A Dream Unfolding (21 page)

“Jonathan Richmond,” a young man said holding his hand out to Drew.
 
He had dark wavy hair and dark eyes.
 
He appeared confident, despite his short stature.

Taking the offered hand, her husband responded, “Drew Anderson.
 
This is my wife, Hannah.”

Paul introduced himself and his mother before Mr. Richmond continued, “Where are you folks headed?”

“Granite Creek area in the Arizona Territory,” Paul said.
 
“My mother and I are looking to open a boardinghouse there.
 
We’re trying to convince the good doctor to join us.”

“Doctor?” Mr. Richmond questioned Drew.
 
“I am certain the area could use a good doctor.
 
The governor has received reports that there are a number of sizable mining camps in the area.
 
Fort Whipple is to be located nearby as well.”

Drew remained silent for a moment.
 
Hannah cringed inwardly.
 
Paul tried to convince Drew for the past three weeks that he and Hannah should settle in Granite Creek instead of the booming gold town of La Paz.
 
Drew steadfastly reiterated that they were moving to La Paz.
 
Now, someone else endeavored to convince them to change their plans.

Drew said, “Well, truthfully, we started the journey west with the thought of settling in La Paz, but the idea of Granite Creek has merit.
 
How big is the population there?”

Sucking in a quick breath of shock, Hannah tried to mask it as a cough.
 
Was Drew actually considering changing their plans?

“Right now there are not more than a few hundred miners in the area and a small outpost scouting for the fort’s location.
 
However, a large number of folks traveling with us are looking to settle in the area,” Mr. Richmond said.

“What else do you know of the territory?”

“The Granite Creek area and the southern part of the state are well suited for cattle and sheep ranching.
 
There are already reports of ranchers moving from Colorado and Texas to the southern end of the state.
 
The two biggest towns are La Paz and Tucson, though the latter has a significant Mexican population still.
 
Much of the territory is sparsely populated with Indians.
 
The governor calls this the last great wilderness.
 
We are hoping to encourage many settlers into the area.”

Mr. Richmond shared other news of the governor’s plan, likely an attempt to further convince her husband of the beneficial nature of settling in the Granite Creek area.

As Hannah and Drew retired, she could tell by his distracted behavior that he mulled over everything their new friend discussed.
 
Even though she wanted to ask if he was now thinking about changing their destination, she did not out of fear of adding to the lingering tension between them.

The next morning, despite Hannah’s eagerness to depart from Fort Larned, she managed to paste on a smile and help Betty with mending and sewing things for the governor’s party.
 
Much to the traveler’s dismay, the wagon train master announced earlier that they would remain at Fort Larned for several days yet, allowing the new arrivals a chance to rest and tend to any necessary cleaning and repairs.

One evening, the governor, having heard from Mr. Richmond of Drew’s profession, invited them to dine with him and his advisors.
 
She heard that the government officials had their own chuck wagon and the cook was accustomed to preparing extra food for whomever the governor wished to join them.
 
Hannah was nervous.
 
She never met any men in power before and was not sure what to expect.

Drew offered his arm.
 
“You look lovely this evening,” he whispered in her ear.

After all this time of being at odds with each other, his unexpected compliment brought heat to her cheeks and remorse to her soul.
 
With those few simple words, he disarmed a large part of the defenses she erected around her heart.
 
She knew she shared some blame for the distance between them.
 
She held on to her anger for much too long.

“Just think, Hannah,” Drew continued with excitement as he led her towards the governor’s camp, “we’re traveling with the governor’s party.
 
We are witnessing history!”

Still caught up in her own thoughts, she made no comment.
 
Perhaps she would talk to Drew tonight—ask for his forgiveness—see if they might be able to return to the friendly banter and quiet love they shared back in Ohio.

“Pay close attention to what is said tonight,” Drew’s eyes glittered as his enthusiasm grew.
 
“These are the things we’ll tell our children.
 
When they ask us what the governor looked like, we won’t want to disappoint them.”

Hannah smiled at the glimpse of the happy man she married.
 
She loved his excitement for adventure.
 
That look in his eyes now reminded her of the day he first kissed her.
 
His look had been so intent—a mixture of love and something else—excitement over the prospect of a glorious future.
 
That look melted her heart now as it had then.

As they arrived, Governor Goodwin greeted them.
 
“Dr. and Mrs. Anderson.
 
A pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise,” answered Drew shaking the kindly man’s hand.

Governor Goodwin’s light colored eyes complemented his fair blonde hair and thick blonde handle bar moustache.
 
When he smiled, his whole face lit up.
 
He exuded confidence and seemed quite at ease with the large group of diners.
 
Hannah found something rather familiar about him but failed to place it.

During the meal, Hannah and Drew met the Secretary of Territory, Richard McCormick, with his shocking bright red hair.
 
They also met the judges who would serve in the three districts of the territory.
 
They learned that Mr. Richmond was to be one of the court clerks.

“We heard that your party was due to arrive over a month ago,” stated a man Hannah recognized from their wagon train.
 
“What happened?”

“We were delayed in Cincinnati,” Secretary McCormick explained.
 
“Goodwin here is not the first governor of the territory.
 
Governor Gurley was the gentleman the President appointed.
 
However, he took ill and passed away in Cincinnati, Ohio.
 
We were delayed several more weeks to make proper arrangements and to await instructions from the President.”

