Family Matters by Margaret P.
(A big thanks to my betas, Terri Derr and Cristy Wyndham-Shaw) (2017—Words: 3,838)
Chapter One
"He, who is not every day conquering some fear, has not learned the secret of life." Scott murmured Emerson under his breath, but it didn't help. He flexed his hands and straightened his tie, but that didn't help either.
Katie's father had gotten up from the dining table and invited him to follow as soon as supper was over. Scott had expected a private interview at some stage, but the first day? He paused in the entrance to the study, wishing he was back in the parlour being served coffee and making polite conversation with Katie and the rest of her extended family.
Olivia McIntyre was marrying Lachlan Campbell on Saturday. Relatives from Boston, including Katie's parents and their younger children had arrived in San Francisco earlier in the week.
Scott and the others from Lancer arrived on Wednesday. They were staying with the Telfords as they did for February's wedding, but the parents of the bride had included them in a pre-wedding family gathering on Thursday afternoon. Murdoch, Teresa, Johnny and Emily had gone now; only Scott had been invited to stay for supper.
"Come on in, Scott. I don't bite." Dr Robert Eliot moved towards a drinks trolley containing decanters and a half full bottle of Oban Malt.
"That's not what I heard, sir." Scott stepped into the study and closed the door behind him.
Dr Eliot chuckled. "Ah, but none of your informants got as far as being engaged to one of my daughters."
Scott replied with a weak smile. Damn it, why was he so on edge? Katie was of age and she'd made her decision; there was nothing her father could do or say to stop them marrying.
Dr Eliot poured whisky into a crystal glass. "Would you like a drink?"
"No, thank you." Scott gazed around the room as Dr Eliot replaced the cork in the bottle. Books lined an entire wall, legal tomes and lighter reading, and a large map of California hung above the mantelpiece. "I don't mean to be rude, sir, but in your letter you implied there were matters to resolve before Katie and I could marry."
"And so there are, but I've decided since my brothers put you through the wringer in June, I shouldn't be too hard on you. If you're agreeable, we'll start by getting to know each other without everyone else around."
"I'd like that." Scott glanced at the leather armchairs facing each other in front of the fireplace. Were they always placed like that or had they been arranged especially? "I can't speak for Sir Bertram of course, but I don't hold any grudges."
"No?"
"Well, maybe Laurence…but not your brothers. For Katie's sake, I've accepted her uncles had their reasons for interfering."
"They did. Not very good ones, but I'm pleased you're willing to let bygones be bygones." Dr Eliot sat down and crossed his legs. He waved Scott into the other armchair and savoured his single malt. "Relax—you look like a soldier preparing to be court martialled."
"Sorry." Scott moved his hands from the arms of the chair to his legs.
"No need to apologize, but we have known each other a very long time. Why, I remember Murdoch and I carrying you and Bob on our shoulders. At your second birthday party, I think it was; just after Katie was born." Dr Eliot smiled at the memory. "Your Aunt Winifred didn't approve." He winked. "Call me Robert, by the way."
Scott nodded, but doubted he could oblige. "I didn't know until recently that we went back that far."
"Well, now you do. It's unfortunate we didn't see more of each other, but I believe you know why. Water under the bridge and maybe for the best; I'm inclined to view my sons' friends in a different light from the men who come courting my daughters."
"That's understandable."
"I'm glad you think so." Dr Eliot sipped his whisky and studied Scott for a few seconds. "The life of a rancher suits you?"
"Yes, sir, very much. I can't imagine doing anything else now."
"Murdoch will be pleased. He always dreamed of having his sons by his side. I'm glad it worked out in the end."
"He's a good man. I wish I'd known it earlier."
"Well, you know it now, and that's all that matters. I admit when I learned you and Katie had decided to make your home at the ranch, it was some consolation to me to know her godfather would be there to look out for her."
"I will look out for her, sir."
"Yes, of course, but your father will look out for you both. An older, wiser head and a man I have grown to trust and admire over many years."
