The Montana Doctor's Bride (New Brides of Montana) (3 page)

It
was still dark when Elizabeth stirred.  She started when she realized she is in Carter’s arms and in his bed.  Then she remembered the circumstances that led to her being here. 

The movement roused him; the arms that had comforted her, now embrace her.  Her head fit perfectly in the hollow of his neck and shoulders.  In what seemed to be a natural actual act, she lightly kissed his neck.  Pulling her to him, he pressed his mouth to hers, his lips parting hers in a massage that sent her reeling.  The touch sent tremors racing throughout her body.  She returned the kiss.  It had been more than two years since she had been kissed.  She was shocked at her response to his touch.  It brought her dormant senses to life. 

His hand cupped her breast, causing them to surge at the intimacy of his touch.  He unbuttoned the top of her gown.  Slowly.  One button at a time.  His hand slid inside and contacted the sensitive skin of her breast.  In a slow, circular motion, he massaged the smooth, sensitive mound, as low, soft moans escaped her lips.

Her nightgown had crept up with the movement, and she felt the firmness of his staff against her thigh.  He began to slip his hand beneath the raised gown, moving slowly upward.  As his fingers crept upward, she felt herself become moist, increasing as she found his manhood and began stroking, marvelling at the speed with which it hardened. 

He raised himself and using both hands, slid her pantaloons down, he removed his shorts, and rolled over, lowering himself on her.  Now he lifted her gown above her hips, as she squirmed beneath him.  His hard body was atop her.  It was flesh against flesh; man against woman.  She gasped as he entered her folds and began moving.  She arched her back to meet him, moving against his thrusts.  She began moving faster as her emotions took over and drove her to completion.  She continued moving as she felt him tense and begin pulsing.

In the afterglow of the lovemaking, Elizabeth felt herself relaxing, her tensions washed away.  After a few minutes, she got out of the bed and made her way to her room, wondering at the lack of remorse for the activity in which she had just participated. 
I needed that
, she thought. 
After what we went through last night, it seemed natural.  I needed comforting and he obliged.  There was nothing wrong with what we did.

* * *

In the kitchen, she had just put the coffee on to boil when she heard sounds from the back.  Carter was up.  He came down the hall, and into the kitchen.  “Elizabeth, I…”

“Don’t say anything, please.  After that poor woman last night, I needed to be close to someone and you were there.  What happened, happened.  I have no regrets, and you shouldn’t either.” 

She poured a cup of coffee and handed the steaming cup to him.  “What time do you have to leave?”

“The train leaves at two,” he said.

“I’m going to miss you,” she said.  “It’s been nice having you around, I hope you find what you’re looking for, I truly do.”

“Thank you,” he said.  “I don’t even know what it is; I just feel it’s something I have to do.  Just so you know, I didn’t sell the house, whatever it is might even be here.  If it is, then I will have a place to come back to.

“Would you like for me to write or would that bother you?” he asked. 

“Please write.  We’ve known each other for a long time.  As a friend, I care about what happens to you, and would like to know you’re well.”

“I appreciate all the help you’ve been to me.  I realize I’ve taken advantage of your willingness to help, but thank you.”

“Until that poor woman died last night, I enjoyed being a part of your work.  After going through last night, I don’t see how you, or any doctor can do it.  The image of her husband will be with me for a long time.”

“I can’t say you get used to it, because I never have.  You just push on.  I need to get moving.  I want to go by the cemetery.  I need to say goodbye to Lucy.”

Noon. Elizabeth’s house…

“Your carriage is here, Carter, she called out.”

He had a carpetbag and a small trunk.  The trunk contained his instruments and some medicines.  He carried them to the front door.  “Thank you again, Elizabeth.  I’ll write.”

“You’re welcome.  It’s not the proper thing to do, but would you kiss me goodbye?” she asked.

He took her in his arms, and kissed her gently.  She tightened her arms around his neck, and took the kiss deeper, low, soft sounds came from deep within her, as she did so.

