“You are teasing me, Mr. Quinn.”
“That I am but what happened to Mick. You been calling me Mick all day. I like it.” He liked it a lot but he wasn’t about to admit that. His feelings about the doc bothered him. Sometimes he was fit to strangle her and other times he wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her until she was breathless.
“It’s not proper. People will talk.”
Mick laughed and earned himself a dirty look in the process. “Listen, Doc, for all your intelligence you don’t always use the brain you’ve got. People around here talk. They ain’t got much else to do. Life is fairly boring when you do the same thing day in, day out. Gossiping helps pass the time.”
He wasn’t prepared for the look of abject fear on her face.
“They don’t know anything about me.”
What did she have to hide? Something had her rattled. He sought to reassure her.
“They don’t need to. They’ll just make it up. The fact we took a trip together and have been gone for hours is bound to be discussed the length and breadth of Clover Springs tonight.”
“Oh!”
“You’re not used to living somewhere so small are you? What made you leave New York if you don’t mind me asking?”
“Big cities can become too small sometimes. The number of immigrants is pushing the city to its limits. There are problems everywhere. I couldn’t do anything so I left for somewhere I could use my skills better.”
It sounded like a well-practiced excuse rather than a real reason, but he sensed it was all the information he would get. At least for now.
“And that’s Clover Springs?”
“For now, it is. I don’t know what the future will bring.”
The baby started to wail.
“How are you going to feed her? Apart from Ellen, I don’t think we have any women in Clover Springs who just gave birth.”
“Ellen is too weak to help. But we have some goats. She will have to get used to goat milk. Do you think Wilma will take her at the orphanage?”
“I thought you planned on keeping her?” he said.
“Me? What would I do with a baby? I can’t exactly bring her out visiting patients. Anyway, its better she had a mother and a father.”
She sounded like she was trying to convince herself the baby was better with someone else.
“Ah, you are traditional after all?”
“I am not sure what that means, Mr. Quinn.”
Mick knew when to shut up. Calling him Mr. Quinn was her way of setting a distance between them. Suited him just fine as he wasn’t getting involved with anyone, especially not a female doctor who was stubborn as a mule.
Chapter 26
Mick stopped at the orphanage on the way back. He carried Doc’s bags while Erin carried the baby.
As soon as they entered the kitchen, Wilma reached for the child.
“Oh isn’t she tiny? What’s her name?”
Erin blushed. She’d forgotten to ask the mother’s name never mind whether she had thought of one for the baby.
“I’ve no idea. I forgot to ask.” Erin quickly told Wilma and Ellen what had happened up at the camp.
“Poor little tyke. Imagine being born and allowed to die. Good job you was there Doc. Sounds like you were meant to be.”
Erin couldn’t bear to think of how close she had got to leaving. If the baby hadn’t cried out, she wouldn’t have known anything about her.
“Why don’t you call her Erin?” Wilma asked.
Erin shook her head. “No, I couldn’t do that. It doesn’t feel right.”
“What about Michelle? You know in honor of Mick helping to rescue her.” Ellen added.
“I think that’s lovely, Ellen. What do you think, Doc?”
Erin took the baby back, holding her close. “I think it’s a wonderful idea. Michelle suits her just fine.”
She noticed Mick leaving quietly but not before she saw the look of pleasure on his face. He wasn’t as immune to the baby as he pretended.
Erin rocked the little one who seemed content to sleep in her arms. It had taken a little while to get her to take the goat’s milk but, when nothing better was available, she gave in. She was a survivor.
“Do you think you will be able to find parents for her, Wilma?”
“I reckon so. Most people want to adopt a baby as then they can rear it according to their ways. An older child is more difficult in lots of ways.”
“Unless you are looking for someone to take on all your chores.”
Erin was surprised at the bitter note in Ellen’s voice. From what little she knew of the school teacher, it wasn’t in her nature to be nasty.
“Excuse me, Doc. Lack of sleep is making me cross. Alicia Higgins had to stop Charlie Staunton, he’s the man who didn’t want a female doc, from adopting two boys. He didn’t want sons but extra-cheap hands on his farm.” Ellen explained.
“How awful. I am glad your friend was able to stop them.”
“Why don’t you come and visit Alicia with me tomorrow?” Wilma asked. “You two should get on like a house on fire. She’s educated like you and comes from a big city.” Wilma leaned in to take the baby back. “We could take this little one with us if you like.”
“Sounds lovely. Thank you, Wilma. I best get back to the boarding house. Goodnight, ladies.”
Erin left the orphanage quickly. She knew she was becoming too attached to Michelle. She had to maintain a professional distance. In her profession, she was bound to come across numerous waifs and strays. She couldn’t adopt all of them. She’d wanted a baby for so long. Well, that wasn’t going to happen now so she might as well close that door.
She was so engrossed in her thoughts, she didn’t see the man in front of her before it was too late.
“I am so sorry, please forgive me.” Erin looked up, her stomach churning when she saw it was Mr. Dickinson from the Red Feathers.
“Nothing to forgive, Miss…”
“Doctor Brennan.” He knew who she was. “I was too busy thinking and not looking where I was going.”
