Inspector Brackenreid and Dr. Ogden stared up at the hospital's grim brown brick facade before taking the worn concrete steps that led to the building's front doors. As they entered, Julia felt somewhat relieved as she noticed the strong odors of rubbing alcohol and iodine combined with a whiff of ether. I hope that means this place is clean. William needs to avoid any chance of infection in his wounds. I can't imagine losing him to some sort of preventable illness now that he's finally made it home safely...

She clenched her fists impatiently as they were greeted by an elderly nun stationed at the front desk. "Good day, sir...madam. I'm Sister Agatha. How may I help you?"

"Good day, Sister." He pulled back his jacket so she could see his badge. "I'm Inspector Brackenreid with the Toronto Constabulary, and this is Dr. Ogden. We're here to see William Murdoch…"

"One moment, please…" After carefully adjusting her glasses, Sister Agatha picked up a nearby clipboard and ran her finger down the list attached to it. "I'm sorry, sir, but Dr. Joachim's orders state that Mr. Murdoch is to have no visitors, with no exceptions...not even for the man's priest. He needs to rest in order for his recuperation to proceed apace. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm very busy." She waved them off and turned away. "God bless you both. Good afternoon."

Noting the absence of people in the foyer and adjacent hallways, the inspector shook his head, wearing an artificial grin as he politely addressed the nun. "It seems there may be a lull in your business at the moment, Sister, so I hope you don't mind assisting us again." Seeing the nun's slight scowl, he leaned forward, pointing a thumb at his companion. "This lady is my station house's official doctor on call, and as such, she has the right to see Detective Murdoch whenever she deems it necessary. So please...tell us what ward he's in so she can do her job, and we'll leave you alone. I know he needs his rest, and I promise...we won't stay but a few minutes...long enough for Dr. Ogden to make sure he's recovering at a satisfactory rate, that's all. Then we'll be on our way..."

Sister Agatha was terribly scandalized, staring at Julia in disbelief. "This lovely young lady is a physician? And she sees male patients?" Blessing herself, the nun eyed Julia with contempt. "Good Lord! What is this world coming to?"

"Well, Sister…" Julia rolled her eyes, annoyed with Sister Agatha's old fashioned attitude. "...I'm sure the male doctors who work at this hospital see female patients, so I'm just returning the favor. That's really no different, is it? Besides, I usually treat the constables for simple cuts and bruises and other things of that nature. Nothing too...indecent..." Suppressing a giggle at the old woman's scowl, Julia smiled pleasantly. "If it will make you feel better, perhaps one of the sisters in the ward can act as my chaperone while I see Detective Murdoch. Will that be satisfactory?"

Now thoroughly vexed, Sister Agatha glowered at Julia. "Perhaps. However, those arrangements won't change the fact that Dr. Joachim has expressly forbidden Mr. Murdoch from having any visitors…"

"But we won't actually be visiting, Sister.," the inspector said with a resolute nod. "This isn't a social call. He's my station house's detective, and I need to talk to him about something that happened at work. The doctor is coming along to make sure my questions don't cause Murdoch any more stress than necessary. It'll only take us a few minutes..."

Though still unconvinced, Sister Agatha seemed anxious to be done with the troublesome visitors. Peering over the rim of her glasses, she gave them a prim nod. "Very well. You may see him, but if there's trouble with his physician, it'll be your problem, not mine. Mr. Murdoch is in ward C...down that hallway. You'll need to check in with Sister Rose first. However, she may turn you away, because, as we've discussed, Dr. Joachim's orders are quite clear on the matter...no visitors!"

"I suppose we'll just have to take our chances then." Bowing politely, the inspector smiled at the nun. "Thank you, Sister. You've been most helpful."

"Hmph." Scoffing softly, Sister Agatha shook her head as the visitors left. "Imagine that...members of the constabulary choosing to ignore rules…saints preserve us..."

As they strode away from the desk, Julia couldn't help but giggle. "So now I'm the Official Station House Doctor on Call? Where did that come from, Tom?"

"Who cares? It worked, didn't it? Besides, as much as you've been around the station house over the years, it rather makes sense to give you that title." Chuckling softly, the inspector pointed to a sign over a doorway. "There it is…Ward C..."

They were about to enter when a shrill voice called out, "You there! Where d'ya think yer goin'?"

Turning around towards the voice, Brackenreid raised an eyebrow in surprise as he beheld a petite nun. "Sister Rose, I presume?"

"Aye, that'd be me. And now, just who do ye be?" She stood with her hands on her hips, tapping her foot impatiently as she glared up at him. "Go on, now...give us yer name…"

Trying not to grin at the tiny woman's formidable challenge, the inspector bowed politely before flashing his badge. "I'm Inspector Thomas Brackenreid, Toronto Constabulary, and this is Dr. Julia Ogden, the Constabulary's physician on call. We've come to check on Detective Murdoch…"

"Nah, tis not happenin' while I'm in charge of this ward, sir. Dr. Joachim says that man is to be still and rest quietly, so 'twill be no visitin'." Sister Rose moved to stand in front of the door to block their way. "You two best be goin' so there's no trouble to be had, or I'll call the orderlies to have ye both removed."

