A Note To The Reader:
I was born November 6, 1978. Exactly one-hundred, and eighteen years after Abraham Lincoln was first elected President of The United States. That is also five years after "Bonanza" was canceled. I discovered the show recently by watching PAX. I apologize in advance to anyone who is offended by the content of this story. I tried to be both true to the show, and historically accurate.
Sincerely,
Lyda Mae Huff
**********
AN UNCONVENTIONAL LADY
by Lyda Mae (RavenDove) Huff
**********
It was past midday when Joe and Adam Cartwright stopped at the stream to water their horses. Adam was the oldest of the three Cartwright brothers, and Little Joe the youngest. The two were a contrast to each other, with Adam over six feet tall, and Joe only five, ten. Adam had short, black hair, and dark-brown eyes, with a strong jaw. He wore black clothes, and a brown leather coat, with a black hat. Joe had curly brown hair, hazel eyes, and a rounder face. He wore brown clothes, black boots, a green swede jacket, and dark-brown hat. Adam's horse was brown, and Joe's a black and white pinto.
They had been out tracking a puma that eluded them, and would need to head home soon if they wanted to be there before sundown. It was mid-October and the sun was setting earlier. There were men approaching on horse back and a small, weary, covered wagon drawing up to the stream ten yards in the other direction.
The wagon driver was a small woman in brown riding skirt and cape. She wore a black, Spanish style hat over her dark curls and kept to herself as she watered her horses and filled her canteens.
The horsemen came up to Adam and Joe pulling rifles. Adam hoped they didn't see the wagon driver through the brush.
"Drop your guns!" the uglier of the two demanded.
Joe, and Adam had no chance to draw, and could only do as ordered. So each dropped his side-arm to the ground. Then something shattered the stalk of the quiet one's rifle and the gun fired, sending a grazing shot at Joe's head that knocked him to the ground and partly into the stream. This startled the horses and the man was thrown to the ground. The wagon driver had fired the shot and she reloaded as she ran for cover. The ugly one aimed at her, but Adam managed to grab his leg and shove it, unhorsing him. The man lost both of his guns as he went down. The man pulled a knife, and he and Adam wrestled for it. The knife ripped through Adams inner left thigh. He managed to get his gun and fired point blank at the ugly man.
The other man managed to get up, but his right arm hung useless. He managed to get a gun in his left hand as Adam threw the corpse off of himself. The man fired several times and managed to hit Adam twice. Joe came to and the man aimed at him. The shot was off and before the man had a chance Joe managed to grab his gun and shoot.
The wagon driver ran up to the carnage carrying a black bag. She quickly determined that both bandits were dead and set down beside Adam. Joe came over as she pulled off her scarf and fashioned a tourniquet around Adams leg.
"What are you doing?" Joe asked.
"Trying to save a life." She managed to stop the flow of blood, then pushing her wire framed spectacles up and leaving a smear of blood on the bridge of her nose, she took a knife to the leg of Adam's pants exposing the wound. "The artery was nicked, I'm going to need more stuff from my wagon." She pulled Joe down beside her and put his hand on the stick she was using to control the tourniquet. "Keep this tight, or he bleeds to death." She jumped up, and headed for her wagon.
Joe didn't know what think, but he could hardly object. "Who are you?" he asked once she had returned.
She set down another sturdy black case and a large bag. "I'm Dr. Josephine Argyle and now is not the time to argue." She opened Adams shirt. "The first bullet passed through fatty tissue." She indicated entry and exit wounds just above his right hip. "The second was deflected and traveled along the rib-cage." There was an entry wound near his heart, but bruising in a line to a lump just under Adam's left arm. She held up Adam's left arm and the wrist hung at an odd angle. "Broken ulna." she sighed. "We need to move him someplace flatter."
She moved quickly laying boards from her wagon acrossed rocks and laying a blanket over them to create a platform nearly waist high. "Help me move him." she ordered taking hold of the tourniquet, and lifting his legs.
Joe obeyed taking hold of Adam's torso. The sand where he had been laying was stained crimson. "My name is Joseph Cartwright, and this is my brother Adam."
She straightened him on the platform. "Where I've been they don't have the luxury of knowing all their patients names."
"Where have you been?" Joe asked, half not wanting to know the answer.
"Where young men die, Mr. Cartwright." she said, checking Adam's pulse. Adam stirred and she quieted him with chloroform. Then she began to clean the wound in his leg with carbolic acid.
**********
The Ponderosa was the biggest cattle ranch around. The main house was a sturdy log structure. There was a barn, chicken coops, corrals, a bunk house, and sheds laid out around it.
Joe steered the wagon to a stop outside the house and Ben rushed out to meet him. The sight of his son on this strange wagon was unsettling. Ben was a big man in his early fifties and three times a widower. He had white hair, with dark-brown eyes, and it was clear that Adam looked the most like his father. He wore a blue-grey shirt, a tan leather vest, dark-brown pants, black boots, and a green scarf tied around his neck.
Hoss followed close on his fathers heals. He was the biggest Cartwright and middle brother, and had actually been named Eric Haas Cartwright. He had sandy-brown hair, and blue eyes, with a big round, and friendly face. He wore a white shirt, with the sleeves rolled up, mid-shade brown pants, black boots, and a leather vest similar to his Pa's.
The wagon trailed four horses behind, two of them carrying corpses. Joe looked disheveled, and had his head wrapped in a bandage that was a little pink above his right eye.
"Where is Adam?" Ben called out.
Joe's eyes looked half panicked, "In the wagon with Dr. Argyle."
Ben helped himself into the back of the wagon, and was greeted by an even stranger sight. The little woman attending to his oldest son was fair skinned, with wavy brown hair, and green eyes, and wore glasses. She was muddied, and covered in blood that was plainly not her own. She looked ten times the mess that Joe did, but not nearly as bad as her charge. Ben grimaced, "Dr. Argyle, I presume."
"Indeed," she said, "And the corpses would be Kenneth and Erin Bagley."
**********
Doc Brown was an older man, in a grey suit. He poked and prodded at Joe, who sat patiently, but with an annoyed look. The doctor removed the bandage from Joe's head and examined the stitches Dr. Argyle had made in his scalp. "That's a dangerous place for a bullet to pass, young man."
Dr. Argyle raised an eyebrow, "A fortunate scratch."
The old doctor eyed her with a sardonic look. "You call that a scratch?"
"A deep one yes, but still a scratch." she answered with practiced calm. "Though he briefly lost consciousness, there is no sign of a concussion. Just look in his eyes."
He looked into Joe's eyes, and holding a lit match he saw the pupils contract, and dilate in a normal fashion. He scowled. She was right, but that didn't give the woman a place to presume. "Bah!" He picked up his bag, and stormed out. "If your sons die because of her Ben, don't come crying to me." he slammed the door behind himself.
Ben frowned after the man, but said nothing. He noticed Dr. Argyle holding her fists clenched so tight that he was surprised her palms weren't bleeding.
"How like a man!" she unclenched her hands, barely permitting Ben to glance the marks left by her nails, as she re-bandaged Joe's head. "He didn't ask for any proof that I am telling the truth, because he either assumed there was none or that he wouldn't accept it if there was."
Roy Coffee, had been listening the whole time from the top of the stairs, and decided it was time to come down. "You have proof?" Coffee was an older man, with a kind face, grey hair, and a neatly trimmed mustache. He wore a blue and red checked shirt, with black western tie, black pants, and a grey vest with a Sheriff's star on it. In his hand was a brown hat.
