Chapter 25

"Now little Miss Katie ... what is it gonna be .... cake ... or presents first," asked an indulgent aunt Grace, as she lifted the now empty platter from the centre of the long table.

"Pwesents," squealed the little girl, to the delight of her family and friends gathered around her at the large table in Grace's caf� for her birthday lunch. She began to bounce up and down with excitement provoking giggles and chuckles from everyone.

Grace scurried back and immediately placed an odd shaped package in front of Katie. "Well then ... this is from me an' Robert E an' Michael ... It should go with that pretty, new dress you're wearin' from ya ma an' pa ... Happy Birthday sweetie ..."

The little girl's eyes opened wide and she eagerly tore at the brown paper wrapping until a new straw bonnet was revealed, adorned with a pink ribbon and a spray of spring flowers. She immediately lifted it and plonked it on her honey-blond hair, proudly sitting up straighter so that everyone would ooh and ah as they duly did.

For the next few minutes she kept the entire company entertained as she unwrapped gift after gift - a rag doll from Colleen and Andrew, crayons and a writing tablet from Matthew and Kathleen, a doll sized perambulator from her grandma in Boston, a colourful spinning top from Brian, candy from Loren .... Soon she was surrounded by wrapping paper and ribbon, and her ma had trouble finding places to put the many toys and other gifts.

The fact was Michaela was feeling a little overwhelmed. The love being poured out on their newly three year old daughter was not only heart-warming, but humbling. Occasions such as these made her realise even more how much she belonged in Colorado Springs, that there was no other place on earth she'd rather be.

Her reverie was broken by a sudden, discordant blast from a new flute just presented to Katie by Cloud Dancing. Everyone laughed and Brian promised to teach her how to play it, hoping she'd stop blowing into it and deafening everyone. Michaela reached across and grasped it just as she put it to her lips once more. "I think you might need to practice at home first sweetheart ... before you start putting on concerts," she chuckled, tucking the flute away with the other gifts. Again there was good-natured laughter around the table, dispelling the rebellious frown on the little one's face after having had a toy taken from her. Next Dorothy handed her a parcel which too she eagerly tore open. It contained a miniature parasol, also pink. Of course it had to be opened and Sully indulgently held it over her bonneted head.

Grace, deciding that the gift-giving must be just about over, straightened and said loudly, "Think it might be time for birthday cake ... whatdya say Katie?"

"Yea!!" squealed the little girl, clapping her hands. She was obviously having the time of her life.

"I'll help you Grace," offered Colleen, scurrying after the caf� owner.

As Michaela attempted to clear away the wrapping paper, Andrew stepped forward and placed a relatively large square package in front of Katie. He bent down and informed her with a smile, "When Mr Tilson out at the Chateau heard it was your birthday Katie ... he hoped it would be alright to give you a birthday present ... he being an old friend of your mother's ... He asked me to make sure you got it .." He slid the package closer to her and her eyes opened wide with anticipation once more.

Catching Adrian's name, Michaela spun around and watched with horror as the package was placed before Katie. Giving little thought as to how it would appear, she whisked the parcel away from her tiny daughter and offered with a forced smile, "I'll open it for you sweetheart ... its ... its heavy, and the ribbon has a knot in it ..."

Sully's brow creased in consternation at Michaela's strange action, especially when he spied her hands trembling as she struggled to undo the red ribbon.

Dorothy too, watched Michaela in puzzlement. Why was it that every time that man's name was mentioned Michaela acted out of character. She also noticed her friend's nervousness.

"You want me to do that?" asked Sully quietly of Michaela as he came up behind her.

"Ah .. no .. its alright ... I'll get it," she replied, at last pulling the ribbon free and placing the parcel down on the end of the table.

By this time Katie was standing on her seat, watching with excitement as the contents of the parcel were revealed. It was a large, square, carved box, decorated and painted with a letter of the alphabet on each side. Each corner was edged with superbly finished, impressed brass and it had a large brass clasp on one side.

"Open it mama!" urged Katie, her face alight. "Open it!"

Michaela took a deep breath and carefully unfastened the clasp, ready to quickly conceal the contents of the box if need be. As the clasp came undone, the lid unexpectedly flew from her shaking hands and sprang open. She jumped and paled in shock at the sudden occurrence, abruptly slumping down onto the wooden seat behind her. Those around her with their eyes fixed on the mysterious box laughed and clapped and Katie squealed with delight, "Do agin mama!" Those with their eyes on Michaela were disturbed by her demeanour and her newly wan complexion.

