Follow Your Heart – The Cook Chronicles
Chapter 18 – Something Old, Something New
"Andrew! Colleen! A pleasure to see you again."
"Preston." Andrew acknowledged, exchanging a polite handshake outside the main entrance to the Springs Chateau and Heath Resort. He and Colleen had the morning free and had decided to meet the new doctor, Adam Mills, and see the changes made to the hotel… not to mention see for themselves the reported changed character of one Preston A. Lodge III. "You're looking well," he added cautiously, rather than a more typical It's good to see you too. This might be a new and improved Preston, but Andrew couldn't easily forget how they had parted two years ago.
The last words they had exchanged had been a terse Goodbye to one another as Andrew had carried the last of his belongings from the hotel. While Andrew sympathized with Preston's need to deal with his financial troubles, he hadn't understood at all why the man couldn't have taken a few moments of his time to observe the social graces and attend the wedding - or at the very least offer his congratulations - after all the times Andrew had been there for him, sometimes against his better judgment. Evidently, their friendship had been entirely in Andrew's mind, his fellow Bostonian seeing him purely as a business associate and nothing more. It had stung to face that reality then, and the young doctor had shoved it aside, choosing to focus instead on his joy at marrying Colleen. But standing here outside the hotel with his former employer, Andrew felt the old hurt resurfacing.
If Preston truly was changed, he'd need to prove it.
"I have Michaela and our good Reverand Johnson to thank for that. They helped me see there was a new path to follow. 'He that trusts in his riches shall fall, but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.'"
"That's from the bible," Colleen said with a slight shock of recognition. The only times she remembered seeing the man in church were for secular town meetings, never a religious service – not even on Christmas Eve.
"Indeed, Mrs. Cook. Proverbs 11:28, to be precise. For too long I ignored the word of God, and my punishment was just. But He is merciful, forgiving those that have returned to Him. And I hope you will forgive me, Andrew, for my previous behavior. I deeply regret the circumstances of our parting, and you have my sincerest apologies for my absence from your nuptials. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."
Even with the advance notice of the businessman's transformation, Preston's contrition still came as a slight shock to Andrew, as the older man had not once apologized for any of his ill-mannered actions in the past. Andrew exchanged a look with Colleen, as if to verify that she'd heard what he thought he'd heard. She gave him a slight smile and encouraging nod. As strange as it sounded to hear him quoting the Good Book rather than some Latin idiom, Preston truly appeared to have turned over a new leaf – and who were they to question his newfound faith?
"I forgive you, Preston." The pair shook hands again, more warmly this time.
"I'd invite you to join me for lunch, but I'm afraid I already have plans. Perhaps we could get together sometime next week and catch up?"
"Yes, I'd like that."
"Splendid. Well, I won't keep you any longer, I'm sure you have important business to discuss with Adam. Andrew, I expect I'll see you this afternoon for Matthew's party." Preston tipped his hat to Colleen. "Good day, Colleen," he said in parting before heading off to greet another couple.
Andrew stared after him, still slightly in disbelief. "It's incredible. Preston A. Lodge the third, a reformed man."
"Ma says anyone can change, if they want to."
"Absolutely, but Preston never struck me as having the desire to change." Andrew shook his head. "Normally I wouldn't wish misfortune upon anyone, but in this case, it's clearly had a positive effect."
Colleen nodded. She remembered another bible passage, something from Jeremiah - Therefore, now change your ways and your deeds and obey the voice of the Lord your God; then the Lord will relent and reverse His decision concerning the misfortune which He has pronounced against you. Clearly, Preston had adopted this wisdom as well.
The pair made their way over to the clinic's exterior entrance, a path they'd traced many times before. Only this time, the shingle above the door read Adam Mills, M.D. The wording on the door itself had not been changed.
Private.
Please Knock.
Andrew turned to Colleen, hesitant. "You know, I've never had to knock before."
"Then let's not have you start now." Colleen smiled up at him and rapped on the door herself.
