The Physician's Irish Lady

by Susan Macatee

  She had trouble concentrating.

  “Ah—yes, in York.” She hoped he didn’t see through her lie. She planned to find any hovel she could for a night’s stay, then continue her travel by foot, if she had to. She’d disappear into the countryside so Rogan would have no chance of finding her.

  “I’ll be getting off at the York station but live farther out amid farm country. The town is called Fairfield.”

  Keara nodded as the waiter approached with the tray of meat. The aroma nearly caused her to grab the plate from him. “Sounds like a nice place to live, it does. You’re the town physician?”

  “And I also treat the nearby farmers.” He nodded. “I travel a lot and have a small carriage. I left it in York, to provide transportation home.”

  Keara’s stomach tightened again. He’d see her off the train, then be leaving. Relief flooded her, knowing he wouldn’t discover her shameful secret, but her heart sank with regret. She’d never met so fine a man and would have liked to know him better. But sadly, a gentleman doctor wasn’t meant for the likes of her.

  Once they’d finished their meal, the doctor escorted Keara back to their seats for the remainder of the trip.

  ****

  By the time the train chugged into the York station, Miss Fagan had fallen into a deep sleep leaning against the window. Elliot studied her features. A smattering of freckles covered her pale nose, perked up at the tip. Her full, pink lips enticed him. He didn’t know her, didn’t know where she’d come from, but her dignified fragility tugged at his heart. He’d not leave her side until someone retrieved her at the station.

  “York station!” the conductor called.

  Elliot grasped Miss Fagan’s hand to wake her, careful not to startle or frighten her. “Miss Fagan,” he whispered as he patted the back of her hand. “We’ve arrived at the station.”

  Her red-gold lashes fluttered, her eyes opened, and she stared at him. “Where?”

  “The York station,” he said.

  She sat up clutching her satchel. She’d held the bag close the entire trip. Elliot suspected it contained her most important possessions.

  “I’ll help you with your bags.”

  She shook her head. “’Tis all I have.” She held out the satchel. “I want to keep it with me.”

  “Of course.” Elliot’s heart ached. Did the small satchel contain all she owned? “Stay with me. I’ll see you get off safely.”

  Miss Fagan followed him onto the platform. He kept his gaze on her as he retrieved his bag from the porter. A few men from the third class car caught sight of Miss Fagan. One leered. She shrank back clutching the bag like a shield against her chest.

  He looked out over the departing passengers. “Are your relatives here?”

  She shook her head. “Not yet, but I’m sure they will be.” She bit her lip.

  Elliot sighed. “I’ll collect my carriage and drive you to your relative’s house. In what part of town do they live?”

  Miss Fagan shrugged. “I’m not sure. I’ve never been here before. They’ll come for me.”

  Elliot frowned.

  “Doctor, you’ve done enough. I’ll be fine on me own.” She stared him down.

  He couldn’t force her into his carriage. Relenting, he pressed a coin into her hand. She shook her head.

  “In case you need it. Please keep it. For me.”

  Her lips tilted up into a semblance of a smile, and she dropped the coin into the pocket of her skirt.

  Elliot hesitated. “I suppose this is farewell, Miss Fagan.”

  She nodded, allowing him to take her hand. “Aye, thank you, Doctor James.”

  He proceeded toward the stables where his carriage and horse waited. He paid the stable master and hitched his mare to the carriage, then set his bag inside. Riding back toward the station, he slowed the horse as he caught sight of Miss Fagan sitting alone on the edge of the platform, still clutching her bag. Her head fell forward in a posture of defeat or incredible sorrow.

  Chapter Two

  After Dr. James and the other passengers left the station, Keara had paced the platform. What should she do? She had no one in this town or this country for that matter. Her first priority was a place to stay, but she doubted she could afford more than a night in one of the local family’s stables. She sank to the edge of the platform, revisiting her nightmare encounter with Rogan Morrissey at the port in New York City. She couldn’t stop running on the chance he still followed her. She bowed her head in exhaustion and defeat allowing a few tears to trickle down her cheeks before wiping them away.