She reached inside one of her bags, and pulled out a thick, brown envelope. "All verifiable." she said handing it to the Sheriff.
Roy opened the envelope, and thumbed through the contents. Very thorough; diplomas, licences, letters, and even pictures. "Syracuse Collage of Medicine, class of 1857, a letter of praise from Dr. Jonathan Letterman, Medical Director for the North Army of the Potomac." Coffee shook his head. "What's this?" he pulled out a picture, and handed it to her. She stood in front of a tent with a group of men in Northern uniforms, their cloths covered in blood, and their faces weary.
"It was taken nearly six months ago; not far from the Battle of Seven Pines." she took her papers from the Sheriff, and stowed them back in her bag.
"Everything seems to be in order." Roy admitted. "I know that there are lady doctors in the world Mama, I just didn't expect to meet one. All I was told, was that Adam and Joe had both been shot."
"So you brought mister Ladies can't be doctors' with." she half smiled.
"I'm sorry about that." he turned to the door. "I have to go now, but I'll check back again tomorrow, and see if Adam is better able to give a statement." They all bid him goodbye in turn as he slipped on his coat, and walked out the door.
Ben was more curious about this lady than ever. "What exactly is your story Dr. Argyle?"
"I owe you as much." She took off her glasses, and polished them before looking up at Ben. "My friends call me Jo," she shrugged, "at least they did when I had friends." She took a seat next Joe on the sofa. "I was born in New York City, May 25, 1835 to Joseph and Victoria Argyle, and I was christened Josephine Victoria Argyle. My brother Michael was born three and a half years later. When I was eleven, my mother died, and if there had been a doctor near by she might still be alive."
"Is that why you chose to become a doctor?" Joe asked
She nodded, "Yes." She took a moment to compose herself. "My father was an opera singer, and after mother died he took Michael, and I with him on tore. We had tutors, but I wanted more. When I was eighteen I enrolled in a ladies college, but was unhappy with the curriculum. Two years later I entered the Syracuse College of Medicine. Father died of pneumonia before I graduated, and Michael enrolled in West Point. I chose to pursue an internship at a hospital in Sacramento."
She stood up again, and began to pace. "After the last Presidential election I went back East to visit my brother. Knowing full well I might not get another chance. After the fighting started we lost track of each other. I volunteered unofficially with the Medical Corp." She paused looking away from them.
"What happened?" Ben asked.
She looked at him with the sun dying in the window beside her. "I found my baby brother." she closed her eyes trying not to cry. "They had to dig him out from seven deep in Bloody Lane, and by the time he got to the field hospital, it was too late." She opened her eyes again. "His dying words were as rough as the battle, Jo, get the Hell out of here'. There were men dying left and right and I never really had a place there! So I packed up all that was mine and left."
"That is how you came to be traveling West alone?" Ben asked.
"I took a train as far as I could and then bought my wagon and horses." She bowed her head, and then looked up again. "All that is mine is the trade I have worked for. There is no one expecting me anywhere and there is no one left to care if I should disappear from the face of the Earth." she paused briefly. "And because I intervened where some would say I have no place and wash their hands of it; the life of your son is on my head."
"If that is how you choose to see it Josephine, but I am certain now, that two of my sons would be dead if not for you." Ben nodded. "If you will stay until Adam is better, I would be more than grateful."
Her face softened as she looked at Ben, not minding that he called her in the familiar. "I won't lie to you. If Adam lives ten days he has a chance. If he lives two full weeks, he may survive. But if infection sets in or he starts to hemorrhage; I'm not God. If his leg does have to be removed the cycle starts over again, and his chances lessen."
"I realize that." Ben nodded soberly.
"I will need some supplies and some one must be with him around the clock." she stated. "He can do nothing for himself, and too much movement could destroy any chance to save his leg. Plus with a broken wrist crutches are out of the question for now."
"Make a list of what you will need doctor, and I will get it for you." Ben reassured her. "And I'll take the watch after Hoss, because you look bone tired."
Dr. Argyle could only nod agreement. "Don't hesitate to wake me if there is trouble."
**********
Dr. Thaddius Johanson stepped from the stage to the Virginia City street. He was an older man, with greying temples to contrast his blond hair. He wasn't too tall, and had grown a little round in the middle over the years. His beard was finely sculpted, and trimmed, and his face looked as though he had once had no care in the world, but it had grow lined with concern in the last few years. His blue eyes still had a hint of sparkle, or perhaps a stifled grin. He wore a brown suit, and placed a top hat on his head. He reached up for his travel bag, and the black bag of his profession. Then thanking the driver he continued on the quest that had brought him here. Virginia City, Nevada was a quintessential Western town. He found his way to the Sheriff's office, and went in.
Behind the desk was a kindly looking man, with grey hair, and a mustache, who wore a badge. He was talking to a younger man with curly brown hair, in brown cloths, and a green jacket. "How is Adam doing today?" the older man asked.
The young man frowned, "He had a real rough night last night Roy, but he seemed to be doing better by the time I left this morning."
"Do you think his head is clear enough to give me a full statement yet?"
"He might be," the young man shrugged, "you just have to catch him at the right time."
Thaddius cleared his throat, "Pardon me, but what is ailing this Adam?"
The younger man looked at him with weariness. "I didn't catch your name sir."
"I'm Dr. Thaddius Johanson, of Sacramento."
"I'm Joe Cartwright and this is Sheriff Roy Coffee." the young man returned. "My brother Adam and I met up with some bandits a few days back, and Adam took the worst of it, as far as the living are concerned. Why do you want to know?"
"I'm a curious man." Thaddius replied. "What do you mean by the living are concerned'?"
Roy cleared his throat, "He means the bandits are both dead."
Thaddius nodded, "Oh!"
"You came in here for a reason doctor?" Coffee asked.
"I'm looking for some one Sheriff." Thaddius nodded. "Has a young woman about five foot two, with wavy, brown hair, and green eye, dressed like a school marm, and answering to the nick-name of Jo been through here?"
Joe, and Roy exchanged looks.
"It may be hard to believe, but her name is Josephine Argyle, and she is a medical doctor."
"Why are you looking for her doctor?" the Sheriff asked.
"She was a business partner of mine, and I really do need to find her."
"Do you mean she shared a practice with you?" Joe asked.
"Yes, she did," Thaddius strained, "and I need to make things right with her before death or senility make that impossible."
Joe leaned on Roy's desk. "I know where she is, but she isn't interested in seeing much of anyone."
Thaddius smiled relief, "That is a risk I must take."
**********
Ben entered Adam's room slowly, listening to Dr. Argyle read aloud from Shakespeare's "The Rape of Lucrece". She was sitting in a chair at the foot of the bed. He looked at her, and not for the first time, he thought to himself, that she dressed in such an unattractive manner on purpose. She looked down right matronly in her plain navy skirt, and conservative cream blouse. It was fastened tightly at her throat with an emerald broach, which was her only adornment. Her hair was done in a half bun, with the bottom half in spit curls, and those glasses sliding down the bridge of her nose
She read with a great deal of emotion. ["What win I if I gain the thing I seek? A dream, a breath, a froth of fleeting joy: Who buys a minute's mirth to wail a week? Or sells eternity to get a toy?]
["For one sweet grape who would the vine destroy?]
["Or what fond beggar, but to touch the crown, ]
["Would with the scepter straight be stricken down?"]
Adam chose that exact moment to yawn. Josephine stopped in her reading, and eyed him suspiciously. "Remind me to be as kind when it is your turn to read."
