by Kari Bovee
“Thank you for showing me around,” she said to the groom. “I need to return to the palace and my husband. Tell Miss Tessen I will speak with her tomorrow.”
The groomsman helped her into the carriage, closing the door behind her. The carriage jerked to a start and Annie sank back into the velvet cushion, the image of Miss Tessen and Dr. Adams embracing etched into her mind.
They were the last two people Annie ever imagined as a couple.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Annie walked into their suite and found Frank sitting at the table in the reception room, a blanket wrapped around his shoulders, playing cards with Hulda.
“My goodness, Frank, you look quite restored.” She walked over and bent down to give him a kiss. “The treatment did you well.”
“I feel better than I’ve felt in weeks. The royal physician is a miracle worker. No disrespect to Dr. Adams, but maybe he could learn a thing or two from the man,” Frank said, smiling. Annie couldn’t agree more. As pleased as she was to see Frank better, it raised her suspicions about Dr. Adams.
“Your sister is also a miracle worker with these cards. She’s beaten me every time. We may have a cardsharp in the family.”
Hulda beamed at him. “I don’t want to play cards, Frank, I want to sew.”
“You have many talents,” said Annie. It was good to see Hulda happy again, and Frank feeling so much better. Any reservations she had about staying away from the show grounds evaporated.
She laid a hand over her belly and caressed it. She thought about her mother and how she had poured her love out to all of her children— and how she’d wept when she lost the three who had gone to be with God. She thought about Miss Parnell and her fierce devotion to Becky. A mother is a pillar of strength, a wonder to behold, the embodiment of love. Bringing a child into the world—even though the idea frightened her to her core—was noble and courageous and beautiful.
“Hulda, could I have a private word with Frank?”
Hulda looked up from her hand of cards. “But I’m winning.”
“I forfeit,” said Frank laying down his hand. “My ego can’t take much more of this.”
Hulda rolled her eyes and gathered up the cards from the table.
“Very well, I will retire to my chambers,” she said in an affected voice. “I will play solitaire with a much more worthy opponent.”
“I’m sure you will win,” said Frank with a chuckle. Hulda stuck her tongue out at him and left the room.
“Mr. Ingle is having dinner sent up to the room shortly,” Frank said. “I thought we could all use a little peace and quiet.”
“That sounds wonderful.” Annie took his hand in hers. “Frank, I’m sorry I have been dismissive of this possible pregnancy.”
“It’s a lot to consider.” He squeezed her hand. “But if you are pregnant, there is nothing to be done about it except embrace the idea.”
“I’m scared, Frank. What if the colonel fires me from the show?”
“We will manage, darling. If need be, I can work for my family— run the horse operation. I know a thing or two about farming, too.” He kissed the back of her hand, and Annie melted into his words. He always knew how to comfort her.
“But what about Mother, Hulda, and John Henry?” She’d been taking care of them for so long, she couldn’t imagine not doing so.
“Your mother has Mr. Shaw and the mercantile. He makes a fine living with the store and his farm. Hulda will always be able to find work as a seamstress, and John Henry is turning into a strapping young man. He’s smart, and he can work hard. We can help if necessary.”
He made good points, all of them, but something still poked at her resolve.
“But I enjoy working, performing, traveling. I love what I do, Frank. It’s a part of who I am now.” She looked into his eyes, waiting to see the disapproval, the disappointment, but they only softened with her gaze.
“Who says you have to stop performing? You will for a short time once we know for sure—and for a short time until you heal—but I have no objections to you working if it’s what makes you happy. We will find a way, Annie. I promise.”
Annie’s eyes brimmed with tears. “You are so good to me, Frank. I’ve been such a fool.” She reached across the table and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. She squeezed her eyes shut and said a silent prayer of thanks for Frank and his improved health.
Their embrace reminded her of what she had seen in the Royal Mews. She told Frank about Dr. Adams and Miss Tessen. She also told him that Dr. Adams had asked to see him.
