Author's Note – One of the discrepancies between "A New Beginning" and "The Heart Within" was the date of Colleen's graduation from medical school. Andrew says "Two years is nothing to wait" when the wedding is called off in 1873, placing a graduation sometime in 1875. However, THW takes place in early 1876, as evidenced by regular mention of the upcoming American Centennial in July. I was amazed to discover a historical justification for the difference, which you'll learn about in this chapter.
Follow Your Heart – The Cook Chronicles
Chapter 10 – Back to Boston
October 15, 1873
Dear Ma,
I can't believe Matthew and Sully came to visit for my birthday! I couldn't have asked for a better present (except to have had you & Brian & Katie there, too, but I understand why you couldn't come). M. and S. told us about Preston's plans for the town, and I thought of a way of how to pay for it. M. and I were talking about Gilda St. Clair, and I remembered the necklace she gave me. You can sell it to pay for the workers to build the buildings. And then people won't have to move or leave to look for jobs.
I can't wait to buy a copy of Recipes of the Rocky Mountains by Mrs. Grace Freeman! That name is perfect (Andrew thinks so, too). Do you think the book will be published by Christmas? I'd love to recommend it as a gift to my friends.
It's strange to think that Horace has left town. He was always so kind to us. I'll never forget how he stayed with us in the clinic when Matthew had typhoid. I wish I could have said goodbye.
Andrew said he'll be taking me to the symphony as a birthday present. Did you know that he plays the piano? He says he doesn't anymore, but I'm sure that's just modesty, that he could if he wanted to. Once you learn something, like how to swim, you don't forget, do you? Anyway, I'll write about the concert in my next letter.
All my love,
Colleen
:
November 1, 1873
Dear Colleen,
I'm so glad you enjoyed your birthday surprise. You know I would have been there if I could have. Sully and Matthew arrived back just yesterday, in time to join the town Halloween party. Sully told me about Andrew's patient. I'm afraid losing a patient never gets easier no matter how many times it happens.
I confess that with everything that has happened over the last two years I had completely forgotten about the necklace. That is a wonderful idea. I know everyone will appreciate your generosity.
Grace has yet to hear back from the publisher, so it is doubtful that her book will be published by Christmas. Dorothy says not to worry, that it was several months before she heard back on her book.
I look forward to hearing about the concert.
The latest news here is that we have a new teacher, Ida Fisher. She's from Minnesota and her timing could not be better. Teresa has become increasingly tired, letting school out early. Her belly is as swollen as Grace's. Perhaps she is simply eating more, though I know G. eats plenty, too. Perhaps our calculations are off on her expected due date. I am reassured that the baby's heartbeat is strong, and now that Ida is here, T. can get the rest she needs.
Love,
Ma
:
November 15, 1873
Dear Ma,
The concert seems so long ago now. It was wonderful hearing the music fill that big room. I understand why Andrew likes it so much. It's almost like reading a book, the way the music takes you to another place. Afterwards I asked him if we could go to an opera sometime. He was surprised I wanted to, since they sing in a foreign language, and I wouldn't understand what they were saying. I told him about you and Sully going when we were in Boston, and that I'd wanted to go ever since. So, he promised to take me to one.
Before the concert, I met Dr. Sheffield and his wife. I didn't write about him before. Andrew was going to work with him before he found out I was a medical student and said he couldn't take Andrew on as a partner after all because it would get him in trouble with the Phil. Medical Society. That's just so stupid. Anyway, that's how Andrew came to work at the college and Women's Hospital. Mrs. S. said that I looked too pretty to be a medical student. She thought all girls who taxed their brains were plain and unmarried. All I could think of to say was, "Well, we're not." Andrew excused us then and we found our seats. I said I was glad he didn't work with Dr. S. after all, so I wouldn't have to put up with his wife. A. said that I shouldn't feel that way, that now that she's met me, Mrs. S will know that being smart and pretty aren't mutually exclusive. I suppose he's right.