Revealed, was a garishly dressed and decorated Jack in the Box, which now bounced aimlessly on the end of his spring, waiting to be concealed once more in the confines of his carved house, before surprising another unwary visitor.

Sully quickly leant forward, picked up the box and placed it in front of Katie. "Maybe you'd like ta do it this time Kates," he said, his mind on Michaela, whose colour had not yet returned. For the next several minutes Katie kept the gathering amused with her squeals of delight each time the box came open and the Jack sprang into sight once more. All the while, Sully stood behind Michaela, his hands resting reassuringly on her shoulders. He was convinced her sudden listlessness and pallid complexion were not merely due to the surprise of the Jack in the Box, and he secretly resolved to find out what was going on.

Dorothy too kept an eye on her friend. During the past weeks, she'd kept her peace about Mr Tilson and Michaela's odd reaction to him, but perhaps it was time to find out more. She'd never seen Michaela intimidated by anyone, and yet that's exactly how she was acting. If her friend was in some sort of trouble, it was time someone got her to open up about it so they could help her. That was the trouble with Michaela. She tended to keep things to herself. It was alright to be independent, but that didn't mean that a friend or family member, she glanced across at Sully, couldn't help when the need arose.

In turn, Dorothy was also aware of curious eyes fixed on her. Often during the party she'd caught Loren watching her speculatively. In the past, she'd have known the reason why his eyes were on her. He'd been known to declare his love on several occasions. However, ever since Marjorie Quinn arrived on the scene, she'd known that Loren's affections finally lay elsewhere. To tell the truth, she'd been relieved. She did love the man, but more as a brother than anything else, and when Marjorie died, she'd been there to comfort him as best she could. She was sure they'd both recognised that was as far as their relationship would ever go.

Cloud Dancing leant across the table to help Katie, brushing her arm in so doing, and Dorothy blushed and had to stop herself from resting her hand over his. She'd honestly thought she'd never find love again, yet Cloud Dancing made her heart sing. Again she caught Loren watching her. Did he suspect? No, that was ludicrous. She and Cloud Dancing had done nothing untoward, nothing that could lead to a person wondering about their relationship. Now Loren smiled at her, and then gave her an almost imperceptible nod of his head. What was he trying to tell her? That he knew about her relationship, even her marriage, with Cloud Dancing? That he understood and accepted it? She shook her head ruefully, dismissing the notions as wishful thinking, and turned her attention back to the Sullys.

Gradually, as everyone sang happy birthday, helped Katie blow out her candles, enjoyed Grace's best chocolate cake, and then eventually drifted away to their respective homes or businesses, Michaela's spirits revived. So, by the time they were ready to leave she was back to her old self, giving heartfelt thanks to everyone for their participation in Katie's birthday. She hugged Grace to her. "Thank-you once again for all your help," she said with a smile. "Katie had a wonderful time .." She glanced across at her daughter who had fallen asleep in her pa's arms, her new bonnet sitting askew on her head.

Grace giggled. "We *all* had a good time Dr Mike ... there aint nothin' like seein' a little one's excitement at havin' a birthday ... or at Christmas ... its good for the soul," she rejoined. She nodded towards Katie and chuckled. "I reckon she'd gonna sleep good tonight ...."

Michaela smiled. "I think you're right ... though she'll probably be more than ready to continue celebrating after she's had her nap," rejoined Michaela indulgently.

"Everythin's in the wagon," called Matthew as he approached. "Ready ta go?"

Colleen, with William asleep in her arms, joined them, prompting Michaela to agree, "We'd better be heading home ... another little person is going to be needing some attention soon too .." She again hugged Grace, shooed everyone towards the wagon and scurried after them.

**********************
Dorothy lined up at the telegraph office window, mentally composing the two telegrams she intended to send. At last it was her turn, and she was almost relieved to see that it would be the young man, Freddy McFarlane, she would be dealing with. She'd been worried Horace would be curious about the strange content of the telegrams, but Freddy hadn't been in town long and would probably pay no mind to the request for information they contained.

After she'd dictated the two lengthy missives, and Freddy had read them back to her, she delved into her purse and withdrew the requisite fifty cents. "Thanks, Freddy," she said with a smile. "They'll go today won' they?"

"Sure will Mrs Jennings," the young man replied, successfully concealing his curiosity about the strange telegrams.

