Chapter 23
Boston
April 26th 1867
The early morning sunrise peeked through the lace curtains of Michaela's childhood bedroom. The light tickled her face as the beams played on her eyelids. Opening her eyes one at a time a smile washed upon her face as she realized the day of her engagement party was finally here. Two weeks of endless planning for the party and the wedding was starting to take a toll, but it also helped the time to pass by a little quicker. Her family had begun to feel more comfortable around Sully, and she could tell he was feeling better around them as well. Maureen and Claudette were still the only holdout. She could tell they would only act amicable when her mother was around and were less than thrilled to be in the wedding. She told them, they didn't have to be in it if they didn't want too, but all they did was roll their eyes and walk away.
Pulling the covers up over her shoulders Michaela sunk deeper under the sheets. Her mind started to wander back to a night two weeks ago when she asked her mother what changed her mind about herself and Sully. Never did she think mere words could ever alter her mothers' feelings on such strong matters as marriage. Turning over in bed, she relived the truth of her mothers' words.
"Mother?" Michaela ascended the steps finding her mother cross-stitching by the fire. Michaela's fingers began to fidget at her sides, something she always did when she was nervous. "Can I speak with you?"
"Mmm…" Elizabeth took off her glasses and squinted before placing her things in the side table next to her chair. "I thought you went to bed."
"No." Michaela sat down facing her mother, trying to gauge what kind of mood she was in. "Hannah wanted me to lie with her for awhile till she fell asleep. I'm afraid I haven't been spending much time with her lately," she looked down feeling a bit guilty.
"You're very good with her," Elizabeth commented. "She reminds me of you when you were her age." Tracing the outline of the pattern on her armchair Elizabeth smiled and closed her eyes. "You would always stay up till your father came home, no matter what ungodly hour that was," she smiled to herself. "Do you know how many times your father would come into our room with you wrapped around his neck?"
"I don't remember that," she smiled inwardly, trying to imagine what her mother must have thought at the time.
"You're going to make an excellent mother, Michaela. Not just with Hannah, but with your own children as well."
"Mother-"
"Let me finish," Elizabeth held up her hand. "You have that quality about you, that warmth and kindness. Things….important things that I lack in many respects. I've never seen a child so attached to anyone so much before. The way Hannah looks at you, and imitates the way you act. She's going to be a very lucky girl to have both you and Sully in her life to guide her."
"I never thought I would love a child so much that wasn't my own. I thank God everyday for bringing Hannah and Sully into my life. I can't even imagine my life without them now." Biting her lip, Michaela looked toward the family portrait that hung just above the mantle. She was sitting on her fathers lap and she couldn't have been more than four years old. The family staring back at her seemed so happy, so content. "It frightens me sometimes. Being a mother. I feel that Sully has such high expectations of me, of what kind of mother I'll be. What if I can't be everything everyone wants me to be? What if I let them down?"
Shaking her head, Elizabeth took Michaela's hands into her own giving them a tight squeeze. "You're already doing it Michaela. You already are a mother to that child, don't you see that? In every sense of the word and you're also a doctor to the entire town. You're already doing more than I ever could have imagined."
"I thought medical school was frightening!" she joked. "I don't think anything can prepare you to be a parent."
"You won't be doing this alone," Elizabeth reminded her. "You'll have a partner."
"Yes, I will," she smiled. Wanting to approach the subject before she forgot, Michaela shifted in her chair and took a deep breath. "Mother, about Sully and I-"
"Yes," Elizabeth smiled to herself, knowing this was coming. "You want to know how I came to such a dramatic change of heart, don't you?"
Stunned a moment by her mother's bluntness. Michaela didn't know what to say. There were so many questions that she wanted to ask her mother. Shaking her head, she moved in closer.
"Sully," she simply stated. "Sully changed my mind."
"When did you talk with him?" She wondered, because last time she talked to him, which was earlier in the day he was just as confused as her.
"I haven't," she shook her head. "I heard him talking to you."
"You were eavesdropping?"
"It's not eavesdropping when it's in your own home," she justified.
"W-what did you hear him say?" she was a little worried her mother might have listened during an intimate time between herself and Sully.
"The day that your sister said they wouldn't be able to make your wedding, I knew that hurt you. As much as you said it didn't, I know it did. And the wise little Hannah told me to go up because you needed, me," Elizabeth laughed at the ironic situation. "So I decided to take the child's advice and go up to see you. I was fully planning on talking some sense into you, mind you. Anyways, I heard Sully talking before I even reached your room. And I never thought I would say this, and especially not about Sully, but that man is deeply in love with you, Michaela. And there's something he said, that really made me think."
"What's that?" she wondered.
"He's said that your father would be proud of you. I always knew that your father was proud of you. You were the apple of his eye until the day he died. And I know that your father would have liked Sully. He and I disagreed on more issues than I can count, and would probably on this too. I've seen the way that Sully treats you, how he respects you and dotes on you, he's the man your father always wanted you to meet."
"Mother," Michaela cried at her mothers words.
"Now, he may not be the 'type' of man we have envisioned, but his heart is. And I think your father would be proud…of both of you."
"You don't know what this means to me," Michaela's voice quaked. "All I've ever wanted is for everyone to get along, to love one another. I thought I was going to have to go back to Colorado worse off than when I came. When Maureen and Claudette-"
"Don't worry about your sisters," Elizabeth's voice became ridged. "They have no right to talk to you like that."
"I don't expect them to understand. They've never been out west."
"That doesn't excuse their behavior. I had a talk with them. And you're right, they don't understand everything. They are too set in their ways for that to happen, but they will try. Your sisters are going to treat you with respect, respect that has been long overdue."
"I don't know what to say."
"Don't say anything. This time is for you, Michaela. And I think it's time to plan a wedding don't you?"
Shaking her head, Michaela wiped away her tears and nodded before taking her mother in her arms and giving her a long deserved hug. "I love you, mother."
Grinning at the memory Michaela turned and looked at the ornate clock on the wall above her dresser and realized it was already past eight o'clock. Throwing off her covers she moved over to the window and looked down at the streets of Beacon Hill. The sun was shining and the sky was a brilliant shade of blue. Picking up the pitcher she poured water into the basin and then pulled back her hair and started to wash her face. She ran a list over and over in her head of what she needed to do.