"Just a minute!" called a male voice. A moment later the door opened part way, and Adam Mills poked his head out. "I'm sorry, I'm with a patient right now. Can it wait?"
"Yes, it can wait."
"I'll be with you when I can." The door promptly closed.
Colleen shrugged in an oh, well gesture.
"Perhaps we should have made an appointment. Let's walk around a bit then come back," Andrew decided. After all, the doctor hadn't indicated how long they'd need to wait, and Andrew had always enjoyed strolling the beautiful grounds – especially if he was with Colleen.
"I didn't think the hotel would be so busy," Colleen said to make conversation. "I guess if you have money, it doesn't matter if there's a recession or not."
"Whether one has money or not, the allure of improving one's health can never be discounted. I have to give Preston credit - he certainly knew what he was doing when he built this place as a health resort."
"Could we try it sometime?" Colleen asked eagerly. "The hot springs, I mean. I've never used them, and I think a doctor should learn as much as they can about the treatments they recommend to patients."
Her request didn't surprise him – medicine seemed to be as much a never-ending quest for knowledge as it was a vocation, and Colleen took that quest seriously. Her inquisitiveness was one of the qualities he'd admired from the start. "I'm sure it will be all right, but we should check with Dr. Mills," he advised. Had he still been running the hotel's clinic, he wouldn't have minded a bit, but alas, he was no longer in charge… He shoved the thought aside, frowning. "Do you own a bathing costume? I don't remember seeing one among your things."
Because I've never needed one, Colleen thought. Growing up in the wilds of Colorado, she (and all the other locals, for that matter) swam in their undergarments – and if one were actually bathing to get clean, garments weren't necessary at all! Conversely, it would have been unseemly for a woman - even a properly attired one - to go swimming in the Schuylkill River where the men regularly raced their boats.
"I have one from Aunt Marjorie. Ma kept it for me in case I ever needed it." In fact, since Marjorie had died so suddenly, without a will, it had been left to Michaela and Rebecca to go through her things, setting aside a few items that they thought would be suitable for Colleen to inherit, and donating the rest to a charity in Denver.
Andrew simply nodded at Colleen's response, his mind now filling with a memory. Marjorie and Michaela had invited several of Hank's girls to join them for a soak at the hot springs. Though the Bostonians owned the proper garments, the working girls had made do in their unmentionables. Andrew had found it a highly amusing maneuver on Marjorie's part, though Preston had had to do some damage control with scandalized guests afterwards…
Thus distracted, Andrew let Colleen steer them towards the hotel's small rose garden. Her heart quickened as they approached the site of their first kiss, and she took hold of Andrew's hand to pull him down to sit with her on the white iron bench.
"Remember the first time we were here?" she asked happily. "I was telling you about Katie's first word, and how sad I was not getting to see her grow up." Colleen looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to finish the story.
Andrew gamely played along. "And I reassured you you'd be back to see Kaite grow up. And see? You're back in Colorado Springs, just as I said you would."
However, that wasn't quite the romantic response his wife had expected. "That's not all you said," she hinted.
"Don't I know it." Andrew shook his head in dismay. "Look, Colleen, I'm sorry. I had no right to offer you a position here. In my defense, I didn't know at the time that we'd be getting married and going to Philadelphia together… but it's no excuse. I know how much you were looking forward to it, and instead I've disappointed you."
Andrew's confession startled her. "Disappointed me? Andrew, you haven't disappointed me… wait a minute. Is that why you were pushing so hard yesterday about moving back to Colorado Springs?"
"Well, you seemed to have your heart set on it. You'd move back here to be close to your family, and we'd work together at the hotel. You liked the idea so much you even kissed me."
"Oh, Andrew… I kissed you because I loved the idea of being your partner. It doesn't really matter so much where that is."
"Really?"
"Actually, that time when Preston told you that you couldn't treat Mrs. Morales – I mean, Mrs. Slicker – because she couldn't pay, I started having second thoughts about working at the hotel." Colleen took his larger hand in her smaller one. "But I never had second thoughts about being your partner."
