The Montana Doctor's Bride (New Brides of Montana)

by Susan Leigh Carlton

“I haven’t decided that yet. I may not even stay in Helena. I am also considering going on to Oregon. If I were to stay here, I would be interested in renting space since I would probably open an office here,” he said. “Does the bank have any properties available?”

  “Indeed we do. We have several that were abandoned when their owners left for the gold fields, and we had to take them. What location would you be interested in?” he asked.

  “I’m not familiar with Helena, but I’m a doctor, and I would like a small building, where I could live and have an office.”

  “I believe we can find something satisfactory,” the banker said.

  Chapter 6: Getting Established In Helena

  Two days later…

  “Doctor Palmer,” the banker began, “your account is set up, and the wire transfer you requested is complete. Is there anything else I can help you with?”

  “I’m interested in a place where I can have an office and also living quarters. I’ve thought about homesteading, but living away from town would not be practical if I’m going to practice medicine. On the other hand, I wonder about ranching. Any advice for me?”

  “Well, homesteading can get you a quarter section, which is 160 acres, but you have to live on it for five years. It wouldn’t be enough land to make a living, farming or ranching. Cattle would require considerably more. There are one or two ranches abandoned by the people with gold fever. You could buy one of them for a reasonable price. It’s a hard way to make a living though,” the banker explained.

  “The bank has a house on Bridge Street, close in. It would make a nice office with plenty of room for living quarters. The furnishings came with it when we took possession. It would need some repairs before winter sets in. Would you like to see it?” he asked.

  “I think so. When would it be convenient for you to show it to me?” Carter asked.

  “I can show it to you this afternoon,” the banker said.

  “I’ll come back after lunch, and we can check it out.”

  International Hotel, Helena, Montana Territory…

  While he waited for the morning to pass, he decided to write Elizabeth of arrival in Helena.

  Dear Elizabeth,

  I take pen in hand to inform you of my safe arrival. It was a long train ride, but uneventful. Passing through the plains of Iowa and Nebraska were boring. I found the Dakota Territory interesting. The tracks ran through Indian Territory and I saw many Indians. The last three days were on a stage and most uncomfortable, however, it was worth it. Montana is the most beautiful part of the country I’ve seen, but western Maryland comes close, whereas Montana is spectacular. I was surprised to find the International Hotel in Helena was just completed, so everything is new. Helena itself, is only about four years old. The lure of gold and the dream of wealth has brought people from all parts of the country. I have seen many veterans of the war, from both sides, most of them wearing the tattered uniforms of their side.

  I have arranged with the bank for an account here, and have an appointment this afternoon to view a house as a possible home and office. Should you see fit, I would like to have news from you, although I would understand if you do not feel so inclined. Once again, I thank you for your help in my endeavors in Rockville. Mail can reach me at the Helena Post Office, General Delivery.

  Sincerely,

  Carter Palmer.

  The post office was in a corner of the general store on Bridge Street. After giving the letter to the store owner, and paying for the postage, Carter walked around looking at the merchandise.

  After he was satisfied, he had a good idea about what was offered; he told the proprietor, “I’m Doctor Carter Palmer. I am considering opening a medical office in Helena. I will probably need to have most of the medical items brought in by stage, but I will try to give you as much of my business as possible. It won’t be much until folks realize I’m here, but I’ll do what I can. I was the Regimental Surgeon in the Army of the Potomac and have more experience than most. I would appreciate it if you would pass it around that I’m here.

  I have an appointment with the bank owner this afternoon. He is going to show me a place on Bridge Street that might suit my needs.”

  “Better count your fingers if you’re dealing with Cal. He’s pretty slick.” the storekeeper said. “Glad to have you here, Doc. I’m Silas Farmer. I’ve been here since the beginning. Started out in a wagon down by the creek. We ain’t had no doctor yet. I have to tell you, most of the men hereabouts was on the other side during the war. I don’t know if they’ll cotton to a Yankee doctor.”

  “Well, it’s been my experience if someone’s hurting enough, they don’t much care who’s helping them. I treated quite a few Johnny Rebs when I was in the army. They ran out of medical supplies, or had no doctors. They would come under a white flag and drop them off for us to treat, There was a gentlemen’s agreement, that doctors were non-combatants and weren't subject to capture. Still, we lost a few, and I guess the other side did too. A doctor doesn’t look at the color of a uniform. He helps those he can and prays for the souls of those beyond his help. It’s been nice talking to you, Silas.

  “Until I get setup, I’m at the International, if I can be of any help, let me know.” Carter shook hands with Farmer and turned to leave.

  “That’s right neighborly of you, Doc. I’ll pass the word,” Farmer said.

  * * *

  Empty House On Bridge Street…

  “I can see the possibilities of this as a residence and an office. It is in ragged shape. There is no way I could bring patients in a place like this.”

