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Chapter 6: Stagecoach Michaela woke at sunrise, surprised to find herself lying against Sully’s chest under the stars. She was cold, but she didn’t care. She had spent the entire night being held by Sully, and his arms had kept her warm all through the night. She wondered what her mother would think of her spending the entire night in the arms of a man whom she wasn’t married to. Nothing had happened, but she knew her mother wouldn’t have approved anyway. But that didn’t matter. Her mother was on the other side of the country, and there was no harm in being held the way Sully was holding her. Sully was still sleeping, and Michaela reluctantly slipped from his arms. For a moment, she felt as if she never wanted to return to town. She had the urge to stay in the seclusion of the woods for the rest of her life, living with Sully in private. But, she knew Charlotte and the children needed her, especially today. The stagecoach was coming along with a banker from Denver. Sully felt Michaela’s absence from his arms, and he opened his eyes. She was sitting beside him, smiling down at him like an angel from heaven. Her hair was hanging loosely over her shoulders, draping down almost into her lap. Her eyes were bright and full of happiness. “Good morning,” she whispered. “Mornin’,” Sully replied, pulling Michaela down to him. She went willingly and kissed him passionately. His hands snaked through her hair and hers rested on his chest. She gently moved them to stroke his beautiful locks of hair. She pulled away slowly and stood up. “We should be heading into town. The stagecoach is coming in today.” Sully nodded in realization. “The bank’s takin’ the boardin’ house from Charlotte today.” “Not if I can help it.” “What are ya gonna do?” “I’m going to try to convince the banker to give Charlotte an extension on the mortgage. If that doesn’t work, I’m going to pay for it myself.” Sully stood up. “Charlotte won’t like that.” “She can’t be homeless, Sully. She’s got three children to worry about.” “You gotta let her make that decision,” Sully replied, taking her hands in his. “C’mon. I’ll take you back to the homestead and hitch your wagon up.” Michaela nodded, and she and Sully walked off, hand in hand toward the homestead. *~* An hour later, Sully pulled the wagon up to the livery and helped Michaela out. Robert E. was setting up shop for the day. “Robert E. how are you feeling today?” Michaela asked. He smiled at the doctor and nodded in her direction. “I’m feelin’ just fine, Dr. Mike.” “Good! Has the stagecoach arrived yet?” “It’ll probably be here in an hour.” Michaela nodded. “Thank you, Robert E.” She turned to Sully. “I’m going to go check on Loren.” Sully nodded and pulled his tomahawk out of his belt to sharpen it while Robert E. wasn’t too busy. Michaela stepped up onto the porch of the mercantile. She saw Loren sitting down behind the counter. “Loren? How are you feeling today?” “Never better,” he replied bitterly. “May I take a look at your leg?” “No!” “I need to check for infections.” “Last time you checked it, you said it was fine.” “Yes, but I want to keep a close eye out. Living out here with all of this dust and dirt, it could easily become infected.” “Well, why don’t you go back to Boston where everything ain’t so dirty?” Michaela sighed heavily. “Loren, please just let me look at your leg.” “Oh, alright,” he grumbled. “Whatever will get ya to leave me alone.” Michaela came behind the counter, knelt beside Loren’s leg, and pulled up his pant leg. After a few moments of close inspection, she rolled his pant leg down. “Everything appears to be normal, and there are no signs of infection,” she said with a smile.” He nodded his appreciation. “How much do I owe ya for everything?” “Why don’t you tell me what a fair price would be?” Michaela asked. He wrinkled his brows. “You’re the doctor.” “Yes, but I’m not quite sure what a fair rate would be. You set the price.” “Well, I’m a bit short on money right now, but I can credit five dollars to your account on anything you want.” “My account?” “That’s right, you ain’t set up an account with me yet. If you buy from me, I can give you what you need and you won’t have to pay me until later.” He rubbed his hands together in the prospect of having another