A Bargain Struck (Choc Lit)

by Liz Harris

  ‘That’s good, isn’t it?’

  Standing up, he shook his head, and eyed the calf thoughtfully. ‘I don’t know. There’s something about the way she looks that ain’t right.’

  ‘What’re you gonna do?’

  ‘Stop the swellings from getting larger. We don’t want them to burst and become infected. I’m gonna wrap some rags around her legs to keep them dry and clean, and stop them from gettin’ scratched.’

  ‘And what should I do?’ Bridget asked anxiously.

  ‘You can clean her stall while I take care of her legs. When the stall’s completely dry, we’ll fill it up with a mass of fresh, dry straw. We must clean the floor of the barn, too, and make sure it’s not slippery, just in case the swellings are because of her slippin’ over. When the snow comes, we must make doubly sure that we wipe as much of it off our boots as we can before walking through the barn. We don’t want any more cows with problems like this.’

  ‘Will Daisy be OK? She will, won’t she?’ Bridget gazed up at Aaron with trust in her eyes.

  He smiled down at her reassuringly. ‘We’ll both do our best to see that she is. We’ll watch her closely, and hope she’ll be back to normal in a few days’ time.’ He paused. ‘She’s done well to get this far, honey. Dogies don’t usually last as long as she has. I can’t promise you she’ll get better, but we’ll do our darndest.’

  Bridget stared at him in alarm, then she put her arms around the calf’s neck and hugged her. ‘She’s gonna get better. You are, Daisy. Yes, you are. I promise you.’

  ‘You can start on the stall now, Bridget. Pile the old straw into a heap. When you’ve done that, I’ll take it outta here and give Daisy some fresh new straw.’

  ‘How’s she looking?’ Connor asked, coming up to them.

  Ellen stood aside and let Connor pass in front of her to the calf’s stall.

  ‘Aaron thinks she might have slipped over. She’s gonna be all right, though,’ Bridget said. She knelt down beside Daisy and scratched the small horns that were starting to harden in the soft hair around her ears.

  Connor looked questioningly at Aaron.

  ‘She got some swellings on her hind legs,’ he said. ‘It’s nothin’ we can’t try to fix. But I wouldn’t like to say that she’s gonna be all right. You know what it’s like with runts.’

  Connor nodded. He looked down at Bridget. ‘I know you want to stay with Daisy, but we don’t want you catching a cold. You’ll not be as strong as you were before the snake got you. I want you to go back to the house and stay in the warmth. Just for a few days.’

  ‘But, Pa …’

  ‘There’s no “but, Pa” about it. That’s what’s gonna happen. Anyway, you’ve gotta get ready for when everyone gets here, and I reckon that Ellen could probably use some help with the meal.’

  Tears started to roll down Bridget’s cheeks. ‘I’ve gotta clean her stall.’

  Connor bent down to her. ‘I’m sorry, honey, but we must see that you’re all right. That’s the most important thing.’

  She gave a loud sob. ‘Daisy’s important, too.’

  ‘I’ve a suggestion, boss,’ Aaron cut in. ‘I reckon we could move Daisy to East Barn, just for a while. It could give her a better chance of pullin’ through. It’s drier there – has to be with all the food and grain we’ve got stored – and it’s closer to the house so it’d be easier for Bridget to slip out for little bits of time to see how Daisy is. I could make a stall for Daisy just inside the entrance.’

  Bridget’s face lit up. ‘Can we do that, Pa?’

  ‘I don’t see why not. I’ll walk with you and Ellen back to the house, and then I’ll clear a spot for Daisy. Thanks for that, Aaron. It was a mighty good thought.’ He turned back to Bridget. ‘When I’ve done the stall, Aaron will move Daisy, and then you can go out and see her for a few minutes.’

  ‘Can’t I stay and help Aaron, Pa? Daisy could be scared, bein’ moved like that, but she wouldn’t be scared if I was with her. You don’t need me, do you, Ellen?’

  ‘I guess I could manage without your help. But it’s down to your pa what you do.’

  ‘Please, Pa? Ellen doesn’t need me. You heard her.’

  ‘OK, I guess so. But as soon as we’ve got her into East Barn, you’re to go back to the house and have a rest.’

  She clapped her hands in glee and turned back to Aaron. ‘Now what should I do?’

  Connor turned to Ellen. ‘Like I said, I’ll walk back with you. We don’t want you slipping over like Daisy did.’