Patting her face dry, she picked out one of her Colorado dresses to put on realizing she would just be around the house today until the party started and then she would change. She couldn't help but laugh at how happy Hannah would be when she found out today was the day she could wear her party dress. The dress had been hanging on the outside of her dressing partition for almost a week and she knew she couldn't wait to put it on. Deciding to leave her hair down she made up her bed and just as she was about to go down to breakfast she heard a slight knock at her door.
"Dr. Mike!" Hannah whispered from behind the door. "Ya up in deh?"
Opening the door Michaela bent knee level with the child. "Hello, you" she tickled her sides.
"Mornin!" Hannah laughed giving Michaela a smack on the cheek. "Pawty day?" she asked.
"Party day!" Michaela exclaimed.
"I get to put on pwetty dwess!"
"You do get to put on your pretty dress."
"Dr. Mike?" Hannah whispered playing with her long locks.
"Yes?"
"Ya do my hair for pawty tonight?" she requested. "Like ya's! Pweese!"
"You want me to do your hair up?"
Hannah shook her head dramatically. "Wit wibbons and bows!"
Michaela couldn't help but laugh. "Ribbons and bows might be a bit much," she tried to explain. "How about we put that pretty pink bow in your hair to match your dress, Mmm?"
"Otay," Hannah leaned against Michaela's chest. "Ya help me get dwessed?"
"Of course," she smiled, taking her hand and leading her down the hallway. "Are you ready for the big party tonight? There are going to be so many people that are going to want to meet you."
"Me?" Hannah pointed to herself.
"Yes, you!" Michaela swung her arm back and forth causing Hannah to giggle. Walking into her room Michaela began to sort through Hannah's clothes. "Let's see what we have here."
"I likes dat one," she pointed to a light blue dress.
"Alright," she assented. "I'll give you a bath later today before the party."
Hannah's face lit up, "I wuve ya bathtub!"
"I had a feeling you did. But I'm afraid that more water landed on the floor than stayed in the tub. That didn't make Martha too happy," she tapped her nose.
"I pway fishes!"
Shaking her head Michaela unbuttons the little girls' nightshirt. "Arms up!"
Lifting her arms Hannah watched as Michaela lifted the garment off her body and set it on the bed next to her. Then picking up the blue dress she placed it over her head and pulled out her arms and straightened her hair. "Livia come ovah today?" she asked.
"Oliva? Rebecca will bring her over today. Did you have a fun time playing yesterday?"
"Yep!"
Going over to the dresser Michaela pulled out a pair of socks. "Hannah, I just want you know that your father and I will be very busy tonight talking with a lot of people and I don't want you to get sad, if you can't be by us all the time."
"I's not see ya?" her lip turned under.
"Of course you'll see us, sweetheart." Michaela sat down and began to put on her socks. Thinking of a way to calm the little girls fears, she devised a plan. "There will be many times when your father and I will want you to be with us so you can meet the guests. But Olivia is going to come over and she'll want some little girl to play with her. You don't want her to be alone do you?"
"No…" Hannah shook her head. "I pway wif her!"
"Very good sweetheart," Michaela kissed her on the forehead. "And when it's time to go to sleep, Martha will come and get your father and I and no matter what we're doing we'll both come and tuck you in."
"Good dea!"
"Good idea," she giggled. Turning Hannah around she tied the bow in the back of her dress making sure it wasn't too tight. "How about we go downstairs and have some breakfast, I bet your papa is down there."
"Yeah!" Hannah jumped off the bed. "And ya mama! Mama Quinn, Mama Quinn!" Hannah squeaked. Running over the miniature chair next to her bed, Hannah picked up her doll. "Gwandma give me dis!"
"Grandma?" Michaela asked puzzled.
"Yeah, ya mama!"
"Why did you call her, grandma, sweetheart?"
"She say dat she my gwandma. So dat what I say," Hannah was clueless to the situation. "Pwetty."
"Yes, she is a very pretty doll. Did you thank grandma for it?"
"I give her hug and kisses and say tank ya for doll!" she was proud of herself.
"That's a good girl," Michaela kissed her forehead. Smiling Michaela knew how big a step that was in the relationship of her soon to be family. "Are you ready to go downstairs?"
"Yep!" Hannah grabbed her hand. "Let's go see papa and gwandma!'
Back Bay
After picking at his breakfast David cast it aside realizing he couldn't keep anything down from the nerves that rose from the pit of his stomach. It was the day of Michaela's engagement party and more importantly the night his plan was to be set in action. Everything was thoughtfully planned and placed down the final detail of the night. All he had to do was snag his bait and everything would be in place. Excitement was high and he was overly proud of himself for coming up with such a devious plan. He had watched Michaela's fiancée leave the Quinn household quite a few times and even followed him once. He listened to hushed conversions between Michaela and her sisters. He knew Michaela's suspicions were all ready high on his whereabouts as he never told her where he was going. Michaela had already planted her own seeds of doubt, and everything was doubling in his favor.
Skimming over the Boston Globe he came across and announcement for the upcoming nuptials of Mr. Byron Sully and Dr. Michaela A. Quinn. Their wedding is to be held at St. Mary's Church, May 1st at one o'clock, Reverend Benjamin Stockold presiding. Reading the rest of the article David closed the paper and walked over to the sink placing his teacup and saucer on top of an already full stack. "What a waste of space in the paper! For a wedding that's not going to happen. It's the Boston Globe for God sakes!"
Grabbing his hat and coat off the rack he glanced one last time at the clock and realized if he was going to make it downtown in time he needed to leave. His carriage was already waiting for him next to the walk and he climbed inside. "Elmers and Hancock," he shouted up to the driver. Sinking into the seat he rested his head on the padded cushion praying the ride wouldn't be terribly bumpy.
