"Don't worry about anything here," Neil assured her as he helped her up into the buggy seat. "We know where you are. And, if you need anything, just send Kit in. Now, hurry up. I'm not at all sure Mr. Williams can stand to be by himself for very much longer."
"Yes, of course, you're right. Kit and I have everything we need," Victoria insisted. "We'll be back as soon as we can." However, even as Kit drove away, the doctor swung around in her seat, and called out, "But, be careful. I don't want to have to stitch you up again!"
Neil waved, saying, "I'll be careful. I'm not going to be working alone, remember?" He watched the buggy disappear around a corner, and prayed this mother and child came through their ordeal healthy and whole.
It took him several moments to shake off his own bad memories and returned back to his preparations for the work the next day. He was double checking the lumber count when he had the uncomfortable feeling that someone was watching him. When he looked around, he didn't see anyone. In fact, if anything, the street was remarkable for its emptiness. But then, he supposed, the August heat and humidity had everyone seeking relief indoors.
Still...
*****
Two days later, Kit and Victoria returned, exhausted but delighted. Manchester had two new citizens, for Mrs. Williams had, indeed, borne twins—a healthy pair of boys.
"Kit, drop me off at Meg's before you go to the livery stables, please."
The young woman turned, and with a knowing smile, asked, "You sure it's Miss Meg's you want me to take you to?"
"Well, no," she admitted, "I suppose not—"
Kit turned to face what the doctor was staring at, but even she had nothing to say at the sight. For instead of the new surgery structure taking shape—or even just the load of pilings and support beams for the floor, there stood a stack of sodden, charred remains of lumber, behind the burned out skeleton of the building's beginnings.
Without a word, Kit turned the wagon back towards the surgery and dropped Victoria off, before continuing on to the stable.
Dr. Thorne trudged up the steps, and through the door of the surgery, and collapsed into the nearest chair. Neil came in the back door, through the kitchen, and stood in front of her.
"It's all right," he told her. "Gus promised that the pilings and timbers will be replaced—by Monday at the latest."
"But...what happened?"
"There was a fire," he stated, drily.
"I could see that..."
"I'm sorry," Neil told her. "I suppose I was trying to make you smile." He sighed and told her, "Well, while we did have a thunder storm last night...I don't believe for an instant that both the beginning structure and the lumber were hit by two random lightning strikes. No, someone set fire to them."
"But why?"
"I only wish I knew..."
*****
"Kit was so good with Mrs. Williams," Victoria said to Neil, over their dinner. "I really think she would make a wonderful doctor, herself."
"Well..." he said, before taking another bite of chicken.
"I don't think she went to school. I mean—never! I've gotten the impression from speaking with her that she just went along with her father...and then Mark."
"You mean she never went to school? But, can't she read?"
"Yes, she can read and write—to an extent, and she can do basic ciphers. However, her vocabulary is limited, and her grammar isn't all it should be."
"Well, couldn't we tutor her? I might not have a great vocabulary, but I'm very good in math. You should be able to teach her some science, and I bet that Meg and Gus would help as well. That is...if Kit wants to study. Have you asked her if she'd like to be a doctor?"
"No," the doctor admitted. "I only thought about it while we were driving back to town. It's just she seems to have a natural gift for keeping people calm." She was cutting a piece of her pot roast when Gus walked up.
"I thought I'd find you here. Do you mind if I sit down?"
"Of course not," Victoria said. "Have you eaten?"
"Yes. Ma wouldn't have let me out of the house, if I hadn't," Gus answered, laughing.
"Well, at least have some pie and coffee," Victoria said.
"I think I will." He sat down, and gestured to Ann for some coffee, before he continued, "First, you are not to worry. The replacement lumber will be delivered by Tuesday—at the latest. I'd told Neil Monday, but I forgot that this Saturday is the big harvest social. And, I've already promised the men half a day Saturday, so they can get ready."
"Monday...Tuesday..." Victoria said with a sigh, "no real difference."