Dorothy nodded and stepped away from the window and Freddy sat himself at the telegraph. Before transmitting the wires, he contemplated their contents once more. It seemed he wasn't the only person curious, and perhaps even wary, about a certain Chateau manager. Then he shook his head. Perhaps Mrs Jennings was writing an article on the man, however she was certainly going to a lot of trouble if that's all it was about.

He began to tap out the messages, the first to the Philadelphia Post editor, and the second to Mrs Rebecca Marchand in Boston. All the while his mind was spinning. When he'd finished, he sat for a moment, trying to decide whether he would take the course of action which had come to mind. At last, he began to send another message - to his father in St Louis. Perhaps, for once, he was going to find his father's wealth and influence a help instead of a hindrance.

**********************
Sully sat on the footstool by the fire in their bedroom and watched Michaela brush her hair until it shone. Preoccupied with his concern for her, he removed his boots and pulled his shirt out from the restriction of his buckskins. He'd been hoping she'd say something, anything, about the incident this afternoon, but she'd avoided the topic completely. Tilson's Jack in the Box now sat amongst Katie's toys in her room and she'd insisted on one more play with it before settling down to sleep. It was an expensive toy for a mere acquaintance to give to a child he barely knew. Surprisingly, even to himself, the gift puzzled, rather than rankled Sully. He ran his fingers through his hair and eyed Michaela worriedly. Something was going on and it was time he was let in on it.

He took a deep breath and said matter-of-factly, "Are ya gonna ta tell me what's goin' on Michaela?"

The brush stilled in her hands, but she didn't turn to face him. At last she said mildly, "Going on?" and resumed the brushing.

"You know what I mean ..."

"No .. no .. I don't," she replied, the rhythmic brushing unfaltering.

"I saw your face this afternoon ..."

Again the brush stilled. "I .. I .. still don't know what you mean," she said, her tone subdued.

"When Andrew gave Katie Tilson's present ...," he explained, his patience already wearing thin.

"I ... I ... got a fright ..." She resumed the brushing.

"I don' mean *after* ya opened the box ... I mean when ya heard the present was from Tilson .. before it was even unwrapped ..."

She placed the brush down deliberately on the dresser, but refused to turn around. "You're imagining things Sully," she said, now much less sure of herself.

"No I weren't .. I saw ya ... You were scared Michaela ... Why?"

"Scared?" she asked, sceptically.

"Uh huh ... it was in your eyes ... like maybe whatever was in that box might hurt Katie ... Was that it?"

She took a deep breath. He saw her shoulders rise and fall. "It was nothing Sully," she said, desperately hoping he'd let the subject drop.

"Aint nothin' when it involves my daughter ... our daughter ...," he rejoined, an involuntary sharp edge to his voice. He stood and walked across to her, placing his hands on her shoulders. "I need ya tell me," he exhorted. "You've bin actin' strange ever since this fella arrived in town." She raised her eyes to observe him in the mirror and his breath caught when he saw the tears shimmering in them. He moved around and squatted down in front of her. "What's goin' on?" he asked again, now much more gently. She turned her head away, as if ashamed. He gently reached out and cupped her face, bringing her eyes back to meet his. "Ya can tell me," he implored tenderly.

She swallowed and then brushed at the single tear which had escaped and was silently rolling down her cheek. At last she murmured, "He frightens me Sully..."

He grasped her hands and held them tightly. "Has he hurt ya?" he asked, the anger already rising in him.

She shook her head and muttered evasively, "We've hardly met since he arrived in town ..."

His brow creased. "Then why are ya frightened?" he asked, puzzled.

She too frowned. "That's just it ... there's not one *single* thing he's done ... and if I told you what he does do ... you'd think I was silly for being frightened ..."

"I'd never think that," he rejoined immediately. "It aint like you to be scared of anythin' ... tell me about it ..."

She dropped her eyes to her lap. At last she said, "He watches me .."

"Watches you?"

"Mmm ... I feel like he knows my every movement when I'm in town ... he stands on the saloon porch and watches me ..." She raised pained eyes to his. "Do you have any idea how disconcerting that can be?" she asked, beginning to sound angry. When he shook his head, she went on in a rush, "He wasn't in Denver to buy napery ... it was an excuse ... just like all the other times ... He was watching me ... staying close ... He used to do it in my last year of college ... no matter how many times I told him I had a beau back in Boston ... no matter how many times I rejected his company on the way back to the boarding house ... or at gatherings in people's homes ... he'd still be there ... watching me ...joining me ..." She shook her head, already sorry for her outburst. "See ... I told you you'd think I was being silly ..."