permanent customer. “That will be fine. Thank you Loren.” Loren nodded and Michaela started off toward the boarding house. Colleen was sweeping the porch, and Brian was playing with a few carved toys. Colleen smiled brightly when she saw Michaela. “Dr. Mike!” “Good morning, children,” she replied with a warm smile. “Is your mother inside?” “No, she went to the telegraph office.” “Oh?” “She says she’s got the money to pay the mortgage, and she’s wirin’ Denver.” “But the banker is supposed to be here today.” “She got a telegram last night, and the banker got delayed. So ma and Matthew somehow got the money together and she’s wirin’ it to Denver.” At that moment, Charlotte came storming across the street. “Charlotte?” “I went to wire money to Denver, but they said I was too late. They’re foreclosin’ on the boardin’ house. I’ve got to get out by noon today. There’s a fella on the stagecoach.” “But you said he got delayed, ma,” Colleen replied. “It’s another fella,” she replied. “He’s workin’ with the law and the bank.” Michaela took a deep breath. “Brian? Colleen? Sully brought Wolf to town this morning. He’s over at Robert E.’s. Colleen, will you take Brian over there?” Colleen looked at Charlotte who nodded. “Come on, Brian.” Colleen took his hand and the children went away. Charlotte and Michaela stared at each other for a moment. “Dr. Mike?” “Charlotte, I have the money. I’ll pay your mortgage.” “No!” Charlotte exclaimed. “I’ll just find another place to live.” “You have three children to think about!” “Don’t tell me how to run my family! I told you not to act as my doctor, so don’t act as my mentor either! Just be my friend and accept my decision.” “Alright,” Michaela said with a shrug. “Alright? Dr. Mike, you don’t give up that easy. I ain’t known you very long, but I know you’re lyin’.” “You’re right. I’ll buy the boarding house. I could use it as a clinic. If you’re just going to let them take it from you, you obviously don’t want it.” Michaela hoped that Charlotte could see what she was doing, and she did because she didn’t miss a beat. “You know that ain’t true, Dr. Mike,” Charlotte replied. “I’ve been livin’ here since Ethan ran out on me. I’ve been doin’ my best to raise these children.” Michaela sighed. “I know that, Charlotte. But can’t you at least accept a little help?” “I don’t want charity, Dr. Mike. I’ve been doin’ fine on my own.” “Please let me help you,” Michaela replied. Charlotte shook her head. “If you want to buy the boarding house as a clinic, be my guest.” Charlotte walked into the boarding house and Michaela followed her. “Charlotte, I don’t want to buy this place. It’s your home.” “Not anymore accordin’ to the bank.” “They can’t do this to you.” “It ain’t their fault I couldn’t come up with the money. I ain’t gonna borrow it from nobody, ‘cause I ain’t gonna be able to pay it back.” “I don’t expect you to.” “That’s charity!” Michaela sighed in frustration. “I’m gonna go talk to Loren and ask if he has any rooms he could let us stay in.” Charlotte headed over toward the mercantile, and Michaela shook her head. Charlotte had to be one of the most stubborn women she had ever met, including her own mother. *~* A while later, Horace Bing sat outside of the telegraph office. He knew he wouldn’t be getting any messages this early in the day. He was enjoying the sights and sounds of the town when he heard the steady hoof beats and the wheels of the stagecoach. He checked his pocket watch and saw that it was rolling into town right on time. Michaela came walking over to stand beside Horace. Hank, the bartender came walking out of the saloon with one of his girls. “Do you think they’ll really take that boardin’ house away from Widow Cooper?” Horace asked. “I believe so, Horace.” “It ain’t right,” Horace replied, shaking his head. “I gotta agree with ya,” Hank replied. “Her no good husband ran out on her, and she’s kind enough to let people stay for free.” “You’re actually concerned about another person?” Horace asked. “Shut up, Horace,” Hank replied. He shook his head and walked away. The stagecoach came to a halt and the drivers stepped down to unload the luggage. The door opened and a young woman stepped out. Her hair was about half-way down her back, beautiful and light brown in color. Michaela smiled when she saw the