His hand reached into his pocket clenching around his money clip that held quite a large sum of cash. Patting it to reassure him it was still there he pulled out his hand and rested it on his lap. Drumming his fingers aimlessly upon his knee, David watched the passing landscape of Back Bay as it grew into the metropolitan area of Beacon Hill. His first stop was to a local apothecary and druggist before dashing to the less desirable parts of down town. He had watched the prostitute for the past few weeks, and noting her schedule he knew she would be leaving the boarding house any time now. He told the driver for the carriage to let him off at the apothecary and he would just walk to his next destination.
Walking through the back alleyways David stopped just outside of Callaway's Boarding House. Resting against the side of the building he pulled out his pocket watch and noted the time was three minutes to ten. Placing his watch back into his pocket he blew warmth into his hands and started to pace in front of the buildings façade. Before long his mind wandered to Michaela. She had changed so much in the few years he had last scene her. He was quite surprised when he first laid eyes on her fiancée, never in a million years did he ever picture Michaela Quinn marring the likes of such a man. The fool must think himself an Indian! Having a chuckle at their expense David cast another glance at the boarding house then to the time, it was already a little after ten. "Where is she?" he snorted.
Walking away from the boarding house, David started to make his way around the building and soon the brothel came into view. And there on the porch brushing her hair was his golden girl, the prostitute.
The Quinn Estate
Walking into the morning room Michaela's bright smile dropped when she didn't see Sully eating breakfast at the table with her mother. "Where's Sully?" she looked into the living room.
Setting down the paper Elizabeth looked to her daughter. "He left early this morning…again."
Setting Hannah down next to her mother, Michaela took a seat. "This is the forth morning this week," she looked down. "What must he be doing?"
"I have no idea what the man is doing. But he better be here soon. We have way too much to do."
Sighing, Michaela thought back to the last few nights that Sully came in late. She never asked him where he was, hoping he would confide in her, but he never did. She'd known he had to be under the stress of Boston, and perhaps he just needed some time alone to be by himself. The feeling of guilt started to bubble in her stomach and she herself hadn't been there much for him, the wedding taking up much of her time. He always told her it was okay, and was glad she was so happy, but now she wasn't so sure. Had she been pushing him away? Ever since that night in her room almost a month ago they haven't had an intimate moment together.
"His suit will arrive at noon," Elizabeth went on. "The caters will be here at four-thirty and the quartet at five-fifteen and then the guest will start to arrive at six."
Breaking out of her revere Michaela looked to her mother. "Sully hasn't told you where he's been going off to lately, he hasn't mentioned anything?"
"I told you he hasn't," she was sincere. "But, as I can remember from my time in Colorado, this shouldn't be anything knew to you. And I do hope once your married his dallying around will abate for your sake of mind."
"He must have a reason," Michaela shook her head in confidence. Even though in the back of her mind she didn't have a clue as to what. Had she been pushing him away? Is he starting to have second thoughts on their marriage? No, she brushed away the thought. He was just as happy about the marriage as she.
"Here you are, Miss Hannah," Martha's voice broke Michaela's thoughts. "I put extra syrup on it just the way you like," she whispered low in the child's ear.
Giggling Hannah looked up to the maid. "Tanks!"
"I think some little girl is getting quite spoiled on her trip east," Michaela commented.
"Oh, hush," Elizabeth swatted her hand. "As I recall there was a certain young girl that lived in this house that liked extra powered sugar on her French Toast."
Knowing her mother had gotten her she couldn't help but smile, even though her mind was else where.
Stuffing a large portion of pancake in her mouth, Hannah began to bounce in her chair. "Mmm…Mmm…" she swallowed. "Tasty!"
Both Elizabeth and Michaela couldn't hold back their laugher and it flooded throughout the Quinn home. And this was the scene onto which Sully walked in on, smiling ear to ear. "What'd I miss?" He sat down next to Michaela, giving her a light kiss upon the cheek.
"Just your daughter, Mr. Sully," Michaela smiled tickling Hannah under her chin. "She's enjoying her breakfast."
Putting down her fork Elizabeth cast her eyes on Sully. "Mr. Sully your suit will be arriving from the tailors at noon and I promise this time it will fit."
"You didn't have to go through all that trouble, I'm sure I could of-"
"Nonsense," Elizabeth held her counsel. "I'll not have you wearing a suit with its arms too long and your pants up to your ankles. What would people think?"
"Ya, Papa, what would people tink? Ya listen t' gwandma," she shoved another helping of pancake into her already stuffed mouth.
Elizabeth's face turned red at the term of endearment. "Hannah it's not polite to talk when your mouth is full. Wait until your finished eating and then respond."
Swallowing her food Hannah looked to Michaela then to Elizabeth. "Sowee," she whispered. "Listen t' gwandma, Papa," she repeated.
"I'll listen," Sully winked toward Elizabeth causing her to blush even deeper.
Michaela turned her attention toward Sully deciding to put an end to her curiosity. "Where were you off to so early in the morning?"
"I had business to attend to," he was vague. "Nothin' to worry about," he squeezed her hand. "So is everything ready for tonight?"
"I…I suppose so," Michaela looked away feeling hurt. Why won't he tell me?
Cromwell's Brothel
"So," David flashed his cash in front of the prostitute.
"How much?" her eyes raked the wad of money set before her.
"Five-hundred dollars to do exactly what I tell you. Then you must forget what I say, and when it's over you never speak of it again…to anyone."
"What do I have to do," she became curious.
"You must agree to my terms first. Then I will tell you and you will get half the money."
"Half?"
"Half now, and the other half when you have completed what I want you to do. Do you understand?" David held firm staring Annabelle straight in the eye.
Knowing that the money could help out her and the house Annabelle shook her head yes and moved closer to David, rubbing her hand up his leg she looked deep into his eyes. "So what did you have in mind, honey?"
Taking her hand off his leg he placed it back in her lap. Removing a picture from the inside of his vest jacket he turned it toward Annabelle. "I want you to impersonate, this woman. And you're going to seduce and sleep with her fiancée."
Annabelle's eyes grew wide at the bluntness of the man before for. "Dr. Quinn!" she recognized.
"You know her?" David grew stiff, alarmed at the prospect.
"I read the society pages. Their having an engagement party tonight."