He squeezed her hands reassuringly. "I don' think that Michaela ... like I said .. you aint the sorta person who's gonna take on about somethin' if there aint no cause ..." He paused, his brow creased in thought. Finally he added, "But that don' explain the way ya acted about the present ... like there might be somethin' in there ta hurt Katie ..."

Again she lowered her eyes, loath to say too much more. "Its hard to explain Sully," she said softly.

"Try ...," he entreated.

"I ... I ... told him I didn't like his attention ...just the other day ..."

"Ya told him? How? Ya said you've hardly talked to him ..."

"I wrote him a note ... telling him ... I thought he might be angry," she murmured, shame-faced.

"An' take it out on Katie?" he asked incredulously.

She shrugged. "He's unpredictable Sully ... I just didn't know ..."

"So things've happened before?" he asked, his voice once again tinged with suppressed anger.

She nodded. "I don't understand him Sully ... I suppose that's why he frightens me ...," she admitted.

Sully abruptly stood and strode across to stare down into the dancing fire, then he spun around to face her. "You want me ta talk to him? ... Cos I will ... if ya want me to ..."

She immediately shook her head. "No ... please don't ... after all ... what has he really done? Watched me from the porch of the saloon ... given Katie an expensive birthday present ... he can hardly be run out of town for those things ...," she stated, trying to inject some humour into the situation, and conveniently omitting the roses story.

Sully's eyes narrowed. "I still reckon there's somethin' ya aint tellin' me ..." He stepped toward her. "I'll listen," he offered.

She shook her head again and stood. "I'm sure there's no need to worry .. I'm just going to have to overcome my disliking for the man," she assured him with a smile. "But thank-you for being so chivalrous ..." She shrugged off her robe. "You ready for bed?"

Again the subject was closed. At least this time he had some answers, even if they were meagre. He was going to keep an eye on this Tilson fella ... and an even closer eye on Michaela. If she was in any danger at all, he was going to make sure she was protected. He wasn't sure how he was going to do that yet, but he'd sleep on it. Of course, what he most wanted to do was go out to the Chateau and talk to the fella himself. The man had no right to be watching his wife, and frightening her. Truth is, he'd like to do more than talk. His fists clenched at his sides. But he'd have to respect Michaela's wishes ... for now.

He strode across to William's crib to check he was well covered up, and then turned back to Michaela. "Yeah ... I'm ready for bed," he said. "Climb in ... an' I'll blow out the lamps."

Chapter 26

Michaela came down the stairs and entered the main room of the clinic, striding across to pick up her bag. "William's sound asleep Colleen," she said. "I'll go across to Hank's to check on Myrna before my first patient." She continued on and pulled the clinic door open.

"I'll keep an ear out for him ma, in case he stirs," Colleen assured her, as she placed a half-filled glass bottle back on a shelf.

"Thanks sweetheart," Michaela replied. "I won't be long." She pulled the door shut and then paused on the porch step, her eyes adjusting to the bright spring sunshine. As had become habit lately, she glanced across to the saloon porch before stepping down and crossing the street. Of course Adrian wasn't there. He never was this early in the day. She guessed he was always busy this time of the morning out at the Chateau, something for which she was very thankful. She'd noticed the last two days that Sully's eyes had immediately been directed the same way when he dropped her off before going out to Matthew's, and of course his glare was more pointed when he picked her up after lunch, for on most occasions Adrian was there, just watching. She felt better knowing she'd told Sully some of it. She felt lighter somehow, though still a little guilty that she hadn't told him all. She just felt she couldn't. Adrian was her dear friend Miriam's brother and as long as he did nothing untoward she would not betray her friend.

She waited for a couple of riders to pass and then strode purposefully across the street. Myrna was supposed to have come in for a check-up the day before, but had missed her appointment and Michaela was worried about her. She pushed the swing doors of the saloon open and entered to see Hank leaning against the bar, counting his takings from the night before. His eyebrows rose when he saw her and he asked laconically, "Lookin' for somethin' Michaela?"

She stopped and turned to face him. "Myrna didn't come in for her check-up yesterday Hank," she said, a touch of accusation in her tone.

He shrugged. "Myrna's a grown woman ... she can make her own mind up about things like that," he said offhandedly.

Michaela bit her tongue, and asked as evenly as she could, "Do you know if she's in her room?"

"I aint seen her come out this mornin'," he replied. "So I guess so." He bowed slightly and mockingly indicated she was welcome to go through to the rooms. She did not deign to offer a retort, she merely nodded and continued on through.

