Daniel McClintock Read online

  She knew he asked only from duty and was eager to go to his son’s home. “I will be fine. I only have to go to the taxi and give him the name of the hotel. My trunks are being forwarded to Texas by the rail line. Do not keep your family waiting on my account.”

  Mrs. Eerken said, “We will walk with you to the cab and make sure he knows not to cheat you.”

  “If you wish then why do we not hurry? I am sure your family is eager to get you to their home.”

  When Franz asked where she planned to stay, he shook his head. “That is a very expensive hotel. I know a less costly one that is suitable.”

  “You are more familiar with places in Chicago.” Clara didn’t mind taking his advice. He seemed nice.

  Franz explained about American tipping on the way to the taxi. He helped her into the cab and gave the driver the name of the hotel he’d suggested.

  When the horse was pulling the taxi away, Clara waved at the Eerkens. She was not sad to part with them but she was struck at how alone she was in a strange place. Part of her was excited to be on her own and another part of her frightened and wary. She had heard of tricksters who preyed on strangers, particularly foreigners.

  The hotel recommended by Franz was one he said was modest in price. He might think so, but she was surprised at how much money each night’s stay cost. If this was less expensive than her original choice, she was glad he interceded.

  When she had finished checking in, she was assigned a room on the second floor—except it was called the third floor here. Already there were new things to learn. In America, the ground floor was called the first floor.

  The clerk gestured to the right where she saw columns framing a large doorway. “Our dining room is open from seven in the morning until ten in the evening. You’ll find we serve excellent meals.” He snapped his fingers and a porter appeared. “Show Miss Van Hoosan to room 322.”

  She allowed the porter to carry her valise and followed him. This was the first time she had been inside a hotel and she tried not to gawk. Their steps made no sound on the thick burgundy and gold carpet. Dark gold-colored wall paper had filigrees embossed in a lighter shade.

  The porter opened the door for her. “Here you are, Miss.”

  “Thank you.” She remembered to tip him but she did not see why. She could have carried her own valise and easily have found the room without him.

  When he had gone, she locked the door and examined the room. At the window, she peered out at the street below and the buildings across the way. Chicago was nothing like Amsterdam or any of the other cities she had seen on this trip. She had learned there was a large lake here, but she could not see water. No canals either.

  Clara sat on the burgundy bed cover and counted her money. Her purse was never out of her sight on the trip. She had been warned of pickpockets who could take your money without you even feeling their touch.

  Her money was safe. She was safe. Tomorrow she would board the train for Texas.

  “Thank you, Heavenly Father.”

  While she had searched in her purse, the advertisement for the agency had fallen out. She tossed it into the trash receptacle. A traveling companion was neither wanted nor needed. Quiet and solitude were what she desired.

  Her stomach rumbled. “Well, Clara Van Hoosan, woman of the world, the dining room awaits you. And you can dine without Mrs. Eerken’s constant chatter.”

  ***

  Days later, Clara stared out the train window. Seeing the landscape across America had fascinated her at first. She still enjoyed the changing view, but she was tired of riding the train. Walking on firm ground and sleeping in her own room would be welcome. Thank goodness, soon she would arrive at her destination.

  The conductor walked down the aisle. “McClintock Falls, next stop. Coming up on McClintock Falls.”

  Her stomach roiled and she swallowed bile and fear. She used her handkerchief to dry clammy hands before she donned her gloves. After smoothing her skirt, she grasped her purse and valise as the train came to a halt.

  Too late, she debated the wisdom of using C. R. Van Hoosan instead of admitting to being a woman. What if they didn’t accept her? What would she do?

  The contract!—she had a contract with Mr. Austin McClintock to work with his son, Daniel. Thank goodness. A dozen possibilities went through her mind.

  She might be in trouble, but she would brazen her way. No, not brazen, just be strong. Smile, but be firm.

  Dear Lord, please help me. Guide my lips and actions.

  Gathering her courage, she exited the rail car. Only three others debarked when she did. She spotted her trunks loaded onto a cart being wheeled toward a depot.