We had a Halloween party at the college, with the students and the faculty. The second-year students have a jack-o-lantern carving contest. The joke is that it's a harmless way to try their surgical skills before using them on a patient. Dean Cleveland, Dr. Wilson (the Professor of Surgery), and Amanda are the judges, and to keep it fair, they don't know who carved which pumpkin. The winner gets to be the first one to assist with an operation and make the opening incision, and the runner up gets to go second. I felt a little bad that there isn't a party for the children at the hospital, but tradition is to bring in a skull to the ward and have it pretend to talk in silly voices. And the girls drew silly faces on them, like a cat's whiskers and a mustache. When the younger kids were asleep, Eddy read aloud The Legend of Sleepy Hollow to the older kids.
Andrew and I won't be together for Thanksgiving. Drs. Reed and Taylor host a dinner for the girls who are unable to be with their families, and I really want to do that. I feel a little bad about it, but A. said he understands, that I should go be with my friends, we'll have plenty of Thanksgivings together in the future (I hope so!). Of course, when she found out I would be at the student dinner, Amanda immediately invited him to join her for supper at Mrs. Fillmore's house.
All my love,
Colleen
:
November 30, 1873
Dear Colleen,
I hope you and Andrew enjoyed your Thanksgiving despite being apart. Our holiday was quiet (compared to last year), though we did have an unexpected visitor. Emma has returned. Apparently, she is here at Matthew's invitation, though your brother never said a word about it. It's clear that he still has feelings for her, and I can only hope that this reunion doesn't end up in disappointment a second time.
E. gave us the full story of how wonderful things were with Gilda the first few months, but then the manager, Mr. Henderson, started coming up with excuses to pay her late, or not pay her in full. Brian sensibly asked why she didn't just quit like she had with Hank, and Emma explained she felt she'd made a commitment to stay, and Mr. H. pointed out that she was getting to travel around free of charge and work with the best fabrics, what was there to complain about? And E. didn't know where else she would go. It seems Matthew's telegram decided for her.
Grace received a letter from the publisher, stating they have declined to publish her book. We could not comprehend why, as we know the dishes are all delicious, having made them all ourselves, when I remembered what you had said before about cooking times being different at sea level versus altitude. If the publisher took the manuscript home to try a recipe, then it's likely it didn't cook properly due to the difference in air pressure. Of course, this means we need to find someone willing to adapt all the recipes for cooking at sea level before trying again. I'm wondering if Mrs. Dixon, Mother's cook, would be able to assist. Perhaps you might put in a good word during your visit with your grandmother?
Love,
Ma
:
December 16, 1873
Dear Ma,
I hope everyone is doing all right. Catarrhs have been going around the school, and now some of the girls have been getting sick with measles. Amanda says it happens every year, that there are always some girls who haven't had the usual childhood diseases, and it's only a matter of time before the mumps and chicken pox come around, too. I've had measles and c.p., but I don't remember getting mumps. I'm not looking forward to that, but Andrew says it's like having a bad catarrh, only it's the parotid glands which are inflamed rather than nasal glands. I checked Gray's to see when we'd get to those. It's still some pages away, as we're still on the nervous system.
I'm so happy for Matthew that Emma came back! I hope everything works out for them this time.
Of course, I'll talk to Mrs. Dixon when we're at Grandma's.
We're leaving for Boston after exams. I'm both excited and nervous to meet Andrew's parents. What if they don't like me? Andrew said that his father will probably reserve judgment until he gets to know me a little bit, but that he's sure I'll win his father over just like I won him over. I don't know if A. really believes that or was just saying it for my benefit. He added that his mother is bound to like me no matter what, simply because I make her son happy. I hope so, but I can't help but worry that she'll be like Grandma used to be with Sully and find fault with me for not being as polished as a Boston girl. Maybe I'll have to win her over, too.
Please give everyone a hug from me. I'll be thinking of you as we read A Christmas Carol at Grandma's.
All my love and early Merry Christmas,
Colleen
:
Saturday, December 20, 1873, was so cold in Boston that no one from the family was there to greet the Cooks at the train station other than Douglas, Elizabeth's carriage driver. After a hurried greeting and stowing of their bags, the couple were on their way.
An unfamiliar face greeted them at the Quinn residence. "Welcome sir, madam," said the butler, ushering them in.
Without further ado, Colleen and Andrew began peeling off their winter gloves, scarves and coats, plus Andrew's hat, leaving a dusting of snow on the floor.
