Cassidy's War Page 17

  Stepping down from the porch, he rounded the side of the house. “Ma’am,” he called. He didn’t want to startle the woman.

  She poked her head around a bed sheet, her eyes widening. “Dr. Madison.”

  “I’m sorry, ma’am. I knocked at the front door, but no one answered. I saw you back here and thought I’d let you know I was here.”

  Her gaze drifted to the bouquet. “Was Cassie expecting you?”

  “No, ma’am.” He held up the flowers. “I wanted to surprise her.”

  “Well...” She eyed him, frowning. “I expect she’s tired from traveling and don’t know if she wants to see anyone right now. Perhaps you could stop by tomorrow.”

  Scott sighed. “I was rather upset that your daughter neglected to inform me about her trip to the city. I’d like to talk to her, if I may, to see if I’ve done something to offend her.”

  Mrs. Stuart’s hand rose to her throat. She swallowed, obviously at a loss what to do. Scott gave her his most charming smile. “Please, ma’am, if she’s home, I need to see her.”

  The creaking of the back door drew both their gazes.

  Miss Stuart stood in the open door, a scowl marring her lovely features.

  “Miss Stuart.” Scott strode toward her.

  She held up her hand. “What are you doing here?”

  Scott hesitated but held up the flowers. “I’d hoped you’d agree to have dinner with me tomorrow night.”

  “I’m afraid I won’t have time.” She planted her clenched fists on her hips.

  “Cassie...” her mother warned.

  “Miss Stuart...” He edged closer, hoping to lure her sentiments with the fragrant bouquet. “I was a bit perturbed to learn you’d departed for Philadelphia without telling me. I wasn’t aware I’d done anything to upset you.”

  Mrs. Stuart nodded. “Why don’t the two of you sit in the garden? It’s a lovely day. I have to go inside and start dinner.” She glanced at Scott. “You’re welcome to stay, if you’d like.”

  Miss Stuart glared at her mother.

  Scott bit his lip. “I think we’ll leave the decision up to your daughter.”

  “Of course.” Mrs. Stuart brushed a hand along her daughter’s sleeve. “When you come inside, you can let me know.”

  After she’d retreated into the house, Miss Stuart turned to him and waved her arm. “Well, let’s sit, and you can tell me what you came to say before you leave.”

  Scott grinned. He’d known this wouldn’t be easy, but he felt certain any slight she’d imagined he’d committed, he could smooth over and charm his way back into her life, and in time, her bed.

  She settled on one of the iron chairs, glaring up at him. He noted she’d neglected to offer him a seat. He handed her the flowers. She lifted them to her nose, but eyed him warily.

  He sank onto the seat beside her and studied the flower garden. “I see you’ve been tending your plants well.”

  She shrugged. “It’s one of my chores.”

  “But you seem to have a knack.” He waved his hand over a bed of impatiens and daffodils. “To have a wife who could tend my garden would be an absolute blessing.”

  She huffed. “Please don’t tell me you’re proposing marriage?” She tilted her head, her gaze boring into his.

  He sighed. “I know you spent time with George Masters before he left. Why didn’t you tell me?”

  She lifted a hand to her throat. “It’s not what you think. George and I have a past, but I no longer trust him.”

  Scott grinned. “I’m very glad to hear that. I recognized the man as a scoundrel the moment I first met him. I hope we can resume courting.”

  She glanced away.

  “I’m sorry my animal instincts got the better of me the night in the alley, and my coming here harmed you professionally. I know the difficulties of women trying to break into medicine are having. Male doctors don’t respect their talents and try to push them out of the profession.” He reached for her hand. She flinched but didn’t pull away. “I don’t wish to see you hurt.”

  Now he’d swoop in for the kill. He brushed a thumb over her delicate cheek. “If you wish to practice medicine, I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

  “I, ah...”

  “Please, Miss Stuart, I couldn’t stand it if you sent me away now.” He gazed at her with what he hoped was an earnest expression. She had to believe him.