  The town appeared neat and she spotted several stores and a saloon. The visible streets were unpaved. Her nose itched when dust swirled behind a passing wagon pulled by two mules. People walked back and forth on the boardwalk in front of the stores.

  Where was Doctor Sullivan? He’d promised to meet the train. She peered around, searching for someone distinguished-looking.

  A gray-haired man wearing a brown suit and black string tie hesitantly approached her. He carried a hat, but not one of the wide types worn by most of the men she’d seen the last couple of days. His round face held a puzzled expression.

  She forced herself to smile. “Could you be Dr. Sullivan?”

  Eyes wide, he nodded slowly, as if he couldn’t believe she was the person who’d come to help his patient. “Then you… you… are C. R. Van Hoosan?”

  “I am, indeed.”

  His frown worried her. “Don’t know how your patient will take to having a woman work on him.”

  Reassurances were called for—and fast. “I assure you there is no need for concern. I am a qualified heilgymnast and very good at using mechanotherapy to help those with paralysis.”

  The doctor rubbed his chin. “I’m sure you are, as you came highly recommended. We were expecting a man.”

  Her heart pounded. “Are you telling me you don’t intend to take me to the McClintock ranch?”

  “Not at all.” He smiled and extended his hand. “If you’ll give me your luggage claim slip I’ll have your case loaded into my buggy.”

  She sighed and her knees threatened to give way in relief. “Thank you, Doctor Sullivan. The two large brown trunks and the smaller black one are mine.” She retrieved the cardboard stubs from her purse and gave them to the physician.

  An expression of surprise spread across his face. “You have three trunks? Well, of course you would, coming all this way.”

  “Two large ones for my equipment and one a bit smaller for my clothes and personal things. You see, I hope to make my way here in Texas and don’t intend to return to Amsterdam.”

  He cupped her elbow. “We’d better leave them here and send one of the McClintock cowboys in with a wagon. Don’t know what I was thinking. There’s no way to load three trunks onto my two-person buggy. I’ll take your valise, though.”

  She looked over her shoulder where the cart had stopped. “But, will the trunks be safe simply left here?”

  The doctor waved at a man near the railway ticket window. “Al Norris is the stationmaster. He’ll keep them safe in the depot storage. Here we are, Miss Van Hoosan.” He stopped at a black buggy then helped her up onto the seat.

  Running her hand over the soft leather, she appreciated having a deluxe ride to her new home—if the patient would let her stay. Contract or not, he might refuse to let her near him.

  When the doctor was beside her, she glanced his way. “Tell me about Daniel.”

  “Before the accident, he was a bit shy, polite, good-natured, and hard working. He’s smart as a whip. Paints so well you’d think his work should hang in a museum.”

  He shook his head. “Sorry to say he’s given up hope, become moody, and often snaps at people. He’ll likely bite your head off, so be prepared.”

  “Oh, I am, for no one enjoys being infirm. I’ll win his confidence, though it may take a few days, even a
month. You have my promise I’ll not give up.”

  “Thank you. The McClintocks are fine people. You’ll never meet better. Daniel didn’t deserve this to happen.”

  “No one does, but accidents occur. Repairing the damage is my job. That is, when there is nothing more a physician can do.”

  His brow furrowed and he shook his head. “I’ve done my best, but my best isn’t enough.”

  “Tell me about the family? Is Daniel an only child?”

  “His older brother Josh is married to an English girl. Sister Rebecca is about sixteen. Dallas, his cousin, came to live with the family when he was twelve because his parents were killed. I’d say Dallas is late twenties but pushing thirty. He’s half Cherokee Indian has an Irish wife and two children. He’s like an older brother to Josh, Daniel, and Rebecca. The parents treat the four of them the same, and that’s with lots of love and firm discipline. As I said, you won’t find a better family anywhere than the McClintocks.”

  The doctor kept the conversation going on the ride to the ranch, pointing out businesses and homes. She nodded and made what she hoped were appropriate comments but she could not have repeated what any of the places were. Inside, her stomach was in knots and ropes constricted her chest. She fought to breathe without gasping.