"Colleen, Andrew, it's so good to see you again," Elizabeth said as she entered the foyer.
"Grandma!" Colleen greeted, giving her a quick hug. "What happened to Harrison?"
"Harrison was having some physical difficulties and decided it was time to retire. This is Davis."
"Pleased to meet you, Davis," Andrew acknowledged.
"Likewise, sir."
"Come upstairs, I have your room all prepared," said Elizabeth, gathering her skirts to begin the trek up. "How was your trip?"
"They had to stop the train twice to clear the tracks of snow," Colleen explained. Andrew followed her, medical bag in hand, with Davis carrying up their suitcases. "The second time, they couldn't leave because a boy was missing. He'd wandered off in the snow, looking for Santa's reindeer."
"Did they find him?"
"They did, but it's another reason we got here late."
"Be grateful you didn't have to make the journey by stage. I still remember that grueling first trip out to Colorado Springs, the train only went so far. How times have changed… now we grumble at the slightest delay." Elizabeth led them through a doorway. "I've prepared the guest suite for you. I know you must be tired from your trip, but if you freshen up, we can enjoy a late supper. If you need anything, Fiona will be at your service."
With that, Elizabeth and Davis left the pair alone, closing the door behind them.
All of the rooms in the Quinn residence were well-appointed, and the guest bedroom that Colleen and Andrew had been assigned was no exception. The room was decorated in fancy wallpaper and heavy drapes at the windows, with a large, four-poster bed dominating the room. Andrew set his bag on the small round table near the door and immediately went to sit on the edge of the bed.
"Very nice. This would give the Liberty Hotel a run for its money," he joked. Now that the ordeal of their trip was over, he was in a good mood, safe and sound in his hometown with Colleen at his side. Better still, there were no patients to see, or students to teach, for the next ten days, and Mrs. Quinn's staff would see to their every need. Could he really be blamed for comparing it to the site of their honeymoon?
"I can't believe you compared Grandma's house to a hotel," said Colleen with a laugh, unpinning her hat and setting it on the nearest dresser. The hat was thankfully snow-free thanks to the scarf she'd been wearing over it.
"On second thought, this is better than the hotel. No need to tip the wait staff."
"Andrew, are you going to sit there making jokes until dinner or are you going to help me unpack?" Colleen walked over to stand in front of him.
"Are those my only choices?" Andrew gave a gentle tug of her hand to pull her down to sit beside him. "Because I can think of a third…" he said in a low tone, leaning in and pressing his lips to hers.
Colleen accepted his kiss willingly, but after a moment she pulled back. "Andrew, if we don't unpack now, then we'll have to do it after dinner instead of having more time for…" She demonstrated what she meant by kissing him again.
"Hmm, I see your point. Unpacking, it is."
:
"I want to thank you for your hospitality, Mrs. Quinn," Andrew said politely as he helped Colleen take her seat a short time later, once they had unpacked and made use of the water closet down the hall. "it's very generous of you."
"Think nothing of it," the older woman replied. "I have plenty of room and I'm happy for the company. As a matter of fact, you two are hereby enlisted to help decorate the Christmas tree tomorrow afternoon." Tomorrow was Sunday, which meant they'd be going to church in the morning.
"Will Aunt Rebecca be here?" Colleen asked.
"Rebecca and Richard often come here for lunch after church, so I imagine so." She took a sip of her wine.
"What of your other daughters, Mrs. Quinn?" asked Andrew politely. "Do you see them regularly as well?" He had vague memories of them from when he was a child but couldn't recall meeting them as an adult. Only Rebecca and Marjorie had ever deigned to visit their sister out West.
"I did, though recent events have conspired against me," Elizabeth replied, setting down her glass. "William's firm declared bankruptcy last month. Before I knew it, he and Maureen had moved to Hartford where his brother lives and could offer him a job. And Arthur has decided that this is the perfect time to leave Boston for an extended stay in England. Evidently, he has debts that he thinks he can avoid if he leaves the country. I asked if they could at least wait until after your reception and the holiday, and he said Claudette could follow him later if she wished, but that he needed to get things settled over there and the sooner the better. She left with him two weeks ago."
"I'm sorry, Grandma," said Colleen, not knowing what else to say. She herself wasn't close with either couple but knew the importance of family.
