Bixby’s eyes narrowed a bit behind his spectacles. “Well, Tucker lives up there, too. But, there’s a free bedroom. We might be able to fit you in.”
“What about my medical things and books?”
“Push mine aside, make room.”
John groaned inwardly as he tried not to look around and draw attention to the mess. But he knew this was how it should be played out. Besides, maybe he and Tucker could get this place straightened up a bit more. It wouldn’t be half as bad. He nodded. “I’ll bring my things over later this afternoon.”
***
After her confrontation with the banker, Lily took her time going back to the hotel room, not knowing what she was going to tell her aunt.
She crossed over Main Street and crossed again at Dry. Where the streets intersected, a black iron bench was placed surrounded by two olive trees and a tall saguaro cactus that stood a couple of feet above Lily’s head. It also had a beautiful six-foot-tall clock making it one of the prettiest spots she’d seen in town. And, with its pinch of much needed shade, it gave pedestrians a spot to get out of the heat on the sun drenched street. Coincidentally, it was also one building over from the doctor’s office that John had pointed out to her this morning. Was John over there now? She stopped for a moment, looking.
Shouts drew her attention down to the swinging doors of the Black Silk Garter Saloon where a man staggered out and stumbled back and forth. Luckily he hooked a post with his elbow, swinging around a couple of times before sitting down hard on the edge of a watering trough, spooking several of the horses tied there. A voice shouted from within that he wasn’t to come back until he’d sobered up.
Darn. She’d crossed Main Street too early. She should have remained on the bank’s side of the street and crossed in front of the hotel. Now, if she wanted to go back to her room she’d need to pass by the saloon, and the drunken cowboy, on the way. She glanced south at the two wagons coming her way, and north at the three mounted riders. Pondering her situation she didn’t hear the footsteps approaching.
“Looks dangerous to me.”
Chapter Eleven
“Turning, Lily found a tall cowboy standing a few feet away on the boardwalk. He was nicely dressed, and clean. His eyebrows arched over his eyes, amused, as he gestured to the man swaying on the trough, loudly giving the horses a dressing down.
“I wouldn’t want to walk past him alone, either. Never underestimate a man in his cups.” There was a tinge of humor in his voice and Lily couldn’t help but smile at her own actions, clearly evident to others. “You’re staying at the Union Hotel?” he asked.
“I am.”
The cowboy stepped closer when she answered and she noted his crisply ironed red shirt and expensive looking boots. He tipped his hat. “I’m Dustin McCutcheon. Didn’t I see you arrive on yesterday’s stage?”
She was so surprised at his name she had a hard time finding her voice. “Why, yes. My aunt and I traveled from Boston. My name is Lily Anthony.”
“I heard what happened on the way here—with the Comancheros. I’m sorry. It must have been frightening for you.”
Dustin McCutcheon looked much too young to be John’s uncle, so Lily deduced that they must be cousins. He was taller by an inch or two, a handsome man in his own right, though not nearly as handsome, charming, or wonderful as John. His hair was dark and wavy, and there was a lot of it if she judged by what she could see around his collar. His smile was attractive, to say the least.
“It was. Miss Smith and I had become friends during our travels. The others, too. I was very sorry when they were killed.”
He held out his arm. “May I escort you past the drunkard?”
She nodded as she glanced one more time at John’s office, then placed her hand in the warm crook of his elbow.
“You must be Dr. McCutcheon’s relation,” Lily said as they walked along.
“John’s my cousin. Although, this is the first time we’ve ever met. Actually, I’m older than John by a few years. Luke, his older brother, is my age.”
“Luke? John hasn’t said anything about Luke. He just mentioned he had four siblings.”
“I suppose he wouldn’t, being that his brother is…” He stopped and looked down into her face, then smiled innocently. “I guess it’s not for me to say.”
As they approached, the disheveled man stopped scolding the horses and looked their way. He stood and watched them draw near. His eyes narrowed into slits.
