| Chapter 3: Lessons
The next morning, Michaela woke at the crack of dawn when Brian came bounding into her room at the boarding house. She sat up in bed as he burst through the door, being used to having Martha wake her on most mornings in the past. “Mornin’! It’s time to get up!” Michaela yawned and looked toward the window, seeing the blue haze of dawn. She glanced back at the boy’s smiling face. “Good morning, Brian. What do you mean, it’s time to get up? The sun has barely come up.” “We got to do our chores,” Brian replied as if he’d been doing this for years. Most children that Michaela knew, which were mostly her nieces and nephews, hated to be woken up until after the sun came up. “Brian!” Colleen scolded, coming in to get him. “Ma said not to wake her up!” “Oops. I forgot,” Brian said, looking down. “I’m sorry, Dr. Mike.” “It’s alright,” Michaela said with a laugh. “I suppose that since I’m up, I can help with the chores.” “No, you don’t have to,” Colleen replied. “Ma said to let you sleep.” “That’s alright. I could use to learn a few things.” Brian and Colleen looked at one another. “You never did chores?” Brian asked, his eyes wide and his mouth agape. “I’m afraid I haven’t. I haven’t done a lot of things in my life.” “But you’re a doctor. I’d say you’ve done a lot,” Colleen remarked. “Yes. In that respect I have, but it’s the little things that make life more important.” “What kind of things?” “Things like cooking and cleaning, and horseback-riding.” “You’ve never ridden a horse?” Colleen asked. “Never.” Charlotte stormed into the room. She had her hands on her hips, and her flour-dusted apron balled up in one hand. “Children! I told you to let the doctor get her rest!” “They’re alright, Charlotte.” “Sorry ma,” the children said in unison. “Get back to your chores.” Colleen and Brian left, and Michaela got out of bed feeling surprisingly happy. Normally, she would have been irritated to be woken up, even though Martha was one of her most favorite people to see in the morning before she had to deal with her mother, but then again, she normally didn’t sleep in, and was usually leaving for the hospital around this time. “I’m sorry ‘bout that, doc.” “Don’t worry about it,” Michaela said with a laugh. “I have to admit that I don’t know much about cooking or housekeeping. I probably need to learn how to ride a horse too.” “Oh heavens,” Charlotte said with a laugh. “Well, I have some expectin’ ladies to see this morning. Why don’t you come with me and meet them? After that, we’ll have breakfast, and I’m sure you are meetin’ Sully this afternoon.” “Yes. I actually promised him that I’d meet him at the homestead.” “Well, the children and I will take you out there and help you clean the place up while he’s workin’ on it.” “That would be lovely. Thank you.” Charlotte nodded and left the room, closing the door to give Michaela some privacy. Michaela smiled and sat down on her bed. She was so happy that she didn’t have to listen to her mother’s constant arguing in the morning. Yes, she loved her mother, but a person could only take so much negativity from another person before it got old. Michaela tried not to dress up too much for the day. She knew that if she was going to try to fit in with the townsfolk, she would have to look a little more like a pioneer and a little less like a wealthy career woman from Boston. Sure, she was a wealthy career woman from Boston, but apparently most folks weren’t too excited about having a working woman in town. She had actually heard a few men whispering, saying their wives better not get any ideas from the “new lady doctor.” As soon as she had put on her most modest dress, Michaela joined Charlotte, Matthew, Colleen, and Brian in the main room. “You look real pretty, Dr. Mike,” Brian said with a smile. “Well, thank you Brian. What a wonderful start to a beautiful morning.” “Now you kids go on about your chores. Me and the doc are gonna go visit with some ladies. Matthew, you’re in charge.” The oldest boy nodded. “I’ll get breakfast ready. When will you be home, ma?” Colleen asked. “We should be home in a couple of hours. Don’t let Brian spoil his breakfast with candy.” “I can’t, ma. I ate it all last night and spoiled my dinner, remember?” Charlotte chuckled and sighed. “I don’t know what I’m gonna do with you.” Brian laughed and hurried off to do his chores. Michaela and Charlotte started off toward Emily Donovan’s home. *~* After meeting with a few of the town’s expecting women, Charlotte had gotten their husbands to agree to let Dr. Mike help with the births. The husbands didn’t like the fact that there was a lady doctor, but Charlotte told them that the doctor might come in handy in case there were complications. As they were walking back toward the boarding house, Charlotte was relating tales of births she had attended. Curiousity about Sully’s past was beginning to get the best of Michaela. “Were you there when Abagail