At this bit of sauciness he swooped down to kiss her on her lips, but then pulled swiftly away, knowing she was quite right about the temptation she presented.
“Jones really wanted to meet at the Bird Cage, but I explained I am newly married and preferred not to be seen there.” Megan smiled. Tombstone was a mining town and catered to all tastes; Ted had been at great pains to ensure she knew there were establishments she should avoid.
“I wish you all success in your business, my darling. Hurry back to me! I’ll be resting for both of us but I also plan to see if I can determine when Tom disappeared. From the frequency of his letters to Sonia, he stopped by often to pick up his mail.”
“At the very least it should help narrow down our search.”
Their room was nicely furnished, Megan observed as she sat at the elegant little desk and laid Tom’s mail down. She sorted the items by postmark date, placing letters from Sonia in one stack and all others in a second.
The earliest of Sonia’s letters was from the day after Camellia’s birth. So it would seem Tom didn’t know he had a daughter. Two letters from a Mrs. McNeel—Tom’s mother?—were even more recent. And then there were several from R. Evans, presumably Tom’s partner. The first of these was dated a week before Camellia was born, and was the earliest date of all. She hesitated, saying a little prayer that she was not doing wrong, reading another’s mail, and then opened that letter.
Dear Tom,
I am so sorry to leave you in the lurch but it has been utter chaos here. I arrived anticipating all would be in readiness for our journey, only to discover Rachel ill in bed complaining of a fever. The doctor was summoned and he advised I had best be prepared for an extended bout of sickness in the family unless measles had already made their rounds. It seems Rachel helped a neighbor tend her sick child and contracted the disease from her. While he assured me that Rachel is young and strong and should recover, he did warn that adults suffer far more acutely than children—and then asked if I recalled having had the illness.
Yes, I had, and had been miserable for weeks, but, obviously, eventually recovered. But that leaves the boys who have not yet shown indications but I am warned to be aware of the symptoms of fever and rash.
But all this means I shall not be returning timely.
I am wondering whether you should, perhaps, try to close off the entrance to make it unknown from the outside so you can go ahead to be with your wife for her confinement?
While we agreed one of us should remain with the claim at all times to prevent poaching, I think the mine will prove able to withstand some minor losses should another stumble upon it, and we have, after all, obtained a legal right to the property.
You should take notice of the timber within. I noticed some of the shoring looked as if termites had infiltrated. We may wish to put some time into restoring it when we are both there again. Just be careful in there alone!
Best of luck with your journey home. Be sure to let me know about your new child when it comes.
Again, my apologies that this turn of events, albeit beyond my control, puts you in a tight spot, but I am actually glad to have arrived when I did as I fear the boys are too young to have alerted a neighbor to fetch a doctor in good time.
Sending my prayers to you and your family,
Most Sincerely,
Randy
Megan shook her head. Well that explained why he hadn’t made it back right away. She glanced at the other letters but decided she need not pry further. Although they might illuminate the further delays, those were no longer of direct concern to Tom’s case. Although she did say a quick prayer for the health of the entire Evans family.
So Tom stopped getting his mail even before he knew his partner would be late getting back. I wonder if he was working the mine while his partner was away. Is it even safe to work alone? Well, it must be if so many of them seem to do it. I guess a visit to the mine is in order.
Removing her travel costume, she lay on top of the sheet in her chemise and was soon asleep.
Ted awoke her some hours later with a slightly beery kiss on her cheek. She rolled over just enough to return the kiss, and then pushed him away, laughing, as she sat up.
“How much did you have to drink?”
“Enough to quench my thirst, minx! You wouldn’t have me drink the water, would you? I’m sure they don’t boil it and I’m not sure of its source!”
“Now you sound like a doctor, but I am glad you think to take care of your well-being.”
“Said like a proper wife!”
“Well, you can act like a proper husband and help lace up my stays and button my gown. I’ve gotten spoiled by having Maria to assist me. It makes me realize how truly unsatisfactory was Lucy as my abigail.”
They had arranged to meet the O’Henrys at Maison Doree where one could enjoy fresh oysters among other delicacies. Megan hadn’t been away from Philadelphia long enough to miss the fresh seafood available, but Ted took the opportunity every time he came to Tombstone to enjoy at least one meal there. The women looked approvingly at each other’s costumes as they greeted one another warmly, and introductions were performed all around. Despite their disparate backgrounds, there were few awkward