  She laughed. ‘Are you likening me to a cow?’

  He grinned at her, and held out his hand.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  ‘I know it’s not really Thanksgiving, and it’s a Sunday, not a Thursday, but it’s a better Thanksgiving than last year,’ Bridget remarked, pushing back her empty plate. ‘I like Martha being here. And everyone else, too,’ she added quickly. ‘Can I take Martha to see Daisy, Pa? We’ve both finished. I can’t eat another thing. And you can’t either, can you, Martha?’

  Martha shook her head. ‘I’d like to see Daisy,’ she said. ‘Can I, Pa?’

  ‘I’m not surprised you’re both full up, my dears,’ Peggy said cheerfully. ‘I don’t think I’ve ever seen two girls eat as much as you before.’ They giggled. She turned to Ellen, beaming. ‘That sure was a fine meal, Ellen. I don’t know as I’ve ever had a tastier chicken pie.’

  Ellen burst out laughing. ‘Thanks for trying to make me feel better. It needed more juice in it, I thought.’

  ‘Peggy’s right, it was a real fine pie, Ellen,’ William said. ‘With all you’ve had to do recently, I’m surprised you didn’t just put the whole chicken on the table, still squawkin’, and let us get on with it. And Conn’s never done a better roasted pig.’

  ‘That was Aaron’s work, too,’ Connor said.

  ‘And difficult work it was, too, putting the pig on a spit across the fire, and turnin’ it once in a while,’ Aaron said with a grin.

  Ellen pushed a dish of vegetables towards Peggy. ‘There are some mashed potatoes and parsnips left, and a few candied carrots, if you’ve room for more. Or anyone else who wants some. Aaron, do you want some more?’

  He shook his head. ‘I reckon I’ve eaten my fill.’

  ‘What about you, Elijah?’ Ellen asked.

  Elijah leaned back in his chair and patted his stomach. ‘I’m thinkin’ I’d better save some space for your pumpkin pie. Bridget told me she helped you with it.’

  ‘That she did. She was a great help.’ She smiled at Bridget.

  ‘Is it all right if I take Martha to see Daisy now?’ Bridget asked plaintively. ‘Daisy’s ill,’ she added, looking around the table. ‘We’ve put her in East Barn and Aaron’s gonna make her better.’

  ‘Aaron’s gonna try,’ Aaron said with a laugh. ‘I can’t promise I’ll be able to do it.’ Bridget’s face fell. ‘But I’m gonna do my best. When we’ve had our pie, I’m gonna go out and check her. Does that make you feel better?’

  ‘Not as better as I’d feel if I went to see Daisy with Martha now. I can tell her you’re coming. Can I, Pa? Please?’

  Connor looked around the table. ‘If no one objects? OK. Off you go.’

  Bridget jumped down from her chair, with Martha following her. They ran into the bedroom where the coats were piled up, and a few minutes later, bundled up in their thick coats, they ran through the kitchen and out of the back door.

  ‘It’s good to see her looking so well now,’ Abigail said, staring after her. ‘She’s a lucky girl that it wasn’t worse.’

  ‘And she’s a lucky girl that you and Elijah were close by,’ Conn said. ‘We’ll not forget that in a hurry. I doubt she’d have been going back to school tomorrow if Elijah hadn’t acted as fast as he did.’

  ‘And you’re looking mighty fine, too, Ellen,’ Abigail said with a smile. ‘And after doing all this in your condition.’

  Ellen flushed.

  Peggy leaned over the table and
squeezed her hand. ‘Conn told us as soon as we got here, but I didn’t like to say anything in case you wanted to keep it quiet till you were further along the way. He also told us that Bridget knew, but I felt it better not to mention it while she was around. I know I don’t have to tell you, William and I couldn’t be happier about the news.’

  Connor smiled at Ellen, then his face became more serious. ‘Now that the girls are out of the way, is there any news about the hunters? With Bridget being ill, and with a lot of catching up to do on the farm, I’ve not been into town since I spoke to the doctor. You’ll know, of course, their suspicions about Niall?’

  William and Elijah nodded.

  ‘We found some more carcasses earlier in the week on the low slopes of the mountains, and there’s been more stealin’ of cattle,’ Elijah said. ‘It’s a reason not to stay out late today. I don’t have many cows, and I want to keep the ones I’ve got. I’ve left a man there, and there’s no reason for anyone to think we’ll be away from the ranch today, but all the same …’

  ‘I guess it’s lucky I never had more than a couple of cows,’ William said. ‘But there’s other things folks can take, if they’re so minded.’