  “Am I correct in assuming the bank owns the building?” asked Carter.

  “Why would you ask that?” Hawkins questioned.

  “Do you make it a habit of answering a question with a question?” Carter asked.

  Hawkins sputtered. “I was merely inquiring about the basis of your interest.”

  “Mr. Hawkins, I’m not a fool. That house has been empty for a long time. It is not making you any money the way it is. You have to spend money to make money. Helena appears to be growing at a rapid rate. If you want to realize income from the building, you are going to have to make it presentable to prospects. The longer you wait, the more it will cost.

  “If you wish to rent it to me, it will have to be thoroughly cleaned, and repaired inside and out. The outward appearance would be important to me, and would give patients more confidence that I’m not a quack. You decide, but decide by this coming Friday, with work to commence no later than the Monday following. I will come back on Friday. Should you decide you don’t want to make the investment, then I will close my account, and, either move on to Oregon, or return to Rockville, where I already own a home that would serve me well as a combination. Have a nice day, Mr. Hawkins.” He turned and left the building.”

  “Doctor, wait. Let’s discuss this,” the banker said.

  “We just did,” said Carter.

  “This is not the way we do business in Helena,” the banker protested.

  “Probably not, but since I am the customer, it’s the way I choose to do business. I’m not forcing you to do anything. I’m simply telling you what I require if I’m to rent your building.”

  “We haven’t even discussed rent,” said the banker.

  “I’ll discuss that if and when the building is repaired. In the meantime, I will continue my search.” Carter said.

  “I’ll give you a special deal if you take it as is.”

  “So you would have me spend my money, repairing your property, so you could charge more? No thank you. I was born, but it wasn’t yesterday. Good day, sir.” He left the banker standing in the middle of the filthy room.

  Chapter 7: Searching For An Office

  As Carter walked the length of Bridge Street, he found one empty building that from the outside appeared suitable for a home-office. He decided Silas Farmer would be a good source of information, so he went back to the store. “Silas, I appreciate the heads up you
gave me about Hawkins, and I see what you mean. Do you know who owns the empty building on further down Bridge Street?”

  “I don’t. It was going to be a feed store, but it never opened. I don’t know what happened, probably a case of gold fever. Why don’t you ask Harry at the Last Chance? He probably knows; he may even own it himself.”

  “I’ll do that,” he said.

  He visited the Last Chance Saloon, where he asked for Harry, and was directed to a table in the corner. “I’m Doctor Carter Palmer,” he said, introducing himself to the owner of the Last Chance Saloon. I’m told you might have some information about the building on Bridge Street that was going to be a feed store.”

  “Harry Simpson, Doctor. Actually, I won it in a poker game from the original owner. What is your interest in the building?”

  “I’m looking for a place to set up my office, and would also have sufficient room for me to have living quarters,” Carter said.

  “I don’t know as that would be good for living quarters, but I have a house down the way on Rodney Street that would be perfect for you. Let me get the key and you can take a look.” He went to the back of the saloon, came back and handed the key to Carter. “Go take a look, and tell me what you think. It’s just sitting there, and I will make you an attractive price.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Simpson. I’ll return the key to you this afternoon.” He left the saloon, walked down to the livery stable and rented a carriage from Mose Atkins, the owner. With the directions provided, he found the Rodney Street house easily. From the outside, it appeared to be much nicer than what the banker had offered.

  Through the front door, he found a living room, a kitchen, dining room and two bedrooms. They were furnished with basic but serviceable furniture. “Nice,” he thought. The dining room could serve as a treatment room, while one of the bedrooms could house a patient that required close attention overnight.

  In the back, he found a small barn where he could keep a horse and carriage. The Bridge Street building had no such accommodations, but the livery stable could be used if he chose that building. “I believe I prefer this one. It’s in much better condition. Now if I can negotiate a good price, I’ll be set,” He thought to himself.

  The Last Chance Saloon…

  “Mr. Simpson, I like what I saw. Now for the hard part. What kind of arrangements can we make?” Carter asked of Harry Simpson.

  Simpson named a price. “If you want to rent, it will be six months up front. If you would like to buy the house, any time within the first six months, I will apply what you’ve paid to the price. After the six months, I’d have to re-evaluate the value. Doctor Palmer, I’m a believer in the growth of Helena. I think any property is going to increase in value as the town grows. I think having a doctor here will be valuable. I’ll make you an attractive price.”

  “I’ll accept your offer of six months,” Carter said. At this time, my plans are unsettled. If I stay, I will exercise the option to purchase. I’ll have the six months’ rent this afternoon. It has been a pleasure doing business with you sir.”

  “And with you. Let’s celebrate with a drink, on the house.”

  At the bank…

  At the teller’s cage, Carter withdrew funds to cover the rent on the house. As he started to leave, he was accosted by Cal Hawkins.