“Francine,” he said, then hiccupped. “I told you to stay at home, woman. What’re you trying to pull, sashaying all over town?” He took a step in Lily’s direction, but stopped abruptly when he glanced up into Dustin’s face, self-doubt getting the better of him.
He was a big man, tall and husky. His fists looked like frying pans and his arms bulged in their sleeves. His ruddy complexion darkened as his face twisted into a sneer. “McCutcheon!”
The man grabbed for Lily, but Dustin swept her effortlessly into his arms. There was just enough time for Dustin to place her behind before he had to duck the punch aimed at his head. Missing his mark, the drunk lost his balance and crashed into the side of the building, sliding down the wall.
Dustin turned to her and smiled. “You okay?”
Before she could get the words out of her mouth the drunk was back. “Watch out!”
Like a fuming bull, he charged. With the grace of a dancer Dustin stepped aside. The giant ended up in the water trough head first. His feet kicked back and forth as he struggled to get out.
Taking Lily’s arm as if nothing of consequence had happened, Dustin escorted her down the boardwalk to the hotel.
“Here you go.” He opened the door and stepped back, letting her pass. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Anthony. May I call you Lily?”
She nodded. “Of course, Mr. McCutcheon.”
“Dustin,” he corrected, then smiled mischievously.
‘‘Dustin,” she repeated, then felt her cheeks heat under his close scrutiny. “Thank you for the escort.”
He tipped his hat. “My pleasure.”
Lily hurried toward the sweeping stairs at the back of the lobby. She was just about to go up to her room when she heard her aunt’s voice calling out to her.
“Yoo-hoo, Lily dear, over here.”
Lily looked over to the parlor area of the restaurant where there were a few tables set up for tea time. Tante Harriett sat at a small table next to the window. She looked rested and happy and was dressed to the hilt. Her gray hair was swept up beautifully and her face had a nice amber glow. She and Dustin had walked right past that exact window. Tante Harriett was motioning for her to come over.
“There you are,” Harriett said, setting her cup down and offering Lily her cheek for a kiss. “Who was that nice young man?”
Lily placed a light peck on her cheek and sat down opposite, then nodded when a waitress looked her way, holding up a tea cup.
What was she supposed to say about the lease and the money? Her aunt was nearly eighty-six. The last thing Lily wanted to do was upset her.
“So do tell,” Harriett asked with interest. “Who was the handsome stranger? Where did you two meet?”
“Dustin McCutcheon. We met outside a few minutes ago. And thank heavens we did. He all but saved me from a man who thought I was his wife. He was drunk, you see.”
“McCutcheon?” Tante Harriett’s eyes opened wide. “Another McCutcheon? Maybe I should send for Giselle, too. So many single—”she said looking at the waitress as the young woman set another cup and saucer in front of Lily and then a pot of hot tea, “—men in Rio Wells. He is single?”
“Tante Harriett,” Lily said in a scolding tone. “I do not know. I assume he is. He acted like he was, but then one can never be sure. I certainly did not ask.”
Tante Harriett lifted her teacup to her lips and took a tiny sip. She looked at Lily across the rim of her cup. “I think coming to Rio Wells was the best idea I’ve ever had. I can definitely see y
ou as a doctor’s wife.”
Right then John came hurrying through the heavy glass door and went directly to the staircase. He took the stairs two at a time. Halfway to the second story balcony he glanced over his shoulder and his gaze met Lily’s. Lily quickly looked down, but it was too late. She was sure he’d seen her watching him. She didn’t have the nerve to look and see if he was on his way over. It was less than a second that she had to wait to find out.
“Lily. I’m sorry I missed the appointment. There was an emergency and it couldn’t be helped. “
Lily glanced up from her teacup where she was pretending to be interested in a tiny sliver of tealeaf floating at the bottom. His clothes were rumpled and when he removed his hat his hair was damp around his ears.
“Would you care to join us,” Harriett asked.
“No, thank you. I only have a moment. What happened with the appointment, Lily? I hope you rescheduled so I can accompany you.”