"I'm sorry, I'm just tired."
"Then I'll put the book up for now." she marked the place, and set it on the shelf.
Ben took a good look at his son. Adam was bruised, and had a small cut on his right cheek, plus he had five days growth of beared. His left arm was now in a cast, and his left arm, and leg had been propped up on pillows. Adam looked uncomfortable. "How are you feeling Adam?"
"How do I look?"
Ben grimaced, "Better than death warmed over."
"Then I look better than I feel." Adam smiled back at his father.
"I need to go downstairs for a minute." Dr. Argyle interrupted.
"Not a problem." Ben said taking a seat in the chair she had just vacated.
**********
Josephine set a glass of water on the dining table and pored a packet of powder into it. She then stirred it thoroughly, until the powder dissolved. Joseph came in through the door carrying a package, and she turned around to see who it was, taking the spoon from the glass. Joe was followed by Dr. Johanson, and on seeing him she dropped the spoon and screamed.
Thaddius was overjoyed to see her and tried to take her into his arms. "You are alive Jo!" he exclaimed. She slapped him hard. He let go of her, and rubbed his cheek. "Yes, I deserved that." He shook his head.
Ben came running down the stairs. "Did you scream Josephine?"
She looked over to Ben, but before she could say anything Thaddius chimed in. "That was my fault." Thaddius offered his had to Ben, who didn't take it. "I'm Dr. Thaddius Johanson," he took his hand back, "I've come looking for Dr. Argyle and she didn't expect me."
Josephine looked at him with indignation. "Your last words to me were, Don't ever return.' and I took you seriously, so now that you've found me, you can leave." She picked up the glass, and stormed up the stairs.
They all watched her go, and Joe couldn't help but ask. "What was that about?"
Thaddius piked up his hat from where it had fallen. "I have alot to apologize for." He straightened up, and dusted the hat off.
"Who are you to her?" Ben eyed the man suspiciously.
"Her former partner, one time teacher, and uncle."
Joe was surprised, "You never said anything about being her uncle?"
"Joseph Argyle's first wife was my sister Madeline, and though she and her baby both died in childbirth, Joseph and I remain close." Thaddius explained.
"And when Josephine and Michael were born, they learned to call you uncle." Ben finished.
Thaddius nodded, "Joseph could have blamed me for Victoria's death, because I was kept at the hospital and couldn't join them on their country outing. He never did, we kept in touch when he went on tour." He smiled, "Jo could have been an opera singer like her father, and in fact she did preform with him, but it wasn't what she wanted."
Joe stifled a laugh, "Her preform opera?"
Thaddius threw him a cold look. "Don't laugh, she is quite good and plays several musical instruments as well."
Ben wasn't laughing, "And she chose to pursue a career in medicine instead."
Thaddius looked to Ben, "She is one of the best doctors I've ever seen. After my wife Caroline died; we set up the practice in Sacramento together."
Ben offered the doctor a seat, and took one himself. "If I might ask, what happened between you two?"
"The War Mr. Cartwright." he pulled a page from a newspaper out of his pocket. On it were the dead of Antietam, with Lt. Michael Argyle's name circled. "Now that Michael is gone, we are each all the other has left."
**********
Ben had talked to Dr. Johanson for well over an hour before the man had headed back to town on his rented horse. Ben made his way back up stairs, and heard the sound of a lady singing, accompanied by guitar. It was coming from Adam's room, and he stood in the doorway to listen.
[The minstrel boy to the war is gone,
In the ranks of death you'll find him.
His father's sword he has girded on,
And his wild harp slung behind him.]
Dr. Argyle played, and sang beautifully. Her fingers moved with practiced ease.
["Land of song," said the warrior bard,
"Though all the world betrays thee.
One sword at least thy rights shall guard,
One faithful harp shall praise thee."]
Adam tried to clap when the song ended, but thought the better of it. "That was wonderful. Where did you learn to play?"
Ben smiled, "Her father taught her." He looked a Josephine, "I was told you sing opera."
She looked up from tuning Adam's guitar. "Not with a guitar." She looked back down, "Has Uncle Thaddius left?"
"Yes, but he will be back."
"He was never one to give up," she laughed, "that's what makes him a good doctor."
"He seems sincere about wanting to make thinks right." Ben told her.
She shook her head, "There are wounds the eyes of men can't see, that words alone won't heal, and good intentions may never make right again." Then, as if to change the subject, she began to play again. The melody was haunting, and had no words.
**********
Joe was cutting wood when Sheriff Coffee, and Dr. Johanson rode up. "Hello Roy." he waved. "Josephine gave me a message for you doctor."
"What was that?" he asked, dismounting.
Joe looked at the ground before telling him. "She said if you showed up again today, I was to tell you to, Go sit on a hot coal,' and that you would know what she means."
Thaddius shook his head. "I do know what she means, and it's not very lady like."
Joe shrugged, "It seems to me, that where you're concerned, she's done with being a lady."
"Please just tell her I'm here, and this time I'm going to wait right here until she talks to me." he pointed to the ground.
"I need to talk to her myself, along with you, and Adam." Roy stated. "If you'll lead the way Joe." He followed Joe inside.
**********
Josephine raked the razor over the last portion of Adam's chin with quick precession; for she had become both doctor, and nurse in recent days. She wiped the razor on a towel, and then handed the towel to Adam to wipe his face. As she set the razor back in its place, Hoss held up a hand mirror for Adam to inspect the lady's work in.
"I certainly look more like myself." His bruises were fading, and his color was improved.
Hoss took the mirror away, and began to bundle the dirty linens to take down stairs. "You sure do Adam."
"So how long are you going to keep me in this bed doctor?" Adam asked anxiously.
Josephine perched on the edge of the bed, as she buttoned the front of his pajama shirt over his bandages. "It's been nine days, and you need to stay put until the risk of hemorrhage has passed."
Adam frowned, "How long will that be?"
"Day after tomorrow I'll see about moving you downstairs for the afternoon." She gave him her sweetest smile.
Adam resigned himself to the fact, "I guess I can wait another two days."
There was a knock at the door, and Hoss opened it. "Hello Sheriff Coffee." he greeted.
"Hello Hoss. Is Adam up to a visit?" Roy asked.
Hoss smiled, "The Doc and I just finished making him presentable."
Adam called out from his bed, "I heard that!"
Hoss stepped aside to let Roy, and little Joe into the room. Then picking up the bundle of linens he said. "I know you heard me Big Brother. The bandits didn't get your ears." and with that the gentle giant named Hoss departed.
Roy reached into his pocket. "I need to talk to the three of you about the bandits you killed."
Josephine stood, and held up a hand in protest, "I just shot the gun out of one's hand, and that was all I did."
Roy was little miffed at being interrupted, but he decided not to show it. "Okay, the bandits they killed." He handed her a hand bill with the dead men's pictures on it. It read, The Bagley Brothers, Wanted for Murder, $1,500, Dead or Alive.' "I have here the fifteen hundred dollars, for the three of you to divvy up." he held up the money. "I would suggest five hundred each."
"Or seven hundred, and fifty for each of them." Josephine added, pointing to Adam and then to Joe.
Joe wasn't one to quibble about found money, but he had to speak. "But if you hadn't been there; Adam, and I would be two more notches in their gun belts."
Josephine rolled down and fastened her shirt sleeves. "But nothing, I'm a doctor, and that's blood money." she indicated the bills in Roy's hand.