The inspector was finally at the end of his patience. "Now, see here, Sister!," he roared. "I've had just about enough of this stonewalling from you nuns. I need to see the detective at once or there will be Hell to pay…"

Clearing her throat, Julia put her hand on the inspector's arm to keep him from saying something he'd later regret. "Sister, I'm a physician, just like Dr. Joachim, and I understand that the detective needs to rest to speed along his recovery. However, the inspector and I have both been so worried about him. He's been out of town, and we haven't seen him for several weeks. Now that he's come back home, we find that he's been seriously injured, and it makes us both so anxious! I know Dr. Joachim is giving him excellent care, but I'd like to take just a few minutes to check on him. Would it be alright with you if we just tiptoe in and have a peek at him? We won't stay long, since we don't want to disturb him...but we do need to see him for ourselves…to put our minds at ease..."

Sister Rose hesitated slightly as she considered the lady's request. "I don't know, ma'am…the doctor's orders are firm...and he can be a holy terror if we nurses don't follow his instructions to the letter..."

"Please, Sister? I know it's a lot to ask...and I don't want to cause you any trouble, but I'd appreciate your cooperation in this matter." Julia sighed softly before continuing. "You can come into the ward with us to make sure we behave correctly, if you'd like." Sniffling slightly as she ran a knuckle under her eyes, Julia continued quietly. "Imagine how you'd feel, Sister, if you hadn't seen one of your siblings for an extended period of time, and you'd been terribly worried about them while you were separated...and then, when they were right there, finally within a few feet of you, someone turned you away from seeing them at the last minute because of some silly rule. You'd be heartbroken, wouldn't you?"

As she considered the scenario Julia had postulated, the nun nodded in agreement. "Aye, tis true, ma'am. It's been many a year since I've seen me brothers Tim and Sean…and it'll be many a year 'til I do...and in the meantime, who knows what trouble they've been gettin' in?" Finally, after thinking over Julia's plea, Sister Rose stepped aside. "Ye may see him, but ye must be careful not to disturb him needlessly...and I must leave a note for Dr. Joachim about yer bein' here…"

Julia nodded at Sister Rose with a grateful smile. "I understand, Sister. Thank you so much for allowing us in. Let's go, Tom..."

They followed the nun to a narrow bed in a darkened corner of the ward. "Here he is.," Sister Rose whispered as she glanced at her patient. "He's had a bad time of it, to be sure, but Dr. Joachim feels that he'll recover eventually. This one's a fighter, he is. It'll just take some time, tis all."

"Oh, William…," Julia gasped softly, unable to hide her shock when she first saw him. "What have you done to yourself?"

He looked pitiful...so frail and ashen as he slept propped up against the headboard. His handsome face, creased in pain, was almost as white as the sheet pulled up around his chest, and his dark eyelashes lay in sharp contrast against his pale cheeks.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Julia took his wrist to check his pulse, and then put the back of her hand gently against his forehead. "His pulse is fine, but his breathing is ragged and he still has a fever." She looked up at the nun. "Has there been any delirium?"

"Aye, it was quite severe at the beginning. When he first arrived at the hospital from the train station, he was thrashing about violently, and continuously calling out for someone named Julia...his sweetheart, I suppose. It took that large constable who was with him and several of us nurses to calm him enough to get him into bed. However, his symptoms have become less severe over the past couple of days as his fever has dropped. The severe delirium is why Dr. Joachim wants him to rest. The doctor has ordered more alcohol baths, hoping the patient's fever will continue to go down and its effects will ease..."

Hoping to move quickly past the mention of Sister Rose's assumption about William's sweetheart, Julia nodded as she turned back to the patient. "Those baths would be helpful, of course, but I'm concerned that the continuing fever indicates an infection in one of his wounds…"

"Aye, tis worrisome, but Dr. Joachim has been bathing them in mercury to reduce the poisoning…"

Carefully moving William's pajama shirt to one side, Julia checked the bandages wrapping the knife wound and his left shoulder. "In the past, he hasn't responded well to mercury. I believe iodine would be a better choice, although there doesn't appear to be much drainage from his wounds, and they do appear to be healing...possibly due to being bathed in alcohol. They're still a bit red and puffy, but I suppose that's to be expected, given it's been less than a week since he was injured..."

It was then that William stirred in his sleep. "Where is she? I can't find her!" He was becoming frantic as he called out loudly. "Julia? Julia! Where are you?"

Placing her hand gently on his shoulder, she spoke softly to calm him. "I'm right here, William. Everything is alright…"

"Julia? Is it really you?" His eyes slowly fluttered open at the sound of her voice, and he reached out to clasp her hand tightly in his. "Thank God! I couldn't find you, and I was so afraid that you'd been harmed somehow..." His eyes darted around the room. "Where am I? Are you really sitting here with me, Julia? My God...I was so worried about you...but you're here...and you look so beautiful...just like an angel from Heaven..."

