“Do not be fooled because I am short, Doctor. I can protect Señorita Prudence.”
He held up his hands in surrender. “I don’t doubt your ability. In fact, I’m relieved you’re here.”
Prudence wondered if Riley was merely checking on her or if he had a mission. “How are you today, Riley? I saw Sophie walking toward town. I hope she’s going to visit Lydia.”
“She is, and carrying a pie.”
“Didamia Marshall is there to protect Lydia while Adam is with the posse.”
“Adam insisted I remain in town. I suppose he’s right in case there’s a medical emergency but I hate missing on the action. I hope they find the rascals.”
He glanced at Lupe then back to Prudence. “Could I speak to you alone? Shouldn’t take long.”
Puzzled, she was too curious to refuse. “Lupe, excuse us while we go to my office.” Prudence led the way to her office.
Riley quietly closed the door behind him. “I don’t suppose Lupe hearing would be terrible but I’d rather speak to you privately.”
More curious. “Have a seat.” She chose one of the ladder-back chairs and indicated he take the other.
“I know we’ve had our differences, but I’ve thought a lot, especially since the burglary.”
He cleared his throat then took a deep breath. “Since we met I’ve been trying to deny how attractive I find you. Probably one of the reasons is Mother kept insisting I choose you and she set off my stubborn streak.”
“No one likes to be pushed.”
He took her hands in his. “Until the burglary, I didn’t realize how much I cared for you. I’ve fallen under your spell as much as if you’d used a magic potion to enchant me.”
She smiled at his inference. “My herbs don’t have that kind of power.”
He leaned forward so their foreheads touched. “You’re a mesmerizing woman, intelligent, kind, and beautiful. I can’t imagine why I resisted your attraction.”
“Although it sounds conceited, I can’t either. We have so much in common. I’ve never experienced this fascination with anyone. We worked well with Nancy and with Ola Mae. You agreed I was helpful.”
“You were. Until you left Ola Mae your herbs. I have to admit your action left me betrayed. That one thing about you has prevented me from capitulating and proposing.” His expression betrayed he hadn’t meant to mention marriage.
Her smile fled. “That’s part of my life, Riley.”
He took a deep breath. “Couldn’t you bring yourself to practice midwifery but leave dosing patients to me?”
“Could you bring yourself to leave dosing patients to me?”
He gave an irritated shake of his head and let go her hands. “Don’t be ridiculous. They’re hardly the same thing.”
“They’re exactly the same thing. I know you’ve been to medical school and trained in a hospital. I trained with Granny since I was a child. I’ve studied every medical text and journal I could find. I’ve treated countless patients, probably more than you have.”
He fidgeted in his seat then faced her. “Prudence, you could kill someone with those herbs.”
“And, you could kill someone with your medicines or your treatment or surgery. I’m careful in collecting plants. I measure precisely in making tinctures and salves and teas. You should trust me enough to know I would never put a patient in jeopardy.”
He fisted his hands on his thighs. “We could make a great team if you would be practical. You could practice midwifery and we could have a… a successful marriage.”
“I agree we could make a successful medical couple as well as have a fulfilling marriage if you would only be reasonable. You’re prejudiced against what you don’t understand.”
He stood and pointed at her. “Listen here, I watched a woman die because of a folk healer who gave her too much digitalis. I know what can happen.”
Anger at his attitude caused her to snap, “You certainly haven’t seen one of my patients die from the wrong herbs and you won’t. I can’t help everyone, so some of my patients will die just as your patient Mrs. Arrenton did. Not every condition can be cured and you know that.”
She stood and threw up her hands. “Why am I even wasting my breath? Your expression shouts your thoughts and they definitely aren’t in my favor.”
Prudence turned her back on him to hide her face. Tears pricking the back of her eyelids threatened to fall. She didn’t want him to realize how much she cared about him and his opinion. Why couldn’t he respect her ability and knowledge as much as she respected his?