"Yes...I suppose." He took a swallow of coffee, and after settling the cup back in its saucer, he went on, "I heard from my attorney."
When both Victoria and Neil looked up at him, he explained, "I had asked him to ask girls' homes and orphanages if they ever placed girls with people with businesses. I gave him the impression I was thinking of expanding the spinning operation.
"Anyway, most won't release underage girls. However, he did find one that would train their charges to do laundry, or housecleaning, etc. And they would send girls out to work. He's still trying to discover if they asked for some kind of fee or genuinely wanted to get their charges situated in a paying job before they'd be turned out when they turned eighteen."
"Well," Victoria said, "from the condition of the girls' hands, they very well could have been doing laundry—a lot of laundry."
"Yes, I remember you'd said that. And here's the really interesting thing...a pair of girls, sisters, fifteen and sixteen, had been sent to work at a commercial laundry—here in Manchester."
"I didn't realize there was a commercial laundry here," the doctor said.
"That's just it," Gus announced. "There are any number of women who take in laundry—mainly for single men. But, about the closest thing we have to a commercial laundry, would be the washhouse on my place. The men grouse about it, but they all take their turn working a week there. I have a lot of men...and they make a lot of laundry. Much, too much, for Ma to deal with—even with help."
"So, where did these girls go?"
"I'm still working on that. Or, rather, Frank is. It appears they were sent here to Manchester—their train tickets were paid for and they were placed on the train."
"What about the conductor?" Neil asked. "Does he remember seeing these girls? I mean, he might not have seen the first girl's picture, because of his schedule. He mightn't have even heard about her death."
"As I said, Frank is checking on that. The girls definitely got on the train. And, presumably, the conductor would have made sure the girls got out at the right stop. Hopefully, the conductor working that night will remember seeing them."
"Well," the doctor added, "I would think these girls would be noticed. Since they were young strangers, who most probably resembled each other and were dressed alike."
"We can only hope so. And," Gus said, "if they were seen by someone, perhaps the person who met them was also seen."
"Yes," Neil said, "but I believe we should question—or at least have the sheriff question—all the conductors. In fact, speaking to all the railroad personnel couldn't hurt.
"After all," he continued, "they might have spoken to someone, they might even have mentioned where they were going, or who they were supposed to meet."
"That's true," Meg said. "We've learned so very little information, about anything, I think we should really start widening our inquiries."
"But, please," Victoria stressed, "remember to not mention the 'Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup.' I still believe that is going to somehow help us prove the connection between this unknown person in Manchester and these poor girls."
Chapter Nineteen
"Oh, Kit," the doctor exclaimed, "you look wonderful!" She said as she came into the surgery. Even though Kit had sworn she would meet Victoria at the social, she wasn't taking any chances. Kit worked hard, never complained, and never asked for anything. Victoria was going to make sure that her youn
g assistant took some time to enjoy herself.
"Thank you, miss. I feel so grand. I don't know how I can ever thank you and Miss Meg for this dress."
"I'm sure I speak for both Meg and myself when I say you are most welcome."
"It's just I can't remember the last time I got a new dress. I mean, a dress that ain't been worn by no one else."
"Kit," Victoria began, gently, "you know you have money in the bank, don't you? Dr. Cooper paid your father, or his estate, for the practice and equipment. And, it's accruing interest, as well."
After a moment, she added, "You can buy yourself things you want. Why...you could even go to school if you chose to."
"School, miss..."
"Yes, school. I watched you with Mrs. Williams. You would make a wonderful doctor. You could go to medical school and become a physician. I won't lie to you. We'd have to tutor you to prepare you for medical school. It would be hard work," the doctor continued, "but I've never seen you shirk from a task."
"I could be a real doctor? Like you? A real one—not a nurse or assistant?"
"Yes, Kit. You could. Why don't you think about it for a while, and when you're ready we'll talk more about it? How does that sound?"