Joe was about to raise another objection, but the look on Adam's face told him not to push it. So instead he turned to the doctor, and said. "Your Uncle Taddious is outside, and he said he wouldn't leave until you spoke with him."
She headed for the door with any angry spark in her eyes. "I suppose he thought my message was funny."
Joe called after her, "Actually he wasn't laughing."
**********
Josephine had thrown a grey shawl over her shoulder before exiting the house. She found Uncle Thaddius leaning on a fence. "When are you going to give up?"
"When you forgive me and agree to come back Sacramento with me." he answered, walking toward her.
"You'll have a long wait and probably have patients to get back to before I'll be ready to give in.", her face was blank.
"There is someone else to take care of my patients." he said. "I thought I'd lost you forever, and I'm not going to lose you again."
Josephine's face grew acid, "My leaving was not your fault, but the manner in which I left was."
"I was a fool." he stated plainly. "You knew that if you didn't go, you would never see Michael again."
"Yes," she said back, "and you were being selfish."
"And maybe I'm being selfish now." he admitted.
"Yes, you are." she turned, and stormed back into the house.
**********
It was Halloween, and the Cartwrights had much to celebrate. Fifteen days had passed since that day by the stream, and Adam had lived the two weeks that Dr. Argyle had stated he must before she would say with certainty that he would live. Joe and Hoss unloaded Adam's litter from the back of the wagon, and they went to join the carnival. Each Cartwright man was dressed in their finery, with white shirts, and black Western ties under their Sunday suits. Josephine wore a skirt and jacket of fine olive green, with a matching hat over her half-bun, and spit curls. The outfit had been a gift from Adam and Joe, because she had refused any of the reward money, and for once she wore the emerald earrings that matched her broach.
It was near sunset as they found a place for Adam and they set the litter atop some crates so he could better see what was going on. The litter had been built by Hoss and it was made to either lay flat, or the back could be raised into a chair. Adam had his left arm in a sling and Dr. Argyle had insisted they wrap his legs in a blanket. Ben helped Hoss and Joe get Adam situated, while Dr. Argyle watched.
"Are you comfortable Adam?" Ben asked.
Adam actually batted his eyelashes, "Better than comfortable, I'm starting to feel like an Egyptian Pharaoh."
Ben looked to Josephine, "Are you sure he's recovering?"
Hoss answered before she could, "He's just funnin' Pa."
Dr. Argyle nodded, "I can see the comparison." She put her hand on the litter's chair back, "It is alot like the drawings I've seen," she lifted her nose, "but not as ornate."
Hoss smiled, "I got the idea from a picture in a book."
Adam raised his right hand pointing to Hoss, "That explains it."
Joe shook his head, "If the Pharaoh has no further need of me," he gave a mock bow, "then perhaps the lady would care to join me for a dance." He offered Josephine his arm.
The lady took the offered arm, "I believe I would."
**********
They had erected a temporary dance floor at the end of the road, with just enough space for wagons to get by. They had a band, and some one had gone through all the trouble to wheel out a piano. Joe, and Jo danced with the rest of the giddy crowd.
When the dance was over Joe pointed to the piano, "Don't you play?"
"Yes I do," she answered with a sly smile, "but if you suggest what I think you are about to, you should remember I don't have to be gentle when I remove you stitches." Joe unconsciously reached toward his head. "I preformed before audiences to please my father, and I play now to suit my fancy." She looked him straight in the eye. "I will never play to suit a man's ego again."
**********
Hoss had gone to join the fun, and Ben sat with Adam watching the people enjoy themselves. As folks passed they greeted the two Cartwrights with enthusiasm. Many were glad to see Adam in town, for they had all had enough of hearing he would die form Doc Brown.
Thaddius approached, "Greetings Mr. Cartwright." he offered to Ben.
Ben nodded, "Dr. Johanson," he gestured to Adam, "I don't believe you've met my oldest son, Adam."
Thaddius reached to shake Adam's hand, "I'm glad to see your condition has improved since I first arrived in town."
"And you know of my condition?" Adam questioned, as he shook Thaddius's hand.
"Your little brother Joseph likes to talk." Thaddius smiled. "But I knew my Jo could handle it."
"You must be Dr. Argyle's dear Uncle Thaddius." Adam smiled back. "She doesn't have a very high opinion of you."
"That doesn't lesson my opinion of her skill any."
Doc Brown approached for the direction of the dance floor. "It's good to see you Adam," he offered in a backhanded manor, "I thought for sure you would be dead by now."
Thaddius looked at Doc Brown. "Why on Earth would you think that?"
Brown looked back in a condescending manor, "I don't know you stranger, but this man was attended to by a woman doctor."
"I'm Dr. Thaddius Johanson." Thaddius responded in a perturbed fashion. "And who are you to question Dr. Argyle's abilities?"
"My name is Brown," he pointed to himself, "and I am the doctor around here."
Ben was afraid this would come to blows, so he stood. "That's enough gentlemen!" but neither man listened.
"Is that so doctor?" the question was rhetorical. "Then surely as a fellow physician, you know that a ninety-seven percent survival rate for trauma victims is unheard of." Thaddius stated.
"What dose that have to do with it?" Doc brown asked, indignant.
Thaddius smiled, "That is Dr. Josephine Argyle's record."
Dr. Brown's jaw dropped, and he took a moment to recover.
"You should get all of the facts before you judge Doctor." Thaddius continued a little more softly. "She would have been first in her class, if not for prejudiced men like yourself."
Joseph, and Dr. Argyle had approached behind Doc Brown, and heard most of what had been said. "I'll tell you my secret Dr. Brown." Josephine said, startling the man. He jumped, and turned to face her, but remained silent. "Carbolic acid and bromine when called for." she stated with even gaze. "By treating the wounds with antiseptic in the first place, more often then not, they remain free of infection." She smiled, "And you know infection is the real killer."
Dr. Brown looked at her dumb founded for a moment. "That actually makes sense." he half whispered, then made a hasty retreat.
Josephine knew that was as close as she would get to an apology. She looked over to Thaddius, "So, you would still defend me against the armies of ignorance."
"Yes dear Jo, I would." Thaddius looked at Josephine with sad eyes.
She smiled, "Then I will forgive you Uncle," she raised a finger, "but don't ever try to dictate to me again."
He took her in his arms, and this time she didn't fight. "Fair enough." he said. He pushed her away so he could look into her green eyes, "You've more than proven that you can take care of yourself."
Adam put his right hand on his chin, "Does this mean you will be going to Sacramento?"
Josephine regarded him kindly, "As soon as you've recovered enough for me to leave."
Joe bent down to whisper in Adam's ear. "I'll give you my share of the reward money, if you have a relapse."
Ben overheard, "I'm surprised at you Joseph," he said with a mocking tone, "she is an older woman." They all laughed as Joe turned red.
"I think Little Joe just wants another chance to try and goad me into playing the piano." Dr. Argyle said, feigning maidenly distress. At that, even Joe laughed.
**********
Out side of the Cartwright house, Dr Johanson climbed up into Josephine's wagon. He had dressed down for the task of driving it to Sacramento. "Goodbye Jo." he said as he reached for the reigns.
"I'll send you a telegram when I'm ready to leave here." Josephine waved after him.
