Pony Express Special Delivery

by Rhonda Gibson

  Clayton took his hand and shook it. Doc Anderson’s handshake wasn’t as forceful as Gus Fillmore’s, but then again, the doctor didn’t have anything to prove. “Clayton Young.”

  “Ah, the new Pony Express manager out at the Fillmore place. Bill mentioned a new man would be arriving soon.”

  “Yes, sir.” Clayton released the other man’s hand.

  “So, if you don’t mind my asking, what were you doing reading medical books and behaving as the family doctor?” He tucked his hands in his front pockets.

  Clayton studied his face. “Our farm is about fifteen miles from town. If someone got hurt or sick, I took care of them.”

  “And the books?”

  Clayton pushed away from the window. “I’ve wanted to be a doctor since forever. Ma bought me a few books. Typically animal care books, but most of the practices are the same.” Clayton still remembered the first time his adoptive mother, Rebecca Armstrong, had given him a book. He’d thought her the most wonderful person alive. Still did, if truth be told.

  The doctor surprised him with a burst of laughter. “Well, that’s the first time I’ve heard that, but all considering, you might not be too off with your thinking.” He rubbed his chin. “So, what brings you to my office?”

  “Mrs. Fillmore had her baby last night.”

  The doctor stood taller. “Did the delivery go well? How’s the baby?” He began grabbing items and thrusting them into a black bag. “Why didn’t you speak up sooner?”

  Clayton grimaced. “I wasn’t there for the delivery. The boy seems to be fine this morning and I got distracted with all your questions.”

  Doc Anderson slowed down and looked at Clayton. “I’d better go out anyway and check on Maggie and the babe.”

  Clayton grinned. “My thoughts exactly. That’s why I’m here.”

  The doctor gave him a funny look, then walked over to the bookcase. He chose two books and dropped them into his big black bag. “My buggy is sitting beside the house. It’s already rigged up. I was about to go to the Harper place, but they can wait until I examine Maggie and the baby.”

  Clayton followed him through the waiting room and out the front door. He watched the doctor lock the door and drop the key into his front pocket. “I’ll wait here.”

  The doctor nodded and then walked to the side of the house.

  A few minutes later, Clayton found himself riding beside the doctor’s buggy. He wasn’t sure he’d ever want to use a buggy for house calls. It was quicker to just jump on the horse’s back and ride.

  “I hear the Pony Express may be shutting its doors soon,” the doctor said in way of conversation.

  “Yes, sir. I’ve heard that, too.”

  “Do you have any plans for your future?” He clicked his tongue to get the horse pulling his buggy to go a little faster.

  Clayton grinned. “I’m hoping to become a doctor.”

  “Figured as much.” The doctor nodded. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’m getting up there in years.” He kept his gaze on the horse’s back.

  Clayton answered, “No, I didn’t notice.”

  The good doctor laughed. “Well, be that as it may, I’ve been thinking about retiring in a few years. Think you might be interested in becoming my assistant, if the Pony Express doesn’t pan out?”

  Was this God’s way of blessing his plans of becoming a doctor? Clayton swallowed. This was just the opportunity he’d prayed about. “I would be honored, but I can’t leave the Pony Express right now.”

  “No, I don’t reckon you can. But, if you are serious about becoming a doctor, I’ll be happy to loan you a couple of books. Maybe you can study those and then we can talk more about your future.” He dug in his bag and pulled out one of the books.

  Clayton rode the horse close to the buggy and leaned down to take the book Doc Anderson held up to him. Then he straightened and examined the soft calfskin cover. It was light brown with the words “The History and Treatment of the Diseases of the Teeth, the Gums, and the Alveolar Processes, by Joseph Fox” on both the front of the book and the spine.

  “In my line of work, I’m often called to pull teeth or doctor a tooth that has infection in it. That’s probably one of the best books you can find right now, so don’t lose it.”

  Clayton flipped it open and was happy to see that there were numerous illustrations of teeth and different forms of decay. “I’ll take good care of it.” He slipped it into his saddlebag.

