Rogan shook his head, glancing around the room. “This is outrageous, Sheriff. She’s me wife and therefore, me property.” He pointed at the doctor. “This man can’t keep me away from me own property.”
The doctor stiffened, and the sheriff shook his head. “If you claimed he had your horse, I’d still need proof it belonged to you. Don’t you have a marriage license?”
“Of course, but we married in Ireland. I’m sure it was misplaced.” Rogan stepped toward the sheriff. “You must believe me, sir. I’ll not return to New York without me wife.”
****
Elliot fumed as the man related his story to Jim. How could he talk about the woman he loved as property? Of course, although his claim seemed valid, Elliot couldn’t imagine taking a woman by force, even a wife.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Morrissey, but if you have no proof, and she’s not willing to go with you, you’ll have to leave. If you return with absolute proof, I’ll be willing to allow you to take her.”
Morrissey’s face reddened. “I’d have to go all the way back to New York! And if the papers aren’t there, what am I to do?”
Jim spread his arms. “I can’t help you, sir.
Rogan growled and lunged at Jim. Elliot sprang into action and yanked him off. Andy drew his pistol and leveled it at the enraged Irishman. Morrissey froze.
“Want me to lock him up?” the deputy asked Jim.
Jim eyed the Irishman. “If he leaves willingly with no more trouble, I’ll allow him to go. But you’d best not return to my town, Mister.”
Morrissey backed toward the door, his hands raised. “I’ll leave, Sheriff.” He turned to Elliot. “But I promise you, Doctor, so long as you have me wife under yer roof, you’d best be on yer guard.”
“We don’t take kindly to threats here, Morrissey,” Jim growled. “Get on your way and don’t stop until you’re out of my town.”
The Irishman nodded and stepped out the door, but not without a final backward scowl at Elliot.
He blew out the breath he’d been holding as the door closed behind the man. Andy strode to the window and peered out.
“Is he leaving?” Jim asked stepping to his deputy’s side.
“Yes, sir.” Andy nodded. “He’s got a wagon outside. He’s driving off.”
Jim patted Elliot on the shoulder. “You’d best watch your back, Doc, and keep your house secure. We’ll be on the lookout as well.” He nodded toward Andy.
Elliot’s blood chilled. “Do you think he’ll stay around town after your warning?”
Jim nodded. “If she is his wife, or he just wants to lay claim to her for whatever reason, I don’t think he’ll go quietly.”
“I’d better get home then,” Elliot said, “to be sure the women are safe.”
“You do that,” Jim agreed. “I’ll be by to check your house later.”
Chapter Six
Keara peered out the kitchen window while Millie lit lanterns against the dusk.
“I do hope everything’s gone right at Jim’s office.” Millie raised her gaze to Keara.
“Jim?” Keara asked.
“The sheriff.”
“Oh…” Unable to keep still, Keara paced. Would the doctor be bringing Rogan to lay claim to her? She had to be prepared to run, but her belongings were on the second floor in the guest room. “I need to get me things.”
“Why, my dear?” Millie stepped to her side, halting her. She patted her arm. “You’re safe here with us.”
Keara shook her head. “But if the sheriff believes the man is me husband, will he turn me over to him?”
Millie frowned, her face pale in the light of the lantern. “Jim is a fair man. He won’t take the word of a stranger. He’ll need proof.” She eyed Keara, her brows rising.
“He won’t have proof, unless he forged it.” Keara paced again. “What am I to do, Aunt Millie?”
Millie gathered Keara into her arms against her thin chest. “Don’t fret, dear. Elliot will protect you, no matter what happens.”
The sound of the outer door opening and closing set Keara’s teeth on edge. She clasped her hands together tightly, ready to sprint for the back door.
The kitchen door pushed open revealing Dr. James. Keara strained to see behind him, but he didn’t appear to have anyone in tow.
Just when Keara feared the tension in the room would split her in two, Millie broke the silence.
“Elliot, what happened at Jim’s office?” The older woman wrung her hands in her apron.
The doctor sighed. “Jim banished Mr. Morrissey from town.”
Keara swallowed. “He didn’t have proof for the sheriff, I take it.”