Ben watched from the porch. He looked down to the photograph in his hand. It was from the carnival, and he had just had it framed. Adam sat in the middle, on his litter. Ben stood behind. On Adam's right, were Hoss and Joe, and on his left sat Doctors Johanson and Argyle. All were smiling
**********
THE END
I was born November 6, 1978. Exactly one-hundred, and eighteen years after Abraham Lincoln was first elected President of The United States. That is also five years after "Bonanza" was canceled. I discovered the show recently by watching PAX. I apologize in advance to anyone who is offended by the content of this story. I tried to be both true to the show, and historically accurate.
Sincerely,
Lyda Mae Huff
**********
AN UNCONVENTIONAL LADY
by Lyda Mae (RavenDove) Huff
**********
It was past midday when Joe and Adam Cartwright stopped at the stream to water their horses. Adam was the oldest of the three Cartwright brothers, and Little Joe the youngest. The two were a contrast to each other, with Adam over six feet tall, and Joe only five, ten. Adam had short, black hair, and dark-brown eyes, with a strong jaw. He wore black clothes, and a brown leather coat, with a black hat. Joe had curly brown hair, hazel eyes, and a rounder face. He wore brown clothes, black boots, a green swede jacket, and dark-brown hat. Adam's horse was brown, and Joe's a black and white pinto.
They had been out tracking a puma that eluded them, and would need to head home soon if they wanted to be there before sundown. It was mid-October and the sun was setting earlier. There were men approaching on horse back and a small, weary, covered wagon drawing up to the stream ten yards in the other direction.
The wagon driver was a small woman in brown riding skirt and cape. She wore a black, Spanish style hat over her dark curls and kept to herself as she watered her horses and filled her canteens.
The horsemen came up to Adam and Joe pulling rifles. Adam hoped they didn't see the wagon driver through the brush.
"Drop your guns!" the uglier of the two demanded.
Joe, and Adam had no chance to draw, and could only do as ordered. So each dropped his side-arm to the ground. Then something shattered the stalk of the quiet one's rifle and the gun fired, sending a grazing shot at Joe's head that knocked him to the ground and partly into the stream. This startled the horses and the man was thrown to the ground. The wagon driver had fired the shot and she reloaded as she ran for cover. The ugly one aimed at her, but Adam managed to grab his leg and shove it, unhorsing him. The man lost both of his guns as he went down. The man pulled a knife, and he and Adam wrestled for it. The knife ripped through Adams inner left thigh. He managed to get his gun and fired point blank at the ugly man.
The other man managed to get up, but his right arm hung useless. He managed to get a gun in his left hand as Adam threw the corpse off of himself. The man fired several times and managed to hit Adam twice. Joe came to and the man aimed at him. The shot was off and before the man had a chance Joe managed to grab his gun and shoot.
The wagon driver ran up to the carnage carrying a black bag. She quickly determined that both bandits were dead and set down beside Adam. Joe came over as she pulled off her scarf and fashioned a tourniquet around Adams leg.
"What are you doing?" Joe asked.
"Trying to save a life." She managed to stop the flow of blood, then pushing her wire framed spectacles up and leaving a smear of blood on the bridge of her nose, she took a knife to the leg of Adam's pants exposing the wound. "The artery was nicked, I'm going to need more stuff from my wagon." She pulled Joe down beside her and put his hand on the stick she was using to control the tourniquet. "Keep this tight, or he bleeds to death." She jumped up, and headed for her wagon.
Joe didn't know what think, but he could hardly object. "Who are you?" he asked once she had returned.
She set down another sturdy black case and a large bag. "I'm Dr. Josephine Argyle and now is not the time to argue." She opened Adams shirt. "The first bullet passed through fatty tissue." She indicated entry and exit wounds just above his right hip. "The second was deflected and traveled along the rib-cage." There was an entry wound near his heart, but bruising in a line to a lump just under Adam's left arm. She held up Adam's left arm and the wrist hung at an odd angle. "Broken ulna." she sighed. "We need to move him someplace flatter."
She moved quickly laying boards from her wagon acrossed rocks and laying a blanket over them to create a platform nearly waist high. "Help me move him." she ordered taking hold of the tourniquet, and lifting his legs.
Joe obeyed taking hold of Adam's torso. The sand where he had been laying was stained crimson. "My name is Joseph Cartwright, and this is my brother Adam."
She straightened him on the platform. "Where I've been they don't have the luxury of knowing all their patients names."
"Where have you been?" Joe asked, half not wanting to know the answer.
"Where young men die, Mr. Cartwright." she said, checking Adam's pulse. Adam stirred and she quieted him with chloroform. Then she began to clean the wound in his leg with carbolic acid.
**********
The Ponderosa was the biggest cattle ranch around. The main house was a sturdy log structure. There was a barn, chicken coops, corrals, a bunk house, and sheds laid out around it.
Joe steered the wagon to a stop outside the house and Ben rushed out to meet him. The sight of his son on this strange wagon was unsettling. Ben was a big man in his early fifties and three times a widower. He had white hair, with dark-brown eyes, and it was clear that Adam looked the most like his father. He wore a blue-grey shirt, a tan leather vest, dark-brown pants, black boots, and a green scarf tied around his neck.
Hoss followed close on his fathers heals. He was the biggest Cartwright and middle brother, and had actually been named Eric Haas Cartwright. He had sandy-brown hair, and blue eyes, with a big round, and friendly face. He wore a white shirt, with the sleeves rolled up, mid-shade brown pants, black boots, and a leather vest similar to his Pa's.
The wagon trailed four horses behind, two of them carrying corpses. Joe looked disheveled, and had his head wrapped in a bandage that was a little pink above his right eye.
"Where is Adam?" Ben called out.
Joe's eyes looked half panicked, "In the wagon with Dr. Argyle."
Ben helped himself into the back of the wagon, and was greeted by an even stranger sight. The little woman attending to his oldest son was fair skinned, with wavy brown hair, and green eyes, and wore glasses. She was muddied, and covered in blood that was plainly not her own. She looked ten times the mess that Joe did, but not nearly as bad as her charge. Ben grimaced, "Dr. Argyle, I presume."
"Indeed," she said, "And the corpses would be Kenneth and Erin Bagley."
**********
Doc Brown was an older man, in a grey suit. He poked and prodded at Joe, who sat patiently, but with an annoyed look. The doctor removed the bandage from Joe's head and examined the stitches Dr. Argyle had made in his scalp. "That's a dangerous place for a bullet to pass, young man."
Dr. Argyle raised an eyebrow, "A fortunate scratch."
The old doctor eyed her with a sardonic look. "You call that a scratch?"
"A deep one yes, but still a scratch." she answered with practiced calm. "Though he briefly lost consciousness, there is no sign of a concussion. Just look in his eyes."
He looked into Joe's eyes, and holding a lit match he saw the pupils contract, and dilate in a normal fashion. He scowled. She was right, but that didn't give the woman a place to presume. "Bah!" He picked up his bag, and stormed out. "If your sons die because of her Ben, don't come crying to me." he slammed the door behind himself.
Ben frowned after the man, but said nothing. He noticed Dr. Argyle holding her fists clenched so tight that he was surprised her palms weren't bleeding.
"How like a man!" she unclenched her hands, barely permitting Ben to glance the marks left by her nails, as she re-bandaged Joe's head. "He didn't ask for any proof that I am telling the truth, because he either assumed there was none or that he wouldn't accept it if there was."
Roy Coffee, had been listening the whole time from the top of the stairs, and decided it was time to come down. "You have proof?" Coffee was an older man, with a kind face, grey hair, and a neatly trimmed mustache. He wore a blue and red checked shirt, with black western tie, black pants, and a grey vest with a Sheriff's star on it. In his hand was a brown hat.