Her declaration brought his lopsided grin to the surface, and Andrew couldn't help but lean in for a gentle kiss, a sweet reminder of their first kiss years ago in this very spot. "Partner," Colleen whispered.
"Partner," Andrew agreed, relieved that Colleen wasn't disappointed in him after all. "Well, I'm glad we cleared the air on that. But you should still give careful consideration to moving back to Colorado. I'd hate to see you living with regrets."
"Oh, Dr. Mills is looking for us," she interrupted, seeing out of the corner of her eye a flummoxed physician on the hotel's porch looking around for the couple who'd knocked earlier. "I'll let you know by the end of summer, all right?"
"Sure."
They rose and made their way back to the hotel clinic.
Dr. Adam Mills was in his mid-thirties, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania medical school, with a wife and two school-age sons. The job at the Chateau with its natural hot springs therapy had sounded intriguing – even more so when he discovered that a lady doctor would be a colleague. With his wife's cautious endorsement, they'd made the move.
"Ah, there you are. I thought perhaps you'd changed your minds. Please, please, come in. I'm Dr. Mills. What can I help you with?" he asked, wondering which one of his visitors had the medical issue.
"Oh, uh, we're not here for medical attention, Dr. Mills. In fact, this used to be my clinic. I'm Dr. Andrew Cook, and this is my wife, Colleen.
"Ah, yes, of course, Dr. Cook," he said warmly, shaking Andrew's hand. "I've heard so much about you. And Mrs. Cook, of course, of course," he said, shaking her hand without missing a beat, "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, does it?" he commented jovially. "Oh, I know Michaela's your adoptive mother, but the adage still applies, yes? I'm sure you found it disheartening to not graduate with your class, but rules are rules. If it's any consolation to you, I understand Harvard requires a third year now."
Colleen and Andrew exchanged a look. If he only knew! But it appeared that their secret agreement with the university was safe, that only her family was aware that her third-year course would actually be at Harvard.
"I don't mind," she replied, and she truly didn't – not anymore. Sure, at first, she'd been disappointed not to graduate with her class. But if current Harvard students had to study for three years, then why shouldn't Colleen be willing to do the same? It would further prove that women were just as capable as men, that they didn't have to take an easier - and perceived inferior – path to becoming a doctor. "How do you like working here, Dr. Mills?" Colleen asked to change the subject from her schooling.
"I have to say it's not exactly what I imagined it would be. About half of my patients have genuine concerns, a true need of my medical expertise. Then the other half appear to be no more than hypochondriacs with overactive imaginations, fearing they're at death's door every time they cough or sneeze."
Andrew exchanged a knowing look with Colleen. He had had much the same complaint while working here, although the ratio of true patients to hypochondriacs had been even worse when he'd been running the clinic due to Preston's oversight. At least Dr. Mills didn't have to put up with that headache.
The doctor took note of the couple's silent exchanges. He'd heard about their courtship and now understood a little better how Andrew had coped with dealing with the hotel's clientele. His wife wasn't just medically inclined – she was a pretty young thing, too.
"Well, please, doctor, take a look around. I believe you'll find the place is much as you left it, except for a smaller inventory of patent medicines." He strode over to the glass cabinet partially filled with assorted tinctures. "I confess I had a rather ill opinion of you, Dr. Cook, selling such potions, until Mr. Lodge exonerated you. He admitted that they were his idea, to increase profits." Adam shook his head and add almost to himself, "Strange bedfellows, business and medicine."
"Yet you still provide them… at least, some of them," Andrew noted.
Mills turned back around. "Some that have proven useful, yes. And by 'useful', I use the term generously. Do you recall a former patient of yours - Harry B. Smith?"