When he came up behind her his voice was gentle. “I didn’t come here with the intention of arguing with you.”
“What was your reason?” She refused to face him and let him see her tears. No one but Granny had ever seen her cry and then only when family members died. She tried to wipe away tears without him realizing what she was doing.
His hands caressed her upper arms. “Prudence, when I learned someone at Lydia’s was injured in a burglary, I panicked and ran there as fast as I could. I feared you’d been harmed. I suppose I should apologize to Mrs. Ramirez because I was unbelievably relieved when I learned she was the patient and not you.”
Prudence lifted her chin. “You didn’t even speak to me. In fact, you glared as if you were determined to prescribe her treatment instead of me.”
He turned her to face him. “No, I was speechless with relief. My heart was pounding so hard I was certain everyone in the room could hear.” He kissed her cheeks, moist from her tears then he folded her into his embrace.
She rested her head against his chest and savored the sense of coming home as she wrapped her arms around his waist. Here was the man she loved and he cared for her. But, they were no closer to an agreement.
He held her cheeks and met her gaze. “I never meant to hurt you, Prudence.”
“You have. I had only the education my grandmother provided, but she’d had an excellent education and continued learning all her life. Even when cancer ate at her insides, she managed to help people until the last few weeks. I know she was in terrible pain, but she never complained.”
She shook her head. “But, that’s not what I wanted to say. I’ve worked hard to learn about plants and how to prepare them. Which heal and which kill and which can do both. I don’t say this to brag, but I know a lot, Riley. You can’t imagine how much.”
“I know you’re intelligent. Please, Prudence, say you’ll stop the folk medicine and join me to practice your midwifery and help me in my practice. We could be good together.”
She rested her hands on his broad chest. “We could be, but I can’t meet your demands. If you want me, you have to take me as I am and that includes folk medicine.”
He stepped back and scrubbed his hand across his face. “Don’t be stubborn just to prove a point. You’re cheating us of a good life.”
Sadness set a giant weight on her shoulders. “I’m not the one who’s doing the cheating.”
He held his arms out at his sides. “Say you’ll change your mind or at least think about doing so.”
Slowly, she shook her head. “I can’t. I repeat, if you want me you have to accept who I am. Asking me to give up my life’s work is like splitting me in two. I can’t do what you want.”
Regret shining from his eyes, he turned and left the room. She heard the bell on the door jingle as he went outside. She sank onto her chair.
“Señorita? Are you all right?” Lupe rapped gently.
“Come in, Lupe.” She waved a hand dismissively. “Don’t call me Señorita please. I’m just plain Prudence.”
“Ha, you are mujer muy hermosa, a beautiful woman, not plain.”
Prudence dabbed at her eyes and blew her nose. “Thank you, that makes me feel a bit better.”
“The doctor is sad when he leaves here. You are sad now. I’m sorry for both of you.”
“He is so stubborn.”
Lupe shrugged the shoulder that was free of the gun belt. “Of c
ourse, he is a man, is he not?”
Her protector’s matter of fact answer made Prudence smile in spite of her heavy heart. “Aren’t the ammunition and belt heavy?”
“Not so much. Once, when Bronco and I were in a bad place, I had to wear one for a week before we could leave. That was uh…,” she snapped her fingers. “Scary, that’s it, scary.”
“I’m sure it must have been. Like the woman in Lorraine’s story?”
Lupe grimaced and sighed. “You know that was me, sí? I told her people would know but Lorraine, she thought changing the names would mean no one would guess.”
“I wouldn’t have suspected if you hadn’t mentioned being in such a scary place that you had to wear that for a week.” Prudence gestured to the belt of cartridges and the holster holding a pistol.
While her statement was true, Prudence had suspected Lupe was the woman in the story. She recalled the daring exploits and harrowing experiences of the couple in Lorraine’s news story. If that was true, indeed Lupe could take care of herself.