  Lifting the flowers to her nose again, she took a delicate sniff. He reached up around her nape and pulled her to him for a kiss. Unlike the first time he’d kissed her, she didn’t resist.

  He kept the kiss gentle and brief. When he pulled away, her eyes were closed. Her tongue darted out to lick her lush lips.

  “Ah...I’ll go tell Ma we’re having a guest for dinner.” She rose and smoothed her skirts.

  “Why thank you very much, Miss Stuart.” He stood, then followed her into the house.

  ****

  After dinner, Dr. Madison took his leave. Cassidy paced the kitchen. Her stomach clenched at the memory of his touch, but she had to gain his confidence. The kiss they’d shared repulsed her. She’d curbed her urge to recoil and slap his smug face. She had to see this through.

  And after George had left town without notice or any explanation, she could no longer trust him. Quinn was all she had left. Her brother would help her see this through. They had to prove Madison was a monster if they were to go on with their lives.

  Although she’d agreed to see him tomorrow night, the thought of sharing dinner with him again sent her stomach roiling. Her mother seemed quite taken with him, as well as Sarah, and Cassidy regretted she couldn’t warn them off the man without absolute proof.

  After she helped her mother clean up the meal leavings, Cassidy decided to take a break before going to her office. Quinn was out on a call, and her mother had saved some ham and potatoes for when he returned.

  She found Sarah fanning herself on the porch seated in a rocking chair. “Reckon it’s gonna be hot today?” she asked.

  Cassidy placed her hands on her hips and surveyed the clear, blue sky. “Feels like it, but it’s not summer yet.”

  Sarah scowled. “Don’t know how much heat I can abide right now. How much longer until this baby comes?”

  “Just a few more weeks, by my reckoning.” Cassidy sat across from her sister. “Won’t be long at all.”

  “I hope you’re right, Cassie.” She grimaced.

  “You all right?”

  “Just a little kick, is all, but I’m scared, Cassie.”

  “Scared of what?”

  “You know...of childbirth. How hard will it be? Will the baby survive? Will I?”

  Despite the warmth of the afternoon, a shiver raced down Cassidy’s spine.

  “Cassie...” Sarah held out her hand. “I need you to be here for me when the baby comes.”

  “Of course, I will, but Quinn will too.”

  Sarah gripped Cassidy’s hand. “But I want you to deliver the baby.”

  “Why me?”

  “I trust you. Quinn can assist, but I don’t want any other doctor. Just family.”

  “Sarah...I don’t know if you’ll want me there at all.”

  Sarah squeezed her hand. “You’re a good doctor, Cassie. One of the best around. I trust you.”

  “Maybe you shouldn’t.” She eyed her sister. “Maybe I can’t do this.”

  “You can.” Sarah patted her stomach. “You’re in charge of this baby. No one else.”

  Cassidy bit her lip. Although she wanted to be around to witness the birth, the thought of delivering the child scared the hell out of her.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Tuesday evening, George decided to give himself a little leisure time before trying to explain the situation to Cassidy. The only way he could convince her he hadn’t betrayed her would be to tell the truth. Did he have a choice now? He had to tell all or risk losing her.

  He paid a visit to the small gambling den in the back room of the tav
ern. After all, as far as the town knew he earned his living gambling. And so did Cassie and her family. He didn’t have much hope of winning big with nothing but locals for players, but maybe a few hands would relax him. If he could get Madison in here, how he’d love to clean the smug doctor out.

  He spent the evening playing three rounds of cards with five different patrons, but he didn’t win enough to pay for a meal at the tavern. George excused himself. He needed to stretch his legs.

  A carriage drove up as he stepped to the side of the building. A man emerged and held his hand out to the passenger.

  Madison!

  George held back waiting to see who the doctor had stashed in his carriage. Cassidy descended on Madison’s outstretched arm.

  Damn her!

  He waited, out of sight, until they’d entered the tavern. Footfalls behind him, spun him around. He reached inside his coat for his revolver, but halted as he caught sight of the bartender.