  “Have you changed your mind regarding taking the property we discussed, Doctor?” Hawkins asked.

  “Yes I have. I’m no longer interested in the building. I’ve come across another property I like better and have made arrangements to rent it.”

  Disappointment flashed across the banker’s face reflecting the loss of an opportunity to make a clear profit on a non-income producing property. He recovered quickly. “I’m sorry we couldn’t close on the house. It is in a prime location. I think you’re missing a good opportunity.”

  “I may well be. It is in a good location but the other is more suitable to my purposes. I do thank you for your help.” He shook hands and left the bank to complete his transaction with Harry Simpson.

  He paid the rent to Simpson, and told him he would like to move in as soon as possible.

  “Anytime you’re ready, Doctor. You have the key and it’s your place.”

  Chapter 8: Excitement In Helena

  My Dear Elizabeth,

  I hope this finds you well and happy. Having concluded my first three days in Montana, I am at peace with myself. I have taken a six month contract on a house near the center of Helena. It has a nice sized living room, a kitchen and two bedrooms. It will make a nice office as well as home. The furniture is sturdy and the dining room table will serve as my operating table. I will take my meals in the kitchen. It also has a small barn suitable for keeping a horse and buggy. I will be moving in tomorrow.

  I have made some nice contacts, having met the proprietor of the general store, and the local saloon keeper from whom I rented the house. I also met the banker, but he doesn’t seem to be the type of fellow with whom I will be friends. I do believe he tried to take advantage of this poor medico from the east. I had been forewarned, however.

  I continue to marvel at the sheer beauty of the area. I wish you could see this wonderful country. I think I will take a carriage from the livery stable and take a tour of the countryside. I look forward to seeing the places where gold is being extracted.

  As he finished the letter, he heard the unmistakable sound of gunfire, a sound he had hoped never to hear again. He looked out the window and saw two men leaving the Last Chance Saloon in a run. They mounted horses that had been tied to the hitching post in front and rode off into the dark, hightailing it out of town.

  Shortly thereafter, there was a knock at his door. He stood by the door, and called out, “Yes? Who is it?”

  I heard gunshots a few minutes ago from down the street, and someone’s at the door. I fear my services are needed.

  Until the next time, I remain,

  Your friend,

  Carter

  “Doctor, there’s been a shooting at the Last Chance. Mister Simpson would appreciate it if you came, an excited voice said from the hallway.

  “I’ll be there shortly,” he answered. As he turned to get his shoes and his bag, he heard footsteps retreating down the hallway.

  After dressing hurriedly, he went to the saloon. Harry Simpson came to him. “There’s been a shooting, and one of the miners is hurt bad. I had the boys take him to my office. I would consider it a favor if you would take a look at him.”

  “Yes, of course. Can you get hot water? Show me where he is.”

  Simpson called out to someone to put water on the stove, then he led the way down the hall to his office, A scruffy, bearded man, appearing to be about thirty, and wearing the ragged remnants of a Confederate uniform was on the floor. The blouse of the uniform was soaked in blood. “Can you clear the desk and put him there? I will need some more light.” Men scrambled to get what he needed.

  He ripped the old uniform easily. The entry wound was obvious and was oozing blood. “Help me roll him over, please.” Two men jumped to obey. There was no exit wound. “The bullet is still in there and it needs to come out. Mr. Simpson, can I operate here, or can we move him elsewhere?”

  “Would a billiards table be better?” asked the saloon keeper.

  “Yes, it would be just about the right height,” Carter said. “Mr. Simpson, you should put something on the table to protect the felt from the blood.”

  “Doc, call me Harry, please. Boys, have one of the girls get a couple of curtains to put on the table and let’s get him on it,” Simpson directed.

  One of the fancy girls brought hot water in, and Carter dropped his instruments into the steaming water. He soaked some towels in the water, then wrung them out and cleaned the area around the wound in the moaning miner’s chest. “I need more light here, and please, move back and give me room.”

  He addressed one of the girls. “What’s your name, Miss?”

  “I’m Charlotte,” she stamme
red.

  “Can you help me here,” he asked.

  “I’ll try,” she said.

  “Just don’t faint on me. I don’t need two patients at once.” The tension in the room eased.

  “I won’t,” Charlotte said.

  He poured alcohol over his hands and rubbed them together. “Charlotte, you do the same, please.” She complied.

  “No smoking anywhere near here. This is ether and will catch fire quickly.” He took one of the small towels and poured ether onto it. He then held it over the miner’s face, until the pained face relaxed. Using a pair of long forceps, he extracted a probe from the hot water, and began probing the wound until he made contact with the bullet. Once he located the bullet, he handed the probe to Charlotte and said, put this back into the water. He opened the wound a bit with a scalpel, and using long, thin forceps; he extracted the bullet, and handed it to Charlotte. He dressed the wound, turned and announced…