She reached inside one of her bags, and pulled out a thick, brown envelope. "All verifiable." she said handing it to the Sheriff.
Roy opened the envelope, and thumbed through the contents. Very thorough; diplomas, licences, letters, and even pictures. "Syracuse Collage of Medicine, class of 1857, a letter of praise from Dr. Jonathan Letterman, Medical Director for the North Army of the Potomac." Coffee shook his head. "What's this?" he pulled out a picture, and handed it to her. She stood in front of a tent with a group of men in Northern uniforms, their cloths covered in blood, and their faces weary.
"It was taken nearly six months ago; not far from the Battle of Seven Pines." she took her papers from the Sheriff, and stowed them back in her bag.
"Everything seems to be in order." Roy admitted. "I know that there are lady doctors in the world Mama, I just didn't expect to meet one. All I was told, was that Adam and Joe had both been shot."
"So you brought mister Ladies can't be doctors' with." she half smiled.
"I'm sorry about that." he turned to the door. "I have to go now, but I'll check back again tomorrow, and see if Adam is better able to give a statement." They all bid him goodbye in turn as he slipped on his coat, and walked out the door.
Ben was more curious about this lady than ever. "What exactly is your story Dr. Argyle?"
"I owe you as much." She took off her glasses, and polished them before looking up at Ben. "My friends call me Jo," she shrugged, "at least they did when I had friends." She took a seat next Joe on the sofa. "I was born in New York City, May 25, 1835 to Joseph and Victoria Argyle, and I was christened Josephine Victoria Argyle. My brother Michael was born three and a half years later. When I was eleven, my mother died, and if there had been a doctor near by she might still be alive."
"Is that why you chose to become a doctor?" Joe asked
She nodded, "Yes." She took a moment to compose herself. "My father was an opera singer, and after mother died he took Michael, and I with him on tore. We had tutors, but I wanted more. When I was eighteen I enrolled in a ladies college, but was unhappy with the curriculum. Two years later I entered the Syracuse College of Medicine. Father died of pneumonia before I graduated, and Michael enrolled in West Point. I chose to pursue an internship at a hospital in Sacramento."
She stood up again, and began to pace. "After the last Presidential election I went back East to visit my brother. Knowing full well I might not get another chance. After the fighting started we lost track of each other. I volunteered unofficially with the Medical Corp." She paused looking away from them.
"What happened?" Ben asked.
She looked at him with the sun dying in the window beside her. "I found my baby brother." she closed her eyes trying not to cry. "They had to dig him out from seven deep in Bloody Lane, and by the time he got to the field hospital, it was too late." She opened her eyes again. "His dying words were as rough as the battle, Jo, get the Hell out of here'. There were men dying left and right and I never really had a place there! So I packed up all that was mine and left."
"That is how you came to be traveling West alone?" Ben asked.
"I took a train as far as I could and then bought my wagon and horses." She bowed her head, and then looked up again. "All that is mine is the trade I have worked for. There is no one expecting me anywhere and there is no one left to care if I should disappear from the face of the Earth." she paused briefly. "And because I intervened where some would say I have no place and wash their hands of it; the life of your son is on my head."
"If that is how you choose to see it Josephine, but I am certain now, that two of my sons would be dead if not for you." Ben nodded. "If you will stay until Adam is better, I would be more than grateful."
Her face softened as she looked at Ben, not minding that he called her in the familiar. "I won't lie to you. If Adam lives ten days he has a chance. If he lives two full weeks, he may survive. But if infection sets in or he starts to hemorrhage; I'm not God. If his leg does have to be removed the cycle starts over again, and his chances lessen."
"I realize that." Ben nodded soberly.
"I will need some supplies and some one must be with him around the clock." she stated. "He can do nothing for himself, and too much movement could destroy any chance to save his leg. Plus with a broken wrist crutches are out of the question for now."
"Make a list of what you will need doctor, and I will get it for you." Ben reassured her. "And I'll take the watch after Hoss, because you look bone tired."
Dr. Argyle could only nod agreement. "Don't hesitate to wake me if there is trouble."
**********
Dr. Thaddius Johanson stepped from the stage to the Virginia City street. He was an older man, with greying temples to contrast his blond hair. He wasn't too tall, and had grown a little round in the middle over the years. His beard was finely sculpted, and trimmed, and his face looked as though he had once had no care in the world, but it had grow lined with concern in the last few years. His blue eyes still had a hint of sparkle, or perhaps a stifled grin. He wore a brown suit, and placed a top hat on his head. He reached up for his travel bag, and the black bag of his profession. Then thanking the driver he continued on the quest that had brought him here. Virginia City, Nevada was a quintessential Western town. He found his way to the Sheriff's office, and went in.
Behind the desk was a kindly looking man, with grey hair, and a mustache, who wore a badge. He was talking to a younger man with curly brown hair, in brown cloths, and a green jacket. "How is Adam doing today?" the older man asked.
The young man frowned, "He had a real rough night last night Roy, but he seemed to be doing better by the time I left this morning."
"Do you think his head is clear enough to give me a full statement yet?"
"He might be," the young man shrugged, "you just have to catch him at the right time."
Thaddius cleared his throat, "Pardon me, but what is ailing this Adam?"
The younger man looked at him with weariness. "I didn't catch your name sir."
"I'm Dr. Thaddius Johanson, of Sacramento."
"I'm Joe Cartwright and this is Sheriff Roy Coffee." the young man returned. "My brother Adam and I met up with some bandits a few days back, and Adam took the worst of it, as far as the living are concerned. Why do you want to know?"
"I'm a curious man." Thaddius replied. "What do you mean by the living are concerned'?"
Roy cleared his throat, "He means the bandits are both dead."
Thaddius nodded, "Oh!"
"You came in here for a reason doctor?" Coffee asked.
"I'm looking for some one Sheriff." Thaddius nodded. "Has a young woman about five foot two, with wavy, brown hair, and green eye, dressed like a school marm, and answering to the nick-name of Jo been through here?"
Joe, and Roy exchanged looks.
"It may be hard to believe, but her name is Josephine Argyle, and she is a medical doctor."
"Why are you looking for her doctor?" the Sheriff asked.
"She was a business partner of mine, and I really do need to find her."
"Do you mean she shared a practice with you?" Joe asked.
"Yes, she did," Thaddius strained, "and I need to make things right with her before death or senility make that impossible."
Joe leaned on Roy's desk. "I know where she is, but she isn't interested in seeing much of anyone."
Thaddius smiled relief, "That is a risk I must take."
**********
Ben entered Adam's room slowly, listening to Dr. Argyle read aloud from Shakespeare's "The Rape of Lucrece". She was sitting in a chair at the foot of the bed. He looked at her, and not for the first time, he thought to himself, that she dressed in such an unattractive manner on purpose. She looked down right matronly in her plain navy skirt, and conservative cream blouse. It was fastened tightly at her throat with an emerald broach, which was her only adornment. Her hair was done in a half bun, with the bottom half in spit curls, and those glasses sliding down the bridge of her nose
She read with a great deal of emotion. ["What win I if I gain the thing I seek? A dream, a breath, a froth of fleeting joy: Who buys a minute's mirth to wail a week? Or sells eternity to get a toy?]
["For one sweet grape who would the vine destroy?]
["Or what fond beggar, but to touch the crown, ]
["Would with the scepter straight be stricken down?"]
Adam chose that exact moment to yawn. Josephine stopped in her reading, and eyed him suspiciously. "Remind me to be as kind when it is your turn to read."
