Melody

by Caroline Clemmons

  After they had each consumed their meal, Melody gathered the empty plates and took them to the kitchen. Then she collected the bowls from the five men seated in the parlor. She hated they sat on the floor when there were chairs and a sofa available. At least the men were warm even if the floor wasn’t the most comfortable place to sit.

  Thank goodness there was a pump at the sink and she didn’t have to carry water. She heated water to wash the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen. Soup remained, so she poured it into a smaller pan and set it on the range shelf to keep warm without it continuing to cook. When she’d cleaned up the kitchen, she hung her cuptowel on the rack provided and poured out the dishwater.

  After a couple of hours, the Blackfoot men left. She imagined Quinn was as relieved as she was to see them go peacefully.

  Nick walked with Quinn. “You think he’ll try to break the men out of jail?”

  “No, he’s one of those who’s kept the peace even when the government broke treaties they’d signed. You’ve probably heard him called Chief Gray Wolf instead of Mingan.”

  Nick’s eyes widened and he stepped back. “Of course I’ve heard of the great Chief Gray Wolf ever since I arrived here. Good heavens, and he was in our house.”

  Quinn nodded. “Wapun is his daughter by his favorite wife. He gives preferentiality to Wapun over his other children, but the others are boys.”

  Overcome with exhaustion, Melody sat on a kitchen chair, rested her elbows on the table, and held her head. “You have no idea how grateful I was when you arrived, Quinn.”

  He grinned and looked from Nick to her. “Fooled me. You appeared calm and collected, as if you had Blackfeet painted for war in your home every day. That’s good because the Blackfeet respect bravery, as do other tribes.”

  She looked up. “I was neither calm nor collected. I’m surprised you didn’t hear my heart pounding.

  The sheriff laughed. “Couldn’t hear anyone’s but mine. Well, since things have leveled off now, I’ll go home. I’ll sure have a tale to tell Sarah and Becca, won’t I?”

  Nick walked him to the door. “I appreciate you coming when you did.”

  Quinn clapped him on the shoulder. “Can’t let you have all the fun.”

  Nick returned to the kitchen and nodded toward the pan on the range shelf. “If that’s left over soup, I’ll take some to the clinic. I hope there’s enough I can have another bowl, too.”

  Melody couldn’t resist teasing him. “Aha, so now you approve of my mother’s remedy, do you?”

  He held out his hands. “I concede defeat. My stomach feels much better than it did when I walked in and saw Gray Wolf glaring at you and Quinn. I figured we were grossly outnumbered if they decided to make us pay for Wapun’s kidnapping.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Nick pondered the visit from Chief Gray Wolf. On one hand having him in their home was a great honor. Otherwise, the visit had been terrifying. The Blackfeet had worn war paint and could have wiped out everyone in the house and have been gone before an alarm was spread.

  He’d never forget the fear that hit him when he’d seen the chief glaring at Melody and Quinn. The sheriff carried a gun, but Nick had no way to protect himself. He carried a rifle in his buggy when he was driving through the countryside at all hours. After all, there were wild animals roaming the land.

  At home, he had believed himself safe. Perhaps he should rethink that idea. Even a derringer would offer a small measure of protection.

  After Wapun was tucked in for the night, Nick gestured to his wife to follow him. In the kitchen, he held a chair for her to be seated then he took the one at her left.

  He met his wife’s gaze. “I’ve been negligent in protecting you and our home. Living in town and with Quinn as an excellent sheriff, I saw no need to carry a gun. I keep my rifle under the buggy seat in the event I encounter a wild animal.”

  “That sounds sensible. Driving out in the country, you could be attacked by a cougar or wolves.”

  He was grateful she understood. “That was my reasoning. But now I intend to buy a gun for the house and one for the clinic. What do you think?”

  “I have a revolver in my trunk. It’s one that belonged to my father. People told me I should have protection on my trip so I carried it in my valise. Besides, I wanted it because it had belonged to my father.”

  “Do you know how to use it?”