  “See that you do. Here’s the second book I want you to study.” He held up a smaller book for Clayton to take.

  Clayton took the book and silently read the cover. The Family Doctor: A Counsellor in Sickness, Pain and Distress, for Childhood, Manhood and Old Age. Containing in Plain Language, Free from Medical Terms, the Causes, Symptoms, and Cure of Disease in Every Form...with Engravings of Medicinal Plants and Herbs by Henry S. Taylor. It never failed to amaze him that books came with such long titles. This one would be interesting to read. He just prayed that with his Pony Express duties he’d have time. “Thank you, sir. How long can I keep them?” He ran his finger over the raised lettering of the title.

  “As long as you need. That one is fairly new. Came out last year, but I have an older one that says pretty much the same thing. Just remember to take good care of it. Books aren’t cheap, you know.”

  Clayton nodded. He added the book to his saddlebag. His thoughts went to Maggie and the kids. “Doc? How well do you know Maggie Fillmore?”

  “Well enough, I reckon. Why do you ask?” His gray eyes searched Clayton’s face.

  “I met Gus Fillmore and he seems to not like the widow. Is there anything I should know about her?” That wasn’t exactly what he wanted to ask but felt it was a good starting place.

  “Gus Fillmore is Jack’s cousin. He’d hoped to inherit the ranch and when he didn’t, he offered to buy it from Maggie. She refused. I’m sure Gus is still a little sore about all that and is holding a grudge.”

  Just as he suspected. Clayton nodded. “I think you’re right.” He focused on the road home and even tapped Bones’s side with the heel of his boot to get the horse to go a little faster.

  The doctor urged his horse to do the same.

  Clayton didn’t like the idea of Gus Fillmore having ill feelings toward Maggie. He didn’t know her very well, but what he did know, he liked. She’d braved having a child on her own, then had the sense to tell her younger sister to get help, and when he’d arrived, she’d trusted him to make the baby breathe. Maggie seemed like a strong woman, but would she be strong enough to keep Gus Fillmore from taking over the ranch?

  Chapter Three

  It seemed as if Clayton had been in town far longer than he needed to be, if he were concerned about baby James. Maggie’s eyes were drifting closed when she heard the men arrive in the front yard. She pushed herself up into a sitting position.

  The baby stirred in her arms and Dinah awoke with wide eyes. The little girl had slept for over an hour.

  Maggie reached over and brushed the blonde hair from her eyes. “Sweetie, I think Clayton and the doctor have arrived. Would you go look out the window and make sure it’s them for me?”

  Dinah came awake instantly. She scrambled off the bed and ran to the window. Her little hands tugged at the drapes.

  Maggie grinned as the girl disappeared behind them.

  “It is Clayton and the doctor.” Dinah came out. “Want me to go open the door for them?” She ran to the bedroom door and waited for an answer.

  “Yes, please.”

  Maggie listened as Dinah ran down the stairs. A few moments later she heard the doctor’s voice and sighed. Now she could relax. Clayton was back, and the doctor would make sure the baby was healthy.

  Over the last couple of months, the older gentleman had fussed and in
sisted she come see him on the first Monday of every month. Yesterday, this time, she would have loved to have had him close but instead had faced having baby James alone.

  A soft knock sounded on the door. She called, “Come in.”

  Doc Anderson entered first. “Well, hello, Maggie. I wasn’t expecting you to have that little bundle for another week.” His gray eyes searched Maggie’s.

  Maggie smiled at him. “I know. Baby James came a little earlier than we expected. Not only was he early, but his coming into the world wasn’t as easygoing as we’d hoped.”

  The doctor glanced with concern from Maggie to Clayton. “What happened?” He walked across the room and took the baby from her arms.

  Hadn’t Clayton told the doctor how he’d saved the baby’s life? She watched as Dinah slipped into the room and took Clayton’s hand in hers. Her little sister pressed against his leg. Obviously, Gus’s visit had scared her more than Maggie had realized. Or was the little girl simply happy to see the man responsible for James’s well-being?

