. Thorne agreed.

  "Well, if they're buying more beds, we'll need more linens and blankets and things," Miranda said. "I doubt I have half a dozen sets of sheets, anymore."

  "Yes, ma'am," Colleen added, "we'll need more, lots more. We sometimes went through more than that many sets in one day with just my brother. And night clothes. Those girls will be so restless and agitated; between fidgeting and perspiring, they'll need to be changed constantly."

  "I can see you will be a wealth of information about everything," Victoria told her, smiling. "We can get linens and enamelware from over the surgery. We kept everything we'd used during the scarlet fever epidemic. So, the first thing for Neil to do is to gather those things together."

  Then looking up, she asked, "Miranda, you have a hip bath, don't you?"

  "Yes, of course. But, perhaps, one isn't enough, or even large enough. Ma and Gus broke Meg's fever by holding her in a horse trough of ice water."

  "I suppose we could ask for a second hip bath and even a horse trough," Meg answered. Then, after a moment she added, "Unless, you think we're asking
for too much."

  "Well," Victoria told her, "we'll need those things for the hospital, if the town council decides Manchester needs one. We can always put everything we acquire aside for it."

  "Now, what about food?"

  Victoria frowned. After a moment, she answered, "Well, I think we should get tea, oatmeal, and maybe cornmeal. Kit can make broth and the chickens will give us enough eggs. Although, once the girls are in the throes of withdrawal, I don't expect them to keep much down."

  "Honey." Colleen said flatly. When the older women turned to her, she continued, "My brother loved honey. I can't tell you how many times he got stung as a child, stealing honey comb. Anyway, he always seemed to be able to handle a spoonful of honey. It wasn't too heavy, or too much on his stomach."

  "What an excellent idea!" Dr. Thorne cried out. "I'm especially worried about Kathy. It will be hard enough to keep fluids in her. But, your idea about honey will be a big help in keeping something inside of her."

  They were just finishing up the list, when the door opened and a man walked in, rather hesitantly.

  Miranda looked at him and said, "I saw you this morning, when I went to see the judge."

  "Yes, ma'am. My name's Jake Kennedy. I was one of the Pinkerton detectives. I worked out at Gunderson's place and sniffed around. For a while I was really onto something—for a while there, at least. Until he was murdered before he could tell me anything.

  "Since then, I've been working with Mr. Stratton. Dr. Thorne knows me.

  "The thing is I like working for him. And, I like Manchester. So, I sent Mr. Brown a telegram saying I quit."

  "My," Victoria said, "I don't think your Mr. Brown is going to be very happy with us—robbing him of his staff."

  "Well, welcome to Manchester, officially, Mr. Kennedy," Miranda said, smiling.

  "I hope you keep on liking it," Meg added.

  "Thank you, ma'am." He took another step inside, and lowered his voice. "Mr. Stratton sent me over to tell Miss Miranda, Mr. Gunderson wants me to go out to your place, and send your hand over to his place. You all know, I won't tell anyone where the girls are. Your hand might not keep things as quiet."

  "Ah..." Victoria sighed. "Yes, I see the wisdom in that." She turned and asked, "You heard, Miranda?"

  "Yes. I'll look forward to seeing you later, Mr. Kennedy."

  He turned to leave, and almost ran into Neil Stratton, who burst through the door. "Come along, Victoria. I'm walking you to the hotel and you are going to get some sleep."

  "But..."

  "No buts." Neil told her. "Unlike Meg, you didn't get any rest last night. Besides, you promised me earlier."

  Dr. Thorne eyed him, as if she was trying to remember if she had promised him that, or anything else. But, in truth, she was too tired to remember.

  Chapter Four

  Once the girls were back in bed, the ladies left Miss Murphy in charge as they started on the preparations for the upcoming weeks. Miranda headed to the livery stable to get her horse and buggy to go home. The doctor went with Neil, so she could get some rest, giving him instructions about what they'd need and what he needed to gather up from the surgery attic. And, Meg went to the mercantile.

  "Are these the plainest night gowns you have?" Meg asked the clerk, holding up a cambric one edged heavily in ruffles and lace, and closing with a long row of tiny buttons.

  "I'm afraid so," the clerk said.

  Sighing, she answered, "All right, I'll take two small and two large." She next moved over to examine the bolts of fabric behind the counter. She saw the new bolts of muslin and flannel, and half a bolt of a pretty calico and asked, "Do you have a piece of paper?"

  Once she'd obtained it, she pulled the little pencil from her purse and sketched a much simpler night gown. Once she was pleased with her result, she made some quick calculations and then said, "I'll take that bolt of muslin. And, whatever is remaining on that bolt of blue calico. Now," she said, pointing to another bolt of fabric, "can I see the flannel? I want to know how heavy it is."

  The clerk took down the flannel and handed it to Meg before she carried the bolt of muslin to the other counter. When she returned, Meg told her, "I'll take this entire bolt and that reel of white tape.

  "Now, I'll want a dozen pairs of socks, and two pairs of slippers. Then I'll want some groceries."

  "Yes, ma'am."

