“I’m not going to flirt with the man. And you should stay away from him, too.”
Sarah scowled. “I’m a happily married woman. Whatever would I want with him?”
“That’s not what I meant. Just don’t go anywhere near him.”
Sarah wagged a finger. “I know why you’re not pursuing any beaus. It’s because of George, isn’t it? You still love him.” The statement sounded like an accusation.
“George and I are history.” Cassidy poured boiling water from the teapot into Sarah’s cup and set it before her. “I don’t quite know what my feelings for him are now.”
“From what I’ve seen of him, he must be doing very well for himself.” Her sister’s gaze narrowed. “Just what does he do now?”
Cassidy shrugged, not wanting to reveal too much. “I wouldn’t know. I just spoke to him briefly at the mercantile.”
Sarah shook her head. “That’s not what I heard. Bessie Mae told me all about the intimate conversation the two of you had outside the bakery.” She shook her head. “Don’t allow George to ruin your one chance for happiness.”
“Are you saying Dr. Madison is my one chance at happiness?” Cassidy huffed out a breath. “Bessie Mae should mind her own business and stop filling your head with gossip.”
Sarah folded her hands in her lap. “I’m saying unless you leave Burkeville, your choice of eligible men will be limited. You don’t want to end up a spinster, do you?”
“I want to be a practicing physician. That’s my one and only ambition right now.”
“But surely you want a home—” Sarah patted her stomach. “—and children? You need a husband. One who can give you a comfortable life, like my Wes.”
Cassidy sighed. “Whether or not I allow Dr. Madison or any man to court me is entirely up to me. As for George, I’m sure he’ll soon be gone. Likely, we’ll never see him again.”
Sarah lifted her cup and took a sip. “It’s for the best, dear sister. George has always been bad news, even when he was a boy.”
****
Later in the day after her chores were complete and supper simmered on the stove under the watchful eye of her mother, Cassidy stepped onto the front porch to savor the sparkling spring day. Leaning her arms on the railing, she inhaled the scent of the colorful blooms spread around the porch.
The door opened behind her. She turned to find Quinn edging through the doorway. “Going somewhere?” she asked.
Her brother shook his head. “Just thought I’d come outside for a little fresh air.”
“Are you finally unpacked?”
Quinn stepped forward and leaned on the rail beside her. “Yes, ma’am.” His brow furrowed.
“Is something wrong?” Cassidy asked.
“If you must know, I’m concerned about your recent contact with Madison. I’m afraid he could come after you.”
She turned to face him. “Why would he do that?”
Quinn raised a brow. “I don’t know, but I didn’t like the way he looked at you Sunday afternoon.”
“I can take care of myself.”
He huffed out a breath. “Makes me doubly glad I’m back to stay. With George staying all the way across town, you’d only have Matt around to protect you women.”
“Believe me...” Cassidy pinned her older brother with a meaningful glance. “If I need George, he’ll be here.”
“I do believe that, Sis. Despite his past shortcomings, he seems to be a changed man.”
Cassidy smirked, not willing to voice her unease regarding George. “Everyone keeps telling me I should stay away from him before he hurts me again.”
“What do you think?”
She shook her head. “I’m still not sure. But I do believe he wants me to stay out of harm’s way.”
“As do I, Sis, and I’ve been thinking of your future.”
She straightened and stared at her brother. “What about it? Don’t tell me you want me to find a good man, too?”
He laughed. “No, I was thinking of the new medical school in Philadelphia. It’s a school just for women, called Female Medical. I think you should apply, Cassie. You’d have a great chance of getting accepted.”
Her heart raced as she considered the possibilities. She backed away from the railing and took a few steps across the porch. “I don’t know if I should right now.”
“Give it a try. The worst can happen is, they’ll say no.”
Cassidy bit her lip and grinned at her brother. “You really think I should?”
“Absolutely. And I’ll help you every step of the way.”
She threw her arms around him in a fierce hug. “How can a girl be so lucky as to have a wonderful big brother like you?”