"Yes…yes, it's really me." She gently caressed his cheek as she sought to reassure him. "You were wounded in a shootout, remember? But now you're in Toronto, recuperating at St. Michael's Hospital. And I'm fine, William...I haven't been in any danger while you've been gone. I've simply come to check on you, to see how you're recovering. Inspector Brackenreid is here as well. He wants to talk to you, too, if you feel up to it."

William moaned softly. "I'm too tired to talk about work at the moment. For now, I just want to talk to you, Julia...to tell you about how I'm feeling…"

"Oh...well, alright…as your doctor, I suppose we can talk for a few minutes...but you'll need to speak to Tom eventually." Patting William's hand, she glanced at the inspector, who cleared his throat nervously.

"Sister Rose…," he began. "...may I speak with you privately...perhaps out in the hallway?"

Bewildered as she noticed the affectionate exchange between the visiting doctor and the patient, the nun nodded slowly. "Aye, sir…'twould be fine, I suppose..."

After they left, William groaned in pain as he struggled to get comfortable in his bed. Offering a faint smile, he gestured towards his faded pajamas. "My apologies, Julia. I suppose I'm not making much sense at the moment...and I'm certainly not dressed appropriately for having the company of such a fine lady as yourself. However, I'm very glad you've come to see me."

"And I'm glad to be here, William. I was very worried about you..." Julia smiled tenderly as she studied his appearance. "...but I think you're looking well, even if you are a little worse for wear. How are you feeling?"

Shaking his head, he exhaled slowly. "I'm rather uncomfortable, as you might expect...and as you've most likely concluded from my peculiar behavior, I'm also somewhat disoriented. The events of the past few weeks seem to be all jumbled together in my mind, and I'm having trouble sorting things out. My memory also seems to be impaired...and when I sleep, I have horrible dreams..."

"Probably because of a combination of factors...including your high fever and the pain medications you've been given. I know the confusion must be bothersome for you, especially since you're so used to thinking in such a rational manner, but I'm sure things will become clearer over the next few days." Tilting her head to one side, Julia folded her hands in her lap as she regarded him with interest. "Do you remember anything that you've been told about your injuries?" Seeing his frustrated frown, she continued quietly. "You've been delirious with fever, William, so it'd be understandable if you're unsure…"

His brow furrowed as he thought over her question. "I was shot in the left shoulder during a gunfight that occurred when we engaged the Charbonneau gang, and the bullet was eventually removed. I have some broken ribs…" He grimaced in pain as he again tried to get comfortable in the narrow cot. "...and I have a deep gash on my side from a hunting knife…both of which I received while I was wrestling with a rather large man as I arrested him..."

She pointed to the sling supporting his arm. "And your right shoulder was dislocated in that same fight and was later popped back into place, which would've been quite painful...not to mention your numerous scrapes, bumps, and bruises."

Julia grimaced as she pushed aside the bandage covering the bullet wound in William's left shoulder "It looks like the doctor who removed this bullet used a soup spoon instead of a scalpel. It's really sloppy work, and the wound will probably leave quite a scar, but you were fortunate that the gunshot didn't shatter your clavicle. If the bullet had been an inch lower, the outcome would've been much worse. You might've been permanently crippled."

"I vaguely remember the doctor who first examined me saying the bullet nicked the collar bone and it tore some of the muscle tissue around the entry point, but by the time he was ready to remove it, I'd had three or four shots of scotch to take the edge off the pain, so my memory may be faulty in that regard." Seeing Julia's concern, William offered a faint smile. "But getting shot was my fault, I suppose, since I forgot to pack my bulletproof vest."

Julia rolled her eyes at his quip. "However, you did push Jackson out of the way…a very heroic thing to do..."

"Yes...and perhaps, given his sturdy build, that was a major feat in itself…" Laying back against the headboard, he sighed softly. "The doctor here at the hospital thinks I'll recover the complete use of my left shoulder eventually. He explained that I'll need to do some sort of strenuous exercises to regain full mobility, but I'm willing to do anything necessary if it means I can continue working." William winced as Julia ran her fingers over his injury again. "Unfortunately, he hasn't really given me much additional information about the rest of my wounds. He's been giving me medication to dull the pain, but..."

"But your right shoulder and ribs are still throbbing steadily, aren't they? Yes, I imagine that's true, given the extent of your skeletal injuries, but with time, and some patience and effort on your part, I think you'll be able to regain strength enough so you can resume full time work with the constabulary." After examining his wounds for several minutes, Julia was finally satisfied that William would eventually recover from his injuries. Pausing a few seconds, she narrowed her eyes at him. "So now that I know you're getting better, I have some rather serious questions for you…"

William was surprised at her sudden change of mood. "Questions? What sort of questions?"

