Chapter 1

“Well, that about finishes it, Mr. Ross,” Almanzo said, placing the last of Jack’s order on his rig. There were a few sewing boxes, two chairs and a small wooden table. :”And thanks for dropping Laura and Addie off at Rocky Ridge.”

Jack Ross smiled. “Your wife is a great asset to me, Mr. Wilder, even if she works part time at the store.”

Addie Johnson smiled as her husband, Asa. helped her down. “Laura and Mr. Ross have done a wonderful job with my new dress, Asa.”

Jack smiled. “All cleaned and pressed, Dr. Johnson. Should look lovely next to your new three piece suit, which by the way is next. And everything will be done in time for your daughter’s wedding in three months.”

“How about some tea, Mr. Ross?” Laura asked Mr. Ross. “Just made some fresh biscuits and honey only this morning.”

Jack pulled out his pocket watch, opened it to peek at the time and closed it again, placing it back in his pants pocket. He had another appointment at the shop in a half hour.

“Thanks for the offer,” Jack Ross answered, “but I best be goin’” he said, “I’ll be by in the morning to fetch Mrs. Wilder, if that’s alright,” he said, looking at Almanzo.

The sound of the horses’ hooves caught everyone’s attention. Almanzo watched as the carriage neared. He turned to Laura as he couldn’t imagine anyone stopping by this time in the afternoon.

“Are you expecting anyone?” he asked turning towards Laura who shook her head no. Almanzo turned her head toward the carriage and a wide smile appeared on his face.

“Tom, Minnie,” he called as he approached the carriage. “What a nice surprise. When did you….” His voice trailed off as he noticed the sleeping woman stretched over Minnie lap.

“Almanzo, quick. We need a doctor as quickly as possible.”

“I’m a doctor,” Asa said, stepping closer, “although I’m just a veterinarian.”

Tom looked up. “A doctor is a doctor,” Minnie answered, frowning. “She needs someone to look after her.”

“We need to get her to the house,” Laura said, looking around. “Tom, Almanzo, could you please carry her inside?”

“I can bring her in,” Mr. Ross piped up. He seemed to have taken an interest in the mysterious young woman. He scooped her up in his arms. Light as a feather, he thought with a smile, as always. Some things just don’t change.

“Put her on the couch for now,” Laura said, as Mr. Ross carried her inside. Asa was close behind.

“I don’t have my bag with me,” he said, looking around the room. “But I will need to have this room clear while I examine her.”

“Addie and I will make some coffee,” Laura said, as the two of them disappeared into the kitchen.

xxxxx

Everyone was in the kitchen when Asa came in. Mr. Ross was the first to stand up as the doctor entered.

“She’s going to need something to eat, first thing. It looks like she hasn’t eaten in quite a while. She’s badly bruised and beaten and she’s running a fever.” He looked at Tom and Minnie. “She’s going to need proper medical attention and that requires a hospital.”

“No,” Mr. Ross stood up from the table. “No hospital. She’s a big star, she’ll be recognized and it will get around. Miss Adler doesn’t need publicity right now.” He looked around at the puzzled faces.

“I’ll take care of her, Doc Johnson. She’ll come home with me now, I have plenty of room.”

Laura looked at him. “Do you know her, Mr. Ross?”

“It’s a long story, Mrs. Wilder,” Jack said, walking out the living room, the rest following him. He scooped her up again.

“Doc,” he asked, looking down at her. “Will she make it home?”

Asa Johnson looked at him. “She got to eat something, Mr. Ross. I would suggest nothing solid, maybe some broth or water until she gets her strength back. Her wounds have to heal properly and …”

“Will she make it back to my house, Dr. Johnson?” Jack spat out the words as he stared at him, an unconscious Leah in his arms.

Asa nodded. “She’ll make it; you’re not that far from here. But Mr. Ross, just do as I say, but my advice is to…”

“Thank you, Doc,” Jack Ross said and he carried Leah Adler outside, made a place for her in the back of his rig and drove off, leaving the six of them to stare after him.