"That's right," David began to feel calmer.
"What makes you think I can impersonate this woman?"
"You only need to fool one person, and I already have a plan for that. Besides you look like Michaela, if you haven't noticed."
Looking closely at the portrait, Annabelle did have to admit she had a striking resemblance to the woman. But there was no way she could come close to the woman's upbringing and class. "I don't know, what would make you think this man would think I was his fiancée?"
"Because you're going to drug him. He won't know what hit him…until it's too late." David smiled wickedly at the thought of Michaela finding her love in the throws of passion with another woman.
"Why do you want to do this to her? Why do you want to break her heart?"
David thought for a moment and decided that the less Annabelle knew about him and his situation the better. "Come on," he grabbed her hand.
"Where are we going?" she followed him.
"If you're going to the engagement party you're going to need a dress. You can't go looking the way you are."
"What's wrong with the way I look?" she became defensive.
"Come along," he grabbed her arm. "There's still much more I have to tell you about tonight. So much more."
Colorado Springs
April 1869
Clutching the shotgun closer to her chest Michaela cried out as she saw the knob of her bedroom door begin to turn. Her children's cries' tore loud in her eardrum. "Get out!" she cried. "Get out of my home!" She could taste the strain of blood trickling from her nose down into her mouth. "Leave!" her voice cracked as she tried to scream over McKenna's crying.
"Michaela!"
"S-sully?" Michaela cried out in relief.
Suddenly their bedroom door burst open and Sully came barreling through. The sounds of children's tears tore at his heart as he saw his wife trembling in the corner, blood trickling down her face. He felt as if he'd been punched in the gut. "Michaela!"
"Sully," she continued to cry as he took the gun from her grasp and sliding it across the floor as he pulled her into his arms. "Sully," she clung onto his shirt like a frightened child sobbing uncontrollably.
"I'm here," he stroked her hair. "I'm here, you're okay."
"Mama…" a child's voice broke the monotone cries of Michaela.
Michaela head snapped up at her daughter's voice. "The girls!" she cried out. "My babies!"
"Papa!" Hannah crawled out from under the bed with Rose at her heels jumping into her fathers arms.
Grabbing McKenna from her crib Michaela held her close to her chest speaking words of comfort into her ear trying to calm her cries. Sitting in the rocking chair Michaela pulled her handkerchief from her pocket and wiped away her baby's tears. "Shh… sweetheart. I've got you; I'm not going to let anyone hurt you. You're okay, shh…"
Rose crawled up to her mother, hugging her leg tightly. "Mama."
"Darling," Michaela pulled her up onto her lap and hugged both of her daughters close to her. "It's okay," she soothed.
Hannah went up to her mother, snaking her arms around her waist where she could find room and held tightly. Michaela's eyes welled up again as she held her daughters. "I love you all so much," she kissed their foreheads.
"Is he gone Mama?" Hannah quaked. "The bad man, is he gone?"
"Yes, baby, he's gone. He's gone."
"Can we sleep in here? In your bed?" Hannah requested, looking toward both of her parents.
"Of course," she smiled.
Sully picked up Hannah as Michaela brought over both Rose and McKenna. Placing the baby in the middle Michaela looked to Hannah. "Watch your sister, your father and I will in back in a minute. Grabbing Sully's hand in her own she led him through the hallway and down the stairs where she let herself collapse in his arms just below the stairs. "Oh Sully," she wept. "I've never been so frightened."
"What happened," he held her trembling body as his own tears slipped from his eyes.
"I…I was upstairs reading the girls a bed time story and…and I thought I heard something downstairs. I thought it might be you so I told the girls to say in the room while I went down stairs." Michaela's mind raced through the scenario as the terrifying encounter played in her mind. "I looked over the banister and didn't see anything. I called your name and I didn't hear an answer. I…I walked downstairs and as I crossed the kitchen to look out the window I felt two arms circle around my waist. He…he pulled me to the floor and…"
Sully saw the look of torment in her eyes and the most sickening feeling started to rise up into his throat. "Michaela," he held onto her cheeks. "Did he hurt you?"
Brushing away the tears she lightly shook her head. "No."
"Thank god," he whispered kissing her temple. Pulling a cloth from the kitchen table he washed away the caked blood from Michaela's face, wishing he could also wash away her pain. "What did he do t' ya?"
"He…he held me to…to the ground and asked me where we kept our money and when I told him we didn't have any he…he slapped me," she looked away feeling embarrassed. "McKenna started to cry and he told me…he told me that if I didn't give him money he would…he would-"
Sully could tell his wife was getting agitated and didn't want to make her go on. "Shh...it's okay."
"No! It's not okay, Sully," she pulled away. "He said he would hurt our babies, Sully. He wanted to hurt them."
Anger started to fester inside his body at the thought of some man holding his wife captive and threatening to hurt his children. "I'll find him," Sully voice was deep and full of venom. "I'll find him."
"No!" Michaela shook her head grabbing onto his shirt. "Don't go after him! He's dangerous. Please, don't go after him! Please! Please don't leave me, Sully!"
Never had he'd seen his wife so distraught and vulnerable. "Okay. Okay I won't leave," he pulled her back into his arms. "I won't leave ya. I promise ya Michaela, I won't ever let anything happen to you or our children ever again. I promise ya."
Boston
April 26th 1867
Bundled in towels Michaela held onto Hannah as she walked toward her room. "Dat was fun," Hannah smiled brightly as only her head could be seen under the mountains of cotton fabric. "Ya heh me in heh, Dr. Mike?"
"I hear you, Hannah." Michaela opened the door to her room and sat Hannah on the bed. Taking another towel Michaela began the task of drying the child's hair. With her mind else where she didn't notice the rigor in which she was rubbing Hannah's head until she spoke up.
"I's dizzy!" Hannah poked her arms out at her sides. "I's dizzies!"
"Oh, sweetheart, I'm sorry," Michaela stopped drying her hair. "I didn't mean to make you dizzy."
"Whoa!" Hannah held dramatically onto her head. "The woom is spinnin'!"
"I'm sure it is," she laughed. "Come, let's put your bloomers and tights on."
