A Fresh Start in Kirkham: a nineteenth century western romance Read online

  Hot and sweaty though she was, the little girl nodded solemnly, enjoying being undressed and sponged down by the kind lady.

  "That's really good of you. Name's Samuel Hoctor. I'm the new owner of the livery stables. Bought out Joe Foster a month ago. Oh, but of course you'd not know any of that at all. Now, in return, how about this evening Julia and I take you and Alice out to eat at Marie's Place. She does good food, and I take Julia to eat at Marie's most days. I'm not much of a hand in the kitchen and running the stables an all..."

  Cecelia looked at the man. He had none of the dashing good looks of her late husband. He was as tall and strongly built with broad shoulders. His hair was short and a warm brown but greying at the sides. He had a short, neatly trimmed beard. But his kindly green eyes looked tired and his face revealed a man with a lot of burdens. Hardly surprising, thought Cee, for a widower with a five-year-old daughter and a business to run. She had no doubt her own face showed something similar. She'd had no intention of getting involved with another man, but it was only dinner and Alice would love a playmate.

  "That would be lovely. Now I will take Julia out and introduce her to Alice and you go and get some of her toys and dolls."

  Cecelia nearly laughed at the sheer relief etched on the man's face as he ran off to do as he was told. She took a now rather shy Julia out to Alice, but within a minute the children were playing happily, and when Julia's father returned with a selection of toys the two girls were off in a world of their own.

  Cecelia found her first day as Dr. Davies' nurse quite relaxed in comparison with her hospital days. The hours and work level were considerably easier. Various Kirkham citizens did turn up with very minor complaints but Cee guessed that they were more curious about her than actually wanting treatment. She kept the two girls going with drinks and food and by the end of the day had cleaned and reorganized all the cupboards, the operating room and the little in-patient room. She had also made a stock list and a shopping list for the doctor to consider.

  Dr. Davies wasn't back at the day's end so Cecelia locked up, dressed the two girls and took them over to the livery stables to meet Julia's father. As they walked to Marie's Place, Cecelia had the oddest feeling. She felt as if they were a family and it was all she could do not to take Samuel Hoctor's arm. As they ate their very tasty beef casserole with potatoes she found herself looking at Samuel more than she needed to. He did not have her husband's dashing looks but his face had something else... character. She could see that this was a man of compassion, integrity and determination. Her husband had been a reckless fool given to riding dangerously, gambling and whoring. Even his parents had refused to give him more money in the end for fear he'd go through it all.

  Cecelia was shocked at the feelings she was having about Samuel. She had vowed never to have anything more to do with men and yet... She blushed at the feelings scalding through her body. In the early days of her marriage she had delighted in the marriage bed, and her husband had taught her much. Now Samuel, without any intention, was arousing those same feelings in her. She was ashamed and wondered just how she would react if Samuel tried to seduce her. The way she felt right now she'd leap into his bed without a second thought.

  Samuel, however, made no such attempt. He was lovely with the girls and extremely courteous with her but he was a model of propriety. Before she went to bed for the second night in her new home Cecelia stood naked in front of a long mirror. She was thirty years old but still a good looking woman. Many a man would want her she was sure, even if her husband had preferred his whores. Samuel had, unintentionally, made her realize she still had desires and needs of her own. Perhaps she should consider remarrying, maybe having more children.

  "Don't be so stupid, Cecelia," she told the mirror severely. "One meal with a decent man does not a marriage make. Go to bed."

  ---oOo---

  Jacob McMorran was in a rage. His agents had scoured New York and then investigated every station along the line his daughter-in-law had taken. No one remembered a woman traveling alone with a child. So many people and now over a week gone. He then thought about 'that Basetti man'. He'd bought the tickets. So, he stormed into Mr. Basetti's business office without an appointment and without waiting to be announced.

  "Basetti, what have you done with my granddaughter?"

  "Do you mean Alice McMorran?"

  "Of course, I do. Where is she?"

  "Why, with her mother of course. She's certainly not in my house."

