Daniel McClintock Read online

  Daniel McClintock

  McClintocks 4

  By

  Caroline Clemmons

  Copyright © 2018 by Caroline Clemmons

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

  Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, businesses, events, or locales is purely coincidental.

  Chapter One

  April 1888, Amsterdam, Holland

  Clara Van Hoosan stood while her Aunt Petra measured her hem, all Clara lacked to prepare for her trip to Texas. Normally she would have measured from one of her other dresses, but she wanted this one to be perfect. She braced herself for her aunt’s usual caustic comments.

  Petra didn’t disappoint. “Of course, if you were not built like a Viking, fitting your clothes would be easier and less expensive. And, your large bust over a small waist makes you appear out of proportion, as if you’re going to topple forward.”

  Clara had heard herself compared to a Viking before. Long ago she’d learned to hide the sting of those words and of others even more unflattering. She couldn’t help being almost six feet tall any more than she could change her blue eyes or blond hair.

  She almost giggled because she could change her hair color but had no wish to do so. A giggle would provoke a reprimand from her aunt, so she kept silent. And, seeing as Aunt Petra was almost flat-chested, Clara believed the last comment was pure envy.

  “I will soon be out of your way, Aunt Petra.”

  “You must know you are not in my way, Clara. I worry because I am not certain you should go so far away from your home.”

  Surprise at her aunt’s almost-nice remark caused Clara to wobble. “I am excited about traveling to America. Not the sea voyage but the railway across the country all the way to Texas.”

  “Be still. The trip will be exhausting.” Her aunt inserted one last pin and stood. “The Eerkens will see you to Chicago, but then you must find someone to act as chaperone to Texas. A young woman alone is prey to wicked men.”

  “I doubt a woman my size will be accosted, Aunt Petra. You said yourself I look like a Viking. Surely that’s protection enough.”

  Her aunt’s dark eyes sparked with anger. “Do not think this is humorous. You should do as I say. Hans and I have cared for you these twelve years since your parents’ death. You owe us gratitude and respect. You would have been sent to an orphanage if we were not so kind.”

  As Clara had been reminded almost daily. She knew it was her uncle who had insisted she live with them against her aunt’s wishes. Although she had never admitted that she knew, she couldn’t overlook that fact.

  “That is true and I am grateful that you allowed me to live with you. In addition to my brief nursing course, I have learned much from Uncle Hans that will serve me all my working life.”

  Her aunt stood with her hands at her waist and huffed. “And what have you to say to me, you ungrateful girl?”

  “Of course I am grateful to you as well, Aunt Petra. You have taught me a great many things also—to sew, to cook, to clean, to host a party or a ladies’ tea.”

  Her aunt had, but with Clara as a servant, not as an equal or beloved family member. Still, who knows what horrid conditions she might have faced in an orphanage? And, those skills she’d learned were bound to be useful all her life.

  Her aunt gave her a searing glance. “See that you remember all you have learned, Clara. Now you had best finish this hem so the dress will be ready for you to wear on your journey. I am preparing some of your favorite foods for dinner.”

  “Thank you, Aunt Petra. I will finish before bedtime.”

  Petra gave a dismissive wave. “Why you agreed to go is beyond me. A young woman nursing and caring for a young man is not suitable. You are ruining any chance you might have had of making a good marriage.”

  “I have trained in mechanotherapy with Uncle Hans and his colleagues and I have completed the nursing course. I am well educated in all I will need in order to work with the boy in Texas. Helping patients is more important to me than whether or not a man believes I am suitable for marriage.”

  Her aunt stabbed the air with her forefinger. “So you think now. You will rue the day you agreed to this arrangement. You have no idea of living conditions and may find yourself in a terrible situation. I have heard the people in Texas are not even civilized. They carry guns and there is lawlessness.”

  Clara took a deep breath and bit back the retort she longed to make. “Please, Aunt Petra, I do not wish us to have harsh words on my last evening here.”

  Her aunt’s clenched jaw relaxed enough for her to speak. “Very well, you are making your bed and will have to lie in it, for Hans and I cannot afford to send you the return fare.”

  “I intend to make a success there and do not expect to ever return to Amsterdam.”

  Petra gave a toss of her head. “Harrumph. The Eerkens will be here at eight in the morning to collect you and your trunks. Make sure you are ready.”

  “I will be.” She gathered up her dress, careful not to dislodge any pins.

  How she looked forward to being away from this oppressive home even though she was not especially fond of the Eerkens. Uncle Hans was always kind, but living with Aunt Petra was a daily test of good humor and patience. Surely Clara could control her temper for what was left of her time here.

  In her little room upstairs she could hardly walk for the trunks and a valise. She had wondered why she was assigned what was undoubtedly intended as a servant’s room when there was a suitable guest room a floor below and they never had houseguests. In one more day, this would not matter. She sat by the lone, small window to sew the hem of the dress she would wear tomorrow. Most things were packed with only a few stored in her valise.

  She gazed at the first trunk, the largest, which contained her disassembled mechanotherapy equipment. The bars would need reassembly but she knew how. The second trunk held more of her equipment. In the smallest trunk, which was stacked atop the largest, were her clothes, her few possessions, and her mementos.

