Miranda Takes a Stand

by Jordan Bollinger

  Lynn did as she was asked, but trembled. Victoria tried to reassure her, by saying, "I'll only be a few moments. I promise. Then we'll have tea and cake. That is if anyone remembered to save us any."

  Lynn smiled at that and said, "We had pie last night. But I wouldn't say no to a piece of cake right about now."

  "Good," the doctor said. "We're all done. Step back into your drawers and come downstairs. Meanwhile, I'll go save you a piece. But don't lolly-gaggle, or I won't be able to guarantee you'll get any cake."

  All the conversation came to an abrupt halt when Victoria walked into the kitchen. Everyone turned to look at her, as if to ask, 'Well... '

  "May I please have a strong cup of tea?"

  Kit hopped up and set the kettle back on the heat, saying, "I'm afraid the pot is empty, but I'll make fresh. It won't take but a few minutes."

  "I'm sure Kathy told you that the baby will arrive in March or April, at least that's what it looks like now. We should have a more precise date after she's put on some weight.

  "And, I'm fairly sure that neither has any disease. Of course, I'll need to keep checking on that for a while."

  "Kathy wants to learn how to sew," Eva said.

  "Yes, I'm sure Lynn will want to learn as well, but they won't be in any condition to take lessons. I doubt they'd be able to concentrate on working on anything now, even if they already knew how to sew."

  "Eva, why don't you go tell Gus and Jake there will be coffee, tea and cake in about twenty minutes?" Meg said. Then, turning to the girls suggested, "Slip on your new nightdresses and robes, so the doctor can see them, please."

  Once the girls returned, modeling their gowns and robes, the doctor nodded, and said, "Meg, they're wonderful. And you say they're easy to make?"

  "Yes, very easy. And, because of the drawstring at the neck, they'll fit a variety of sizes. Also, they're plain enough to wash and dry quickly."

  "So, you're proposing we make a supply of these gowns as part of equipping the hospital?"

  "Yes," Meg said, "and the robes. Perhaps, even short robes, for people to wear when they're sitting up in bed."

  "Well, don't get too involved in making them, Meg. Remember, we haven't even approached the town council about obtaining the building yet," Victoria answered.

  *****

  Kathy and Lynn had gone upstairs to bed right after Gus left with Meg and Eva, leaving Colleen and Kit to clean up after dinner. Miranda and Victoria were in the parlor, conversing in low tones, when Kathy came downstairs, again. "Miss... my head hurts something awful," she said, as she rubbed her temples.

  They'd already sent Kit and Colleen up to bed, just in case they were needed later on.

  The doctor stood up and went over to the girl. "Come on, Kathy," she said, taking her hand. "Let’s get you back to bed. Staying up won't help you feel better. I’m sorry, but there's nothing I can do for you, except fix you chamomile tea to help you get back to sleep." Then she led her up the stairs.

  Miranda got up and went into the kitchen to put the kettle on for tea while Victoria and Kathy climbed the staircase. By the time Victoria reentered the kitchen, Miranda was filling a small teapot with hot water.

  "Thank you, Miranda. I'll let it steep for a few minutes, before I take it up to her."

  "This is the beginning, isn't it?"

  "Yes, I'm afraid so. Although, it might just be a headache. I'd hoped they'd have at least another day or two, so we could get more food in them. But, there's nothing we can do about it. Since it's so late, I'm going to stay the night. However, I must go into town in the morning. I have other patients I need to check up on. But, then I'll be back.

  "I think Kit and I will have to split our time between town and here. That way, one of us is in the surgery during the day. Once their symptoms become serious, we'll have to rethink how we divide up the work load.

  "Once we work that out, we should be all right while Meg is away. And—"

  "Wait? What? Where is Meg going?" Miranda asked.

  "Oh dear!" Victoria said, frowning. "I wasn't supposed to tell you about that."

  "What?"

  Victoria dropped her voice to a whisper and said, "All right, but only because you all will be staying here until Sunday evening.

  "The Clearys are leaving town. And Meg wanted the reverend to marry her and Gus. So... so..."

  "What!"