She stopped at the young woman's room, knocked lightly and pushed the door open. Myrna scrambled up from her bed, pulling her flimsy robe around her bare shoulders. "Ah ... Dr Mike ... I wasn' expectin' ya," she muttered, running her fingers through her unruly, naturally curly, brown hair.

"Well ... I thought if you weren't going to come and see me ... I'd better come and see you," rejoined Michaela, walking into the centre of the room. She was relieved to note that while Myrna was clearly disconcerted by her unannounced arrival, she had not been abused again. She approached the young woman. "I just wanted to check on your injuries ... know that you were healing ... that's all," she said gently.

Myrna slumped down on the edge of the bed. "I'm just fine Dr Mike," she rejoined. "Just fine .."

Michaela squatted down and peered at the poor woman's bruised face. She reached out and gently touched her cheekbone just under the eye where the bruise was turning an odd yellow-brown colour. "The bruising's definitely improving," she murmured. "And there appears to be no damage to your eye socket ... you were very lucky .."

"How long before the bruise's gone Dr Mike?" asked Myrna. "Its kinda ugly .."

"Oh .. it'll probably take a good week yet," replied Michaela assuredly and then she smiled. "It still has a variety of colours to go through before it finally fades ... Now let me look at this cut." She carefully peeled back the dressing and then nodded her head in approval. "It's healing nicely too .." She sat back on her heels and looked up into Myrna's eyes. "I trust you haven't seen any more of your attacker?" she asked. The young woman instantly looked away. "Myrna ... he hasn't been here again has he?" Michaela asked worriedly.

"He's bin by," replied Myrna quietly, but then she straightened. "Fact is he came ta tell me he was sorry ... even brought me them flowers ..." She nodded towards a vase of daisies on the dresser. "He was real nice ... promised he wouldn' ever hit me agin ..."

"You don't believe him?!" asked Michaela incredulously.

"No reason not too," replied Myrna defiantly. "Like I said ... he was real nice ... an' real sorry ..."

"My experience as a doctor suggests that a man who is abusive ... uh ... hurts a woman ... is likely to do it again ... no matter how many times he insists he won't," explained Michaela, her face colouring in anger.

"Look Dr Mike ... I told ya ... I like him ... he treats me good," said Myrna patiently, her eyes dropping when she saw the fire in Michaela's. "He was real mad that day," she went on. "An' when he came here ... after ... there weren't none of that in him ... he was calm ... like he usually is ..." She suddenly stood and walked barefooted across the room to the vase of flowers on the dresser. "I aint had a fella bring me flowers before ... do ya know how that feels?" She turned to face Michaela. "Course ya do ... but I didn' til he came along ..." She pulled her robe more securely around herself. "In my job ... ya take the good with the bad," she said, her voice and expression hardening against the anticipated protests.

Michaela's eyes narrowed. It seemed there was little she could say to convince the girl that something should be done about her attacker. She stood and picked up her bag, then said resignedly, "Promise me you'll call me if ... when ... he does this again ..."

Myrna's jaw clenched. "It aint gonna happen agin ... I told ya ..."

Michaela shrugged. "Have it your own way," she said wearily. "But you don't have to go through this you know ..."

The young woman shook her head. "That aint the way this works Dr Mike ... you don' know nothin' 'bout what goes on here ... you with your pretty husband ... an' cute kids ..." She suddenly seemed to regret her scornful tone. "I'm sorry ... that was rude o' me ... thanks for comin' over ... but I'll be fine now ... Can I go back to work?"

"I'd rather you didn't," replied Michaela with a frown.

"But I can," finished Myrna with satisfaction.

Michaela did not reply. Somehow, giving a girl permission to go back to selling her body went against everything she believed in. She pulled the bedroom door open and dejectedly left.

************************
Sully watched Michaela stride across the street to Hank's and disappear through the swing doors. She'd told him about the girl who'd got hurt, and that she wanted to check up her today. He waited to see if she'd reappear and when she didn't, he stepped up onto the clinic porch and slipped inside without knocking.

Colleen heard the footsteps and then the door opening and her face broke into a broad smile when she saw her visitor. "Hey Sully," she said welcomingly. "Ma's just gone across to the Nugget to see a patient."

Sully returned his daughter's smile. "I know Colleen ... saw her go ..." He ventured further into the room. "Actually I wanted ta speak to you .."