"Only these very simple questions: just what were you thinking, William Henry Murdoch?" Her voice rose in anger as she raged at him. "Why were you trying to arrest that dangerous gang when your posse was so outmanned, instead of seeking help from the local law enforcement agency? Why did you decide to wrestle with an armed man almost twice your size as you tried to arrest him? Why did you put yourself in the position of almost getting yourself killed? Do you realize that you are so very fortunate to have made it back to Toronto in one piece? Do you understand how terribly worried we were for your safety?" Taking a deep breath, she shook her head. "Really, William...there are times when you are so ridiculously stubborn...to the point of being incredibly foolish! You were a foolish man, taking on a foolhardy task, and getting yourself seriously injured in the process…for what? To prove how brave you are? Or to prove that you're insane? Did you really need to risk your life with that posse, just to prove you're a better man than one of the Charbonneaus? That's not like you, William! Where was the logical, clear thinking detective that I know? I can't believe you'd deliberately put yourself in such peril, merely to prove a point..."

After letting her vent her anger for a few minutes, William interrupted her tirade. "Julia...please. I was simply doing my job...surely you know that. And perhaps riding with the posse was a foolhardy task for a man my age, but nonetheless, we were successful in completing our mission. Without knowing who we could trust to assist us in Cochrane, the posse had to rely on some creative problem solving to get the job done, but we were still able to capture what was left of the gang and bring them back to Toronto to face justice. I'm quite satisfied with how things turned out." Hoping to ease the tension between them, he broke into an impish grin. "Besides, my 'ridiculous stubbornness' is one of the many things you love about me, isn't it?"

Flinching at his brash statement, the doctor gasped in surprise. Seeing her shocked expression, William knew immediately he'd said something horribly wrong. Completely mortified, he began to apologize profusely. "Oh, Julia...that remark was quite inappropriate, and I'm so sorry…please forgive me. I meant no disrespect to you...or to Darcy..."

"Don't fret, William. I know you meant no harm…" Exhaling slowly, she averted her gaze from the sadness in his dark eyes. "I'm certain it was the delirium speaking. Because you've had such a high fever, you can't be held responsible for any silly things you might say...and so, of course, you're forgiven…"

"Thank you." Grunting in pain, he tried his arms over his chest without much success. "As I said, my mind is completely jumbled up." Clearly aggravated as he fidgeted with the bedsheet, he puffed out a sigh, hoping a change of subject would lessen his embarrassment. "I know it will be several weeks before I'm allowed to return to work full time, but I'm hopeful that I can be released from the hospital soon to recuperate at home...if Mrs. Kitchen will have me back, that is. After all, I haven't paid this month's rent..."

"I feel certain she'll be thrilled to see you safely home again, rent or not...but first, your physician will want to make sure there's no further chance of infection before he allows you to leave St. Michael's. However, if you continue to make such good progress, it should only be a few more days."

"Good. I'll be happy to be back in my own bed." He nodded slightly, hesitating a few seconds before attempting a smile. "And so, while I am rather damaged from my misadventures with the posse, I did make it home, which means you won't have to worry about following those lengthy instructions I left with you…"

"True…"

He continued with a bit of a smirk. "And I suppose you weren't the least bit curious about the personal note I left for you. You'd never dream of trying to peek inside that envelope..."

She couldn't help but giggle at his teasing. "Perhaps I was slightly tempted…but I remained strong. Seeing your stern postscript on the envelope's flap was a strong deterrent..."

Their quiet conversation was interrupted by a huge commotion out in the hall.

"When I said 'no visitors', I meant NO VISITORS, Sister!," a man shouted. "This is completely unacceptable…your utter stupidity is truly beyond belief.."

"Now, just a minute…," Inspector Brackenreid blustered. "There's no reason to raise your voice to the lady just because she did us a small favor…"

"Of all the incredible incompetence…this is outrageous!" A tall, heavily built man burst into the ward and charged toward William's bed, followed by an infuriated Sister Rose and an indignant inspector. "I should have known it'd be you who was disobeying my explicit orders, Mrs. Garland…" The man's fleshy face was flushed with rage, and he waved his arms wildly as he loudly scolded Julia. "You've often shown little respect for normal social conventions, so it would seem that following simple rules, such as another doctor's orders, must be beyond you. How disgraceful...attempting to steal another doctor's patient like this. I won't allow it! This man needs his rest, so you and your companion will leave immediately!"