  Jake strode up, wiping his beefy hands on his apron.

  “A bit jumpy tonight, aren’t you Masters?”

  George sighed. “I just got an eyeful of something ugly.” He poked his thumb toward the front tavern entrance. “Doc Madison’s courting the woman I almost married five years ago. I’m still not sure I did right by her the way I left, and I don’t trust Madison one bit.”

  Jake shook his head. “The Doc’s all right. I don’t think you have to worry...” He stood back and folded his arms across his barrel chest. “Or is it jealousy rearing its head?”

  George grinned. “I’ve loved that girl since I was a lad. Reckon it’s hard to let go.”

  ****

  George crept into his hotel room toward one o’clock in the morning. He’d stuck around to be sure Madison didn’t do anything to hurt Cassidy. Of course, once they’d left in his carriage, he couldn’t follow or check on her to be sure she’d arrived home safe. A feeling of utter helplessness gutted his stomach. How could he protect her if she insisted on seeing the doctor?

  He spent the remainder of the night pacing, trying to decide if he should go to the Stuart home and see if she were all right. But he’d have to wait until morning. He mustn’t appear a jealous fool or an over controlling ass. Cassidy was already angry over his unexplained departure and thoughts of him philandering with other women, even if he hadn’t. Maybe she delighted in allowing Madison to court her to pay George back for his imagined indiscretions.

  He had to decide what to tell her. He might have to fess up to keep her safe.

  As he drifted off to sleep, he conjured up an image of Cassidy. Her midnight dark hair loose around her shoulders, her green eyes bright and animated as she laughed at something he said, then half closed in passion as he kissed her ripe lips.

  He loved her with all his heart and would be damned if he’d chance losing her again.

  ****

  Wednesday morning, George left the hotel, catching sight of Cassidy entering the mercantile. Seems he didn’t have to go to her home, after all. He strode over, trying to maintain the appearance of just chancing on her. She stood in the aisle inspecting and sniffing lavender and rose soaps.

  The memory of her on the arm of Madison vexed him. Although he knew she had no love for the doctor, the thought of the bastard touching her in any way, caused a physical ache. He had to bring the man down.

  The swish of a woman’s skirts drew George’s attention to the door. Cassidy slipped out. Hadn’t she seen him?

  George raced to the door and caught the flurry of black skirts as she raced down the street.

  Oh no, you don’t. He raced after her, catching her arm.

  She turned toward him, eyes wide.

  “Are you running from me, darlin’?”

  She gaped. “Of course not. I didn’t see you.”

  “I saw you at the tavern last night. With him.”

  She frowned.

  He released his grip on her arm.

  Taking a step away from him, she adjusted her felt hat. “Well, yes. I’m still trying to gather information, if you even care about the investigation anymore.”

  He caught the ire in her tone. “Did you?”

  She shook her head. “Not anything that will help.”

  “I don’t want you involved in the investigation any longer. It’s too dangerous.”

  “But we can’t just allow him to go free.” Her fists clenched.

  “I didn’t say I’m abandoning the investigation, but there’s more to it than you know.”

  Cassidy frowned. “What do you mean?”

  He shook his head. “I can’t tell you right now...but I don’t want to see you anywhere near the man.” He raised a finger. “I mean it, Cassie.”

  Her gaze darkened. He almost swore her eyes would spit fire. “I can’t promise anything, George. You aren’t being honest with me. How can I trust you? I’ll do what it takes until he’s brought down.”

  He grasped her arm. “You are being reckless. If your mother knew the risk you take by allowing Madison to court you, she wouldn’t permit you to leave the house.”

  She yanked her arm from his grasp. He lifted his hat and raked a hand through his hair. “I can’t take the risk that he’ll harm you when I’m not there to protect you.”

  “George, please, people are staring.”

  Cassidy’s face flamed as she scanned the street. “I don’t want to see you anymore.”

  “How can I protect you then?”

  “You have to understand. He heard we spent time together by the pond. He suspects you and I were on the verge of getting back together.”

