Page 19 of A Rugged Beauty
"Why?" Her expression showed nothing more than simple curiosity, but he heard wary tones in her voice.
"I've heard good reports about how helpful you've been to the company thus far..."
She didn't smile. Simply waited.
"But I'm a doctor by profession."
Her eyes cut to the tent and back to him. When she sidled closer, he found himself holding his breath.
"Mrs. Barrigan asked for me." She said the words with a smile that was somehow void of warmth. "As you said, I've formed a rapport with the travelers in this company. They know me."
She threw out the last words like a challenge. Her eyes flashed and her chin came up. Something in his gut twisted in response.
"And where did you gain your medical degree?" Now his words threw a gauntlet. "A woman's college? Apprenticing with a professional doctor?"
The flicker of unease passed behind her eyes.
"Ah. You don't have one." He kept his tone matter-of-fact. "I'm sure you mean well, Miss, but I've seen firsthand how home remedies and old wives tales can do more harm than good. The trail itself is dangerous enough."
He saw the protest rise to her lips and jumped in before she could give it voice. "Mrs. Mason almost died from an infection," he told her. "She would've died had it not been for my medicine." He patted the black bag in his left hand.
It was true. God knew how close it had been, the number of prayers Doc and Owen, Rachel's husband, had sent heavenward. It had been a near thing.
Rachel was fully recovered now, and Doc had joined this westbound train. Two hundred and twelve souls. Several of the women were carrying babies in their wombs. Doc was needed here, along with his real medicine, not herbs.
"Miss Maddie, Miss Maddie!"
She turned away first, but Doc was right on her heels as a boy no older than ten reached them. He bent over, hands on his knees, as he tried to catch his breath.
Maddie knelt at his side, one hand going to his shoulder. "What's the matter?"
"Tommy's stitches came loose."
Tears streamed down the boy’s cheeks as the words tumbled out. He wiped his face with one grubby hand, smearing dirt through the tears.
Doc went on alert. Opened stitches meant an open wound. If infection set in, it could be deadly. "Where is this patient?" Doc asked.
The boy sniffled and glanced from Maddie to Doc.
"It's all right, Alex,” she said.
Doc had to look away from where her hand soothed the boy.
"He's in our wagon." Alex pointed across the clearing. "Miss Maddie, ya gotta stitch him back up."
Doc stepped closer and bent to speak to the boy. "I think it would be prudent if I went with you and put in the stitches."
Alex looked tearfully at him, suspicion evident. "Who're you?"
"This is Doc," Maddie said gently. "He's got a fancy medical degree from back East."
He bristled. She didn't have to put it that way.
He found his smile turning into more of a grimace. "I've performed countless surgeries and assisted in many more. I'm certain I can put in stitches that will stay closed for your patient."
He caught Maddie's narrowed eyes as she stood up and motioned Doc across the clearing. "By all means."
The boy still looked between them, though his eyes had taken on a new shine. "You're a real doctor?"