  Maggie pulled her gaze from the pair and explained the difficult delivery in a low tone, wishing Dinah were in the other room. Her voice cracked as she told him how the baby wouldn’t breathe for her. She looked to Clayton and said, “Thankfully, Mr. Young arrived and saved him.”

  The doctor turned to look at Clayton. “Is that right?” It wasn’t really a question as much as an expression of admiration.

  “It wasn’t really me, sir. God used me to help the child.” Clayton’s neck and cheeks turned red under the doctor’s interested gaze.

  “Well, then I’m glad the good Lord sent you when you were needed the most.”

  Maggie searched Clayton’s face. So, he believed in giving God credit for what he’d done. It gave her comfort to think that Clayton might be a God-fearing man.

  Doctor Anderson turned to face them once more. “Clayton, why don’t you take Miss Dinah downstairs for a little while?” He didn’t give Clayton time to answer before he spoke to her. “Maggie, I’m going to examine you both and make sure that you’re healthy enough to get back to a regular routine.”

  Worried blue eyes met hers. Maggie said, “Dinah, you can stay if you want to.”

  “No, I want to go with Clayton.” She clung tighter to his hand. “He’ll keep me safe.”

  Maggie moved her eyes to search his. Had he heard the fear in Dinah’s voice? What would he think if he knew just how badly her cousin-in-law wanted the ranch?

  Clayton nodded. “I can use her company in the horse barn, if that’s all right with you.”

  Maggie knew he’d take care of Dinah and for a brief moment allowed herself to dream that he really could keep them all safe. “Thank you.”

  Half an hour later, the doctor and Maggie walked out onto the front porch. “Now, don’t forget, Maggie, this first week rest downstairs until bedtime at night. Stairs will delay your healing. And no lifting anything heavier than the baby. If there are any indications of sickness in either of you, call on me right away. Otherwise, I’ll expect you to come into town in about six weeks so that I can check on the babe.”

  “I will. I’m glad we are both doing well. Thank you, Doctor, for coming out.”

  * * *

  Clayton felt Dinah’s small hand slip into his once more. They walked across the yard to the house.

  “Is baby James all right?” Dinah asked.

  Clayton laid a hand on her shoulder. His gaze moved from the doctor’s to Maggie’s.

  “He is a happy, healthy baby,” Maggie answered. Her smile seemed to brighten the already sunny afternoon.

  The doctor cleared his throat to get Clayton’s attention, then said, “Mr. Young, I’d like a few minutes of your time.” He motioned for Clayton to come closer to the porch.

  Clayton felt his face burst into flames as he realized the doctor had caught him staring at Maggie. He had no business staring at a new mother, even if she was the prettiest woman he’d ever met. Where were his manners? He walked up onto the bottom porch step.

  “You did a fine job with the baby.”

  Clayton rested an arm on the porch railing. “Thank you. But like I said, it was God’s doing, not mine.”

  The doctor nodded. “Yep, that’s how I feel every time a life is spared.” His gaze moved off into the distance for a moment. “I’m glad you were here for these two. Read and study those books I gave you. I’ve a feeling you are going to be a great doctor.” Doctor Anderson stepped around Clayton and into the yard where Dinah still stood.

  “Thank you, sir. I will.”

  The doctor knelt in front of Dinah. “Thank you for helping Clayton out in the barn while you waited for us. Here’s a bit of candy for all your troubles.” He handed Dinah a small peppermint stick and grinned at her before standing again.

  Dinah looked to Maggie, who nodded her permission for the child to keep the candy. Clayton tried to hide his grin as the child immediately stuck the treat in her mouth.

  “What do you say?” Maggie asked.

  She pulled the candy out with a frown, then said, “Thank you, Doctor Anderson.” Dinah turned her attention back to the candy.

  “Did you know that peppermint is good for an ailing stomach?”

  Clayton watched as Maggie opened her mouth to answer but then realized that the doctor was talking to him and not her. He answered, “Yes, sir. It’s also good for colds. Ma always kept a little peppermint around for hot tea when any of us came down sick.”