  From her pocket, she pulled the letter that served as a contract. How lucky she was. The McClintock family lived on a ranch near a town called McClintock Falls. Perhaps the town was named for one of their ancestors.

  Thank goodness they would provide her a room and her food and a salary that seemed huge. She wondered if they lived in one of the log cabins she had read about in America. Would they have many rooms or a small home?

  According to what was written here, she would have her own room and eat meals with the family. Surely the room would be no worse than this one in which she had lived since she was ten. She hoped the family members would be pleasant and not like prune-faced Aunt Petra.

  Clara reread the words about the young man, Daniel, who had been paralyzed from the waist down after his horse fell and pinned his back against a rock. Her heart ached for him. His age was not given, but she pictured him as about fourteen.

  Ach, he would probably resent her because she was a woman and only twenty-two. Soon she would prove she was good at her job. She had been told she was one of the best at this modern treatment method.

  ***

  May 1888, McClintock Falls, Texas

  Daniel McClintock pushed his brother away from him. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

  Josh batted aside Danie
l’s hand, grabbed his arm, and pulled him to a sitting position. “We’re tired of you lying around like you have no other choice. Dallas and I are taking matters into our own hands.”

  Bitterness consumed Daniel. “Nothing can be done to change what I’ve become. Let go of me.” He might not be able to walk, but his upper body was even stronger than when that bastard Bob Tyson had shot his horse, Scout.

  Before Daniel could toss his brother Josh onto the floor, his cousin Dallas came into the room. He’d always looked up to Dallas and the man’s appearance effectively kept Daniel’s fists from bashing his brother.

  Dallas gently moved Daniel’s legs to dangle off the bed. “I think this would work better if we were all in our socks.” He sat beside Daniel and removed his boots.

  Josh did the same on Daniel’s other side. “Yeah, then we’ll all be the same height. Where are your socks, Daniel?”

  He looked from one side to the other. “Why do you want to know?”

  Dallas’ eyes met Daniel’s. “Now don’t get riled. We have a plan to help you. It may not work, but there’s no harm in trying, is there?”

  Somewhat placated, Daniel gestured to a chest across the room. “Socks are in the top drawer on the right.”

  Josh rummaged and held up a heavy wool pair their sister Rebecca had knitted. “These ought to work.” He knelt and put them on Daniel’s feet then sat beside him again.

  Dallas pulled what looked like bandages from his pocket. “We came up with this idea last night, Daniel. Since Lance Clayton left for medical school, we figure you aren’t getting enough attention. This won’t be hard on you and we hope it may get your legs used to supporting your body.” He bound Daniel’s leg nearest him to his up to the knee.

  Puzzled, Daniel watched his cousin. “There was no point in Lance postponing his training any longer. He was nice to delay as long as he did. He’ll make a good doctor.”

  Josh copied Dallas’ action with the leg next to him then tied a loop of the bandage loosely around Daniel’s waist. “Now, sling your arms around our necks. When we stand, you’ll come with us. We’ll move our feet as if you were walking.”

  Dallas tapped the bandage at Daniel’s middle. “If you get tired and start to fall, I’ll grab the loop around your waist to haul you up so you don’t hit the floor.”

  Fat chance. Daniel crossed his arms. “Listen, if you two think I’m going to parade around the house and grounds wearing a nightshirt and what amounts to a-a diaper, you’re crazy.”

  Josh pulled Daniel’s arm around his shoulder. “Won’t anyone know what you’re wearing under your nightshirt but we figured we’d stay in this room today.”

  Dallas looped Daniel’s other arm around his neck. “On three we stand. One… two… three.”

  The other two men stood and Daniel was propelled up with them. Each one walked and doing so forced him to do the same. This was a crazy scheme, but he had to admit—hard as hanging on was—being upright sure buoyed his spirits.

  “I appreciate you coming up with this plan, but how is this going to improve my paralysis?”

  Josh snorted. “Anything is better than wallowing in that bed every day.”

  “I don’t wallow. I lay there and read or nap except when I’m in that dratted Bath wheelchair keeping records for Papa or painting.”

  Dallas said, “Your mind gets plenty of exercise. This is a workout for your legs. I know Aunt Kathryn massages your legs every day. Walking, even like this, lets your brain know how your legs are supposed to move and support your body.”

  He doubted this would make a difference. “I guess, if you say so.”

  His cousin sent him a glare. “I didn’t say it would work overnight. Still, it’s bound to help in the long run. Josh and I plan on stopping by every day and walking with you.”

  “With me? You make it sound like we’re taking a stroll across the ranch.”

  Josh elbowed him in the ribs. “We will eventually. For now we’re wearing out the floor inside. Get a handle on that attitude, will you?”

  “Hell, I’m doing the best I can. How would you feel being useless for two years? I know you saved my life, Josh, but I almost wish I’d died when Scout did.”

  Dallas stopped walking and grabbed the front of Daniel’s nightshirt. His face reddened and his eyes shot sparks. “Don’t you ever say that again. Ornery as you are, you are precious to Aunt Kathryn and Uncle Austin. Times I wonder why but your kin and friends are fond of you as well. Do you think we’d stop grieving if you’d died? No, we’d never get over the loss.”