"And my pwetty dwess!"
"All right hold your foot still," Michaela slid the tights past her ankle. "Now, don't forget you must be on your best behavior tonight. There'll be a lot of guest downstairs in just a little while."
"I be good," she promised.
"That's my girl," Michaela kissed her forehead.
"I your little giwl?" Hannah pointed to herself.
Wondering how to answer, Michaela posed the question, "Would you like to be my little girl?"
Hannah seemed to ponder the question. "I like," she nodded. "You be my mama, now?" she whispered, softly as if she was wishing it to be true. "Cause I don't gots one."
"When your papa and I get married, then I'll be your mama. But you know what, Hannah?" Michaela tilted her chin up so she could look into her eyes. "In my heart you already are my little girl. And I love you so very much."
"Papa has pic-ure," Hannah remembered. "At home he say dat my mama. But I no see her."
Thinking of how she could explain Michaela pulled Hannah onto her lap. "A long time ago your papa was married to a woman named Abigail. Your papa and she loved each other very much and from that love they had you," she stopped to gauge her reaction, but not seeing one she continued. After awhile your mama got sick and she couldn't stay in Colorado any more."
Suddenly an idea came to Hannah. "You can make betta!"
"I'm afraid not sweetheart," Michaela wrapped her arms around the child. "Abigail is up in heaven now. So I can't help her."
"Papa say dat she wif mama earf."
"That's right. And God decided that I should meet your papa and that if it was okay with you I could be your mama too."
"Dat otay wif me!" Hannah hugged Michaela back. "And dat otay wif Papa. He luvs ya lots and wants t' marry ya!"
Laughing, Michaela slipped Hannah's dress over her head. "Did your papa tell you that?"
"Yep," came her muffled response.
Michaela did have to admit the words of the child kept hope within her heart. How could she have been so foolish, of course Sully loved her and wanted to marry her. He would never let a bond so deep be created between herself and his child only to have it be taken away. He wouldn't do that. "All right, stand up so I can straighten out your dress."
Hopping from the bed Hannah stood in the mirror. "Pwetty, pwetty, pwetty!" Hannah giggled. Turning to Michaela she held out her hand. "Nice t' meet ya!"
"What?"
"Dat what Gwandma say. She teach me t' say dat. She teach me lots."
Shaking her head, she could only imagine the things her mother told her. "Okay sit here on my chair and I'll do your hair."
Climbing on Michaela's vanity chair Hannah looked to her in the mirror. "Make it pwetty!"
"I'll try my best," she rolled her eyes. "This bow will look so nice. Everyone is just going to love you."
"It's hard not too," Sully snuck up behind Michaela wrapping his arms around her waist.
"Papa!" Hannah smiled. "Wook! Pwetty dwess and pwetty bow!" she pointed to the top of her head.
"Don't move," Michaela clipped the bow in place. "There!" she clasped her hands. "You look like a little angel."
"That she does," Sully placed a kiss to the inside of Michaela's collar bone.
"Sully!" Michaela wiggled. "Little eyes have big mouths."
Grunting he pulled away and sat on the bed.
"Hannah why don't you find Grandma and tell her to come up here."
"Otay," she hopped from the chair. "Dem kissin'," Hannah shook her head as she scampered from the room.
Shaking her head Michaela walk over to Sully and stood in front of him placing her hands on his shoulders. "We're not pouting now are we, Mr. Sully."
Sully's face turned into a mischievous grin as he pulled Michaela onto the bed by her waist. "Nope."
"Sully!" she giggled.
"So what do we have on under here?" Sully pulled the tie to her robe. "It wouldn't be that new dress would it?"
"Sully no-" But she was too late he pulled open her robe to reveal only her camisole and short style bloomers clipping to her stocking clad legs.
Sully's eyes opened in amazement as they glazed over her practically naked body. "Umm…I guess not."
"Sully!" She pulled her robe closed and sat up.
"Michaela I've been missin ya. I hardy get t' see ya anymore, with the weddin' plannin' and all." His finger traced his way down her throat and to the opening of her robe.
"Sully, we talked about how much time this was going to take up. We had less than a month to plan."
"I guess I just didn't realize," his hand made its way into her robe.
"Sully, don't," she pushed his hand away. "You haven't exactly been spending your free time with me either."
Knowing what she was thinking he did feel bad but he didn't want to give away his secret. He'd tried too hard keeping it as one, to give it away now. "What's wrong? I thought you like when we're close like this."
"Sully you know how I feel about you…about us. And I know we've gotten a little carried away in the past. But that's not all there is to us."
"I know that. And you know I'd never make you do anything you don't want t' do."
"I know that too. I'm just trying to say-"
"Just because I want t' be near ya-"
"Michaela?" Elizabeth stepped into the room causing both Michaela and Sully to pull away.
Getting off the bed Sully walked to the door. "I'll leave ya two alone."
Walking toward her daughter she eyed her. "Did I miss something?"
"No. No, I just called you to lace me up."
The Quinn/Sully Engagement Party
The Quinn Estate
Annabelle spun around the floor of the Quinn's ballroom taking in her sights. Never had she been in such a grand home. Catching a glimpse of herself in the mirror Annabelle smiled. The mysterious man had bought her a new dress and shoes to wear and had some lady pin up her hair. He somehow gained an invitation to the party and told her to make sure and blend in. Upon entering the house she skipped past the old lady greeting guests, assuming she must be the lady of the house.
The first thing she did was set her eyes upon her target and what a target he was. Byron Sully was a very handsome man, something she noticed right away and she knew she would have no problem doing her job. But before it could be carried out she had to plant her seeds. Walking over to the punch Annabelle watched the couple.
……………………………………………………………….
"William!" Michaela held out her hand. "I'm so glad you came."
"Michaela," he smiled warmly kissing her hand. "It's been a long time."
"It has," she nodded in agreement. "I'd like you to meet my fiancée, Sully," she turned toward him. "Sully this is, Dr. Burke. He was one of the few men that worked with me in the hospital."
"Nice, to meet you, Dr. Burke," he nodded holding out his hand.