The young woman immediately stopped what she was doing and walked across to the room towards him. "You sound serious pa ... somethin' wrong?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "To be honest .. I aint sure ..." He leant against the examination table, his legs crossed at the ankles. He took a deep breath. "You ... you seen that Tilson fella round here much?" he tentatively asked.

Colleen's eyes narrowed. "Not here ... in the clinic ...," she replied. "But over at the saloon ... most days ..." She gave the matter some thought. "Actually ... the days ma's in town ...," she added, as if only now realising the fact.

"So ... he aint bin across here?" asked Sully again, watching her.

Her brow creased in thought. "I've seen him over this side of the street a coupla times ... but ma hasn't been here ...," she mused. "I saw him one day ... I was coming back from the livery ... it looked like he'd just come out the door ... but when I got here ... it was locked ... I must o' bin mistaken ..." She moved closer to Sully. "You're worried about him an' ma ... aren't you?"

"Maybe not in the way you think Colleen," rejoined Sully, his mind spinning.

"I don' reckon ma likes him," suggested Colleen, as if attempting to put his mind at rest.

"What makes ya say that?"

She shrugged. "It's the way she acts when he's around ... like she's real uncomfortable ... an' would rather be somewhere else ..."

"That the way it was in Denver?"

"Uh huh ... she kept inching away from him ... took me a while to work out what was happenin'," she replied, then she frowned. "I don' reckon I like him much either .."

"Why's that?"

"It's the way he looks at her pa ... that supper in Denver ... it was like Kathleen an' me weren't there ... he kept leanin' towards her an' smilin' at her ... I could tell she was real uncomfortable ..."

He nodded. "She told me ...," he granted.

"So .. you gonna talk to him?" asked Colleen guilelessly.

He chuckled wryly. "I'd like to ...," he admitted.

"But?"

"But ya ma don' want me to ... says he aint done anythin' 'cept look at her ...," he rejoined. "He aint got the right!" he added more vehemently.

Colleen leant back against the examination table beside him. "So what are we gonna do about him?" she asked.

"That's what I wanted to talk to ya about Colleen," stated Sully, turning to face her. "I got a feelin' he's more dangerous 'an he looks ... so I was wonderin' if you'd do somethin' for me?"

"Course pa ... whatdya want me ta do?"

"Stay close to her," he rejoined immediately. "When she's workin' here at the clinic ... I know that'll mean tyin' ya down a bit ... but I'm worried about her ..."

"How's that gonna help pa?" she asked, a little puzzled by his request.

Sully's jaw clenched and his eyes took on a faraway look. "I got a feelin' he won' do anythin' ... or say anythin' ... if someone else is around," he suggested. "Have ya noticed how he never comes up ta talk to ya ... just watches from the porch over there ... the only time I ever saw him talkin' to your ma ... an' she was upset by it .. was when he got her alone ... out at the Chateau ..."

"There were three of us at supper in Denver," she reminded him.

"That's true ... but he wasn' able ta say anythin' to upset her ... was he?" he adjured.

Colleen nodded in agreement. "I'll stay close ta ma ...," she vowed. "I don' wanna ever see anyone hurt her ..." She grasped Sully's hand. "Or you," she added.

He squeezed her hand. "Thanks Colleen," he said sincerely. "Ya ma's got enough on her plate right now ... what with William an' all ..."

Again Colleen nodded. "She's bin lookin' real tired ... I guess havin' Mr Tilson worrying her hasn't bin helpin'," she mused.

"Do ya think she started back at work too soon after William?" asked Sully worriedly.

Colleen chuckled. "I'm not even gonna enter into that one," she said wryly. "I tried ta persuade her she didn' have ta work four mornings a week ... but you know ma ..."

This time Sully chuckled. "Sure do," he agreed.

Colleen gave him a guarded look. "Andrew could look after the clinic again," she said matter-of-factly. "He did it for the more 'an three months before an' after she had William .."

"What are ya tryin' ta tell me Colleen?" asked Sully, puzzled.

"Just suggesting it might be good for her ... an' you ... ta git away for a bit ... is all," she suggested. "When me an' Andrew head off ta Philadelphia in September ... there'll be no more chances ... she'll have ta work at the clinic every day ..."

He shook his head, though his eyes were alight. "I'd never git her to agree," he argued, somewhat thoughtfully.

"Take her somewhere she's never bin before .. but maybe wanted ta go ... like San Francisco ... to see Miriam ...," she proposed.

He shook his head. "But I couldn' go ... not right now ... I couldn' let Matthew down agin ..."