  "You mustn't talk about it. And if she comes out here you mustn't let her know you know. She and Gus are going to be married after services on Sunday and then they are going on a brief wedding trip to Chicago."

  "Oh, without a big ceremony, or wedding breakfast, or anything?" Miranda groaned.

  "I get the idea that they'll have a party later on, in the spring, after the girls are well. But, I don't know for sure, so don't talk about it. Please,

  I promised I wouldn't tell you before Sunday afternoon."

  "Of course, I won't say anything. It's just that, I don't know. I guess I wanted Meg to have a grand wedding. Like the one I didn't get to have."

  "Well," Victoria whispered, "Neil and I probably won't have anything I'd call grand either. He was married before after all."

  "Wait!" Miranda said, in a low voice, but definitely not a whisper, "You and Neil are getting married, too?"

  Victoria felt the flush creep up her neck and face. But she answered, "Well... yes. We became engaged the night before everything happened. In fact, Gus was toasting us when the three of them passed out. And, I figured out who was responsible for, well... everything."

  "Oh, Victoria! I'm so happy for you!"

  Reddening even more, she said, "Thank you. I'm very happy, too."

  This more intimate conversation ended at the sound of Colleen coming down the stairs.

  She was rubbing the sleep from her eyes and brushing her hair smooth with her fingers. She was wearing one of the simple, flannel robes, wrapped around her, the sash tied in a loose knot.

  "I thought I heard Kathy come downstairs. Is she sick?" Colleen asked the older women.

  "Just a headache," the doctor answered. "We're brewing chamomile tea, and you can apply cold compresses on her head, since you're up. I probably shouldn't have stayed the night," Victoria continued. "So, I have to get some sleep tonight, because I'll need to be ready to work in the morning."

  "That's why I got up, Miss... I mean, Doctor," Colleen told her. "To help wherever I'm needed."

  "What about Lynn?" the doctor asked.

  "She's sleeping. At least," Colleen said, "she was when I got up."

  For a moment, Victoria thought the young woman was going to add something more. But, after a rather long moment of silence, decided she was wrong. And, turning to Miranda said, "Perhaps, you should go to bed, at least for a couple of hours. Colleen and I can deal with Kathy."

  "But you just said you needed to rest," Miranda said.

  "I promise I'll wake you in a few hours. Now, go on."

  Victoria came down to find a cup of fresh coffee waiting for her. She took several, grateful sips, before she asked, "So, how did Kathy do the rest of the night?"

  "She was a bit fitful, but after a while she settled down and did sleep."

  "Good, because Lynn is looking a bit green. I'm afraid she's not going to be very happy today," Miranda answered. She stopped, adding, "Meg ordered a hefty supply of peppermint candy. Can I tell them they can have some whenever they wish?"

  "Yes," the doctor answered. "That's a good idea. Hopefully, it will help their nausea.

  "Well, I'll finish this coffee and head into town. I'll make sure no one is in dire need of medical attention and then come back out here."

  "Try to get the girls to drink some very sweet tea, and eat some scrambled eggs and toast. Even if it's just a bite or two at a time. And, if that seems to be sitting well, perhaps have them try several swallows of milk, as often as possible. That should give them the best chance of keeping them well."

  "Yes, Victoria. Of course," Miranda said.

  C
hapter Eight

  "What do you mean they've refused to move the trial to some other town?" Gus exclaimed.

  "I assure you, Gus," Judge Preston answered, "when Jim told me, I had a rather heated discussion with my superiors. However, they are sending in another judge to hear the case, since I had prior knowledge of... of certain... ah... aspects of the case."

  "And, what does that mean?"

  "That Jim Stuart and I will probably be called on as witnesses."

  "But," Gus said, in a lower voice, "there's no question about Dr. Thorne being in trouble?"

  "No. At least I don't believe so. And, I'll protest if they try. At least give me some credit, Gus."

  "Protest?"

  "I promise, if they even attempt to press charges against her, I'll defend her."

  "Well, that certainly relieves me," Gus said sarcastically. "We trusted you. I trusted you, Jon!"

  "I told you at the time it was an unusual situation. Did you think I was exaggerating?"

  "No, of course not. But, even you agreed on how we should proceed."

