“You were to marry your cousin?”
“Yes, he’s not really my cousin. I was adopted. I didn’t even know there was a match between us until after Papa died. He had left a letter outlining his wish for Archibald to look after me. Neither of my parents felt a woman could be alone for long.”
“But did you love this man?”
She looked at her hands rather than answer Erin’s question. How did she know what love was? Her parents had never let her outside without a chaperone. Archibald was the only man of her age she had ever really spoken to. He was the only one to touch her. Yet when he did, rather than feel loved, she felt dirty. It was odd, but she couldn’t relax around him. He didn’t feel real, which was rather stupid given he was a nephew of her father’s.
“I don’t think so, no.”
“So where is he now? Is he the reason you were running?”
“I don’t know. He said I was confused. He said I was showing signs of mental instability. Maybe it was a family trait. Given I was adopted, how would they know anything about my background? I heard him arguing with the doctor. He suggested I go into an asylum. He told the doctor I was saying odd things. But I never said anything of what he said I said. At least I don’t think I did. The days after Mama and Papa died were such a blur. I don’t know what I was doing or saying. Maybe he is right.”
Erin took her hand. “Shush now. Cathy, I haven’t seen any sign of mental illness.”
“I thought Mary would know, she being older. I can’t really remember our parents that well. I wanted Archibald to take me to meet her but he got very angry. He accused me of wanting him to mix with riff-raff. We had a big row and he…”
“He what?”
“He said I was insane. He grabbed me and locked me in my room. Told the servants not to come to see me. He slashed his hand and told them I did it. But I swear I didn’t. I have never hit anyone in my life.”
“How did you get away?”
“Mama’s maid helped me. Her name is Jane. She and Toby, he was the groom. Together, they got me out of the house and onto a train to Clover Springs. I don’t know why they helped me. Archibald sacked all the other servants. Said they were lazy and corrupt. They’d been stealing from my parents for years. But I don’t think they were. They seemed very nice. Toby had been sacked already but he came back when Archibald was away. I think he is Jane’s beau. The only reason Archibald kept Jane was because I couldn’t cope without her.”
Chapter 16
“Doc Erin, we got trouble.”
“Good morning to you, too, Little Beaver,” Doc said smiling at their Indian deputy sheriff. “What kind of trouble?”
“Big kind. I think I got to arrest the woman in your office.”
“Cathy? Why? I can’t imagine that frail woman doing anything wrong.”
“Says here she’s wanted for questioning over the death of her parents, theft and fraud.”
Erin had to sit down. She didn’t know her patient well but she wasn’t in a fit state to be capable of anything like that. Unless she had taken opium to dull the guilt.
“I need to put her in the jailhouse, Doc. The Pinkertons are coming for her. Says here they will be here within the week.”
“Little Beaver, do you have to? She’s ill.”
“Sheriff won't like it, Doc. With him in Leadville, it’s only me here.”
“Leave the sheriff to me. What if I guarantee she will never be left alone? Would that help?”
Little Beaver’s smile nearly dazzled her. “Sure will, Doc. I hated the thought of putting Davy Sullivan’s sister-in-law in prison. Him and Mary, they have always been good to me and my family.”
“I promise there is more to this. That woman in there was starving to death. She doesn’t fit the picture of a thief, never mind a fraudster or a murderer.”
“Well, you know better than most some people are good at hiding things.”
That was true. Look at how well her first husband had deceived her. Little Beaver walked away, but Erin called after him
“Wait, who was she supposed to have killed?”
“Her parents. They were killed in a boat accident on the Hudson River.”
“Mr. Prentice, Alicia’s friend, may know about these people if they were wealthy. I need to send a telegram.
“Don’t you tell nobody that the woman isn't in the jailhouse. I don’t want Sheriff getting upset.”
“I won't. Thanks, Little Beaver”
The man walked away, waving off her thanks with a wave of his hand. He had such a big heart—if only those who hated him could see past his race and his color.