girl. Horace immediately walked over to help her so she wouldn’t lose her footing. “Thank you,” she said with a smile and a nod. “Here, which of these bags is yours?” Horace asked. “Just this one. I can get it,” she replied. She picked up a bag and draped it on her shoulder. “Could ya tell me where Hank Lawson is?” Horace and Michaela looked at each other questioningly. “What business ya got with Hank?” Horace asked. “Well, I’m supposed to sign a contract with him. I met him in Soda Springs when I got here from St. Louis. He said he had a job for me.” “Did he tell you what that job was?” Michaela asked. “No. He just said that I looked like I’d be good for the job,” she replied. “I really don’t care what the job it, as long as I can make some money. I have to send some back to my little sister in St. Louis.” Michaela extended her hand to the young woman. “My name is Dr. Michaela Quinn. Can we talk in private please?” “Sure,” Myra replied, shaking Michaela’s hand. “My name is Myra.” Myra and Michaela walked into the telegraph office and shut the door. Horace knew he wanted to give Michaela some time to tell Myra what Hank’s business actually was. “What’s with all the privacy?” “Myra, Hank runs the town’s saloon. He only hires women to entertain.” “You mean, he wants me to be one of the girls who . . . he wants me to be a whore?” “I’m afraid so, Myra,” Michaela replied. “He should’ve told me!” Myra exclaimed angrily. “I never would’ve come here if I’d known!” “I’m sorry you made the trip, Myra.” “Well, is there anything around here I could do besides that? I mean, I ain’t gonna work for that man if that’s all he wants me for. It ain’t right. My little sister looks up to me.” “You haven’t signed a contract with him, so you shouldn’t have to work. As for jobs, I’m not sure if there’s anything around here. But if you need a place to stay, I can let you stay at my home.” “Thank you, ma’am. I ain’t got money though.” “Don’t worry about it.” “So do you have a job around here?” “I’m the doctor.” Myra’s eyes went wide. “A lady doctor?” “Yes,” Michaela replied with a smile. Myra smiled brightly. “Well, it’s good to meet a lady who works, especially one who’s a doctor. What if Hank gets mad and expects me to work for him?” “If he gives you any trouble, just let me know,” Michaela replied. “Come on, I have some business to attend to. Would you like to join me?” “Sure,” Myra replied with a smile. Myra walked out of the telegraph office with Michaela and Horace smiled at her. “Myra, this is Horace Bing. He works the telegraph.” “Hello Horace,” Myra said, smiling shyly. He smiled back, not sure what to say. “Myra,” he said, tipping his hat. He walked into the telegraph office and Myra looked at Dr. Mike. “He’s obviously shy,” Michaela replied. “Don’t you know him very well?” “I’ve only been here for a few days myself.” “Really?” “Really,” Michaela replied. At that moment, she looked up to see a man dressed in a fancy suit heading toward the boarding house. She became alarmed and rushed off toward him with Myra following behind. “Excuse me!” The man stopped and turned around. Michaela smiled, and greeted him politely. Myra stood aside, not sure of what Michaela was going to say. “I’m Dr. Michaela Quinn. Are you from the Denver bank?” “Yes I am. My name is Jedediah Bancroft, and I am very busy.” “You’re here to foreclose on the Widow Cooper’s boarding house.” “As a matter of fact, I am.” “Please don’t do that.” “Why shouldn’t I? She’s late on her mortgage payment.” “She’s a single woman with three children.” “That isn’t my fault. Now, she has until noon to be out before I have her arrested for trespassing. I have rights to have her arrested too. Now out of my way!” Jedediah headed toward the boarding house again, and Michaela stood and watched while he pounded on the door. Charlotte answered, and she and the man talked for a few moments before he handed her a notice and stalked off. Charlotte cast a glance in Michaela’s direction and Michaela turned to Myra. “Would you excuse me?” “Sure,” Myra replied. She noticed a mercantile and walked over to find out if there were any available jobs. Michaela rushed over to the boarding house and walked inside. Charlotte was starting to pack things into wooden crates. “Charlotte?” “Dr. Mike, don’t try to talk me out of this. I