"Yes, ma'am. I'd like that. But, I'd like to think on it first."
"Good. Now, let's go have a pleasant time."
"Miss..."
"Yes, Kit?"
"I don't know how to dance. You won't make me dance, will you?"
"I'm not going to make you do anything. But," Victoria told the younger woman, "I'm sure someone will ask you to dance. Just try and follow along with what they do, and you'll do fine."
"I'll try, miss. I'll try."
*****
Meg opened the door before Gus was halfway up the steps to the porch. She was wearing a new dress of reclaimed azure blue silk, which she knew brought out the golden red highlights in her hair.
It made her feel wonderful and glamorous—something she didn't often feel. In fact, when she thought about it, she'd never felt like it.
"Why Margaret Strong," Gus said, after an appreciative sigh, "you are absolutely beautiful. I'll be the luckiest man at the dance, with you on my arm."
Meg felt herself flush, even though his comment made her feel even prettier. Finally, she answered, "Oh...Gus...I doubt it, but thank you."
She closed and locked the door, and allowed him to help her down the steps. But, after they'd only walked a short way, she stopped, and turning to Gus, admitted, "I'm not sure I remember how to dance. What if someone wants to dance with me, and it's something I don't remember—or perhaps, never even learned?"
Gus patted the hand on his arm and said, "I wouldn't worry about it." Then leaning in so close his breath caressed her cheek, he added in a low voice, "Because I'm planning on keeping you all for myself."
Once again, Meg felt the blood creep up her chest and neck, to her face. But, she was secretly delighted. She hadn't even realized how much she was looking forward to this end of summer dance.
Last year, she'd refused to go, even with Dr. Cooper's pestering, because she'd been stained with splashes of black walnut hull dye. And, before that, she couldn't remember the last time she'd gone to a party or dance.
The room was already crowded with people—mostly young men and women—laughing and having a good time.
Eva ran up to Meg as she and Gus entered, chattering like a magpie. "Oh, Miss Meg, it's perfect. I mean, I knew it would be—you making it and everything. But, I hadn't seen it on you."
"Thank you, Eva." Meg leaned towards Eva and asked, "And, is he," nodding in the direction of a short, but pleasant looking young man, "the one you want your mother to meet?"
"Yes, miss. That's Brian. He's awfully nice. And, he works at the bank. But," she told Margaret, "Ma should like that. That he isn't a farm or ranch hand, I mean."
"Your mother won't care what the man you fall in love with does for a living, as long as he is working. She'll care whether he can take care of you, about how he treats you."
"But what if she says I'm still too young?"
"I'll talk to your mother," Gus promised. "And, if she still says you're too young to court, I'll remind her of something she once told me about when she began stepping out with your father. Trust me."
"Oh, if you say she'll come around, she will, Mr. Gus." She gave him a quick hug and said, "You can do anything." Then Eva scurried back to her beau.
"So, you think you can get Ma to come around? I admit you usually do accomplish whatever it is you set out to do. However, this time I'm not so sure," Meg said, giggling. "Just the other day, she said that Eva was still too young to step out with anyone."
"I'll convince her," Gus insisted.
"I hope so, because I think Eva truly cares about this boy." She was about to say something more when she noticed the doctor and Stratton enter. "Come on, there's Victoria and Neil. Let's go greet them."
They made the short walk across to where the doctor and carpenter were standing, with Kit behind them, just inside the door. As they approached the couple, Gus extended his hand in greeting to Neil, while he said, "Welcome. You look lovely, Dr. Thorne. And, my goodness, is that Kit? You've grown into a beautiful young woman."
Kit blanched white and then blushed crimson. While Victoria, smiling sweetly, made a mock curtsey and answered, "Thank you, sir. You are looking quite handsome, yourself, Mr. Gunderson. Meg is very lucky to have you as her escort. But, I hope you have at least one dance for me."
"Of course," Gus answered.
For some reason, Meg found this worrisome. But she couldn't imagine why. After all, she had no claims on Gus. Still...
