It was a long day, with little conversation along the way. Those efforts had been somewhat strained, each man lost to their own thoughts and, although none would have used the word, fears. They arrived at Lancing Falls, roughly the halfway point on the voyage, mid-afternoon. By unspoken agreement the horses were left at the livery, Ezra providing strict instructions on the care of his spoiled charge, before the saddle weary men headed out to investigate the town.
A quick look down the dusty main street showed few real options to choose from, so they agreed to meet at the saloon later for dinner. Chris proceeded toward the sheriff's office to check in. He learned long ago it was better to notify the law of the arrival of 'a notorious gunslinger' than to allow rumors to run through town and cause unnecessary concern, and possibly trouble. Vin wandered toward what appeared to be the general store, more just for something to do than to satisfy any needs he had. Buck decided the saloon made a perfectly acceptable afternoon resting place, and made a straight line heading there.
Ezra strolled the streets, taking in the limited sights to see. As much as he praised the merits of Chaucer, and the excellence of the horse's performance, the fact remained he had been hours in the saddle, and that was not his favourite seat. The chance to stretch his legs was much appreciated at this point. Nearing the edge of the town he saw a few houses that were clearly intended for long term residence more than the more transitory rooming house nature of the buildings he had seen previously. One such home had a small hand written 'estate sale' sign on the gate, next to the 'Hanson Residence' plaque, and his insatiable curiosity once again got the better of him. As he neared the porch, he startled the older woman reaching to close the door.
"I am sorry madam. I had no intention to alarm you. Are you alright?"
"Thank you, young man, just fine. Figured I was done with lookers for the day. Don't know what possessed me to think anyone here would be looking to buy household items. Wishful thinking, I guess." She shook her head.
"Might I be allowed a brief glance at the objects you have. I am always in the market for items of interest."
"Don't see any harm in it." She stepped out of the doorway, allowing him to enter.
It was a simple home, tastefully decorated to suit the purpose. The first thing he noticed were the boxes in the corner. "I can only presume you have elected to move on from this fair hamlet?"
"Don't really have much choice. My husband passed a few weeks back, and I can't see myself staying here alone. My son doesn't think it is a good idea either, and he expects me to move back east to live with his family. Besides, once they can find a new doctor to take Henry's place, I imagine he'll want the house and office space."
"My condolences on your loss ma'am. Town doctor. I'm sure your husband was much respected in the town. We have a healer in our community, who is greatly appreciated, and who I am very proud to consider a friend." He smiled at the thought of the reaction Nathan would have to the label of friend. It was not a connection either would have foretold. "There are times I am sure the feeling is not entirely mutual." She cast a puzzled look at him. "Let it suffice to say I am not the world's most co-operative patient." She smiled knowingly.
"Yes, Henry dealt with many of what he called impatient patients. The town did not really appreciate what they had, in my opinion, but that never stopped him from doing his best for them. Wore him down over time. Finally wore him out. Excuse me for a moment please." He handed her his handkerchief, which she used to dab the corner of her eye as she stepped out of the room.
Ezra allowed the woman a few moments to pull herself together again as he wandered the room. There were a few items of interest, and if he had been in the market much of the furnishing was also pleasing, but he had no need for such encumbrances.
"Forgive me my foolishness Mr. –?" she begged.
"Forgive me my manners ma'am. Ezra Standish, and your have nothing to apologize for. Am I correct in interpreting that those items not packed away are the possessions with which you are willing to part?"
"You can't tell me something here has caught your interest?"
"Indeed. I am taken by the small stand on the table at the door. It is a hat stand, is it not?"
"Yes," she shook her head with a sweet sad smile. "Henry loved his bowler hat. Foolish looking, but he thought it made him look distinguished. Can you imagine?"
"I most certainly can." Ezra smiled as well, picturing JD with his own bowler perched on his head, trying in vain to look older than his years. "If you have no need for the stand, I would be happy to take if off your hands." Mrs. Hanson nodded, not entirely sure he wasn't merely humouring her. "And this photo frame?" he pointed at a small silver frame on the mantelpiece.
"I've no need for that either. Packed up the memories I want, so if you can make use of it…"
Ezra was picturing the photo Chris kept in his billfold of Sara and Adam. It was one of the few tangible memories he had of his late wife and son, and the photo had been creased and worn over time. Why it had never been properly framed was a puzzle to the gambler, but he was willing for the moment to assume that if a suitable frame could be found, it would be used. This frame, simple and elegant, looked to be the right size and fashion to suit both the photo and its owner.