tried to bargain with Mr. Bancroft, but he said I had to be out today.” “Please let me pay it for you.” “I think this is God’s way of tellin’ my family to move on.” “If you won’t let me do this, at least come stay with me at the homestead.” “You ain’t got enough room, Dr. Mike. Loren’s bein’ kind enough to lend the two empty rooms above his mercantile.” “Are you sure you want this?” “Not especially, but I’m sure that I have been takin’ care of my family since Ethan left, and I ain’t gonna accept charity now. Just be my friend, Dr. Mike.” “I am your friend.” “Good,” Charlotte replied with a smile. “Now if you really want to do something with that money of yours, buy this place.” “You aren’t serious?” “Of course I am!” Charlotte chuckled. “A doctor needs a clinic! You sure can’t practice from your homestead. You’re so far away from everyone.” “I can’t buy this knowing that you and your children are supposed to live here.” “I already talked to the children, and they don’t mind you buyin’ it.” “How much is it?” “A full fifteen hundred,” Charlotte replied. Michaela knew she had two thousand dollars, but she wasn’t sure how she felt about buying it out from under Charlotte like that. “It would do you a lot of good. Please tell me you’ll think about it?” Michaela sighed heavily and nodded. “I’ll think about it.” Charlotte smiled and hugged her friend. “I appreciate that, Dr. Mike. Don’t feel bad about it, neither. I’ll keep my family together, and Loren’s only chargin’ us a dollar a month.” Dr. Mike shrugged. “If you change your mind, just let me know. I have to go meet Sully.” “Alright,” Charlotte responded. “Don’t keep him waitin’.” Michaela left to find Sully and Charlotte shook her head. She appreciated her friend very much, but Michaela just didn’t understand how she didn’t want to have to have the added stress of the boarding house when her time was about to come. She had a plan though. She already knew what she wanted to happen once she was gone, and she hoped that her plan would work. She hoped that once she was gone from this world, Michaela would be there to take care of the children. *~* As he was starting across the street, Sully saw Michaela walking toward him, and he smiled happily. She didn’t look so happy to see him, and for a moment, he wondered if he had said something to hurt her. “What’s wrong, Dr. Mike?” “I’m so frustrated!” she exclaimed. Tears were in her eyes, and all Sully could do was pull her into his arms for a hug. He knew this had to do with Charlotte and the boarding house, but he didn’t want to assume anything right now. He needed her to open up to him. “What’s wrong?” “Charlotte still won’t accept my help. Worse than that, she wants me to buy the boarding house to use as a clinic.” “What’s so wrong with that?” “It’s not right, Sully! That’s her home. I could use a clinic, and I have the money, but I wouldn’t feel right about it.” “Like you didn’t feel right about takin’ the homestead at first because it was Abagail’s?” “That’s different. Abagail was your wife.” “And she’s dead. Charlotte’s alive, and if she’s wantin’ ya to take it, you should do it.” “I don’t know, Sully.” “Well, the Cheyenne believe that if someone refuses a gift, they are insultin’ the giver.” “She’s not exactly handing it to me on a silver platter. I feel guilty for even considering it.” “No need to feel guilty. She’s tryin’ to help ya get started.” “But what about her children?” “She takes good care of ‘em. They don’t mind where they live as long as they got her. They love you too, Dr. Mike. Colleen wants to be like ya, and Brian is always asking about how medicine works.” “You think so?” “I do. They won’t mind ya movin’ in there.” “I’m not going to say yes until I’ve thought about it more.” Sully smiled and kissed Michaela. “Don’t fret, Dr. Mike. It’s all gonna work out. I’m sure Charlotte’s got a plan.” “Why do you say that?” “Because Charlotte works in mysterious ways. I’m guessin’ that she’s cookin’ somethin’ up in her mind, and she’s wantin’ you to take the clinic for a reason.” Michaela sighed, wondering if Charlotte was preparing to die. Tears sprang to her eyes and she looked up at Sully. “Will you hold me?” Sully smiled and pulled Michaela into his arms, holding her close. “No need to even ask. I’ll hold ya anytime you need holdin’.” |