  "And, I still do. The problem is rearranging my schedule to be here. Some of my fellow judges are a bit slipshod in keeping to a schedule and are just as likely to show up a week earlier as not, and without so much as a 'by your leave'," the judge stated.

  "Well, please try to keep things quiet this week," Gus stressed.

  "Why?"

  "Because I'll be away."

  "Oh..."

  "Yes, Meg and I are being married Sunday afternoon and then going on a brief trip to Chicago. But, we'll be back by the end of the week."

  "Then you have nothing to worry about—the cogs of the judicial system work slower than a week. Much slower, in fact. Besides, I'm sure they'd want Harding to be a little more recovered from his... ah... injury."

  "It might have been easier if the good doctor had just killed him outright. Although, after hearing it aloud it would only complicate matters."

  "The thing is, we'd hoped to keep the details of everything private. Even though we believe the town will accept the girls... ah... just as they are, we can't be sure. And, the fewer people who know all the particulars, the better off they'll be."

  "Well," the judge began, rubbing his chin in thought, "perhaps we can keep the majority of things quiet."

  "How? It would be one thing if the trial was to be held elsewhere. But, now the whole town will know every sordid detail.

  "Perhaps we could have a council of war," Gus suggested.

  "A council of war?"

  "Yes, if we all agree on everything that happened, then maybe we could keep some of the more unpleasant aspects—"

  "I can't be a party to that!" the judge cried out. "And now you've said that, I must be extremely diligent about what you all testify to."

  "But, Jon."

  "I'm an officer of the court, Gus. You must see how I cannot agree to anything like that."

  "Haven't those children been through enough?"

  "Yes, of course, they have. Please, just calm down, Gus. I'm sure we'll figure out something."

  "I hope so, Jon. Because the ladies will have our hides if you don't."

  *****

  "Girls, please come inside. It's much too cold for you all to be out here with only a shawl," Miranda called to the two orphans, again.

  Colleen pulled the older woman inside and finished buttoning up her coat. "I'll go out and walk with them. Why don't you put on another kettle of water, and perhaps scramble an egg, while I go try to convince them to come in?

  "But, I warn you, I will tell them you're becoming sick with worry."

  "Control by guilt?" Miranda asked.

  "Of course," Colleen argued. "My oldest brother had six children. Guilt was about the only weapon his wife, Karen, had. Well, that and the threat of telling their father," she ended with a giggle.

  "Yes, all right. You go try."

  "Girls," Colleen said, as she crossed the yard toward the two young ladies. "Miranda is petrified you'll catch cold out here. Won't you come inside? At least, for a bit. Have a hot cup of tea before you come out again after you wrap up in blankets."

  "She'll just try to force feed us again," Kathy protested.

  "Kathy, she's only trying to take care of us," Lynn said in Miranda's defense.

  "That's right," Colleen agreed. "She's worried about you. She is desperate to get you back to good health."

  "I know, Miss Colleen. But, I don't think I can eat another mouthful of food, or get another cup of tea down. Besides, I'm restless and I want to walk."

  "You remember, Kathy," Colleen said, "what the doctor told you? You will become more and more restless. And, if Miranda tries to get a few spoons of scrambled eggs or custard inside of you, it's only to help keep your strength up." Then after a moment, she added, "And, to keep your baby nourished."

  Kathy hung her head. "Yes, I know, Miss. I don't mean to complain. Honest. But, even healthy people cannot eat only scrambled eggs morning, noon, and night."

  "We all know that. But, unless there's something you'd rather eat, I believe you will be eating a lot of scrambled eggs, toast, and custard. Besides, you both will only complain more and more. About anything and everything."

  "I suppose..."

  "And all of us, Miss Meg, the doctor, and Kit, will do our best to get all the tea, scrambled eggs, and custard down you we can manage."

  "Yes, I suppose," Kathy agreed. "But I want to stay out longer. I'm not even cold yet."

  "Well," Lynn said, "I wouldn't mind a cup of hot tea. And, I'm not too stubborn to admit that I'm cold, either."

  "All right," Kathy sighed and turned on her heels and stomped back to the house.