Elizabeth gave a tight smile to her granddaughter. "Some would say I've been rather spoiled, having most of my children nearby for so long. Having Maureen and Claudette leave is simply another reminder that time marches on, whether we like it or not. Now, then, there are some last-minute items for the reception that need attending to on Monday. Andrew, I trust you'll be able to manage without your wife for a few hours?"
"Certainly." He breathed easier, grateful for her deft change of topic. "There are a few errands I wish to make myself."
:
On Monday, after Colleen and Elizabeth had left for the day, Andrew bundled up for the cold and set out himself. The women had gone off in Elizabeth's private carriage, but he decided not to hail a cab. A walk would eat up more time and provide some good exercise to boot.
As he approached his destination, he hoped this wouldn't be a fruitless endeavor. He was calling unannounced, after all.
"Mister- pardon me, Doctor Cook," the housekeeper greeted him, slightly flustered.
"Ellen," Andrew greeted in return. He wasn't offended by the error, for Ellen had barely had the chance to know him as a full-fledged doctor before he'd left for Colorado Springs, and old habits could be hard to break. The Cook townhouse was significantly smaller than the Quinn residence; Ellen was one of just two servants employed by his parents. "How are you?"
"Oh, there was a slight catarrh going around but we're all fine now. Please, come in, I'll take your things. Your father's working but your mother's here," she added before Andrew could even ask. "She'll be really happy to see you."
"Thank you." He handed Ellen his winter outer garments, then headed towards the sound of Mozart's Sonata Facille on the piano. It was the third part, a happy tune, signifying his mother was in a good mood – no doubt anticipating the reception that evening.
She didn't notice his entrance, absorbed as she was in the music. Andrew always enjoyed listening to his mother play. When he was younger, he thought her playing was like magic. It gave him a connection to her he might otherwise not have had, given how often he was sequestered in the nursery or off at boarding school. When he'd been given his own lessons and discovered just how much hard work went into the magic making, it gave him a better appreciation for her ability.
When the piece was over, he applauded.
Anna Cook turned her head, startled. "Andrew!" A huge smile graced her face, and she clasped his hands warmly, as close to a hug as the Cooks got. "When d-d-did you arrive?"
"Late Saturday. They had to clear the tracks twice but fortunately we weren't stranded overnight."
"You're here alone?"
"Colleen is out shopping with Mrs. Quinn. It was implied I was to make myself scarce, so what better way to make use of my free time then to come see you?"
"Yes, of course. Please." She gestured towards the small sofa before looking up as Ellen entered the room, thoughtfully bringing in a tea tray. Anna gave a smile and nod of thanks, then proceeded to serve.
"I hope I'm not keeping you from anything," Andrew said, gratefully accepting the warm cup. He usually drank coffee, but on cold, winter days, any hot beverage was just as welcome.
She shook her head no to assure him. They sat in companionable silence for a moment before she sighed, "My dear, is she r-r-really what you want?"
"Absolutely, Mother. I have no regrets." Andrew knew his parents, had known for a long time their expectations for him… and for his future wife, periodically hinting about someone's daughter or niece who Andrew might want to get to know better. He knew his parents had meant well, but Andrew had felt it a priority to establish himself as a doctor first before thinking of settling down with a wife and family. Then he'd gone out west, and thoughts of returning to Boston felt more like living his parents' and uncle's dream than his own. "And I can assure you that Colleen wants a family as much as I do. We just wish to postpone it for a short time, to allow her to finish medical school and become the doctor she's always dreamed of becoming."
Anna responded with a nod and tight smile. Her son knew her well, pre-emptively answering her second question. She and Charles had tried several times to match their only child up with suitable young ladies in Boston, all to no avail. He always said that there would be plenty of time for that, he wasn't in any hurry to marry. Not, apparently, until meeting this girl – this atypical girl. It would be much harder to accept were she not the granddaughter of Elizabeth Quinn, the widow of Charles' old friend. And now her son wasn't in any hurry to give her a grandchild… though at least there was one glimmer of hope to cling to. "You said you might return to B-B-Boston when she's finished?"