died?” Michaela asked. Charlotte took a deep breath and nodded. “I hate to ask, but I know Sully really loved her.” “I was there. I remember it like it was yesterday. Matthew was out doin’ some odd jobs for Olive, Mr. Bray’s sister, while she was away. Colleen was helpin’ Brian with his alphabet. I was outside sweepin’ off the porch when Sully came runnin’ up with that wolf right behind him. He told me I had to come quick ‘cause Abagail was hurtin’ awful bad. He said Abagail knew it was time for the baby. I grabbed some blankets and told Colleen to go over to the general store, wait with Loren, and let him know Abagail was havin’ the baby. I remember when I got to the homestead, Abagail was lyin’ in bed, and she was as pale as the bed sheets.” Tears began to form in Charlotte’s eyes. “Oh,” Michaela whispered, brushing a tear from her own eyes. “Sully told me he hadn’t wanted to leave her, but he knew somethin’ was wrong,” Charlotte continued. “There was blood all over, and I told him to wait outside. Abagail struggled with the delivery, but after an hour or so, the baby was born. It wasn’t breathin’, but somehow I managed to get her a cryin’.” Charlotte shook her head. “Abagail was real weak, so I put the baby down in the cradle her pa made for her, ‘cause I had to help her ma. I had seen the bleedin’ in some ladies before, but never as badly as in Abagail. I remember her smilin’ when she saw the baby, but she never got to hold her.” “That must have been terrible for all of you.” Charlotte nodded sadly. “Abagail whispered somethin’ to me before she went unconscious. She told me to take care of the baby in case she didn’t make it. She wanted me to tell Sully she loved him.” “And did you tell him?” “Yes. I did. Loren found out how poorly Abagail was doin’, and he felt guilty for shuttin’ her out. He got Robert E. to hitch up a wagon, and he wanted me to accompany him to Denver with her and the baby. He didn’t want Sully goin’, but Sully insisted. Loren wanted to help his girl, and he thought that goin’ away to find a doc would help. The baby was all right until later that evenin’. I had left the children with Miss Olive, and I held the baby in the back of the wagon. Sully held her once or twice, but most of the time, he was tryin’ to get Abagail to wake up. Abagail died before we got to Denver. The baby must have gotten too cold or too hungry, ‘cause she died shortly after her ma did.” “I wish I could have met her. From the way Sully speaks about her, she must have been an amazing woman.” “She sure was. Loren regrets turnin’ his back on her when she married Sully. He visits her and the baby every Sunday after church services. Sully does too, but he and Loren stay out of each other’s ways.” “Perhaps if I’d have been here, I could have saved her life and the baby’s.” “Maybe,” Charlotte said with a nod. “But if that would have happened, you and Sully never would have fallen in love with each other.” “That’s true,” Michaela replied. “Maybe Abagail’s dyin’ was part of God’s plan to get you two together.” “It’s not fair,” Michaela replied. “I hope Abagail didn’t die just so Sully and I could find one another.” “You know, sometimes I think Abagail knew that she and Sully shouldn’t have married so young. She loved him, but I don’t think she knew what love was yet. When I see the way Sully looks at you, it’s like no other woman exists. It’s amazin’ how quickly you both found love, but I think that’s a blessin’. You and Sully seem to be meant for each other. Never let him go, doc. He’s a good man.” “I know he is. He’s the most compassionate and kind man I have ever met besides my father. He’s wonderful with your children.” Charlotte nodded. “Do you think he really wants to get married again?” “I don’t know, but by the way he looks at you, I think it’s safe to say he’ll be a marryin’ man before ya know it.” Michaela grinned. “What?” Charlotte’s eyes grew wide. “He’s already asked you, ain’t he?” “No, well, not exactly. He’s told me he wants to marry me someday, but he wants to take it nice and slow now.” She smiled at the midwife, who had a sparkle in her eyes. “That sounds like Sully. He’s a real gentleman. He may not look like he’s got the manners, but he’s the biggest sweetheart you’ll ever meet.” Michaela sighed happily as she and Charlotte rounded the corner. “Mornin’ ladies,” came a voice from behind. Charlotte and Michaela turned. A rough-looking longhaired man stood on the porch of the town’s saloon with a cigar in one hand and a bottle of whiskey in the other. Charlotte cleared her throat. “Mornin’ Hank. Have you met the new doctor? This is Dr. Michaela Quinn.” Hank looked Michaela up and down, and she felt like she was under her own microscope. “I heard we got ourselves a lady doctor. She takin’ over for ya?” “I do a lot more than deliver babies,” Michaela responded. “I help people; cure them. Charlotte is the midwife of Colorado Springs, and I am the doctor.” “Ain’t