“Thank you all for your hospitality. I’ll come back to see Joe but it won’t be for a few days. I assume Joe will be here?”
Nora watched the silent exchange between her gran and the doctor as they out-stared each other. If there were anyone on the planet a match for her gran, it was Doc Erin. The exchange ended not because either of them gave in but because Katie interrupted.
“Thank you, Doc Erin, for giving Nora candy for us. Nora said you would get me a dress. Will you, please?” Katie asked Doc Erin.
Nora couldn’t believe Katie had approached their guest. Her little sister was normally shy, especially around grown-ups she didn’t know. But here she was asking for a new dress.
“Yes, lovely Katie, we will get you a new dress. Your gran won’t mind, will you, Carmel?”
Nora hid a smile as Doc Erin sent her gran a challenging stare. The doc knew her gran wasn’t going to upset her youngest granddaughter.
“Just one dress, young Katie. Nora needs more as she has to find a job.”
Nora caught the wink Doc Erin sent Katie and smiled to herself. Her gran may think she had won but Nora guessed Erin hadn’t given up. Not just yet.
Chapter 22
Erin tried to push the Dohertys and their problems to the back of her mind. Alicia’s Uncle Randolph had invited them all to dinner and Erin didn’t want to ruin the evening by thinking of what had happened the previous day. She hadn’t understood the full conversation between Carmel and Robbie, but knew enough to know they had been discussing something serious. Someone had threatened the Doherty family but neither party would fill her in on the details. Carmel warned her to keep her nose out and while Robbie was more circumspect, his silence on the issue was just as infuriating.
Engrossed in her thoughts, Erin didn’t see Mr. Prentice approach until Mick pinched her gently on her wrist. She caught his look of concern but hoped she had convinced him nothing was wrong with a wide smile. She pretended to be overawed by the interior design of the Fifth Avenue Hotel.
“Alicia, my dear, you look incredible. Your father and mother would be very proud if they could see you now.” Mr. Prentice said.
“Thank you, Uncle Randolph. Though I ought to look incredible, given the amount of money I spent in the beautiful dress shops around here,” Alicia said.
Mr. Prentice turned to Aaron. “I believe you are the biggest reason my young Alicia has a large smile on her face. Thank you for making her so happy.”
“It’s an easy thing to do. My wife is a wonderful woman,” Aaron said.
“That she is. A real credit to my friend. I just wish he were here to see it.”
“We all do, Mr. Prentice, but at least those really responsible for his murder have been found guilty of their sins.” Mick continued, “This hotel is incredible, isn’t it?”
Erin saw Alicia flash Mick a look of thanks. Her friend wasn’t comfortable discussing her parents, the wound was still too painful. It wouldn’t do to start weeping in such a public place.
“They entertain all sorts of people in this hotel, from the Prince of Wales himself to the less well known but still very wealthy members of society. Of course, the greatest wish for the New York society mama is to secure an English title for one’s daughter. The number of English earls, dukes, and viscounts who are almost bankrupt is rising. Do you know they have a rule in England, that only men can inherit the titles? Most of the family money passes to the eldest son too.”
“How old fashioned they are. What do the women do?” Alicia asked.
“They hope to marry a rich husband who can keep them in the style to which they have become accustomed,” Mr. Prentice said.
“Why do the American heiresses want to marry into the aristocracy?” Erin asked. “Especially when they’re used to so much more freedom?” Having experienced marriage to a controlling man, the very idea of wanting to enter into such an arrangement bewildered her.
“I am not sure they want it as much as their dear mamas. The number of my friends whose wives are insisting their daughters do a tour of Europe with a plan of meeting a fine English lord makes me thankful I have no daughters.”
Everyone laughed at the expression on Mr. Prentice’s face.
“Mr. Prentice, thank you so much for asking Robbie to look after us. His knowledge of New York has been invaluable. I know I used to live here, but I’ve never played the part of tourist before.”
“You were too busy working from what I can gather, Mrs. Quinn. I knew your first husband and your previous father-in-law.”