  "Where is her damned mother? You helped her escape."

  "Escape! I wasn't aware she was a prisoner. As far as I'm concerned Mrs. Cecelia McMorran is a free agent now that your son has passed away. She asked me to purchase tickets to New York which I did and I saw her off on the train."

  "She didn't arrive in New York."

  "Well perhaps she broke her journey to stay with friends."

  "My son had no friends in that part of the world."

  "That does not surprise me. However, Cecelia may well have done. Or, perhaps she changed her mind and went to Boston. She trained in Boston so must have friends there. Maybe she's in Boston."

  Jacob McMorran felt foolish. It had not occurred to him that Cecelia might go to Boston. He snapped out a curt farewell and strode away to organize the search. Mr. Basetti sat back in his chair and chuckled. He was quite proud of his performance. Let the wretched man search Boston until Kingdom Come... he'd not find Cecelia there.

  Chapter Three

  It was only her second day as nurse to the Kirkham practice and already Cecelia was feeling at home. People had been very friendly and welcoming and only this morning Samuel had come by with Julia but stayed for a while. He had brought some materials and soon a makeshift tent was in the garden for the girls to play in or with. He even put up a pole with a scarf tied to it for a flag.

  No sooner had he gone than Dr. Davies returned. He looked exhausted, and at first she thought his patient must have died. It was not so: he had brought the child through a most terrible fever and the little boy was now recovering. However, he seemed so dissatisfied with himself.

  "I just have no idea what it was. We are so ignorant as a profession and I am just a simple country doctor so more ignorant than most. There are diseases that I simply can't name never mind fight. Praise the Lord little Aaron came through the worst, but I am not sure my hand had much to do with it."

  "Doctor Davies, that is tiredness speaking. Go to Marie's Place and have something to eat. Then come back, wash, shave and put on a clean shirt. You'll feel a lot better then."

  Doctor Davies broke into a smile. "You sound like my mam."

  "Mam?"

  "My mother. I'm from Wales, Mrs. Masters. I sometimes have difficulty making myself understood here but then I did in Edinburgh where I trained. You're quite right. I accept my doctor's orders."

  No sooner has he taken himself off to eat than Henry and Beth Flight turned up with their children. The twins (a boy named Isaac and a girl named Sarah) were sturdy children of a year old. Henry took them into the garden, where they toddled around picking things up and handing them to the girls, who were fascinated by them and extremely tolerant. Henry sat watching the children with paternal love. Beth stayed with Cecelia.

  "Your escape went well didn't it."

  "Does Henry know?"

  "Yes, but don't worry about him, he can keep a secret better than anyone I know. You and I are not the only ones that have fled to Kirkham with a new name and an unpleasant past. I'll not tell you who exactly, but Kirkham is a wonderful town for making a fresh start."

  "And you're happy? Martha told me something of your story."

  "I am very happy. Henry is a wonderful husband and a good father. The only blight is his job as sheriff. He took on the post years ago because there was no one else to do it but he has his business to run and, although Kirkham is a quiet enough town, there is always danger in being sheriff. Now his deputy has handed in his badge. The town needs a new deputy and a new sheriff but
I'll not nag him."

  Cecelia laughed. "Why not? Most women nag their men."

  Beth looked at her seriously. "Not in Kirkham. The men are in charge and they love and protect us but they expect their women to be respectful and obedient. A woman who isn't soon finds sitting down an uncomfortable business. Oh, and don't go thinking that because you're not married the doctor won't spank you. Maybe he won't as he's not been here that long, but you can't count on it. I had quite a few spankings from Henry before I learnt my lesson. Before I married him, I was even spanked by Papa Spencer, our mayor."

  "Good heavens!"

  "Oh, no man will hurt a woman in this town. No, it's just discipline. They'll not injure you and it is always because of something like disobedience. Papa Spencer spanked me because I put myself in danger and no one knew where I had gone. I thoroughly deserved it you may be sure."