"Dr. Julia Ogden, please meet Dr. Henrik Joachim." Murdoch squared his shoulders as best he could before continuing in a calm voice. "Dr. Joachim, if I'm to rest, perhaps you'd consider speaking more quietly while you're standing next to me…"

Knowing that William was fuming underneath his serene exterior, Julia rose from his bedside and turned to face Dr. Joachim with a hint of a smile, in hopes of avoiding an ugly scene. "How nice to meet you, Doctor. I'm the Constabulary Physician for Station House 4, where Detective Murdoch is assigned. I was assessing his injuries so I could give his inspector an idea of when the detective might be able to return to work." She gestured toward the narrow bed. "With the lack of infection in his wounds, it appears that he's been in excellent hands these past few days, and his recovery is most certainly assured. Thank you, Dr. Joachim, for giving him the benefit of your excellent care." She paused as she nodded at the patient. "It seems we'll be leaving now, William, so goodbye. I hope to see you again very soon. Come along, Inspector..."

"Hmph...some bedside manner he has…," Brackenreid grumbled as he donned his derby. Determined to have his say, he shook his finger at Murdoch's physician. "I'll tell you this, Dr. Joachim...you'd best not harass Sister Rose over allowing our brief visit, or you'll be answering to me, understand? All she has to do is call me at Station House 4, and I'll be down here in a few minutes to set you straight! Imagine...yelling at a nun that way...especially when no harm was done..."

"What? How dare you threaten me, sir! I'll be sure to contact the Chief Constable about that personal affront.," Dr. Joachim sputtered before turning his fierce anger towards Julia again. "And you can be certain that your husband will also be hearing from me, Mrs. Garland. I'll be sure to mention your obnoxious, provocative attitude and your companion's poor manners! Trust me, young lady...I will be heard. I'll file a complaint with the city if I have to...I'll make sure your license to practice medicine is revoked."

"That's Dr. Ogden to you, sir!," Murdoch growled as he tried to rise from his bed. "You will be polite, and you will address her correctly, or I'll file a complaint of my own…"

"It's fine, Detective. I'm sure the doctor isn't being intentionally rude." Placing a hand on William's shoulder to gently restrain him, Julia smiled sweetly. "As I've said, we must be going. Good day, Sister...and a good day to you, Dr. Joachim…"

"Out! NOW!," Dr. Joachim bellowed fiercely. "And Sister Rose...I will be speaking to your sister superior…"

"Aye, doctor...ye just do that...and I'll be sure to explain everything that happened when ye arrived…" With a wink at William, she turned and left the ward.

Trembling with rage, Dr. Joachim turned to William with a snarl. "Imagine allowing such an impertinent young woman to practice medicine...and what kind of man are you, encouraging her poor behavior like that? For that woman to demonstrate such a lack of respect for my position is untenable…"

"She is a brilliant physician, and quite capable in all aspects of her career. I have no hesitation in entrusting my health to her." William exhaled slowly, wanting to remain placid as he made his point. "She's worked very hard to become a physician, Dr. Joachim, and has encountered tremendous prejudice simply due to her gender. Because of her many struggles in that regard, Dr. Ogden is quite particular about those to whom she bestows her respect. In my experience, she only offers respect to those she truly deems to have earned such regard...only to those she views as being worthy of her esteem." He raised an eyebrow at the doctor. "Perhaps that might be a plausible explanation for what you consider to be her poor attitude towards you."

Taking the doctor's angry expression as a sign that the man understood the implication, William smirked before closing his eyes and lying back on the pillow. "Now, if you'll excuse me, Doctor, I believe I shall follow your orders and get some rest. Good evening."

Muttering angrily to himself, the doctor stormed away from his patient. "I'll show her who's in charge…Garland will be hearing from me this evening..."

oooooooooo

Still feeling somewhat unsettled by her confrontation with Dr. Joachim, Julia watched the inspector's carriage leave before making her way along the sidewalk leading up to her house.

She was arriving home later than she'd anticipated, and she wondered if Darcy had started dinner without her. He'll probably be annoyed with me, but it can't be helped...I was doing something important…

After entering the foyer, she'd stopped to remove her hat and coat when Mrs. Carruthers came bustling in. "Good evening, Missus. The mister has just sat down to dinner, and he asked that you join him as soon as you've arrived home. I'll bring you your plate in two shakes, ma'am…it's roast beef this evening..."

"Thank you, Alma. Tell Dr. Garland I'll be there directly. I need to freshen up a bit."

"Yes, ma'am…"

As the housekeeper excused herself, Julia checked her appearance in the foyer's large gilded mirror. "Not too bad…," she murmured. After smoothing her dress and fluffing her hair, she sighed softly. "Well, into the lions' den we go…"

She made her way to the dining room, making sure to smile as she entered. "Good evening, Darcy...I'm sorry for being so late…"

"Ah, there you are, Darling. I see you made it home for dinner after all…" Seeing Julia's surprise, he shrugged as he reached for his glass. "Alma said you might be late…"

"Oh, yes...well, I wasn't sure how long my errand would take." She sat down to join him, unfolding her napkin before picking up her fork. "However, it has been accomplished, and now we can enjoy our meal together."

"Good. I'm glad."

They ate in silence for a few minutes, until Darcy cleared his throat. "It sounds like you had an interesting afternoon…"

Rolling her eyes, Julia groaned in frustration. "I take it Dr. Joachim called you about my supposed 'bad behavior'?"