"Uh, yes. I remember Mr. Smith." A wealthy, middle-aged businessman, he'd come to Andrew's clinic looking to turn back the clock, restoring the vim and vigor he'd had in his youth (a common concern among the hotel's male guests). Andrew had prescribed regular exercise and two tonics, one of which was the Springs Chateau's own Health Tonic. Michaela – not to mention Colleen - had been highly critical of it, as it was eighty percent alcohol. Andrew had rationalized its development by reasoning that Preston was going to promote a Chateau-branded tonic with or without his input, so he might as well include some of the herbal remedies Michaela used so that it wasn't entirely a marketing gimmick. It was a business vs. medical tightrope that Andrew was relieved he no longer had to navigate.
"He was quite put out when he learned you had left. I had to reassure him several times that I would continue the same level of care you had provided. You'll be happy to hear he's lost a significant amount of weight."
"Really? That's wonderful."
"Yes, it's done him a world of good. He bought himself his own exercise machine to use at his home, after I reassured him it would be safe to use without direct supervision, but he continues to make regular visits here to use the hot springs and restock his tonics. And… he's got himself a lady friend. Thinks it's all due to that scalp stimulator you gave him, which is why I continue supplying it for him."
Andrew shook his head, amazed. The power of positive thinking.
Just then there was a knock on the far door, the one that led directly into the hotel.
"Just a minute!" Adam called out, then escorted Colleen and Andrew over to the exterior door they'd used. "Sorry, my next patient is here. It truly was a pleasure meeting you both," he said, shaking their hands in farewell.
"Dr. Mills…"
"Adam, please. We'll be colleagues, yes?"
"Adam, Colleen and I were wondering if we might partake of the springs sometime. She's interested in discovering firsthand what it's like."
Adam looked at her appraisingly. "In the name of medical research, I presume. Yes, of course, by all means. I'll alert the staff you have my permission."
"Thank you, Adam."
"Certainly. I presume I'll be seeing you later at the saloon?" he asked Andrew.
"Yes."
"I'll see you then. Good day."
The door closed promptly behind them.
Colleen looked up at her husband. "What do you think?"
"I think the clinic is in good hands."
:
"What do you think?" Emma asked Colleen as the latter laid her eyes on Emma's wedding dress hanging in the back of the seamstress' shop. The Cooks had gone their separate ways for the early afternoon - she to take Emma to a bridal shower at the Sully homestead, he to the saloon for a bachelor party for Matthew.
"It's beautiful, Emma." Knowing she wouldn't be able to wear traditional white due to her past profession, Emma had selected a periwinkle blue satin adorned with white lace trim. The choice ensured that she had something blue for her wedding ensemble.
"Dr. Mike said I could use Great Grandmother Quinn's handkerchief for my something old. And I was gonna borrow her white boots for my something borrowed, but they were too tight, so I bought my own pair. I'm borrowing her earrings instead."
"You'll be a beautiful bride, Emma."
"Thomas is so nervous about giving me away. Grace told me that Robert E. told her he caught him practicin' in the livery. He told Thomas he didn't have anythin' to worry about, that everyone would be looking at me."
"He's right about that. The bride is always the center of attention."
"I suppose. Just let me lock up and then we can go."
Emma hung the Closed sign on her door and the pair rode off in the buggy Andrew had bought from Robert E. the day before.
"So, how'd you feel on your weddin' day?" Emma asked.
"Happy and excited. And a little scared," Colleen confessed.
"Scared? You mean about the wedding night?"
"Not exactly… I was scared that Ma might be right, that I'd get pregnant and have to drop out of medical school."
"Dr. Mike didn't think that… well, you know… that you'd be careful?" As a former prostitute, Emma was fully aware of what being careful meant.
Colleen shook her head. "She never mentioned it. Actually, Andrew and I never talked about it either. That new law had just passed, and I guess none of us wanted to talk about breaking the law. But then on our wedding night, well, Andrew took care of things," she confided. It felt a little strange to be talking about this openly with an outsider, but Emma wasn't just anybody - she was soon to be a member of the family, after all. And, admittedly, it felt good to be able to confide in someone close to her own age. It was almost like having a best friend again.