Colleen smiled. Typical Sully! "Matthew told me the other day you're all way ahead of schedule now ... since Hank's bin goin' out there ta help most days ..."

"That's true," agreed Sully thoughtfully. "But I'll still never git her ta agree ..."

"I've known you to persuade her to do things before ... you can only try," recommended Colleen.

He suddenly bent to kiss her on the forehead. "You're right," he agreed with a smile. "Takin' her away gits her outta Tilson's clutches ... an' gives her more time ta recuperate from havin' William ... I'll see what I can do ... thanks Colleen." He straightened, now looking much more optimistic.

"You're welcome pa ... an' good luck," she rejoined, pleased by his confiding in her.

He started towards the door. "Ah ... Colleen ... don' tell anyone else about it ... will ya ... If we do go ... I'd rather Tilson didn' find out ... don' want what happened in Denver to happen agin ..."

She frowned. "San Francisco's a lot further away than Denver pa ... I doubt he'd be able to get away from the Chateau for such a long trip ... When he went to Denver it was just for a coupla nights ...""

He nodded. "You're right ... but I'd still rather ya didn' say anythin' ... If he heard we were gonna visit his sister ..."

She nodded. "It could give him the excuse he wanted," she completed for him. She followed him to the door. "I won't say a thing ... I promise ..."

He turned to once more kiss her on the forehead. "Thanks again Colleen," he said as he pulled the door open and exited.

***********************
A knock at the clinic door drew a sigh from Michaela. She glanced up at the clock. She'd been hoping to finish early. She stood, straightened her skirt and then went across to open the door to her next patient. She was surprised to see who it was on the doorstep. "Teresa," she exclaimed softly. "Come in."

The mayor's wife nodded her head and preceded Michaela inside. Once the door had been closed she turned and addressed the doctor. "I'm sorry Dr Quinn ... Michaela ... I hope it is not too late ... the children are having an early lunch ... this is the only opportunity I have .."

"Of course its not too late," rejoined Michaela immediately. "Please sit down ... tell me why you've come ..."

The reserved young woman sat herself opposite Michaela at the desk and dropped her eyes to her hands which were nervously twisting a handkerchief in her lap. At last Michaela prompted, "Teresa?" She heard the woman take a deep breath and then she slowly raised her eyes.

"I believe Jacob has already spoken to you ...," she said with dignity.

Michaela raised her eyebrows seeking further clarification.

"About my worry ... that I have not yet conceived ..."

Michaela nodded. "He spoke of it briefly, " she admitted, not given to concealing the truth.

Teresa shook her head. "I believed this to be the case .. He frets about me ..."

"He loves you," Michaela rejoined with sincerity.

"And I love him," agreed the younger woman, her tone low and soft.

"He was concerned you refused to discuss it," said Michaela, treading warily.

"It is my fault ... it should not be Jacob's worry," Teresa defended.

"You don't know that Teresa ... and Jake wants to share with you ... a married couple must share if they're to live together happily ... peacefully ..."

The mexican woman nodded. "I now know this to be true ... we have talked much these past few weeks ... Jacob has tried to tell me that it is his problem also ...," she admitted. She met Michaela's eyes. "I did not want to be examined previously ... I did not want to know I could not conceive ... I wanted to hope always ... but I believe it is time ..."

Michaela stood and smiled. "Certainly I'll take a look at you ... Have you ever had such an examination before?" she asked. Teresa shook her head nervously and Michaela gave her a reassuring smile. "It won't hurt ... although it may be uncomfortable for a short time." She stood, circled her desk and then motioned Teresa towards the examination table. "Come ... let's do it now ... and we'll see if there is any problem ..."

Some fifteen minutes later, Michaela stood thoroughly washing her hands at a china bowl while Teresa buttoned up the back of her skirt. She kept darting the doctor anxious looks and as soon as Michaela turned towards her, asked tensely, "Well?"

Michaela immediately strode across to her and lay her arm comfortingly on the younger woman's shoulder. "I can find nothing wrong Teresa ... from what you've told me ... and the examination ... there should be no reason why you can't conceive ..."

The woman's shoulders first sagged with relief and then she straightened and asked a little imperiously, "Well then why hasn't it happened? It has now been more than fourteen months ..."

Michaela indicated that she should sit once again at the desk. When they were seated facing each other, she began to explain, "Medical science has a long way to go in this area Teresa ... My examination ... as far as I am able to examine you ... tells me there is nothing wrong ... however there may be other things which are effecting your ability to conceive ... something genetic ... your cycle ..." She lowered her eyes. "Even Jake," she mumbled, always a little embarrassed when discussing such matters.