"Really, Darling...how could you provoke him like that? Why cause needless trouble?"

"There was nothing overtly provocative in my actions!," she exclaimed. Puffing out a sigh, she explained what had transpired earlier that afternoon. "Detective Murdoch was injured while apprehending a criminal, and Inspector Brackenreid asked me to check on him as he recuperates at St. Michael's. That's all there was to it. I was quite complimentary about the care William has received from Dr. Joachim, but Dr. Joachim reacted like a madman! He flew off the handle for no apparent reason! I was afraid that he'd become apoplectic over nothing! He must have quite a violent temper to react as he did over such a small matter!"

Grunting softly, Darcy nodded. "True...he's definitely prone to becoming irate over trivial matters...and he's 'old school', in that he doesn't believe women have the correct temperament to become physicians, but...he has the right to be upset if he feels that you're belittling his involvement in the detective's care…or if you're inserting yourself where you don't belong..."

"That's not what happened!" Julia paused to take a deep breath, realizing that she needed to remain calm if she wanted Darcy's support. "I had no intention of 'stealing his patient', and I made sure to note that his care of William has been exemplary. As a matter of fact, Darcy, it was Dr. Joachim who provoked me…he overreacted to my presence in such an extreme way! It was quite extraordinary!"

Pursing his lips slightly, Darcy tilted his head to one side as he listened to his wife's side of the story. "However, Joachim might've had reason to be annoyed with you, since you deliberately subverted his orders, visiting the detective when he'd explicitly ordered that the man have no visitors."

"We were there for five minutes at the most." Studying her dinner plate, Julia shrugged slightly. "And I believe it did William good to see some familiar faces…"

As Darcy regarded his wife, he wondered if something else was going on...something he couldn't quite name. As usual, the Detective has set Julia on edge...but why? What about him makes her so prone to flaunt orders and rules? Why did she feel so compelled to see him?

He coughed softly before continuing. "I understand how you might feel, Darling, seeing that you're such good friends with the detective, but the fact remains that you completely ignored Dr. Joachim's orders for his patient...and, as a result, you've put yourself in an unfortunate position…"

Setting her fork aside, Julia scowled at her husband. "Oh, let me guess...Dr. Joachim wasn't satisfied with tattling on me to you alone…"

"It seems he felt that my discussing the incident with you wouldn't be a sufficient reprimand, so he also called the head of the hospital's board of governors, suggesting that if I can't control my wife's behavior, I probably don't have enough strength of character to be in charge of a major hospital's administration…"

Julia was livid. "Of all the nerve! Thinking that I'd need to be controlled by you? Ridiculous…" She hesitated when she realized Darcy didn't agree with her. "Wait...you think he's right, don't you? You think you need to treat me like some unruly child who's misbehaved in church..."

"No, of course not, Darling...it's just…" He sighed heavily. "You see...the board members think it looks bad...having my wife work, that is...and with you being a female physician, it puts you in the spotlight more than what would be considered normal for the wife of a man in my social and professional position. Your career makes you a prominent public figure, and when people know you deliberately ignore rules...with this situation, as well as the occasion when you were arrested for teaching women about contraception...it puts me in a bad light as well...and this incident today tends to prove their point...that you lack self control..."

"I see." Glaring at her husband, Julia spoke slowly, trying to contain her anger. "So because of my so-called indiscretions...my failure to conform to what some fussy old men believe is 'correct' behavior for a woman, you want me to give up my practice, don't you? After working so hard to achieve my goal of becoming a physician, I should just forgo all my education and training to become a more well behaved, socially acceptable wife! God forbid that I make waves of any sort, because that might offend someone, and put you in a bad light! Instead of contributing to society with my education and intelligence, I should be satisfied to take tea every afternoon with inane, useless women...or to be a mere ornament on your arm at hospital functions…"

"Julia, Darling…" Darcy reached over to gently take her hand. "It's true that your accomplishments are remarkable. However, at this point in time, I do believe it'd be for the best if you took a break from actively practicing medicine. After all, it's not like we need the money...and it would cement my position as the hospital's administrator if there were no more problems involving your practice. Once I'm established in my position...perhaps in a year or two...you could go back to work if you so desire..."

"But what about my current patients? Who would see to the affordable care of those women and their children?" She took a sip of her wine. "Unless you're planning on opening that woman's clinic I've been requesting?" Seeing Darcy's grimace, she let go a sardonic chuckle as she pulled her hand away from him. "No, of course not. After all, it wouldn't be profitable to help lower class people like that…"

"You could still see patients at the charity ward.," Darcy began. "It's not like I'm asking you to stop being a doctor. I just think it would be better for everyone if you weren't so independent. It seems...inappropriate...for a woman to act that way, and you know the board wouldn't stand for even a hint of impropriety."