“You should know by now, Cassie, I’ll always be here for you.”
****
A rap at his hotel room door drew George from the depths of a dream about Gettysburg, the day Josh died. He slid off the bed, grabbed his shirt, and slipped it over his head.
“Be right there,” he called.
He’d expected the maid, who always seemed to awaken him from a sound sleep, wanting to clean his room. His scowl withered as he opened the door to Cassidy’s brother, Quinn.
“May I come in, George?” Quinn’s expression didn’t brook any argument.
George waved him in and shut the door. “What’s wrong? Is it Cassie?”
“No...well, maybe.” Quinn settled on the chair and ruffled his hair. “Frankly, I’m worried.”
George sat on the bed opposite Quinn. “Damn it, man. Tell me what’s bothering you.”
“Cassie has been cozying up to Madison. She invited him to the house for lemonade on Sunday.”
“She what?” George’s bile rose. “I told her to stay away from him.”
“Well, she has this idea that if she pretends she wants to work for him, she can get information out of him.”
“Oh, I know just what she plans to do.” George jumped from the bed and paced the room. “She wants him to attack her, so I’ll have the proof I need.”
Quinn shook his head. “My sister may be daring, but I can’t believe she’d go that far.”
“I do. And that’s exactly what she plans to do.”
Quinn’s rusty-colored brows rose.
“Don’t worry.” He patted Quinn on the shoulder. “I’ll get right over to your house and nip this whole scheme of hers in the bud.”
****
By the time George strode through town toward the Stuart home, his heart pumped like thunder. If Cassidy wouldn’t listen to him and stuck to this foolhardy plan, he’d just have to take Madison on himself. He wasn’t about to let the man’s scurvy hands touch his Cassie.
When he arrived, no sound emerged from the house, but someone must be home. Quinn indicated Cassie had a patient to see this morning.
Sarah answered his rap. Her chestnut brows rose on her round face.
“Oh, George. Cassie’s with a patient right now, but you’re more than welcome to come in and wait.”
He tipped his hat. “Mighty pleased to see you again, Sarah. Been a while.”
He didn’t miss her answering scowl. “You didn’t exactly leave on the best note, George.” She turned and waddled, leading him to the kitchen.
The cozy room smelled of the last meal, coffee, bacon, butter, and maple syrup. He inhaled deeply.
“Would you care for a cup of tea?” Sarah asked.
“No, ma’am, I’ll be just fine.”
Her smile wavered. “I’ll be in my room if you need anything then.”
After she retreated, George rose and surveyed the room. Memories of the hours he’d spent here with Josh and meals he’d shared with the family were eclipsed by his memory of his first leave from the army. He’d come home for Christmas with Josh and Quinn, the one time they’d been granted leave for the holidays during the four year ordeal. Cassie and Matt were the only ones home. Everyone else had gone to a Christmas Eve party across town.
She’d made them hot ch
ocolate as snow drifted down, blanketing the town. Before her parents returned, he cornered her in the kitchen, where he kissed her for the first time. Granted, his lips just grazed her forehead, but the kiss got him through a year and a half of battles, before he saw her again at Gettysburg. He remembered awakening on the floor of a home in town to the face of an angel. His wounds grave enough she’d taken him home, at least for a while, and helped him heal.
Voices outside the kitchen alerted him. Cassie spoke to a man. Perhaps he was the patient Sarah spoke of. He listened as the front door opened and closed and sat back, waiting.
Cassie strode into the kitchen and halted.
“George? How long have you been here?” She fisted her hands on his hips.
“Not long. Sarah let me in and told me to wait.” He pulled out the chair beside him. “I have to speak to you.”
She bit her lip but stepped over and sat. “What about?”
“I spoke to Quinn this morning.”
“And?” Her light eyes narrowed.
“He told me you invited Madison here on Sunday. What the hell are you trying to do?”
She fisted her hands on the table top, her fingers intertwined. “I’m trying to help you.”