  Lynn watched her go, and asked, "Is Kathy mad at me, as well?"

  "No, dear," Colleen answered, "she's feeling the effects of not having the opium. And, I'm sure she's worrying about her child. Just try to be patient with her. We'll remind her to be patient with you, when you become... ah... less cordial. Now, come along."

  "Yes, ma'am."

  They entered the kitchen in time to see Kathy bolt for the sink where she spat up the few sips of tea she'd drunk. Then she turned around, in apparent horror at what she done.

  "It's all right, Kathy," Miranda assured the girl as she passed her a wet tea towel and helped her into a chair.

  Colleen stepped over and rinsed out the sink before setting another kettle on to boil.

  "I'm sorry, Miss. I'm so very sorry," Kathy moaned. "It's my punishment for being so nasty."

  "No, it's not. I shouldn't have browbeaten you into drinking the tea. I have to let you two refuse food and drink. Dr. Thorne said I must."

  "Now, I won't even ask you to eat a spoon or two of scrambled eggs. But, what about a spoonful of honey? And, then I'll leave you alone."

  "Can I sit a bit, first, Miss?"

  "Yes, of course. Now, what about you, Lynn? Do you think you could manage a few sips of sweet tea?"

  "I'll try, Miss. And a little egg as well. I'm just that hungry," Lynn said.

  "All right, but just a little at a time and chew it all thoroughly," Miranda told her.

  Kathy moved a chair over near the back door where she sat holding the door open a crack. She took long deep breaths for about five minutes. Then she shut the door and carried the chair back to the kitchen table. Without having to be asked, she dipped a spoon into the honey jar, and stuck it in her mouth. After she licked the honey from the spoon, she set it in the sink, and went upstairs.

  Halfway up, she stopped, turned and said, "I'm going to lie down and try to get some sleep. My head's hurting again. I don't think I want any dinner. Thank you."

  Miranda and Colleen looked at each other, as Lynn swallowed her egg, and washed it down with hot, sweet tea.

  *****

  "You wanted to see me, Miss Hendriksen?" Jake Kennedy asked, from just inside the back door.

  "Jake, could you set up a bed in the parlor, as close to the stove as you think is safe," Miranda s
aid.

  "Why?"

  "Lynn woke up this morning shivering," she answered. "I will ask Neil to build another bed to put in there, as well.

  "We need to be ready if Kathy should suddenly be unable to get warm."

  "I'll bring in more firewood as soon as I get the bed downstairs. Then I'll ride into town to ask Neil about building that extra bed for you. That way he won't need to go back into town for anything."

  "Thank you, Jake," Miranda said, with a smile. "I think Colleen is planning on baking tea bread this afternoon. Perhaps, you'd like to come in for some when you get back. I'm sure she'd be glad to share it."

  "Thank you, Miss Hendriksen. But I don't expect any special treatment."

  "I'm sure she won't mind."

  Then Jake headed upstairs to fetch the bed. But, he was scowling.

  It didn't matter, he told himself. He was only filling in as the Hendriksen's farm hand to help keep the girls’ whereabouts a secret. He was just here to do a job. And, as soon as the girls had shaken their addiction to opium, he'd be back in town, working construction with Neil.

  It didn't matter.

  Chapter Nine

  Dr. Thorne drew up the buggy, dismounted, grabbed her medical bag then climbed the three steps to the porch. Miranda stood in the open doorway, wringing her hands and looking anxious.

  "What's the matter?" Victoria asked.

  "Well, Kathy was ill yesterday, but she kept down some honey. And then later, Colleen got her to take several sips of sweetened tea.

  "Lynn, on the other hand, seems all right. She had several cups of tea and even asked for a scrambled egg. But she was shivering with cold this morning. I had Jake move a bed down into the parlor and build a fire in the stove for her. She seemed to warm up, but was still very restless. But eventually, she quieted down enough to fall asleep."

  "Yes..."

  "Meanwhile, Kathy managed a couple bites of egg, this morning. She also drank several cups of tea.

  "We'd gone to bed, after leaving Kit downstairs with Lynn. Colleen told her she'd come down after a few hours, so Kit could rest, too.