Curiosity wouldn’t leave Prudence alone. “Were all the things in Lorraine’s story true?”
“Sí, but she made things nicer than they were in our lives. She said no one would believe all the truth. Perhaps she is right. We had a life muy incríble, very incredible.”
She grasped her head with her hands. “Remembering all that happened to us, I shake my head that we are alive. We are grateful to Zane for giving Bronco a permanent job and for us our little casita.”
“Your home is lovely and cheerful. I also enjoy seeing your cactus garden.”
Lupe’s wide smile enhanced her beauty. “I love my prickly plants. Zane says the house, it is ours forever.”
“Wonderful. I’m glad to know you and I value our friendship. Thank you for helping me today.”
“You can fire a gun?”
“No. I’ve never even held one. Although a few of the neighbors were rude to us, Granny and I didn’t fear for our lives. Only after Granny was ill did several of the men my age make me uneasy.”
“Because you are beautiful, sí?” Lupe sat on the chair Riley had vacated. “But let me tell you of my abuela. She also was a healer. Many people came to her for help.”
Prudence leaned forward. “How interesting. Do you know folk healing also?”
Lupe pulled a face. “No, I ran away with Bronco before she could teach me many things. I was very young and so was he, but I’m glad to be with him. He is a good man.”
“How old were you?”
“I was thirteen and he was sixteen.” Lupe smiled and stared at the wall as if recalling another time. “Ah, he was so handsome I could not bear to wait longer to be with him. Young people do not always have good judgment. Many others girls we knew married at fourteen or fifteen but others at twice that.”
“Thirteen is young, but age is not always an accurate measure. Some people are ready for responsibility much earlier than others.”
“Sí, and I was the eldest of eight and was used to being in charge to help my mama. Bronco and I, we had many adventures. Now, we are happy to live in Tarnation and have a settled life. Even his injuries going into the ravine did not change that.”
“I look forward to that, too. When I’m able either because I can support myself or because Riley asks me to marry him, I will enjoy being in my own home.”
“Ah, sí, but Lydia’s casa es muy hermosa.” When Prudence gazed at Lupe with raised eyebrows, Lupe added, “Her house is very beautiful.”
“But it’s Lydia’s and not mine. She is so generous she makes me very welcome. But, I want my own home, even though it will not be large or fancy.”
“I understand, Prudence. I hope you will have this soon.”
Prudence shook her head. “From Riley’s behavior, I think my home will be mine alone.”
Her dream had included a husband—Riley to be specific—and several children. Why did he have to be so demanding and inflexible?
***
Riley stalked out of Prudence’s office with his mind warring between despondency and anger. How could she be so stubborn? He’d explained how dangerous her herbs were.
He’d been fresh in medical school when he saw a woman in treatment for a heart ailment that had been treated by a so-called folk healer. The woman had died without regaining consciousness. A needless death caused by someone who claimed medical knowledge with no basis.
Since that day, he’d abhorred folk-medicine, herbalists, snake oil salesmen, and any other charlatans who preyed on people. How had he fallen for one? He had to admit he had fallen hard, but not hard enough to throw caution to the wind.
He let himself into his home and went straight to his office. He heard his mother humming in the kitchen. Humming? When was the last time she’d done that?
After rising from his desk chair, he went to the kitchen. His mother was swaying to music as she stirred a large pan on the stove.
“Mother, you haven’t sung or hummed a tune in a long time. What’s the occasion?”
She turned toward him, wooden spoon in hand. “I feel so much better since Prudence diagnosed and prescribed the herbs I needed. I can’t tell you what a difference her treatment has made.”
He frowned. “What did she give you? Can I see the bottle or package?”
“I suppose that can’t hurt.” She took a couple of packets from the cupboard. “Now don’t go pooh-poohing this, Riley. I know what you think of Prudence’s treatment, but you’re dead wrong.”