"I'm sorry, I'm just tired."
"Then I'll put the book up for now." she marked the place, and set it on the shelf.
Ben took a good look at his son. Adam was bruised, and had a small cut on his right cheek, plus he had five days growth of beared. His left arm was now in a cast, and his left arm, and leg had been propped up on pillows. Adam looked uncomfortable. "How are you feeling Adam?"
"How do I look?"
Ben grimaced, "Better than death warmed over."
"Then I look better than I feel." Adam smiled back at his father.
"I need to go downstairs for a minute." Dr. Argyle interrupted.
"Not a problem." Ben said taking a seat in the chair she had just vacated.
**********
Josephine set a glass of water on the dining table and pored a packet of powder into it. She then stirred it thoroughly, until the powder dissolved. Joseph came in through the door carrying a package, and she turned around to see who it was, taking the spoon from the glass. Joe was followed by Dr. Johanson, and on seeing him she dropped the spoon and screamed.
Thaddius was overjoyed to see her and tried to take her into his arms. "You are alive Jo!" he exclaimed. She slapped him hard. He let go of her, and rubbed his cheek. "Yes, I deserved that." He shook his head.
Ben came running down the stairs. "Did you scream Josephine?"
She looked over to Ben, but before she could say anything Thaddius chimed in. "That was my fault." Thaddius offered his had to Ben, who didn't take it. "I'm Dr. Thaddius Johanson," he took his hand back, "I've come looking for Dr. Argyle and she didn't expect me."
Josephine looked at him with indignation. "Your last words to me were, Don't ever return.' and I took you seriously, so now that you've found me, you can leave." She picked up the glass, and stormed up the stairs.
They all watched her go, and Joe couldn't help but ask. "What was that about?"
Thaddius piked up his hat from where it had fallen. "I have alot to apologize for." He straightened up, and dusted the hat off.
"Who are you to her?" Ben eyed the man suspiciously.
"Her former partner, one time teacher, and uncle."
Joe was surprised, "You never said anything about being her uncle?"
"Joseph Argyle's first wife was my sister Madeline, and though she and her baby both died in childbirth, Joseph and I remain close." Thaddius explained.
"And when Josephine and Michael were born, they learned to call you uncle." Ben finished.
Thaddius nodded, "Joseph could have blamed me for Victoria's death, because I was kept at the hospital and couldn't join them on their country outing. He never did, we kept in touch when he went on tour." He smiled, "Jo could have been an opera singer like her father, and in fact she did preform with him, but it wasn't what she wanted."
Joe stifled a laugh, "Her preform opera?"
Thaddius threw him a cold look. "Don't laugh, she is quite good and plays several musical instruments as well."
Ben wasn't laughing, "And she chose to pursue a career in medicine instead."
Thaddius looked to Ben, "She is one of the best doctors I've ever seen. After my wife Caroline died; we set up the practice in Sacramento together."
Ben offered the doctor a seat, and took one himself. "If I might ask, what happened between you two?"
"The War Mr. Cartwright." he pulled a page from a newspaper out of his pocket. On it were the dead of Antietam, with Lt. Michael Argyle's name circled. "Now that Michael is gone, we are each all the other has left."
**********
Ben had talked to Dr. Johanson for well over an hour before the man had headed back to town on his rented horse. Ben made his way back up stairs, and heard the sound of a lady singing, accompanied by guitar. It was coming from Adam's room, and he stood in the doorway to listen.
[The minstrel boy to the war is gone,
In the ranks of death you'll find him.
His father's sword he has girded on,
And his wild harp slung behind him.]
Dr. Argyle played, and sang beautifully. Her fingers moved with practiced ease.
["Land of song," said the warrior bard,
"Though all the world betrays thee.
One sword at least thy rights shall guard,
One faithful harp shall praise thee."]
Adam tried to clap when the song ended, but thought the better of it. "That was wonderful. Where did you learn to play?"
Ben smiled, "Her father taught her." He looked a Josephine, "I was told you sing opera."
She looked up from tuning Adam's guitar. "Not with a guitar." She looked back down, "Has Uncle Thaddius left?"
"Yes, but he will be back."
"He was never one to give up," she laughed, "that's what makes him a good doctor."
"He seems sincere about wanting to make thinks right." Ben told her.
She shook her head, "There are wounds the eyes of men can't see, that words alone won't heal, and good intentions may never make right again." Then, as if to change the subject, she began to play again. The melody was haunting, and had no words.
**********
Joe was cutting wood when Sheriff Coffee, and Dr. Johanson rode up. "Hello Roy." he waved. "Josephine gave me a message for you doctor."
"What was that?" he asked, dismounting.
Joe looked at the ground before telling him. "She said if you showed up again today, I was to tell you to, Go sit on a hot coal,' and that you would know what she means."
Thaddius shook his head. "I do know what she means, and it's not very lady like."
Joe shrugged, "It seems to me, that where you're concerned, she's done with being a lady."
"Please just tell her I'm here, and this time I'm going to wait right here until she talks to me." he pointed to the ground.
"I need to talk to her myself, along with you, and Adam." Roy stated. "If you'll lead the way Joe." He followed Joe inside.
**********
Josephine raked the razor over the last portion of Adam's chin with quick precession; for she had become both doctor, and nurse in recent days. She wiped the razor on a towel, and then handed the towel to Adam to wipe his face. As she set the razor back in its place, Hoss held up a hand mirror for Adam to inspect the lady's work in.
"I certainly look more like myself." His bruises were fading, and his color was improved.
Hoss took the mirror away, and began to bundle the dirty linens to take down stairs. "You sure do Adam."
"So how long are you going to keep me in this bed doctor?" Adam asked anxiously.
Josephine perched on the edge of the bed, as she buttoned the front of his pajama shirt over his bandages. "It's been nine days, and you need to stay put until the risk of hemorrhage has passed."
Adam frowned, "How long will that be?"
"Day after tomorrow I'll see about moving you downstairs for the afternoon." She gave him her sweetest smile.
Adam resigned himself to the fact, "I guess I can wait another two days."
There was a knock at the door, and Hoss opened it. "Hello Sheriff Coffee." he greeted.
"Hello Hoss. Is Adam up to a visit?" Roy asked.
Hoss smiled, "The Doc and I just finished making him presentable."
Adam called out from his bed, "I heard that!"
Hoss stepped aside to let Roy, and little Joe into the room. Then picking up the bundle of linens he said. "I know you heard me Big Brother. The bandits didn't get your ears." and with that the gentle giant named Hoss departed.
Roy reached into his pocket. "I need to talk to the three of you about the bandits you killed."
Josephine stood, and held up a hand in protest, "I just shot the gun out of one's hand, and that was all I did."
Roy was little miffed at being interrupted, but he decided not to show it. "Okay, the bandits they killed." He handed her a hand bill with the dead men's pictures on it. It read, The Bagley Brothers, Wanted for Murder, $1,500, Dead or Alive.' "I have here the fifteen hundred dollars, for the three of you to divvy up." he held up the money. "I would suggest five hundred each."
"Or seven hundred, and fifty for each of them." Josephine added, pointing to Adam and then to Joe.
Joe wasn't one to quibble about found money, but he had to speak. "But if you hadn't been there; Adam, and I would be two more notches in their gun belts."
Josephine rolled down and fastened her shirt sleeves. "But nothing, I'm a doctor, and that's blood money." she indicated the bills in Roy's hand.