"Oh, William, please," he shook his hand. "Any man that can win this woman over must be an upstanding fellow," he joked.
"William!" she blushed. "Really."
"As embarrassing as it is, this woman wouldn't give me the time of day, but no hard feelings."
"Papa!" Hannah rushed over, pulling at Sully's pant leg. "Hi, Papa!"
"There you are," he picked her up. "I wondered when ya were gonna show up."
"Well who do we have here?" Williams eyes grew wide.
Sully turned Hannah to William. "This is my daughter, Hannah."
"Nice t' meet ya," Hannah held out her hand.
Stunning both men for a second Michaela held back a smile. "Oh. Umm… nice to meet you too," William shook her tiny hand. "It seems as though you've inherited a family, Michaela."
Not knowing how to take his comment, Michaela responded, "Yes I'm very fortunate."
"Well," William became uncomfortable. "Save a dance for me?"
"Of course," she nodded as he walked away.
………………………………………………………………….
"Interesting," Annabelle whispered to herself. "He has a child."
………………………………………………………………….
Martha walked out to the couple holding out her hands. "I can take Miss Hannah, Mr. Sully."
"I wanna stay wif ya, Papa," Hannah wrapped her arms around his neck.
"I just made a batch of chocolate chip cookies for you and Miss Oliva," Martha smiled.
"Otay," Hannah quickly unwrapped her arms from her father and went into Martha's. "So-wee, Papa but I luv dem cookies!"
"Don't eat too many," Michaela warned shaking her head. "I don't want you to get a stomachache."
"Let's hope there's even some left," Thomas and Rebecca walked up to the couple. "Olivia's already in there," he remarked.
"There you are," Michaela hugged her sister. "I've been looking for you. I wanted to know if you would come with me to the florist tomorrow to pick out flowers for the bouquets. You've always been so good with flowers and what looks right together."
"Of course."
Thomas stepped forward. "I do believe my sister-in-law said she would save a dance for me."
Smiling Michaela took his hand, "I do believe I did."
"Well, Mr. Sully how would you like to have a dance with your soon to be sister-in-law?"
"I ain't much of a dancer, so if you don't mind dancing with a man with two left feet."
"Oh, come along," she grabbed his hand.
……………………………………………………………….
An hour had passed and the engagement party was in full swing. Annabelle had danced with many of the male guests saying that she was a distance cousin of the Quinn family. She had kept a close eye on Sully and she knew she had to make her move quick. She noticed that Michaela was surrounded by a number of people in the corner of the room and Sully just sat down in a chair next to the window. She crossed the ballroom and picked up a glass of punch from one of the waiters. Opening her handbag she pulled a blue vile and unscrewed the cork. Turning toward the hallway she poured in the contents and stirred it with her finger. "Bottoms up, Mr. Sully."
Quietly she walked over to Sully and sat next to him. "Looks like you could use some punch."
"Thanks," he took it from her.
"I'm Michaela's cousin, Annabelle."
Looking up Sully was struck by how much she looked like Michaela, expect for the eyes, they were both green. "Nice t' meet ya," he took a gulp of the cool liquid.
"So where is my cousin?"
"Over there," Sully nodded. "Talkin' t' some senator."
"I'm not one for social gatherings either," she noticed his pensive mood.
"Ya can tell?" he chuckled.
"Let's just say I know men," she flashed a smile.
"It's alright, as long as Michaela's happy. And I think she's in her element right now." He admired how she worked the room and gracefully swept the area making sure she talked with each of her guests and thanking them for coming. Still he worried that she might be mad at him for the conversation they had earlier. Things had been so hectic that they hadn't been able to talk.
"Yes, she seems very happy."
………………………………………………………………..
Turning Michaela's eyes scanned the room. She got caught up talking with the senator and his wife and didn't notice when Sully retreated. As a few guests dispersed she noticed Sully sitting under the window in the corner. She saw him talking to a woman but she couldn't see her face, her back was turned to her. She heard his laughter and the woman reach out and touched his hand. I wonder who he's speaking with? A tint of jealously touched the bottom of her stomach.
She had been pushing Sully away. She didn't realize it, and she certainly didn't mean too. But she did. Thinking back she also realized she didn't even ask Sully's opinion on barely any of the wedding arrangements. She just assumed he would like everything. Assume, how many times did that word come up when they had a disagreement.
"Don't you think so, Dr. Quinn?"
Turning back Michaela looked at the senator. "I'm sorry," she blushed. "W-what did you say?"
"The railroad, Dr. Quinn. I hear the government is clearing forestry to make tracks out west. That must make you very happy."
"Yes, I'll be able to receive my supplies a lot quicker than by stage. And I won't have to worry about traveling to Denver just to catch the train."
"Where is that fiancée of yours, Michaela?" Mrs. Harrington asked. "I would love to meet him."
"I'll…I'll go get him for you!" Michaela broke away thankful for the chance.
Glancing over her shoulder Annabelle noticed Michaela walking toward her. "Excuse me, I need to go powder my nose. I'll see you later," she flashed a smile.
Walking over Michaela placed a hand on Sully's shoulder. "Hey, you."
"Hey."
"Who was that you were talking to?"
"Your cousin?"
"My cousin?" Michaela strained her neck trying to see her better as Annabelle turned the corner.
"Yeah," he stood feeling a bit shaky. "Annabe-"
"Sully! Your face is as pale as a ghost. Are you alright?" she touched his forehead becoming concerned.
"Yeah, I…I just got a bit of a headache," he rubbed his temples. "I'm all right."
"Are you sure?"
"I said, I'm fine," he said a bit harsher than he meant.
Michaela's brow furled at his callused response, speaking low, she touched his arm. "Mrs. Harrington, the senator's wife would like to meet you."
"Okay," he sighed.
"Sully, if there's something wrong-"
"What makes you think there's something wrong?"
"Earlier today, we didn't get to finish our conversation," she began. "I think you're misinterpreting-"
"I'm not mad," he kissed her cheek. "And I'm sorry I snapped at ya. I was fine just a minute ago now I got this headache."
"Maybe you should go upstairs, I'm sure people would understand."