  Dear Lord, please soften their hearts so they won’t turn me away. Bless my mind and my hands that I may help this young man. Again, Lord, thank You for this chance. Amen.

  They turned up a tree-lined road toward a large, rambling, two-story home. A white exterior had gray shutters and white rails along the porch. Flowers bloomed in front of neat shrubs and a rose garden was at the side. Near the roses, a white gazebo invited visitors to sit on a bench inside. The welcoming appearance reminded her of a rambling story-book house.

  She suppressed a gasp of pleasure that this was where she would be living for a while. The contrast between her uncle’s narrow, three-story residence and the McClintock’s emphasized the difference in life styles between here and Amsterdam. In fact, nothing here resembled her former life.

  No cobbled streets with market stalls. No towering and ornate old buildings. No sailboats on the sea or canal.

  Instead, endless land stretched to the horizon. Rolling pastures were broken by occasional woods. The only water in view was a river over which spanned a steel and wooden bridge.

  Clara was encouraged. Surely with so many changes she could forge her life as a mechanotherapist even though she was female. In this land of opportunity, she would have a chance to accomplish her dreams. Time with her new patient would prove her ability.

  Dr. Sullivan drew the horse to a stop. He climbed down and came around to help her.

  “Sorry, I was staring at my surroundings instead of paying attention. I can get down by myself.”

  “Nonsense. You’re a lady and must allow me to help you, Miss Van Hoosan.”

  She felt a blush spread across her face. Seldom had she been treated as a genteel woman. “Please, call me Clara. I’m sure we will work together to help Daniel.”

  The doctor carried her valise. “All right, Clara, let’s go meet the McClintock family.”

  Clara’s stomach housed a flock of fluttering butterflies. The urge to turn and flee struck her. Instead, she pasted on a smile and hoped she’d be accepted.

  At the open door stood a beautiful woman and a handsome man who looked to be in their forties. Over their wide smiles their eyes held question. They stepped back so she and the doctor could enter.

  Doctor Sullivan guided her into the house. “Kathryn, Austin, allow me to present Miss Clara Van Hoosan, a trained mechanotherapist ready to help Daniel.”

  Kathryn was first to react. “Welcome to our home. Let me show you to your room.”

  Clara held up her hand. “First, I must talk to the family without Daniel present. Will that be possible now?”

  Austin wore a frown but gestured to the large parlor. “Certainly. Come right in here and have a seat.” In spite of his facial expression, his voice held no censure but welcomed her.

  Kathryn smiled. “I’ll get our daughter. I’m sure she’s hidden in some nook with her nose in a book. Oh, and I’ll send in Emma.”

  Clara sat in a wingback chair near the fireplace. No fire was burning, but she sensed this would be a cozy room in cold weather. Furnishings suited this environment, from the leather couch and matching chair to the floor’s braided rug.

  Kathryn returned accompanied by two women. “This is Emma Harper, our housekeeper and cook who is like family to us. And this is our daughter, Rebecca, who’s sixteen.”

  “I’m pleased to meet both of you. Mrs. McClintock, your daughter looks very much like you.”

  Austin still appeared concerned. “To tell the truth, Miss Van Hoosan, we were expecting a man.”

  “I realize that now but I assure you I am fully qualified and have several years’ experience with great success.” She met the gaze of each person in the room.

  “Please call me Clara. I want to warn you that your son’s treatments will be hard for him and I am sure he will resist having a strange woman tell him what he is to do. In my experience, I have had patients yell rude things when they begin but we come to terms and I win their confidence.”

  Rebecca’s gentle laugh set her blue eyes sparkling. “My brother is grumpy as an old bear so I don’t envy you. He’s a good man, though, so please don’t judge him by the way he acts now.”

  Austin leaned forward in his chair. “You can understand how frustrated he is, going from doing all kinds of physical labor to being condemned to his bed.”