  She nodded. “Papa had taught me when he believed war was inevitable. He insisted I keep it with me during the war. Of course, he died early from that explosion as I told you. I kept it with me, though. I guess you know women were instructed to shoot themselves in the heart to prevent being assaulted by several soldiers. Before I left Charleston I practiced again.”

  The thought of her discussing suicide so casually hit him hard. He hoped she knew men on both sides were guilty of war crimes. At least Jenny hadn’t had to face that threat.

  “So, it’s in the room where Wapun is sleeping. Perhaps we should have one in the kitchen as well. Somewhere out of sight but where you could reach if you were in danger.”

  A frown appeared on her beautiful brow. “I don’t know, Nick. I thought I’d left all that behind.”

  “I can understand that feeling, for I shared it.” He leaned his elbows on the table. “We have to face the fact that there are bad people wherever you go. I’m shocked something like this happened in Angel Creek, even though it wasn’t in town. No matter how good a sheriff Quinn is, he can’t be everywhere.”

  “He was sure where he needed to be today, thank the Dear Lord.” She raised a hand. “I know you’re right, Nick. I’ll do what you think is best.”

  He leaned back and fought a grin. “You must be extremely tired to say those words. I’ll hold you to them in the future.”

  She tilted her face so her pert nose turned upward. “I may recant in times to come. Right now, I’m too exhausted to argue. In fact, unless you have something else to discuss I believe I’ll retire for the evening.”

  “We should both turn in. Tomorrow will be another busy day for both of us. Curious people will mean I’ll have twice the patients tomorrow.”

  After making certain both doors were locked, Nick headed for the spare room. He was happy he had a comfortable bed. Melody had been kind to surrender hers to Wapun.

  His wife was showing she was good at sitting with patients. Chief Gray Wolf had been right in saying she tended his daughter like a mother or aunt. But, as far as he was concerned, that was a long ways from being a nurse.

  She had grit, he’d give her that. Although he’d warned her Wapun’s family would come, most women would have passed out when met by six Blackfeet wearing war paint. The men were about her height, but the chief had worn a halo of feathers which gave the appearance of him being taller.

  The Blackfeet had definitely given him a shock. Thank goodness Quinn had arrived quickly. Nick realized he needed to learn to communicate in the Blackfeet language. Possibly the Crow, too. Someday he might have other Indian patients.

  He wondered what Jenny would have done. No, he didn’t have to wonder—she would have screamed or passed out. Stop i! He shouldn’t compare Jenny and Melody.

  Enough worry for one day. He stripped and climbed between the cover. Tonight, he was so tired he could have fallen asleep on the floor. All the same, he was grateful for this very comfortable bed.

  Melody checked on her patient at midnight and then about two. Wapun was in pain and not sleeping well. When Melody touched her forehead the second time, the girl was too warm. She succeeded in getting Wapun to drink a little water.

  Although she knew where Nick kept the laudanum, she was afraid to administer it without his instructions. She carried a lamp and crept to the room where Nick slept. She rapped lightly on the door but there was no answer.

  Tentatively, she opened the door a few inches. His heavy breathing indicated he was sleeping soundly. How she hated to disturb him after the tiring day they’d had.

  “Nick?”r />
  He pulled the covers tighter around him and mumbled something unintelligible.

  She spoke louder, “Nick, wake up long enough to tell me what to do.”

  “What? What’s happened?” He sat up and his chest was bare.

  She tried hard not to stare but he was a handsome man. “Wapun is restless and in pain. Her skin feels as if she has fever. I gave her a cup of water but don’t know what else to do.” He appeared ready to push aside all his cover. “Don’t get up. Tell me what to give her.”

  He rose from the bed and revealed he was naked. “I’d better make certain there’s not a serious problem.”

  She turned her back to him, but not before she saw him in his natural splendor. The rustling of clothing followed and then he joined her at the door.

  He’d pulled on his pants and a shirt which he was buttoning. His feet were bared and his hair tousled. She’d never seen a more handsome man.

  She followed as he padded to the other bedroom. Couldn’t the man simply tell her what to do? Did he have such a low opinion of her nursing skill?