"You're lucky to have found a man who thinks about more than just himself."
"I could say the same about you, even if he is my brother," Colleen joked.
Rather than smile in agreement, Emma sighed. "I hope so."
"Emma, Matthew would do anything for you. You gotta know that."
"I know, but I still can't help thinking about Myra and Horace. They must've started off so happy, but then… Colleen, what if the same thing happens to me and Matthew?"
The young medical student hadn't thought about her old friends for a few years now, but at the mention of their names, it all came rushing back. Myra, too, had worked at the saloon, leaving that life for what she thought would be a better one with Horace. Sadly, it hadn't quite turned out as she – or he - had expected.
"Just because their marriage went bad doesn't mean yours will," she reassured her soon-to-be sister-in-law. "Did Matthew tell you about our real pa and how he left us?"
"Yeah."
"Matthew's nothing like him. He won't leave you like our pa left us. He was there when Ma and Brian and me needed him. He was there when Ingrid and her family needed him. He'll do the same for you and Thomas. I promise."
"I've been trying to tell myself that, but I guess I needed to hear it from someone else. Thank you, Colleen."
"I'm happy to help."
"I'm glad we're gonna be sisters."
"Me, too. Katie's sweet, but she's too little to talk to about these kinds of things."
"Yeah. So, are you gonna move back here after you become a doctor?" Emma asked, changing the subject.
"Andrew thinks we should, because the family's here. But to tell you the truth, I don't know. His family's in Boston, and Grandma and Aunt Rebecca are there."
"Well, which did you like better, living here in a small town or living in the big city?"
Could it be that simple of a choice? For some time now, Colleen had dreamed of being a doctor in a big city with a hospital and its modern advances. Big cities also had large libraries filled with books of learning and imagination, and other cultural enrichments like concert halls and museums. While Colorado Springs offered… her family. Which was very important to her, naturally - but was it enough to keep her in Colorado? Her time in Philadelphia had shown her what life would be like away from her loved ones, and it had been fine. Sure, she had missed them – especially on birthdays and at Christmas - but most of the time she'd been busy with her studies and her friends, and doing things with Andrew.
If Colleen were being honest with herself, her choice was made years ago. The main reason to defer making it definitive l was she knew how terribly disappointing it would be for her mother. Dr. Mike had shared a general practice with her father and had told Colleen of her dream of doing likewise and sharing a practice with her daughter.
Emma was waiting for an answer. "The big city," Colleen confessed finally.
"There's your answer."
"I suppose… but please don't say anything to anyone. I don't want to hurt Ma's feelings. I just want everyone to enjoy the summer."
"Sure. My lips are sealed."
:
As was something of a town tradition, the men had gathered at the town's lone saloon to celebrate Matthew's final hours as a bachelor.
After their last encounter, Andrew was a little wary about being in the same room as Hank. But the hotel proprietor, clearly in a good mood at having a large crowd to serve, merely smiled upon seeing the younger man. "Andrew, whatcha havin'?"
Relieved, Andrew requested a beer. It was less potent than the whiskey, and as long as he refused any refills, he shouldn't arrive home to his wife reeking of alcohol. He greeted Sully, who was already holding a glass of sarsaparilla, as was Jake Slicker. Andrew was happy to see the town's mayor had remained sober since his marriage to Teresa.
The atmosphere was a jovial one, though it wouldn't be a true gathering of the menfolk without a few crass comments about the wedding night thrown in. Everyone got a good laugh from the fact that the bride had more experience than the groom and would be teaching Matthew "a thing or two."
To his credit, the young lawyer took it in stride. Plenty of slings and arrows had been sent his and Emma's way when they'd first become involved, forcing him to develop a thick skin. "President Washington married a woman with more experience," Matthew told the gathering, which included some of Hank's girls. "Didn't bother him any."