what everyone says. Most folks would rather go see Jake than a woman doctor,” Hank said with a smirk. “That’s because they don’t know any better.” Charlotte cast Hank a disappointed glance, though she didn’t expect much from him, and led Michaela over to the livery. Robert E. was already setting up shop for the day. “Good morning, Robert E.” “Mornin’, Dr. Mike. Mornin’ Widow Cooper.”: “How are you feeling today?” “That medicine you gave me seems to be workin’ real good. Thanks. How can I pay ya?” “You can give her a good price on a good horse,” Charlotte suggested. “She’ll be needin’ one to make her rounds on.” “Well, ya got quite a selection to pick from. I can fix ya up with a good wagon too.” “Thank you. That would be nice.” Michaela smiled at Robert E. and made her choice of horses very carefully. She finally settled on an old horse, which she thought “had heart.” As soon as Robert E. hitched up the wagon, Michaela paid him, and she and Charlotte went back to the boarding house. Breakfast was already on the table, and Brian was already sitting at the table, waiting as patiently as an eight-year-old boy could. Matthew came into the room after having washed up. “Everything smells wonderful,” Michaela said to Colleen. “Thank you,” the girl blushed. “Ma taught me how to cook, and I just love doin’ it.” “You seem to be very good at it,” Michaela replied. “Maybe you could open a café someday.” “Oh no, my little girl has already made up her mind. Tell Dr. Mike what you wanna be,” Charlotte said with a laugh. There wasn’t a day when her kids didn’t make her proud in some way. “I want to be an actress. I want to travel and be in plays. I’ve always dreamed of playin’ Juliet. Ma used to read Romeo and Juliet to me before bed at night.” “Only the good parts,” Charlotte replied, raising an eyebrow. Michaela chuckled. “I believe you would make a wonderful Juliet, Colleen,” Michaela replied. Everyone began to eat, and Michaela felt so happy to be able to share a meal over an interesting conversation that wasn’t about medicine or politics. Nobody argued at the dinner table, and she seemed more at home there than she ever did in Boston. “Ma, are we goin’ anywhere today?” Brian asked. “We’re goin’ to help Dr. Mike clean up Sully’s homestead.” “Will Sully be there?” Charlotte shrugged and looked at Michaela. “He should be. He’s fixing it up so I can live there,” Michaela replied with a smile. “Oh. So you won’t be livin’ with us very long?” The boy looked somewhat disappointed. “Brian, we ain’t gonna be livin’ here very long,” Matthew replied. “Matthew, this isn’t the time to be talkin’ ‘bout this,” Charlotte warned. “Are we gonna be homeless?” Brian asked. “No, darlin’,” Charlotte replied. “We’ll find a way.” “We could stay with Dr. Mike at the new homestead,” Brian suggested. “Brian, that’s enough,” Charlotte replied. Michaela could sense that Charlotte was becoming stressed out about the entire situation. She looked like a woman who bottled things up and let them eat at her from the inside. “We ain’t talkin’ bout this over breakfast.” “When are we gonna talk about it? We can’t exactly wait until the last minute. We have to move in less than a week.” Michaela could sense that Matthew was one who would try to take charge whenever trouble came knocking. “Matthew, please,” Charlotte scolded. Tears came to her eyes and she got up from the table. “Excuse me.” She walked outside, and the children sat there not knowing what to do. Michaela got up. She walked outside to find Charlotte standing on the porch, her hand resting on a post. She was fighting back the tears, and she seemed to be doing an excellent job. “Charlotte?” Charlotte cleared her throat and shook her head, trying to chuckle off the situation, but failing in Michaela’s eyes. “Don’t worry ‘bout me, doc.” “I told you I’d help if you needed me to.” “I don’t need your help!” Charlotte exclaimed. Michaela jumped slightly, and Charlotte shook her head. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap at ya. I’ve just been worryin’ ‘bout the children and tryin’ to handle the finances. I wish I would have been able to make that payment, but I gotta keep food on the table, ya know.” “There’s still time.” “Not for me,” Charlotte replied. She sighed, knowing she’d said too much. Michaela furrowed her brows. She then knew that Michaela was going to have questions. “What do you mean?” Charlotte looked at Michaela and smiled a little. It wasn’t a happy smile though, not even an amused one. It was sad and full of worry. “I’m not sure exactly what I mean, but I know I’m sick. I’ve been sick for a while, and I’ve been tryin’ to keep my family fed and clothed. I suppose I shoulda spent more money on the boardin’ house.” “Charlotte? You’re sick?” “My ma died when I was young, and my pa died before I was born. I went to live with my aunt, and she told me my ma had cancer. I’m pretty sure that’s what I’ve got.” “Oh God,” Michaela