  Two things then happened at the same time. Dr. Davies came into the surgery. He'd eaten, washed, shaved and put on a clean shirt and looked better as a consequence. The door to the surgery smashed open and an agitated man burst in.

  "Is the sheriff here?"

  Beth leapt up. "He's out back. I'll get him."

  Henry hurried in and the man shouted in his agitation. "Sheriff, there's three men in the saloon. Real bad uns. They want the pastor. We think they must be some o' Becker's old gang looking to get even. Pastor's out o' town on a visit but..."

  Henry looked grim and loosened the Colt Navy revolver in his holster. Beth had urged him to get a modern cartridge loading pistol but he liked his Navy and wouldn't change. Dr. Davies set off with him and Cecelia went to follow.

  "You stay right where you are, Mrs. Masters. The saloon is no place for a woman at the best of times. Make ready for possible injuries."

  Cecelia got wadding, bandages other supplies and packed them up ready to go over to the saloon but Beth stopped her. "Do as you're told Cecelia unless you want to have difficulty sitting down. If Dr. Davies doesn't spank you, Henry will."

  Cecelia could see that Beth was serious and, although she looked worried, was making no attempt to leave but instead went back into the garden to mind the children. Cecelia decided to be obedient and made herself busy by preparing the operating room for casualties.

  Henry ran all the way to the saloon but wouldn't allow Dr. Davies in. He was also very careful how he entered and saw immediately why there was such concern. The saloon had virtually emptied but those that were left looked worried and unsure what to do. The men of Kirkham were peaceful people, not used to violence, and the three who now dominated the saloon were clearly dangerous. They had not stayed together, but were split up, and it did not escape Henry's notice that wherever he stood he'd have one man to his side and one behind him.

  One was small, rat-like in appearance, and his clothing expensive but travel stained and dirty. Another was a large man whose clothing was similar. While the third, and Henry thought the most dangerous, was quite well dressed. He guessed he was the leader. All three were heavily armed. There was an air of menace, almost of evil, about the three.

  Henry was assessing the situation with grim eyes when another man came in carrying a shotgun. He was a decent young man and had been in town a few days looking for work. Now he looked grim. He nodded at Henry and took up a different position where he could watch the three men. Henry felt better with him there.

  Henry spoke only to the three. "You gentleman are bearing arms. We don't allow the carrying of weapons around town. You can store them at my office until you leave."

  All he got for his little speech was a smirk. "We have a right to bear arms under the constitution. Second amendment 1791."

  "Indeed, but not around town. You can always leave if you wish."

  "Nope, got business with the preacher."

  "There is no business that Rev. Daffern will conduct with you while you carry guns."

  "Too damn bad. We do business our way."

  "No, in this town you do business our way. Now either go or hand your weapons in."

  The violence exploded abruptly. All three of the strangers went for their guns at once. They were faster at drawing their weapons than Henry but the shotgun roared even faster. There was a scream from the smallest stranger and he went down writhing on the ground. The better dressed man fired at Henry but missed entirely. Henry's Colt Navy fired twice and Henry did not miss. The man doubled up and sank to the ground and Henry kicked his gun away before disarming him. He then turned to see what had happened with the third dangerous stranger. In truth, he was wondering why he was still unhurt.

  The moment he went for his gun the third man had been hit in the back of the legs by a well-timed shove of a table. He had lost balance and was then brought down by the combined weight of two customers. Now he was on the floor, with one of the customers sitting on his back, smacking his head every time he tried to speak, while the other sat on his legs. The two Kirkham men were grinning broadly.

  "Think this guy needs his mouth washing out with soap," one of them chuckled.

  Dr. Davies entered clearly expecting the worst. He had two casualties to attend. One was the small man whose injuries were terrible. The full force of two shotgun barrels had hit him in the stomach and lower down his body, but he still lived and was fully conscious. Dr. Davies assessed his injuries and shook his head before turning to the other. The second was the well-dressed man who taken two of the Colt's large bullets in his chest. He was mercifully unconscious and Dr. Davies immediately arranged for him to be carried over to the surgery. He also arranged for the smaller man to be carried over. He would use ether to help with his pain but he had no hope of dealing with the terrible injuries.