Erin called Emer and Mrs. Grey outside and explained what had happened, and that from now on Cathy couldn’t be left alone.
“Are you going to tell her?”
“Not yet, Mrs. Grey. I don’t think she is well enough to handle another shock.”
“What about Mary?”
“Yes, I will tell her.”
“I would bet money on it that there is more to this story. Cathy a fraudster? She is barely well enough to carry herself, never mind commit fraud. I don’t believe a word of it.”
“Unfortunately, Emer, it appears some people do or else the Pinkertons wouldn’t be on their way. Now, I best get to the telegraph office. See you later.”
Erin walked along the street to Martha’s house. She had to tell Mary first and then go to the telegraph office. Clover Springs was a small town and news like this had a way of spreading fast.
As luck would have it, Davy was at his ma’s house, too.
“Davy, nice to see you. Did you get those issues with your herd sorted out?”
“Not sure yet, Doc. Think we may have some cattle rustlers again. Will know more tomorrow or the next day. I just came into town to see how the missus was doing.”
“Don’t leave just yet, Davy. I have more news.”
“Bad?”
Erin didn’t get a chance to answer as Mary came forward, white as a newly washed sheet. “Cathy?”
“Is fine for the moment. Mary, it seems there was some trouble in New York. The Pinkertons are on their way to bring Cathy back home.”
“Why?”
“She is wanted for questioning over the death of her adoptive parents. There are also some allegations about theft and fraud.”
“Oh, my God, Cathy can’t go back there. Davy, we have to take her out to the ranch. We can guard her better.”
“That’s not possible, Mary. She has to stay at the clinic.”
“But why? I can nurse her at home.”
“It's that or the jailhouse. Mary, they think Cathy may have involved in her parents’ death,” Erin said, as gently as she could.
Davy caught his wife just as she fainted. Doc Erin helped her to recover.
“Sorry Doc, I just keep getting dizzy. You can’t be serious.”
“I am. She is accused of theft and fraud, and also wanted for questioning over the deaths. She hasn’t been arrested for murder or else the Law would have demanded her return to New York.”
“But she wouldn’t need to steal anything. She has enough money to buy Clover Springs, or at least that is the impression we had. Her parents were very wealthy,” Mary said, confusion dulling her tone.
“I have some friends in New York. I am going to telegram them and see what I can find out. In the meantime, I want you to come into the office for an examination. I don’t like hearing people are dizzy for no good reason.”
Mary colored and looked to Davy, who stared back at her, concern for his wife all over his face.
“I don’t need an exam, Doc. I haven't said anything yet because I wasn’t sure. I am going to have a baby.”
Davy’s expression was priceless. He threw his hat in the air and kissed his wife. Then he seemed to remember the reason for Erin’s visit and flushed red. “Sorry, for a second I forgot.”
“Don’t be sorry, Davy. It’s nice to get some good news. Now, Mary, I still want to do an exam and you must t
ry to rest. Try not to get upset.” At the look on Mary’s face, she hastened to add, “At least try, okay.”
She left the house to go send her telegrams. She had to see if Mr. Prentice knew anything that may help her friends.
Later she called back to see Cathy. The younger girl was wide awake and looked much better. Mary and Katie happened to call just after Erin arrived back.
“Can we see her please? I can’t stand the thought of her being here and not giving her a cuddle.”
“I will ask her. Just wait here, Mary.”
Mary nodded as Erin went into Cathy’s room.
Cathy looked up as Erin walked into the room.
“Erin, Mrs. Grey was just telling me about Katie’s children, they sound adorable.”
“They are although at times they drive their ma mad. How are you feeling?”
“Better thank you. Was that Mary I heard you talking to?” Cathy didn’t want to get her hopes up but she thought she recognized her sister’s voice.
“She wants to speak with you. Can I bring her in?”
Cathy nodded, suddenly losing the ability to speak. Mrs. Grey held her hand and she was glad of the comfort. She looked at the door. It seemed to take forever for Mary to come in. When she did, Katie was with her. Erin brought up the rear.
