Chapter 21

21

Dakota, already tense from the stupid trial, knotted up even more to think of Ginny being subjected to a bunch of rude questions from Pritchard.

Ginny's lawyer rose from his seat. "My client does not wish to be questioned, Your Honor. It's her right to remain silent in a case against her."

"Ah, but what is she afraid of, Mr. Etherton?" Pritchard asked. "Why is a ‘perfectly sane woman' afraid to answer a few questions?"

Mr. Etherton simply replied, "It's her right. She may be willing to answer questions later, after the case is more fully laid out, but for now she will remain silent."

The judge nodded. "Any other witnesses, Mr. Pritchard?"

"You should compel her to take the stand, Your Honor."

"Mr. Etherton is right that she is not required to testify against herself. Any other witnesses?"

Dakota watched as Pritchard churned with frustration. Finally he sat down and muttered, "No further witnesses."

Dakota tried to keep his sigh of relief silent. He ex changed a glance with Maeve, who looked equally relieved.

Judge Nolte turned to Mr. Etherton. "Does the defense have any witnesses?"

"We do, Your Honor. The defense calls Dr. Lawrence Snider to the stand."

Dakota turned and noticed the man who'd spent yesterday afternoon talking to Ginny. Dakota had forgotten about him.

Dr. Snider was sworn in and settled into his seat. He was tall and gray-haired and exuded a warm, easygoing demeanor. Dakota sure hoped the man had something to say that would help Ginny's case.

"Dr. Snider, you spent yesterday visiting with Eugenia Rutledge, is that correct?"

"I did, sir."

"And your goal was to determine if there is any sign that would point to Mrs. Rutledge maybe being insane. Can you tell me how your talk went?"

"Among other things, we went over some writing Mrs. Rutledge has done regarding her concerns for the other women in the asylum. She wants to work toward changing the asylum system. Her view is that the Horecroft Asylum and most likely many other asylums are the worst possible places for both the sane who have been wrongly locked away, and the insane who desperately need better care.

"Because I'd been notified beforehand that I'd be called on to examine Mrs. Rutledge, this gave me time to exchange letters with Dorothea Dix, a well-respected nurse who served during the Civil War and who has since dedicated herself to the humane care of the mentally ill. Mrs. Rutledge's plan, once this trial is over and her sanity recognized, is to donate her time and money toward the closing of such cruel institutions as Horecoft Insane Asylum. I am in support of that and intend to lend my name to this cause. As the personal physician to our governor and the territorial representatives, I'm going to work hard for our territory—with its tradition of suffrage and equality for all—to recognize another group who has little to no voice: the mentally ill." He looked directly at Ginny. "You've inspired me, madam." Then he pivoted to the jury. "This country would be better if all people had the wisdom and clarity of mind I found in Eugenia Rutledge."

Dakota almost cheered at the man's words.

Rutledge was on his feet again. "You talked with my wife for one afternoon. You are no judge of her mental state." He turned to the jury even as Judge Nolte banged her gavel.

"Sit down, Mr. Rutledge, and remain silent."

"You can't believe any of this. My wife there"—Rutledge flung an arm in Ginny's direction as he talked over the judge—"is a madwoman. Out of my control, as no decent wife—"

"Mr. Rutledge! This is your last warning."

Rutledge dropped into his seat and crossed his arms in disgust.

"One more outburst like that and I will instruct the sheriff's deputy to take you into custody and hold you in jail until this trial is over. Is that clear?"

Rutledge only glared at the judge. His lawyer, however, responded on Rutledge's behalf, "It's clear, Your Honor."

Dakota wanted to offer to help escort Rutledge to the jailhouse. He would if it became necessary. In fact, he'd enjoy it.

The lawyer sat and whispered something to his client, and sternly. Rutledge stayed quiet but looked very unhappy with how things were going.

Dr. Snider, who was watching Rutledge as he might examine a bug he'd found in his soup, turned back to Mr. Etherton.

"Now, Dr. Snider, I have a few specific questions."

The two men had an extended back-and-forth that bespoke Ginny's calm demeanor. They discussed in particular what Ginny had written in her own hand.

"I'd like to have my client's papers included as evidence, Your Honor. Mrs. Rutledge has been writing diligently for years while in her frontier home. She's added to her thoughts since we talked yesterday. I believe they are a good representation of an orderly and intelligent mind, and one that has been consistently so for years. The pages are dated, and I'd be willing to wait here quietly if you'd like to read through them now."

Judge Nolte nodded. "I may read them later, Mr. Etherton, after we adjourn for the day. Leave the pages with me and let's continue with your witness's testimony."

The trial went on a long time, and then Lydia woke up. Maeve rose with a fussy Lydia.

Marie was stirring in Jake's arms. Dakota caught Maeve's arm. "Wait." He looked at Jake. "Let me take her. I can stay with Maeve if you're all right in here without me."

Jake nodded, then glanced at Jacob, who was now being called JJ by everyone. The boy was still deeply asleep in Oscar's arms. Jake slid Marie over to Dakota. "Thanks."

Dakota left Dr. Snider and Mr. Etherton calmly showing the whole world just how sane Ginny was. Dakota figured they'd have the trial finished before supper. Now, he thought as he followed Maeve out of the courthouse, all he had to do was evade Ezra Darnell and get out of town without having to shoot anybody.