  At the threshold of the room where Wapun slept, Nick paused. “I may have to check her stitches to make certain none have pulled loose.”

  They went into the room and Nick reached Wapun’s side. He touched her brow then her cheek. “You’re right. Would you bathe her face and neck and hands with cold water?”

  Melody was glad she’d refilled the pitcher and brought fresh towels for the washstand. She moistened a cloth and gently bathed Wapun. “I think the words she keeps repeating must mean pain. Over and over she’s said ‘dard hota hai’.”

  Nick pulled aside the cover. “I’m going to check her stitches. If she wakes she’ll be upset but I have to be sure she hasn’t pulled them loose.”

  “I’ll hold her hand.” She wanted to reassure Nick. “I was very careful when I helped her use the chamber pot. She gasped as if relieving herself hurt, but I made sure she didn’t move in a way that would damage your stitches.”

  He shook his head. “I wasn’t blaming you. Stitches in that area are easily destroyed and the urine soils them. She’s thrashing about and that alone would be enough.” After moving the lamp close to her pelvic area, Nick examined Wapun.

  “My stitches held but she’s bleeding from higher. If I had my hands on those men I swear I’d castrate them.” He lowered the shift and pulled the cover over Wapun.

  “That’d be a good thing. There is no justification for their actions.”

  “The next time she relieves herself, pour some water slowly over her stitches. You can set a pitcher on the hearth where the water will be warm but neither hot nor cold.”

  Melody recalled finding Wapun. “Do you remember she indicated she couldn’t walk?”

  “I do but I found no reason. Her other injuries were severe enough to require first priority. When she’s recovered from them she can tell us more. Right now, I’ll give her laudanum and then we’ll each go to sleep.”

  From his medical bag, he retrieved a bottle and uncorked the top. He administered what Melody guessed was a couple of spoonfuls of the medicine. Wapun gasped and shuddered at the taste.

  Nick set the bottle on the washstand. “She’ll probably sleep calmly now. In case she needs more, you can give her some in four hours. You saw how much I gave her.”

  The mantel clock in the parlor chimed two o’clock.

  No wonder she was tired. “In four hours, it will be six o’clock. You’d better get back to bed and sleep while you can.”

  He shook his head. “Have you forgotten this is Sunday morning? If you don’t mind, could we skip church today? We can’t leave Wapun alone… If you wish, you could go to the service and I’ll sit with Wapun.”

  “Thank you but I’ll stay and care for her. She trusts me now. But, I’m warning you I may not make it up at six today.”

  He grinned. “No reason for either of us to rise so early.” He leaned over and kissed Melody’s cheek. “Goodnight.” He turned and padded toward what had become his room.

  She stood staring after him. His changeable moods were beyond her, as if two people shared his body. Except, more and more he was like a husband.

  Couldn’t he see two of them made a wonderful team? She couldn’t afford to let herself hope too much. If only he’d decide she was the one he wanted forever.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Sunday afternoon, Melody visited Sarah. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

  Sarah led her into the parlor. “How can you say such a thing? You know I’m dying to get you alone and learn about your trip and your marriage. From what Quinn has said, you must be doing well. Isn’t Nick a nice man?”

  “He’s very nice and a good doctor.” Her heart ached for his approval. She confessed, “He’s not thrilled with me, however. He wanted someone who’d had experience nursing in a hospital.”

  Sarah gasped. “Why didn’t he say so? Besides, you’re the very kind of person to comfort and help patients. I’ve a good mind to tell Nick Walker a thing or two.”

  “Please don’t let him know I told you.” She’d feel better talking about something else. “Have you heard when Emma will arrive?”

  Her friend’s face beamed. “Yes, she’ll be here with Viola and Ginger on Friday. Apparently Elizabeth will be delayed a week. I’m looking forward to us all being in Angel Creek. Won’t it be wonderful if everyone is married by Christmas?”

  Unless Nick wanted an annulment. Melody forced a smile. “I understand there’s a big Christmas party.”