  “All for the good. He’ll stay away from you.”

  She shook her head. “It won’t help our cause.”

  “You said yourself Quinn may be able to pry damning evidence against Madison from the school teacher. Then you won’t have to use yourself as bait.”

  “George, please I don’t want to talk about this. Or talk to you ever again.” She wheeled around and strode down the street.

  “Cassie, please...” he called out behind her.

  She refused to turn in his direction and hoped he wouldn’t follow her and create another spectacle like he had outside the mercantile. He’d hurt her for the last time, and if word got back to Madison, he’d know she was through with George. She’d have a better chance of luring him into making a mistake that would condemn him and ruin his practice.

  Footsteps behind her sent heat to her face. Unable to run from him in her long skirts, she clenched her fists and turned to face him. “Leave me be, George.”

  “I can’t.” His dark eyed gaze sought hers. “Just how involved with him are you?”

  “I know how to take care of myself.” She scowled.

  “Cassie, I...” He reached up as if to touch her but dropped his hand to his side.

  “I’ll deal with this in my own way.” She noted passersby gawking as they strode past on their way to or from the store. “I have to go.”

  The look in his eyes burned her soul. He had to know how deep he’d hurt her, or was he that dense?

  “Before you go, just oblige me in this...” He glanced around, then held her gaze. “Don’t allow him to take you anywhere alone.”

  “Do you think I’m a complete fool?” She lowered her gaze. “Goodbye, George.”

  She spun on her heel and kept walking, afraid to look back. When she finally did, he strode in the other direction.

  ****

  When Quinn arrived early in the afternoon, Cassidy took him aside. “Swear to me you’ll be here when Sarah’s time comes.”

  “Of course I will, Sis.” He glanced down the hall. “Where is everyone?”

  “Ma’s gone to the grocer’s to buy some fresh vegetables for dinner tonight, Matt’s not back from the bank, and Sarah’s likely napping.”

  “When will Wes be back from the west coast?”

  “Should be any day now. I know he doesn’t want to miss the birth of his first child.”

  “Course not.�
� Quinn studied her. “And what about you? You don’t seem yourself.”

  “It’s George. We had an argument outside the mercantile.” She gestured toward the kitchen. “But forget about him. Come on out and wash. I made lemonade.”

  Quinn grinned. “Sounds good. Lead the way.”

  While her brother washed at the sink, Cassidy poured two glasses of lemonade and settled at the table.

  Quinn joined her and took a long draught. “Ah, I sure missed your fine lemonade, Cassie.”

  She laughed. “It’s just lemonade. How could I make it any different from anyone else?”

  He grinned. “Don’t know. You just do.”

  Cassidy sighed. “Maybe you should’ve taken a position at the hospital in Harrisburg. As you can see, we don’t have much in the way of patients here.”

  He shrugged. “Nothing we can’t fix. If George can drive Madison out, all the better. We’ll be the only physicians left in town.”

  Cassidy frowned. “I’m not sure what George is doing. He’s being so damned secretive.”

  Quinn bit his lip and searched her gaze. “I know George hurt you deeply, but you can’t allow Madison to win.”

  “I don’t know.” She shook her head. “I didn’t expect George to show his face in town again. I don’t trust him.” She caught Quinn’s puzzled gaze.

  She pushed back her chair and paced the room. “I don’t know about anything anymore.” She turned and eyed her brother.

  Quinn gazed toward the window. “I don’t know what’s going on with George either. Maybe I should talk to him.”

  She pursed her lips and leaned her back against the counter. “Thank you, Quinn, but I have to do it.”

  Quinn rose and grasped her shoulder.

  “Everyone’s told me from the start he’s no good for me, a born drifter who can’t stay in one place too long, but despite all these years of trying to forget him...” She shrugged. “I can’t. When I thought he’d left me again, I wanted the earth to swallow me up whole. Am I being foolish?”

  Quinn settled his lanky frame against the counter at Cassidy’s side and took a long swallow of his drink.