Scott smiled and settled back more easily in his chair. It was true; Murdoch and Dr Eliot were old friends. They hadn't seen a lot of each other, and Dr Eliot wasn't a big letter writer—he tended to add a paragraph or two to Beth's letters from what Scott had seen—but by all accounts when Scott was small and Grandfather was doing his worst, Robert Eliot had supported Murdoch in ways only another father could. They had maintained a steady friendship ever since.
"Katie appears to have come to terms with the idea of living in the country, and once she makes her mind up about anything she generally adapts fairly quickly. I see she's reading Beeton's Book of Household Management instead of histories these days."
"I'm not expecting her to give up all the comforts of city life. She won't have to cook or clean if she doesn't want to. The towns near the ranch are growing, and we'll visit San Francisco a few times each year."
"I'm relieved you've given some thought to the situation. It will be a big change for her and for you. Katie is not exactly cut out for branding cattle, and she won't be happy to sit in that grand hacienda of yours just bearing children and embroidering cushions. My daughter is interested in the affairs of the world, and she likes to be busy."
"So I've learned." Scott chuckled. He and Johnny had a dollar on how long it would take Katie to ruffle feathers in the local towns. Scott was pretty sure from something Aggie Conway said that things would get interesting in Green River within a month of them marrying in California—or two if they married in Boston.
"And how do you feel about that?" Dr Eliot broke through his thoughts.
"I admire her passion, sir. One thing I love most about Katie is her determination to stand up and be counted."
"Good to hear, but not quite what I was getting at."
"We're interested in the same sorts of things. We support the same causes."
"Really? You aren't paying lip service to some ideas just to please her?"
"No, sir. I admit before we started courting I hadn't thought too much about issues facing women, but I agree with her. Women should have equal rights to men."
"Including the right to speak publicly and to go wherever she likes whenever she likes?"
Scott hesitated. "She should have the right, yes."
"But?"
Scott cleared his throat and wished he had something to do with his hands. This talk was becoming less casual. "To be honest, I don't like the prospect of her speaking in public, and at times I worry for her safety. I've warned her about going into Chinatown, for example, but she won't listen. I'm hoping when we're married…" He petered out. He wasn't sure what more he hoped to achieve when they were married, except that living at Lancer she would be too far away from Chinatown to go there anymore.
"If it brings you any peace of mind, I believe Katie aims to keep her marriage vows, but I think you'd be wise not to press your luck. From my experience ordering a wife to obey is not often productive."
"No, sir. I figured that out before we got engaged, but…what can I do to stop her putting herself at risk?"
"Do you really want my advice?"
"I'd appreciate it. Katie wants to speak in public one day; she has said as much. I know Beth already gives speeches to large audiences so that won't bother you, but it worries me. California is less sophisticated than Boston. Its citizens can be more rowdy, and there are fewer lawmen to keep crowds under control."
"I'm intrigued you think Beth's public oratory doesn't bother me. Do you believe I don't care about her safety?"
"No, sir, that's not what I meant. I admire your support for Beth and what she does."
"But?"
"But, it is well known in Boston that your wife and children respect your wishes. They would never disobey you or do anything they knew you seriously disagreed with. I suppose I was hoping for some tips in that regard."
Dr Eliot straightened in his chair. He didn't look pleased. "Is this some warped attempt to flatter me, young man, or are you truly deluded?"
Hell, what should he say to that? Scott had been perfectly genuine. It was common knowledge that Robert Eliot's word was law within his household. Even Scott's grandfather applauded the surgeon's ability to control 'that infernal woman'. It was one reason why his blessing was so important. When his half-hearted response to their engagement arrived, Katie had assured Scott she would marry with or without her father's approval, but she also admitted she had never disobeyed him before. If it actually came to the point, could she bring herself to do it? She would certainly be upset. It was an eventuality to avoid at all costs. "I think I must be deluded, sir."