"No. No I wanna be here with you." He did have to admit going up stairs and lying in bed did sound pretty good. Not wanting to alarm Michaela he pretended it wasn't that bad. But as he tried to scan the room, figures became blurry and the room spun a little.
"So this must be him," a cheerful voice broke the couple's tense mood.
"Senator, Mrs. Harrington, this is my fiancée, Byron Sully.
………………………………………………………………………………
Annabelle stood behind the large grandfather clock and watched as Sully talked to his guests. She could tell that the drug was starting to take effect. She hoped that she didn't give him too much; in fact she didn't even know what she gave him. The man had told her that it would make Sully have a headache and things would become disoriented to him, making him sleepy. Just watching him and what was going to transpire within the hour made her excited, it made her fantasize.
Suddenly the quartet struck up a reel causing all of the guests to meet up in two lines in the center of the ballroom. Keeping her eye on Sully and Michaela, Annabelle made her way down to the opposite end of the line ready to join in on the dance. Couples danced to and fro laughing and chatting as they passed one another.
"I think you've caught on, Mr. Sully," Michaela smiled as he spun her around the room. "You've come a long way since the spring fling."
Holding on tightly to Michaela's waist Sully tried to keep his balance. "I've been practicin'."
The music picked up again causing partners to change. Turning to his left Sully caught the arms of Maureen. "Hi," he tried to smile.
"Mr. Sully."
"I hope ya are enjoying yourself," he was honest. Maureen had been the toughest sister to read. She always seemed as though she was holding a grudge or had some reason to be in a bad mood.
"It's a de-lightful evening Mr. Sully!" Maureen's words were slurred. "Where have yooou been all night? Umm…"
"Whoa!" Sully whispered to himself pulling back a bit. She smells like brewery. "I'm glad."
"Where's my sister?" Maureen took the lead and started to spin Sully around the room in search of Michaela. "Come on, Mr. Sully."
Struggling to keep up with the steps Sully noticed the room was once again starting to spin. "Maureen I think ya should-"
"There she is! She's dancing with Samuel." She started to make her way closer. "How on earth did she get Samuel to dance? He hates to dance! He never dances with me!"
"Maybe he's making an exception," he slowed trying to catch his breath.
"Exception my foot," she huffed. "I'm keeping my eye on my sister! You know a long time ago Samuel had his eye on Michaela. He would have married her if she wasn't such a prude."
Sully couldn't help but laugh, even inwardly. If only she knew.
The dance steps started to pick up again causing partners to change, just as he was about to melt into the arms of Michaela, Annabelle turned in. "Well, hello again."
"Annabelle," he was surprised.
"I was hoping I'd get a chance to dance with you."
"Well I ain't much of a dancer. Sorry t' disappoint ya."
"I don't mind," she pulled herself closer.
Becoming uncomfortable Sully tried to pull away from Annabelle's clutches, but he found himself leaning in to keep his balance. Perhaps he could take Michaela's advice and go upstairs for a bit. He doubted anyone would miss him.
Michaela watched as Sully danced with the mysterious woman. She said that she was her cousin. If I could just see her face, she thought. Turing around in her partners arms Michaela noticed Sully pull the woman in close, it almost looked like he was whispering in her ear…and the woman was laughing. Jealousy and a bit of sadness entered her being. Taking a few more turns around the room the song ended. Michaela's partner bowed before her and she curtsied, giving the appropriate applauds to the orchestra Michaela set off to find Sully.
Rushing to the place she'd seen him only seconds before, she was disappointed to find him not there. Seeing her mother in the corner of the room she moved to her. "Mother, have you seen Sully?"
"Sully, why no." she looked around. "I haven't seen him since he was dancing with Rebecca earlier. Why?"
"He told me he wasn't feeling well. I was just wondering how he was doing, but now I can't find him," she was distraught.
"I'm sure he's fine. Go out and dance Michaela, this is your engagement party, smile. You should be having a grand time."
"I'm just going to check the kitchen, excuse me," she touched her mothers hand before walking off.
Entering the foyer Michaela glanced outside and saw that the front porch was empty. She opened the room adjacent to the library to where the kids were staying, hoping he'd be in there with Hannah. But it was only the nanny with Olivia and Hannah reading a book. Silently she closed the door and made her way into the kitchen. There by the window was Sully downing a glass of water. "Sully?"
"Michaela," he turned around.
"Are you still not feeling well?" she touched his forehead again.
"I'm sorry, Michaela but I think I'm gonna go lie down."
"You're really not feeling well?" she said more of a statement than a question.
"I know this is our party-"
"Sully, don't worry about it."
"I promise I won't stay up there all night. Just till this headache goes away."
"Here," she took his arm. "Let me take you upstairs."
"No. No, I'll be fine. You should be out there, talking with the guests. I can make it up to my room."
"All right, but if you need anything just call. I'll come and check on you."
"Don't worry about me," he touched her arm. "You should get back to our guests."
"Okay," she whispered. "Feel better," she kissed his cheek.
"See ya later."
Trying to hide her disappointment Michaela looked in the mirror fixing her hair and straightening out her dress. "What a party this turned out to be." Taking a deep breath she turned and walked back into the ballroom.
………………………………………………………………………….
Opening the door to his room, Sully fell onto his bed with a thud. Turning to his side he let out a low grunt hoping sleep would claim him.
…………………………………………………………………………
Claudette tugged at Marjorie's arm pulling her in the corner of the Quinn's ballroom. "Ouch!" Marjorie wined. "You pinched me!"
"Get over it," Claudette rolled her eyes. "I think there's trouble in paradise."
"What are you talking about?" Marjorie rubbed her arm as she scanned the room looking for anything out of the ordinary.
"With our dear little sister," she smiled. "I think her and Sully are in a little scrap."
"Yeah right," she rolled her eyes. "All she does is flaunt how perfect their relationship is. Every time their together they make puppy eyes at each other, it's quite nauseating, really."
"Well, I heard one of the maids saying they overhead them in a fight this morning. And I happened to see Sully looking quite comfortable with one of our guests. Every time I turned around they were either dancing or held up in some corner talking."