"Well, then, it appears that you've married the wrong woman...because you and I both know I'm nothing if not independent...and inappropriate." She threw her napkin aside and rose from the table. "Now, if you'll excuse me...I've lost my appetite."

"Julia...Julia, please...can't we discuss this logically?," Darcy pleaded.

"Not at the moment. Good night." Brushing away a tear, she quickly left the room, and walked down the hall to her office. Locking the door behind her, she sat in her chair and sobbed angrily.

"I won't give up my practice...I can't! My patients need me! Why can't Darcy see that? Why is it always what he wants and not what I want?"

As her tears abated, however, she considered the situation in a more rational manner. "Unfortunately, it seems I already compromised so much of what I believe in when I chose to marry Darcy...so what's one more compromise? And perhaps in the whole scheme of life, this really is an unimportant matter. Giving up my small practice might help Darcy in his career...and in turn, he could help people by running the hospital well, and it would also keep the peace in my marriage. Perhaps that's more important..." She twisted her wedding ring around her finger. "I do want Darcy to be happy...so maybe it's not worth arguing about this. After all, as a married woman, I'm supposed to honor my husband's wishes. Maybe it won't hurt to attempt to be more docile…and less stubborn..."

Suddenly William's words flashed through her mind. My ridiculous stubbornness is just one of the reasons you love me…

She nodded, murmuring quietly to herself as she dabbed at her eyes with her handkerchief. "You're right, William...it's one of the many reasons I love you…but I can't do anything about that right now, can I? Instead, I have to strive to be more socially acceptable...and less irritating. I have to be a better wife for Darcy...so perhaps I need to respect my husband's wishes in this matter..."

Nodding resolutely, she rose from her chair and turned out the light before leaving the room and moving down the hall to her bedroom. She'd have to make a decision about her medical practice in the near future, but until then, she had patients to see the following morning, and she needed to be rested.

"Perhaps I can think more logically in the morning…" She sighed softly as she thought about William once again. "...or perhaps not…"

Oooooooooo

Three more weeks had passed, and William was relieved to finally get back to his office at the station house. Even though there were several stacks of files on his desk and a thick layer of dust on his tools and workbench, he was glad to return to where he needed to be...where he truly belonged...and to be doing something constructive with his time rather than lolling around in bed all day.

He grunted softly as he eased himself into his chair. The gunshot wound in his shoulder and the gash in his side were almost completely healed, but his ribs and right shoulder still ached a bit. He cringed as he reached for a folder from one of the piles. At least the inspector had given him a week's special dispensation so he could avoid wearing his suit coat to work. Pulling on a dress shirt and waistcoat over his injured shoulders had been trouble enough that morning.

Dr. Joachim had not been pleased by his patient's insistence on returning to work so soon after suffering such severe injuries, but the physician soon found the detective to be an extremely stubborn man who was apparently unable to listen to reason, so after much discussion, he finally released him from his care with the admonishment to be careful, lest he suffer a relapse.

Unfortunately, the news wasn't all good. Even though William was on the mend from his many injuries, the time he'd needed in recovery had kept him from taking the detective's position in Winnipeg that he'd so desired. The Chief Constable was extremely pleased with how Murdoch had handled things after the posse's initial tragedy and in planning for the posse's subsequent success under dire circumstances, but he felt as if he couldn't wait any longer to fill the position, and another applicant had been chosen instead.

So now William was back at work for Station House 4, after a fashion, anyway. For the time being, he was to remain in his office all day, but it was infinitely better than being confined to his small room at the boarding house, where his utter boredom had made each tedious day seem to stretch on into an eternity.

After a few hours at work, however, he found himself growing fatigued. The words on the page he was reading were beginning to blur together, so that he couldn't make sense of them. Running his hand over his eyes, he groaned softly. "Perhaps I need a break…"

As if his private thoughts had been heard, a visitor appeared at his door. "William? Why are you back at work already?"

"Julia!" William wore a wide grin as he rose to greet her. "What a pleasant surprise! I didn't expect to see you here!"

"I didn't expect to be here, either." She giggled softly as she walked into his office. "I went by your boarding house to check on you, and also to return the papers you'd left with me. Imagine my surprise when Mrs. Kitchens said you were already back at work! I'd expected you to spend at least another week in bed…"

"I was becoming restless." He smiled sheepishly as he explained. "I'd finished all my reading, so I tried sketching out plans for some invention ideas, but it was frustrating not being able to actually work on them since my materials and tools were here at the station."

"Perhaps you should've rested your mind to speed along your recuperation..."

"It seems I'm not suited for mindless lazing about...and I was rested to the point of annoying my landlady a great deal. I'm sure she was tired of me moping around the boarding house looking for something to do. It seems she was afraid I was going to pull the entire place apart so I could rebuild it again, in an effort to relieve my ennui." William chuckled as he leaned against the corner of the desk. "So I decided that I should come back to work with the understanding that I'd be put on light duty...you know, paperwork and the analysis of evidence...things like that. It'll most likely be several weeks until I'm back to outside casework."