  While Dr. Davies and Cecelia attended the two casualties. Henry and the young man with the shotgun took the third man to the cells. Henry had no idea who the three were but guessed they were the last few of Andrew Becker's terrible gang. Becker had terrorized three states with robbery, rape, torture and murder until his gang had been ambushed and he was imprisoned. He escaped but had finally been recaptured by none other than Kirkham's very own preacher, Rev. James Daffern. Becker had been hanged for his crimes so presumably the last few of his gang sought revenge.

  Henry sent out a telegram about the man they had captured, and waited for a reply. He had no doubts that the man was wanted somewhere and he hoped it was for something serious. He had no desire to have him back again. When he'd done that he found the young man drinking coffee in the sheriff's office having returned the borrowed shotgun to the general store.

  Henry shook his hand. "Henry Flight and to my shame I don't know your name. I've heard around town you're a decent young man looking for permanent work. Well in my book it's more than decent you are. That was brave coming unasked to help me against those three vermin. I'm in your debt."

  "Name's Liam Ahearn and when I saw them I saw what they were. My conscience would not have been clear letting you go up against them unaided."

  "What's your story Liam? You're not from around here."

  "No, I'm from New York... born and bred. I was a police officer and we had our fair share of criminal gangs so I recognized the type. There's something about them not even respectable clothes disguises."

  "You were in the New York police! So why are you out here looking for work?"

  "No bad reason I swear. Just personal. To do with a girl... not to be secretive, she jilted me."

  "Could I get a reference on you?"

  "Sure. My sergeant didn't want me to go. He'd give a good reference. But why?"

  "You need a job and I need a deputy. Are you interested?"

  "Yes Sir, I am."

  "Well Liam Ahearn. I'll take you on based on my own judgment but I will need a good reference."

  "You'll get that Sir, no question. Thank you very much."

  With his new deputy, Henry went back to the doctor's surgery. Beth fell into his arms. She had been brave all the time he had been gone but seeing him unhurt was such a relief she burst int
o tears. When she heard Liam Ahearn's part she couldn't thank him enough and was delighted he was the new deputy.

  The news from Dr. Davies was somber. The smaller of the two men had lingered quite a while although Dr. Davies had eased his passing for him. The other man had not survived the operation to remove the bullets. He had never even regained consciousness. Cecelia spent some time cleaning down the small operating room. It was a poor cousin by the standards of hospitals back in the East but for Kirkham it was a great achievement. Beth stayed to look after all the children while Cee cleaned. When Samuel Hoctor came to collect Julia, and take them all to eat, he seemed different. He looked as if he wanted to hug Cecelia and stood hesitating.

  "You're alright Mrs. Masters, not too shocked by today's events?"

  "I'm a nurse Mr. Hoctor and quite used to traumatic events. I knew that life in the West could be violent at times. Although I know he was a very bad man, with many evil deeds behind him, the one with the shotgun injuries was distressing. I am so pleased Dr. Davies was able to ease his passing. No matter how evil he was, that was a horrible death."

  "Please, will you not call me Sam? I feel like my father being called Mr. Hoctor."

  "Certainly, but only if you will use Cee... Cecelia is quite a mouthful."

  Sam laughed and with the girls skipping along together holding hands Cecelia felt empowered and put her arm through Sam's. He seemed pleased. Over dinner they divided the week between them with Sam minding the two girls some days and Cee the others. Soon the girls could go to school which would make their week a lot easier.

  Later, that night, with Alice sound asleep, Cecelia made ready for bed herself. So much had happened that had set her mind racing. Sam's making of a tent for the girls had made her smile. Ralph would never have done such a thing. He barely had anything to do with Alice, whereas Sam was a loving father, if sometimes ignorant of how to look after a child. Alice was already very fond of him and was happy to hold his hand and chatter to him along with Julia.