  “That’s when Charity and Lewis were married last year. It’s a lovely party. I do wish Ruby were still here—then we’d all be together for Christmas this year.” Sarah clapped a hand over her mouth. “Oh, I guess having both Lewis and Nick here would be impossible.”

  Melody’s head whirled with questions but what should she say? “I’m glad he’s here. He has great plans for the clinic. His parents might move here.”

  Perhaps she should change the subject. “I wonder if Becca has a picture book I can borrow. I thought it might help our guest learn English while she teaches me Blackfoot.”

  Sarah rose. “I know just the one.”

  She rushed from the room and returned with a slim book in her hands. “Here it is, The Children’s Object Book.” She handed it to Melody.

  Becca sat beside Melody. “That’s my book. I like pictures and it has lots. They’re in color, too, and not just squiggly lines.”

  Melody asked the child, “May I borrow this book from you for a few days if I promise to bring it back?”

  Becca regarded her solemnly. “You won’t draw in it or tear the pages, will you?”

  Melody fought back a grin. “I promise I’ll take special care with it, cross my heart.” Melody crossed her heart.

  Becca nodded. “Okay, since you’re a grownup I guess you can take it with you, Miss Melody. That naughty Livie tore a page in another of my books.”

  Sarah smoothed the child’s hair from her face. “We talked about that, Becca. I’m sure it was an accident. Hug Miss Melody and go play in your room.”

  Becca glared at her mother. “All right.” She hugged Melody’s neck and stage-whispered in her ear. “I never get to hear when grownups talk about stuff.” She scuffled her feet as she left.

  Melody chuckled. “She is so precious. What a joy she must be.”

  “I give thanks every day that we’re here and that I found a good man like Quinn. He treats her as if she was his from birth and she adores him. I’m so fortunate.”

  “Aren’t we all?” She rose. “I left Nick tending our guest so I’d better go relieve him. Wapun still isn’t very trustful of men.”

  “No wonder.” Sarah hugged her. “Come again soon. I’ve hesitated to visit while you have a patient in your home.”

  “Becca might enjoy seeing her and vice versa.”

  “I guess so. It’s so hard to know to what I should expose Becca.” Sarah sighed. “I know I’m overprotective, but
I can’t help myself.”

  “Oh, Sarah, in your shoes, I’d be the same.”

  Melody pulled her light cloak around her as she strolled diagonally across the street. The weather definitely was colder than yesterday. She should have worn her gloves.

  She gazed at the gray clouds billowing on the northern horizon—the direction from which the cold breeze came. Since she was unfamiliar with Montana weather, she could only guess. Her supposition was that snow rapidly headed their way.

  Inside the house, she hung her cloak on the hall tree and went to check on her husband. He was sound asleep on the small bed. Wapun slept in the larger one.

  Melody stood watching her husband’s handsome face in repose. He looked younger asleep than awake. She pulled the blankets up over him before feeding more wood into the fireplace.

  He worked very hard and appeared skillful. He deserved a day of rest when he often had to work long hours or overnight. She’d prepare their food before she woke him to eat supper.

  When their leftovers from noon were ready, she dished up two plates and took them to the clinic. Oh, my, she should have stopped for her cloak. She couldn’t manage a knock while holding both plates. How did the waitress at the Eatery carry several at once?

  “Hank? Come to the door?”

  He exclaimed when he saw her, “Where’s your coat? Where’s doc?”

  “He’s asleep. I’ll leave this with you and hurry back.”

  Once she was inside the kitchen, she hurried to the range and held her hands over the warmth. Then, she remembered she hadn’t collected noon’s dishes. She was only now getting warm and wasn’t going back out for them.

  She’d made coffee and was dishing up the food for Wapun, Nick, and herself when Nick padded in without his shoes.

  He scrubbed a hand across his face. “Amazing thing, the blankets managed to cover me all by themselves. Do you suppose it’s a miracle or was my wife being thoughtful?”

  “Could be a miracle. After all, this is Sunday.” She poured him a cup of coffee in his favorite mug.