Erin colored at the mention of her first husband’s father. Mr. Cooper, senior, had done everything in his power to ruin her. He’d almost succeeded too.
“You will forgive me if I don’t ask you to pass on my compliments,” Erin said sweetly.
Mr. Prentice had a real belly laugh so the table shook when he burst out laughing. “Actually, my dear, I would love to pass on your true compliments. I believe they would include a rather large dose of ‘look at me now.’ I have to say, I admire your spirit. Old Cooper goes a rather unbecoming shade of red whenever your name is mentioned.”
“My name? Surely, people aren’t still talking about me?”
“Some of us are. In fact, I make it my business to share Alicia’s news about the fabulous doctor in Clover Springs anytime I can.”
Everyone laughed at the innocent expression on Mr. Prentice’s face.
“I do believe you like upsetting Mr. Cooper,” Mick said.
“Well, he is such a self-opinionated old duck, I can’t resist. Your wife was one of the first people to put him in his place, and I really respect her for having the backbone to do so.” Mr. Prentice raised his glass. “My only sorrow is the fact I didn’t know you at that time. I have some influence in the hospital and I would have helped you, Mrs. Quinn.”
“I am very grateful for your sentiments but I am rather glad you didn’t. If I hadn’t been pushed out of New York, I wouldn’t now be Mrs. Quinn, and I wouldn’t have met Alicia, Aaron, and a host of other fabulous people.”
“I second Erin’s comment. I am so glad Mr. Cooper and his friends sent her packing. In fact, I should really go and thank him,” Mick said.
“Please let me know in advance so I can be there. That is something I would give money to see.” Mr. Prentice raised his glass. “Let’s toast strong women everywhere.”
“Thank you, Uncle Randolph, for putting us up at your hotel. It’s a beautiful place and the staff are lovely.”
“All of them?” Mr. Prentice queried, one eyebrow raised.
Alicia colored prettily before answering. “I am not a fan of Mr. Floyd. I am sure he does a wonderful job for you but…”
“He is supposed to be one of the best in the business, but I find him to be rather insufferable at times. As you may have guessed, I am not in the business of employing people who follow me around like sheep with their ‘Yes, Mr. Prentice’, ‘No, Mr. Prentice’. I much prefer employing some mules—stubborn but hard working.” Mr. Prentice took a sip of his drink. “It makes my heart glad to hear you call me Uncle Randolph again, Alicia, like you did when you were little.”
“I’ve missed you,” Alicia said quietly giving the older man a big smile.
“You are great craic as my mam used to say, Mr. Prentice,” Erin said giving Alicia a chance to compose herself.
“Why don’t you all start calling me Randolph? Mr. Prentice is rather pompous sounding when you are among friends, and I think we are friends, aren’t we?”
“Well, that depends, Randolph. When are you going to come to Clover Springs and see our town in person?” Aaron asked.
“I have been dropping rather large hints all evening. It sure took you long enough to extend an invitation. I would love to see your town.”
“Oh, you must come and see it. It’s growing all the time. We have lots of interesting people.” Aaron’s pride in Clover Springs was written all over his face.
“An Indian for a deputy sheriff, a former slave
and former plantation owner as best friends. I’d say it is a unique place,” Mr. Prentice concurred.
“Well, it’s not all perfect. We still haven’t managed to get rid of a few of the bigots but in general, it’s a lovely place to live. Please come see it, Uncle Randolph.”
“Oh, Alicia, I have missed you so much. Thank you for coming to see me.”
“My father thought the world of you, Uncle Randolph, and I can see why. We all can.”
Erin thought she saw what looked suspiciously like a tear in the older man’s eye but he blinked and it was gone.
“You don’t have children of your own, Mr. Prentice? I mean, Randolph.”
“No, Erin I don’t but if there had been doctors like you around when I was a newlywed, I might. My first wife had twins but she succumbed to child bed fever as it was called then. The twins only lived for a day longer. I wasn’t always this wealthy and…well, if I had the money for proper care for my family, I may have had the pleasure of children and grandchildren.”