  ‘With snow most likely in a couple of weeks, I reckon there’ll be little more killin’ and stealin’ before the spring,’ Aaron said. ‘There’s a slight risk that they might strike once or twice while the snow’s still thin on the ground, fallin’ regularly enough to cover their tracks, but they’ll soon have to hole up for the winter.’

  ‘I reckon you’re right,’ William said, nodding. ‘What about you, Conn? Are you and Aaron gonna be enough here if there’s trouble?’

  ‘We’ll manage. We shedded the cattle a week ago. It means we’ll have to feed them for longer than we might’ve, but it’ll be a sight easier to keep an eye on them now that they’re housed.’

  ‘Talking of food,’ Ellen said, looking around the table. ‘If we’re all ready, I’ll clear the table and bring in the pies. I’ve also made a layer cake.’ She stood up and started to move around the table, collecting the plates.

  ‘You must let me …’ Peggy said, rising from her seat. She stopped sharply at the sound of horses coming down the track.

  ‘Hello the House!’ they heard a voice call from the other side of the gate.

  ‘I’d know that voice anywhere,’ William said. ‘It’s the doc.’

  Connor went to the window and glanced through it. ‘Well heard, William,’ he said ‘It is the doc. He’s in the buggy. Strange – it’s kinda late in the day for him to visit.’ He unhooked his jacket from next to the front door, put it on and went out.

  There was a sudden clatter from the back of the house as the girls flung open the kitchen door and rushed through the kitchen into the living room. A column of cold air gusted into the room after them. Then the door clicked shut.

  ‘There’s someone coming,’ Martha panted.

  ‘We couldn’t see who it was,’ Bridget added. ‘They were in a buggy. Maybe it’s Miss Quinn.’

  ‘It’s the doctor,’ Ellen said. ‘Your pa’s opening the gate. I’m sure they’ll be coming in here in a minute. Take off your coats, both of you. He might have come to see how you’re getting on, Bridget, though it’s a bit late for such a visit.’

  The buggy sounded outside the front door, and they heard the distant clang of the gate as Connor shut and barred it. Then they heard his footsteps as he returned to the house.

  With Peggy and Abigail’s help, Ellen hastily started clearing the table, piling the plates by the sink. The two girls returned from putting their coats in the bedroom and helped them remove the last of the dishes.

  ‘What brings you out today, Doc?’ they heard Connor say from in front of the house. ‘Come in and have something to eat while you tell us.’

  The front door opened and the doctor came into the room, rubbing his gloved hands together.

  He nodded towards the table, and looked back at Connor. ‘I saw the buggies outside and figured you’d got company. I’m mighty sorry to be interrupting you all, but I’ve got some news that Conn should have.’ He took off his gloves, unwound his scarf and blew into his hands. ‘It sure is cold today.’

  ‘Let me get you something to eat,’ Ellen said quickly.

  ‘That’s real kind of you, Mrs Maguire, but I mustn’t stay long. I need to get back before the light goes. I’d take a mug of coffee, though.’

  ‘Bridget, go and get the doctor a chair,’ Ellen called as she went swiftly across to the kitchen. A moment later, she returned with a pot of coffee and a slice of apricot pie, which she put on the table in front of the doctor.

  ‘Thank you, Mrs Maguire,’ he said, smiling up at her. He turned to Bridget, who was hovering behind him. ‘Lookin’ at you, I’d say you’ve completely gotten over your snakebite, young lady. You’re lookin’ real pretty today in that green dress.’

  ‘She sure is,’ Peggy said, beaming at Bridget. ‘It fair sets your hair off a treat, my dear.’

  Blushing deeply, Bridget sat back down on her chair. ‘Aaron’s gonna look at Daisy in a minute,’ she told the doctor. ‘She’s ill. Martha and I are gonna go with him. Will you come with us and see if you can make her better?’ she asked, her voice hopeful.

  ‘Daisy?’ The doctor looked questioningly at Connor.

  ‘A runt calf,’ he said.

  The doctor turned back to Bridget. ‘Poor Daisy,’ he said gravely. ‘But I’m afeared I only know how to make people well.’

  Bridget’s face dropped.