Dr Eliot stared at him and then threw back his head and laughed. "Oh, very good. I like that." When he stopped laughing, he took another mouthful of whisky and eyed Scott over the rim of his glass. "I suppose it is true my family doesn't appear to disobey me in public. Unlike some men, I have the good sense to recognize when not to give orders. And perhaps even more importantly, I don't throw a public tantrum if I don't get my own way."
Scott thought for a moment. "In other words, if I disagree with Katie I should try to work out a compromise with her, and if all else fails pretend I support what she does, even when I don't."
"Marriage is a partnership, not a dictatorship. Do what Beth says wives have been doing for centuries: choose your battles and be prepared occasionally to be the one who puts on a brave face. I don't like her speaking in public—never have—even though she does it extremely well. I admit I am more at ease with it than I once was, but her first public speech was definitely given against my wishes."
"When was that?"
"Oh, about nine months before Freddy was born." Dr Eliot's eyes sparkled. They were blue like Scott's, and yet all his children had brown eyes like their mother. "I postponed a surgery and attended the event in high dudgeon solely to ensure her safety. When I got there I was taken to task by some upright citizens for allowing her on stage." The doctor shook his head as he recalled the conversation. "There is nothing more sobering than having your own hypocrisy repeated back at you by men you don't like. I ended up declaring my support for my wife instead."
Scott smiled and risked a light-hearted comment of his own. "And you were rewarded for your change of heart?"
"Hmm, I was indeed. Though at this precise moment, I'm not sure I count my youngest son as a reward." Dr Eliot savoured another sip of Oban Malt and then chortled. "With hindsight, it's laughable. I was lauded by the suffragists as a liberal man, and Beth acquired the very dubious reputation of being a dutiful wife…I might add, she's deliberately cultivated that fallacy ever since."
"So you and Beth disagree, but behind closed doors."
"You're a quick learner, Scott. Maybe you'll survive marriage to my daughter after all."
"You have doubts?"
"Let's just say I am not blinded by my affection for your parents. I'm also aware of the challenges of being a black sheep among wolves; you must learn to manage the interference of my relatives, Scott. I will not make excuses for them, but they are my family. They are Katie's family. Unlike some of their number however, my priority will always be her welfare."
"Mine too."
"Then perhaps you will put my mind at rest. I told my wife that this interview was more a rite of passage than a conversation with any serious intent, but that wasn't entirely true."
"I have nothing to hide, sir. If you have questions, I'm happy to answer them."
"Good, because I think the last time we saw each other was a few years ago, the morning after Independence Day." Dr Eliot appeared relaxed in his chair, but there was something in his tone.
Scott's mouth suddenly felt very dry. "I'm sorry I don't remember."
"It was just before you got engaged to another young woman. What was her name? Dennison, Julie Dennison."
The lump forming in the pit of his stomach immediately doubled in size. Surely his engagement to Julie wasn't going to be an issue to Katie's father after so many years. "We found we wanted different things."
"Indeed; it happens." Dr Eliot leaned forward in his chair, cradling his glass in two hands, and locked eyes with Scott. "But what concerns me is that it could happen again."
"No, sir, it could not." Scott didn't hesitate even for an instant. "I was much younger then, and I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. I should never have gotten engaged in the first place. This is different."
"How? Is Katie superior in some way to Miss Dennison?"
"The way I feel about Katie is superior. I love her, Dr Eliot. I thought I loved Miss Dennison, but I had to work at it. I was always making excuses for her or for me. It wasn't a love strong enough for marriage."
"I believe you."
Scott swallowed. He had hoped his declaration would regain him some ground, but Katie's father looked disturbingly grim, and his voice was getter colder not warmer.
"A young man truly in love would not risk a night in the middle of Boston harbour with a prostitute."
"You know about that?" Scott stiffened in surprise. He would never have thought his friend could be so indiscrete, even now he was engaged to Bob's sister; particularly now he was engaged to Bob's sister.