"No!" Marjorie's eyes widened. "You don't suppose he's cheating on Michaela do you?"
"I'm only telling you what I heard and saw, nothing more."
"Look," Marjorie pointed. "There's Michaela."
………………………………………………………………………
Annabelle slowly opened the door to Sully's room and saw him past out on the bed. "Perfect," she smiled. Deciding to keep the door open just a crack she threw off her wrap having it land haphazardly on the floor in front of the bed. Knowing she didn't have much time she started to take off her clothes. She peeled off her dress having it land in a pool just in front of the door. Taking off her stockings one at a time she threw one on top of the dresser and the other onto the bed. Letting her corset drop to the floor she heard Sully stir in the bed. Freezing for a moment she sucked in a deep breath and didn't move. She watched as he rubbed his nose and turned onto his back, settling in a comfortable position.
Slowly she striped herself of her camisole and bloomers throwing them both on the floor in a heap. Smiling she leisurely walked over to the bed and climbed in under the covers with Sully. Crawling on top of him she started to undo his buttons in the dark. Cautiously she removed his shirt and threw it to the ground on top of her own clothing. Dipping down she started to apply tender kisses to his chest. She reached down trying to find the buttons to his trousers.
"Umm…." Sully started to come to, waking from a dream of him and Michaela.
"Wakeup," Annabelle said in her seductive voice. She kissed his chest again and began to work her way up, kissing his neck and earlobes. "I decided to leave the party." Caressing his sides she moved to kiss him firmly on the lips, sighing into his mouth.
"Michaela," he moaned. Opening his eyes Sully felt as if his head was in the clouds. Everything was dark and all he could see was the outline of the woman before him. It was all so foggy.
"Sully," she hissed drawing her hands to the inside of his trousers pulling them down past his hips.
His senses began to heighten, as he felt her skin against his own. Reaching up to stroke her back he realized she wasn't wearing any clothing. "Michaela," he sighed going in and out of consciousness.
"Stay with me," Annabelle smiled reaching down to touch a particularly sensitive spot. "Touch me, Sully" she whispered in his ear.
Sully felt the warm breath on his neck, he heard Michaela calling him, her warm full lips on his own. Reaching up again he cupped her breast in his hand caressing it. "Michaela."
"Make love to me, Sully."
………………………………………………………………..
"Dr. Mike," Hannah tugged at the bottom of her dress. "I sweepy," she rubbed her eyes.
Glancing at the clock she realized it was past her bedtime. "It's late! Do you want me to tuck you in now?"
"Yep!"
"Alright come on," she grabbed her hand. "Up to bed."
Crossing the ball room Elizabeth caught her arm. "Where are you going?"
'I'm going to take Hannah up to bed."
"Let Martha do that. Mr. and Mrs. Dewbody just arrived I want to introduce you to them."
"I promised Hannah that Sully and I would tuck her in when she was really for bed. It will only take a minute," she became agitated.
"It you must."
"Night, Gwandma," Hannah puckered her lips for a kiss.
Sighing Elizabeth couldn't resist the little girl. Bending down she placed a kiss to her cheeks and gave her a hug. "Sleep well, darling."
"You too, Gwandma." Picking up Michaela's hand she swung it back and forth. "Up t' bed," she giggled. Bounding the steps Hannah began to recount her night and everything she did with Olivia and her other, soon to be cousins. "And Jacob had milk come outta his nose!" she finally exclaimed. "I tink Mawtha gots mad."
"That's not a very wise thing to do," Michaela explained. "He could severely cause damage to his nasal cavities."
Hannah's eyes grew wide at Michaela's large use of words. Looking around she noticed her father was no where insight. "Papa comin?"
"Your Papa's not feeling well sweetheart. I'm afraid he won't be able to tuck you in tonight."
"He pwomised!" Hannah stopped dead in her tracks. "I want papa!"
"Hannah," Michaela could tell she was tired and irritable. "He's sleeping."
"I want papa!" she started to cry. "I want papa! I want papa!"
"Hannah!" Michaela shouted louder than she meant to, causing Hannah to cry even louder. "There is no reason to cry, young lady."
"Ya mean!" Hannah hiccupped between tears. "I jus want my papa."
Caving in Michaela knelt down to Hannah's level. "I'll see if your papa is awake and if he is, I'll have him come and tuck you in, alright?"
"Otay," she sniffed.
"Alright, now go on to be and we'll be there in a minute."
Turning around Hannah scampered off to her room. Sighing Michaela felt bad for taking her frustrations out on Hannah. Looking down the hallway she noticed Sully's door was open just a crack. Making her way down the hallway she thought she heard a slight moan coming from his room. Becoming alarmed that he maybe sick she rushed down rest of the hallway and quickly opened the door.
"Oh!" Michaela gasped deep in her throat. There before her on the bed, was Sully, fully undressed and in the arms of another woman. Complete horror drenched through her body as she watched the scene before her. His hands were sliding down her back, caressing every inch of her. In the moonlight she could see the pleasure written across his face as he kissed the woman passionately upon the lips. Her hands were playing in his hair as his lips started to descend lower. Her hair splayed out before her blanketing her face from sight.
Out of the corner of her eye Annabelle saw Michaela enter the room. Taking the opportunity she pressed herself even closer to Sully, running her hands up and down his sides making her way underneath the covers. "Make love to me, again" she whispered loud enough for Michaela to hear. She flipped herself to the side pulling Sully along with her. Draping her leg around his she let out a soft giggle,"Sully…"
"No…Sully," Michaela whispered. "No…" Gripping the door handle Michaela felt the room around her begin to spin and she knew she was going to be sick. Quickly she shut the door behind her and ran down the hallway into her room.
Hannah stood at the foot of her door and watched as Michaela passed by her not even noticing. She saw her eyes were filled with tears as she slammed her bedroom door. She stood there silently and listened to Michaela's gut wrenching cries. Frozen she didn't know what to do. She had never seen Dr. Mike cry like that before and it frightened her. Becoming terribly afraid she started to cry herself. Running to the stairs she cried out. "Gwandma!"