  “Ja, I mean yes, I certainly do. Why I wanted to speak to you privately is to tell you that you are always welcome to watch us work. However, please do not intercede if he yells at me or I yell back. He needs to vent his anger at his situation and at me for forcing him to change. Please ignore anything he or I say during his treatments.”

  Kathryn glanced at her husband before meeting Clara’s gaze. “We have placed our trust in you, Clara, based on the recommendation of John—Dr. Sullivan. He’s assured us that this new method has had good results in Amsterdam and throughout Northwestern Europe and that you were labeled the best student of Dr. Von Breda.”

  Dr. Sullivan smiled. “Thank you, Kathryn. You know I’ve done a lot of reading about this new type of treatment. I truly believe this young woman can help Daniel.”

  Clara exhaled, relieved the family was open to her request. “I have had success, but it is not overnight.”

  Emma asked, “Have you eaten? We’ve had supper but there’s plenty if you’re hungry.”

  “I ate on the train, but thank you.” In truth, she’d been too nervous to swallow any food. “I do need someone to collect my trunks from the rail station.”

  Kathryn stood and gestured toward a hallway. “We built on two rooms, one for Daniel and one next door for you. Let me show you where you’ll be staying so you can freshen up if you wish.”

  Clara retrieved her valise. “Gladly, but I am eager to meet Daniel.”

  She followed Kathryn while Rebecca trailed behind. Her hostess opened a door and led them inside a large room.

  “Since we expected a man, this is too plain for you but we’ll make some changes.”

  Clara turned slowly, amazed that this large space was only for her use. “This is wonderful. I love having wide windows at the front. And the bed looks comfortable.”

  Wouldn’t they be surprised to learn how bleak her old room had been with its dark gray walls, tiny window, and narrow cot?

  Kathryn scooped up the quilt from the bed and handed it to her daughter. “Exchange this with the quilt from the pink guest room.” When her daughter had left, she said, “A woman as lovely as you deserves a feminine décor.”

  Her hostess’ words warmed Clara’s heart. “You are being very kind. I was so afraid you would turn me out after you learned I am a woman. I assure you that I am well-trained and have had success with my patients—once they get over t
he fact I am a female.”

  “I understand. I’m an herbal healer and midwife. I face discrimination myself. Some never get over their mistrust, including my mother-in-law.” A look of alarm came over Kathryn. “I have no idea what came over me to say that.”

  Clara smiled. “I did not hear a thing except that you are a healer and midwife. What a wonderful profession. No wonder you have been able to help your son as the doctor said.”

  Kathryn’s eyes filled with pain and unshed tears. “I’ve done everything I know but it hasn’t been enough. At least his legs haven’t withered as you might suspect after two years.”

  “May I meet him now or do you prefer I wait until morning?”

  The other woman twisted a handkerchief she’d pulled from her pocket. “No, I think you might as well get acquainted now.”

  Dr. Sullivan picked up his hat. “I’ll be going but I’ll check in to see how the therapy is progressing.”

  Clara turned toward the doctor. “Thank you again for everything.”

  Her hosts added their goodbyes then Austin excused himself to give her luggage claim cards to someone named Red.

  Kathryn laid her hand on Clara’s arm. “Please be patient. He was such a kind, sweet young man before the accident. I know he will be again if only he can walk once more.”

  Clara smiled, hoping she would reassure the boy’s mother. “That is why I am here, Mrs. McClintock. I will do everything I can to make that happen.”

  “Please, call me Kathryn and my husband Austin. I imagine we’ll be like family before this is over.”

  “Thank you, Kathryn. I suspect you are right, especially since I am living under your roof.”

  Kathryn dabbed her eyes with her handkerchief. “Daniel has been so depressed he won’t even argue.”

  Clara chuckled. “I imagine that will change when he meets me.”

  She clasped her hands in front of her. “Shall we visit your son?”

  Chapter Three

  Clara followed Kathryn to the room next door. When she entered, she stopped and stared. Daniel wasn’t a boy as she had imagined—he was a man her age or older. And, as handsome as any man she’d ever met.