Music had just begun playing, with couples moving towards the center of the floor to dance, when the door opened again, and Ma Swenson announced, "The food's arrived. So, if you're hungry, go bring something in from the wagon."
Most of the young people stopped dancing and flocked out the door, while Ma came over to Meg, Victoria, Neil, and Gus. "Where's Eva?" she asked, as she looked around.
"I believe she went out to the wagon," Gus answered. "Now, I've checked up on her young man. He's worked at the bank for more than a year, and he goes to church every Sunday. I've also watched them together, and he appears to truly care for her."
"But she's only seventeen, she's too—"
"Ma," Gus began, "remind me again, how old were you when you married Benjamin?"
Ma choked so hard, Victoria moved in, just in case she was needed. But once Ma got control of herself again, she admitted, "Sixteen...but times were different back then."
"Balderdash!" was all Gus said, grinning.
Ma Swenson must have realized she was beaten, because she just thrust her chin out, defiantly, and went to help set out the food that was fast filling up the tables made of planks and saw horses.
Chuckling, Gus said, "Well, at least one problem has been solved."
As if on cue, Frank sidled up to the two couples and said, in an extremely low voice, "I spoke to the conductor. He's pretty sure he remembers two girls. Although, he thought there was a third person, and they got off the train as well. But, he didn't really see them clearly. However, he was sure they were met by someone, but whoever it was remained in the shadows. And, he remembered looking down the length of the street as the train pulled away, and it was deserted. So, whoever met them must have been on foot." Then the sheriff walked off again.
The four made eye contact with each other, shook their heads, and frowned. Meg could read the thoughts of the other three. They had all hoped for the conductor to have seen something—recognized someone.
But this was neither the time nor place to discuss this latest piece of information.
Neil took the doctor's hand, and said, "Come on. We might as well dance." Then he led her onto the dance floor.
"I think dancing is a good idea," Gus said. "Let's show off that dress."
"Well, all right," Meg conceded, with apprehension in her voice. "But, don't do a
nything fancy. I can't remember the last time I danced. It was probably before my mother got sick."
"You'll do just fine."
Margaret was amazed at just how fine she did. She'd forgotten how it felt to be swirled around a dance floor in a handsome man's arms. Or, perhaps, she never had. After all, her father didn't approve of such frippery.
They just kept dancing, time after time. They whirled past Eva and her young man, Victoria and Neil, and Frank and his wife. And Gus kept her talking the entire time.
After more than an hour of continuous dancing, Meg begged off, "Please, Gus. I need to sit down for a few minutes and catch my breath."
"Well, if we must," he said, as he escorted her to a chair. "I'll go get us something to drink." Then he headed off to the punch bowl.
Meg watched him and sighed, thinking how Gus had to be the kindest and most thoughtful man she'd ever met. Plus, he was tall and good looking. She'd never really appreciated the gold glints in his hair, or how very green his eyes were. And, he was very well off. All in all, pretty prime husband material.
She blinked at that last thought. Husband material. Well, he had been most attentive. And, he had told her he intended to keep her all to himself.
'What had Ma said once? That you might just look at someone you've known for a long time...and you know something has changed.'
'Stop it,' she told herself. 'He's just a kind man. He's just a friend.'
But when Meg looked up, she saw Gus twirl by with the good doctor in his arms.
And she felt as though she been kicked in the gut by a mule.
It took her a few moments to get herself together, and by that time the music had stopped and the dancers were leaving the floor. She jumped up, and moved towards the door, ignoring Gus' calls to her.
Slipping out into the darkness, she rounded the outside corner of the building, searching for somewhere private, where she could sit down and think. She felt ill—physically ill. And she didn't know why.
After all, feeling ill couldn't be love.
*****
"Meg!" Gus cried out, as he caught sight of a bit of blue disappear around a corner. "Meg, where are you? What happened? What's wrong? Margaret!"
Miss Thorne Blossoms Page 10