"Yes, that's one possibility. But Colleen might wish to return to Colorado, to be closer to her family. That… that was something we discussed a while ago, us practicing medicine together at the hotel." Andrew paused, remembering that day. He had proposed that Colleen join him in his practice, as a partner. It was when he'd gotten up the courage to kiss her for the first time, trying to convey that he hoped there might be another partnership in their future, too.
"Andrew, isn't it your d-d-decision?"
"I know it's customary for the man to make decisions of this nature, but all I want is for Colleen to be happy. I feel making this choice unilaterally wouldn't accomplish that."
Anna took a sip from her cup to gather her thoughts. This wasn't really a surprise, was it? When Andrew had decided not to join George in his practice, and had ventured off with Mrs. Quinn instead, he'd planted a flag of sorts - others wouldn't decide his fate. Her son had become quite the independent thinker. "You will stay for lunch?"
Andrew grinned. "I was hoping you'd ask."
:
Early that evening, Andrew was waiting for Colleen to finish getting ready. The elaborate hairstyles and gowns for receptions such as this meant it took extra time for the women to prepare themselves, so Andrew was left fidgeting alone in their room, rechecking his tie in the mirror, searching his frontside for any lint to brush away, patting his pants pocket yet again to make sure the small box hadn't somehow fallen out. Finally, the door opened, revealing his wife.
Colleen was striking. The deep green dress was not only fitting for the holiday season, but it also went with her coloring and fitted her small frame perfectly. Her elaborate hairdo was adored with a matching green feather comb. Dainty pearl earrings and a simple but elegant pearl necklace finished the look.
Female primping was tedious but worth the wait – and, his father advised, worthy of compliment. "You look beautiful, Colleen."
"Thanks." She appreciated the compliment but didn't take it too seriously. How could she, when he'd once said he would always find her beautiful no matter what she wore? She could probably appear in sackcloth and ashes, and he'd still call her beautiful. "I just hope I can breathe while dancing," she added, placing a gloved hand over her ribcage. Fiona had laced the corset tighter than she was used to wearing it.
"Well, if you start to feel faint, I know a certain doctor willing to come to your aid," he joked as he reached into his pocket and presented her with the felt box.
"What's this?"
"Open it and find out."
From the tiny size, Colleen surmised it had to be jewelry, like a broach or a ring. Must be an early Christmas present he wants me to wear tonight, she mussed silently. Upon opening the box, however, the nineteen-year-old frowned.
"Andrew, someone must have given you the wrong box. This is much too big for me."
Andrew mimicked her frown, peering at the item while simultaneously pulling the white glove from his left hand. "Hmm, you're right. Well, then, perhaps you'd do me the honor of placing it on my finger."
"Your finger… the ring is for you?"
"Whenever I hold your hand or see your ring, it reminds me that you have a symbol of our love and commitment to one another, a visible token that we're partners in life. After a while I began thinking about getting my own token of our partnership. Since we're celebrating our marriage tonight, it seemed the perfect time."
Colleen's heart melted at this gesture from her husband, and she threw her arms around him. "I love you, Andrew."
"I love you, Colleen." He held her a moment, reminding himself at the last second not to hug her too tightly based upon her comment about being able to breathe. When they separated, Andrew held out his left hand, and Colleen slipped the simple gold band onto his fourth finger. "You may now kiss the groom," he teased. They kissed tenderly before Andrew slipped his glove back on. "It seems a shame to have to cover this up so soon. At least I'll be able to show everyone my beautiful bride." He extended his elbow. "May I escort you downstairs, Mrs. Cook?"
Colleen was beaming as she slipped her arm through his, and they headed down to the reception.
:
Such a waste.
As he watched his son and daughter-in-law waltz around the room, partaking of the traditional first dance, Charles Edward Cook silently repeated the thought that had plagued him for months, ever since Andrew's letter informing his parents that his life had once again veered off onto an unexpected path. For all the knowledge and skill Andrew now possessed, and all the opportunities available to him, why was common sense so elusive? The best education money could buy, all for naught… Andrew's talents wasted… all because of this girl. Certainly, she seemed pleasant enough, was easy on the eyes – and from Andrew's account, a proficient nurse as well, even at such a tender age - but marriage should have put an end to any flights of fancy that she could be a doctor in her own right. Astonishingly, just the opposite had occurred – Andrew was supportive of this nonsense, giving up his practice at the health resort, taking up teaching at her school – a troubling testament to just how tightly the young woman had him wrapped around her finger.
