Chapter 3
Matt and Kitty just made it to the bottom step of Doc's office, when Doc stopped them. "Matt, I forgot to give you a sling for Kitty's arm."
Matt looked at Kitty. "I'll be right back." He walked back up to the steps to get the sling from Doc. "Thanks, Doc." Sling in hand, Matt walked back down to Kitty.
It was a short walk from Doc's office to the Long Branch. Matt and Kitty took the back stairs to Kitty's room. The walk may have been a short one, but Kitty could still feel the effects of the laudanum. Now she understood what Matt was talking about when he complained about it. All she wanted to do was climb into bed and go to sleep. Matt saw this and completely understood how Kitty felt.
He walked up to her and slowly unbuttoned her dress for her. The dress dropped to the floor in a pool at her feet. He carefully removed her corset and pantaloons. Kitty said nothing, enjoying the care Matt was giving her. Clothes removed, Matt helped Kitty into her nightgown, making sure he didn't disturb her wound.
Matt then helped Kitty into bed. He wanted to join her, but he wasn't sure if he should. What if being too close to her somehow caused more injury to her arm. Kitty saw Matt's hesitation. Normally Matt would be in bed with her in no time. He didn't waste time when it came to sharing a bed with her.
"Matt, aren't you going to join me?" Kitty asked.
"You need your rest, and I'm afraid having me in bed with you would keep you from getting the rest you need. Listen, you get some rest and I'll be back later with some dinner," Matt responded.
"Okay, if you think that's best," said Kitty, disappointment in her voice.
Matt heard the disappointment. "I promise I'll be back." He then spotted the sling. "Oh the sling. You probably don't need it while you sleep, but you should wear it when you're out and about. It does help."
"Thanks, Matt." Kitty yawned.
"I'll be back, sweetheart." Matt bent down and gave Kitty a gentle kiss on the cheek.
True to his word, Matt returned to Kitty's room around supper time with dinner from Delmonico's. He got himself a steak dinner and Kitty some chicken noodle soup. He figured the soup would be better for her. When he walked into Kitty's room, she was just waking up. Kitty smiled when she saw Matt.
"I see you brought food with you. What did you bring?' asked Kitty.
"Steak for me and chicken noodle soup for you. I also have fresh bread for you. I hope that's okay," said Matt as he placed the food on the small table in her room.
"That sounds delicious."
Kitty tried to get out of bed and made a moaning sound when she tried. Matt heard her and turned towards her. "Honey, let me help you." He grabbed the sling and went to her. "Here, put this on." Matt helped Kitty put her arm in the sling. "Your arm is going to be sore for about a week. I always notice that the third day is usually the worst for me. After that things get better."
"I guess I'm listening to an expert," Kitty teased. Matt could only smile.
Matt and Kitty finished dinner, and Matt put the dishes back into the crate. Delmonico's was still open, so he quickly returned the dishes. When he returned to Kitty's room, Kitty was sitting in front of her vanity mirror removing her hair pins with one hand. Matt was about to help her, but Kitty stopped him. "I love it when you remove my hairpins, but I figure I have to learn to do this on my own with one hand." Matt understood what she was saying, so he let her continue.
Hair down and brushed, Kitty walked to her bed. Matt helped her in and covered her with her quilt. He then removed his clothes, leaving his undergarments on, and went to go and sleep on the settee. Kitty obviously noticed this. "Matt, why are you over there?"
"Kitty, I'm afraid I might hurt you if I get in bed with you."
"Matt, I'm sure that you won't. My injured arm is on the opposite side of you. You don't have to worry about accidentally hitting or touching it. Now please get over here."
Matt saw the longing in Kitty's eyes and couldn't deny her. He joined her in bed, being as careful as he could be. Kitty wanted to feel a connection with Matt, so she scooted as close to him as she could and then took his hand in hers. Matt had to admit that being in bed with Kitty was much better than being on the settee.
Morning dawned and Matt and Kitty woke from their slumber. Kitty was able to get out of bed on her own. She walked to her wardrobe to find a dress to wear. She wanted one that would be easy to put on and get off. She was able to find one. She then slowly began to remove her nightgown. Matt wanted to help her, but knew she wanted to do it on her own. Matt put his clothes on.
"I heard you talk to Doc about going to Elkader. When do you plan on leaving?"
"I'm not quite sure. I wanted to make sure you were alright," Matt replied.
"You can see that Doc worked his magic."
"And for that I'm beyond thankful. Maybe Chester and I will take off a few days from now." Matt wasn't sure why planned on waiting a few days to go to Elkader, but it was a decision he would not regret.
TBC