“Be well,” she said, “and I hope you find what you’re looking for.”

“Thank you, Elizabeth.  You’ve been a good friend,” he said, and gathered his things and walked through the door to the waiting carriage.

On the way to the train depot, he took a long look at the rundown buildings.  Only a few had been restored to their pre-war condition.  As he passed Jim Gilbride’s office, he could see a lamp burning in the window. 

Even though
it’s the weekend, he’s probably taking care of a patient.
 
He’s going to be busier with me leaving.  Goodbye, old friend.  I’m sorry to do this to you, but I need to put this behind me,
he thought to himself.

The trip to Montana took six days with the last three on a stagecoach.  Upon arrival, he took a room in the newly built International Hotel, with the intention of moving once he was set on what he was going to do.

At the bank, he met the owner, and said, “I’m Doctor Carter Palmer.  He gave the owner of the bank the letter of introduction from his Rockville bank.  “I would like to open an account,” he said.  “I believe you’re a correspondent with my bank in Maryland.”

“Cal Hawkins,” the man said.  “I’m the owner of the bank.  I would have to check, but we are correspondent with many of the eastern banks.  I can open an account for you.  How much were you thinking of depositing with us.”

“I haven’t decided that yet.  I may not even stay in Helena.  I am also considering going on to Oregon.  If I were to stay here, I would be interested in renting space since I would probably open an office here,” he said.  “Does the bank have any properties available?”

“Indeed we do.  We have several that were abandoned when their owners left for the gold fields, and we had to take them.  What location would you be interested in?” he asked.

“I’m not familiar with Helena, but I’m a doctor, and I would like a small building, where I could live and have an office.”

“I believe we can find something satisfactory,” the banker said. 

Two days later…

“Doctor Palmer,” the banker began, “your account is set up,
and the wire transfer you requested is complete.  Is there anything else I can help you with?”

“I’m interested in a place where I can have an office and also living quarters.  I’ve thought about homesteading, but living away from town would not be practical if I’m going to practice medicine.  On the other hand, I wonder about ranching.  Any advice for me?”

“Well, homesteading can get you a quarter section, which is 160 acres, but you have to live on it for five years.  It wouldn’t be enough land to make a living, farming or ranching.  Cattle would require considerably more.  There are one or two ranches abandoned by the people with gold fever.  You could buy one of them for a reasonable price.  It’s a hard way to make a living though,” the banker explained.

“The bank has a house on Bridge Street, close in.  It would make a nice office with plenty of room for living quarters.  The furnishings came with it when we took possession.  It would need some repairs before winter sets in.  Would you like to see it?” he asked.

“I think so.  When would it be convenient for you to show it to me?” Carter asked.

“I can show it to you this afternoon,” the banker said.

“I’ll come back after lunch, and we can check it out.”

International Hotel, Helena, Montana Territory…

While he waited for the morning to pass, he decided to write Elizabeth of arrival in Helena.

Dear Elizabeth,

I take pen in
hand to inform you of my safe arrival.  It was a long train ride, but uneventful.  Passing through the plains of Iowa and Nebraska were boring.  I found the Dakota Territory interesting.  The tracks ran through Indian Territory and I saw many Indians.    The last three days were on a stage and most uncomfortable, however, it was worth it.  Montana is the most beautiful part of the country I’ve seen, but western Maryland comes close, whereas Montana is spectacular.  I was surprised to find the International Hotel in Helena was just completed, so everything is new.  Helena itself, is only about four years old.  The lure of gold and the dream of wealth has brought people from all parts of the country.  I have seen many veterans of the war, from both sides, most of them wearing the tattered uniforms of their side.

I have arranged with the bank for an account here, and have an appointment this afternoon to view a house as a possible home and office.  Should you see fit, I would like to have news from you, although I would understand if you do not feel so inclined.  Once again, I thank you for your help in my endeavors in Rockville.  Mail can reach me at the Helena Post Office, General Delivery. 