Still, Andrew's last letter had offered a measure of hope that all was not lost. If the girl's ambition was leading his son astray, perhaps Charles could take advantage of that to put an end to this folly - and, in the process, bring Andrew back to Boston permanently.
"They do make a lovely couple, wouldn't you agree, Dr. Cook?" Elizabeth commented beside him.
"Indeed, Mrs. Quinn."
"You don't sound entirely convinced."
There was no point in pretending otherwise. "You'll forgive me, Mrs. Quinn, as I know Colleen is your granddaughter, but I cannot help but have some reservations over this union, whether she will be able to make my son truly happy."
"I understand. I once shared your skepticism over women who pursued an unconventional lifestyle. You worry that they will be unable to live a complete life with a family of their own. Yet my youngest, Michaela, has shown that it is possible to have a career and raise a family, giving birth to my tenth grandchild. There's no reason to suspect Colleen won't be able to do the same."
There's every reason, Mrs. Quinn, he thought, but did not say aloud, for it was clear to him the woman was heavily biased, and any further discussion would be futile. Instead, Charles smiled politely. "If you'll excuse me, I believe I have the next dance." He turned and gave Anna a slight bow in parting. "My dear."
He joined Andrew and Colleen on the dance floor. "Pardon me, Andrew. May I?"
"Of course, Father." Andrew stepped back, and polite applause broke out as Charles danced with the bride. Andrew went to his mother to bring her onto the dance floor, thus opening up the dancing to all.
Colleen tried her best to relax while dancing with Charles. Their initial meeting not thirty minutes ago had seemed to go well. Anna had smiled at her and squeezed her hands, offering a short, "Hello, my dear. Lovely to see you," which Colleen hoped conveyed acceptance. However, there really hadn't been time for extended conversation as guests arrived and Colleen was obliged to greet everyone alongside Andrew and Elizabeth, with Charles and Anna joining them in the receiving line.
As she danced with her father-in-law, Colleen wondered if she should try to strike up a conversation or wait for him to. There were all sorts of rules about etiquette, but right now she couldn't remember a single one. And she didn't want to make a bad impression by saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. She was glad to be wearing gloves, so he couldn't feel her palms sweating.
Thankfully, there were only a few measures of silence between them before he spoke. "Tell me, Colleen, are you finding Boston to your liking?"
Colleen's nerves subsided considerably at the question. He's trying to be friendly, make me feel welcome. "I like Boston a lot. Actually, I was here a few years ago when Grandma was sick. Her doctors thought it was cancer until…" Colleen broke off, belatedly realizing that even though she had not yet taken the Hippocratic Oath, she was about to disclose personal medical information about her grandmother that she really ought not to. What must he think of her now?
"I take it, she was misdiagnosed," Charles prompted.
"Yes… it wasn't cancer at all. After she recuperated, we went home to Colorado, but I've always wanted to come back." Colleen silently breathed a sigh of relief at not making her gaffe any worse and getting back on topic.
"Do you have a desire to reside here permanently?"
"Well, I'm not sure," she replied honestly. "I suppose, if Andrew really wanted to. But I need to finish medical school first."
"Yes, Andrew's told me of your ambition. Might you be agreeable to finishing your medical training here?"
"You mean transfer to the Female Medical College?" Applying to Boston's medical school for women had naturally crossed Colleen's mind, but she had decided to make Philadelphia her first choice because it was Dr. Mike's alma mater.
"You misunderstand me, Colleen. I wasn't referring to the female school. I meant a transferal to Harvard Medical School."
Colleen stared up at him, dumbfounded. Was he mocking her? If so, it was a cruel joke - and though the music continued to play, she stopped dancing. "I don't think that's funny, Dr. Cook."
"Perhaps we could discuss this further in private with your husband?" He escorted Colleen over to Andrew and Anna.
"Father?" Andrew questioned as Colleen took his arm and his mother went to Charles' side.
"Might there be someplace to talk privately? It is a matter of some importance."