George blew out an exasperated sigh. “I don’t need your help. Not if you’ll be alone with him. I won’t have it.”
“So you’ve told me. But I think this could work. I could draw him out.”
“What if he attacks you?”
She spread her hands. “All the better. Then we’d have proof.”
“Cassie, you are not thinking this through.” He pounded his fist on the table. She flinched.
“You are not my husband and even if you were, I wouldn’t permit you to run my life.”
“I’m not trying to run your life; I’m trying to protect you.”
She leaned back, folding her arms across her chest. “I can do whatever I want.”
He pointed a finger at her. “If you go near the bastard, I can’t guarantee what I might be forced to do.”
“What do you mean?”
Before he could form an answer, Mrs. Stuart stepped into the kitchen forcing a halt to the confrontation.
“I heard raised voices.” She pinned George with a glare. “Is something wrong?”
“It’s nothing, Ma.” Cassidy waved her hand, dismissing her mother’s concern. “George was just leaving.” She pursed her lips and crossed her arms over her chest.
George glanced at Mrs. Stuart and then Cassidy. Best not to upset the Stuart household by continuing this conversation. He excused himself and bade them goodbye but swore he’d do whatever it took to keep Cassidy safe.
Chapter Fourteen
Miss Baker arrived Thursday afternoon to have her stitches removed.
“They do itch so,” she told Cassidy.
“Then I reckon you’ll be glad to be rid of them.” Cassidy examined the healed skin.
The school teacher nodded.
As Cassidy worked the stitches out, she thought she’d try querying the woman about Madison. “I assume you don’t plan to see Dr. Madison again.”
Miss Baker shook her head. “No.”
Cassidy slid out the final stitch. “There. All done.”
When the teacher stepped down from the exam table, Cassidy tried again. “A lot of the town’s people like Dr. Madison.”
“I...I didn’t care for him.” She turned up her nose as she rolled her sleeve down and fastened the button.
“Did he do something specific?”
Miss Baker glanced away.
“I’m just asking because I’d like to know what I’m doing right. I’d like to keep seeing patients, even though Quinn is returning to the practice.”
“Oh, yes your brother.” Miss Baker blushed. “He seems like a very nice man.”
“He is.” Cassidy smiled. “And he’s not married, nor is he courting.”
The school teacher’s blush deepened.
Cassidy motioned Miss Baker to the door. “Since he’s taking over the practice, Quinn would be most grateful if you continue as a patient.”
Miss Baker’s smile widened. After she left Cassidy realized, even though she hadn’t gotten any information on Dr. Madison, she might have found the perfect match for her bachelor brother.
****
Late Saturday morning George arrived in a carriage to take Cassidy on a picnic. If she allowed Madison to call on her, he’d be damned if he couldn’t too. He’d paid a worker in the hotel kitchen to prepare a sumptuous meal of fried chicken, coleslaw, potato salad, biscuits, jam, fresh apples, and oatmeal cookies. He even had a decanter of fresh lemonade.
He hoped he and Cassidy could spend some time relaxing and having fun. They’d had so little time to enjoy being together, even when he’d lived in town before the war. Back then, she’d always rejected his advances and when they’d finally gotten together, he’d been wounded. Although he planned to wait until he resolved the issue with Madison, he wouldn’t allow the doctor to be her one suitor, even if her only interest in him was milking damning information.
What he wouldn’t give to have her in his arms, in his bed. But he had to be careful. For now, he planned to court her properly. She deserved that.
He stopped the carriage on the road in front of the flower garden leading to the house. The door opened and she emerged, mouth gaping.
“George, what are you doing here?”
He waved his arm. “Get your hat. We’re going on a picnic.”
She frowned. “You could have told me in advance. I have chores to do.”
“That can wait until after lunch. I’m sure your ma will understand.”
As if on cue, Mrs. Stuart stepped from the side of the house, her arms wrapped around a basket filled with laundry. “What on earth?”
“I’ve come to take your daughter on a picnic.” He tipped his hat. “If it’s all right with you, ma’am?”