“I don’t think I want him treating you again, Frank. You’re so improved since you have been out of his care,” Annie said, wrapping the blanket tighter around his shoulders.
“No. We should let him come. I’d like to see what Dr. Adams has to say about my improved condition. His reaction might tell us something.”
“You’re right, Frank. As always.”
Early the following morning, Annie and Frank received a note from Mr. Patel stating that Dr. Adams had been to visit him that evening, and now wanted to see them both. He would be by at half past eight, and Mr. Patel would escort him to their rooms.
Annie looked at the ornate, golden clock above the marble fireplace mantel. It read half past seven. She would need to dress soon.
“He sure seems anxious to see us,” Annie said, handing Frank the note. Frank’s color had returned, and he seemed more energetic than he had in weeks. He also managed to eat all of his breakfast and part of hers.
“I agree he is a peculiar man, and I’m concerned that I remained so sick under his care, but I also can’t find a motive for him trying to harm me. What would be the point? And what would be the point of keeping me sick but alive, when he could easily have killed me before now and blamed my illness?”
“He is hiding something, Frank. I don’t know what, but he is,” Annie said, picking at a piece of toast. “And look how much better you are now.”
“I don’t disagree, love,” he said, his eyes brighter than they had been since before the voyage. “We’ll both stay vigilant.”
Annie wrinkled her nose. “I’ll need to go to Earl’s Court for practice directly after Dr. Adams’s visit. I also want to tell Emma what I’ve learned about Miss Tessen and the mysterious doctor.”
“Will you take Hulda?” Frank asked.
“Must I go?” Hulda said, coming out of her room. “Mr. Ingle said he would arrange another carriage ride in the park for me today.”
Hulda had been so happy since they’d arrived at the palace, and at least here, she would be away from Lillie’s influence. Certainly the royal guards could keep her safer than Annie herself. Besides, Annie’s costumes were up to date and fit perfectly, and she wasn’t to have a performance until day after tomorrow.
“You may go to the park,” Annie said. “But first, help me dress.” Hulda squealed and flounced back into her bedroom.
After they had dressed, Hulda went in search of Mr. Ingle, who was probably standing right outside their suite, as always. Annie wondered if the man ever slept or ate. Annie helped Frank back into bed.
“I really don’t think I need to be in bed anymore. My backside is killing me,” he said in protest. “And I’d love to get out into the air. I’ve been cooped up for so long.”
“Why don’t we see what the royal physician has to say? He said he would drop by this afternoon.”
“I see the motherly instincts are starting to manifest,” Frank said, grumbling.
A knock at the door prevented Annie from a retort. She opened it and found Mr. Ingle, Mr. Patel, and Dr. Adams there.
“You have visitors,” said Mr. Ingle. “Is there anything you require?”
Annie told him no and invited the two men inside.
“Well, you have quite a setup here,” Dr. Adams said looking around the reception room and smoothing his mustache. “The queen’s excess shows no bounds. Mr. Patel has fine quarters as well, for a servant. He provided me with som
e strong coffee.”
“It was my pleasure,” said Mr. Patel. “Now, if you will excuse me, I have duties to attend to.” He bowed and made his way out of the room. Annie couldn’t blame him, having been subjected to Dr. Adams’s rudeness. She wanted to comment on it, but decided it probably would do no good.
Instead, she led Dr. Adams to the bedroom.
“Mr. Butler, you look quite well,” he said.
“Thank you, sir. I am feeling better.”
The doctor opened his bag and took out some of his instruments. He examined Frank and then handed Annie a small, dark brown bottle.
“The blood-letting is a good treatment, but results vary. I recommend you take this tonic in addition to anything the palace physician might prescribe. Check with him, of course, first, but it is my recommendation.”
“Is it more of the tisane?” Annie asked. “Frank did not respond to what you gave him earlier.”
“No. This is something to restore the blood. I will be back tomorrow to check on you.” Dr. Adams collected his instruments. Annie wanted to tell him it wasn’t necessary to return, but how would she find out what he was hiding if she kept him away?