“I am so sorry. I had no idea.” Erin was mortified.
“Uncle Randolph, I didn’t know that. Mama said you preferred being a single man about town.”
“Your mama had some unusual ideas, Alicia. But let’s not dwell on the past. We are here to enjoy ourselves. Who likes champagne?”
The night was a huge success, and they stayed chatting until the early hours. Prentice was a generous host and kept them all amused with tales of New York society. He introduced them to a man he called Uncle Billy, but it was only after the man had moved on that Mick told Erin the man was General Sherman. It seemed Mr. Prentice moved with ease among every class.
Erin liked Randolph Prentice and hoped he would make good on his promise to visit Alicia. He had some interesting ideas and was very entertaining. He seemed particularly interested in the orphanage. If he did come to Clover Springs, Erin wondered what Wilma and Mrs. Grey would think of him and vice versa.
Erin saw Alicia couldn’t stop the tears flowing down her cheeks, so she escorted her to the restroom. “Alicia, why are you crying? I thought you were happy.”
“I am, I was nervous about seeing Uncle Randolph again. I thought I would be sad but it’s brought back lots of happy memories,” Alicia fanned her face, looking embarrassed. “I was crying because I am happy.”
On their return, they bumped into Randolph.
“Are you alright my dear Alicia?”
“Yes Uncle Randolph, I am so glad I came.”
“Alicia, you look so happy but…”
“But?” Alicia prompted.
“Are you sure you want the life of a rancher’s wife? Don’t get me wrong, Aaron is a fine man but with your money and my connections, he could find any number of suitable positions here in New York. You could lead the life you were born into.”
Erin held her breath as she waited for Alicia to reply. She knew Mr. Prentice was saying this because he loved Alicia but would her friend remember that?
“Thank you Uncle Randolph, I know you mean well but ranching is in Aaron’s blood. He would be miserable if he moved to a city. I love him. I love our life in Clover Springs. Don’t get me wrong, the money from the mine is lovely, but mainly because it can help me help other people.” Alicia paused before adding “I have everything I need.”
Erin watched Mr. Prentice closely. His eyes were suspiciously bright. “You are a lovely young woman Alicia. So many women in your position would be buying diamonds and other baubles. Their greatest concern would be what dress they would wear to the next ball. “
“Like my mama?” Alicia asked before adding, “Didn’t make her happy though did it? I don’t need anything so long as I have Aaron and my boys. A baby of my own would be great, too, but I am happy, Uncle Randolph.”
“I can see that my dear. I hope you didn’t find my comments offensive.”
“I know you were speaking out of love for me. Now, tell me about young Robbie. You seem to be very fond of him?”
Erin was glad Alicia asked about Robbie. She liked the young man and if she had read the situation correctly, Nora liked him too.
“Robbie? Yes, Alicia I am. I picked him out of the police force as I felt his skills would help supplement part of my business. But in reality, I saw something in him. He was rough around the edges, having grown up on the streets of London, but he had retained his empathy for human beings. That is so rare in a city so large. He has grown into a fine man and I would trust him with my life. Now ladies, your husbands are glaring in my direction. Perhaps I best escort you both back to the dining room.”
Alicia took one arm and Erin the other and together they walked back to where their family and friends were waiting.
Chapter 23
Erin returned to the Dohertys’ home the following afternoon. Robbie accompanied her at Alicia’s insistence. Despite knowing she was coming to see him, Joe wasn’t home. Much to Robbie’s dismay, Nora wasn’t at home either. Her mam said she had found some work in a café. The owner’s wife was having a baby so they asked Nora to fill in. It was only two days’ worth of work, but it was better than nothing. Robbie knew he should feel good for Nora, that he was being selfish, but he missed seeing her.
He sat at the table eating some cake and drinking yet more tea. Doc Erin was in the bedroom having a quiet word with Carmel Doherty, leaving him alone with Nora’s ma.