  The clatter of a horse’s hooves startled her. She turned in the direction of the sound. Dr. James tied his horse to the rail. Frozen in place, she watched his approach.

  “Doctor…” She swallowed. “I thought you’d have left for home by now.”

  He lifted his hat from his head, holding it before him. “I was on my way but saw you sitting here alone. Haven’t your relatives come yet?”

  She gazed toward the stables. “They should be here soon. I’ll be fine here on me own.”

  “Nonsense.” Elliot’s face flushed. “I have a carriage. It would be improper of me to leave a young lady on her own.”

  Keara bit her lip, tempted to accept his offer. He had a fine carriage. She’d never seen the like, except in New York City and years ago on a trip to visit family in Dublin, before she’d been sent away.

  But where would she have him take her? She had no place to go in this town. Her fingers tingled at the thought of riding in such a grand carriage. She’d allow him to take her for a short ride while she figured an excuse to tell him.

  “Please, Miss Fagan…” He motioned with his hat. Apparently, he’d taken her hesitation as a refusal. “I won’t harm you or allow you to come to harm. I only wish to escort you home, where you’ll be safe.”

  Keara bit her lip and studied his earnest expression. Such a gentleman. “I accept yer offer, Doctor.”

  His smile sent tingles of awareness through her. No man had ever looked at her as he did. Not with lust or proprietorship, but with polite friendship and care. She placed her free hand on his coat sleeve as he led her to his carriage.

  The mare neighed softly as he approached. She stepped to the animal’s side, running her hand along the mare’s silky neck. “She’s a fine animal, Doctor.”

  “We call her Nell.” He offered his hand to assist her into the carriage.

  Keara settled into the seat, stiffening a bit at the “we” in his statement. Did the doctor have a wife waiting for him at home?

  ****

  Elliot pulled back on the reins to turn the carriage away from the train station. Relief settled over him, since Miss Fagan had accepted his offer. He’d see she got home safely, then start his journey back to Fairfield. He’d surely be there before nightfall.

  “Tell me, Miss Fagan. Where do your relatives live?”

  She coughed into her hand, her face reddening.

  Elliot eyed her warily. “Are you still feeling ill, Miss?”

  She shook her head and turned to eye him. “I’ve a confession to make, Doctor.”

  Elliot stiffened but had the feeling he wouldn’t be surprised by whatever she revealed. “Go on,” he urged.

  “Me family doesn’t live in York.”

  “Well, then where do they live?”

  She sighed. “In Ireland.”

  “You came directly from Ireland on your own?” Now he perceived how this poor woman had come to this point. “Are you saying you have no one in America?”

  She nodded, bowing her head.

  Elliot’s mind worked trying to figure out his dilemma. He couldn’t just leave her in town alone. If he gave her enough money for a meal and a room for the night, she’d have nowhere to go come morning. Although he’d just met Miss Fagan, he felt sworn to aid her. He halted the carriage beneath a large oak tree.

  “Miss Fagan, I can take you to Fairfield. It’s just north of here. I’ll direct you to a boarding
house owned by a reputable widow. It’s very clean, and if you don’t have enough for board, I’ll pay for you to spend the night. I can’t allow you to be stranded all alone in a strange place. What do you say?”

  He held her gaze hoping she wouldn’t reject his offer, or outright bolt. She remained very still, staring at her hands hugging the satchel in her lap.

  She sighed. “I have nowhere else to go, Doctor. I’d be pleased to accept yer very kind offer. I’ll find a way to repay you, I swear it.”

  ****

  Relieved she finally had a respite from running, Keara relaxed as the carriage left York and the mare cantered along a winding country road. The motion and tranquil scenery lulled her into a fitful doze. Dreams invaded her mind sending her back to the port in New York where she’d first met Rogan Morrissey.

  She’d traveled for weeks on a cramped immigrant ship from Australia where she’d slaved for over two years as an indentured servant to a cruel woman and her lecherous husband. The man used every opportunity his wife wasn’t around to grope Keara. Her escape on a ship ultimately bound for America, and the subsequent voyage, had been pure agony as everyone around her seemed to be seasick with little food available. And a few had worse ailments. She’d stayed to herself, even though a few of the men had tried to befriend a young destitute woman traveling alone.