Sincerely,

Carter Palmer.

The post office was in a corner of the general store on Bridge Street.  After giving the letter to the store owner, and paying
for the postage, Carter walked around looking at the merchandise. 

After he was satisfied, he had a good idea about what was offered; he told the proprietor, “I’m Doctor Carter Palmer.  I am considering opening a medical office in Helena.  I will probably need to have most of the medical items brought in by stage, but I will try to give you as much of my business as possible.  It won’t be much until folks realize I’m here, but I’ll do what I can.  I was the Regimental Surgeon in the Army of the Potomac and have more experience than most.  I would appreciate it if you would pass it around that I’m here. 

I have an appointment with the bank owner this afternoon.  He is going to show me a place on Bridge Street that might suit my needs.”

“Better count your fingers if you’re dealing with Cal.  He’s pretty slick.” the storekeeper said.  “Glad to have you here, Doc.  I’m Silas Farmer.  I’ve been here since the beginning.  Started out in a wagon down by the creek.  We ain’t had no doctor yet.  I have to tell you, most of the men hereabouts was on the other side during the war.  I don’t know if they’ll cotton to a Yankee doctor.”

“Well, it’s been my experience if someone’s hurting enough, they don’t much care who’s helping them.  I treated quite a few Johnny Rebs when I was in the army.  They ran out of medical supplies, or had no doctors.  They would come under a white flag and drop them off for us to treat,  There was a gentlemen’s agreement, that doctors were non-combatants and weren't subject to capture.  Still, we lost a few, and I guess the other side did too.  A doctor doesn’t look at the color of a uniform.  He helps those he can and prays for the souls of those beyond his help.  It’s been nice talking to you, Silas. 

“Until I get setup, I’m at the International, if I can be of any help, let me know.”  Carter shook hands with Farmer and turned to leave.

“That’s right neighborly of you, Doc.  I’ll pass the word,” Farmer said.

* * *

Empty House On Bridge Street…

“I can see the possibilities of this as a residence and an office.  It is in ragged shape.  There is no way I could bring patients in a place like this.” 

“Am I correct in assuming the bank owns the building?” asked Carter.

“Why would you ask that?” Hawkins questioned.

“Do you make it a habit of answering a question with a question?” Carter asked.

Hawkins sputtered.  “I was merely inquiring about the basis of your interest.”

“Mr. Hawkins, I’m not a fool.  That house has been empty for a long time.  It is not making you any money the way it is.  You have to spend money to make money.  Helena appears to be growing at a rapid rate.  If you want to realize income from the building, you are going to have to make it presentable to prospects.  The longer you wait, the more it will cost.

“If you wish to rent it to me, it will have to be thoroughly cleaned, and repaired inside and out.  The outward appearance would be important to me, and would give patients more confidence that I’m not a quack.  You decide, but decide by this coming Friday, with work to commence no later than the Monday following.  I will come back on Friday. Should you decide you don’t want to make the investment, then I will close my account, and, either move on to Oregon, or return to Rockville, where I already own a home that would serve me well as a combination.  Have a nice day, Mr. Hawkins.”  He turned and left the building.”

“Doctor, wait.  Let’s discuss this,” the banker said.

“We just did,” said Carter.

“This is not the way we do business in Helena,” the banker protested.

“Probably not, but since I am the customer, it’s the way I choose to do business.  I’m not forcing you to do anything.  I’m simply telling you what I require if I’m to rent your building.”

“We haven’t even discussed rent,” said the banker.

“I’ll discuss that if and when the building is repaired.  In the meantime, I will continue my search.” Carter said.

“I’ll give you a special deal if you take it as is.”

“So you would have me spend my money, repairing your property, so you could charge more?  No thank you.  I was born, but it wasn’t yesterday.  Good day, sir.”  He left the banker standing in the middle of the filthy room.