It suddenly dawned on Hannah where she had seen these men before—Mr. Gurley was Drew’s last patient before they left Ohio.
 
He died from the infected abscess.
 
Drew must have realized the same, for he spoke, “I believe you gentlemen brought Mr. Gurley to see me for assistance.”

Recognition dawning, Governor Goodwin spoke, “Yes, yes.
 
You were the doctor across the street from the mercantile in Cincinnati.
 
I recall now someone mentioning you were headed west.
 
Thank you for all you did to ease Mr. Gurley’s pain in the last days.”

“You’re welcome.
 
I’m just sorry I wasn’t able to do more,” Drew said.

Waiving his hand to close the topic, Secretary McCormick said, “So, you made excellent time getting to Fort Larned.
 
How long ago did you depart from Cincinnati?”

“We left nearly six weeks ago.
 
Taking the steamboat to Missouri, we were able to cover much ground quickly.”

“Dr. Anderson, where is your final destination?” Goodwin inquired.

Drew replied, “We plan settle in La Paz.”

“La Paz, hmmm,” Secretary McCormick muttered.
 
“Have you considered settling in Granite Creek?”

Hannah smiled at the Secretary’s innocent question, knowing Drew must be weary of hearing it.

“Others have mentioned the better qualities of the area,” Drew said stoically.

“Well, I’m certain there are doctors already in La Paz,” Secretary McCormick countered.
 
“Granite Creek, while not much now, will grow rapidly if Goodwin here has his way.”

“Richard, you know I have yet to select a location for the capital,” Governor Goodwin said.

“Yes, but you know that is the most sensible location.”

The governor appeared annoyed at Secretary McCormick’s persistence.
 
Fortunately, one of the judges in the party steered the conversation to less controversial topics before an argument ensued.

The men continued to talk of plans for the new territory, but Hannah’s attention waned.
 
Too late, Hannah missed stifling a yawn.

Secretary McCormick must have noticed.
 
“Dr. Anderson, perhaps we should not take any more of your time and allow your lovely wife to retire.”
 
She didn’t miss the glint in his eyes indicating the concern was sincere.

Thanking the governor for the meal, Drew helped Hannah up and they walked back to their wagon.

“Doctor!
 
Doctor!” a sergeant yelled as he rode toward them.

“Here!” Drew called back.

“Come quick.
 
Lieutenant Harrison has been shot.”

She watched as Drew jumped up into the wagon to gather some of his medical supplies.
 
With a nod to her, she followed.
 
They ran toward the military section of the camp as fast as they could, Hannah hiking up her skirts to keep from tripping.
 
Both were panting heavily by the time they reached the injured man.
 
Taking a few deep breaths to steady herself, Hannah watched as Drew flew into action.
 
The wound appeared to be just below the man’s rib cage on his right side.
 
Hannah dug in Drew’s bag for something to soak up the blood so he could better evaluate the injury.
 
Once they slowed the flow of blood, he removed the man’s coat and shirt.
 
The bullet wound did not appear very deep.

Hannah looked at the young lieutenant’s face.
 
Amazingly he was still conscious.
 
His eyes were clouded with pain and his jaw was clenched shut.
 
His face was pale, but other than those indications, he made no noise or movement.
 
She had seen grown men with less severe wounds screaming in agony, writhing from pain.
 
She respected his ability to control his pain.

“Hannah, give him some ether so we can get this bullet out.”

The lieutenant started to protest but a quick look from Drew silenced him.
 
As soon as he was out, Drew quickly found the bullet.
 
Then he disinfected the wound and wrapped it up.
 

Hannah cleaned Drew’s instruments as he spoke to the lieutenant’s commanding officer.
 
“I think the bullet missed vital organs.
 
It wasn’t deep, so he should recover.
 
Keep him warm and call me if he wakes before I come back to check on him.”

Once back at their tent, they retired for the night.
 
Twice Hannah stirred when Drew went back to check on his patient during the night.
 
Each time she waited for his return and each time he reported the lieutenant slept soundly.
 

At dawn, the sergeant stood outside the tent, concern edging his voice.
 
“Dr. Anderson, the lieutenant is awake, but he
ain’t
looking so good.”

Hannah prepared to join Drew, but he motioned for her to stay behind.
 
She said a silent prayer for God to be with Drew.

Since she was awake, she decided to go ahead and start the day.
 
The wagon train was scheduled to pull out in a few hours, so Hannah packed up the tent.
 
She would have Drew load it in the wagon when he returned.
 
Knowing this would be the last opportunity to easily bake bread for some time, Hannah set about the task.
 
Just as the bread finished, Drew returned.
 
The worried look on his face said volumes.

“He’s got an infection,” Drew solemnly stated.
 
“I did my best to cleanse the wound, but it is festering nonetheless.
 
He’s going to require close attention.”
 
Drew ran his hands through his hair, a sign that he was struggling with something.
 
“I hate to ask this of you, Hannah…you must drive the wagon.”

She just stared at him, wide eyed, not certain she heard him correctly.

“I’ll help you pack up, but then I need to ride in the military wagon with the lieutenant.
 
If he takes a turn for the worse, they may not have time to ride back and get me.
 
I’m sorry…”

Hannah held up her hand to stop him.
 
“Drew, I can do this.
 
I was just caught off guard.
 
Back on my father’s farm I had to handle the team on occasion.
 
Please, don’t worry about me.
 
I will ask Paul for help.
 
You just take care of your patient,” she said with more confidence than she felt.