Andrew glanced down at Colleen, who was gripping his arm rather tightly. What was going on? "Certainly."
The two couples headed for the dining room, and Charles closed the door behind him to lower the din of the party.
He got right to the point. "I was just asking Colleen if she would be interested in transferring to Harvard Medical School."
"What?" Andrew was as stunned as his wife. "Father, you can't be serious."
"I'm quite serious. Of course, the faculty would have to grant their permission, but I would be willing to speak to them on Colleen's behalf. If they are agreeable, naturally, Andrew, you would be welcome to work at my clinic."
Andrew marveled at this pronouncement. All this time he'd been worried about his father's reaction to Colleen's ambition, as his mother's letters had said only that Charles would need time to adjust to the idea. Here, then, was clear proof of his acceptance – and, by extension, acceptance of his son's unconventional marriage. "Father, I- I don't know what to say. This is most generous of you. That is, if it's what Colleen wishes to do." He looked to the young woman at his side.
Colleen stood there, hardly believing what she was hearing. It was slowly sinking in that this wasn't a joke; she was actually being offered the opportunity of a lifetime. Harvard Medical School... the most respected medical school in the country… Andrew's school! "You really think it's possible?"
"I believe it is worth looking into," Charles hedged, not willing to make any promises he couldn't keep. Several faculty members would be dead set against matriculating a woman, even if she were related to HMS alumni. He would need to craft his arguments carefully to obtain a favorable vote.
Suddenly the door opened, drawing everyone's attention.
"There you are. It's not polite for the guests of honor to leave their own party," Rebecca admonished.
"My apologies, Mrs. Dickinson. Entirely my fault. We were just discussing a personal matter."
"Perhaps you could arrange to discuss it another time?" she suggested gently, ushering the Cook family out of the study.
:
Colleen almost wished the reception could have ended right then. Although nothing had actually happened – she was still the same Colleen Cooper Cook of Colorado, the young wife of a doctor and medical student in her own right - it felt as though the ground had shifted beneath her. The chance to attend Harvard was beyond anything she had dreamed, yet she had to set that possibility aside and return to the reception, chatting with her grandmother's guests, cutting a cake, and partaking of more dancing, including one turn with her Great Uncle Theodore. After reminiscing about his visit to Colleen's hometown, he invited both her and Andrew to visit him in his home in New York if ever they should be in town.
When the guests at last left and they bade Elizabeth goodnight, Colleen and Andrew returned to their room.
"Do you really think your father can get me into Harvard?" she asked excitedly while removing her gloves and jewelry.
Andrew's new ring flashed as he worked to unfasten his cufflinks. "He has some influence as an alumnus and hospital administrator. The school depends upon the city's hospitals for case studies and clinical training. But darling… you should think carefully about whether this is something you really want to do."
She looked over her shoulder, confounded by his hesitation. "Why wouldn't I want to go to Harvard Medical School? You went there."
He came over to unbutton her gown as he replied, "I just don't want you making a hasty decision without considering the potential consequences." Over the course of the evening, as he'd had more time to reflect on his father's offer, pragmatism had set in. He didn't want Colleen making the same mistake he had, when he'd spontaneously proposed marriage without thinking through all that it entailed. As her husband, he felt it his responsibility to ensure that Colleen wasn't stepping into this blindly. "Harvard will not be easy, Colleen. Not to say that you have it easy now," he hastened to add. "What I mean is that President Eliot has instituted a number of reforms. Medical students are now required to matriculate for three years rather than two. If you transferred, we'd have to wait longer to work together and, well, it'd be a longer time that we'd need to be… careful."
"Oh." Colleen's enthusiasm flagged slightly at this information. Another year?
"Aside from the additional time, there's no guarantee you'd have supportive classmates as you do now in Philadelphia." Andrew raised the dress over her head and draped it over a chair before helping to loosen her corset. "Remember what happened at that clinical lecture a few years ago when the men's conduct was uncivil? What if history were to repeat itself? I would hate for you to have to endure that, Colleen. I wouldn't be there to protect you."
Colleen remained silent, unable to reassure him nothing would happen. Nobody knew for certain what was going to happen in the future.