She thanked him and saw him out the door.
Frank would not be taking the tonic she held in her hand. Not until she knew what was in it.
Annie opted to walk to the stables, even though she ran the risk of showing up late to practice. She checked her pocket for the bottle of medicine and felt it secure deep inside. She adjusted her gun belt and buttoned her duster over it, fending off the chill of the morning.
As she approached Buck’s stall, she saw her saddle and bridle placed neatly on a saddle rack next to the stall door, and Miss Tessen inside the stall, grooming Buck to a gleaming gold. He noisily ate his hay and grain as Miss Tessen worked.
Annie noticed that somewhere along the line, the woman had abandoned the red, tattered coat and replaced it with a better-fitting sweater, though drab in color. She’d also put some meat on her bones and lost the gaunt look of the malnourished.
Since Miss Tessen was working for Annie for room and board, she wondered where the woman had come up with the money for the sweater. Perhaps Dr. Adams had bought it for her.
“Fine morning, Miss Tessen. Is Buck almost ready to go?” Annie asked. “Yes, Miss Oakley. I just have to clean his feet and tack him up,” she said, avoiding eye contact with Annie.
“How are the accommodations here in the stables?”
“Right fine, they are. Small, but warm.”
“I see you have a new sweater.”
Miss Tessen looked down at her clothing. “Yes. One of the grooms was kind enough to give it to me. The morning can be downright brisk.”
“Yes.” Annie agreed as she pulled the lapels of her duster closer together. “Dr. Adams came to see Frank today.” Annie’s words hung in the air as Miss Tessen slowed with the brush.
“Did he? Dr. Adams from the ship?” Miss Tessen bent over to work on Buck’s feet. “How is Mr. Butler feeling?”
“Oh, much better. Should be up and about in a day or so, according to the royal physician.”
Miss Tessen stood, resting her arm across Buck’s back. “That’s excellent news.”
“Did you happen to see Dr. Adams yesterday?” Annie asked, eager to see her reaction. Miss Tessen busied herself with another hoof.
“Can’t see why I would, not being in the palace and all. Why do you
ask?” Miss Tessen stood up again and this time made direct eye contact with Annie.
“No reason.”
She opened the stall door and reached for Annie’s saddle blanket. She hoisted it up onto Buck’s back, then saddled him. Annie paid particular attention, making sure Miss Tessen pulled the cinch snug but not too snug. She picked up the bridle and inspected it, running her hand over the bit, checking for rough edges or dirt. She followed Miss Tessen as she led Buck out of the stall. She’d make a point to keep a closer eye on the woman when Buck was in her care.
Miss Tessen held the reins while Annie mounted.
“I should be back early this afternoon,” Annie said, taking the reins and wondering why Miss Tessen had lied to her—again.
As she had feared, Annie showed up late to practice, despite trotting Buck through the park at a fast clip. She made her way to the arena where some of the cowboys were working the mounted shooting course. Several of the Indians stood talking in a circle on their ponies, and several of the crew herded the buffalo into their great pen.
Annie rode up to Bobby, who stood next to a table, cleaning his rifle.
“There’s the fine lady,” he said, looking up at her with a broad smile. “So what’s it like living like a queen in a palace?”
“Lovely, but I’d much rather be here. Frank has improved.” Annie scanned the area looking for the colonel or Mr. Salisbury.
“That’s good news,” said Bobby, checking the barrel of his rifle.
“Where is everyone?”
“By everyone, you mean Lillie? She hasn’t been seen this morning. Neither have Mr. Everett and some of the cowboys. Probably gone to find a saloon. Old Charlie’s got a belly ache, so the colonel is fit to be tied. He’s worked up because we just got word that we are to perform for the queen in a week’s time.”
“What about practice this morning?” Annie asked.
“Been postponed till we can get things right. Nate said probably a couple of hours.”
Annie sighed. She needed the practice, especially after her abysmal performance for the prince and princess. Lillie would not get the upper hand again.
