“I’ve never met a woman like her,” Doc had confided with a smile. “Ann Marie has become my entire life. Somehow, Fayetteville doesn’t seem to be the lure it once was.”
“We haven’t discussed it, but I know that you’ve considered buying into the surgery. If you and Ann Marie just happened to—”
“Whoa. You’re a dear and valued friend, Benjamin. I know what you’re about to say, and I appreciate it. I will not, however, take charity or a loan from my future father-in-law. Were I to make an offer on partial interest in the surgery, it will be after we’ve discussed what a reasonable down payment would be, and concluded fair market value.”
“You dazzle her, you know. And Mrs. Morton dotes on you as well. But take your time, Philip. When you’re ready, we’ll talk.”
That had been more than a month ago. And for all Philip had known, Benjamin Morton had been a model of health.
“What happened?” he asked as he looked into Felicia’s shattered eyes.
In a brittle voice, she said, “I awakened this morning and thought everything was fine. He usually gets up when I do. Only later, when he hadn’t come down, did I go back and check.” Her gaze went vacant. “Philip, I would have called you, but he was already cold and stiff. It had to be early in the night when he…”
Ann Marie had stood stoically, her pleading eyes on Doc’s. “I just can’t believe it.”
Then she stepped over, wrapping her arms around him, head against his shoulder as she wept.
“What do you need me to do?”
Felicia seemed to gird herself, as if for combat. “Philip, there are some things you should know. We consider you as family, as well as a gentleman. Therefore, I am taking you into my confidence. You know that Benjamin is … was a good friend to Colonel Rufus Neely.”
Doc patted Ann Marie’s firm shoulders, struggling between giving comfort to the woman he held while paying attention to Felicia. “Yes. He even supported the raising and outfitting of Neely’s infantry regiment.”
“It’s now called the Fourth Tennessee Infantry,” she said in agreement. “What you don’t know is that Benjamin took out a loan to cover his share of the costs. Through Isaac Kirtland’s bank.”
Doc gave Felicia a reassuring smile. “Please do not worry yourself on that account. We’ve been doing well. It will mean additional hours, but I’m sure I can meet Benjamin’s obligations as well as my own. It’s not like Memphis is lacking surgery cases these days.”
Ann Marie stepped back and seemed to have composed herself, her green eyes desperate as they met Doc’s.
“I was aware that you would say that.” Felicia took a deep breath and stared up at him through serious hazel eyes. “You, however, need to know that Isaac has been after my husband for years. He and Sam Tate own the rest of the block where the surgery is located, and they want desperately to construct a hotel on the property.”
“But if we meet the terms on the note…”
“Philip, you are a jewel among men. I will not place Benjamin’s obligations upon your shoulders. Unless, of course, you can pay off the note when Isaac comes knocking at the beginning of next week.”
She read his consternation, adding, “No, of course you can’t. But there are other surgeries, other buildings that you can rent.”
“And what of you, ma’am?”
“Issac will make me an offer rather than take the chance that a certain young surgeon in my husband’s employ might insist on finding a way to keep the property.”
It made perfect sense. Suddenly a widow, Felicia had to be worried sick at the same time she was burdened with the loss of her beloved husband. Isaac Kirtland promised a semblance of financial security. At least until Ann Marie married or young James established himself professionally.
“Would you like for me to review Mr. Kirtland’s offer? I would hope the man wouldn’t take advantage.”
Felicia almost managed a smile, her usual self trying to slip out past the grief. “Isaac may have his faults, Philip, but taking advantage of a friend’s widow isn’t one of them. Actually, it will be more than fair lest I be tempted to sell to another. Which means I shall be mercenary and hold your interest over his head should the terms not meet my expectations.”
“You have my full support. Take the offer with my blessing, Mrs. Morton. I shall, indeed, find an alternate location to establish a surgery.”
Ann Marie then asked, “Are you sure you will be all right?”
Doc gave her a reassuring wink. “I am in much better circumstances now than when I stepped off the boat onto the Memphis wharves.”
“Philip, there is another option,” Ann Marie said shyly.
No doubt aware of what was coming, Felicia said, “Philip, if you would excuse me, I’ll take my leave now.”
Philip inclined his head as Felicia stepped out in a rustle of black silk.
“Dear God, your poor mother.”
“She’s a formidable woman,” Ann Marie said, eyes following as Felicia climbed the stairs. “I wonder if I’m really her daughter. I feel so lost.”
Doc took her cold hands. “Will Isaac’s offer be fair? Really?”
“I think so. He wants that building. And Father had so many friends in the city.” She seemed to gird herself. “You know that James has enlisted in the Fourth Tennessee? Neely’s regiment? They are in need of a regimental surgeon and are paying two hundred and fifty dollars a month. I know that Reverend Nelson and others are adding to that sum as an inducement. It’s only a year, and you would come back with a substantial sum that would allow you to firmly establish yourself.”
“We shouldn’t be talking business,” he told her. “Not today.”
She smiled her gratitude, only to have it fade. “I just can’t believe he’s gone. It can’t be happening.”
But it is, he thought to himself as Ann Marie’s eyes turned glassy with grief. The feeling was as if some great opportunity were slipping away, as if the tragedy were greater