Andrew slipped his arms around her waist from behind, fully aware that he'd just ruined her happy mood. He kissed her bare shoulder tenderly, trying to soften the blow of his words. "There's nothing that needs to be decided tonight. Take the next couple of days to think about it. I'm going to get ready for bed. It's been a long day." He gave a light squeeze before stepping away, leaving her to finish changing on her own.
Distractedly, Colleen got ready for bed, her mind seeking the answer to a question she never thought she would face:
If given the chance, should she attend Harvard Medical School?
On the face of it, yes, of course she should. She'd be a fool to turn it down. Women had a difficult enough time becoming doctors as it is, with hardly any schools accepting them. If she graduated from the best medical school in the country – a regular, "men's" school - it could help change things by proving it wasn't beyond a woman's reach. Her Ma had once said that it wasn't luck that allowed Colleen to go to medical school, it was other women who had bravely gone before to make change happen.
Colleen could be one of those women, paving the way for others.
Still… Andrew had asked her to consider the drawbacks of his father's proposal. The first, a third year of study, would mean a delay in their practicing medicine together; more time, as Andrew said, of needing to be 'careful'. Did she want that? No, not really. But was it reason enough to turn down Harvard?
The answer was easy: no, it wasn't. It would be a small price to pay for the prestige of a Harvard medical degree, an achievement which would last a lifetime.
Which left Andrew's other concern – possible ungentlemanly behavior from the men who'd be her classmates. This one wasn't as easily dismissed, for Colleen remembered all too well what it was like to be treated differently: not being invited to Alice's birthday party… not having a partner for the three-legged race… being gossiped about for kissing Richard… and worst of all, being mocked by Jared and the other boys for her figure.
Did she really want to go through that again? Hadn't she had enough schoolyard torment already?
But Colleen knew, if it were her Ma, there would be no second-guessing. Her adoptive mother would plunge right in, challenge accepted, even if it was hard, even if it was hurtful. She'd done it time and again: overcoming the initial doubts of the townsfolk to establish her own practice… enduring Dr. Cassidy's dismissals of her ability… winning a horse race where only men were allowed… even running for mayor and suffering the derision.
Her Ma didn't listen to the doubters. She just went ahead and did it.
And besides, Andrew was only cautioning her about what might happen. There was also a chance that the Harvard men would respect her. After all, nothing bad had happened to Elizabeth Blackwell when she had studied with the men. Colleen couldn't know how the men of Harvard would actually react unless she said yes.
She wouldn't get the chance to make a difference for other women unless she said yes.
Not unless she was brave and strong like her mother – like both of her mothers.
And so, by the time she slipped underneath the bedcovers, Colleen knew what she had to do.
If the Harvard faculty said yes, so would she.
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Author's Notes:
-Eagle-eyed fans will note that Andrew wasn't wearing a wedding ring at the reception in "A New Beginning" (I freeze framed to check!), but he most certainly has one in "The Heart Within" (probably Brandon's own ring from his real-life marriage in 1999). Therefore, I needed to come up with an explanation. What do you think of my solution?
-New England Female Medical College – The show never mentioned this school, which awarded the first medical degree to a Black woman (Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, 1864). NEFMC encountered financial difficulties when one of its founders died, and it was subsequently absorbed by Boston University in 1874, forming one of the earliest co-ed medical schools. WMCP, on the other hand, would continue as a successful all-female institution for a century, not becoming co-ed until 1970. Eventually it merged with Drexel University.
-"Medical students are now required to matriculate for three years" – Wishing to increase the caliber of its graduates and uphold the school's distinguished status, Harvard President Charles Eliot instituted several reforms, including a third year of study for a medical degree. The requirement was implemented for incoming students in 1871 (the year Andrew graduated), and other med schools gradually followed suit.
-"when the men's conduct was uncivil" – see the footnote in Chapter 5 on the 1869 "Jeering Episode."
-Elizabeth Blackwell attended Geneva Medical College in New York state, becoming the first woman to ever earn a medical degree in 1849. The faculty turned the decision over to the students to avoid any backlash. Thinking it a prank, the students voted to admit her. Surprised when Blackwell actually arrived, the men accepted her presence, and she went on to graduate top of her class. However, GMC refused women after that, and declining enrollment forced it to be absorbed by Syracuse University in 1871.