"Ya mean he married a wh-"
"It means," interrupted Sully, using his firmest tone of voice, "that a man shouldn't be afraid of a woman who knows more than him." He glanced about, daring anyone to argue otherwise.
No one did.
"Well said, Sully," said Preston, raising his beer mug. "I know the good Lord forgives Emma her past sins and as the groom rejoices over his bride, so will God – and all of us - rejoice in their marriage." He lifted his glass in salute before taking a swallow.
The men raised their glasses, not quite sure of the toast, but happy enough for the excuse to take another drink. Hank shook his head before putting his glass to his lips. Preston had become far less fun since his spiritual awakening.
After taking a swig of sarsaparilla and indicating he'd like a refill, Jake asked pointedly, "So, Andrew, when did you start wearing a wedding ring?"
Just as Andrew started to answer, however, someone shouted, "Bet it was the missus' idea," prompting a round of laughter.
"Wouldn't be surprised," Hank smirked, eyeing Andrew knowingly before pouring Jake's refill.
"That little wife of yours got you wrapped around her finger, eh, Dr. Cook?" asked Judge Abbott. The man was in his fifties, sporting a set of graying mutton chops. Andrew had briefly met him the day before while he and Colleen had visited the new town hall/courthouse.
The twenty-eight-year-old waited for the heckling to die down. "Well, actually, it was my choice. I just felt that for Colleen and I to be true partners, I should be wearing a symbol of my love and commitment as well as she."
"Sounds reasonable enough," said Daniel. Like Andrew and Preston, he was slowly nursing a beer. It wouldn't do to have a drunk sheriff unable to respond to an incident.
"To you, maybe," said Loren, responding to Daniel's comment. "Horace had a ring, you know. And look where it got him."
"A one-way ticket to misery," proclaimed Hank before downing another shot of whiskey. Mutters of yup and that's right followed his pronouncement.
"Horace's issues had nothing to do with his wearing a ring," Andrew protested.
"Didn't seem to help him much either," said Jake.
"You ain't gonna wear a ring, are you, Matthew?"
At Robert E.'s question, the room fell eerily quiet in anticipation.
Matthew hesitated, giving Andrew an apologetic glance before answering the question. "Wasn't planning on it."
The room erupted in cheers, and the merry atmosphere, momentarily suspended, returned. Andrew took a sip of his beer to cover up the awkwardness he felt. He knew it was entirely a matter of personal choice, but it still hurt just a little that the men in town saw his choice to wear a wedding ring as a bad omen, if not a betrayal of the male sex.
A hand clasped Andrew's shoulder from behind. "Don't worry about it," said Sully quietly. "Every man's gotta do what's right for himself." He held up his glass of sarsaparilla.
Andrew gave his father-in-law a nod of gratitude and clinked his mug to Sully's glass, doing his best to ignore the fact that Sully was actually part of the majority on this, eschewing the wearing of a wedding ring.
:
On a cool, crisp day in May, after everyone had eaten and bathed and dressed up for the occasion, the family gathered at the church. Alongside their good friends from town, and with Reverend Johnson officiating, Emma Morrison and Matthew Cooper wed in holy matrimony.
Standing at the alter with the groom were the two people he was closest to – his little sister as matron of honor and his little brother as best man. They had been through so much together in their young lives. So much pain and sorrow. Yet there were many good times, too, the happy times, the joyous times. The times they had laughed and played and teased and celebrated.
Today the siblings were adding one more celebration to the pile of memories by adding another member of the family. Emma Morrison would now be known as Emma Cooper.
Shedding her old life.
Starting a new one.
It was another new beginning.
:
:
Author's Notes:
-Preston's "toast" is a paraphrase of Isaiah 62:5 – "As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so will your God rejoice over you."
-Though we did not see a ring exchange during the Bing's wedding ceremony in season 2's "Return Engagement", Horace is wearing a ring at the reception afterwards (possibly Frank Collison's own) and throughout seasons 3, 4 and 5. The ring disappears in season 6 after the divorce from Myra is finalized.