“No.” Dr. James shook his head. “He claims he left it in New York where you supposedly planned to live.” His gaze pinned her.
“I…I don’t know why he’d say such a thing.”
The doctor scowled. “Miss Fagan…that is your real name?”
“Aye.” Keara straightened. Did he believe Rogan’s lies now? “Keara Aingeal Fagan. Me ma and da still live in County Cork, Ireland.” She wrung her hands. “At least they did when I was sent away. It’s been so long.” She bit her lip, tears stinging her eyes. “Me brothers and sisters may still be there, too.”
“Oh, my dear!” Millie crooned. “You’ve lost all contact with your family?”
“Aye.” Keara dropped her gaze, fearing if she spoke about them, she’d end up sobbing out her loneliness and misery. She wanted to tell these people the truth but feared their reaction.
Dr. James sank into one of the chairs at the long table. “The man claims to have come over from Ireland with you and says you’d married before leaving the country. He said you arrived in New York, and you’d run off because of homesickness.”
Keara’s fists clenched. How dare Rogan claim her as his wife? He was evil, the devil incarnate for what he’d tried to do to her!
“When the sheriff—Jim—demanded proof of your marriage, Mr. Morrissey attacked him.”
Millie gasped. “Attacked him?”
“That’s the reason Jim banished him from town. Otherwise, he’d have had no choice but to lock him up.”
A chill ran down Keara’s spine. “Are you saying Mr. Morrissey is free and roaming about town?”
The doctor shook his head. “He won’t show his face here again. I’m sure he’s on his way back to York.”
Keara shook her head. “I don’t know. If he’s determined to find me…” She glanced at the doctor and his aunt. “I should leave. You said there’s a boardinghouse…”
Millie stepped between Keara and her nephew. “Oh, no! We won’t hear of it, will we Elliot?” Her sharp gaze shot to him.
“Under the circumstances, I suppose it would be best if Miss Fagan stayed on for a bit longer.” He glanced over at Keara.
“But I’m not wanting to cause you any more trouble, Doctor,” she protested.
He smiled. “You’ll be no more than I can deal with.”
She tingled at the intensity of his gaze. He truly was her savior.
****
Late Wednesday afternoon, Keara dusted the tables and mantel in the parlor when a knock sounded at the front entry door. Millie had gone upstairs to take a nap, and the doctor wasn’t in. Keara hesitantly stepped toward the door, peering through the gauze curtain out one of the side windows.
A tall man with sandy-colored hair clutched a large hat in his hands. She blew a sigh of relief, having feared Rogan would return. She pulled open the door.
The man’s eyes widened. “Sorry to bother you, Miss. Is the Doc in?”
“I’m sorry, sir, but Dr. James is out on a call.”
“Oh.” His gazed roved over her. “I’m Sheriff Buckley. You wouldn’t happen to be the lady the Irishman claimed was his runaway wife.”
Keara’s face heated. “Aye, but he’s not me husband. In fact, I’ve never been married and don’t know why the man is following me.”
The sheriff narrowed his gaze as if appraising her.
“Sorry, Miss. If it’s any comfort to you, I’ve banished him from town.”
She nodded. “Aye, Dr. James told us the brute attacked you in yer own office.”
“He’s damn lucky…ah, pardon me, ma’am, but he’s lucky we didn’t lock him up.”
“Perhaps you should’ve.”
“Well…” Buckley shifted his hat in his hands. “Do you happen to know when Doc will be returning home?”
“I can’t be sure. Perhaps by dinnertime.”
“Ah…” The sheriff glanced away. “If you could tell him I need him to come to my home as soon as he can.”
She nodded. “Aye, is something wrong?”
Buckley sighed. “It’s my little boy. He’s got an awfully high fever. I thought Doc should take a look at him.”
“Oh, of course.” Keara grasped his arm, warming to the man. “How old is your boy.”
“He just turned three.”
“The poor little lad. I know a bit about folk remedies. Perhaps I could come with you until the doctor returns. I could leave a message with his aunt to tell him to come over as soon as he gets home.”