  Josh hung his head. “Much as I hate to, I agree with Dallas. We plan for you to recover, but even if you never do, you have a purpose. You save Papa from those infernal records he hates. You talk to us and share our time. You paint good pictures whose proceeds you donate to the church. And, believe me, they sell immediately. Why would you say such a hateful thing in the first place?”

  Remorse settled on his shoulders. “Because that’s how I feel sometimes. I can’t sleep because I haven’t done anything to tire myself. Even though my legs don’t work, they hurt as if they’d climbed a mountain slope. Doc says I have ghost pain and even amputees have the same problem.”

  When they turned, his mother stood in the doorway with her fingers against her mouth. Seeing tears in her eyes chopped through him like an axe.

  She lowered her hand. “Watching you walk is wonderful, Daniel. I know you’ll be walking on your own in the near future.”

  Daniel forced himself to smile at her. “These two think they’re miracle workers. Maybe they are. Right now, though, I’m tuckered out.”

  They sat on his bed. Dallas pulled out his pocket watch. “Fifteen minutes. Not bad for the first try.” He unwrapped their legs.

  On the other side, Josh did the same. “You leaving on the socks?”

  Daniel shrugged. “Might as well. Doesn’t hurt anything.”

  Dallas and Josh maneuvered him to the correct position in his bed. Having their help drove home how helpless he was. In spite of what his cousin and brother had said, he doubted he’d ever walk again. He sank onto his pillow, dreading a lifetime of living in this bed, in this room, or in that blasted wheelchair.

  Josh kissed his mother on the cheek. “Have to hurry home now. With Nettie so near time to deliver, I’m afraid to be gone long.”

  Dallas kissed his aunt’s cheek. “Cenora sends her love. She’ll stop by soon with the children. I’ll be back same time tomorrow.”

  Kathryn hugged each man. “Thank you, boys. This means a lot to me. I’m sure it does to Daniel too.”

  When the two had gone, she poured Daniel a glass of water. “Did that tire you too much?”

  “Naw.” But he couldn’t have been more worn out if he’d run a couple of miles.

  She gazed at the window. “I see Doc Sullivan coming up the walk. I’ll go let him in.”

  A few minutes later the chuckling doctor entered his room. “I hear you’ve been getting some exercise.”

  “That’s right, against my will but I guess it didn’t hurt anything.”

  “I have good news for you. I told you about the new treatment called mechanotherapy and the man named Van Hoosan coming from Amsterdam. Well, I had a telegram today and he’s set to arrive on Monday afternoon. I’ll meet the train and bring him here.”

  He had to admit this was good news. Even if the man didn’t help him, his presence would be a distraction. “Thanks, Doc. He’s had a long journey. Coming here from Amsterdam means a ship fare plus the train and meals.”

  Daniel shook his head. “Damn, I have to tell you again I sure hate my folks have been out the cost.”

  “Son, your father told me he would do anything to help you. In his place, you would too. This Van Hoosan chap is trying to establish his name and hopes to found a practice in America. Isn’t costing as much as you might think, the fare and room and board plus a very small salary is all.”

  Daniel gestured around him. “Plus they built on two ro
oms. Don’t forget that took supplies and meant workers were tied up here instead of working on the ranch. Still, this room is large and has a nice view from the windows. The one next door looks pretty nice, too.”

  “Yep, not as luxurious as upstairs, but right pleasant. Van Hoosan will be quite comfortable and only has to step from one room to the other to see you. He’ll be able to hear you call if you need help.”

  Daniel tried not to let hope build. After all this time, he was afraid there was nothing that would help him. Still, maybe this fellow could make a difference.

  “Thanks for all you’ve done, Doc. Without your research we wouldn’t know about this new kind of treatment.”

  “You’re more than welcome. Now, let me check your lungs and heart. Can’t let you develop pneumonia.”

  Chapter Two

  Clara looked forward to parting with the Eerkens. When the train pulled into the Chicago station, Mrs. Eerken stared out the window. “There they are.” She knocked on the window and waved. “Yoo Hoo, here we are.”

  “They can’t possibly hear you.” Her husband pulled her away from the window to help her stand. “You can talk to them when we get off the train. Do you have everything?”

  She quickly gathered up a half dozen bags containing miscellaneous items Clara thought should have been packed into luggage. “I am ready. Clara, do you have your valise and purse?”

  Clara wished she could snap at the woman but she held in her irritation. “I have.”

  They exited the train to the smell of steam and smoke. Soon they were surrounded by the waiting family—son Franz along with his wife and three children. Surprisingly, the children appeared normal and not winged angels as she had been led to believe.

  When introductions had been completed, Mrs. Eerken took Clara’s arm. “You remember how to find a companion for the rest of your trip?”

  She nodded. “I have the agency ad in my purse. First, I will go to the hotel. I see the taxis lined up for passengers.”

  Mr. Eerken shifted from one foot to the other. “You are sure you do not need me to help you?”