  Once she'd moved to the correct counter, she pulled a list from her purse, and read off her list: "Tea, coffee, sugar, oatmeal, cornmeal, and half a dozen jars of honey. Also, some crackers. Oh, and I want a pound of peppermint candies. It doesn't matter if they're drops or sticks."

  "A pound..." the clerk repeated, as if she was not sure she heard correctly.

  "Yes. And, I'll be wanting more very soon. Now, that's to be put on the Gunderson account.

  "Oh, and a hip bath, if you have one."

  "I believe we do."

  "Good," Meg said, "add that in, as well."

  "Of course, Miss Strong."

  "Now please have everything packaged up and ready to load into the wagon when Mr. Stratton comes to pick it up, which won't be very long from now."

  "Yes, ma'am."

  Meg had turned and was reaching for the doorknob when the door opened and Mrs. Cleary came in. When she saw Meg, she rushed over and said, "I know you and the doctor will take care of those poor children." Then sighing, she added, "I only wish we would be here to help you."

  "What? Why? Where are you going?"

  "Reverend Cleary's brother is extremely ill and can no longer run the family company. And, since my husband is familiar with the business, we're moving back east."

  "When?" Meg asked, shocked.

  "Immediately, I'm afraid. This Sunday will be his last sermon. We're leaving on the Tuesday morning train heading east."

  "And, you won't be back?"

  "No, I'm afraid not. We are both greatly saddened by this, but family is family, I suppose."

  "But, what will we do without a minister?"

  "The deacons will take turns giving the sermons. Hopefully, you won't be without a minister for long. They've already sent out a call for a new one. And, I'm sure they'll find a new pastor who'll be more than adequate."

  Meg lurched forward and pulled the older woman into a hug. Then, doing her best to hold back her tears, she said, "I will miss you both, more than you'll ever know."

  "Although, we'll miss everyone," she said, "we'll miss a few people more than others. And you, Meg, are one of those people. I hope we meet again, someday."

  Someone tried to enter the store, and the women realized they were blocking the door, so with a reluctant parting, Mrs. Cleary moved further inside the store, while Meg left.

  She walked slowly back home. The Clearys' were leaving. Reverend Cleary wouldn't be in town to marry her and Gus next month. She was grieved more than she would have believed before meeting Mrs. Cleary.

  But, those children needed her help. And they were more important than anything else right now.

  Still...

  Meg was home only long enough to put on a kettle of water for tea when Neil walked in.

  "I found everything on Victoria's list and have loaded it up. I also got a new water trough, a supply of four by fours, one by twelves, and a couple coils of rope."

  When Meg looked at him, he added, "Jake and I will be able to knock a few simple bedsteads together with those. Now, I'll go pick up the things from the store and head out."

  "What..." Meg said. "Oh, yes, everything should be ready for you." She moved over and added tea to the teapot and was pouring the water, when she looked up and exclaimed, "Oh, could you stop by here before you leave town? There are some fabrics included with the order, and I need them."

  "Sure," he answered. Then looking at her, he asked, "Are you all right? Is something wrong? Has something happened?"

  "Yes, I'm all right, I suppose. But, yes something has happened. The Clearys are leaving town—Tuesday morning. There's some family problem b
ack east, and they're just leaving—for good."

  "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. I like them," Neil said. But then, with a shrug of his shoulders, he said, "I'll be back shortly."

  As soon as Neil left, Meg called the girls into the kitchen. She'd already slipped into the workshop and grabbed her notebook where she kept all her clients measurements, and her tape measure. She was waiting when the three young women entered the room.

  "Colleen, will you write down the girls' measurements as I call them out, please?"

  "Certainly, Miss."

  "Good. Lynn, let's start with you."

  "Yes, Miss.

  "Ma'am," Kathy began, "could we heat the leftover chicken and dumplings? I don't know about Lynn, but all of a sudden I'm real hungry."

  "Of course," Meg told the girl. "I'm sure we're all happy that you're feeling more safe and comfortable. And, that baby gets hungry too. Just give me a moment and then I'll heat up the chicken."

  "It's all right, ma'am. I can heat it up."

  "Why don't you do that, while I measure Lynn? Then, you girls can swap places. Lynn will supervise the reheating while you get measured."

  "Oh, thank you, Miss."

  Kathy moved to the cook stove, checked that the fire was sufficient, and then fetched the food from the ice box. She found a pot and soon had the chicken and dumplings warming.

  "There were leftover biscuits, too. Why don't you hand one to Lynn, so she can snack while I measure her?"

  Lynn bit into her biscuit greedily while Meg took her measurements. She asked, "Why are you doing this, Miss?"

  Meg looked up, smiled at the child, and told her, "Why to make you both some clothes. Eventually, Kit and Eva are going to want their nightgowns back. As it is, I'm afraid you will have to ride out to Miranda's wrapped in blankets. But, it's not a long ride, and we can always throw in a couple more blankets for you to cover up in.

  "I did get you each some socks and slippers to wear out." She turned to Colleen and asked, "Would you remind me to ask Neil to find them, and a reel of cotton tape, and at least four of the blankets, please?"