“Mary, I am so sorry.”
“Cathy love, I can’t believe it. My prayers have been answered. You are here. I have to pinch myself to believe it is actually you. How are you feeling? When will you be allowed go home? Of course you are staying with Davy and me. We have a big enough house and…”
“Mary for the love of God will you give her a chance to speak,” Mrs Grey admonished Mary.
Everyone laughed as Mary blushed. Cathy hugged her closer. “You haven’t changed a bit. You always could talk the hind leg off of a donkey.”
“Sorry, I know I talk too much. I cry too much too but I am so happy to see you. You can’t imagine how much. I love you Cathy.”
“I love you too, Mary.” Cathy’s voice shook with unshed tears. She looked around the room and found everyone was crying or wiping away tears. Even Mrs. Grey.
“We have missed out on so many years but I promise as soon as you are better, we will make up for them,” Mary said between sobs.
Cathy couldn’t stop the look of panic on her face, she tried her best but making plans for the future just sounded too daunting.
“Mary, I’m in trouble. Doc Erin is trying to help me but we can’t get our hopes up. I may have to go back to New York.” Cathy didn’t want to admit to her sister she had taken drugs and may be insane. She couldn’t exactly just drop the fact Archibald had threatened to put her in an asylum into the first conversation they had in nearly ten years.
“Never. I won’t let anyone take you away again, I promise.”
Cathy sent Erin a silent plea for help. The doctor stood up.
“Now everyone, let’s give Cathy some space. She needs her sleep. Mary, you will have plenty of time to chat again tomorrow and all the days after that. But for now, we need to leave.”
Mary looked reluctant but Cathy gave her hand a squeeze. “I am rather tired Sis, I promise I will be up for more chatting tomorrow. I love you.”
“Love you too, Cathy. Can I give you a cuddle?”
Before she could answer, Mary had her arms wrapped around her. A feeling of calm came over her whole body. She was home. Finally!
Chapter 17
She sat up in bed, wondering what all the whispering was about. Doc Erin and Emer had been huddled together for a while.
“What’s going on?”
“Oh, you’re awake. How are you feeling?”
“Like you are hiding something from me. Please tell me. I get very anxious.” That was an understatement, but she thought they would understand.
“Cathy, why did you leave New York?”
“I wanted to see Mary.”
“But why now?”
Her stomach churned. She had to admit the truth. It was time.
“I was scared Archibald would put me in an asylum. He kept saying I was mad and I did horrible things. But I didn’t, I swear. I think he was poisoning me.”
“Did you hurt anyone else?”
Shocked, she swiveled to face Emer. “No. Like who?”
“Cathy, we’ve been told there are some Pinkerton agents on their way to talk to you.”
“Archibald must have sent them. But why?”
“I don’t know, but it seems there are some questions over your parents’ death.”
“The accident?” She stared into Erin’s eyes. “You mean it wasn’t an accident. They were killed on purpose? No, that can’t be true. Nobody would do that to them. They didn’t have any enemies.”
“You can’t know that. From what you have told us, your parents were very protective of you.”
“Yes, they were, but still. Murder? No, that’s wrong. If I was accused of murder why wait until now? The accident was six months ago.”
“That’s very true. Why aren’t they sending the police? It seems very strange,” Erin said, thinking aloud.
“Can Archibald order me back to New York? He’s my guardian now.”
“It would appear so,” Erin said, taking Cathy’s in hers as the young girl paled. “Don’t fret, we will find out what is going on. You just concentrate on getting better.”
“Doc, I found these. I thought Cathy’s story sounded familiar. Lawrence keeps all the old newspapers. My husband drives me mad but I guess now they have come in handy I will have to keep my mouth shut.”
Doc looked at what Emer was holding. The New York paper with the headline – Couple Killed in Boating Incident.
