- I think it's time to stop this! - Mr.Hunter declared, putting the letter aside.
- Stop what? - Mrs. Hunter asked.
- Bridget lives in this wilderness too long.
- George, - his wife said - she's walking again, and it's Dr,Quinn who healed her.
- Well, we'll thank Dr.Quinn, but now we can invite the best physicians of London to examine her.
- These "best physicians" told she'll never walk again Mrs. Hunter reminded him.
- She'll grow unsociable there, with your unbalanced mother and her her savage!
Mrs.Hunter stood up straight , her blue eyes darkened with anger: - You're talking about my mother and my brother, George, so you must choose the words! You called him "Savage" - but Bridget is walking again because of him+and before she became a cripple because of you!
- What? - he asked, hardly believing that his timid wife could speak with him like this.- You'd better think about taking your words back, Jane!
But she was not going to give up. It was so unusual for her, that Mr. Hunter felt a kind of worry or even fear.
- I want you to know something. I was so stupid that didn't say Bridget what really managed her to stay in wheel-chair for 3 years - but now it's time to make things right. We are tired to be scared all our life, George. It's enough!
- So, do you want to divorce?
- No, I don't, - she objected.- You're my husband and my daughter's father. I just want to make some terms for you. Properly speaking, it's just one term.
He was so wondered (perhaps even frightened) that answered nothing.
- I want you to send a letter to Dr.Sanders, and take a course of treatment in his clinic. If you wouldn't - divorce will be the best choice for us.
- Perhaps, you're forgotten that all here belongs to me! - he yelled, but she cut him short:
- Except me and Bridget. You'll never hurt us again! We'd better go to live in Colorado-Springs.
- I'll take Bridget from you!!! - he became furious, but she looked at him unusually calmly-I'll send for my lawyer right now!
- No need to waste your money for nothing, - she answered - Any judge will never give the kid to dope fiend!
She turned away and walked to her room, slamming the door behind her. Mrs. Hunter locked the door, and took the envelope she just received from Colorado. There was a picture of all their new kinsfolks, and there was her daughter in it, standing on her feet and smiling broadly,
- I don't let him to hurt you again!, - Jane Hunter whispered. Then she looked to the man standing near Bridget, her brother, she'd never seen before. Jane suddenly aware that she trust him since the time she saw him at first. His face seemed so familiar - perhaps, he looks like herself, with the same eyes and hair colour.
She smiled and said quietly: - I was right today, Byron, isn't it? I couldn't let all the things be after you did this for Bridget.If he'll push me away from here, I'll come to your town, brother.
She put the picture back into envelope.
Jane Hunter never thought his husband is cruel man. Her father was the same, and all the men she'd ever seen. Husbands always abased their wives, and they didn't dare to complain - it was usual thing, she saw the same in all the acquainted families . She never thought about these things…until the day when she received the telegram from Sully. There were just 5 words - OUR BRIDGET IS WALKING AGAIN…and these words changed all her world….
Suddenly she heard the knock at the door. To her great wonder, he began peacefully: Jane…I just sent a letter to Dr. Sanders…and I'll let Bridget to stay there for a while…
She smiled and said as gentle as she could.: Thank you, George. We both - Bridget and me - appreciate it,
Now time in Colorado-Springs flied so fast for Bridget! She was busy all the time. Few weeks ago she left her crutches, and learned to walk just with a walking stick - but Michaela promised that next month she'll leave the stick also. Michaela and Brian had a talk with the local teacher, Mrs. Slicker, and she let Bridget to join the class after she passed few exams. After school she sometimes helped Michaela in clinic, or Grandma Katherine at the store. Dorothy posted two of her stories in GAZETTE, and the third one was sent to Denver, to the young writers' competition.
Colleen and Andrew left for Philadelphia, and all the family missed them, especially little Charlotte, and her adorable toothless smile .
Sully taught her to ride, and said she has a good skills now. They spent much time together, as usual, talking about all the things in the world.
Bridget was very happy, and tried to avoid the thoughts about returning home…and leaving in fear again.
Meanwhile, the Christmas approached. All the town looked very smart, with the Christmas decorations on every door and the Christmas tree at the town square.
Bridget tried to help Michaela and Sully as much as she could, and somewhat forgot about her sad thoughts…until Brian came home and gave her two letters.
The first letter was from Denver, it said, that Bridget's story will be included into the collection of young writers' stories about Colorado Territory.
Congratulations! - Brian said, - It's so interesting to see your own story in a real book!
I'm still can't believe in this! - Bridget confessed.