Cassidy shrugged. “I knew nothing about this.”
Her mother smirked. “Oh, go ahead. I’ll take care of lunch. Sarah can help.” She shifted the basket to one arm and waved with her freed hand. “Shoo.”
Cassidy smiled, waving to George. “I’ll be right back.”
George grinned as she and her mother disappeared inside. When she returned, over her best black gown, she wore a matching shawl and a straw hat, with wide black ribbon. Even clothed drably in black, she set his blood warming. She carried a small satchel.
Alighting from the carriage, George strode up the short path and steps to take her hand. He glanced at the satchel. “You don’t have to bring anything. I’ve brought plenty to eat.”
“Oh.” She smirked and shrugged. “This is nothing. Just some raspberry tarts I made.”
He smiled. “I do remember your raspberry tarts. Let’s get going.”
She laughed. “You’re in such a hurry, sir.” She raised her gaze to the clear, blue sky.
“It’s a beautiful day. Don’t want to waste a minute.” He crooked his elbow. “Shall we?”
She nodded and slid her hand around his arm. He assisted her up the carriage step, then circled the conveyance, settling on the opposite side.
“Where did you get a carriage?”
He shrugged. “Rented one at the stables.”
“How much is Colonel Wellingham paying you?” She frowned.
“Not all that much.” His face heated. “I won a few rounds of poker last night.”
“I see.” She straightened her shoulders, her lips curving up a bit.
As they headed for the pond, her warm presence and sweet scent intoxicated him. He hoped there wouldn’t be too many curious eyes at the pond today. He planned to steal as many kisses as he could get away with.
Once they settled on a spot away from families with young children racing about, George spread the checkered table cloth and unpacked the basket. Cassidy added her tarts to the luncheon.
George swiped one from the basket. “Mmmm, Cassie, delicious.” He
took her hand and helped her to sit on the ground.
“They’re for dessert, you sneak.” She spread her skirts and sighed, surveying the pastoral scene. Two children, a boy and a girl, stood at the pond’s edge, enticing a goose with a crust of bread. Cassidy smiled.
“I can just picture you with a brood of dark haired children, frolicking with the geese,” George said.
She frowned, eyeing the children. “It won’t bite them, will it?”
He laughed. “I’m sure they’ll be just fine.” Opening the crock of jam, he spread a dollop over a biscuit and lifted it toward her. “Bessie at the tavern assured me the jam’s delicious.” He grimaced. “I’m afraid it’s also raspberry. That all right?”
She raised her brows. “Bessie?”
“Ah, Cassie. You don’t have to be jealous of Bessie. She’s old enough to be my grandma.”
She smirked. “Just don’t like the idea of sharing you with anyone, I reckon.”
He focused on her lush pink lips, just inches away, the biscuit between his finger and thumb. She took a delicate bite, her lips grazing his fingertips, sending a jolt through him.
He bit into the sweet treat, then set the biscuit down. Leaning toward her, he stroked his thumb over her cheek. Noticing a small speck of jam on her lip, he brushed his lips over hers. Sweet and warm. His senses tingled.
“George,” she warned. “We’re hardly away from prying eyes. This is a small town. Folks will gossip.”
He glanced around. “Reckon I’ll have to sneak you back to my hotel room later on.”
A slight smile and shiver answered for him. “We have to be careful, George. It’s more than gossip we have to fear.”
“I know. I won’t risk your reputation. Someday soon I plan to propose and marry you proper.”
Her dark brows rose. “Oh, George! Do you mean it?”
He shrugged. “After finding you again after all these years, how could I not?”
Her gaze dropped as her hands crumpled the folds of her gown. “I wish this business with Madison was finished. Until then, we can’t go on with our lives as we wish.”
“We’ll get him, Cassie, I swear.” His gaze bore into hers.
“Well, we might just have an advantage now.” She smirked, reaching for a chicken leg. “It seems Miss Baker likes my brother.”
Cassidy's War Page 10