“That’s about Cathy’s parents,” Mary piped up. They were all sitting in Erin’s lounge. Mrs. Grey was watching Cathy, who was still sleeping a lot. Erin was sitting with Michelle on her lap. She’d missed her little girl. Nora was out exploring Clover Springs with Robbie.
“Yes, it is. It says she was thrown clear and hints it may not have been the miracle it first appeared. It doesn’t name her as a suspect, though. Seems this Archibald Johnston is a nephew of her adoptive father’s. He was made her guardian and is responsible for her unless she marries. He has been quoted as saying it was all very convenient how Cathy escaped but he doesn’t actually accuse her of murder.”
“Archibald, he’s the man who gave her the drugs. At least that’s what Cathy says,” Erin clarified.
“We have no reason not to believe her. Oh, the poor girl.”
“The best protection we have is for Cathy to get married,” Erin said bluntly. “Then Archibald cannot put her in an asylum as he is no longer her guardian.”
“Doesn’t she need his permission to get married?”
“I don’t know but we could try it and see. There is more to this story than we know. I can feel it,” Erin replied.
“Get married? She’s only just arrived in Clover Springs,” Mary exclaimed.
“It’s not much different from you and I all those years ago. She could marry Abe O’Malley. He seems like a nice, caring young man,” Katie said.
“But we don’t know him,” Mary protested
“Mick does. Says he is a fine man and came from a good family. He is a very talented carpenter, too. Does amazing work with his hands. Paul Kelley was just saying he is going to need help with the building work Robbie needs doing on the new hotel. Then there is the restaurant to build.”
“Would Abe do it?” Mary asked.
Abe walked into the room, causing the ladies to gasp.
“Would I do what? Beg your pardon and everything, but you seem to be discussing me. So I guess I should be here.”
“Sorry, Abe, didn’t mean to but your name happened to come up.” Erin turned to the other ladies. “Abe moved in here and let Robbie stay over the saloon. We didn’t think Father Molloy would like Nora and Robbie to live under the same roof.”
“That was a good idea. Nice to meet you properly, Abe. Ne
ver got a chance to thank you for the day you carried Cathy to the clinic,” Katie added.
Abe just nodded, the curiosity in his eyes reminding Erin they had been discussing his marriage.
“My sister is in trouble and you could help her. Would you?” Mary asked.
“I would do anything I could, Miss Mary, but I am not sure…” Abe answered.
“That’s settled, then. I will ask Father Molloy to arrange the wedding,” Mary replied
“Wedding. Now, hold on a minute. I never said anything about getting wed.” Abe’s panic was evident from his tone.
“But you said you would do anything to help,” Mary insisted.
“But that’s just a figure of speech. I can’t marry your sister. I ain’t never getting married again,” Abe confirmed.
“Please, Abe. I know you don’t know each other but you are both fine people. She needs protecting. For reasons we don’t completely understand, her life may be at risk. Her freedom is certainly in question,” Erin tried to explain.
“Can’t her rich family help her?” he asked.
“We think they may be part of the problem.” Erin was about to explain, but the look on his face stopped her.
Chapter 18
Abe looked around the room as everyone stared back at him. Feeling the weight of their expectations, he was about to say no.
“Marry Cathy, stay here in Clover Springs. You will never be out of work again. I married Davy when I didn’t know him and we are very happy. As are many of our mail order couples,” Mary coaxed.
“I never ordered a mail order bride,” he protested.
“Hold on, everyone. It’s not right to push Abe into doing this. There must be someone else available,” Erin intervened.
“Charlie Staunton wants a wife,” Emer added.
“Anyone but him,” Erin replied, sending the nurse a look.
Abe didn’t know who this Charlie Staunton was but judging by the looks on the ladies faces, he wasn’t an option.
“There’s a couple of the ranch hands on my place but they are a bit rough around the edges. I am not sure my sister is up to dealing with them, given what she is used to.” Mary said, turning her eyes on Abe. She was begging him. He edged away.
Cathy Page 5