He disagreed. “Remains to be seen, doesn’t it?” He opened the first packet and sniffed. Smelled like… roses? Holding the packet he read the directions, he saw neatly labeled Rose Hip tea and directions for preparation. The other packet listed Ginseng Tea, take 1 cup daily with honey. Again, precise directions were written for preparing the tea and how much honey to add.
Handing the packages to his mother, he asked, “What else?”
“You are the nosiest man.” Frowning, she reached for a list and handed it to him.
Treatment:
Drink a small glass of White wine at dinner.
At bedtime, drink a glass of warm milk or a glass of lemon water with honey.
Each morning, take 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons of honey in 8 ounces of water.
Avoid coffee—I know this is hard but at least cut down amount
2 tablespoons of wheat germ daily
2 tablespoons of yeast daily
Make a sleep bag of 2 ounces of rose petals, 1 ounce mint, ¼ crushed clove, and 1 ounce Rosemary. Place over or near eyes at night.
Use salve each night.
He returned the list. “None of this is harmful. What kind of salve and what’s it for?”
She stuck her nose in the air and sniffed. “None of your business. Even your mother is entitled to some privacy.”
He gently held her shoulders. “Not in this case, Mother. I care what happens to you. Why did you consult her? What kind of concoction did she give you and what’s it for?”
“If you must know, a couple of things. I’ve been so tired. The exhaustion started just before the trip to Virginia, but I thought rest on the private rail car and in the hotel would help. But, I simply couldn’t sleep and haven’t slept well since we returned. While traveling, symptoms increased of… well, what do you think a woman my age might have?”
His face heated. “Ah, I see. So, what is the salve for?”
“For applying in a delicate and very private area.” She put her hands on her hips. “Now, Detective Gaston, are you satisfied?”
“Yes, ma’am. You do understand I’m only concerned for your welfare. What kind of son would I be if I weren’t?”
“I know that or I would have boxed your ears. Just because you’re grown doesn’t mean I can’t. You know, Josephine isn’t the only woman in town who can wield an iron skillet.”
He escaped to his office.
Between patients, he considered what Prudence had given his mother. Not p
recisely what he prescribed for women who came with that complaint, but close enough that he was impressed. He had never known about a sleep pillow so that might be something to keep in mind for the future.
What was he thinking? He’d lost his mind to consider replicating her treatment. Still, he understood the good sense to what she’d given his mother.
Had he been wrong all this time? No, he remembered the face of the woman who’d died of digitalis poisoning. To be fair, she was the only death he knew firsthand from folk healing, but he’d heard of others.
As if to taunt him, the image sprang to his mind of the doctor he’d seen who incompetently operated on an appendicitis patient and cut an artery. The patient was dead before the doctor could tie off the artery. The physician had been incompetent and about half drunk.
Riley’s world spun out of control. Black and white no longer existed and lines blurred to gray. Prudence was driving him out of his mind.
Chapter Eleven
Prudence hurried home as soon as she closed on Saturday. She and Lydia were invited to supper with Adam, Sophie, and Riley. While she wondered how Riley would act around her, she was eager to wear the lovely new dress Lydia had given her.
She sponged off the day’s soil and dressed in her new chemise and petticoat as quickly as she could. Carefully as if it might disappear like a spider web in the wind, she donned the sapphire blue skirt and top. The beads adorning the top glistened in the waning daylight from the window.
She’d never worn a dress with such a low neck. The puffed cap sleeves left her arms bare. Looking in the mirror she was surprised to see the difference in her appearance.
Lydia came into her room. “Let me help with your hair. You look so great in that dress that you deserve a special hairdo.”
“Thank you. I haven’t learned how to make it curl the way you do yours.” She sat in the chair so Lydia could work her magic more easily.
Prudence turned her head this way and that when Lydia had finished. “I look like a different person. Certainly, I feel like a queen tonight in this dress. I’ve never seen one lovelier. I certainly never expected to own one.”
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