"My eldest son was three sheets to the wind when you dropped him off at our house. I doubt he can remember what he said, but fortunately I have an excellent memory. At the time your behaviour didn't warrant more than a passing thought, but when you and Katie started courting…You look pale, Scott. Would you like that drink?"
"Well…no, thank you." Scott tugged at his collar.
"I believe there were two ladies involved."
"Yes, sir. Ahem—one each." Damn, it was getting hot in here.
"And did you take precautions?"
Scott raised his eyes abruptly. "Sir, I don't think…"
"You mean you didn't think."
"I'm not proud of my behaviour, sir." He looked down at his shoes again. "I'd argued with Miss Dennison earlier in the day, and then I got very drunk. But…I'm almost certain I didn't actually—."
"Didn't actually what?"
Scott breathed in and tried to convey more confidence than he felt. "I don't remember the night too clearly, sir, but I'm almost sure nothing…nothing significant happened between me and…the lady."
"Given you were about to propose to Miss Dennison, the fact that you were with the lady at all is reprehensible." Robert Eliot would have made a good headmaster; Scott hadn't felt this small since attending Boston Latin.
"Yes, sir." He hung his head. He'd known the night of Independence Day, 1868 would come back to bite him. There was no excuse.
"And to say nothing happened…Do you take me for a fool?" Dr Eliot got up from his chair. Friendly banter had been snuffed out; Scott could almost taste his disgust. He gritted his teeth and waited for the next onslaught. "For what it's worth, Daisy does say she did all the hard work; you apparently just laid back in a drunken stupor and enjoyed her attentions."
"You've spoken to her?" Dear God!
"I'm a doctor at a public hospital, Scott; I have contacts. As it happens, it wasn't too difficult to track her down."
"Oh."
"Yes, oh. The question now is: how can I be sure you will not act in the same way again?"
"I wouldn't."
"Indeed. Are you sure of that? I'm told you haven't far to look for a willing companion."
So Dr Eliot knew about Mary Lou Jessop too—shit—and he didn't have Katie's blind faith in Scott's honour. "Never, sir. I haven't visited anyone since Katie and I met again in February. I swear to you. Dr Eliot, I'd rather die than hurt her."
"And when the first flush of romance dies? Why should I believe you will continue to behave more honourably towards my daughter than you did towards Miss Dennison?"
"Because…I don't know, sir, but I promise you I'm telling the truth. I love Katie."
"There is more to a good marriage than love." Dr Eliot's words hung in the air between them.
Damn it, Scott knew that, and he would not be intimidated. He got to his feet. "I made a mistake, sir, and I've learned from it. Nothing like it will ever happen again."
"Words are cheap. It's what you do from now on that matters. I'll be watching."
"I guarantee you that won't be necessary."
"I'll do it anyway. But don't worry; I've no interest in spying on your every move. I leave that sort of nonsense to my brothers. I'm a surgeon—too busy separating men from their body parts." Dr Eliot rose from his chair too. "Be very clear, Scott, if you let Katie down, I will make you pay for it. And if you ever dishonour her, I will play to my strengths."
What the hell? That was the sort of threat Scott had been expecting from Bob, not his father.
Dr Eliot raised his glass and drained the last of his whisky. Then he pinned Scott to the spot with a glower of disapproval—until without warning he started to laugh. "You should see your face."
At first, Scott just blinked, but a second later, he began to laugh too. The bastard. The threats—or at least the last one—was a joke; Scott was ninety percent certain of it. "I'll be in no danger, sir."
"Good to know, my boy, good to know. I meant every word, of course, but I do like the idea of being a grandfather. All care and no responsibility." Dr Eliot clapped Scott on the shoulder and turned to investigate the cigar box on top of the fireplace.
Scott took the opportunity to wipe his hands dry on his jacket. Thank God. If they were talking grandchildren the worst must be over. "I think Murdoch shares your enthusiasm."
"I'm sure he does, and with you and Katie making your home at Lancer, he will get to enjoy them more often than I will." Selecting a cigar, Dr Eliot offered the box to Scott. "I suppose that's only fair, but I warn you Beth and I plan to visit California regularly in the future."