Buckley nodded. “That would be right generous of you, ma’am. My wife is frantic. I think having another woman around might comfort her as well.”
“I’ll leave a note with Aunt Millie, and we’ll go see yer son.”
Keara hurried to perform her tasks, finally feeling useful to those who’d come to her aid.
****
Elliot cantered his mare to the house. Twilight made it difficult to make out the fence post, but a soft glow shimmered through the first floor windows. He slid from the horse and tied her to the post. He’d take her around to the backyard stable once he’d checked on the women.
He stepped in the door expecting his aunt and Miss Fagan to be warming dinner in the kitchen. His footsteps echoed over the floor. “Aunt Millie?” he called. “Miss Fagan?”
The kitchen door burst open. Millie’s eyes were wide, her hands knotted in her apron.
Elliot’s heart lurched. “Miss Fagan!” he gasped. “Where is she?”
“Oh, Elliot! She’s gone.”
“Gone! Gone where?” Elliot’s pulse raced.
“She went with Jim. His poor boy is very sick. You must go right away.” She worked her hands in the folds of her gown.
Elliot blew out a sigh. He’d feared either Morrissey had taken Miss Fagan, or she’d run again. “I’ll get right over there.” He patted his aunt’s gnarled hand. “Don’t worry.”
He hopped back on his mare and hurried to the sheriff’s home. Light shone through the windows. He tied up the horse and let himself in. “Jim!” he called, “Miss Fagan?”
Jim appeared, a smile lighting his face. “Your guest is a miracle worker. You should take her on as a partner.”
Elliot followed Jim up the stairs to the boy’s bedroom. His wife, Maggie, hovered at the foot of the bed, while Miss Fagan sat beside the boy crooning a lullaby. The boy actually let out a weak laugh.
She turned and started when she caught sight of Elliot. “Did Aunt Millie send you?”
He nodded and stepped toward the bed. “You gave me a scare, Danny.” He placed his hand on the boy’s forehead. He seemed a bit flushed but wasn’t burning up.
“What did you do?” he asked Miss Fagan.
She shrugged. “Used compresses and some home remedies I learned back in Ireland from me grandmother. It took the fever out of him.” She nodded at the boy.
Jim’s wife clasped her hands. She seemed on the verge of tears. “Miss Fagan is a miracle worker, Doc.”
“So your husband’s told me.” Elliot glanced at Jim who hovered in the doorway.
Miss Fagan stood and motioned for Elliot to take her place by the bed. He sat and gave the boy a quick examination. “He’ll need plenty of fluids and lots of sleep, but I think he’s on the mend.” He nodded at the anxious parents.
He stood so Mrs. Buckley could sit by her son, then motioned Miss Fagan and Jim into the hall.
“I’d like to thank you, Miss Fagan, for coming with me.” Jim glanced at Elliot. “I came to get you, but you were out on a call.”
Elliot studied Miss Fagan. She glanced away, appearing embarrassed at Jim’s praise. “Glad I was to help, Sheriff. He seems like a fine lad.”
Elliot’s gaze slid over her. If he’d been around when Jim had come to call, he wasn’t sure he’d have done any better.
****
An hour later, once Dr. James felt sure the boy would be fine under his parents’ care, he bid the Buckleys goodbye and motioned Keara to accompany him. “I brought my mare. We can both ride her.”
“Oh, no!” Keara protested. “It’s only a short walk.”
He shook his head. “She can take us both.” The doctor helped Keara up onto the front of the horse, while he climbed on back. His arms slipped around her waist as he grasped the reins. Keara’s skin tingled as she sank into his hold. Her past experiences with men caused her to shy away and be fearful of any male attention, but she enjoyed being close to the doctor. Such a fine gentleman, he was, and so attentive.
If only she were the type of woman fit for a man like himself.
She swayed with the mare as they trotted through town to his home.
Dr. James alighted from the mount, then held out his arms to assist Keara. She slipped into his embrace, her senses quivering, wishing she could have a future with such a man.
As he set her on her feet, a rustling in the bushes in the front yard, startled her. “Oh, what is that!”
A dark flash scurried from the bush, followed by frantic mewling.