  Upon docking in the New York port, she’d held her small bag, all she owned in the world, against her chest as she descended the plank, not knowing where’d she go or how she’d survive in this strange new world. Rogan Morrissey had been on the dock dressed in all his finery, claiming to be a successful businessman come from Ireland not too long ago himself. He told her he’d help her find a place to stay.

  She never should have trusted the devil.

  A jolt sent her eyes fluttering open. Her head lay against a strong, wool-clad shoulder. She started and stared up into Dr. James’s face. He kept his gaze on the road ahead but glanced down at her. His amber eyes crinkled in amusement as she sat up straight, her face heating in embarrassment.

  “You’re a sound sleeper, Miss Fagan. Or is it you’re simply exhausted from your recent travels?”

  She blew out a sigh. “I must apologize for leaning on you in me sleep.”

  “No need to apologize.” He shrugged as he guided his horse off the main road.

  Keara gazed ahead. A small village appeared beyond the forest. A sign read, Welcome to Fairfield, Pennsylvania.

  “Is this where you live, then?” Keara asked.

  “Yes. My house is located in the center of town close to the boardinghouse.”

  She nodded. “Reminds me a bit of me own village back in Ireland.” She bit back a sob. She had difficulty making out the town structures in the gathering twilight.

  Dr. James laid a hand on her forearm. Her hand had clenched in her lap. “I’m sure you miss your family. How long was your voyage?”

  Keara hesitated. He, of course, would assume she’d just arrived from her homeland. “Ah…two weeks.”

  He nodded. “And then you had to travel all the way from New York City.”

  “Aye,” she admitted. That much, at least, was true. Once she’d realized what Rogan Morrissey had planned for her, she’d made her escape quickly. Running from her captors in Australia earned her experience in freeing herself from bondage.

  Dr. James expertly drove his mare through the town. He tipped his hat to all the ladies working outside their homes or strolling in and out of the shops. Delicious scents of cinnamon and baking bread greeted her as they passed the confectionary and baker’s shops. What would it be like to live in a place like this? She’d been on the run so long she’d forgotten how to enjoy simple pleasures she’d known as a child.

  The doctor halted his horse at the front of a grand house. A small garden, still dormant this time of year, lay before a large wraparound porch. Windows, shaded by lacy white curtains, flanked a red painted entry door with a huge brass knocker. Keara drew in a sharp breath.

  “This would be the boardinghouse you told me about,” she stated.

  Dr. James shook his head. “No. This is my home. The boardinghouse is a few blocks that way.” He pointed down the tree lined lane toward the bakery they’d just passed.

  Keara turned in her seat. “Why didn’t you leave me off, then? I didn’t notice the house now it’s starting to get dark.”

  The doctor cleared his throat. “I thought because of the time, it would be best if I checked you in tomorrow.”

  Keara’s face heated. “Then where will I be sleeping tonight?”

  “You can stay in my house.” James stepped down from the carriage, guiding the horse to a post by the front garden gate.

  Keara stiffened. She should never have trusted the man. She’d thought him to be her savior, but he only wanted what all the other men she’d known had wanted from her.

  ****

  Elliot stepped around to Miss Fagan’s side of the carriage and offered his hand. “I have a spare room, Miss Fagan.”

  “Is your wife in residence then?” She kept her tone icy so he’d get her meaning.

  “I’m not married.” When she still resisted taking his hand, he added, “My maiden aunt lives with me. I’ll have her make up the guest room. You’ll be perfectly safe here for the night.”

  Still she hesitated. He didn’t want to frighten her, after all they were virtual strangers, but this seemed like the perfect solution at least for tonight. “Please, I promise no harm will come to you under my roof.”

  She reached out her hand, allowing him to assist her down from the carriage. She still clutched the bag against her like a life preserver. He’d have to take this slow.

  He held out his arm, and she laid her hand over his sleeve, her warmth causing a reaction he hadn’t had in a long time. He stepped onto the porch, noting light shining through the front window. By the time they reached the door, it jerked open.