“No harm done, Doc, but I kind of wish there was. Not every day you get to bump into a pretty lady doctor.”
Before she could respond he held out his arm. “Please allow me to escort you home.”
“Thank you but it isn’t necessary.”
“Well, Doc, don’t you have a duty to check I am not hurt badly after you injured me?”
Despite her feelings towards him, Erin laughed. “You said you weren’t hurt.”
“I lied. You owe me, Doc.” He bowed and held out his arm once more.
What harm could it do to allow him to walk her to the boarding house? She took his arm and they walked toward the boarding house.
Erin kept silent even though there were questions she wanted to ask. How could he sleep at night given the number of lives he had ruined. She was relieved when they arrived at the boarding house.
“Thank you very much, Mr. Dickinson, for the escort and the company. It’s been a long day. I really must retire. Goodnight.” She said firmly.
“Goodnight, Doc. See you again.”
Erin stepped into the boarding house, closing the door behind her. She stood trying to calm her breathing. She could understand why girls like Mollie had fallen into Dickinson’s clutches. He could be very charming when he wanted to be.
Mick hid in the shadows, teeth clenched, watching as Dickinson escorted Erin to the boarding house. Her tinkling laugh grated on his nerves. What on earth could she find to laugh about with that moppet on her arm? He wanted to jump out and drag her away from him. Why? She isn’t your woman. No, but he is dangerous and she needs protecting. The voice inside his head kept arguing. He was glad he had waited to see her. He wanted to make sure she was all right after the emotional upheaval at the camp.
He watched her close the door leaving Dickinson standing outside. At least she was sensible. Still, the fact Dickie had sought out her company was worrisome. That man had an agenda for every acti
on. What was he up too?
“You look troubled, my friend.”
Mick nearly jumped out of his own skin. He hadn’t seen or heard Little Beaver approach him. The Indian laughed.
“You are not alone. I can do this with most people. The white man spends too much time talking and not listening.”
Mick smiled. It was true.
“What were you looking at? Your face was fierce.”
“Dickinson. I don’t trust him.”
“There is nothing new about that. I think the fact he had a hand on the doctor was a problem, no?”
“That oily snake should keep his hands to himself,” Mick said. He was rewarded by laughing. He glared at Little Beaver but the Indian continued to laugh.
“Don’t you have sheriff business to attend to?” he said.
Little Beaver kept laughing as he continued his patrol.
Chapter 27
The ladies had gathered for another sewing bee at Mary’s house. Erin admired the Sullivan ranch. The house was beautiful but the view of the surrounding mountains and land took her breath away.
“Real pretty, ain’t it?”
The hairs on the back of her neck rose at his voice. She had hoped she would see him. She had taken more care with her appearance telling herself she was doing so as she was meeting the other ladies.
“If I lived here, I don’t think I would ever leave. It’s so wild yet peaceful.” She laughed self-consciously. “Listen to me. A city girl born and bred admiring a ranch.”
“Everything you said was true but don’t let the idyllic picture fool you. It can be real dangerous out here for those who aren’t aware of the hidden dangers.”
She glanced at him, suddenly thinking he wasn’t just talking about their surroundings. She thought she saw admiration mixed with something else in his eyes. Was it hesitation or… She blinked. Regardless of what was on his mind, she had no intention of ever being tied to a man.
“I am sure there are, Mr. Quinn, but no doubt I will learn enough to survive the longer I spend here.”
She saw the hint of a challenge in his eyes but before he could say anything further, she turned toward the ranch. “I best go inside. The ladies will be wondering what’s keeping me.”
“Doc Erin, would you come up to the goldmine with me? I am a bit concerned that the doctor employed by the previous owner is rather inept.”
“I would love to. The mountain air would do me the world of good. When are you leaving?”
“You ladies can't just venture off into the mountains on your own,” Wilma protested.
“Why not? You are always saying a woman can do a job as good as a man.”
“Alicia, you know that ain’t the truth. I never said stuff like that. I said a woman is often just as clever as a man but sometimes you need a man around. Can you fire a gun, Erin?”
“No. There wasn’t much call for that in New York.”
“See! What happens if you meet some nasty men up there in the woods?” Wilma's agitated tone warned them her temper was rising. “You got to take the men and that’s final.”
“Aaron can't spare any more time from the homestead. Anyway, he gets in the way. He won't let me have a real look at what’s going on.” Alicia said.
“You mean he tryin’ to keep you safe. He done tole me about you trying to go down the mines. What you thinking of girl, you ain't no miner. You a mother now. Harry and Steven been through enough without having to lose another mama.”
“Wilma, please calm down. I told you to rest more,” Erin pleaded.
Alicia rounded on Wilma. “Have you been sick and not told me?”
“Thanks, Doc!” Wilma's sarcastic reply made Erin wince. She shouldn’t have mentioned Wilma's health in front of Alicia. It wasn’t professional but the older woman needed to take things easier. She needed to lose some weight too. Neither opinion had sat well with Wilma.
“I told Wilma she is at an age in life where she should be taking things more slowly. That's all,” Erin quickly reassured Alicia. “Now who could escort us to the mine?”
