CHAPTER FOUR: AN EMBARRASSING SITUATION
A SHORT CHAPTER THIS TIME. THINK OF IT AS A SEGUE TO WHAT HAPPENS NEXT.
When Kitty makes up her mind to something there is no stopping her. She threw on some clothes and was out the door. I suddenly realized I was naked in her bed and Doc would soon be on his way. Of course, he knew about our relationship, but I wasn't prepared to have him find me in this condition. Hoping I still had some clothes here in her room I climbed out of the bed.
There was an old wrinkled union suit but at least it was clean. I had just finished putting it on and laying back down when I heard him coming up the backstairs. Instead of getting back into bed I sat down in a chair. I didn't like the look on Doc's face as he came through the door.
His voice was stern as he asked, "what's this Kitty is telling about you being dizzy and in pain."
I hoped he would believe me when I told him I wasn't sure what had happened. There was no way I was telling the good doctor what had happened, or what had not happened, and certainly not in front of Kitty.
Crossing to the chair the doctor ran his hands over my head pressing here and there. I did wince a little at one spot that was still sore. Of course, that was from the incident in the Long Branch. It was no surprise the old saw bones was complaining that I was trying to do too much too soon; as usual. His advice was that I needed to spend another night at his office.
I knew Kitty was not happy about that proclamation, but she had been the one to go for the physician. For my part he had saved me from a very humiliating incident. Looking in my eyes he hesitated and the look he gave me made me realize he wasn't buying my excuses. His suggestion was either I go back to bed and rest with no other activity, go back to the jail letting my deputies take over my duties, or back to his office.
How was I going to get out of the bedroom without upsetting Kitty any more than she already was at this time? As I looked at her, I could see the concern on her face. Slowly she suggested that maybe I could rest better at my office. Although she did mention that once I was there it would be difficult for me to not get involved in anything that was happening.
Doc saved me again as he promised her that he would walk me back to the jail and make sure I was resting. There were few words exchanged while I was slowly dressing. I wanted to apologize to Kitty, but she would have no idea what I was talking about. I was then hurried back to my office and I knew I would be hearing some harsh words from the doctor. If I could have, I would have dragged my feet.
I was never so glad to see Festus sitting in the office. He jumped up as I came through the door wanting to know if I was alright. Doc tried his best to get him to leave but as usual it ended in them grousing at each other. Finally, it was the doctor who gave in and told Festus to make sure I rested. As I settled in my chair Festus told me I better lie down. All I wanted was to pace the office.
It became evident that I would have to pretend to rest if I was going to get rid of Festus. So, I lay down and told him to keep a check on the town for me since Newly was out of town for the day. I could see he was reluctant to go and leave me alone, but he was torn by his curiosity of what was going on in Dodge. I must have been tired though because some time had definitely passed when I next opened my eyes.
I sat up on the side of the cot and ran my fingers through my hair. What I was going to do next was the big question. My stomach rumbled and I realized I had not eaten at all that day. Getting up I tried to decide if I should look for Festus, Doc, or Kitty to go to dinner with me. None of my choices were particularly appealing for different reasons.
As I stood on the boardwalk, I saw Kitty walking toward Delmonico's with Doc and Festus. I figured I couldn't get into too much trouble with all of them in one place. They seemed surprised to see me, but I explained that I had slept and felt much better. Kitty immediately started talking about the dance at the fort that week-end. She was looking right at me.
It seemed like a good idea to ask her if she would go with me. She was delighted, and also let Doc and Festus know she would give them a dance if they accompanied us. Bless Doc he told us if I was going to the dance I would need to rest up as I didn't want another relapse. That changed the topic of conversation, but I was no longer worried about how I could avoid Kitty in the next few days. I didn't want a repeat of the incident that occurred last .
When I saw the concern on Kitty's face it certainly added to the guilt I was already feeling. Doc cleared his throat and I got his message loud and clear. It was evident I was in a no-win situation. I had faced down many a desperate man yet one small redhead had me almost on my knees.