“You’re a wonderful cook, Mrs. Doherty. This cake is delicious,” he said.
Nora’s ma smiled, then winced. He guessed it hurt to move her mouth given the size of the bruise on her cheek. He couldn’t understand a man hitting his wife, though it did explain Nora’s harsh words about her da the other day. He wished he could tell Ruth Doherty to give her old man a belt back but it wasn’t his place. Where was Nora’s brother? Surely, he wouldn’t stand by and watch his da hit his ma?
“Nora mentioned you had another son. An older boy.”
“Charlie? Yes, he works on the railroad. He’s away a lot. But he’s a good boy, comes home as often as he can.”
Something about the way Nora’s ma spoke made Robbie believe that was wishful thinking on her part. He guessed Nora’s brother didn’t really come home as often as he could. Who would? Their tenement and the area around it was far too depressing.
“What is it you do yourself, Mr. Fenton?”
“Please call me Robbie. I work for Mrs. Higgins’ uncle, Mr. Prentice. I help him run various businesses. He’s a good employer and a good man.”
He wasn’t sure why he felt the need to try to talk up his boss. Was it because he had only recently found out the man was connected in some way to Ned Duffy? How he had gotten involved with that low life flea was beyond Robbie, but once this job of protecting Mrs. Higgins and her guests was done, Robbie would sort out the details about Duffy. His boss wouldn’t have picked them as a business partner, so someone working for Prentice had to be doing deals he shouldn’t.
He caught Ruth Doherty assessing him. He kicked himself for staying silent too long. But what else could he say?
“Do you think the doc will be able to help your husband?” Robbie asked, knowing it was a touchy subject but not knowing what else to talk about.
“Mother always said there was no doctor like her, but I don’t know if anyone can help him. The doctors on the railway didn’t think so.”
“Did they try hard to help?”
A flush crept up Ruth’s neck.
“Sorry, Mrs. Doherty, that was uncalled for. I let my mouth run away sometimes. I meant the railroads don’t always have the best reputation for taking care of their own.”
“I know that’s how you meant it, Robbie. Don’t be worrying. You have a kind heart. Your parents must be proud of you.”
It was Robbie’s turn to feel uncomfortable caught in this woman’s gaze. He couldn’t look away yet he wasn’t able to answer. He took a couple of seconds.
“I wouldn’t know, ma’am. I was a foundling. My mother left me on the steps of a protestant church
back in England. I ran away when I was fourteen and ended up in New York.”
There, he’d said it. For some reason, he’d told Nora’s ma something he hadn’t admitted to anyone in years. He stood up to leave.
“Are you going? I thought you’d wait for the Doc.” Ruth asked.
“I thought you might prefer me to wait outside,” Robbie offered.
“Sit yourself back down and have more cake. It wasn’t your fault your poor mam left you. Probably wasn’t her fault either. These are hard times but they were harder back twenty years ago.”
Robbie couldn’t say anything. This poor woman who had more than her share of troubles had more compassion in her little finger than many he had met.
“What is it?” she asked, confused again by his silence.
“Sorry, ma’am, it’s just your reaction wasn’t what I expected.”
“I find too many people judge others without looking at themselves first. I don’t know what misfortune happened to your ma, Robbie, but I know a mother would never give up her child. Not willingly. Not unless there truly was no other way.”
“You are very different from most Catholics I’ve met, Mrs. Doherty.” Robbie smiled at her.
“Not really, son. Father McKenna, he was a nice priest, always said to love each other just as we loved ourselves. Mother, I mean Carmel, always tries to practice what he preached. Well, apart from when it comes to Ned Duffy. She has a whole different viewpoint about him.”
Robbie watched her face. Was she trying to warn Robbie that Carmel Doherty wouldn’t stand for anyone who was in business with the Duffy’s? Or was she just making conversation. It seemed as if it were the latter but he couldn’t be completely sure. There was more to this woman than the downtrodden, beaten wife he had first envisaged. It was time to change the subject.
“Do you think your daughter will move to Clover Springs with the doc?”
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