Joe was about to raise another objection, but the look on Adam's face told him not to push it. So instead he turned to the doctor, and said. "Your Uncle Taddious is outside, and he said he wouldn't leave until you spoke with him."
She headed for the door with any angry spark in her eyes. "I suppose he thought my message was funny."
Joe called after her, "Actually he wasn't laughing."
**********
Josephine had thrown a grey shawl over her shoulder before exiting the house. She found Uncle Thaddius leaning on a fence. "When are you going to give up?"
"When you forgive me and agree to come back Sacramento with me." he answered, walking toward her.
"You'll have a long wait and probably have patients to get back to before I'll be ready to give in.", her face was blank.
"There is someone else to take care of my patients." he said. "I thought I'd lost you forever, and I'm not going to lose you again."
Josephine's face grew acid, "My leaving was not your fault, but the manner in which I left was."
"I was a fool." he stated plainly. "You knew that if you didn't go, you would never see Michael again."
"Yes," she said back, "and you were being selfish."
"And maybe I'm being selfish now." he admitted.
"Yes, you are." she turned, and stormed back into the house.
**********
It was Halloween, and the Cartwrights had much to celebrate. Fifteen days had passed since that day by the stream, and Adam had lived the two weeks that Dr. Argyle had stated he must before she would say with certainty that he would live. Joe and Hoss unloaded Adam's litter from the back of the wagon, and they went to join the carnival. Each Cartwright man was dressed in their finery, with white shirts, and black Western ties under their Sunday suits. Josephine wore a skirt and jacket of fine olive green, with a matching hat over her half-bun, and spit curls. The outfit had been a gift from Adam and Joe, because she had refused any of the reward money, and for once she wore the emerald earrings that matched her broach.
It was near sunset as they found a place for Adam and they set the litter atop some crates so he could better see what was going on. The litter had been built by Hoss and it was made to either lay flat, or the back could be raised into a chair. Adam had his left arm in a sling and Dr. Argyle had insisted they wrap his legs in a blanket. Ben helped Hoss and Joe get Adam situated, while Dr. Argyle watched.
"Are you comfortable Adam?" Ben asked.
Adam actually batted his eyelashes, "Better than comfortable, I'm starting to feel like an Egyptian Pharaoh."
Ben looked to Josephine, "Are you sure he's recovering?"
Hoss answered before she could, "He's just funnin' Pa."
Dr. Argyle nodded, "I can see the comparison." She put her hand on the litter's chair back, "It is alot like the drawings I've seen," she lifted her nose, "but not as ornate."
Hoss smiled, "I got the idea from a picture in a book."
Adam raised his right hand pointing to Hoss, "That explains it."
Joe shook his head, "If the Pharaoh has no further need of me," he gave a mock bow, "then perhaps the lady would care to join me for a dance." He offered Josephine his arm.
The lady took the offered arm, "I believe I would."
**********
They had erected a temporary dance floor at the end of the road, with just enough space for wagons to get by. They had a band, and some one had gone through all the trouble to wheel out a piano. Joe, and Jo danced with the rest of the giddy crowd.
When the dance was over Joe pointed to the piano, "Don't you play?"
"Yes I do," she answered with a sly smile, "but if you suggest what I think you are about to, you should remember I don't have to be gentle when I remove you stitches." Joe unconsciously reached toward his head. "I preformed before audiences to please my father, and I play now to suit my fancy." She looked him straight in the eye. "I will never play to suit a man's ego again."
**********
Hoss had gone to join the fun, and Ben sat with Adam watching the people enjoy themselves. As folks passed they greeted the two Cartwrights with enthusiasm. Many were glad to see Adam in town, for they had all had enough of hearing he would die form Doc Brown.
Thaddius approached, "Greetings Mr. Cartwright." he offered to Ben.
Ben nodded, "Dr. Johanson," he gestured to Adam, "I don't believe you've met my oldest son, Adam."
Thaddius reached to shake Adam's hand, "I'm glad to see your condition has improved since I first arrived in town."
"And you know of my condition?" Adam questioned, as he shook Thaddius's hand.
"Your little brother Joseph likes to talk." Thaddius smiled. "But I knew my Jo could handle it."
"You must be Dr. Argyle's dear Uncle Thaddius." Adam smiled back. "She doesn't have a very high opinion of you."
"That doesn't lesson my opinion of her skill any."
Doc Brown approached for the direction of the dance floor. "It's good to see you Adam," he offered in a backhanded manor, "I thought for sure you would be dead by now."
Thaddius looked at Doc Brown. "Why on Earth would you think that?"
Brown looked back in a condescending manor, "I don't know you stranger, but this man was attended to by a woman doctor."
"I'm Dr. Thaddius Johanson." Thaddius responded in a perturbed fashion. "And who are you to question Dr. Argyle's abilities?"
"My name is Brown," he pointed to himself, "and I am the doctor around here."
Ben was afraid this would come to blows, so he stood. "That's enough gentlemen!" but neither man listened.
"Is that so doctor?" the question was rhetorical. "Then surely as a fellow physician, you know that a ninety-seven percent survival rate for trauma victims is unheard of." Thaddius stated.
"What dose that have to do with it?" Doc brown asked, indignant.
Thaddius smiled, "That is Dr. Josephine Argyle's record."
Dr. Brown's jaw dropped, and he took a moment to recover.
"You should get all of the facts before you judge Doctor." Thaddius continued a little more softly. "She would have been first in her class, if not for prejudiced men like yourself."
Joseph, and Dr. Argyle had approached behind Doc Brown, and heard most of what had been said. "I'll tell you my secret Dr. Brown." Josephine said, startling the man. He jumped, and turned to face her, but remained silent. "Carbolic acid and bromine when called for." she stated with even gaze. "By treating the wounds with antiseptic in the first place, more often then not, they remain free of infection." She smiled, "And you know infection is the real killer."
Dr. Brown looked at her dumb founded for a moment. "That actually makes sense." he half whispered, then made a hasty retreat.
Josephine knew that was as close as she would get to an apology. She looked over to Thaddius, "So, you would still defend me against the armies of ignorance."
"Yes dear Jo, I would." Thaddius looked at Josephine with sad eyes.
She smiled, "Then I will forgive you Uncle," she raised a finger, "but don't ever try to dictate to me again."
He took her in his arms, and this time she didn't fight. "Fair enough." he said. He pushed her away so he could look into her green eyes, "You've more than proven that you can take care of yourself."
Adam put his right hand on his chin, "Does this mean you will be going to Sacramento?"
Josephine regarded him kindly, "As soon as you've recovered enough for me to leave."
Joe bent down to whisper in Adam's ear. "I'll give you my share of the reward money, if you have a relapse."
Ben overheard, "I'm surprised at you Joseph," he said with a mocking tone, "she is an older woman." They all laughed as Joe turned red.
"I think Little Joe just wants another chance to try and goad me into playing the piano." Dr. Argyle said, feigning maidenly distress. At that, even Joe laughed.
**********
Out side of the Cartwright house, Dr Johanson climbed up into Josephine's wagon. He had dressed down for the task of driving it to Sacramento. "Goodbye Jo." he said as he reached for the reigns.
"I'll send you a telegram when I'm ready to leave here." Josephine waved after him.
Ben watched from the porch. He looked down to the photograph in his hand. It was from the carnival, and he had just had it framed. Adam sat in the middle, on his litter. Ben stood behind. On Adam's right, were Hoss and Joe, and on his left sat Doctors Johanson and Argyle. All were smiling
**********
THE END