"You will always be welcome at the ranch, and I promise to bring Katie back to Boston occasionally too." Scott struck a match and lit the two cigars.
"I'll keep you to that. I miss her." Robert glanced at the clock. They had been talking for the best part of an hour. "The others will be wondering what's become of us, but before we return to the parlour we need to discuss finances." Waving Scott to sit down again, he pulled a side table and its ashtray closer to them before making himself comfortable.
"Katie and our children will not want for anything, sir. I own a third of the ranch, and I'll inherit from my grandfather."
"I'm aware of that, but did you know California only granted married women separate economy this year?"
"Katie did mention it." Scott smiled. At the time she had written every detail of the reform's progress into her letters as if not satisfied with the Daily Alta California's reporting skills.
"Then no doubt you also know California is ahead of the game." Dr Eliot tapped his cigar over the bronze ashtray. "I'm ashamed to admit the laws protecting women in Massachusetts are still woefully piecemeal, and the situation in many other states is worse."
Scott nodded in sympathy. "I make no claim to anything Katie owns."
"Even so, I require you to sign documents to that effect."
"Where are they?" He looked towards the desk.
"At Will's office. We'll deal with them tomorrow if you're still happy after you know the details—and after you discuss matters with Katie." Exhaling smoke into the air, Dr Eliot leaned back in his armchair.
"You think we need to talk about money?" Scott couldn't hide his astonishment.
"Katie tells me you never have."
"It's not particularly important to either of us." He could almost see Johnny rolling his eyes, but it was true. He and Katie knew they were among the lucky ones. They had never had to worry about where their next meal came from so why waste time talking about money?
"Believe me, Scott, I appreciate the fact you're not a fortune hunter—I've had to deal with far too many of those in my time—but common sense demands you have a clear understanding of the financial situation before you marry. As Katie's husband she will naturally seek your advice. She has chosen to leave the day to day management of her affairs in the hands of McIntyre and Associates, but she has authorised me to make it known to you what her investments are and their approximate value." Dr Eliot took some sheaves of paper from his inside pocket and passed them to Scott. "I'll give you a few minutes."
He moved to the drinks trolley while Scott read. When he returned he was holding two whiskies.
Scott swallowed hard and cleared his throat as he finished reading. Putting the pages down on the burl walnut table beside him, he got to his feet. "I think I could use that drink now, sir."
Dr Eliot smiled and handed him a glass. "I thought you might. Welcome to the family, Scott."
Notes:
1. This story is No.16 in the Eliot Series, which grew out of From Highlands to Homecoming, the back story for Murdoch, 1842-1870. The first story in the Eliot Series is Past Imperfect set in February, 1872; however readers should also see Circumstances, a back story for Scott, 1866-1870. The Lancer men and Teresa O'Brien are characters created by Samuel A. Peeples in the original Lancer pilot, The Homecoming (retitled The Highriders, Series 1, Episode 1). Most other characters in this story are original to the aforementioned stories. Aggie Conway, mentioned in Chapter One, is a canon character from The Rivals, Series 2, Episode 24. Mary Lou Jessop, mentioned in Chapter One, is an original character appearing in Sod's Law and What Katie Said.
2. "He, who is not every day conquering some fear, has not learned the secret of life" is a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson.
3. When women were granted 'separate economy' it meant that a woman was granted the ability to earn her own income and retain it for her own use, independent of her husband. That meant he couldn't demand that she turn it over to him to drink or gamble with, or, say, to support a mistress.' For more information about the progress of women's rights and 'separate economy' see wiki/Timeline_of_women's_legal_rights_(other_than_voting), wiki/Married_Women%27s_Property_Acts_in_the_United_States and money/us-money-blog/2014/aug/11/women-rights-money-timeline-history
4. The Daily Alta California was a nineteenth century San Francisco newspaper. See wiki/The_Daily_Alta_California