"I see." Biting her lip to keep from laughing out loud, Julia nodded. "So strictly office work for now, right?"

Seeing Julia's smirk, William rolled his eyes. "You don't believe me…"

Smiling, she shook her head. "I believe that you believe that's true, William, but I also know that you'll be quick to answer the call if the Constabulary needs you to do something outside the office. It seems that 'resting' is simply not in your vocabulary."

William laughed softly. "You know me too well…"

They chatted aimlessly for a few minutes before William paused to study his visitor. "Is something wrong, Julia? You seem rather...I don't know...distracted?"

"I'm fine…" Seeing his worried expression, she decided to tell him the truth. That's why I came to see him...to see what he thinks about my plan... "It's just that...I'm...seriously considering the idea...of giving up my medical practice…"

It was a huge surprise, and William couldn't hide his shock. "Really! But, Julia...why? Why would you do such a thing? Why give up everything you've worked for?" Thinking things over, an unpleasant thought occurred to him. "Is this because of your little problem with Dr. Joachim? Because that bellicose man is not worth a second thought."

"He did lodge a complaint against me, but It's not only that…" She sighed softly before continuing. "Darcy thinks it'll be better for his career if I don't pursue mine at this time. He wants me to be less of a public figure...and, by extension, less of an annoyance for the hospital's board of governors. I suppose the incident with Dr. Joachim merely brought some nagging issues to the forefront…such as how difficult it is to be a female in a male dominated field, especially if that female is married. You know independence in females is often frowned upon by polite society. Darcy would rather have me fade into the background a bit so the board will be able to focus more on his work rather than my 'insolent behavior'."

"In other words, he wants you to be someone you're not." William leveled a serious gaze at Julia. "And what do you want to do? Will giving up your practice make you happy?"

"It's not all about my happiness, William. It's about Darcy's career as well...something that's very important to him…"

"As important as your career is to you, correct? So, I ask again...will it make you happy to stop practicing medicine? To give up your patients…everything you've accomplished...your life's work?"

"Marriage is about compromise, William, and this is a compromise I'm willing to make if it helps my husband be successful." Sensing William's disapproval, she grimaced slightly. "And I won't completely give up practicing medicine. I'll work at some of the charity wards at various hospitals. I just won't have my own practice, that's all."

"I see. Well, I'm sure compromise in any relationship is important, but…" William studied his nails for a minute, trying to find the right words. Nodding slightly, he was solemn as he looked up at Julia. "Obviously, I have no experience with being married, but I've always believed that a husband's primary concern should be ensuring his wife's happiness, even at the expense of his own…"

Slightly exasperated, she shook her head. "William...there's give and take in any relationship. One partner's happiness is not more important than the other's…"

"Except in this case, Darcy's happiness is apparently far more important than yours, as is usually the case between you two…" Recognizing that he might have said too much, he grunted softly. "I'm sorry. I know I'm meddling in something that's none of my business, and of course, as your friend, I'll support you in whatever decision you make in this matter." He sighed quietly. "I can't help but believe that you'll regret giving up something so dear to you, but if it makes you happy...then I'll be happy as well."

"William…" As Julia looked into William's dark eyes, she felt her heart flutter. There was a fervent intensity in his expression, and it was as if she couldn't look away, held in place by his ardent gaze as she was. She wanted to say something...but where were the words? How could she tell him what she was feeling? How could she explain something she herself didn't understand?

At that moment, Constable Crabtree knocked on the door. "Sir? The Inspector wishes to see you…"

Clearing his throat as he looked away, William nodded. "Thank you, George. Tell him I'll be there shortly."

"Sir."

"Well then, William, I best be on my way so you can get back to work." Smiling sadly, Julia rose from her seat and placed a large envelope on his desk. "Here are your papers. I'm glad you're feeling better, William. I hope your health continues to improve."

He took her hand in his, patting it gently. "Thank you." As she turned to leave, he spoke softly. "Julia, please...consider your career options carefully, and then do whatever brings you the most happiness."

"I will...and I hope you can do the same. Goodbye, William." She left his office quickly, hoping he wouldn't see her tears.

"Goodbye, Julia."

He sighed as he watched her leave. She was the wife of a successful, well respected man, and they moved in vastly different social circles than he did. Chances were good that he would rarely see her now, if at all. Perhaps it's just as well...avoiding her will allow my heart to heal, and I'll finally be able to find some peace of mind...

He knew what would bring him the most happiness, but it was completely out of his reach. Instead, all he could do was encourage Julia to seek her own personal fulfillment.

After all, if she was happy, he would be as well...and he'd have to be satisfied with that.

Sighing softly, he sat down at his desk and picked up a file. Glancing at its contents, he shook his head. "Who knows? Perhaps, someday, another opening will become available in Winnipeg…and I'll be able to leave town after all..."

Thanks for reading. There will be one more chapter after this one. If you have time to review, I'd appreciate it.