“Scat cat!” Dr. James ordered.
Keara squinted at the form. A black kitten with white paws and a spot of white at the throat. “Oh, poor kitty!” She scooped up the tiny cat.
“It’s just a stray, Miss Fagan. Put it down. It’ll find its way home.”
Keara hugged the tiny bundle to her chest. “But he’s such a wee kitty. He must be starved. Can’t we take him in and, at least, feed him?”
The doctor shook his head. “Aunt Millie won’t like you bringing a cat into the house, especially a black one.”
“Oh, posh,” Keara scoffed. “How can she deny food to such a precious wee one?”
Dr. James shook his head but motioned Keara, still cradling the kitten, to precede him into the house.
****
Friday morning, Elliot rose early since he had three patients to see. As he descended the stairs, the aroma of frying bacon set his mouth to watering. By the time he reached the kitchen, the women were setting the table. Millie motioned for Elliot to take his seat.
Millie and Keara doled out breakfast and took seats on either side of him. As he dug into the eggs and buttered toast on his plate, he studied Miss Fagan. Riding so close behind her on his mare made him realize how much he longed to touch her.
She smiled as she bit into a slice of bacon, her full lips enticing him. But aside from polite conversation with his aunt, she seemed reluctant to speak.
“I’m so glad Jim’s boy will be fine,” Millie gushed. “I was so worried when Keara left me the note for you.”
“The boy’s strong.” He gazed at Miss Fagan. “And our house guest seems to know a bit about medicine herself.”
Miss Fagan’s cheeks turned a bright pink. “I didn’t do any more than me grandmother taught me to treat fevers.”
Elliot winked. “I guarantee Jim and his wife will be calling you instead of me next time one of them is ill.”
Miss Fagan smiled but remained quiet.
Elliot again wondered what she hid. Who was Mr. Morrissey? He found it hard to believe she’d never met him, as she still insisted. If he wanted to get to know her better, he’d have to find a way to crack her shell.
****
Once Elliot had left to see his patients, Keara helped Millie wash the breakfast dishes. A scratching sound in a corner of the kitchen reminded Keara she needed to obtain milk for the kitten and f
ind a place to set up a sandbox for it.
She glanced at Millie. “Aunt Millie, I’ve something to ask you.”
“What is it, dear?” Millie glanced around furtively, a frown crossing her face. “What on earth…”
The kitten streaked past yowling at Keara’s feet.
“Oh, my lord!” Millie placed her hand over her heart. “A black cat. How did it get in here?”
Keara cleared her throat. Dr. James had warned her about his aunt’s reaction. She picked up the squirming kitten. “We found him outside last night. I thought we could feed him. Maybe take him in.”
“A black cat?” Millie gasped. “It’s a bad omen to bring into any house.”
“But he’s just a poor, frightened kitty,” Keara protested. “I named him Shadow.”
Millie shook her head, drying her hands on her apron. She lifted a finger. “You wait and see. That creature will bring bad luck into this house.” She left the room.
Keara stared after her, cradling the kitten. She hadn’t had the chance to ask Millie for a little bit of milk.
“Well, Shadow, me lad.” She set the kitten on the floor and raided the pantry, pulling out a small bowl. A small bit of milk left over from breakfast sat in the pitcher on the table. She filled the bowl and set it out for her small charge.
As the kitten lapped up her offering, she shook her head. “You’d best stay out of Aunt Millie’s way, lad. Else you might find yourself on yer own again.”
She folded her arms over her chest, wondering how long she could stay with the James’s until she wore out her welcome.
****
Rogan rolled over in bed connecting with the silky, naked skin of the maid beside him under the covers. He smirked at the recollection of the tumble she’d given him after she’d cleaned his room. And he hadn’t had to pay a cent. She’d been more than willing. But he had to be out and about to find a way to bring Keara back to New York with him. Without the large commission he stood to collect for the wench, he’d soon run out of cash.
“Lassie,” he cooed.
The woman started, staring at him. “Oh. What time is it? I have to be gettin’ back to work.”
He rose and shrugged into his shirt, then pulled on his britches. “It’s three o’clock by my watch.”
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