Lily patted her napkin to her lips. “Actually, Mr. Shellston and I did talk. He’s leased the Spring Street building out to someone else.” Her aunt’s sharp intake of breath was like a knife in Lily’s heart. Harriett’s teacup rattled so violently John reached out and helped her set it back in its saucer.
“Lily, dear, you didn’t tell me that. You mean 33 Spring Street is not going to be our shop? Our home? But we’ve prepaid Mr. Bartlett for the full year’s lease.” Her aunt sat forward and grasped the white marble tabletop, her cup of tea forgotten.
The look on John’s face spoke volumes. He realized his mistake as Tante Harriett’s distress grew.
“Everything is going to be fine, Tante. Mr. Shellston said he had another building that he is going to get ready for us. It will only take a few days. That is all. He will apply our lease money to it.”
Tante Harriett’s hand fluttered to her chest as a sigh whistled through her lips. “Well, thank goodness for that. Without a way to support ourselves what would become of us?”
John’s expression was hard to read. “I have to get back to the patient,” he said, glancing at the clock in the lobby. “But first I’d like to know if you two would have dinner with me tonight. And of course, it’s my treat.”
Lily was about to decline when Tante Harriett nodded. “We’d love to join you, Dr. McCutcheon.”
“Six-thirty?
Tante Harriett nodded again.
“Done. I’ll meet you in the lobby.”
John sliced into the mouth-watering filet as it sizzled and popped, releasing the rich mesquite flavor. He pushed a large hunk through his mashed potatoes, then placed it in his mouth. He chewed, swallowed and wiped his mouth with his napkin. “How are your dinners?”
“Delicious,” Lily said. “I did not expect such fine cuisine here. One can survive on tea and crumpets for only so long.”
“I’m glad. I hope you’re not offended by the artwork?” He chuckled as he looked around the walls of the Lillian Russell Room at the twenty or more paintings of nudes. All the subjects were ivory skinned beauties, partially draped in velvets, silks or some other finery.
“Oh, I think they’re beautiful. Every single one,” Harriett said. She took a small sip from her wine goblet and looked about. “Now, in Europe, we lean more toward impressionism, mind you. But, we have our risqué painters, too. The prototypes for these artists here, I’m sure. “
John smiled, enjoying the conversation. In Boston, Emmeline hadn’t been too enthusiastic over the arts. She would rather spend her time shopping at Faneuil Hall, looking for the latest bauble or a new pair of finely made shoes. “Do you like them, Lily?”
“I do. They’re all so different and yet, a woman is a woman, yes?” she said without the least hint of coyness. “I especially like that one.”
She pointed to a medium-sized painting hanging above the door to the hotel lobby. A scantily clothed young woman lay on her back in the tall grass, with her horse grazing nearby.
Just then, the door swung open and Dustin came through. He looked around the dining room and, with the few diners on this Thursday evening, spotted them easily. He nodded to John. Hanging his hat on the rack, he sauntered to their table.
Chapter Twelve
“This must be your aunt?” Dustin said as he approached, looking between Harriett and Lily. “The one who traveled with you from Boston.”
“And you must be the young man who so graciously saved my Lily from the drunken sot.” Harriett’s eyes gleamed in the lamplight. Her face, an interesting maze of wrinkles, powder and happiness, was alight with pleasure. “Lily told me what happened. It sounded like something straight out of a novel.”
So. Dustin and Lily had met. John motioned to the empty spot at the table, opposite Lily. “Care to join us?”
“Thank you, but I’ve already eaten supper.” That said, he continued to stand there, as if waiting for another invitation.
“We’re finishing up ourselves,” John stated. “Have coffee and dessert. We’ve hardly had a chance to get to know each other since my arrival.”
“As long as the ladies don’t mind.”
“Of course not.” Excitement sparkled from Harriett’s eyes, making her look years younger. “We would love to have your company.”
“And,” Lily added, “I have hardly had the chance to thank you properly for what you did for me. I am very grateful.”
Dustin pulled out the empty chair and seated himself. “It was nothing. You weigh next to nothing at all. And, if I’m going to be absolutely truthful, I enjoyed the moment more than I can say.”