Which of your stories did you sent there? - Sully asked her You didn't read it yet. It's new. I just wrote about this town, and all of you…
Hope, I don't look like some "Rocky Mountain Hero" there? - Sully said teasingly, - Dorothy flattered me too much in her book - I'm not so unobjectionable.
Don't worry, - Bridget answered in the same tone, - I've written about you looking for Katie, while we were in Manitou.
All the family laughed, remembering this case. Katie was happy to play with her Pa almost all the day - so as he. They made an awful mess at the homestead though…
I'm shivering in horror, when I remind it, - Michaela grinned
You returned too early, - Sully tried to justify himself, - we didn't finish cleaning yet.
Didn't finish? You're joking! The cleaning took about a week. I still can't imagine - what were you doing?
Just playing, - Sully said innocently.
What kind of games you're playing? - Michaela inquired, - Tornado? Buffalo hunting? Or something like this.
Sully just lowered his eyes - she almost guessed right.
She's a girl, Sully, - Michaela reproachfully looked at him, - she must play quiet games.
Certainly, - he agreed, - for instance , she helped me to make the lunch.
Oh,- just said Michaela , remembering how looked their kitchen after Katie's efforts to help.
Katie was excited, - Sully added.
I can understand why. You indulge her, Sully. Children twist you around their little finger, and you can't say them 'no'.
You're not right, Michaela, - Sully tried to object uncertainly.
Well…do you remember that Byron the deer? Brian asked you to bring him home…did you tell him "no"?
I.. I tried, - Sully looked at Michaela guiltily, but his blue eyes shined with joy.
It was just beginning, - Michaela declared, - then he brought me a lot of fowl - birds, animals - for Brian's request. Buddy, can you imagine this - these two even asked me to cure them all!
But it seemed to me, you enjoyed it, - Sully said
Well..- Michaela answered, smiling, - perhaps, you're right. It managed another burst of laughter, and Bridget forgotten about the second letter,
Buddy, did you forget about the next envelope? - Brian asked her.
Oh.. I'm nearly forgotten, - she opened the second letter. It was from her mother, and Bridget's eyes filled with tears as she read it.
My Ma will be here next week, and she's going to take me home! Perhaps, she'll stay with us for Christmas, - Michaela supposed, but it was poor consolation - just a few days couldn't solve the problem.
Buddy, - Sully suddenly rose from his chair, - let's go walking for a while…
I have some chores at home, - she began, but he said firmly: It can wait…
Are you afraid of returning back home? - Sully asked. They were sitting on the log near the creek - this was their special place for secret talks.
Yes, - Bridget confessed, - It would be happened again any time…
Buddy, we thought you'd be safe here - but you were kidnapped.
You rescued me, - she objected. - I'm afraid of nothing when you're with me - but you'll be so far away…
Buddy, - Sully said seriously, looking at her eyes, - last year Michaela was shot by some crazy man. She just opened the clinic door, as she did usually - and he shot without saying a word. She was afraid to leave the homestead for a long time after - since she understood that nobody could make his life absolutely safe.
It's not the same, - she cut him, - there was some stranger who shot Dr. Mike, but there was my father, who loved me, and I loved him…I can't understand, why he did it ,so I'm not sure he doesn't it again . It would be better, if I'd know the reason why…
Well, - Sully said thoughtfully, - so we have no choice. We gave you a word, but now it's necessary to talk with your Ma. Bridget shook her head.
If we don't, you'll be afraid the rest of your life. She's the one who can explain what happened with your father. But I can promise you one thing,- we'll never let him to hurt you again anyway.
Promise? - she asked
Do you remember what I've said to your Ma when we're leaving for Colorado-Springs?
"I'll take care of her"
Exactly.
But you did it - you took me here.
I didn't mean just taking you here. I'll be glad to do it every time you'd need me…
All the time? Until I'll grown up?
Sure, - he smiled, -even after that, if you want.
Bridget hugged him and whispered into his ear: I love you, Sully!
She paused and then added: It's not what happened with Colleen long ago - she told me that…I love you, but it's…it's different.
I know, - he smiled at her, - I love you too, Buddy.
Sully, - she suddenly said.
What?
Would you please talk with my Ma?
Sure, - he said and squeezed her hand, - Thank you, Buddy.
Sully! - Michaela exclaimed with a great wonder, - Sully, look! You both look almost like twins!
Actually, Jane Hunter, who was leaving the train this moment, looked more like Sully, with the same eyes, same hair, same smile…
Ma! - Bridget shouted, and walked toward her along the platform.
Mrs. Hunter ran to her and then hugged her daughter tightly. Then she looked on Michaela and Sully: Dr., Quinn, Mr. Sully - I don't know how to thank you, - she said quietly.