  The doctor slapped him on the back. “She sounds like a wise woman. When you get done with the books, come on back to town for more.”

  He turned to Maggie. “Remember what I said, get some rest over the next few days and ease into your regular routine.”

  “I will, Doctor. Thank you.” Maggie motioned for Dinah to come to her. Dinah looked up at Clayton one more time and then walked slowly to her side.

  Clayton frowned. Dinah had told him that Gus had come by the house earlier in the day and that he was a mean man. He planned on talking to Maggie. Dinah seemed really scared of the other man. He waved goodbye to the doctor.

  “Clayton, would you like to come in for dinner? I baked bread to go along with your soup.” Maggie rocked the baby in her arms.

  “Sissy makes the best bread. She’s teaching me, but mine isn’t as good as hers,” Dinah said around a mouthful of peppermint.

  He grinned down at the sticky-faced girl. “I’m sure your bread is pretty tasty, too.” Then Clayton looked back to Maggie. “I would love to eat with you lovely ladies.” He stepped back and opened the door for her to pass.

  Dinah followed close behind her sister. “No, I put too much salt in last time.”

  “Well, you are learning. My first pot of soup wasn’t too good either.” Clayton smiled at Maggie. “Why don’t you sit down and Dinah and I will set the table.”

  She looked tired. “Thank you.” Maggie moved to one of the hardwood chairs and eased into it.

  It didn’t take long to set the pot of soup on the table and slice up the now-cooled bread. “My ma makes this soup all the time. It’s one of my favorites. I hope you like it.” Clayton set a bowl in front of Maggie.

  She yawned. “I’m sure it will taste wonderful.”

  “Didn’t you get any rest while I was gone?” Clayton asked, handing Dinah a spoon. “Careful, half-pint, it’s hot.”

  “I rested but didn’t sleep.”

  He eased into his chair. “Dinah mentioned that Gus stopped by today.”

  She nodded. “He did.”

  “Can I say the prayers?” Dinah asked.

  Maggie smiled tiredly at her. “Yes, dear.”

  Dinah prayed over the food and thanked the Lord that her Sissy and baby James were going to be all right. She ended with, “and please don’t let mean Gus have bab
y James’s ranch. Amen.”

  Shock filled Maggie’s face. “Dinah, you don’t need to worry about Gus. He isn’t going to get James’s ranch.”

  The little girl frowned and dipped her spoon into the soup. “I don’t know. He was mad when he left.” Her hand shook as she raised the spoon to her mouth.

  “Is Gus the reason you weren’t able to sleep this afternoon?” Clayton handed Dinah a thick slice of bread.

  Maggie inclined her head toward Dinah as if to say now was not the time to discuss this. “No, I just had a lot on my mind.”

  “I went to sleep, Clayton. I had a dream that I got to ride a horse with you,” Dinah said, taking a big bite out of her bread.

  Clayton smiled. “That sounds like a nice dream.”

  Dinah went back to eating and chattering about her dreams.

  Maggie ate silently. Her eyes drooped as if exhaustion drifted over her like a soft morning fog.

  When Dinah finished eating, she asked, “Sissy, can I go play with my dolly now?”

  “Yes, I’ll be up in a little while to read a story and get ready for bed.” Maggie pushed her bowl back. She reached over and picked up baby James.

  “I’ll take care of the dishes tonight. You rest up for that climb back up the stairs.” Clayton began cleaning the table. He placed the bowls and cups in the washtub. The sound of Dinah going up the stairs filled his ears. As soon as she was up, he said, “I talked to Gus this morning and asked why there were no men stationed at the house yesterday.”

  “What did he say?”

  He heard the weariness in her voice. “That he needed all the men to repair the fences.”

  “Did you tell him I’d had the baby?”

  Clayton nodded as he filled the pan with hot water. He saw a bar of soap and shaved a few slivers into the water. “I did.”

  She exhaled. “Well, that explains his visit today.”

  “What did he want?” Clayton turned and faced her. He leaned against the sideboard and waited for her answer.

  Maggie laughed bitterly. “He wants the ranch.”