Lily’s face flamed scarlet. She glanced at John and he shrugged. “What happened?” he found himself asking against his will.
“Well, “Dustin began, “I found Lily on the boardwalk contemplating how to get past the saloon. Billy Burger was sitting out front, drunker than a skunk, giving the horses a tongue lashing. All I did was escort her by without incident.”
Lily started to laugh. “Without incident to me. But not to, ah, Billy Burger. I could not believe he went head first into that water.” Her eyes scrunched at the corners as she tried to hold in her laughter.
Dustin was watching her with interest. “It was nothing, cousin.”
It didn’t sound like nothing to John, but he’d not question further.
The waitress was back with a tray and picked up the used dishes. “Did you save room for dessert?”
“What do you have?” John asked, a bit defensively.
“Bread pudding, berry pie, peach cobbler and two slices of granny apple.
“Lily?” John looked at Lily seated to his left.
“Oh, I couldn’t possibly. You’ve been much too generous already, John. You can’t keep treating us to dinner like this.”
“I insist. Don’t go looking to Harriett for help, either. I won’t take no for an answer.”
“In that case, I would like a slice of berry pie, please.”
“The same for me,” Harriet said.
“Apple,” Dustin added.
John leaned back in his chair. “I’ll take a large piece of the cobbler.”
“John had to perform an operation today,” Lily said after the waitress left.
Dustin’s eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly. “Today? On your first day in town?” He stared openly at John. “You sure the poor victim really needed it?”
“Victim?”
Dustin laughed. “I’m just kiddin’, John. It just seems strange. You know—your very fist day and all. Who was the patient?”
“Candy Brown.”
“I know Martha, Candy’s mother,” Dustin replied.
The waitress was back and served the desserts.
“That would go without saying.” John cut his cobbler with the side of his fork and raised a brow at his cousin.
Dustin’s fork stopped halfway to his mouth. “What’s that suppose to mean?” He completed his action and chewed vigorously.
John shrugged. “Just that Rio Wells is a small town. I’d think you’d k
now just about everyone. It was her appendix.”
Dustin was swallowing and the strange word made him cough. “Append…what?”
“Appendix. It’s a little organ on the right lower half of your abdomen. If it gets infected and isn’t removed, it ruptures inside, spewing infection everywhere—then kills you.”
Harriett gasped.
“That sounds difficult, John,” Lily added. “And dangerous. As I said before, being a doctor and saving people’s lives is a noble profession.”
She was listening with rapt attention and John felt a little surge of victory.
“She’s as good as new.”
“Thank goodness,” Lily breathed. “What a blessing you got to town when you did. I hate to think of that happening to anyone.”
“Dr. Bixby could have done the same if I hadn’t been here.”
A moment passed. Dustin grunted, then pointed to John’s stitches. “Still hurt? Looks like you put something on it.”
John figured Dustin must have seen Lily arrive on the stage yesterday and took a shine to her. Well, Dustin needn’t worry about him. He and Lily were just friends. He wished Dustin would back off.
“Actually, Dustin, I did. Dr. Bixby suggested a salve he makes from cactus juice. It heals a wound quickly. And it also sooths.” John scraped his empty plate with the bottom of his fork, getting every last crumb.
“My treat,” Dustin said as the waitress approached with the bill.
“Oh, no. That’s not necessary.”
“I can’t let you pay for your own dinner your first night in town, cousin. Texas McCutcheons may be a little rough around the edges, but we do have some manners.” He took the paper from the waitress’ hand, glancing at the total. Withdrawing a twenty dollar bill from his pocket he handed it to her. “Keep the rest.”
“Dustin,” Harriett gushed, “that is so kind of you. Thank you very much.”
“Yes, thank you again,” Lily added.
Knowing there was nothing he could do or say to change Dustin’s mind, John thanked him too. “That’s thoughtful of you, cousin.” As the word thoughtful passed his lips, he realized he still hadn’t yet telegrammed Emmeline. What in the devil was wrong with him? At this hour the telegraph office was closed.
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