“Care to set up the clay pigeons? I could use the extra practice,” Annie said.
“Sure. I could use the practice, too.”
Annie frowned at the idea of Mr. Everett cavorting with Lillie and the cowboys. He seemed more dignified than that. It wasn’t the saloon that concerned her, but the company. Namely Lillie. And to think Mr. Everett had been sweet on Hulda. She still feared her sister would be hurt by his attentions. She tried to put it out of her mind, and concentrated on shooting.
While Annie and Bobby took turns pulling and shooting, Annie heard her name called from somewhere in the distance. She spotted Emma coming toward her, her dress pressed against her legs and her arms swinging at her sides. She looked in a hurry. Annie turned Buck and walked toward her, meeting her halfway.
“Hello, dear! How are things at the palace?” Emma asked, out of breath.
“Lovely. You are just the person I’d like to see. Bobby and I are just finishing here.”
“You hit them all, Miss Oakley,” Bobby said reloading his rifle. “Looks like I’m the one who really needs the practice.”
“Still the best,” said Emma, winking at Annie. “I wish I had shot this well in front of the prince and princess.”
“You may have another chance,” said Emma.
“Let’s go to my tent where we can chat,” Annie said. “I think I have some tea.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Annie took Buck to the stables, and Mr. Post shuffled over to them to receive the horse. His back had become more bent in the last couple of years, and his hair and whiskers were whiter than ever.
“I sure don’t like not having eyes on this here yellow horse,” he said with a frown. “Don’t know why you couldn’t a just left him here. I sure would feel better about things.”
“I know, Mr. Post.” Annie handed him the reins. “It won’t be long. Frank is nearly well. Will you tend to Buck while I go to my tent with Miss Wilson? Just whistle when you see the colonel.”
Once inside her tent, Annie got the water boiling and took off her duster and gun belt. While Emma set the teacups and saucers on the table, Annie told her about Miss Tessen and the doctor.
“Well, Annie, you must understand. Miss Tessen probably fears she will lose her position if she has a liaison with the doctor. There are a million reasons why she would keep a relationship with someone else in your employ a secret.”
Annie agreed she had a point.
“The doctor left this with Frank.” Annie pulled the bottle from her dress pocket. “I don’t trust that it isn’t something harmful. Is there any way you can work your magic with your connections in town to find out what this is?”
Emma took the bottle from her, holding it up to see the liquid inside. “Do you really think the doctor wants to harm Frank?”
“I don’t know. I do feel like he has an agenda. Given how he feels about the queen, I don’t trust him. Especially with the care of my husband—someone who is rumored to have connections with the Fenians. The unrest in this country astounds me.”
Emma laughed. “And you don’t think the unrest in our country is astounding? The way the government is rounding up all the native peoples and throwing them into internment camps?”
“I’m sorry, Emma. Yes, you know I am sympathetic to the Indians’ plight. I guess I’m just at odds as to who is justified in their outrage in this country. It seems all are unhappy.”
“It’s true,” said Emma, stirring sugar into her tea. “The London Times is allowing me to cover the situation at Trafalgar Square. The place is run riot.” Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
“Wonderful, Emma. A big story! You’re setting the standard for women in journalism—for the world in general.” Annie’s heart swelled with pride for her friend.
“Sisters in empowerment, you and I,” Emma said with a giggle.
“Yes, Emma. It is thrilling, isn’t it?”
“Quite.” Emma lifted the cup to her lips and blew on it to cool the tea.
“Are the Irish at Trafalgar Square still up in arms about Mr. Parnell? Has he been released?” Annie asked.
“No, he hasn’t. As you know, he is but one reason the Irish—and the English—are fighting mad.”
“So the queen is still in danger.” Annie nibbled on a biscuit.
“On many accounts.”
“Well, we can’t stop all the threats, but if we could understand why Mr. Bhakta died and why someone wants to hurt Frank, perhaps we can help with one threat,” said Annie.