“Who’s going to the mine?” Samuel walked into the kitchen followed by Little Beaver. “Little Beaver is hungry, Ma. Got any cookies you can spare him?”
“Don’t you try your tricks on your Ma, Mr. Samuel. Ellen done tole me not to let you eat so much.”
Mrs. Higgin’s laughed at the exchange between her son and Wilma. “She is like another ma to my Samuel,” She said to Erin who smiled back at her.
“What Ellen doesn’t know won’t hurt her,” Samuel replied cheekily as he quickly grabbed two cookies. “So, who is going to the mine?”
“I asked Doc Erin to check on my miners before the heavy winter sets in. I am worried about them. The current doctor, who has been there since the old manager, doesn’t do much apart from prescribe his tonic. It cures everything from measles to hangovers from what I can work out.”
“I will go with you. I have to check for men making moon liquid. Many men were sick from drinking at saloon. Says it’s bad whiskey,” Little Beaver said before taking another cookie.
“Moon liquid? Oh, you mean moonshine. They make that in Ireland, too, from potatoes. It’s called poteen. It smells disgusting but unfortunately people still drink it. It’s very dangerous and illegal in Ireland. I didn’t know it was against the law to make it here.”
“It is not. They can make it all they like to drink themselves. But the men at the saloon shouldn’t be getting sick. Sheriff wants them moved on.” Little Beaver kept taking cookies.
“Quite right too. There is enough illness without having to deal with self-induced hangovers,” Alicia said.
“This is a bit more dangerous than hangovers, Alicia. Bad whiskey can quickly kill a man,” Erin explained.
“Who else you taking with you, Little Beaver? I wish I could come but my leg isn’t up to it.”
“I will ask Mick and a couple of other men to come. Cookie too. He is good to have on the trail.”
“Cookie?” Erin asked rather mystified.
“I don’t know his real name. He is a friend of Mick Quinn’s. He can shoot straighter than most anyone I know. His cooking ain't bad for a man.” Samuel reached for another cookie but this time his ma lightly hit his hand away.
Erin couldn’t help the twinge of excitement at the thought of spending time with Mick again. She was amazed how easy she found it to talk to him. Was his concern for Mollie friendly or romantic? She didn’t want to think about how that made her feel.
“I will go ask Davy if he can spare the men. I can deputize Mick and Cookie as the sheriff is concerned we have a number of camps set up in the foothills of the mountains.”
“We got enough problems here with that Red house. We don’t need no mountain juice on top of it. Men drink that and then the fighting starts. My babies don't need to watch gunfights.”
Everyone smiled at Wilma's description of the orphans. It could apply to any child in Clover Springs. As far as Wilma was concerned they were all her babies.
Chapter 28
“I don’t know how these women live all the way up here. It’s so remote, isn’t it?” Alicia said to Erin.
“But I guess you think our homestead is remote after living in New York. There are people everywhere.”
“I think your homestead is lovely. I don't miss New York. The smells, the lack of sanitation and the overcrowding. You should see how some of the people live. In tenement buildings, two or more families in a space hardly big enough for a couple.” Erin looked at the view around her. “I know it’s a tough life out here but I wonder which is worse?”
“I want you to tell me what improvements you think we could make for the people working in the mine. Not inside it,” Alicia hastened to add. “I mean the houses and things. I want the people to be happy.”
“I heard engaging a good cook keeps the workers happy,” Erin replied with a smile.
“You think that’s a joke. So did I until I heard of men departing one mine
for another simply because the cook kept burning the food. A lot of the men's wives have moved up here, so they take care of a lot of the cooking. Some single men give them a few coins in return for cooking and laundry. Others prefer to eat in the main tent. They leave their laundry longer too.” Alicia's nose wrinkled, no doubt remembering the smell from her previous visit.
They soon arrived at the camp. A group of disheveled looking children came down to greet them. Erin was dismayed to see a few showed signs of scurvy. What she couldn’t understand was why? There were plenty of fruits available in the mountains. She moved slowly into the camp wondering what other issues she would find.
The women greeted Alicia like a long-lost friend. Erin watched the smiles as they chattered with her new friend, all trying to talk at once. Little Beaver and his men stayed only for a cup of coffee before they ventured higher in the direction of the mine itself. Erin wanted to go with them. She had never seen a mining operation before but they said it was too dangerous. Anyway, she had a job to do. As soon as the women knew she was a doctor, they lined up patients to see her including, to her dismay, a rather ornery goat.
“Can't they understand I am not a veterinarian?”
“They don’t know what that is. If you can cure people you can cure this old goat.”
“Not sure I can, I have no idea what is wrong with it apart from it being severely cranky.” Erin resolved to leave the goat to last preferring to deal with her human patients first. Quite a few of the children were complaining about a belly ache. She quickly established they were constipated. Their mothers were turning the precious cow milk into butter. Erin patiently explained the process of churning took all the goodness out of the milk. Growing children needed to drink a full glass of milk for breakfast and in the evening. At the dismayed looks around the camp fire, Erin suspected they couldn’t afford to keep more cows. Alicia immediately offered to send some goats up to the camp. They would adapt better to mountain life and their milk was good for the children.
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