Chapter 7

Preston finished examining his mother. He couldn't find anything that would cause her symptoms. He'd poured over his medical books, and nothing had come to light. For now, he would recommend she stay in bed and allow herself to be waited on.

The family had told her to rest, but Mother was stubborn. All this time, while not feeling well, she'd gone about her household duties. Other than the cook they'd hired, Mother had done the rest. Preston was putting his foot down and ordering her to stay in bed, and the rest of the family would have to take up the slack.

"Preston, really. There is no reason for me to stay in bed." Mother feebly tried to rise.

Gently pressing her shoulders, he eased her back to the pillows. Preston shook his head. "I'm serious. You stay in this bed. I'll take care of you. I went away to learn how to treat the sick."

"But you don't even know what is wrong." She brushed a hand through her graying hair. Usually, she had it put up in a neat French pleat, but this morning, she'd let it go.

"I will find out. This is where we'll start with you resting in bed." Preston smiled at her. He'd ruled out the food. Everyone ate the same thing, and no one else was sick. She had no fever and promised she wasn't taking any herbs or cure-all drinks from a snake-oil salesman.

He kissed the top of his mother's head and prepared to leave. "Can I get you anything?"

"Some water." She smiled at him. "I feel better already. Thank you, son."

Preston went to get her some water from the kitchen. He noticed some coloration in the sink, and when he filled a glass, a flake of metal floated in the water. He paused and wondered what it could be. Though it wasn't unnatural for things to get in the water lines, it made him consider getting the water tested.

If it was something in the water, why wouldn't it affect the rest of those living in the house? Preston took the glass to his mother and then told her he was going out to look for an office for his practice and to see the town.

He almost asked about Millie, but last night at dinner, Father had brought up the Burnetts and practically growled. Mother hadn't corrected him, so Preston didn't think Mother wanted to talk about Millie.

Preston wanted to ride a horse into town rather than have Alfred drive him. He needed some time to think, and if the possibility of running into Millie presented itself, Preston didn't want an audience, especially one that reported to Father.

He went to the barn and picked out one of his favorite horses. "Sable, old boy. So good to see you're still here."

The big horse nickered at him.

Alfred came out of the tack room. "Sable has missed you, sir."

"I missed him too. Never have I ridden a horse with a smoother gait than Sable. I was glad to find he was still here."

"Mr. Chadwick had thought about selling him, but your mother stopped him. She knew you'd be back, sir."

"Just Preston, to you, Alfred. Saddle him up for me. I'm going into town today."

Alfred grinned. "You looking for anyone in particular?"

Glancing at the man, Preston wondered what he could be thinking. "I'm looking for an office for my practice." Alfred had always been loyal to Father. Even when younger, Preston had kept things close to the chest and made sure not to let Alfred know.

Alfred had the suggestion of a grin on his lips. "Hmm. I thought you might be looking for a certain lady."

Surprised, Preston wondered if the question was as a friend or foe. "Is that so? Well, I do plan on going to the dance on Saturday. Perhaps I'll run into a lady to ask."

"You just might. More and more respectable people are moving to Denver every day. Even doctors from Boston."

Preston chuckled. "I never could get one over on you, Alfred." He would not tell him he was thinking of Millie Burnett.

With a nod of his head, Alfred then tightened the cinch to the saddle. He gave Preston a sideways glance and a sly smile. "I hear she's available, but there is a dog trainer that supposedly has an eye out for her. You might make your move while you can if you're interested." He cleared his throat and then handed the reins to Preston. "I wouldn't mention her to your father, though."

"No, I've already figured that out. The feud is still on, I take it?"

"Yes. More than ever. The Pinkertons have been called in to ferret out the truth of the matter, sir, er, Preston."

With a sigh, Preston took the horse and led him out of the barn. "Check on my mother in an hour or two." He mounted the tall horse and turned to look at Alfred. "Have you noticed anything different about the water?"

Alfred shrugged. "No. We had to dig a new well about nine months ago."

"Anyone else get sick?"

"No. The cow miscarried a month after the new well, but everyone seems all right now."

"Thanks, Alfred." Preston tapped the sides of the black horse and ran him toward town. It felt so good to be on horseback. Four years in Boston had left him riding in carriages to get around. Not that he had much time to see the scenery. His schooling kept him too busy for much of anything.

He enjoyed seeing the sights from atop a horse. The freedom, the cold, fresh air, and the mountains to the west made him feel at home. This was where he belonged. Now, if he could get his father to go along with his plans.

Preston had enough money to get started. His grandfather on his mother's side had left him a small inheritance. He had believed in Preston's desire to become a doctor. Father, on the other hand, fought him every way he could. Nothing was more important than his mine and the gold they dug out of it.

Jeremiah Chadwick ruled his family as if he were a king and believed his children had better snap to it and do what he said. Only Preston and Frank denied Father his kingdom. Mother tried to keep peace. Ernst and Lila did as Father desired and made sure their families worked with Father.

Corinthia was a puzzle. She wouldn't marry the men her father brought to her as suitable husbands, but she didn't fight him about the mine either. Father had suggested she start the clothing store. She might not be involved in the mine, but she kept her head up and catered to the upper class.

And that was where Father was the biggest conundrum of all. He wanted to belong to the ruling class of Denver. Yet, he roared when things didn't go his way and looked and acted like a mountain man. He'd come to Denver years ago. Lived with the Indians, learned the way of the mountains, and discovered gold with his partner, Raul Burnett. They made a fortune together.

Preston sighed. Only Jeremiah and Raul knew why their partnership had come to blows and split. Neither man told anyone why. But each one demanded their families remain apart. Preston knew his mother and Millie's mother had been good friends until that day.

How long was he going to further his father's rage? Preston had liked Millie when they were children. Liked her even more as they grew up. Millie was one reason Preston had come back to Denver.

He hadn't seen her in four years. Chuckling, he wondered if she still dressed in mountain girl attire. Preston reined his horse to a stop and looked up and down the street. His eyes rested on his sister's clothing shop.

A woman who looked somewhat like Millie was just entering the shop. His heart rate increased with the joy of seeing his old friend. That she was in Corinthia's shop was even more interesting. Corinthia loved Father and had been his staunchest supporter.

Why would she allow Millie in her shop?

Preston dismounted and tied his horse to the post. After straightening his suit jacket, he gave a last look in the window to make sure he was presentable and opened the door. It was time to see where he stood with Millie.