"If I may be so bold as to inquire – do you have any of your late husband's medical supplies you might be willing to part with."
"Really Mr. Standish? Are you planning a new hobby?"
"I assure you ma'am, I am not trifling with you. As I indicated, we have a healer in town. He is not a doctor, though Lord knows he would be an excellent one if the circumstances would have allowed for it. He would do honour to your husband's memory I assure you. His status, and our town funding, make it difficult to come by all the supplies or equipment he might use, and I was hoping if you might consider parting with some. Of course, if these are items intended for your son, then I have no desire to commandeer them."
She smiled. "Again, I need to extend an apology. I should have seen from the way you spoke of your friend before that you would be thinking of him when you asked. And as for my son, he's a banker. No need for medical supplies in that line of work. Please, take a look in the office, and if there is anything you think might be helpful, you are more than welcome to take it. Henry would be so pleased that his tools could continue to serve a purpose."
With a nod, Ezra entered the space. It was sparser than he had expected, but then he shouldn't have been all that surprised. A country doctor would not have the trappings of a major medical facility. A black physician's bag sat on the corner of the desk. The bag alone would provide Nathan with an appearance of authority that he didn't need, but did deserve. Opening the bag would be like Christmas morning for the man. A stethoscope which appeared fairly new, a suture kit, scalpels and any number of other items that Ezra could not name, and to be truthful, was not sure he wanted to know the purpose of.
Equally valuable was the shelf of medical books that sat behind the desk. A quick count showed 14 reference sources that would likely prove to be golden.
"Books aren't exactly up to date Mr. Standish." Mrs. Hanson entered the office.
"Perhaps not, but they certainly are an improvement over what we have now, which is nothing. I would be very much interested in purchasing these from you Madam. I will arrange for them to be packed and shipped to Four Corners, along with this bag if you are sure you wish to part with it."
"No need to purchase these things Mr. Standish. Like I said, it would give Henry pleasure to know they're being used. I'll let you give me $10 for the other items – the stand and frame, but these things should be passed on for the good of your community."
"You, madam, are a saint."
"Henry would have disagreed with you. And you sir, are a smooth talking fancy feller. But don't think for a minute I don't see through it. Heart of gold underneath it all, deep underneath."
"Please madam, such slander to my reputation will not be tolerated." He smiled and winked at her.
"You get on with what you have to be doing. I'm sure you're just passing through town here, so you best go get yourself a meal and some rest. Write down where you want this sent, and I'll package it all up for you, including the other things. Four Corners you said. There a stage through here late tomorrow going that way. This will be on it."
Ezra handed her the slip of paper, with $20. "I said $10 sir."
"The extra will cover any costs for the stage. Please madam, I was raised as a gentleman," he lied, "and do insist on doing things properly. My mother would be appalled if she believed I had taken advantage of you," he lied again.
"Well, we mustn't disappoint your mother. She certainly did an excellent job raising such a gentleman." As Mrs. Hanson escorted Ezra to the door she saw his eye go to a small table in the corner. "Is that a book stand?" He moved closer to the wooden platform, cleanly finished and carved with delicate scroll work framing a simple cross.
"Yes. A patient gave it as payment to my husband a number of years ago. Henry was usually paid in trade rather than cash, but we managed. He never had much use for it, but he always treasured the sentiment that someone would have gone to the trouble to make it for him."
"It is an exquisite piece of work. Such beautiful carving."
"Yes, it is lovely. Forgive me, but it doesn't seem like the sort of item you would have much use for."
"No, while I admire it deeply, it does not really suit my lifestyle. I was simply imagining how it would look at the front of a church, with a bible upon it."
"Might I assume there is another friend you are thinking of at this moment."
He simply smiled with a slightly wistful look. "I have presumed on enough of your memories. I would never consider purchasing an item that your husband held in such high regard. I shall take my leave of you madam, richer for the opportunity to spend this time with you."
"Oh, one moment – I left your hankie in the back room." She scurried away to get it, returning a moment later folding the fabric.
"It was very nice to meet you sir."
"The pleasure, madam, was entirely mine. This town is losing a fine lady." He raised her hand an gave a gentle kiss to the back of her hand, tipping his hat as he left. He desperately hoped she would not find the $200 he had secured in a box destined for her new home until she was settled back east, and his address had been long forgotten.
TBC
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