"It cannot be Jacob," asserted Teresa immediately. "So there is nothing you can do ... or say?" she asked.

"Only that every woman is different ... some women find it easy to conceive .. too easy some would say ... others ... like Grace ... can wait years ... but it does usually happen in the end ..." She met the worried woman's eyes. "Grace waited more than five years ... no-one knew what the problem was ... but now they have Michael .."

Teresa's eyes suddenly swam with tears. "I have dreamed of having children for so long," she rejoined. "Being raised in the orphanage gave me the desire to have children ... to give them the love only a mother can give ... If it does not happen ..." She trailed off and reached for her handkerchief.

Michaela, filled with sympathy, watched the woman grapple with her emotions. She leant forward and said compassionately, "I understand how you feel ... but you have to believe it will happen ... please don't give up hope ... if you like I could refer you to Dr Bernard in Denver ... he's a women's medicine specialist ... he has the most up to date knowledge ..."

Teresa shook her head and gave Michaela a wan smile. "In a few days school will be over for the summer ... I will have time to think about things then ... Meanwhile I will take your advice ... I will not give up hope ... at least we know there is nothing obvious causing the problem." She raised her eyebrows hopefully and fixed her eyes on Michaela. "This is a good thing .. no?"

Michaela nodded. "Yes ... a very good thing ... Perhaps .. when you are more relaxed during the summer ... something will happen," she suggested kindly. "Oh ... and recent research suggests that the best time is mid-way through your cycle ... so perhaps if you keep a record ..."

The younger woman nodded. "I will do this and will pray that this is so ..." She stood and held out her hand. "Thank-you Michaela ... for myself ... and also for Jacob ..."

"You're welcome Teresa ... I too will pray that it happens for you ..." She walked alongside the woman to the clinic door.

At the door, Teresa turned. "You will be coming to Brian's graduation on Friday ... will you not? ..."

Michaela nodded and sighed. "I can't believe he's finishing school ... it doesn't seem all that long ago when the schoolhouse was newly built and he was so excited about attending ..."

Teresa smiled. "He is a very intelligent boy ... with a lively imagination and much compassion for people ... he will go far ..."

Michaela swallowed. "I hope you mean that in the figurative sense Teresa ... I don't want to lose him just yet ..."

The schoolteacher shook her head. "You will not lose him ... ever ... even if he decides to go away to college ... He loves his mama ... and his family ..."

"I hope you're right," rejoined Michaela. "With Colleen in all likelihood heading off to Philadelphia in September ... having Brian leave too ..." She trailed off.

Teresa smiled and grasped the doctor's hand. "Things change Michaela ... but people do not ... Remember that ..."

Michaela nodded resignedly, and then watched pensively as Teresa strode across the street and into the meadow, heading for the schoolhouse.

*******************
"Ready ta go?" asked Sully, greeting Michaela at the clinic door some twenty minutes later. She nodded tiredly as she pulled her buckskin coat on over her sky blue skirt and blouse. "You alright?" he asked with concern.

"Mmm ... its just been a very busy morning," she rejoined, offering little information of substance.

"Wanna talk about it?" he asked, watching her lock the clinic door behind her.

"Not really ... I just want to go home," she replied, handing William to him so she could climb up into the wagon.

Before setting off, Sully glared across the street at Tilson, standing nonchalantly on the saloon porch, just watching. Michaela was right. It *was* disconcerting being watched, even when one knew one wasn't the actual object of the attention. He turned back to see that Michaela also had her eyes directed across the street. "Ignore him Michaela," he recommended softly.

She sighed. "Its hard," she said quietly, dejectedly.

"I know it ... but don' give him the satisfaction of gittin' your attention ... that's probably what he wants ...," rejoined Sully, placing his arm around her shoulders and drawing her close. His eyes again flicked across the street. Tilson was still watching. With a touch of devilry, he pulled Michaela even closer and then kissed her lightly on the lips. "Let's git outta here," he said softly, flicking the reins. As they set off, he couldn't resist a look back at the man on the porch whose eyes were now spitting fire. When he noticed Sully watching him, he turned angrily on his heel and entered the saloon. Sully couldn't help but smile to himself in triumph. Tilson had met his match if he thought he was somehow going to bypass him to get to Michaela, or even get Michaela interested for that matter.