whispered, shaking her head. “I’ve tried prayin’, askin’ God how he could take me away from my little ones when they don’t even have a pa. But, I know God’s got a plan for everyone.” “Charlotte, do you want me to examine you?” Charlotte held up a hand. “No. I know I’ve got it. The same things are happenin’ to me that happened to my ma’. I’ve gone my whole life without seein’ a doc, and I don’t wanna start now when I know I’m nearin’ the end. The only thing I regret the most is not havin’ more time with my children. Brian’s still a little boy, and Colleen’s turnin’ into a woman. Matthew’s a man now, and he’s got his heart set on bein’ the man of the house. They don’t even know I’m sick. I haven’t let on yet.” “Charlotte, maybe I can help you.” Charlotte shook her head. Charlotte didn’t want to push the doctor away, but she had her reasons for refusing treatment. She didn’t want to feel like she owed this woman anything, especially since she was just starting her life in Colorado Springs. “If God gave me this for a reason, I think I ought to just accept it. We best get in there and finish’ eatin’ before we head out to the homestead.” Charlotte dried the few tears that had fallen, and she walked back into the boarding house. Michaela watched after her, and she began to wonder what she should do. Should she try to be a doctor or just be a friend to Charlotte? *~* Matthew had loaded up Michaela’s new wagon with a few chickens and some furniture Michaela purchased from the mercantile. Michaela wouldn’t be moving in yet, but it wasn’t too early to get a few things moved into the homestead. Charlotte helped Michaela drive the wagon, while the horse pulled it along, and promised her that later, she’d make sure Michaela learned how to ride. Charlotte figured that, though Sully wasn’t exactly a horse rider, he’d be able to help her out. As soon as they arrived at the homestead, Michaela could see Sully’s wolf sniffing around outside. Matthew helped Michaela down, and she hurried up to the porch. She opened the door and saw Sully working on the loose board on the wall. She smiled, happy to see him again. “Good morning,” she said with a smile. Sully looked up at the love of his life, put down his hammer, and stood up. “Mornin’,” he replied. Michaela hurried over to him, and he pulled her into a warm embrace. They kissed for a moment before Brian ran in. “Hey Sully!” he exclaimed. “Hey Brian,” Sully laughed. Sully picked the boy up. “I missed you,” Michaela whispered. Sully grinned a bit. “I missed you too.” They had been so used to having each other around after having been on a train together for several days in a row. Charlotte and Colleen walked in. “What’s goin’ on?” “It’s time to give the doctor a lesson in cleanin’,” Charlotte said with a smile. “You don’t know how to clean?” Sully asked with an amused look on his face. Michaela folded her arms and shrugged, hoping Sully wouldn’t be disappointed that the woman he loved didn’t know a thing about housework. But the smile on his face told her that those things didn’t matter to him. “She don’t know how to ride a horse or cook either,” Brian replied. “Really?” Sully asked. “I knew about the horse thing.” “We had servants. You know that,” Michaela replied. Sully chuckled and put Brian down. “I’ll let you ladies work in here. Brian, you wanna come help me outside?” “Sure!” Brian exclaimed. Sully leaned over to give Michaela a quick kiss on the cheek before he and Brian headed outside. For the rest of the morning, Colleen and Charlotte helped Michaela learn the fine art of cleaning, something that Michaela had never had to do for herself except for when it came to cleaning her medical supplies. All the while Charlotte and Colleen were teaching Michaela, Michaela couldn’t help but think about Charlotte and how she so very much wanted to help her. She didn’t know what to do, but she knew that Charlotte was the first person who truly accepted her, besides Sully, from Colorado Springs, and she didn’t want to stand aside and do nothing while such a good person submitted to her illness and refused treatment. Something had to be done, and Michaela wanted to make certain that Charlotte really had an illness so she could talk to her about it. She had seen several people stricken with cancer, but none of them had been someone she was starting to get to know on a personal basis. Michaela wanted to do something, but she knew Charlotte wouldn’t have it. She barely knew the woman, but she knew Charlotte was bull-headed like her and wouldn’t let anyone try to tell her what to do. Charlotte’s voice snapped Michaela out of her thoughts. “Dr. Mike, are you payin’ attention to me?” “Oh. Yes. Go on, Charlotte,” Michaela replied. Charlotte laughed a bit. “You must be thinkin’ ‘bout Sully.” “Yes. I suppose so,” Michaela replied quietly. All she wanted to do was help Charlotte, but how was she supposed to do that when Charlotte didn’t want to be helped? |