  ‘I’m sure she’ll be fine, bein’ looked after by you and Aaron,’ the doctor added.

  He picked up his mug, caught Connor’s eye, glanced at Bridget, then put the mug to his lips.

  ‘I’ve an idea, Bridget,’ Connor said. ‘You’re obviously still worried about Daisy. Why don’t the two of you put your coats back on and go with Aaron to look at her now? You can have your pie when you come back in. You might have some room for it by then.’

  Bridget and Martha exchanged pleased looks, and jumped up. ‘Thanks, Pa,’ Bridget said.

  They ran to the bedroom, and were back a moment later, once again wrapped up in their coats, each with a woollen scarf wound around their head and neck.

  ‘Let’s go, then,’ Aaron said. He glanced at Connor and looked back at the girls. ‘Maybe I’ll check out the other cows, too, while we’re outside. Do you think you girls could help me?’

  They nodded vigorously, their eyes shining. He moved towards the kitchen, and they started to follow him.

  ‘One moment, Martha,’ Elijah called quickly, getting up. He threw a quick half-smile to Connor.

  Martha stopped, turned around and stared anxiously up at him. ‘I’m just going to see Daisy again. And the cows, too. I can, can’t I?’

  ‘I’m thinking we oughta be going home now, honey. We’ve got the cattle to think about. We’ve left them for long enough.’

  Martha and Bridget looked at each other, disappointment written across their faces.

  Elijah turned back to Connor and the doctor. ‘I reckon it’s time for us to thank you and Ellen for a darned good Thanksgiving, and then make a move. I’ll be in town tomorrow, so if you need men for anything, Doc …’

  William stood up. ‘You know, I’m thinking we’ll be off, too, Conn. Like Elijah said, best not to leave the place for too long. Up you get, Peggy. We’re leavin’ now. I’ll be heading for town tomorrow morning, too, Doc.’

  The doctor nodded. ‘I reckon we’d be pleased to have your help.’

  ‘Why don’t you say goodbye to everyone and then come out with me, Bridget?’ Aaron suggested.

  ‘OK,’ she said, throwing Martha a rueful look.

  She went around the table, hugging the Careys and Thomases, and then followed Aaron out through the kitchen.

  ‘You’ll help everyone with their coats, will you, Conn?’ Ellen asked, and she hurried into the kitchen.

  She came out, a basket in each hand, just as they were ope
ning the front door.

  ‘It’s only right that you have some of the pumpkin pie,’ she said. ‘I’ve put some pieces of the pies into a basket for each of you. Here.’

  ‘That sure was kind of you, Ellen,’ Peggy said. She hugged her and took one of the baskets. ‘It’s bin a real treat today, comin’ here and bein’ entertained by you like this. I’m mighty grateful to you. And William is, too.’

  ‘Thank you, my dear,’ Abigail said, taking her basket. ‘You’ve done us real proud. Conn’s a lucky man.’

  ‘We’ve enjoyed your visit,’ Connor said, his breath misting in a silver column in front of him as they crossed the yard to the buggies. ‘I’m sorry it had to end so suddenly.’

  ‘Doc won’t be here without a reason. I sure hope it ain’t a bad reason,’ Elijah said. He shook Conn’s hand and gave his arm to Abigail to help her into the buggy.

  When both couples were sitting in their buggies, a rug wrapped over their knees, Connor moved over to the gate and stood waiting to close it. Ellen waved to them as they set off, and then went back into the house. She’d just filled the doctor’s mug again when Connor returned.

  ‘Before I do any more today,’ she said as soon as Connor had sat down and she’d given him some coffee, ‘I think I’ll have a short rest. I hope you’ll both excuse me.’

  As she closed the bedroom door behind her, she heard Conn say, ‘So, Doc. What’s this all about?’

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  ‘Let me guess, it’s about Niall again,’ Connor said.

  ‘It is, I’m sorry to say. This time, it’s the evidence you wanted. Well, maybe not wanted, but you know what I mean.’

  Connor sat back in his chair, the blood draining from his face. ‘Reliable evidence?’

  The doctor nodded slowly. ‘I’m afeared so. It’s from eye-witnesses.’

  ‘So tell me.’

  ‘Jeb Barnes was out Saratoga way a few days ago with some of his ranch hands. They’d been talking to a rancher out there about buyin’ some wood before winter set in. On their way back to Liberty yesterday morning, they came across several animal carcasses.’