  “Elliot, I was worried. I expected you home sooner than this.” Aunt Millie peered out, a lacy cap perched over her graying hair. Her eyes widened. “Oh, you’ve brought a guest?”

  “Allow us to step inside, and I’ll introduce you, Aunt Millie.”

  His aunt backed her thin, wiry form over the threshold and opened the door for them to enter the foyer. Elliot paused. “Aunt Millie, I’d like to introduce you to Miss Fagan. She’ll be staying the night.”

  Millie frowned, her gaze roving over the Irishwoman. “She will?”

  “I’ll explain it all after we have a chance to settle in.” He turned to Miss Fagan, who hovered behind him. “Miss Fagan, this is my Aunt Millie. My late mother’s sister.”

  “How do you do, ma’am?” Miss Fagan nodded.

  Millie laid a hand over her bosom. “I’m quite fine, Miss Fagan.” Her gaze roved from Elliot to the young woman as if trying to solve a mystery.

  “Aunt Millie, if you could bring in some refreshments. Our guest and I have had a long, tiring trip.”

  “Of course.” Millie turned toward the dining room.

  Elliot led Miss Fagan toward the parlor. An oil lamp burned brightly. It appeared Millie had been knitting. And likely watching the clock worrying herself to death over his late arrival.

  Keara perched on one of the chairs facing the mantel. This late in the season, they only lit a fire on unusually cool nights. His aunt had cleaned the embers out.

  His guest sat stiffly, still clutching her bag. Elliot cleared his throat. “After we refresh ourselves, I’ll have my aunt air out the guest room for you. You’ll be able to leave your bag with no worries.” His gaze roved to her lap.

  Her face colored. “I’m grateful to you fer having me, Doctor.”

  He nodded. “It’s no imposition at all, Miss. We have room to spare.”

  Miss Fagan glanced around the small parlor. “You’ve no one else living with you?”

  “No. This was my parents’ home. They’ve both passed on. My mother only last fall, my father while I was serving in the army. Aunt
Millie never married and has no other family, but me. I took her in, and she keeps house and does the cooking.”

  “She seems very nice,” Miss Fagan agreed.

  Elliot leaned forward. “Before she returns, I wanted to warn you, my aunt can be a bit eccentric.”

  Before he had a chance to explain further, Millie bustled in carrying a tray. Elliot rose to assist her and set it on the table between him and Miss Fagan. Millie took the seat beside him on the settee.

  “Please, Miss Fagan, have some tea. You must be famished after your long journey. I’ve some tea cakes on the tray.”

  Miss Fagan smiled. “I could use a bite and some tea, of course, but yer kind nephew bought me dinner on the train.”

  Millie’s brows rose as she turned toward Elliot. “How very kind of you, nephew. How did you chance to meet this young woman?”

  “She fainted at my feet.” Elliot grinned, enjoying his aunt’s reaction. Her gaze shifted from him to their guest.

  “Fainted?”

  Miss Fagan laid a hand on her stomach. “It was me own fault, ma’am. I neglected to buy something to eat before the train departed and hadn’t had a chance to eat for quite a while.”

  “The reason I bought her the meal,” Elliot explained.

  Millie laid a hand on his arm. “You are a true gentleman. My sister raised you well.”

  “He is that,” Miss Fagan agreed.

  “I must tell you, Elliot, as I waited for your return, I had a premonition you’d be bringing home a guest. “

  Elliot shifted in his seat, noting Miss Fagan’s raised brows.

  “Oh, yes,” Millie continued. “I knew he would have someone with him, so I aired out the guest room.”

  Miss Fagan gaped. “You have the sight?”

  Millie nodded. “You could call it that. I see and sometimes dream things before they happen, if that’s your meaning.”

  Miss Fagan turned to Elliot. “Me grandmother had the sight, too.”

  Elliot cleared his throat. He did his best to discourage his aunt’s fantasies, but for now, simply wanted to sidestep the subject. “Well, since the room is ready, perhaps you could escort Miss Fagan upstairs. I’m sure she’s very tired.”