Just stay with us for Christmas - it would be fine! - Michaela smiled.
Sure, thank you.- Mrs. Hunter said, - Nice to meet my brother's family.
Mrs. Hunter, - Sully finally asked, choosing the right time,- we need to talk about Bridget…
He was afraid that they couldn't understand each other. She looked much like him - but in same time she was the refined British lady from another world. To his wonder, he noticed understanding in her eyes.
Yes, - she answered, - I know.. It's about my husband. Mr. Sully, I was fool, when tried to hide the truth from Bridget. She took a deep breath and continued: George is a banker. But 4 years ago he almost became bankrupt, after he paid to his investors, we were managed to sell our house and buy the smaller one, to quit the servants…My husband is…very ambitious man, and he was suffering very much…
(Seems, my sister married Preston's double, - Sully thought)
He began to suffer headaches, and one man from his club advised him to use morphine against the pain. It helped…the first few weeks, but then…
Then it became a habit, - Sully said. Yes, and the habit became stronger than him…He couldn't confess even himself that his spirits now depends even on the morphine, but it was truth.
She paused, then continued: I was married George when I was 16, and never objected him . But when I received your telegram, all things were changed, I felt myself courageous enough to help her.
So, you… - Sully began.
No, - she smiled, - he didn't divorce me. It was a miracle - but he agreed with me and send a letter to the Bostonian doctor who cures the morphinism in his clinic. One more - we decided to leave England, and all the people who could remember him…like that. But Bridget - could she forgive us?
Yes, she could, - Sully said, - I'm sure, especially if she'll know the truth.
She looked at him gratefully, then suddenly asked:
Mr. Sully, can I call you just…
Just "Sully", - he said, - I hate my given name. Sure you can.
So you call me 'Jane"…I know you hate your name - Ma told me.
She told you about me? - he wondered
Yes, she did. When I was a girl, I knew Ma had a son before, but he died long ago. I was sad because of it, I always wanted to have an elder brother who would take care of me and defend me…
Jane, - Sully said, - You're not a kid anymore, but now you HAVE him - if you want it.
She took his hand: I dreamed about it all those years…
Bridget washed the dishes after the lunch when they came in. They both looked happy, so Bridget hoped they had talked…
Buddy, - mother began, - don't be shocked I call you like this - I think I like this nick. Buddy, I have something to tell you…it's about your father.
Bridget suddenly felt her hands trembling, and she almost broke the plate she was holding.
I'm sorry for not telling you the truth, - Mrs. Hunter began, - but your father was…was sick that time. This disease called morphinism, and he was…was out of his mind. He didn't remember what he was doing…but now he 's trying to recover in clinic…and he's so sorry too.
So, he'll never do it again? - Bridget asked quietly
Never, - Mrs. Hunter said firmly- I promise.
Bridget sighed heavily, then looked on Sully, fighting with herself, and finally said:
Ma…can I send him a letter to the clinic?
Sully looked at her with respect
Sure, -she said, - he'll be very glad…Buddy, there is one more thing. We left England…
You - left ???
Yes, we bought a little house in Boston.
So, we'll live in Boston?! - Bridget's eyes shined with joy, - Where is Dr. Mike from?!
It's not so far from here as London, isn't it? - Jane smiled - So you can visit your uncle and aunt, and Grandma every holidays, if you're not bother them yet.
Sure! - Sully said.
I don't know what to say, - Bridget muttered
Say "yes" - Jane smiled again. Now she looked more like Sully than like refined lady - and Bridget enjoyed it. One more thing- your father needs to continue his recovering after he'll leave the clinic, so we need to go to Switzerland for a few months , and Dr. Quinn and Mr. Sully were so kind to let you to stay here for this time…
Bridget squealed with joy and hanged by her mother neck…
The candles on the Christmas tree were lighting, and all the family sat at the table. There were two telegrams on the fireplace shelf - one was from Colleen, Andrew and little Charlotte, and another one - from Mrs. Quinn (includes congratulations for the new family members)
All was wonderful, in Bridget's opinion - the Christmas gifts, and "A Christmas Carol" of Charles Dickens, that was read every Christmas in this family…
Finally, they sat at the table and joined their hands in prayer. There were so many things they needed to thank for, and they did it with all their soul.
But Bridget added something to the common prayer. She said quietly: - Dear Lord. Please let Sully to take care of me - even if I'll be a grown woman, 'cause he's the best uncle- and the best man in whole world. He's the one who took me to this friendly family…and who gave me MY family again!